Tandem Spring

I installed PlanetBike Cascadia fenders and new Schwalbe Big Apple tires on this tandem. My daughter and I ride it. For some reason, we've gotten very wet riding it in the past and I wanted to put a stop to that with the fenders. The fat tires make it ride like it's on a cushion of air, a bigger one than the skinny 1.5" tires it previously had.

We've gone a few rides this Spring and really enjoyed ourselves.

Click to look at the bigger view

The next day, I took my son out on a ride (on the other tandem). He is about 100 lbs of power -- we can really fly. I need to make a few changes to that tandem too. I also need to add a suspension seatpost to both tandems for the comfort of the stokers.

My kids ask me to ride which is nice because I don't want to force bicycling on them. I'd prefer that they come to like bicycling on their own terms. I'll encourage, but not push. My daughter wants to go on two-day fund raiser ride this Summer -- the breast cancer ride. I like her enthusiasm, but I'm not sure I want to take the time to raise all that money. Either way, we'll get in lots of tandem rides this year.

Never ending Ice Cream Bowl

We had some fun creating animated GIFs. This is one result.

Do spammers target their email? I just received my first spam directed at the "over 50 crowd," at least that I'm aware of. I don't recall seeing any of this crap before directed at people over 50.

Although I am not over 50, I'm close enough that the appearance of spam for "50 singles" makes me wonder if they know I'm gray and wrinkly.

Office Characters

Fear and Loathing

I just finished reading "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" by Hunter S. Thompson. A friend of mine, whose opinion I hold highly, recommended this a long time ago. Many years later, I've read it.

A few chapters of drug induced stupidity began to take away my enjoyment of this book, but I stuck with it. Near the end, it was all worth it. By then, I'd come to understand the main character and I enjoyed his critique of American culture and politics. I adapted to his humor and was left laughing out loud in a few places.

I checked out the movie trailer and I don't know if I want the movie to alter my impression of the book.

Did any of you enjoy the book and the movie?

Autumn Lunchtime Off-Road Ride

I see a pattern in my life: Each fall, I realize that Autumn lunch time rides are one of my favorite activities. Today, I rode at Theodore Wirth park in Minneapolis.

This was a particularly interesting ride for two reasons: a guy crashed right ahead of me on the trail and probably dislocated his shoulder. I tried to help him, but he managed to walk back on his own and we were not far from the parking lot.

I assume his tires lost traction on some leaves. The leaves are covering the trail and the dirt is dry and hard with lots of shiny roots exposed. 

Then a little while later, I smacked my foot on a trail-side tree and my shoe came off but stayed clipped into the pedal.

Cuyuna Off-Road Trails

I rode Cuyuna Lakes State Trails this weekend with some friends. We've traveled to the Chequamegon trails in past years, but decided to try these because they've gotten such great reviews. The reviews are right on -- these are fantastic trails. The videos and photos don't do them justice. If you have a chance, ride these trails. No matter what your skill level, you'll like them. The trail system is built like a downhill ski area: green, blue, and black trails. 

My favorite trail was the Sandhog loop. It had the toughest climb, the best hilltop view, and one of the best downhills.