Pro Cycling Live...

Last night I got my first live viewing of a pro cycling race. The Nature Valley Grand Prix is going on here in the Twin Cities area, and I rode the fixie into downtown Minneapolis for the 4th stage, which was a criterium. I forgot my camera, which I was bummed about, but you can view some pictures of the event at it's website. I was amazed at the amount of wind stirred up by a peloton (the main group of riders). Every time the peloton went by, the flags on the building I was standing next to stuck straight out, and rested again when it had passed. Pretty cool. It was great to see such a good turnout for a cycling event in the States. People still seem to think that throwing balls is more fun, but cycling is catching on. If you ever get a chance to check out a race, do it. It's worth the trip. And if you're in the Twin Cities tomorrow, Stillwater is hosting the final stage of the Nature Valley Grand Prix.

FSR Test Ride

I got the chance to ride the mountain bike that I'd like to replace mine today. It won't happen, but a dude can dream. It's actually not that expensive of a machine as full suspension cross country trail bikes go, but it's more than a dude with college debt can swing. But that's why I ride is at work. Anyway, it's the '07 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp, and I got so excited riding it I might have pee'd a little. Not really. But seriously, Specialized has their suspension design figured out. And they have had for the past 14 years. Many bike companies are using it (and have to list Specialized's name on their own bikes- it's patented) on their own rigs, and it's way efficient. The whole deal with FSR (future rear shock) technology is that the drivetrain's geometry is not effected by pedal or braking forces, and also does not change as the suspension is going through it's range of travel. This means a super efficient, comfortable ride over the whole mountain. If you dig mountain riding, and have a spare $2,200 looking for a home, buy the FSR.
2007 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp

1,000

Bike Mileage Update:

2007 miles: 1,001
Total since recording: 7,522

Let's go another thousand!

A bit slower than 65

I was browsing the Surly Blog today, and apparently part of 35W was closed for construction here in the cities, and one bike fanatic adult took a few bike fanatic kids for a car free spin. I guess he ended up in handcuffs and had to pay a huge fine, but they all enjoyed themselves. All that pent up aggression from getting harassed by motor vehicles while commuting by bike will drive a person to rejoice in riding their bike on the Interstate. :) Pretty nuts.

Front yard circus...

Did some slacklining in the Hovde's front yard tonight. I finally have some action pictures, as Alison was around to man (or woman) the camera. I'm not sure the neighbors share my enthusiasm for stupid things such as walking the slackline. I'm one of the only young poor people on the block that goes to such measures to entertain myself. I have a good time though, and they seem to enjoy the show to some extent.

Quote of the day...

Once again I've been reading from Mr. Edward Abbey's work, and was struck with another quote that hit home. I think I might just have to have the Ed Abbey quote of the day on my blog from time to time, seeing as I've collected so many of them. Here's today's:

”If America could be, once again, a nation of self-reliant farmers, craftsmen, hunters, ranchers, and artists, then the rich would have little power to dominate others. Neither to serve nor to rule: That was the American dream.” -Edward Abbey

Mileage update...

2007: 813 miles (respectable, but less than I'd expected)
Since recording mileages: 7,334 miles

Keep peddalin'...