Snowness

Spring came with a delicate thin crust of snow, resting like manna from Heaven over the landscape. Snow that quickly vanished. But we all know far too well that April has been home for many a heavy snow storm. Who knows, we could have 26" of snow on April 26. But the cold has broken and we are basking in what we perceive as a heat wave as it has been a long time since we have seen these temperatures.... at least since... January!

When it is cold and bright writing is a pleasure. When it is warm and bright work in the garden and on the house is preferred, though I am taking time to write now since I have not written in awhile.

The trails are good riding already. They had a trail work day on Sunday. I enjoy working on the trails but it didn't sound like they needed much help, the work planned being slight and more for those in the know then myself, working signage and such. Sundays are a day of rest, being exhausted after working the weekends. I've often volunteered to help during the week as some have time weekdays on which they clean up trails but no one has ever called to take me up on the offer. I have this cell phone (I have to write a ripping attack on Verizon, stay tuned) but the only calls I get are from my wife and people who want my money.

I rode everyday during Lent. Not really a sacrifice but something to focus on. I read that exercising everyday is just as bad for your heart as not exercising. Many a day my rides were not too long and at a leisurely pace as I started not feeling all that well. I feel the best in a race when I haven't ridden at all for three days before.

24 Hours at Nine Mile has returned by popular demand. I asked Alois what he thought of the you/tube clip. He felt it "quite strange" being German and all.

Not sure I will go to the gym today as it is so nice outside. The potted tulips are starting to form their flowers. I suppose the narcissus will be next, then the garden tulips, Iris etc. Working the leg extensions my knee has started feeling much better. Did each leg individually at 70 lbs with no pain. When I strength train the legs I focus on the hack press rather than the leg extensions. My right knee started hurting but that is my good knee so all is well.

Happy Easter and a belated Blessed Passover. Misao bought  some Easter candy. The bunny looks up to no good. Fortunately there will be a delicious end to any mischief he may have planned.

We rented a movie the other night since we cannot afford to go to the cinema. If we could afford it "Alice in Wonderland" looks interesting. Then there is that "Clash of the Titans" with that kracken creature. Ever since "Pirates of the Caribbean" the kracken has been the feature creature. Even Mafia Wars on facebook has a kracken. One must wonder if the interest in krackens arose from the popularity of those low fit jeans. If so I fear in the future the world will suffer from an disproportionately high number of plumbers.

Green Beer

Garden How to - Growing Moss Videos P. Allen Smith Garden Home

Happy Saint Patrick's Day. Enjoy the leftovers.

March Madness

Yes, the NCAA Tournament has come to Milwaukee. Sometimes I think the whole world has gone crazy. Then I realize...'It was only Saint Patrick's Day.' Yes, tomorrow... or rather today is the day. Hint. You'll be happier if you don't drink, ... certainly on Thursday.

This is one of the reasons I don't like bicycling the streets this early. Ice in the shady areas, sometimes impossible to see until you get into the shadows yourself, can be dangerous. And this is with an expressway off ramp shooting in behind you. But this is an unusually early Spring and the ice has already melted.

 I found my potted tulips in the basement already coming up last week. Put the pot by the back door where it was cooler and put some snow in the pot. Now it is outside with the potted begonia. Will have to bring them in this weekend. The lilies are showing outdoors too.

Some ice sculpture I found.

And here is the work at the Hoyt Park Trails. Word was it would be done last October but it is hardly finished. With the ground already frost free the water is soaking into the ground quite quickly. The trail was soft in a few areas and I could only ride the western end, now that the construction has blocked access to the other half. In a few days they should be in good shape. But it is going to snow in a few days.

One of the infamous parts of the Crystal Ridge Trails will be closed most of this year, 'Kevin's Heaven.' Not sure who Kevin is. Perhaps the Wednesday Night Races will start early.

Yes, Ray's is coming to Milwaukee. And the location has been publicized though the story is they don't want anyone to know. Cause those mountain bike types will be pounding on the doors all day wanting a personal tour (and most likely wanting to tell them how it should be done). And they wont give up til they get someone to tell them otherwise. You know those types are the first to go when the commies take over.

And if you hear a mic pop and faint sounds of computer prompts over your speakers, it's not coming from me. I get that every time I go to any of my blog sites. Only my blog sites.

It's Here!

Yes, the WORS 2010 Racer Handbook has arrived and pulling it from the mailbox today I couldn't wait to post about it.

Gone as sponsors this year are, Salsa, CLIFF, Crank Brothers and Ergon.

Subaru, again the most ferocious supporter of Mountain Bike Sports, has thrown their hat in with WORS. Gary Fischer was replaced by TREK as a major sponsor.... but they're the same company. The 'Top Fuel' being the model they are promoting big.

New sponsors include FOX (the fork manufacturer not the network), Giro, Rotor and SlimePro. SlimePro making its sales pitch to the tubeless tire market.

Again, my most best favorite product, Squirt, is still a sponsor. A great product that received five thumbs up on Bikerumor.com. Nothing impresses more than a chain that runs clean and smooth no matter what the conditions.

Also advertising with WORS, a growing movement if judging by how often I hear it mentioned, is the NICA. An organization promoting mountain biking as a high school sport. With all the age categories I always thought it might be easier to develop if you included alumni in the teams.