T'is the Season

Does Christmas begin too early? Would our culture benefit if we celebrated Halloween only on the 31st? If we waited for Thanksgiving to pass before playing Christmas music on the radio? What if we were to celebrate all twelve days of the Christmas season?

Absolutely all that stuff would make all things civil and spiritual better.

The whole downfall of our civilization began when children began collecting Halloween candy on days other than Halloween. Think about it. What kind of message is that?

Black Friday? Now we have Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. But ending it all with Giving Tuesday, before Advent begins sets the season right.

This coming Sunday is the First Sunday of Advent, but before the Holiness begins, the Santa Rampage will rage upon us all this Saturday.

Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus,… but not just one. Did you really think one Santa could delivery billions of gifts in a single night? …silly girl.

The Wisconsin Bike Fed is holding a special event for some special Santa’s. The ride begins at 9:30am at a retail establishment fittingly named “Cranky Al’s”. (They have donuts) Santa’s will be rambling in from multiple locations and then streaming off from the “Lakefront Brewery”, where the ride ends.

These are not your mall Santa’s, taking requests and preparing gifts for good little girls and boys. These are the coal bearing Santa’s, the ones you do not want coming to your Chimney.

Yes, Bobby, Cindy and little Billy, not everyone receives a gift for Christmas. In fact out of over seven billion people in the world only 3.141592653 billion actually receive gifts for Christmas (and lots of pie). All others receive the black stuff and I’m not talking goods accumulated on Black Friday.

So take care little Billy, you and your tiny little friends. If Santa should ride by on a bicycle and offer you a gift, turn and run. Run Billy run. You are far to young to be drinking beer.

Merry Christmas to all, and I mean you! Each of you!

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Science Fiction

This is not science fiction. I contemplated quickly throwing together a greenhouse to extend the late production of eggplant and peppers in my garden but kept with this. Just a bit of solar heating to keep the ground warm, which is what is most important. Have had this up most of September, as it was quite cool. Stuck my hand down among the foliage this chilly morning and it was considerably warmer under the canopy.

And Elon Musk best not steal my design for his supposed Mars project. The guy is not even American and is collecting big off our tax dollars and the technology our tax dollars paid for.

In regards to science fiction programing I would like to suggest a protest against paid TV by simply making better science fiction viewing choices. The latest incarnation of Star Trek is available only through CBS’s paid service. May I suggest “The Orville” on FOX as a superior production? Or even “Andromeda” with Kevin Sorbo which will be playing every weeknight from tonight on Comet; channel 24-2. That is free HD quality TV people. Also available on Roku.

Then you have your “Star Gate”s and other science fiction, far more interesting than another Star Trek clone.

And did you ever see anyone on Star Trek riding a mountain bike in one of their holographic adventures? Enough said.

Yes, I would watch “Star Trek Discovery” if I could watch for free. It is how we have been programed since childhood.

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Tomorrow

It is going to be huge!

Tomorrow is the first day of the Wheel and Sprocket Hugh Jass Racing Series. The first race is at Minooka.

Emery’s Cycle and fitness is holding a Trek e-Bike demo day at their Menomonee Falls location. Great sales pricing on some 2017 models. (They may still be hiring)

The State of Wisconsin has just made allowances for electric assisted bikes on some State trails. Not that 85mph mountain bike they have in Australia; you know, where all the criminals live. 15mph will be the civilized speed for those sharing the trails nicely with others.

And do you know you can get your Internet from Milwaukee PC at an always low price; not just for 12 months. They even provide a dial up service at 56Kb.

The autumn heat continues and the garden keeps producing.

Be safe.

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Autumn Heat

This Saturday is The Fall Color Festival here in Wisconsin. Located in our beautiful Kettle Moraine I had to put out a post to let you all know, even as I writhe in illness. Events designed for every age make it a fantastic family event. Then the uncharacteristic autumn heat will return, great for our garden.

Wausau Wisconsin is a lovely area to appreciate the fall colors. It is also a city with an increasingly growing number of mountain bike trails, an intriguing down hill recently opened.

Though Metro Mountain Bikers has been attempting to get a pump track built for years, it has yet to materialize. A memorial repair station for Rob, I forgot his last name, will be installed at the old Tosa train Station. It was too much of a hassle working with county parks, but I believe that is a better location. It will be right across from the farmer’s market.

Yes we can. The peach tree is showing its age. We will have to get a new fruit tree before the old guy gives it up all together. About the same viable lifespan as a good dog.

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How Does Your Garden Grow

With rocks and ruts and switchback stunts? Yes this is primarily a mountain bike and biking blog and this weekend there will be a stupendous event in this, the greater Milwaukee Area.

It is the WORS Collectivo Coffee Bean Classic, at Waukesha’s Minooka Park; Sunday. If you don’t ride, spectating is free, except for the parking. And if for some strange reason spectating does not excite you and you don’t plan to race, there are plenty of other things to do in the park.

Unfortunately my schedule and limited resources, mainly having only one car for two people, do not allow me to participate. Nor will I partake of The Polish Moon Ride. It is tonight and it is raining, with warnings out. It sounds like a great time that both I and my wife could enjoy together. Includes food and dancing. Oh well. There is always next year.

Yes, we were in New York last weekend. Not a garden paradise, but our garden did not suffer our absence. Actually caught some of the Tour de Fraud, or France as some people like to say, coverage on the Hotel cable.

And if you would like to garden but do not feel knowledgeable enough, I must recommend Charles Dowding, on YouTube. Grows organic and does stuff like growing the same thing in the same place every year to see what happens.

My very first beet.

If you want to get down on all that, garden and health and vegan stuff, watch John Kohler. He has a few videos where he comments on all the malice and hate he receives from other vegans, because he doesn’t demand everyone in the world be vegan.

Now, if you want to go homestead, but just a little, and still remain bound to civilization, Becky’s Homestead is the place to be. “Farm living is the life for me.” Just a couple acres and lots of good neighbors. And she is a single mom who started with no money. “What did you say? I got no money.”

For you, “Money!” types there is always the Urban Farmer. The Urban Farmer. I know of no other (on YouTube).

If you are truly the eat your own food type, regenerative farming fanatic, permaculture junky, I must recommend two sites full of chickens, sheep, cows, rabbit, duck, orchards, organic beds, fruitful fields and the growing of hops so that you can make your own beer on the farm. They would be the sites of John Suscovich (looks like he did it all in six years) and Richard Perkins.

See! See how I brought everything back to mountain biking. Yes!!! The beer, making your own beer.

I just drink the NA varieties.

Cucumbers and the infamous bitter melons are producing. They say if you keep chewing something bitter it will turn sweet. Heard that from Reverend Moon and again later from Dr. Axe.

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Summerfest!

Yes, more than a decade ago I had called Summerfest a collection of drunks but we had a great time there this past Sunday. And you will have a great time at the Wauwatosa Farmer’s Market this Saturday (read below). And if you are looking for a great time to compete, the Collectivo Coffee Bean Classic is Sunday July 23rd in Waukesha.

The weather was beautiful for our day at Summerfest, though rain has been a normal part of our summer this year. The mountain bike trails are mostly closed due to mud, but Alpine Valley has trails in wonderful condition and it only cost $2 to ride all day. There are not many deals like that left in the world. Word is that the Middleton/Fitchburg area has stupendous trails of recent construction.

Navigating the Summerfest grounds was akin to navigating a raging river. You just had to jump into the flow of people and hope you could work your way out at your desired destination. Our destination was the BMO Harris Pavilion. When we arrived an American Idol star was performing; cannot recall her name though my wife recognized her. Nice music, singing about sitting together on the front porch.

And if you enjoy real home and family kind of living make sure to make it to the Wauwatosa Farmer’s Market this Saturday. Yes, this Saturday is a fantastical magical bicycle day at the market. Near a dozen bicycle organizations, including Metro Mountain Bikers and Dream Bikes will have booths for this mid-Summer bonanza. It is going to be great and I will not be there, previous engagement, so even better.

Food, family and farm are all a big part of this nations revival. There is a revolution going on around here.

The reason we have gone to Summerfest again, after all these years, was to see The Band Perry. The greatest band no one will talk about. Didn’t here a word amongst all the Summerfest talk on the radio. My wife recorded several songs on her new phone, I simply enjoyed the moment.

It was a great show, certainly not lacking in fashion statement. A few songs had the bass a bit too strong but I think I know why. Just their way of telling the stage next door, “We belong on the main stage.”

I know no other band, group, singer or otherwise that puts out terrific songs of significance. Real life substance stuff. Their time is surely coming.

We planted sunflower seeds last year. Nothing came up. This year we have this sunflower tree shading one of our raised planter beds.

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What's Up!

What’s down? What is right and what is wrong? The whole world has turned upside over easy.

And if you participate in the Wisconsin Bike Fed’s Ride Across Wisconsin (RAW) that may be just how you will feel when you finish. Or it may be their Bike Week that has you confused, running June 1-11. …And here I thought a week was seven days.

Or you may simply be dismayed by all those bicyclists running through stop signs and then making obscene gestures when you call them on it. Yes, they like to take up an entire drive lane, flaunting their rights as bikers in your face, slowing down traffic, but hey, the law is on their side. Then they just piss on the law as they will not stop for anything.

But not all cyclists are liberals. I actually stop at stop signs. Just my my way of making a simple contribution to the peace and order of society.

This vehicle crashed into several obstacles racing through our neighborhood Memorial Day weekend. Finally it snagged the support cable of the power pole and ripped the middle out of it. Note the top of the pole hanging in mid air. Power was out for sometime.

The four occupants, three shirtless, pants around the crotch underwear showing, males and one female exited the vehicle. The dislodged piece of the pole, broken in two came to rest under the truck, which kept them from fleeing. The owner of the truck who claims he was not initially driving hopped back in and tried to set the truck free one more time. He failed, left, but returned, as being the owner there was little he could do to escape justice. A wise decision considering.

His three buddies ran back to Miller Park and claimed the truck had been carjacked. They were arrested for obstruction. These were all white people by the way. I would not be surprised if they told the authorities that black people stole their truck though a dozen of us neighbors watched them as they stumbled away in flight.

Errant bicyclists aside the city streets have become increasingly dangerous. I would say that two out of every three times I drive in the city these days I see cars driving at extreme excessive speeds, running stop lights and signs, and acting in an outright reckless fashion. Someone attempted to steal our neighbors car this morning. As of this moment, four hours after calling the police, there had been no police response. They have security video of the incident. It is impossible to get in or out of our neighborhood without being on somebody’s security video.

Yes, the problem is growing exponentially worse, and it is spreading beyond Milwaukee. And the first hot spell of the Summer has just arrived.

I am glad I got me a new bicycle helmet this spring at the Bike Expo.

WORS is having a fantastic season by the way. It is where the mountain bike action is for good clean living people of all types.

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Chicago Flower and Garden Show

I know you all have been waiting to hear of our adventures in that Urban Jungle known as Chicago, and how they could possible be host to a flower and garden show.

Well, they actually have soil, ground, good old fashioned earth in Chicago. It just takes some looking for. There were 20 different garden displays, full gardens, at the show. Lots of creative ideas for growing were on display.

“Let food be thy medicine” is a saying as old as medicine itself. Also the slogan to a campaign to rid the world of GMO’s, that Dr. Axe is on. I recommend his broadcasts to anyone.

And speaking of good healthy, the best food you can find anywhere, kind of food, did you hear about the WORS opening event? Yes, I am talking about a Mountain Bike Race. A Mountain Bike race held on  Englewood Grass Farm in Fall River, Wisconsin. Pure delicious grass fed beef. It is what’s for dinner, yum, cause your store bought beef is full of hormones and antibiotics, yuk. The family farm, it is what life is all about.

The Iola Bump and Jump, one of my favorites, is over. I am actually down to race weight. I will have to get in some Metro Mountain Bikers Wednesday Night Races. They have begun.

So Chicago has a show in which things actually grow. Our interest was in growing edibles. Not the main focus of the event but some good information all the same. The meat of the show, not grass fed, comes in the presentations. Two open public stages, one for growing things and another for cooking things. There were a few interactive/training displays that were inactive when we passed by, an area for paid classes and a large room for major speakers to comment on deep and profound aspects of growing stuff.

That was the meat. Plenty of booths. Support a convent by buying their bakery, buy some overpriced tea (Maybe not overpriced for Chicago) and plenty of garden ornaments were your options along with the other half of the booths which had nothing to do with gardening. If you wanted to change your Internet service or were interested in new siding, you were in luck.

Dr. Earth had a display, nothing for sale. We each received free samples of fertilizer. They are great products carried by Home Depot as well as others. The busiest booth sold seed, plants and other goodies, but I did not venture in to weather the crowd. I was looking for an insect house otherwise. My wife finally found one at Aldi for less than $10.

The most outstanding booth at The Chicago Flower and Garden Show had ties to UW Madison. They have produced a cutting edge LED light grow system for indoors. Research and the best LED’s on the market that will not lose intensity over time make their system far worth the money. It is not just the lights but also the growing system; seed tapes, watering wicks etc.. Check it out; LED Habitats. My seed starts indoors were dismal. I need a better refined indoor lighting system.

If we had been free to pick the optimal day, as far as presentation availability, to go to the show I would have enjoyed the show more. Check out the show guide before making your plans. Having never been to Navy Pier before we had a good time, with plenty of exercise walking the pier between shows. Found a great burger joint, grass fed.

Our garden, where I do all the work, is starting to take shape. Had to get the bitter melon and some cucumbers out of their pots; they were not doing well. I hope those domes protect them. It has been cold still, at times. My writing (I have published) and gardening, everyone just puts it up to me having fun. I guess all my hard work is not truly work. Lucky me.

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The Velodrome, The Velodrome, The Velodrome

With the bicycling season upon us I neglected to mention a valuable and historic element of the local bicycle culture; the velodrome in Kenosha’s Washington Park.

Home to some 90 years of racing it is a local treasure and is reopening after some rebuilding snafus. One story has that they failed to budget the painting/resurfacing of the track, and we know that must be a precision job.

Do not deny yourself the reality of bicycling is a spectators sport. Particularly at the velodrome. Feel free to engage in some spectation or even speculation over victors, perhaps adjusting your spectacles in awe of spectacular lycra attire flaunting a wide spectrum of color. Spectaculous!

Great timing for the velodrome as the Kenosha economy is doing well. Thanks Illinois.

I put my hours in for The Bike Expo and met plenty a wondrous crowd of folk. The electric bike seems not the craze it was. Some pint sized seating options failed to create a crowd.

If you are interested in volunteering Check out Metro Mountain Bikers for upcoming trail work days.

Not only will racing begin at the velodrome in May, but so to shall racing begin Wednesday nights. Under the umbrella of Wheel and Sprocket Metro Mountain Bikers shall begin holding Wednesday Night Races soon at Minooka. The location shall change month by month. Odd Tuesday Rides begin May 16th at Minooka, for those who want to learn the trails or simply meet the ones who make it happen.

But I hear you all. What you really want to know is, “Phillip, did you get your wife on April Fools Day?”

The trick is to keep it simple. If you create too complicated a ruse the woman will see right through it. Simple, and they will never see it coming. On the eve of April Fools Day my wife retired early. There were three donuts in a box she had bought for breakfast. Simple. I hide two of the donuts and the next day…

“You can make breakfast.” my wife pouts after our morning prayer and study, “Pancakes, eggs.”

We go downstairs. My wife looks annoy. Then she sneers, “You ate the donuts last night!”

“What! What donuts.” I feign innocents as I retreat to where the donuts have been hidden.

Shock, awe, embarrassment, a direct hit as I retrieve the items of contention and proclaim “April Fool!”

So sweet. …the donuts.

Then we are reviewing some of our security camera footage. My wife notices our dog darting with incredible speed around the yard.

“Wow!” she observes, “He’s so fast.

“I have it on 4X’s the speed.” I explain.

Then she laughs out loud, observing me on camera working in the garden, “It looks like you’re moving at normal speed.”

The $153 question: What were my three most favorite WORS races? Keeping the same question. Check out the Charity Jackpot Page link in the sidebar to possibly triple the amount.

It Is Time

It is time for The Bike Expo this coming weekend. That shining star in the sky that says Spring is here; salvation has come.

I’ll be there, volunteering and looking for a few essentials and deals. No new bike for me quite yet this year.

And if you are truly a fanatic you just cannot wait for the Bike Fed’s Lobby Day, on April 13th. Then there is the Spring Clean Up organized by the Milwaukee River Keepers on April 22nd. A great opportunity to volunteer in the upkeep of your community.

The Milwaukee Trails Council will have a public meeting at the Domes on April 27th. Let your opinion matter. It runs from 5:30-7:30pm. And the Bike Fed will be holding their Summit in Milwaukee at UWM on May 4th.

It is a time for activism but even more importantly, it is a time for RACING. Some may call this a time for drinking, namely beer, or Miller Time. This case was given to us by Miller Brewery when they hosted a small neighborhood meeting. It went to my dad. I only drink the non-alcoholic varieties.

WEMS, those endurance buffs of questionable judgments (how many laps can you ride in 12 hours?) begins early, on April 29th.

WORS has a ten race season. Fewer races, better attendance has been the trend. Let us see if that changes under a Trump administration. Did I mention I am almost down to my racing weight. More on that in the future.

And never forget the La Crosse Omnium. It is one of the most beautiful locations in our nation. It is a three day event, May 5-7, conflicting with the WORS opening race, but the Omnium is for road racers.

And do not forget Emery's is having a competing sale during the Bike Expo. It is time to prepare.

It was time to plant the potatoes, though the weather outside may still have been a bit too cold. But I did plant them. And the addition of the photo keeps your interest to the end.

Now it is time to do some seed starting. I am running a bit behind.

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Think About It

So it is 70+ degrees out and as we drive by the West Allis Farmer’s Market facility I say to my wife, “We haven’t gone to the Winter Farmer’s Market this year.”

“Is it still open?” she asked.

I turn my head to face her, pause for effect and say, “It’s February.”

Yes the Winter Farmer’s Market is open on Saturday Mornings. And no you should not be riding the trails. There are some dry runs but many soft spots. Riding the trail in these conditions destroys them. I saw a few people riding the trails, oblivious and smiling.

I took this photo at Hoyt Park during my latest ride. I actually rode a ridge line along the tracks which was fine, until the very end where a mud bath awaited as I dropped out of the trail. The pathway circling the detention ponds is mostly gravel and though I didn’t make a rotation I imagine it is in fine condition, if you want to get away from the roadways.

I do not recall if this little sitting area/stage was at The Landing at Hoyt Park last year but I could be wrong. Metro Mountain Bikers will be holding an event to honor their volunteers in March.

I am looking forward to the Bike Expo. I volunteered to man the table. I will be looking for a reflective vest, a new helmet, and some grips if not more. If I need a water bottle Metro will be selling some.

My wife bought one of those thermos bottles selling under various labels that are all the rage right now; made from copper or some metal. They are very well insulated.

I was drinking from her thermos bottle when my wife asked me, “Is the water cold.”

“Did you put cold water in it?” I asked.

“No.”

“Then the water isn’t cold.” and I handed her thermos bottle back.

“Should I put it in the refrigerator?”

I did not answer. All you guys out there understand.

The $150 question: What were my three most favorite WORS races? Keeping the same question. Check out the Charity Jackpot Page link in the sidebar to possibly triple the amount.

Some Things One Should Not Forget

Valentine’s Day, my wife gave me a beautiful card and this “Millionaire” chocolate. It is from a company in the great state of Texas. conversations have arisen now and then over the last week about possibly moving to Texas. But… any celebrations around here would be premature at this point.

A great man, a giant, in bicycling passed away recently in Wisconsin; the Founder of Wheel and Sprocket. Their Bike Expo begins April 7th. I am sure it will be a record breaker.

The next Hugh Jass Fat Bike Series race will be at John Muir on March 4th. Someone dropped the phrase “beer shortcuts” at the last Metro meeting.

Changes are coming to IMBA. All their merchandise is 15% off. They suffered some financial deficits. Not sure if it has anything to do with the legalization a marijuana in Colorado, where they are based, but you never know. Word is you best renew your membership before…

Yes, I have recovered from the NFL season and am writing again. I had to cheer for the underdog in the Super Bowl, they are my favorite AFC team, even though they threaten Green Bay Packer’s records. When the Patriots blasted their first two point conversion in, I knew they were going to do it.

Was I too harsh against the Green Bay’s opponents in my previous posts? It is part of the game; the trash talking. I did feel I was a bit harsh to Eli Manning. He seems like a very fine man from a fine family. He has had some tough losses with the Giants. I feel bad for him, all his ability failing to pay off. But, for a fresh start he could go to Green Bay and play back up for Aaron Rodgers.

Okay. Maybe I have not quite recovered. I am fairly convinced, in my own mind at least, that it was the diet Aaron’s girl friend had him on that messed with him early in the season.

There is this guy calling himself the Vegan Athlete on YouTube. A very nice man. Grows much of his own food. He keeps talking about all the things he forgets, like what particular variety of tomato he is showing. “I’m going to have to ask the lady I bought the seeds from what variety they are. I keep forgetting.” to paraphrase.

I’m just sayin.

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Preparation: Go Packers

Preparation is a key to success. As the Green Bay Packers prepare to dominate the Atlanta Falcons, I had a dream of finding a dead Falcon. It looked as if it had drove straight down into the ground.

Do not think like or talk about how “I hope the Packers win.” “I think they have a chance.” Just visualize success. Visualize the Packers dominating the Falcons both offensively and defensively. No more of this maybe talk. The next Super Bowl Champions are on TV tomorrow. 100% truth.

Here is something for the Atlanta Falcons.

As my family got together before the Packers Cowboys game last week I said, “Micah Hyde is going to have a big game.” Actually, that is a paraphrase. I have forgotten my exact words, something about ‘pivotal’ or ‘play maker’ but you can confirm my prediction with any one of four of my brothers. An early sack and key interception when the Cowboys were driving. Oh yeah.

HaHa is going to dominate tomorrow.

So my predicted blowout of the Cowboys did not come to pass. If not for Aaron Rodgers throwing an interception…

Maybe…

Perhaps Aaron Rodgers did not like my theory on why he played so glossy eyed and dull early in the season. Did you see that hit Aaron Rodgers took in the final minute? Identical to two he took earlier in the season with a completely different outcome and look in his eyes.

Visualize you Packer fans. Believe. Let not your heart be troubled.

We all have a bit of prepper inside of us. We did not particularly like our pole beans this last season so we let many of them dry out; go to seed. It made them easier to find too. My brother says it is the bush beans that are good eating, but perhaps the pole beans will be good as baked beans. It is also a crop that can take you through the Winter without spoiling. It is not easy to grow grains on a city lot.

Pole Beans and Bush Beans are quite different. They do not share the same companion plants; plants that are beneficial to each other when planted together.

You can dry can rice as a survival food. My wife claims fifty pounds of rice will last us six months. Maybe for one meal a day. You heat the rice up in open mason jars to get rid of any moisture and kill any bug eggs or larva. After, put the lids on while still hot. It cools to a very tight seal.

Still planning next season garden and looking to buy more seeds. Also easing into a fitness routine. It is in my head.

…Visualize.

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Under Pressure

Yes, I am producing Kombucha again. The Summer months are too warm (we do not have sufficient air conditioning) and we have bugs from the garden and Peach tree that are hard to manage when trying to ferment Kombucha. I tried to start a new SCOBY (Symbiotic Colony Of Bacteria and Yeast) with a store bought Kombucha and some Red Bull. My brother had mentioned he store some excess Red Bull in a Kombucha bottle and a SCOBY formed very quickly.

I could make a comment here, but I will pass.

I added some sweet tea after a few days of nothing happening and then a nice SCOBY formed.

And speaking of passing, what about those Green Bay Packers? A see a three-peat coming. The Dallas Cowboys have not faced any real pressure in a long time. They are mostly young, never having played in a playoff game. I see the Packers wiping the field with them.

And remember when you bottle your Kombucha you need pressure rated bottles or they will explode and you will lose everything, like the Cowboys will tomorrow. I’m starting to build up quite a supply of Kombucha. Anyone of you from Metro or otherwise that I would recognize is welcome to stop by and try some. The doorbell does not work.

We had our annual cookout this past year, for the first time in many years. It was in October, but I had to get it in. Finances gave kept us a bit frugal for several years but we are starting to step out once more. I had fresh bratwurst and polish sausage. Great foods to enjoy at a football game, like this one where the Packers annihilate the Cowboys.

Bratwurst, or the Polish for that matter, need no condiments. I cringe when I see people putting ketchup on a bratwurst, like I am sure I will cringe at how the Cowboys are set upon by the Packers. It is not easy to watch even your opponent being humiliated.

But there is a condiment of my own making that is the only acceptable condiment for a bratwurst. That is the peach relish we made and canned in 2015.

We all await to relish in a Green Bay Packer’s victory.

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Ready, Set, GOal

It is that time of year again. My goals or resolutions for this new year of 2017 are not finalized. They are being evaluated and will be made with the clear intent of them being achieved.

Now if you just want to GO, in this year of 2017, this weekend is full of places to start. Events meant to test your fitness of not only body but mind are many.

This Thursday the Lapham Peak Fat Bike Race Series is said to be a go. Do not let the man on crutches dissuade you. Pot luck means food. Lights are required. The race starts at 7:30 but from 5:30, a glorious two hours before race time, you can demo a Surly Fat Bike for free. I like ice cream.

Saturday everything starts and ends with the Hugh Jass. Waukesha is the city, Minooka is the park, flannel is what you wear for extra style points. It doesn’t get any crazier. I would be there if I had the time, or maybe if I was just one of those cool kids.

Wheel and Sprocket is also hosting Monday Night Fat Bike Group Rides.

Metro Mountain Bikers Winter Social ride, I believe this is the first, Will be Saturday January 21. Ride around or across Muskego Lake depending on how much beer…, I mean the weather. Something called the Pack N Brew is the tentative starting gate. 10:00 AM sharp. A lunch stop is planned.

On February 4th The Frosty Hog may be the race for you. It is a relay, so you do not need a Fat Bike. You just need to convince someone with a Fat Bike that they want you on their team. …Anyone? I’m right here. Sitting by myself.

Good things come to those who wait. The Sweaty Yeti, that old school, real man’s race is part of the great Yeti Fest; February 24th to 26th. It will be held at one of the most beautiful sites Wisconsin has to offer, Levi Mounds State Park.  The Yellowstone Sasquatches will not be in attendance. Yes, the National Park Service has caught up to six sasquatches at a time this last Christmas on their live feed cameras. The Park Service pans away from Sasquatch, AKA Big Foot (would more than one be Big Feet or Big Foots?) or the Forest People as some call them, when they recognize them on their live feeds. Still some have recorded the action on other devices.

All the airlines claimed height restrictions when the Sasquatch clan tried to catch a flight to Wisconsin. You really do not want to tell a Sasquatch that they stink.

Stay busy my friends.

The $147 question: What were my three most favorite WORS races? Keeping the same question. Check out the Charity Jackpot Page link in the sidebar to possibly triple the amount.

Giants Among Us

No, I am not referring to the New York Giants coming to play the Green Bay Packers here in Wisconsin tomorrow. I write now of true giants, known to many but seen by few.

No, I do not mean cyclocross racers either.

I am writing of the Sasquatch. There is a guy in Ontario who has recordings of Sasquatch calling for him by name. Which begs the question; If they can talk can they play football? If Sasquatch were intelligent enough to play in the NFL the current players would know what it would feel like for a woman to play, if the NFL ever allowed woman to play.

Intelligence wise, I imagine, Sasquatch would most likely be more prone to play in the Canadian Football League. They could name a team after themselves, eh.

But what of Aaron Rodgers? I have a theory as to why he looked like a deer caught in the headlights early in the season, fumbling the ball in the backfield twice. It was his diet. Or rather his girl friend who put him on his diet. You need fats and even proteins for that brain to fire on all cylinders. Good thing he decided on MVP awards, Titles and Super Bowl rings over being spoon fed by his girl friend. That is my theory anyway. It is not kosher to criticize those all too fashionable pop culture diets on National Television so everyone kept it hush hush.

I doubt, however, that the NFL will ever let Sasquatch play for one of their teams, no matter how intelligent. And they must be very intelligent. Why would they keep themselves hidden so well if they did not know how truly ugly they are? If knowing you are ugly is not a sign of true intelligence, I do not know what is.

Still, I bet the Green Bay Packers can make Eli Manning feel like a woman playing in the NFL.

But this Blog is not about cryptids, its main focus is mountain biking. HASTPA sponsors many mountain bike events in the Himalayas. The time to plan for such a major excursion is now, and if you should come across the abdominal snowman  while you are there, say “Hello.” for Sasquatch.

The $146 question: What were my three most favorite WORS races? Keeping the same question. Check out the Charity Jackpot Page link in the sidebar to possibly triple the amount.

Merry Christmas

I said to my wife after we finished our Friday sales before Christmas, “Nothing left but Christmas.” The cards were sent out, gifts bought and the pressures of the season melted away with that thought, “Nothing left but Christmas.”

With three more days of the season before us we can always find Christmas music on Pandora as the radio abandoned the season early. With so many HD broadcast stations having showed older better quality Christmas shows why does anyone need cable?

I generally find the older the better  as far as Christmas music goes. I was disappointed the music on the radio did not trend more and more religious as The Day approached. At least no one had to hear me sing, except at church, and they are supposed to be of a forgiving nature.

We went to our own Church Christmas Eve. I saw an inspiring show at home put on by Berea College after the local TV news before my wife cut over to Cardinal Dolan’s sermon at St. Patrick’s in New York. Sermon time was the best time as we already heard the common readings at our own Church.

Do you know Berea College seeks students who cannot afford a college education?

I guess the young ones need gifts but everyone has so much already. The materialism I find disillusioning.

I received “The Urban Farmer” book for Christmas. It is chuck full of useful information. …I just thought it would be bigger.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone.

The $145 question: What were my three most favorite WORS races? Keeping the same question. Check out the Charity Jackpot Page link in the sidebar to possibly triple the amount.