Coffee Wars

Free coffee was the draw for my wife to come together with me to spectate the Alterra Coffee Bean Classic. Keeping her company kept me out of the woods but we did hike up the ski hill for the view.

While the Alterra label reigned supreme in Franklin on Sunday, their riders already sporting their new Colectivo kits, their coffee stand in the Mayfair Mall is no more. They lost out to Starbucks who holds down three locations in the mall. Our neighbor told my wife that Alterra also opened a new location next to a Stone Creek Coffee some time back. Stone Creek is another local coffee purveyor.

I was actually a classmate of one of the founders of Alterra Coffee. Our schools alumni are sometimes called in jest ‘The Marquette High Mafia’. The mayor is also an alumni. From my perspective it is a network for the dissipation of false and defamatory stereotypes with far reaching ramifications. I would be remiss to suggest any true coffee scandal beyond aggressive business practices but something’s brewing.

Tonight is the Odd Tuesday Ride and it will be at the Alpha Trail. You can ride some of the trails from Sunday’s race and catch some views of the gravity park and its features. 6:00 – 8:00pm, bring your own meat for the grill.

Another baseball view of The Rock. Though they had a couple of games going, the overflow parking appeared sufficient, at least when we got there.

Now for the $28 question: What color was my first bicycle? See rules on charity jackpot page in sidebar.

Alterra Coffee Bean Classic and The Rock

Working the panorama feature on Windows I put together a few photos. Here is the BMX Track at The Rock. At the monthly meeting I was told there would be an event this Saturday but the only BMX event on the Rock events page is for next week Saturday. That’s some track.

For Sundays Alterra Coffee Bean Classic, after starting at the bottom of the hill making a left turn at the top, this is the lead out.

Or perhaps this picture is more revealing.

Maybe a crop makes it clearer.

The Citizen and Sport classes will reaching new heights, higher elevations than in the past from what I understood. I went to the Wednesday night race. Thought I might help out with something but they didn’t want my help. They had over 100 participants. About double the usual as people wanted a dry run for Sunday though the Alpha Trail portion was closed; too wet.

The original driving concept for The Rock was a baseball park. Here is another panorama shot of some of the fields. Note the rail and chair in the foreground. They have an umbrella bar with massive patio. A waterfall and outdoor fireplace are a few of the amenities. It certainly has a great view of these fields. They still have a lot of work but when this place is complete, and the landscaping is done, I can see from what they have completed so far that the whole site will be very green and attractive.

Yes, we have a second car. I will again be much more involved in helping the mountain bike cause. Fitness and writing and other creative endeavors are dominating my days otherwise. It’s a pleasure to support without compensation the works of all hard working people investing in our community and pursuing their dreams.

Good luck! to all those racing Sunday.

The $26 question (see Charity Jackpot page in side bar); What type of peach tree do we have in our back yard?

Coffee Scandal!

A new Alterra Coffee location has opened at 68th and Wells. Note the sign in the lower left corner, now being replaced with new signage. Yes, Alterra is changing its name to Colectivo Coffee, but it isn’t the revealing of their new commie blend that I find particularly scandalous.

It is their beating up on the little guy. Note the lower left corner of this photo. See the little shop ‘La Tarte’, co-named ‘Little Perk’? Yes, Alterra Coffee has given up their name for money (we could all use some extra money right now) and shown disregard for the little man, or in this case little woman.

I spoke with the attractive good-hearted service professional at ‘La Tarte’ who said, with a tone of trepidation, that they are actually doing a bit better since the Alterra, transitioning to Colectivo, location opened. It is a busy intersection for its size and more people are stopping  because of the flashy sprawl of Alterra and appreciating the surrounding stores.

‘La Torte’, one of two bakeries that serve coffee in this tiny business district, is a high end bakery, all goods baked fresh onsite, than a coffee shop. They serve a local Valentine Coffee, having switched from Alterra several years ago. …Hmmmm. Alterra serves an industrialized, delivered daily line of fine bakery. A clear step down from the quality across the street I would say. I wouldn’t be surprised if you bought your coffee at the Alterra and your bakery from across the street, taking advantage of colectivo’s vast seating amenities the Alterra, or Colectivo staff would turn a blind eye. …Scandalous! Or just try some Valentine Coffee.

So check out a vibrant old style vibrant commercial block when you have the time. And check out the MTB gravity park, The Rock in Franklin. Tonight is a Wednesday night time trial operated by Metro Mountain Bikers. Saturday they are opening their first BMX track, and of course Sunday is the Alterra Coffee Bean Classic. I am planning to be there with my camera. If you like a good hike and admiring athletic competition you can get a good idea of the sport. Not as spectator friendly as Sunburst but some good views if your willing to search for them.

I finally made it to the Metro Mountain Biker’s monthly meeting. Plenty to write about over the next couple of weeks. The Tuesday Night Ride on August 20th will be at the Alpha Trail. It will include a grill and chill, bring your own meat. It seems The Rock is only the first and that gravity parks will be opening all over the surrounding Milwaukee area.

Now for the $24 question; see link in sidebar for rules. In what establishment have I worked that claimed the World’s Best Coffee?

Fine Art Made in America

Man, machine and manifesting potential beyond what others considered possible. If that’s not fine art personified I don’t know what is. Makes one want to go out and buy a fine new precision built bicycle. And if you are a fan of the populous art form of postage stamps this weekend is for you. The Wisconsin Center downtown is hosting the American Philatelic Society stamp show 2013. It’s free! So they claim. The air show at the lakefront was free this past weekend but with our schedule we had no energy to bicycle down. Parking was $20.

Some might consider classic candy a work of fine art. It tastes good anyway and warms the heart. It was some of the last remnants of a gift basket I received for my birthday; a day I loath. I should be getting out to ride more. The road bike is on the trainer. I just can’t keep the brakes adjusted so as not to drag. I will just have to get a new set of brakes I think. The mountain bike, my loyal and faithful companion through many a wilderness trek, is just too worn down to rebuild for competition. I not only need to lose at least forty pounds to compete again but buy a new mountain bike too.

The next Metro Mountain Bikers meeting is on Tuesday at Bennos. (Have you looked at your website recently Marty?) The WORS Alterra Coffee Bean Classic is August 18th. I’ll have a scandalous report on Alterra in my next post. I hope to make it to the race as a spectator, camera in hand. Tomorrow is the Rock’n Root in Rhinelander.

For you International types India’s largest mountain bike race is just around the corner. September 27th to October 3rd is the MTB Himalaya 2013. I should stay atop individual mountain bike events but I have been busy. Several International events are listed in the sidebar.

The Robins nested in our yard again; in the peach tree. The hatchlings are now long gone if they survived.

Misao read something about ten thousand steps (not stairs) a day is the prescription for good health and long life. Yesterday evening she asked “How many steps did you walk today?”

“At least three!” I answered with confidence.

I have been busy with things other than fitness most days. I am sure you, my readers, are little concerned. What you really want is the $22 question. (see rules in link on sidebar)

For $22 or more; What was the name of my first best friend? I lost touch with him or her when I was still a child.

Living the High Life

I have been negligent in my duty to inform. Sunday near two weeks ago now was National Ice Cream Day. This last Sunday, the fourth in July was National Parent’s Day. A Beer Garden has opened in Hoyt Park just off the mountain bike trails. I suspect the influence of dipsomaniacal forces.

Spectator friendly cycling events are plentiful this weekend. The WORS Sunburst Showdown is the most spectator friendly mountain bike event one can find. The La Crosse Speedway is holding more cycling events. I am also guilty of neglecting the Kenosha Velodrome in Washington Park. Regular events there run to the end of August. Metro Mountain Bikers completed five Time Trials at The Rock this year and I have not seen more scheduled.

Misao and I found ourselves both free this past Monday. Rather than go for a bike ride or spectate over our garden blooms we enjoyed some of the free amenities Milwaukee has to offer. First we went to The Domes. Three Bridges Park has created a great connection to The Domes from the Hank Aaron Trail. Afterwards we lived it up at the Mad Rooster Café. Then we went to Miller Brewery, just a few blocks from our home for their free tour. They say it is free but they charge you for the photos they imply are part of the tour; $20. And since we don’t drink we didn’t enjoy the free samples.

Then atop all this frivolous madness of decadent indulgences we attended the State Fair on its opening day as we could get in for $2 each with a donation of canned food. After driving ten minutes to find a free parking space we made it in before 4:00pm.

We came across a familiar name. We made our traditional rounds, enjoying the best tasting and priced food in the Wisconsin Products Pavilion. We viewed all the animals, especially enjoying the chickens and rabbits. I could see myself raising rabbits. I just don’t know if I would have the stomach to harvest them.

Then we found our way to the cream puff building. The greatest joy of the fair is fasting moving lines. It gives one hope that goodness and virtue still exist in the world. We quickly attained our cream puffs. Then, shortly afterwards, I witnessed a site I could never have imagined or have wanted to. All four cream puff service windows were absent any customers. So goes the Obama economy.

Now the $20 question. (see rules in sidebar link) In honor of National Ice Cream Day, missed but not forgotten, what is my favorite flavor of ice cream in recent years? It includes fruit and you need the exact name per a specific brand. This could mean $40 to the charity of your choice if you can answer the doubler too.

Three Bridges Park

Tomorrow is the official opening of Three Bridges Park. When I heard of it on our neighborhood site I thought they were renaming our park as we have three automobile bridges surrounding our neighborhood. But no. This is a new park a bit farther down our Menomonee River Valley, heading east to the lake. The valley does have three auto viaducts over it but the name comes from three (I am sure very expensive) bicycle bridges that connect the park to the south side which would otherwise be cut off by the river and railroad tracks. It is part and parcel of the Hank Aaron State Trail.

This weekend also includes the Trek Summer Sale at Emery’s and other dealers I am sure. This week is the La Crosse Speedway Criterium, in West Salem. Sounds like a spectator friendly event.

The fact that I have not come across the Three Bridges Park, or the area, since they started the work on it really highlights how little I have gotten out on my bike over the last year. It is very close. So I know what you’re thinking:

“We don’t hold it against you Phillip. We know you’re not one of those dipsomaniacal heathens or liberal binge drinkers that make up the radical bicycling crowd. Don’t worry about it.”

But there are plenty of right thinking high minded wholesome people, like myself, who make up the radical looking bicycle community.

Raspberries!

Yes, after some four years, almost being chewed down beyond return, our raspberry bush is producing. Despite the heat life goes on. Some quite productively. Our lilies are blooming and the cucumber is finally starting to grow; taking off. I have not ridden in the heat.

I know the Charity Jackpot is getting tempting because my wife asked if she could win the money. Now for the $18 question:

In editing my books I often reduce the word count by eliminating unnecessary tautological expressions. I also increase my vocabulary by making notes of unfamiliar words I come across when I am reading. What was I reading when I came across the word “Tautology?”

OK. It’s an almost impossible question. Why complain? No one has been making any attempts. I can tell you now this will be reused if no one even tries. If you are a dipsomaniacal Liberal or heathen binge drinker you might get it. See the rules page.

Car Troubles

Ike was mystified by the fireworks until they became too loud. We saw in part several local 4th of July events in the distance from our local park. And the 4th of July of the Mountain Bike season is soon to arrive. Not yet a national holiday but who knows. Yes, that national classic, The Subaru Cup, is this coming weekend. It is part of the WORS Series. WORS is an advocates of school based mountain bike clubs and competition. Another event this weekend is the Milwaukee Challenge, a scavenger hunt.

Yes car troubles kept me from the Metro Mountain Biker’s monthly meeting last night. I did not forget. Ride my bike? Well… I thought of it too late. This coming Tuesday there will be an Odd Tuesday Ride. It will also be the day Paul McCarthy will be performing at the Brewers stadium, the All Star Game is played (Baseball), the 68th anniversary of the detonation of the atomic bomb is …not celebrated and my birthday.

My car is in far less trouble than this tree; a huge spreading oak. What’s killing it? Malicious landscapers. This tree’s roots had been exposed over much of the yard for decades. When landscapers covered them with top soil for the new owners who wanted one of those ‘most beautiful yard’ award signs in front of their house it began to die. Exposed roots rot if you cover them. I knew that and I told them that. The tree really is, soon to be was huge. They should display the trunk at City Hall (Wauwatosa) as a display of the largest oak in the city and how it was …murdered!

I have been setting my mind to work, design and writing and adding value to our home and whatever day work I can get, and am just now adding regained focus on fitness to my too numerous endeavors that hinder peak productivity. This month has already been one of my most strenuous training wise. I was running along swimmingly, or perhaps swimming, when a ponderance stopped me nearly cold: How does the simplicity of a flash drive become corrupted? I lost three weeks of writing on my book. Fortunately I have hard copy of about a third of what I lost, as I sent a portion of my writing to Alois for review as some of my characters are German.

Why would anyone want someone who can’t dig a straight trench do anything for them. The fact that my attention to detail astounds some, that it is no longer common, is a poor reflection on society. The complimentor spelled ‘hole’ wrong. !? Or did he? Perhaps he is calling me a “whole”.

The $16 question: Where was the picture directly above taken? See rules in link in sidebar.