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.

The $155 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.

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.

The $154 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.

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.

The $152 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.

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.

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.

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.

The $149 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.