Last Ride of the Year

Today, I just HAD to end the year with a singletrack ride. Headed over to Manawa and ride the trails I rode yesterday. Rode better today than yesterday. Thanks again RF and Martin to deflate my tires.

Weather was upper 20s, sunny, and with some wind. By the time I had finished riding, I was quite warm - wearing too many layers. Tomorrow, I will probably need it.

Here's shots of the same place on Fast Track - December vs September

First snow singletrack ride

This morning I decided to join (late) the group riding in the snow at Lake Manawa. This was the first time I rode singletrack in the snow. I had been seeing all of the posts on MBTOmaha, had to get out and try it.

It was like learning to ride all over again. My balance and coordination seemed to be all screwed up. I took my time, but made a very short lap.

Meeting the group, Ryan and Martin let a bunch of the air out of my tires. Guess "soft" means "almost flat"! It did make a big difference.

Maybe I will ride again tomorrow - before the big thaw forecast later in the week.

New Year Day ride (in the snow) at Manawa - 2pm. Thanks for calling the ride, Martin. See you Tuesday.

Iowa Caucus

It is just 6 days to the Iowa Caucus. This entry is aimed at my fellow Iowa residents.

Normally I would not express political issues in my bicycling blog, but this is a pivotal campaign. It has been MANY years since there is no sitting President or Vice-President running. Our "First-In-The Nation" caucuses start the process to elect our next president.

With all of the issues facing our country, it is imperative that Iowans get out to the caucuses. Even if you are an independent, I understand you can register a party affiliation at the caucus.

Caucuses start at 6:30pm, January 3rd. You must be in the caucus location before 7:00pm - that's when the doors are locked.

Get out and exercise your right.

If you are interested, I am a Precinct Captain for John Edwards for President 08.

41 Degrees and dropping

I had to get out and ride today. The temperature when I started was 41, sky cloudy, and very light wind. Good time to check my gear for another 5 degrees colder. Rode for about an hour, felt great.

Since I was riding on the paved trails in Lake Manawa, I rode over to the mountain bike trails. Did not even have to try riding - they are very soft. Looks like we are now into the freeze/thaw cycle for the season.

Back in the Saddle, in the Dirt

Sure missed riding - but the weather did not cooperate for riding in Wisconsin. On top of that, I caught a head cold on the trip.

Tuesday I just had to get out for spinning session at Xtreme Wheels. Not sure if it helped. I cold was bad Wednesday, but I felt better about exercising.

Today the late morning was a sunny and with light breeze, changing to "windy". As I headed out to ride at Manawa, the clouds came in. Still have a good ride. Cut the ride short due to the head cold - didn't want to press my luck!

I wanted to get out, ride, and check my newer riding gear. Last year, the riding clothes were good down to about 45 deg. Now, my goal is to be able to ride down to freezing. Today was a day to check the gear at 46 deg. The additional layer on my legs worked well. The new helmet (Giro 540 freeride style) kept my head warm. I will need to get a jacket that breathes better - I was getting alternating warm and chilled.

Kettle Moraine State Park

Yesterday I took a drive to scope out singletrack trails in the Northern Section of the Kettle Moraine State Park, Wisconsin. This park is about 20 miles from where friends live. Originally I was hoping to bring my bike for Thanksgiving, but the weather was not good for riding.

Anyway, I walked some to look at the trails in the Greenbush and New Fane trail area (the 2 mountain bike trail areas). What I saw, it sure looks like some sweet singletrack - specially in the Greenbush area.

Looking forward to riding there when on my way to my Army Reunion in June.

Swanson Park Trail Day

Great job, Martin. Thanks to everyone that participated in the T.H.O.R. Trail Day. I counted at least 30 members and friends (many came after this photo was taken). AWESOME!

Watch the T.H.O.R. web site for photos of the trail day.