Calendar Special

Tom Winfield Photography has a special for its customers. If you order 10 or more digital photo files at win-photo.photoreflect.com, you will be mailed a free "Bicycle Trails" calendar. Previous orders DO count.

All of the 2009 Psycowpath races (except Ponca), R&R Wedding, Bike Bash 09, and BHFTF photos are available. Go to win-photo.photoreflect.com to place your order.

If you just want a copy of the calendar, contact me by e-mail. photos(at)tomwinfield(dot)com. Calendars are $15 plus $3 shipping.

Looking for a gift for your racer? Watch for details on availability of matted and framed photos.

3000 and Counting

The weather was cloudy, winds from the north, temperature about 55. At least it was not looking like rain! (Yesterday I got caught in drizzling rain.)

Was not sure how far I wanted to ride - see how I felt. The 3000 mile mark was near (less than 32 miles needed). Headed out from the bike shop. When I hit Indian Creek Trail, the wind hit me head-on. It was relentless, but I pedaled on at about 10 mph.

Stopped at the Trails Center. Feeling pretty good, so continued up the Iowa Riverfront Trail, past the Bob Bridge to N. 25th St. Since it was just a couple miles to Big Lake, I went on (wanted to see what progress has been made there). At Super 7, I got a flat - probably a pinch flat since it happened just crossing a rough drop at the road crossing.

Repairing the flat went pretty good (since I just had to fix on Monday). Thanks to the pump Dennis got me, I was back on the trail. At this time - do I continue to Big Lake and back on the Iowa Riverfront Trail - or ride though town to just get back to the bike shop?

I opted finishing the ride. Work continues on the lake shoreline. Does not look like anything more was done on the boardwalk.

Flew back down the trail (mostly a tail-wind). Ended with the ride against the wind from Manawa to the bike shop. All-in-all, I good ride. And, I hit my 3000 mile mark (800 miles over last year's total).

New Facebook Page

This morning I published a new Facebook page - Tom Winfield Photography.

The first show of my photography has closed. Have mixed emotions about the show. It was great to get my work out where it can be seen. Sales were underwhelming.

On the other hand, orders for photos of the mountain races are still coming in. Watch for a special offer.

Show closing this Evening

Have been in Greenfield, IA today. This evening is the closing of my photography show. Some visitors in the E. E. Warren opera House. Several made positive comments about my work. Now, if a few more could have bought a calendar or photo...

Well, at least more folks have seen some of my work. I need to get busy on selling the calendars. Don't want to end up with them un-sold.

Calendars are $15. Add $3 for shipping if you want it mailed to you. Contact me at naugabike(at)tomwinfield(dot)com.

Now, we need some sunshine so I can get out and ride more. Need 53 miles to break 3000 miles for the year.

Race Across the Sky

Last evening I attending the showing of Race Across the Sky - a movie about the Leadville Trail 100 mountain bike race. Some 1400 mountain bikers head out from Leadville, Colorado for a 100 mile grueling out and back race, all at over 10,000 ft! The showing was a one night event, held all over the country (?).

Race Across the Sky is a documentary film about the race. If there was a "Star" of the film, it would have to be Lance Armstrong. Before and after the film the feature included panel discussions including Lance, several time winner (and 2nd place finisher) Dave Wiens, 3rd place finisher Matt Shriver, the race promoter, and one more guest (that I did not catch the name).

The best one word description of the film - Awesome. It was inspirational - a woman racer that overcame a crash with a car that almost cost her life. It was heartbreaking with the senior racer that cried because he did not make the 4 hour cut-off at the Twin Lakes check point.

The scenery was beautiful. The aerial shots give a great view of the race venue. The graphic animations shows the race course and gives you a idea where the shots are taken.

Now, while I have never raced other than one at Lake Manawa, I can feel for the riders. They endured the trail, the altitude, rain, sleet, hail, and 100 miles on a mountain bike! Hats off to everyone - if you finished or not, were there as support, worked as a volunteer, or just attended the race.

The schedule at the theater showed the film lasted 195 minutes! No way - just over 1 1/2 hours.

Am I going to ride that race? (That's what some of my friends asked - in jest, I gather) No Way! Now I would like to shoot photos as the racers come up and down Powerline...

A "Must See" film, for mountain bikers, road riders, racers, race fans, or know a cyclist. A treat for a guy like me that knows some of the local racers. Great to see them in the film.

Thanks to Kim West (The Kim West Radio Cycling Show - KXNO, AM 1460) for the promotional tickets.

Sunday on the Wabash Trace

The weather forecast was for sunny, warmer (basically normal), with winds from the South. I debated riding dirt at Manawa or the Wabash Trace. Mike R, one of my Facebook friends, posted a ride from CB to Silver City. I was ready for a ride with some company, so decided on the Wabash Trace.

It took some time for everyone to get assembled and head out. Dennis (one of my riding friends) didn't wait. He was only going to ride to Mineola, anyway. Six of us (Trasey, Mike, Dave, Lynn, Greg, and I) headed out.

We stopped for refreshments at Margaritaville. Another rider (Keith?) stopped to visit. Another stop at the Mineola Trailhead Shelter. Finally to Silver City. We stopped at the bar in Silver City for refreshments.

It was getting near 4pm, I decided its time for me to head back. Jared arrived at the bar as I was getting ready to ride home.

On my way up the hill to Margarataville, I was passed by Steve S (formerly of Activate Omaha, now of Iowa Bicycle Coalition). Steve was on his way back from a ride to Imogene.

Steve rode with me the rest of the way to the Council Bluffs trailhead. One the ride South, we left CB about It took over 2 hours to ride from CB to Silver City (with stops), 1.5 hours to ride back. Was back at the CB trailhead about 5:30.

Bike Bash 09

Last evening was Nebraska Cycling Association's annual awards banquet. Awards were presented for road racing and mountain bike racing.

The function was held in Mallet Lodge at Platte River State Park. The evening stated with a spaghetti feed. Soda and a keg of Fat Tire quenched the thirst.

The evening's entertainment was capped off by a slide show with the Year in Review for the Psycowpath season.

My photos of Bike Bash are at: http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/store.aspx?p=220828

Back on the Bike

After a week off the bike, it sure felt good to ride yesterday! It was a busy week, with 2 trips to Greenfield, IA regarding my photography show. The weather did not cooperate, either. Most of the week was overcast, cold, and drizzling rain. Yuck!

Yesterday was still overcast with 20 degrees below normal temperatures. But, I had to ride. Loaded up the hybrid and headed into town.

Rode from Xtreme Wheels to the Bob Bridge and back. A ride of just over 26 miles. Riding time was 2 hours.

Was not trying to set any new speed record. Ended up with the fastest pace since I had changed my meds. Rode at just over 13 mph pace.

Show Opening

Today was the opening of my photography show in Greenfield. Weather was cool, overcast, and some rain. Not a pretty day. Sun peeked out for a couple minutes. Rain again in the evening.

The show is being held in an old opera house. The structure is being refurbished/renovated. I got a tour the the building this evening. The original proprietor (E. E. Warren) lived in an apartment of the building. This evenings photo is of the building with the light drizzle in the air.

Some visitors came in to tour the exhibits. Many commented that they liked the photographs (but then who would say they didn't like them with the photographer right there!)

No visitors in the evening open hours. If the weather improves overnight, I want to ride the T-Bone trail (Atlantic to Audubon, IA).

Photo Show Information

My show is being held in the E. E. Warren Opera House, on the square in Greenfield, Iowa. Greenfield is about 80 miles east of Council Bluffs, on Hwy 92.

The show opens this Thursday. October 15th (my birthday). I will be present for the opening and to sign my calendars.

The show will be open on October 15th, 16th, 18th, 22nd, and 23rd. Hours are 1pm to 4pm and 7pm to 8pm on those days. Free admission!

Those wishing to purchase a photo in the show can sign a reservation form during the show. Calendars can also reserve a calendar when I am not at the show. Payment and delivery will be handled the Friday evening at close of the show.

My plans are to also have a book of some of my other work. Prints of those can be ordered. Details will be available during the show.

Unfortunately, the show schedule does not let me to bring some of my photos to the Bike Bash on Saturday the 17th at Platte River. However, I will have calendars available for sale.

Show Set-up

Made it to Greenfield with my photos. One casualty - one glass was cracked. Will have the replace that.

Met a couple of the folks with the Opera House. Visited with a local reporter from one of the local newspapers. Hope the show goes well.

Now, if the weather cooperates, I will ride when I get home. Would also be nice to ride the Raccoon Trail later this weekend when I had back toward Greenfield for the show opening.

My First Photography Show

Over the last couple months, I have been busy framing some of my prints. At this time, I have about 40 framed. This effort is to sell some of my prints.

Through a friend, I was put in touch with the E. E. Warren Opera House in Greenfield, IA. Granted, the 70 mile drive does not make it convenient, but the price is right. From the ad in the local newspaper, you can see that I will be sharing the space with another exhibit.

Most of the prints I will be showing are landscapes including some trails. A few of those include a bicycle in the photo. To illustrate some of the other subjects I shoot, there will also be a couple of prints of flowers, mountain bike race, and still life.

Predominant size is 11 x 14 print framed out to 16 x 20. There will also be a few 8 x 10 (framed to 11 x 14). Lastly, a couple of larger prints, up to 20 x 30 (framed to 24 x 36).

The photos can be purchased. My "Bicycle Trails" calendar will also be available for purchase.

SNOW!!!

Its only October 10th! What gives?

Here's what I saw this morning when I opened the garage door...

Yes, they have been warning about this all week. Buts its just too early for snow. We never really had a summer. Now right into winter (at least for a couple days).

I am NOT ready to put the studded tires on the hardtail.

Activity on The Trace

Lots of activity on the Wabash Tace yesterday. Was a windy day, mostly sunny, and high about 70. With the wind from the South, it would be a good day to ride there.

Headed out of Silver City. There were all sorts of creatures on the trail today. Some just in time for Halloween.

On the way I encountered a pick-up truck. Two guys checking out surveying marks. As I rode past Malvern, there was another pick-up parked on the trail. He was checking bridges (something about possibility of chaning some of the bridges from wood to concrete.

Same place, I encountered 2 of the other SWINT board members. They were clearing dead falls.

Turned around at White Cloud. Cross wind for the first couple miles. Most of the rest of the way I had a tail wind. legs were tired by the time I got back to the car. Pedaling into the wind took itout of me. Still logged 25 miles.

Wedding Photos

The photos I took of Roxzanne and Ryan Feagan's wedding are on my photography web site. I was debating about posting the photos on that site. Decided the the trail group could use the money, so all monies I get from the wedding photos will be donated to T.H.O.R. (TrailsHaveOurRespect.org).

http://win-photo.photoreflect.com

Bike Rides and a Wedding

It was a blustery night for the October Full Moon Ride. Five of us headed out from Xtreme Wheels. Temperature about 50 and gusty winds from the North. Rode up to IWCC, tooled around the college, and rode back. Short ride - but kept the streak running.

No time to ride Saturday. Ham Radio breakfast then do a couple things before heading North for Roxzanne & Ryan's wedding. Brought the hybrid hoping to ride Sunday.

The wedding venue was Ponca State Park. Was a little cool, but the rain kept away. The ceremony was held outside, overlooking a Missouri River vista.

The Reception was at the Missouri National Recreational River Resource and Education Center. It was a beautiful place for the wedding. Appropriate for folks that love the outdoors like Roxy and Ryan.

The couple took a ride on their "bicycle built for two".

The function was well attended by T.H.O.R, Psycowpath, and other bicyclists. Was a enjoyable party. Once the karaoke started, I had to call it a night. Was enough for me.

Roxzanne and Ryan Feagan, congratulations! Best wishes for your life together.

When I stuck my head out the door of my room Sunday morning - I saw frost on the car and it was still dark at 7am (I wanted to ride at 8). First frost for the season! Walking over to "breakfast", found it was a bit chilly. Decided to wait to ride at home when it was warmer.

After a nap at home, drove into CB. Rode from Xtreme Wheels, along the bike path. Planned to ride to the Trails Center. Dennis saw me there, so I rode up to the Bob Bridge and on to Big Lake with him. With lots of legs left, I decided to ride back the same way - giving me almost 35 mile ride. That ride took me over 2800 miles for the year, 600+ miles over last year's total.