Monday, December 31, 2007

2008 Weight Loss Program


Thanks for the tip Painman. Your "Fat Guy chasing a Twinkie" has inspired me.

Sunday, December 30, 2007

10,000 Miles - Goal Achieved

2007 Cycling Total: 10,003 Miles, 589 hours

A huge group started from the Stone Arch.

I don't pretend to be the only local rider who piles on the miles, in fact, I know there are others that ride more than me on a regular basis. That said, I came up 303 miles short of the 10,000 mile mark in 2006. With our trip to France being my main motivation for 2007, I also had a secondary goal of breaking the 10,000 mile barrier. It took me to my last training day of the year, but I just pulled it off. I was happy to share my final ride of 2007 with a huge group.

I couldn't have done it without the support of my family. Carla and Maren were supportive all year long, and Jordan rode many of the miles along with me. In fact, Jordan tallied 4327 miles himself. Congrats buddy.

For 2008, my goals and motivation will be different. I plan to decrease volume, and increase intensity. I call it the "Timmer Plan".

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Jordan and Painman Play Wii


Nintendo Wii is an absolute blast to play. It is almost as much fun to watch people play. A lot of parents are getting this game system because it gets kids up off the couch. Watch the video and you'll see what I mean.

Friday, December 28, 2007

After Dark


This time of year, I always seem to finish my rides after dark. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday this week were no exceptions. Wednesday, we rode from P-slim's place, and got home around 5:15PM, which was a reasonable amount of riding in the dark. Thursday, Jordan bonked, and Carla picked him up in River Falls, after which, we rode back to Hudson in the dark (with head/tail lights). We got home around 6:15PM.

Friday was over the top. Jordan, Painman, and I started the ride around 12:30PM, and figured there would be plenty of light. Our troubles started right away, with the trail from Victoria to Excelsior being basically un-rideable. It took us an hour to ride the first 10 miles, where we met P-slim. We stopped at the Depot in Hopkins, then cruised in on the Greenway to the River, then onto Dunn Bros. Painman's feet were frozen, and he had a migraine headache. It was 4:30PM, with around 2 hours of riding left to get back to Victoria. P-slim headed back to the safety of his place in NE Mpls, while we jumped on the trail back to Painman's.

It was dark by the time we got to Hopkins, and we decided to keep going as far as we could. We had tail lights, but no headlights, so we couldn't see very well. The trail was difficult to navigate, since you couldn't really make out where the edges were. Plus we kept coming upon walkers and joggers, which were mere shadows on the trail. This made for slow going, and we didn't get back to the 318 in Excelsior until 6:30PM. Painman called Hollie to come get him and Jordan, while I rode the rest of the way back on the wide shoulder of Hwy 7.

It was actually kind of fun and surreal riding through the dark on the trail. It was rather peaceful in a strange way. When we got home, Painman served us up some Pizza, and then we played Nintendo Wii for the rest of the night. Good times.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Jordan's New Bike - Take 2


Jordan picked up his brand new Giant Composite TCR C3 from the Bicycle Chain. He paid for his new ride all by himself, using proceeds from the sale of his old bike, money he earned cleaning foreclosure houses this summer, and gift cards he got for Christmas. It's a full carbon frame, carbon fork, Shimano 105 10speed drivetrain. Zipp bottle cages compliments of Painman, Red Lantern, and Mom and Dad. His favorite Christmas gift.

With his Zipp 440's, it weighs just over 17lbs. Don't you wish you had one of these baby's when you were 12.

Another ride with P-slim


P-slim and Jordan enjoying a hearty post-ride burrito at Chipotle.

Drove over the NE Mpls to ride the Cedar Trail/Greenway with P-slim. Jordan and I upgraded to studded front tires from the Bicycle Chain, and they worked great. Patrick rode my MTB instead of his road bike. A little small, but did the job. Can't ask for more on a Wednesday afternoon.

Monday, December 24, 2007

Jordan's New Bike


Christmas Eve Workout


Maren wanted me to take her Cross Country Skiing for weeks now, and we finally got out today at Willow River State Park. She tried it briefly in the back yard, but to really get the feel, I knew she needed to get on some groomed trails.

She completely exceeded all expectations. I thought we would clash a bit as she learned the proper technique, but she was an excellent student. She listened to everything I told her, and executed brilliantly. Attitude is everything, and she was super positive. She figured it out so quickly, that I was able to ski myself, and she kept up no problem. She kept saying how much fun it was. I definitely agreed.


Willow River State Park has beautiful trails that follow along side the Willow River. We even saw a Bald Eagle. What a perfect Christmas Eve experience with my daughter.

Sunday, December 23, 2007

"I'll watch the grassy knolls for you Skibby" Jordan Says.

Jordan has volunteered to join Lunatic on Skibby's Secret Service detail.


Sunday's Stone Arch Crew (L-R: Homme, Master Cullen, Big Dave, Brain, Skibby)


My favorite moment of Sunday's ride (other than the 4 times Skibby was lying on the trail) was when a car honked at us in St. Louis Park as we crossed to road on the Cedar Trail. Skibby say's Merry effing Christmas to you too, just as I notice it's my parents who recognized Jordan, and were just honking hello. Skibby's write-up captures it all. Thanks for the doughnuts Dave.

P-slim is back in town for the holidays. He joined us for a ride in Hudson Saturday, during the snow storm. Treb joined us too. It was just like Christmas.

156 miles (and 1 week to ride them) to go to reach my mileage goal for the year.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Loon State Training Camp 1996


Photo circa 1997 (L-R: Al Lindhom, Jimmer, Treb)

I joined Loon State Cyclists in the spring of 1996 after riding much of the previous summer with a couple of fellow Medtronic employees, Steve Schwister and Kevin Tidemand. Steve and Kevin had told me so many stories about spring training camp in LaCrosse, WI, there was no way I was going to pass it up.

In fact, our trip to LaCrosse almost didn't happen that year, because many from the team were doing a more elaborate trip to the Black Hills on the same weekend. Thankfully, the trip came together last minute, and 9 of us headed down. In attendance were: John Baker, Kerry Christian, Steve Schwister, Kevin Tidemand, Tim Sproul, Ron Trebesch, Al Lindholm, a young kid Al brought whose name I can't remember, and myself.

I had eaten healthy over the winter, and was pushing a solid 240lbs at the time. Kerry was a sprightly fellow that got excited at the mere mention of long climbs. When I arrived at camp, I was excited myself, but could see that I had my work cut out for me to keep up with this crew.

Kerry was the ride leader for the trip, and did not instill a lot of confidence in us with his navigational abilities. The very first road we went down turned out to be a dead end. Kerry's initial goal was to find a nasty climb in the area that they had ridden before, the dreaded Cty "S". We went up at least two coulees that turned into dead ends, forcing us to turn around, before we finally found it.

Once we were headed up "S", I wished we hadn't found it. Lindholm and I were left floundering at the bottom of the climb as the rest raced up the climb. I remember thinking "Whatever you do, just don't clip out." I was right on the verge of clipping out when I heard Al clip-out behind me. That was just enough for me to muster the courage to keep going, and I barely made it all the way to the top.

The next day, it was more of the same. Kerry took us on a death ride down into Coon Valley. I fell so far behind at one point, Baker had to ride all the way back down a climb to find me. I bonked hard, and they pointed me on the most direct route home through downtown LaCrosse, while they continued on their hammer fest.

That year we did not have sag support, so I carried everything with me. I remember the guys laughing hysterically at all the food I was pulling out of the pockets, of my tight fitting clothes.

Maren was almost 3, and Jordan was 9mos old.

Monday, December 17, 2007

Congrats to the National Champions


I wish I could have been there to witness Hudson, WI resident Bjorn win a close battle for the U23 National Cyclocross Championship. Photo courtesy of www.cyclingnews.com


Diane Ostenso adds her 3rd national championship, this time, Masters Cyclocross National Champion. Photo courtesy of Sone

Sunday, December 16, 2007

318/Stone Arch Ride


Big Dave, Lunatic Biker, Sickboy, Jordan, Jimmer, Skibby, and Brain.

Jordan and I opted to meet Skibby and the boyz at the Stone Arch instead of driving all the way to Excelsior. Frye joined us enroute to make us 8 strong headed to Hopkins. Painman had quite a crew himself, Red Lantern, Kermish, Bernie, and Jesse Rients.


We cruised back into the city on the Greenway, and even crossed the new bridge over Hiawatha. I needed 27 miles today to beat last years record mileage for the year. I hit the milestone on West River Road, across from the U of MN. About 10 seconds later, my bike came apart. I broke a rear spoke, and it stuck out thwacking the frame as I rolled to a stop. I wrapped the spoke around another, and attempted to continue on, but my tire was completely out of true. I got a little ways and then bang, my tire blows. Turns out the wheel was so far out of true, my cantilever brake pad was rubbing on the tire, and actually wore through the sidewall, blowing the tire.

Now I'm walking. Luckily, we were only a couple miles from the Stone Arch Bridge, so Skibby went to get his truck to pick me up. The rest of the group went to Dunn Bros. while my faithful teammates Painman and Red Lantern kept me company while I walked.

I thought my ride was over, but Skibby kindly lent me his rear wheel, allowing Jordan and I to cruise back out to Hopkins again with the 318 crew.

We made it home at least 2 hours earlier than normal. We even stopped at the carwash to clean our bikes. When we pulled into the garage, Carla pokes her head out the door and says "You guys are back already?". Frye, this could be you some day.

Saturday, December 15, 2007

I Dedicate this Ride to Lunatic Biker


Shout out to Ray. I thought about you bud all along the Greenway. I don't know how you do it day in and day out.

I busted out my new Lake Boots, compliments of Jim Bell. They performed exceptionally. I've never ridden that long in this cold, and had my feet stay warm. Thanks Bell. I also used my new Subzero gloves, new Climawarm bib tights, and even wore a ski mask. I was cold right at the start, but was warm (enough) the entire rest of the ride.

On Friday, I finally connected up with Baker for the first time since our trip to France. We rode the MTB's on the snowmobile trails. 15 miles in 2 hours. What a brutal workout. I rode home from the trailhead back to Baker's, and on 109th, some high school kid with a "Rebels" jacket saw me and said "Hi, Mr. E". I waived, figuring he mistook me for Neil.

Sadie Hawkins Dinner and Dance


Maren is growing up way too fast for me. She's got looks that kill, and brains to boot. She just told us she plans to double up on math classes next year so she'll be able to take Calculus her senior year. I'm one proud papa.


Boyfriend Luke is one lucky dude, as long as he keeps treating my daughter with the respect she deserves.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

I'm coming for you Mean Dawg

I saw what you did to the Donimator. It's on baby!


Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Winter and Junior Size Cycling Shoes for Sale

I'm selling my Sidi Storm Winter Cycling Shoes Euro45/10.5US Mens on Ebay. Free local pickup/delivery. They'll fit a size 9.5/10US Mens best, allowing you room to wear a thicker sock.

I'm also selling the cycling shoes shown below. Jordan used the first 2 pairs of them for 1 season. The last pair are an old pair of Carla's. Why spend $75-$100 on a new pair for your kid that they will outgrow in a year. $20 each pair.

AXO Road Shoes - Look/Shimano/SPD Cleat Compatible - Size 36Euro/4US Mens - $20
(AXO's have been Sold)


Lake MTB Shoes- SPD Cleat Compatible - Size 36Euro/4US Mens - $20



Shimano MTB Shoes - SPD Cleat Compatible - Size 39/8.5US Womens - $20



Tuesday, December 11, 2007

From the archives: 1998 MCF Rider of the Year Results

These results have a lot of familiar names, and many forgotten ones...


Place ROY Cat Total LAST NAME FIRST CLUB CAT AGE
1 1/2/3 156 Flanders Scott MBRC 1 41
2 1/2/3 143 Mulrooney Tim MBRC 1 30
3 1/2/3 99 Doig Chris MBRC 2 24
4 1/2/3 82 Dalseth Pascal Como Wheelers 1 26
5 1/2/3 82 Butkiewicz Kyle MBRC 2 28
6 1/2/3 80 Haley Justin LSC 2 26
7 1/2/3 76 Homme Darrin MBRC 2 23
8 1/2/3 58 Everett Peter FCCC 2 23
9 1/2/3 56 Koeneman Brian LSC 2 30
10 1/2/3 55 Hanna Peter So Chicago Wheelmen 2 25
11 1/2/3 44 Larson Eric MBRC 1 28
12 1/2/3 43 Finken Gerald Squadra Corsa 2 40
13 1/2/3 40 Ostrow Banning UCC 2 25
14 1/2/3 40 Harick Bruce MCT 2 44
15 1/2/3 38 Carolan Tim CLBC 1 26
16 1/2/3 36 Delanoy David UCC 1 27
17 1/2/3 32 Beck Doug UCC 2 32
18 1/2/3 32 Heng Vic FCCC 3 30
19 1/2/3 30 Krawza Kenny Squadra Corsa 3 27
20 1/2/3 28 Feirn Fred JRA 2 31
21 1/2/3 25 Dalton Pat FCCC 2 41
22 1/2/3 23 Skarpohl Mark SMBC 2 40
23 1/2/3 22 Henderson Jay MBRC 2
24 1/2/3 21 Wuertz Kevin Squadra Corsa 1 27
25 1/2/3 21 Fairbanks Peter FCCC 2 19
26 1/2/3 20 Dyste John MCT 2 44
27 1/2/3 16 Gates Mathew FCCC 2
28 1/2/3 15 New Mike CLBC 1 21
29 1/2/3 14 Lindstrom Rob UCC 2
30 1/2/3 14 Tamminen Jason Como Wheelers 2 27
31 1/2/3 13 Becker Marc UCC 2
32 1/2/3 13 Fisher Jon CLBC 2
33 1/2/3 13 Dickey Dewey LSC
34 1/2/3 10 Hager Derek 35
35 1/2/3 10 Raymond Ron MBRC 2 38
36 1/2/3 10 Seidel Greg Squadra Corsa 3 23
37 1/2/3 10 Olson Jake MBRC 2 21
38 1/2/3 10 Manderfeld Tom Unattched 3
39 1/2/3 10 Hedstrand Jason FCCC 3 23
40 1/2/3 10 Robertson Scott GIS 3 31
41 1/2/3 10 Losich Carl GLS 3 29
42 1/2/3 10 Macias Rene Uptown 2
43 1/2/3 10 Popp Kevin Como Wheelers 3 24
44 1/2/3 10 Haines Kenneth Cuesta 2 34
45 1/2/3 10 Lundeen Frank Willow River 3 19
46 1/2/3 10 Wenzel Jon U/A 3 27
47 1/2/3 10 Rivard Andrew MBRC 2 25
48 1/2/3 0 Lennon Kevin MCT
Place ROY Cat Total LAST NAME FIRST CLUB CAT AGE
1 W Open 145 Lee Susan SPBRC 3 47
2 W Open 144 Donzella Bonny SPBRC 4 34
3 W Open 95 Phillips Diane GIS 4 26
4 W Open 73 Zeh Jean GIS 42
5 W Open 65 Miller Kristin SPBRC 36
6 W Open 63 Riggs Erika SPBRC 4 28
7 W Open 63 Gates Diane SPBRC 4 28
8 W Open 62 Silbernick Melinda LSC 4 43
9 W Open 57 Sundberg Laurel U/A 5 19
10 W Open 53 Kane Christine SPBRC 4 32
11 W Open 52 Quade-Harick Barb MCT 3 39
12 W Open 51 Jacobse Helen SPBRC 4 38
13 W Open 50 Mussen Kris 4
14 W Open 41 Ulmer Jeanne SPBRC
15 W Open 37 Davis Rebecca LSC
16 W Open 33 Kissel Carmen
17 W Open 33 Scholl Tracy Squadra Corsa 4 33
18 W Open 25 Kelly Kori Squadra Corsa 2 23
19 W Open 25 Pruitt Marla SPBRC 28
20 W Open 20 Flannagan Michelle U/A 3 34
21 W Open 16 Soucy Adrian 2
22 W Open 16 Strong Katherine 4
23 W Open 11 Montgomery Dave SPBRC 2 18
24 W Open 10 Schumacher Gretchen 4
25 W Open 10 Thomas Janet Unattached 4 20
Place ROY Cat Total LAST NAME FIRST CLUB CAT AGE
1 3 132 Cullen James LSC 3 31
2 3 116 Walker Henry FCCC 3 32
3 3 92 Flood Christopher GIS 4 23
4 3 68 Seidel Greg Squadra Corsa 3 23
5 3 64 Sadosky Paul U/A 4 30
6 3 63 Krawza Kenny Squadra Corsa 3 27
7 3 58 Thompson Jeff L'etoile du Nord 3
8 3 52 Trebesch Ron LSC 3 34
9 3 45 Mercer David MBRC 4 30
10 3 44 Gale Brian GIS 4 23
11 3 44 Melicher Jeff Unattached 4 33
12 3 36 McGuire Chad FCCC 3 26
13 3 32 Sklena Paul L'etoile du Nord 3 33
14 3 30 Robertson Scott GIS 3
15 3 30 Woller Jay LSC 3 24
16 3 30 Zimmerman David Willow River 3 29
17 3 30 Smith Chris GIS 3 29
18 3 30 Christian Aaron LSC 3
19 3 30 Hulett Chris Squadra Corsa 3 25
20 3 28 Pederson Mike GIS 3
21 3 24 Dowling Pat FCCC 4
22 3 20 Benning Kevin Squadra Corsa 4
23 3 20 Kullman Shane Squadra Corsa 3 26
24 3 20 Hom Ray Willow River 4
25 3 20 Kunert John SMBC 4 19
26 3 20 Ferris Chris UCC 4 28
27 3 20 Stahlmann Daniel SPBRC 5 26
28 3 20 Haag Michael U/A 3 34
29 3 20 Powell Andrew SPBRC 4 29
30 3 18 Arthur Huber LSC 3
31 3 18 Balzer Eric JRA 3 29
32 3 10 Musich Jacob SPBRC 4
33 3 10 Silvernail Dan SPBRC 4
34 3 10 Griegg Robert CBRC 4
35 3 10 Donatell Jeremy Willow River 3
36 3 10 Kyes James Squadra Corsa 4
37 3 10 Ohotto John Squadra Corsa 4
38 3 10 Linn Brent CBRC 4
39 3 10 Lundeen Frank Willow River 3 19
40 3 10 Schon Barry GIS 4 28
41 3 10 Loecken Bryan MCT 4
42 3 10 Tainter James UBS 3 29
43 3 10 Voreis Aaron LSC 3 19
44 3 10 DeHaven Gary L'etoile du Nord 3
Place ROY Cat Total LAST NAME FIRST CLUB CAT AGE
1 Junior M 97 Mohrland Brian Team Metric 17
2 Junior M 85 Winger Luke LSC 3 17
3 Junior M 64 Anderson Charles FCCC
4 Junior M 44 Lundeen Mike 17
5 Junior M 25 Frenz Jacob
6 Junior M 25 Venna Tom FCCC 17
7 Junior M 22 Poelzer Carl SPBRC 17
8 Junior M 22 Bradford Scott FCCC 15
9 Junior M 20 Agar Clint
10 Junior M 20 Appleman Matt LSC 14
1 Junior W 25 Stangl Heidi 14
Place ROY Cat Total LAST NAME FIRST CLUB CAT AGE
1 Masters 35+ 163 Raymond Ron MBRC 2 38
2 Masters 35+ 90 Baker John LSC 1 37
3 Masters 35+ 86 Dalton Pat FCCC 2 41
4 Masters 35+ 84 Dietzman Michael MBRC 3 36
5 Masters 35+ 77 Dyste John MCT 2 44
6 Masters 35+ 71 Thompson Jeff L'etoile du Nord 3 36
7 Masters 35+ 55 Spielberg Richard FCCC 3 44
8 Masters 35+ 54 Asp David SPBRC 3 50
9 Masters 35+ 38 Odio Jorge CLBC 41
10 Masters 35+ 36 Casebeer Dan SPBRC 40
11 Masters 35+ 36 Lennon Kevin MCT 40
12 Masters 35+ 34 Bernard Peter FCCC 44
13 Masters 35+ 30 Kamper Mathew
14 Masters 35+ 29 Regester Doug L'etoile du Nord 41
15 Masters 35+ 29 Tidemand Kevin LSC 40
16 Masters 35+ 28 Mairs Robert SPBRC 42
17 Masters 35+ 27 Hastert David MBRC 43
18 Masters 35+ 26 Carter Tony
19 Masters 35+ 25 Pramann Dave L'etoile du Nord 2 40
20 Masters 35+ 25 DeHaven Gary L'etoile du Nord 3 37
21 Masters 35+ 25 Bockenstedt Paul Hobby Racer 2 33
22 Masters 35+ 25 Carlson Greg
23 Masters 35+ 24 Jahr Donald
24 Masters 35+ 23 Hallanger Roy
25 Masters 35+ 22 Townsend Charles SPBRC 45
26 Masters 35+ 22 Farrow Charles
27 Masters 35+ 21 Johnson Tom MBRC 37
28 Masters 35+ 21 Lange Kurt Velo Duluth
29 Masters 35+ 20 Gasteyer Bill FCCC 4 41
30 Masters 35+ 20 Andersen Craig U/A 5 36
31 Masters 35+ 20 Hayden Brian
32 Masters 35+ 16 Dow David SPBRC 2
33 Masters 35+ 15 Diehl Rick FCCC 3 39
34 Masters 35+ 15 Jarnow Dean L'etoile du Nord 39
35 Masters 35+ 14 Jennings Tom MBRC 45
36 Masters 35+ 14 Wold Charlie LSC 3 43
37 Masters 35+ 10 Daup J. Scott
38 Masters 35+ 10 Kueng John
39 Masters 35+ 10 Peterson Paul MCT 1 35
40 Masters 35+ 10 Sandberg Scott GIS 48
41 Masters 35+ 10 Laporte David SPBRC 4 47
42 Masters 35+ 10 Beattie Bruce L'etoile du Nord 3 45
Place ROY Cat Total LAST NAME FIRST CLUB CAT AGE
1 Masters 45+ 155 Townsend Charles SPBRC 45
2 Masters 45+ 152 Pettersen Cleve MBRC 2 54
3 Masters 45+ 99 Spengler Mike SPBRC 46
4 Masters 45+ 81 Mason Mike SPBRC 46
5 Masters 45+ 75 Tennis Tony MBRC
6 Masters 45+ 73 Beattie Bruce L'etoile du Nord 3 45
7 Masters 45+ 70 Montgomery David SPBRC 2 50
8 Masters 45+ 69 Jennings Tom MBRC 45
9 Masters 45+ 58 Grothe Tom SPBRC 2 48
10 Masters 45+ 43 Johnson Gary SPBRC 51
11 Masters 45+ 43 Monear Mike GIS 51
12 Masters 45+ 29 Lynner Michael SPBRC 45
13 Masters 45+ 28 Storti Fred MCT 51
14 Masters 45+ 27 LaPorte David SPBRC 4 47
15 Masters 45+ 26 Sandberg Scott GIS
16 Masters 45+ 21 Kelsey Joe SPBRC
17 Masters 45+ 16 Scheel Steve 50
18 Masters 45+ 13 Meyer Dan LSC 48
19 Masters 45+ 12 Silbernagel Peter LSC
20 Masters 45+ 11 Lindholm Al LSC
21 Masters 45+ 10 Anderson Richard FCCC 45
22 Masters 45+ 10 Thompson Richard 45
23 Masters 45+ 10 Galles Ron MBRC 50
24 Masters 45+ 10 Weinert James 50
25 Masters 45+ 10 Dunaway Tom 51
Place ROY Cat Total LAST NAME FIRST CLUB CAT AGE
1 Masters 55+ 25 Schaefer Ken G Wheelmen 58
2 Masters 55+ 22 Ahmad Shareef 60
3 Masters 55+ 20 Lloyd Charlie 65
4 Masters 55+ 18 Steele Tom 65
5 Masters 55+ 0 Zink Phil 60