Cycling News Flash: Painman Shaves Head and Checks into Rehab

Cyclists abound are stunned by the news that Painman, an avid MN bike racer, has shaved off his locks, and checked into Hazelden. The news comes on the heels of Painman's solo 318 ride during this past weekend's snowstorm. His wife Hollie was quoted as stating "He's been riding more, and more lately, but I didn't think he was this close to the edge." Chad's 1 year old son was quoted as saying "Daddy Bald?"

Painman has the support of many local cyclists in his rehabilitation. Skibby stated "I will continue to regularly shave my head in support. I feel for Painman, and I wish him a speedy recovery." JimmerC expressed "I was worried when he couldn't take a half day last week to ride with Johnny B, Treb, and I. I didn't know it was this bad."

Current speculation has Painman getting out of Rehab before LSC spring training camp at the end of March. He is currently in negotiations with his doctors to remove his bike and trainer from his room, to better facillitate his rehabilitation.

This one's for you Ghost.

I was so down about not making the full hundo on Thursday, that Treb and I ventured outside today in the snowstorm. The tailwind was incredible. However, the headwind was just nasty. What a workout. The sleet was coming down sideways, and cut like a knive. At least we were able to hide some in the Afton hills. The crosswind forced you to lean hard into it, but the sleet forced you to look away. So we were basically riding blind in the crosswind. Snow accumulated pretty heavily on the bikes, but luckily the temps were high enough, so the chain could break the ice free from the cogs, as long as you shifted frequently. Strangely, the ride was pretty enjoyable, which shows how sick we cyclists are.


I heard only 225 people were able to race the Birke. I feel for all those who count that race a key milestone in their ski season. What a bummer.

T-minus 1 week to Big Sky

They've gotten about 3 feet of snow in the last couple weeks. I can't wait.
Check out the floorplan for our plush slopeside accomodations.

February Century

Breakout the sunscreen. Treb and I are taking a half day on Thursday, with Johnny B, to pile on the miles during this brief "heatwave" before the snow storm this weekend. Poor Painman has to work. I guess someone has to keep the world running while we are biking.

Rollin' on the River

I decided it would be fun to ride on the St. Croix River today, and Treb obliged. We started just across from Hudson and rode to Afton State Park. It was slow going, and a tough workout. We were constantly looking for a better track. The snowmobile tracks were pretty crusty, and we just kept breaking through, and thrown around by the tracks. I swear it was tougher than riding cobbles, and it seemed to get even worse as we went on, especially the last mile or so. Great way to work on developing power, my lower back is killing me. It took us about an hour and a half to ride about 15 miles, with a tailwind even.

I tipped over a few times on the ice. At one point, I was just screwing around, and tried riding a wheelie. I went over backwards and couldn't clip out, right onto my back. Nice move exlax.

By the time we got to the warming house at Afton State Park, we were exhausted. We scored a couple bottles of Coke from the machine, and I dang near fell asleep in my chair. Starting up again was tough. Both of us were soaked in sweat, and the road went downhill into the wind right at the start. Brrr. By the time we got to Afton, the front of Treb's jersey was frozen solid. We scored some warm drinks and food at the Afton Bean, then headed home. All told, 4 hours in the saddle, and 43 whopping miles.

Medtronic CRDM's New Digs

Anyone who's travelled near the intersection of 35W and 10 in Moundsview has probably noticed the new buildings taking shape on the NW corner. Starting this fall, it will be my new work location.

It's a pretty cool facility with all the modern corporate amenities and conveniences. One of the highlights is a 4-story covered parking ramp. My commute will pretty much be the same. I just wish the "Unweave the Weave" construction on the 35E/694 commons would finish ahead of schedule.

The new place is even closer to the velodrome than I am now. It may influence my amount of spectating, but not my participation.

Don't forget

After 17 years of marriage, I've learned that "Don't get me anything." really means "I can't wait to see what you got me!"

Johnny B's New Record

Jordan and I went over to Johnny B's on Saturday for a 3 hour trainer ride. John's previous longest trainer ride was 2 hours. Congrats! Improved on the record by 50%, and he was on rollers for cripes sake.

318 on Sunday. Painman, Johnny B, and I were so thrilled with the 20deg temp and sun, we added on before stopping at Moose and Sadies. Ran into the Red Lantern on the way back to Excelsior. He had managed to darn near break his hip earlier, falling on an icy section of the trail. We cruised back through Minnetonka with Johnny B setting a good pace. Then RL decides to drill it the last few miles. He gapped all of us at first, and I dug deep to get back to his wheel. He pressed hard all the way back to the 318, and had me seeing double a couple times. It was so friggin great to get back outside after 3 weeks of riding the trainer.

Loon State Cyclist Team Orders due by 2/15/07. Now is the time to stock up on tires, chains, and cassettes. Or even better, that new bike you've been thinking of begging your significant other to let you buy. Only 7 weeks till spring training camp.

No Shadow.

Looks like an early spring. The last time Punxsutawney Phil didn't see his shadow was 1999.

4 weeks till Big Sky

Only 4 weeks left until we head to Big Sky, MT. Jordan, Treb, and I are driving out over spring break for a week of mountain skiing. Treb's son is going to join us mid week. Looking forward to scoring maximum vertical.

Azithromycin please

Had a little cough on Monday. Unfortunately, it has developed into bronchitis. Guess I needed another break from training. I would be much more disappointed if an outdoor ride was a possibility this weekend.