Busy times

We got our hop rhizomes in the mail and are now in planters awaiting transplanting into the yard at the new house. 2 Chinook rhizomes and 2 Goldings. They’re about twice the size now, that pic is about a week old.  Blogging? Who’s got time for that these days? I sure as hell haven’t. All of my free time in the past month has been spent looking at houses. Yes, I’ve decided to purchase a home. Its come up very fast. Long story short, my current roommate and I were looking at apartments because we were given 6 months to be out of our current place, which is the end of May. A couple months ago I jokinly said to my pops about an investment opportunity with me. “How about going in on a house with me.” We both laughed and I forgot about it. Well I guess he took it seriously and came back to me a month ago with a plan. After some discussion, I was approved and looking at houses within a week of him telling me he’d help me out. Now, here I am with an accepted offer and just waiting on finalizing some terms with the lender. WOAH!! I have only been on my bike twice in the past month. I haven’t even had time to continue on with all grain equipment purchases. Everything right now devoted to the house. My thoughts of going to school for brewing are on hold too. Will I continue on this site? I’ll try. I’m moving home with the ‘rents for about a month then off to the new house where I won’t have internet access for awhile. Thanks for reading, hopefully I’ll find some time again in the future for more worthless dribble you all can read. Cheers!!

 

SO WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO ABOUT IT?????

“Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed?” Think about that one for a minute…………………………..

I recently came across this quote about a month ago. It jolted my insides. It really did. My mind wanders pretty much on a constant basis. More so in the past year or so. Most of it relates to what I wanna do with my time on this planet. This 80 year  journey of life. Am I just gonna sit back and do things in a safe manner? Or am I going to get out there and take risks? This quote may not apply to everyone. Some people are just fine and dandy with being “on shore”, but I want to accomplish something big. I want to be remembered that I made a difference during my life. We only get one shot at this life thing right? So why not make the most of it.

My first love, and will always be my first love is bicycles. When my career is all said and done, I’m sure I will have been in the bicycle industry throughout my years. I love the sense of freedom you get when you are riding a bike. Never had that before on one? Next time you go out on a bike ride, don’t bring you’re Ipod, don’t bring with you the daily issues, the stress, personal problems. Get out there with a clear mind and listen. Listen to the wind in you’re ears. Listen to the leaves bustling in the air. Birds chirping, or the Ocean if you can. I heard a quote on a show last night about the Ocean. “Listen, beautiful isn’t it? The worlds oldest song.” Riding down the trail and seeing wild turkey’s running around, and deer grazing. You can’t experience these things driving around in you’re car. Thats what I love so much about this industry. We promote good health, and well being. In a time of Global Warming, “unfortunate consequenses”, and to some impending DOOM, we can shed some light on the topic. Getting out and riding a bike every day does no harm to the environment and its surroundings. I wouldn’t pick any other industry for my career path.

What about doing this writing thing I’ve been talking about for so long? Yes. I still would like to pursue that as a side project.  I want to learn more of the English language and find unique ways to use it. I want to write about certain topics in a unexpected, unusual, and weird way. I think the main thing I would want to write about on a daily basis are current events. I can’t get enough of it. I’m constantly perusing through every website I can think of. ABC News, CNN, Fark, Drudgereport, WCCO, ESPN, and many others. Almost like I am reporting the news only in a odd, twisted manner. No, not reporting, but putting my insight on the topic. Using my opinions. There would have to be some humor added in for sure.  Would people read this? Who knows. I must try right? Brave that storm of life. Perhaps there is a form of this writing already out there. The quote that is above was written by Hunter S. Thompson.

Of course when people think of H.S. Thompson they think of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Indeed this was a very well written book, but I believe most people out there think all this man was good at was getting stoned, ripped, twisted, and then would write about those experiences. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is his version of a failed Gonzo experience. I hate people that are fans of him for that reason, and that reason only. He was much more of that. He almost became sheriff of Pitkin County, near his hometown in Colorado. He was very much involved in politics, and throughout the 60’s and 70’s did many different reports and articles on political events, and figures. That’s the real Hunter Thompson. Its his letters in “Fear and Loathing in America” that really show his true writing style. He is the number 1 reason why I would want to become a writer. Not because he would get ripped all the time. It was because of his style of writing. I like to think of it as a go all out style. He didn’t hold back. If someone pissed him off, he let them know about it. He spoke his mind. I like that.

So what am I going to do about it? Go big or go home. I’ve got ideas, lots of them. I just need to turn them into reality.

 

“You fritter and waste the hours in an off hand way”

I find that Pink Floyd’s second line from the song “Time” describes this post best. Did you know the average American wastes two weeks of our life each year sitting in traffic? It took me 45 minutes to get home from work yesterday. It usually takes 15-20 tops. I thought it was ironic that this little tid-bit of information popped on the radio while I was sitting in a entrance ramp on 394. Lets figure you start actually driving in traffic at age 18. If you live to be 80(which is the expected rate in the U.S. at this time) thats 62 years of driving. So 2 weeks a year for 62 years is 124 weeks or just over 10 months. Almost a year of our life is wasted sitting in fucking traffic. We are not here to be sitting in traffic wasting away time. Literally. By the time I turn 80 I hope I can last at least one more year to get back that year I lost sitting in my car, watching the tail lights in front of me flicker on and off. Add that and the fact that barrels of crude oil hit an all time high a couple of days ago, the reasons to continue driving a car are becoming slim. I am not here to waste my time in traffic or break the bank on a tank of gas. If I could I’d get rid of my car. I just hope that sometime in the near future I will be working closer to home so I can ride my bike to work. It makes me wish we had the kind of public transit the Europeans have. My brothers host family in Germany didn’t even own a car. You can’t get you’re license over their until you are 18, its hella expensive too. But public transit is far beyond what we have. If you want to use a car, its cheap to rent one over there. Flights over there are cheap too.
Speaking of cars. The hunt for a new one continues. I am looking for 3 things. 1. Reliability. I want a car that is known to last long and not have problems. So basically anything NOT made in the U.S. 2. Affordable. I would like to buy a new car or a car a few years old. I was able to pick my uncles brain this weekend(he’s been selling cars for years) and it sounds like with where I am financially it can be done. 3. Longevity. I want a car that has a ton of gas mileage. I’m talking in the 35-40mpg, maybe I could to hybrid and get 45-50mpg. We’ll see. I’ve found a couple of good deals on some 07′ Civics, but I am also considering a Hyundai, Nissan, or Toyota. This week is pretty hectic, but I plan on getting out to dealers next week.
Well, I’ve got a long day of errands, laundry, car fixing, and one-dogs to enjoy. Oh, and for all you coffee drinkers out there the Cameron’s Breakfast Blend is one of the best bag of beans I’ve had in months. I’m out.

daily quote – “I think his assessment is off the mark” Vice President Dick Cheney in a Wall Street Journal article criticizing Alan Greenspan’s memoir which blasted the Bush administrations handling of the economy

today’s bike term – monkey-motion adj. magazine writer speak for a full suspension bike

 

Ahhhhhh, Autumn.

Well Afton has come and gone. Its been some time since my last post. You can read about what happened at the 24 Hours of Afton here BAQFUP Now that the biking season is pretty much done for me I hope to spend some more time on this thing, letting you folks keep tabs on this some more. I haven’t been on a bike since the 24 Hours. My knee(the reason I had to quit early) still bugs me from time to time. I notice it when I take out a repair bike for a test ride. I’m thinking this isn’t a problem that will heal on its own and I am thinking of maybe hitting up the doctor in the next couple of weeks. Besides, I’ve got a weird looking mole on my forearm that I think should be looked at.
That bastard has done it again. I’m talking about The Man. We all love college football. Should we have to pay and extra fee just to watch our team? NO!! But we do. This year marks the first year of the Big Ten Network. This was tried once before with the Twins. Remember Victory Sports? Thank God that bombed. The only way I can watch the Gopher football team is if the game is nationally televised. Even if I was dumb enough to give the cable company more of my money the only network that even carries this Big Ten Network is Direct TV. Why on earth should we have to pay more money to watch a college event. The NFL has the same thing on Direct TV but we still get to watch our team on regular TV. Even the NFL’s package is cheaper then what the Big Ten is charging. Just an easy way for the Big Ten schools to make a quick buck. We can make a difference however. Join the petition to STOP this madness so we can all as Big Ten fans watch our team at no extra charge. puttingfansfirst.com I joined up, and every Big Ten sports fan should do the same. Put this shit to an end.
With this cool weather we’re having I think its safe to say summer is in our rear view mirror. I love autumn. Nice cool weather. Football is upon us. Hockey is only a few weeks away. HOCKEY!!! Its back. Leaves changing. Perfect time to bundle up with that special someone. I also get this unique feeling inside this time of year. A feeling of comfort and warmth you could say. I use to love going up to Duluth in the fall. It has probably been at least 2 years since I’ve done that, but hope to get up there sometime in middle to late October. Should be fun. See some old friends.
Well, thats all for now. I will be spending a lot more time on this now that the summer season is slowing and I actually have time to think again. I’ll be switching themes a little bit. Not so much bike talk now. Maybe a little more political, keep up on global warming, some more interesting topics for you folks that aren’t of the bike ilk. Ta Ta.

daily quote – “I think the American public deserves to have a clearer sense of where’s the light at the end of the tunnel.” Sen. Norm Coleman on Iraq after Gen. David Petraeus testified before Congress about the war’s progress

today’s bike term – cockrotter n. one who allows his bike to fall in disrepair, and whose bike invariably fails him at some point in every ride. These people don’t know why their bike always breaks, and often would rather buy new parts than keep their bike in good condition.

 

Deja Vu?

You ever get that feeling like you were put on this Earth to do something glorious? Yea, me neither. Ha. Well sometimes. I was driving home tonight listening to the System Of A Down album “Mezmerize” and it got me thinking. The last time I listened to this album was this time last year. The holiday’s. It brought back old feelings. The same kind that I had when I was listening to this album before. They all come back. I thought about this for awhile and came up with some others. In not particular order mind you. The Foo Fighters very first album was the first CD I purchased. It brought me into the world that is Rock and Roll. Muse’s “Black Holes and Revelations” will always come back to me as the first person I met who liked Muse as much if not more then I do. =w=eezer’s self titled “blue” album. Ah yes, this one is a goodie. I had a mad crush on a girl when I was really into this album. I called this album the home of the best 8 minute song on earth. “Only in Dreams”. Every time I hear that song it brings me back. When I hear Cake’s “Fashion Nugget” it brings me back to bus rides up to Giants Ridge and lawnmowing. Colplay’s “Parachutes” album was the album that was with me the first time I fell in love. Silverchair’s “Frogstomp” album brings me back to younger days raising hell around the neighborhood with my brothers and Matt and Mike. Ok, I got a little off course. Most of these just bring back those feelings of old. Not neccesarilly again. A lot of those feelings bring a sense of comfort to me. Deja Vu? Maybe. All I know is listening to some of those albums, those classic albums bring ya back. WOW. How cool is that? The CC Club beckons and I must leave. Here’s to music. Cheers

weekly quote. “It’s a little known fact that the tan became popular in what is known as the Bronze Age.” -Cliff Claving of the Sitcom “Cheers”

 

mmmmmmmm. Ice Water

This picture(please excuse the fingerprint) doesn’t really pertain to what I am going to talk about today. Just to remind you that I will back in the Rocky Mountains in early Jan. 2007 and just wante3 to rub it in you’re faces. Jelous? Congratulations Mr. Murdoch. You decided not to run O.J. Simpsons interview on Fox News and cancel the publication of his book. Dumbass. It took you THAT long to come back to reality and how dumb of a story this is? Even Geraldo Rivera was critizing Fox. That in intself should tell you its bad. Why is this man(Simpson) still getting press? His new book was to explain “how I would have killed my ex-wife and friend” had I done that murders. I am speachless. Its a shame someone was even going to run and publish this “book”. Sad really. My jaw dropped big time today. More hints of a draft for the Military. If that happens I’m moving to Canada. I should have the option to decide myself if I want to go into the Military. Not forced. If they are running low on troops, maybe that is another sign we don’t belong in Iraq. However, on the other hand, we can’t just drop everything we’re doing and leave Iraq. We have to fix the problems we created. It’s a lose-lose situation. The worst kind. I suppose all things today can’t be sad news. I mean, it is the week of Thanksgiving. Good ol’ “Turkey Day”. I can’t wait. I love eating all that food, watching football and relaxing. I mean think about it. Those three descriptions probablly account for what every American will be doing this coming Thursday. Well, pretty damn close. Last weekend was quite entertaining. Had a couple good nights at the house. Many laughs, and drama was about. I think there’s still a little hint of burndt Badger’s hovering around the U campus. Oh yea, thats right, the Gophers swept Wisconson Sat. and Sun. SHIBBY!!! I get to go on my very FIRST business trip this coming December. I get to go visit the SRAM corp. in Colorado Springs the second week of Dec. Those of you who aren’t of the bicycle “ilk”, its kind of a big deal. Also thats almost 2 weeks out of 5 I will be in Colorado. No complaints here. For some odd reason Radiohead has made me very hungry and the pasta calls my name. Here’s to a good week, good company, and Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Cheers

weekly quote – “Anywhere is walking distance, if you’ve got the time”. -Steven Wright

 

Thoughts, Facts, Advice, and some life lessons

Y’all remember that Suntan lotion song? NO, not the Adam Sandler version. The one that offered advice. Anyone? Well, I’m gonna offer my thoughts, advice, whatever ya wanna call it today, this 13th day of November, two thousand and six. Enjoy….. If you buy 30 tortilla’s for only 95 cents be aware that there is a reason they
are only 95 cents. 75% of the people that get off of Freeway 94W onto the
Hennepin/Lyndale exit are idiots, drive wisely. Cheese is overrated and should
be celebrated. The first time she gives you that “look” should never be forgotten. That look that makes you fall in love for the first time all over again. It makes you want to smother her with kisses and hugs. Priceless. The =w=eezer self titled “Blue” album slowly seeps through your pores and into your thoughts and emotions like water through a paper towl. You soon become saturated with musical and lyrical genious. ALWAYS remember where you came from and be proud of that. Never overlook a good conversation and cup of coffee. Love should be something that everybody gets to experience in their lifetime. Next time you see someone looking down and in the dumps, all they might need is a smile and a “hello.” Try it sometime. If you are an avid cyclist, I highly recommend you try a 24 hour solo mt. bike race. Clip your toenails and fingernails on a regular basis. People watching is more fun then you may think it is. Anytime you think that you’re gonna explode from stress, just take a deep breath, drink some Squirt, and tell yourself “Woah dude, it could be much worse.” Bush jumping while intoxicated is hilarious to watch, a trip to do, and a good laugh to see the next day(photos). Don’t overestimate the satisfaction of a tasty, icy cold, beer. I’ll leave it at that. Ta Ta folks. Ciao

Weekly quote – “Common sense is the collection of prejudices aquired by the age eighteen” -Albert Einstein

 

so much to tell so little time

It has been quite some time since my last post. The main reason is I have been busy busy moving and getting settled into my new place in Uptown. Also the fact that we don’t have cable and internet yet. Hopefully within the next week that will be up and running. I absolutely love it in my new digs. I already feel more at home at my new place within 3 weeks then I did at my last two places I lived in. I think the layout of the whole place had a huge influence on that. I wish I had some pics of the place to put up but alas, not at this time. Since my last post I also turned the ripe age of 24 this past Wednesday. It was a blast. Being around good company always makes for a fun night. Lets just say I remember only the first couple of hours, and the last few hours nothing. I woke up in my big comfy chair downstairs with coasters all over myself and a bloody toe. I was told our “15 minute” walk home took and hour as well. YEA BUDDY!!! My racing has been pretty much non-existent lately. Something has come up the last 4 races. Bummer. I have been riding a lot and my first attemp at doing a solo 24 hour mt. bike race is in just two weeks. Exciting stuff. I’ve been thinking lately to go back to skool to be come a writer. More like a freelance writer of such. I think it would be fun. I dunno, we shall see what happens. My warm up race is next weekend up at Spirit Mt. in Duluth. I also have two days off after that so I think I’m gonna call some old friends who live up there and see if I can kick it for a few days up north. I think some R&R up in good ol’ Duluth will be good for me. A good way to say goodbye to the hectic and stresfull year at the bike shop. Well, being that I am at work and I suppose I should do some work, I must go. Pizza Luce’ block party tonight. Riding bikes and drinking backpack style. Until next time, I’ll see y’all on the flip side. Word Up. Ciao.