LAMBA night

Had 25 riders at the trails last night. Stacey took care of the girls on my regular Wednesday night off. Rode for a couple hours. The trails were in great shape. The real fun began at the trailhead with beers, brats, and the infamous 2BTT (2 beer time trial).

It seems fitting that the White Surly 1x1 pictured above is about to be retired from my stable. She's creaking a lot and is due for a tune up. Just as well strip her down and build the Karate Monkey with her parts. That bike's been good to me. Ridden every trail I can think of in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa, and Missouri. It's been with me to Colorado, Tucson, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and North Carolina.

We're getting a good thing going in CR with the MTB scene. It's fun to watch people ride the trails we've worked hard at creating.

Hopping on the 29er bandwagon

Albeit, a little late, my new Surly Karate Monkey is in at my local bike shop. Getting the Chris King headset pressed in tonight and she's all mine to start building. My Stumpjumper got hit by a car that rearended us in June. Rather than put the money in to replace the parts on an older bike, I bought a new frame. I'm going to strip the 1x1 and put most of the parts on the Karate Monkey and sell the 1x1 frame on Ebay. Can't wait to get it done. When all is said and done, I should come out even on it too. It's like a free bike!!!! (almost)

Family Fun Day

Today was Family Fun Day at Beverly Park. A group of us set our personal desires to rip up and down the trails aside to guide those that may not have the gusto or whatever to come out and ride. We met a few new faces and gave some trail tours, but the turnout was pretty lame due to the previous two nights of rain. I got out for a hard ride, albeit a short one. It was pretty miserable out there due to the humidity.

When I got home from Beverly I found Stacey, Mara, Ellen, and Josey galavanting in the yard. We decided to go out for dinner to one of my favorite new establishments, Mulligan's. The food there is fantastic and it's a locally owned pub and grub. This was the first time taking the family there and things went pretty well. I had a great meal and a wonderful pint of Guinness. After that, we hit DQ for some desert. I love the Cherry Cheesecake Blizzards, but getting ice cream here always leaves a longing in my heart for Graham's Ice Cream in Geneva, IL. I've often considered driving there just for the ice cream. Did y'all know that I love ice cream almost as much as beer?

Sick kid

I talked to Stacey this afternoon while I was at work. Told her I'd like to ride the long way home from work tonight. She said Kelly (daycare) called and told her Mara was running a fever. I call Kelly at 4pm and ask how Mara is doing. She says Mara is feeling better. I say awesome and pass the news on to Stacey. I tell her that I'm going for a ride after work and will get home to mow the lawn. She says that's cool and that she is taking the girls to the mall. An hour later she calls me and tells me to get my ass home. Mara has a 103.5 degree temp. I head home, give Mara some Motrin, and send Stacey and Ellen out of the house. They leave and Mara and I have dinner. I have grilled pork patties and potatoes. Mara has yogurt and some toasted breakfast thingy. We're now in the basement where it's nice and cool watching Blue's Clues.

Great weekend, tough week

We were spoiled this weekend up at the lake. Came back to some hot and humid stuff this week. This is the time of year I can't eat or drink enough to keep up with my weight loss. We took Monday off and stayed an extra day up at the lake. I rode a road ride for the Bicycles Blues and BBQ in Clear Lake. Good time, but just like a roadie event would be, after the ride there was live music great food, and no beer. So I went and got my own. Leaned up against a tree in the shade, listened to some washed up blues singer, ate a brisket that was nothing short of succulent, and drank some Fat Tire Ale.

Back to the grind this week. Busy with work and life just like everybody else.

Gotta post this pic to show my crew at work. This chick seems to be next door up at the lake every time we're there.

Happy Birthday Baby

Yesterday was Stacey's birthday. We had already had an excellent weekend.

We spent the 4th of July with our friends Roy and Monique and their daughter Elise as well as another couple they are friends with. We grilled out and drank beer (well, I ended up drinking Stacey's share. Somebody had to drive). The girls stayed out late, but not late enough to enjoy the fireworks. I think they would enjoy them, but they were just so tired. The night came to a close when Ellen, as graceful as she is, took a header into a concrete block. She was a trooper as she always is, and wanted to continue playing once the blood was cleaned up, but it was clear the grumpiness was getting the best of her so we headed home.

The 5th was a fantastic weather day. As planned, Jen and Brian stopped by before a Schwartz family rebellion in Monticello. I took Brian for his first mountain bike ride of the year. Brian would be a fantastic rider if he rode more. As it was, he struggled a little at first, but regained his composure quickly. I very much engrossed him with mountain bike culture by bringing a 30 pack of Miller High Life with us to the trail.

Brian attempting the skinny

B Didn't make it on the first try, but did on the 2nd try. This is a feature a lot of the veterans don't have the juevos to attempt, so I was quite proud (and vocally so) when he made it on his 2nd try.

One of the many trail features at Beverly Park

A little fun on the picnic tables:

After we rode we went to Monticello for a BBQ and some good ol' family fun. Played some bean bags, ate some grilled goodies, and I drank WAYYYY too many beers. Thanks to the sober drivers.

Ellen hanging out after dinner playing in the rocks.

Me and two of Stacey's cousins playing bags. (Brian and I went undefeated)

Mara and Ellen with Grampa and Uncle B on the golf cart.

Finally, on the 6th, Stacey and I just layed low all day. In the morning I filled up the swimming pool that I had got from Target a few weeks ago. Now, let me tell you about this swimming pool. This here swimming pool is the Grand Daddy of all blow up swimming pools. Complete with and inflatable bench and three cup holders, it holds 217 gallons of garden hose goodness. I was stoked. I filled it up, and couldn't wait for the water to get warm enough, which, if timed right, should be right about after nap time. I was not at all disappointed. Nap time was short for Mara that day. After holding it in for five days, she left a poop in her diaper that Fat Bastard would be proud of. There was no going back to sleep for her. Hell, I'd be on cloud Nine too after a dump like that. So we put on her swimming suit and headed outside. She loved it. Absolutely loved it. I grabbed a little hair of the dog and sat down in there with her. A while later, Ellen and Stacey joined us , though Stacey did not get in the pool like I did. The kids loved it and I'm back in the running for Dad of the year.

Mara and Ellen diggin' the big pool

Mara and I made this cake for Mommy during the day. She helped blow the candles out. Stacey didn't want this picture published, but I couldn't resist. It was awesome. Mara had a lot of fun wishing Mommy a Happy Birthday. She even helped me sing the song. It was great.

This was a fantastic weekend. Thanks baby for all you do. Happy Birthday.