FPA Scene

Reasons to Fear Men in Spandex:

2010-04-15T22:03:00.005-05:00

In honor of the spring cycling season, here are other reasons to fear men (and women) in spandex:

Lets start with Ratt:

And then Dokken:

And perhaps my all time favorite 80's heavy metal band: TS

Rock on

Zombies!!!!

2009-12-08T09:46:00.004-06:00

zombies for the holidays!

go to the Scene for your free Zombie holiday card.

SB Insight Series: Curt Goodrich Bicycles

2009-11-25T10:35:00.013-06:00

In an effort to explore the marketing challenges today’s small business owners have, here is the second of many interviews exploring a variety of businesses and companies. The goal here is to listen to what they have to say about their world, find out what marketing works for them and find out what how that can help others.

Curt Goodrich

2010 E. Hennepin Ave. Suite #04-023 Minneapolis, MN 55413

Phone: 612.788.6812

email: info@curtgoodrich.com

www.curtgoodrich.com

Curt Goodrich is a lucky guy. He happens to be a craftsman doing what he has the talent and passion to do; Curt Goodrich is a custom bicycle frame builder. His talent is renown across the country. His frames are highly desirable works of art. They are built to provide their owners exactly the ride desired. Curt delivers frame sets that he has handcrafted from start to finish to those used to waiting in line.

Curt has been building frames since 1995, either for other brands or for his own. That’s a long time to hone your craft. Now he is building his frames in a largely artist community, in NE Minneapolis. His studio has the feel of production; tools and sandpaper cover workspace. Big tooling machinery en-circle a single bike stand holding a bare-metal steel frame.

Curt understands the minds of his clients. He understands their desire for something significantly different than the usual fare, the boring brands that fill the bike shops across the country. His customers are connoisseurs of the craft. And this works to his benefit; they are a determined bunch. They will ride what they currently own, but will eventual settle for their desires. Sure, they expect perfection and Curt can deliver, but they’ll wait for it.

So Curt’s marketing challenge is simple: To stay in front of these people; be present so that when they are ready to purchase, they’ll come to him. That might take a long time- a year, maybe longer, but these are big purchases.

Curt’s marketing plan is two-fold: a website that functions as the main communication tool and the support of a racing team that brings to life his brand on a local and national level.

Curt recently redesigned his website. It is now a harder working tool, interacting with his customers. It requires consistent updating and is built to stay “current”. But other than time, it costs him very little.

Curt’s sponsored race team requires significantly more effort, but not from Curt himself. The team is an outreach to the local community that may not know Curt Goodrich as a brand name. Curt hand picked racers who are community pillars, rather than flash-in-the-pan successes. He goal is to bring attention to the older, smarter crowd (his audience). Success comes easy to the team and to Curt, who now has a state champion on his team.

Curt realizes his audience makes this big decision only once-in-a-while. They find a connection with Curt’s brand and desire his craftsmanship. Not unlike an artist, his skills are highly valued. And to the collecting crowd, or to the racing audience, Curt’s bikes are something to desire.

However, Curt is not immune to the economic tumbles. Last year, Curt received the highest award for the off-road-bike category at the annual National Hand Built Bicycle Show. His brand and workmanship received national attention in major publications, both national and international. Pictures and stories were published, but to this point, not a single frame has yet been sold due all that attention.

In the end, this attention will build’s Curt’s brand as a national talent and this is not lost on Curt. The trick for Curt has been to turn that attention into sales. And for his customers, this spectacle supports the desires to invest in Curt’s talents.

If you are interested in checking out Curt’s talent as a bike builder, head to his website and poke around. If you wonder about his quality, look at the bike that won the MN state championship for the 45+ category.

Lucky guy….

SISU sends out cool tees to team members

2009-11-12T22:31:00.003-06:00

crossniac team members got one of these. Mpls syndicate getting something special-er

SB Insight Series: The Modern Café

2009-10-05T19:07:00.009-05:00

In an effort to explore the marketing challenges today’s small business owners have, here is the first of many interviews exploring a variety of businesses and companies. The goal here is to listen to what they have to say about their world, find out what works for them and find out what how that can help others.

Jim Grell

The Modern Café

337 13th Ave NE Minneapolis, MN 55413

Phone: (612) 378 9882

Email: modernmpls@gmail.com

moderncafeminneapolis.com

Jim Grell has own the Modern Café for 15 years. That’s quite a feat, considering the ups and downs of today’s restaurant world. Decidable different, the Modern Café serves American-modern classics from its small, but efficient kitchen. Its pot roast remains the well-known offering, but delicious varieties of burgers and pastas fill in the menu.

When I met with Jim, Friday’s lunch hour was coming to its end. I sat up at the bar, by Jim’s bloodied trophies. Jim has an approachable, yet sarcastic vibe. He comes across as honest.

Fifteen years in business gives someone like Jim a great perspective on trends, on what works and doesn’t. Jim has a strong opinion on what tactics do matter for his business growth. He is surprised by what no longer does.

The first ten years brought Jim and the Modern a great amount of growth. Jim had the ability to invest in new ventures and bring the Modern to stability. These were good times for the Modern. The past five have plateaued. The Modern’s growth has slowed or stayed the same.

Print ads have little return for his dollar. PR used to be very effective, however the newspaper blurb that would bring in a crowd rarely has the same effect. Even the new website has been hard to track as useful. It has been frustrating to Jim that these avenues bring more ambiguity than clearity. Jim understands that some of this is necessary, but puts less and less energy behind them.

But, Jim’s vision is clear, “Get out there and touch the flesh.” “Make eye contact and shake a lot of hands.” For Jim, this is the strongest approach to growth and new customers. Therefore, Jim involves the Modern in many charity events, high-presence events and he looks to link the Modern with equally powerful brands such as wine and liquor companies. Jim attends many “food” events and finds them effective in meeting new customers. It is hit or miss – or as he calls it, “a turd in the punch bowl,” – for him, but still more effective than traditional advertising.

Jim knows what he offers. He knows his product and service are superior to those in his neighborhood. He watches new ventures come and go. He names two new restaurants that he expects to impload.

“My goal is to own this neighborhood.” He says with determination. “It’s (the Modern) perfect for our world, we are the new Amish.”

Jim recently went to France on a cooking trip. He went looking for the new offering, the new thing. Instead he found confirmation that he is on the right track. “In France, its all about the classics, done right. They aren’t doing anything different than we are, they just do it better.”

So, how does Jim use marketing and design to bring this message forward? Beyond the necessary ad here or there, he’s figuring that out as he goes. Jim admits he's technology-clueless and nervous about putting energy into social marketing ventures. In the meantime, he’s shaking hands, meeting people and trying to avoid the turds in the punch bowl.

Inspiration: Skateboard Shoes

2009-09-09T22:48:00.004-05:00

Inspiration: Skateboarding Shoes. The genius of them all.

Nothing Like a Fun Beer Campaign

2009-08-30T21:34:00.003-05:00

The Most Interesting Man in the World for Dos Equis

nice to see a solid campaign for a beer brand...(copy and paste)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2XuEnNiMF4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUdSjpc9-70&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2SSZA0CjdQ&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0vyx9sa99E&feature=PlayList&p=DB0EB20C0B948617&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=55

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nxw0_Pxymyk&feature=PlayList&p=DB0EB20C0B948617&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=58

cleaning house

2009-08-12T12:07:00.001-05:00

....................................

CHANGES ARE COMING

2009-08-12T12:05:00.000-05:00

For reals....

things are changing here..

hold onto your pants.

NVGP 09

2009-06-15T22:24:00.002-05:00

I love the nvgp. I've got nothing more than that to report. Its just good times all week long.

I did, however, get to ride with the JellyBelly Proteam and talk to JPowers about music as we-all headed to the uptown crit.

goodtimes.

Tattoo

2009-06-13T14:24:00.002-05:00

Final got it.

I love it.

well... I got half of what I'd call a "piece," I need the swedish half, but what I got for now is great. My friend Jason showed up, not knowing I was going to be there. I thought that was a good sign.

Its didn't hurt, but it wasn't comfortable. Now it feels like I got a sunburn or something.

cool as hell

2009-06-09T20:20:00.001-05:00

http://sebikes.wordpress.com/2009/05/19/dcxse-pk-ripper-fixed-gear/

My PK was stolen in 7th grade. A loss indeed. I earned that pup by doing the early morning paper-route, like kids used to do. Anyways, it was stolen. I ended up with a Hutch Pro Racer, which I held onto till 2 years ago. No, atcually, the Hutch belonged to Josh. Anyways, I am jazzed about this...

Big Week

2009-06-08T11:15:00.002-05:00

lots happening this week. Stuff worth posting about, I mean, not here/not now... but good reading is coming...
I'll do the play-by-play as we head thru each day.

But here's what I'm looking at:
Monday=plain ol' monday.

Tuesday=super-secret talks with super-secret people. Maybe some racing..maybe not.

Wednesday=critical plans go into super-opps, domination plan starts official kickoff (be there for the party). NVGP in St. Paul too (beer me).

Thursday=quiet....shh....

Friday=super-secret plan #1 into action. Starting high-noon. Bring the ibeprofin. PM NVGP race in uptown. (beer me II)

Saturday=mowing the law

Sunday=NVGP in stillwater. Research past-posts for FPA sitings. Autographs in full-effect.

Ahhh, Yes

2009-06-03T13:41:00.006-05:00

I forgot how I love racing. Finished my first race of the season last evening sooner than a majority of others who started with me, but finished with a big smile on my face.

I havent raced since cross nationals, another race in which I finished well before others, and I was an emotional wreck prior to the start. But man-it felt great in the thick of it.

I arrived to the state fairground course just as the fast crew were staging for what looked like an intense, painful 55 minutes. These guys were racing for the ability to start in the NVGP. The field was split in half right away. A great race to watch.

After the 5's raced, I lined up. I've always been worried about high-speed corners and the fair grounds had plenty to offer, including the decisive 180 which I clipped a pedal during warm-up.

Anyways, the corners were great at speed. The 180 hurt so good. And I hung in there for 30 minutes. Next week, I'll stay in for the additional 10. I know I can. The week after I'll start contesting the finishes. And the final week after that, I'll be upgraded to race in the 1/2's. Its all about building.

The fast-crew was a whos-who of Minnesota racing. Here are some pic's.

Lets Talk Lattes

2009-05-29T12:43:00.003-05:00

So I quit caffine long ago in order to curb migraines. It did the job. But lately, especially because of this spring, I've let caffine slip back in.

I've been drinking Mochas. Kinda a girly-drink. And I've had them from all over. Coffee shops are interesting spaces; some have that nasty corporate feel (Dunn brothers, Caribou, etc...). Some shops have a strong female-vibe (Blue Moon on Lake Street). But hands-down, the best coffee I've had is from Koplan's http://www.kopplinscoffee.com/beverages.php.

My question is; where do I go from the mocha? Whats the more mature beverage? The next step? Time is of the essance- I'll start getting migraines soon again and will have to quit. But for now, whats the better drink?

whats new

2009-05-28T14:54:00.002-05:00

been working for a construction company for a week or so as their part-time-contracted-marketing guy. this construction company makes big things, not like...driveways. no, these guys make silos and grain elevators and stuff those driveway guys dream about.

anyways, no doughnuts here at the construction company. no doughnuts, no loud noises. nope. its quiet. clean bathrooms.

people walking around in polos and dress-steel-toed boots.

and its out in the country. far away.

thats whats new.

for now///////

My highschool car, my highschool bike, my highschool friend Mike.

2009-04-29T21:37:00.003-05:00

Chris Larson

2009-04-27T21:59:00.008-05:00

I went to art school with Chris.

He's an artist.....Making it.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kimberly-brooks/what-climate-change-might_b_191607.html

Mail Time

2009-03-26T13:46:00.006-05:00

This one comes from a gentleman named Max. Looks like he's from Wisconsin.

He writes;
"Dear Peter, Your opinions on music seem dead-on. I appreciate your frank approach. I've been listening to alot of Gang of Four, Joy Division and Toothpaste. Thoughts?"

Max,
Toothpaste? Really? A band named toothpaste?
I appreciate Gang of Four, but dont love them.

But Joy Division...Now, thats worth talking about. I like Joy Division a lot. So does my real music smarties-pants-pal, Jay Miller. Jay responded with this: 1. Watch the dramatization 'Closer' and the documentary 'Joy Division'. 2. Choose carefully, some of the songs are shite. 3. Start with 'Love Will Tear us Apart', then try 'Digital' and 'Transmission' And lastly, their producer Martin Hannett is the true genius."

Here are my thoughts: Nothing sounds as great as the bass in both Joy Division + New Order. But, I hate that the lead singer (Benard Sumner) of New Order cannot dance. I mean, come 'on, its New Order.

A morning of Trios

2009-03-26T11:02:00.001-05:00

woke up this morning, feeling like living life in 3's.

so.. consider the following three posts.

And be glad that hair style is long gone.

Rush - Fly By Night

2009-03-26T09:29:00.001-05:00

Rock Trio.

TRIUMPH - Lay It on the Line [1983]

2009-03-26T09:28:00.001-05:00

another trio.

Motorhead - Ace Of Spades

2009-03-26T09:25:00.001-05:00

morning music.

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE - First Official Movie Trailer

2009-03-25T17:31:00.001-05:00

this could be great.

Updates on FPAFamily.blogspot.com

2009-03-24T09:57:00.001-05:00

Minor updates on the family-friendly scene.

but... the FPA groundswell continues.

Could a dormant volcano start rumbling?

For Rob....

2009-03-20T15:59:00.002-05:00

I havent touched this for ages. Like I haven't done my time sheets at work.

I'll post here what I'm looking at elsewhere.
I mean, the legal stuff.

like this:

What happened to the rock and roll look? We are screwed.

Last.fm/presents The Walkmen - In The New Year

2009-02-12T10:26:00.002-06:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8imSXoHL4xU

thanks Jay.

nothing new to post

2009-02-05T08:57:00.000-06:00

facebook vs. blog.

facebook winning.

who reads this?

Anyone?

Spectreman

2009-01-14T13:53:00.001-06:00

yet another spooky show I watched.

no wonder...

Land of the lost- Chakka pt 1

2009-01-14T13:51:00.001-06:00

nothing like a little stress-producing saturday morning tv for a youngster.

THE BANANA SPLITS

2009-01-14T13:46:00.001-06:00

another f'ed up show.

funny how much it looks like a japanese cartoon.

Gigglesnort Hotel (Opening)

2009-01-14T13:44:00.001-06:00

the tv show I'm still having bad dreams because of....

Star-Studded Week

2008-12-22T13:47:00.003-06:00

Dinner with Jonathan Page.
Naked Raygun @ the Triple Rock.

Good times.

Cyclocross Nationals Pro Men Start

2008-12-16T10:54:00.001-06:00

2008 Cyclocross Nationals Pro Men

2008-12-16T10:53:00.001-06:00

Nationals

2008-12-16T10:48:00.004-06:00

Eric S. ripping up the hill

pros

weather

Cj+ Mikey P

Linda Sone ripping it up another hill

There is nothing more exciting, more terrifying than lining up for your race at nationals. You don’t know who is in front of you, next to you or behind you. It’s an intense couple minutes. Whistle blows and sure enough, big pile up right in front of me. I don’t go down, but have to wade my way thru the mess-shoving bikes out of the way to get sprinting to the first turn. Rather than bury you with the details of the course, I’ll just say that the well-worn track was like racing on masking tape; slow and sticky. I could have run slicks and stuck to the ground. I hung in as long as I could, and found myself charging against fellow Minnesotan, Paul Thoresen. Made some bad turns, some ugly bobbles and could not-simply-find my groove. Quickly I was at the back of a VERY fast race. Coming around a sweeping off-camber turn, I caught my seat post on the fence stake and went over the bars. Didn’t really hurt, but enough to knock me funky for a moment. That was enough to fall behind the group and get pulled as I headed toward the wheel pit. I was grateful and disappointed at the same time. But that was my race at Nationals.

That being said, the rest of the time was killer. Hanging with fellow Crossniacs (and Paul McKinney) proved to be wonderful. We were messy guests in a wonderful, welcoming home. We ate Kansas City BBQ (not as good as Baker’s Ribs). We slept on the floor, we met all kinds of cool people and we cheered on friends, team mates and others. The Pros were fantastic to watch.

So thus ends the bike racing season for me. I gotta ride the trainer tonight, got a lot of work to do to get faster.

I'll post more pics as they come...

JPow DJing the Mud and Blood Ball

2008-12-16T10:16:00.003-06:00

Mud and Blood Ball

2008-12-16T10:16:00.001-06:00

-yeah, thats 80's music...

Mud & Blood Ball @ natz

2008-12-16T10:12:00.004-06:00

Was a huge success. It coulda been bigger, but as I recall-no other team put on a party…so we rule. Mikey P and the team made organic brats that ruled. Several pro’s showed up and hung around. J-powers DJ’d and was starting to hit his stride when he was told to shut it down so the movie could start. Which was stupid, but whatever.

We played the Zero Traction film. We gave away goodies. We played 9-ball Dairies. We ate. We sold a couple t-shirts, but have many left.

Modern Cafe Review on Food Network

2008-11-26T13:29:00.001-06:00

Grell, you are a dork.

Overdue

2008-11-25T16:33:00.003-06:00

Happy Birthday Clay

Longest Season Ever Part 2

2008-11-24T09:25:00.003-06:00

You miss one-littl' weekend* of racing and the body thinks its on holiday. Just got a cold. I think I can hold it off. Got a flu shot yesterday-we'll see if it works as the bug has reached extended family.

*clay's birthday weekend trumps bike-riding.

Longest Season Ever

2008-11-21T22:52:00.000-06:00

I keep forgetting I'm not done yet.

body just wants to relax. Vodka is a friend sooner than it should be.

Gov. Palin pardons turkey at turkey slaughter

2008-11-21T09:44:00.001-06:00

this is priceless....

Dang, Frank Caught Me

2008-11-17T14:02:00.001-06:00

Crossniacs thru the sand pit

2008-11-17T11:52:00.001-06:00

States CX

2008-11-16T08:07:00.008-06:00

UPDATE ERIC CAUGHT ME AND SPENCE PLAYING CAPTURE THE FLAG

I added the blur effect to make it look like I was going faster.
I still ended like this:

..somehow I escaped photo-documentation..this is similar to my finish....

The best part of cx is when you shut your eyes just before sleeping and relive each lap, each corner, each mistake.

Such was the passing of my last moments the evening of saturday's state shampionship. From the whistle to the stairs, to the last fateful lap, I re-raced MN's state championship.

Ahh, but what a race. Without a doubt-my best ever. You wouldn't know it by my results. But for the first time all season, I have some legitimate bad-luck to blame.

I started fine, but lost some places at the first sand-pit arrival. Everyone fell everywhere. So I had to dismount and run. But I felt good. Then the triple-barriers, and I felt good. Then the long stretch into the ever-strengthen wind, but I felt good. Then the stairs, and those hurt. But I recovered and felt good. Then then stretch back to the start and I felt good over that little rise.

I was passing some people I didnt think I could pass. I wasn't being passed much either. N8 and I ended up together and rode hard the second lap. Again with the sand pit, someone goes down, I had got off and run. But I felt good.

Then somewhere along the 3rd lap Nate made a surge and got a gap. I may not have felt good, or I let him go, but there he went. I just hung on to wheels, just watching what would happen. It was fun to see him hang away and really power on. He probably felt good. Slowly the wheels I was holding, started clawing N8 back. And I was feeling good. Then the wheels caught N8 and since I felt good, I began to look for an opportunity to make my move and see if N8 would block a little.

[Here comes the excuse...]

Then my tire-bead popped outta the rim. I thought I broke a spoke cause all I got was "rub, rub, rub." We were coming to the pit, luckily, and I knew I had to make a wheel change. So no attack from me. Race over.

I swapped the wheel, and got rolling. Well, since I'm done, I started to enjoy this thing called racing and headed towards the whiskey hand-ups. (never got one).

1-to go and I'm thinking.."ok. You feel good. Give it another go. Hard this time around."

[then]

CRAMP.
left leg shuts down.

Cramp.
right leg shuts down.

cramp, cramp, cramp.

so I'm crawling. Crippled.

I'm thinking, "tell the pit-ref that I'm DNF." But someone rolled by and I thought, "He's not beating me today." So I re-mount spin-softly, spin-harder, then crank it.

Okay, I get moving again. Back to the stairs. Grab a dollar-hand-up (my first). Around the soft mud. down the hill. Hit it hard till the bike path. Hit it hard again past the wheel pit. Crawl up that stupid little rise. Smile at Andy Powell. Hit it hard at the hockey rink. Roll to the finish.

Try to catch my breath.

What a great day. Special thanks to family for coming out. Rob's been my water bottle-hand-up-in-law almost all season. He deserves my hand-up-buck.

the show

2008-11-12T14:55:00.002-06:00

photobooth at the ball. puking into a fake toilet seemed funny at the time. Looks like I work at 1st ave.

Bronze Bitch

2008-11-10T12:05:00.002-06:00

Well, well, well.

Look who can make award-winning websites. I gets me one of those little pins that RC has like 500 of. Wah, if RHA goes sour soon, I'm coming a'knockin'.

Velodrome CX

2008-11-10T10:42:00.003-06:00

Got the family out for their first cross race. Bitter cold and windy-day. Not Jan. cold, but november cold. Raw.

Rob came out and that was super cool, he's my water-bottle-brother-in-law.

We are so close...

2008-11-04T09:36:00.001-06:00

vote you mother-f's

Green Acres

2008-10-27T10:22:00.003-05:00

nasty weather=fine racing.

I'll be racing with the faster dudes from now on. it'll take the pressure off, help me find a groove and string it out for 45mins.

But this race was COLD.

-p

Keep Talking Michelle...

2008-10-24T13:00:00.001-05:00

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-uptake/michele-bachmann-not-all_b_137463.html

not all cultures are as racist either.....

Mud & Blood Ball

2008-10-23T09:26:00.007-05:00

Be There.

Interesting....

2008-10-22T15:37:00.000-05:00

http://www.girleffect.org/#/video/

watch it.

Hudson Big Ring Flyers - C Race

2008-10-22T10:09:00.001-05:00

thats how you get the hole-shot.

and how you lose it.

Drunk History

2008-10-21T12:11:00.002-05:00

Its not new, but if you haven't seen, you should...

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/b7155c20fe

Hudson CX YMCA

2008-10-20T10:30:00.004-05:00

Hey blog-haters... cant keep away, can you... its like porn.

Anyways, After last week's less-than-steller race, I was a bit apprehensive about racing this weekend. I didnt do great, but health and strength seem to be coming back, so I'm feeling better.

Got the hole-shot and held the front for the first third of the race*. That felt good. I got real weak mid-race, like I was out of sugar. Makes me wonder. what else... went down again, On the same knee as last week. Opened up my scab.

But then I search around the web looking for pics, and what do I find? Crooked-helmet-head. How embaressing. I need a stylist to help me with the final touches.

*-lap

Junk Miles

2008-10-12T20:25:00.002-05:00

I've turned into a complainer this racing year. This time I blame my sister lara, who came out to cheer me on. Last year at Powderhorn she-n-Rob came and I sucked. This year, at Worth, I sucked again. Clearly its her.

no its not.

but I'm sucking. and sick of it. I must be fighting the bug thats plagued the house. I had nothing and decided to shut it down after I got all light-headed heading toward a tree. I also went down hard during a simple course pre-ride.

anyways. Stole the image from Ray who commented on the bears losing. Bad day for chicago-fans everywhere I guess.

Obama (or McCain) a Socialist?

2008-10-10T09:52:00.003-05:00

Check out the sign.

Now, Let me ask you. Who just presented the government buyout of home mortgages? Isnt that socialism?

Not much of a politic-know-it-all, but somehow I'm connecting dots.

(dont get me wrong-I edge close to being a socialist myself)

I need bike parts, Hence, I need freelance.

2008-10-08T10:20:00.001-05:00

Your company looking for some fantastic work? A design or advertising job? I need it, cause my shopping list is getting long.

Hudson

2008-10-06T10:16:00.002-05:00

Hudson

I arrived in Hudson just after passing a rain storm in eastern Saint Paul. Real cross weather after months of dryness felt weird. I had thoughts like, “I should like this rain-stuff, but I cant really rally.”

Anyways, the very muddy, technical course proved troublesome for me. I don’t have a lot of nasty-condition-experience, so I hung on for dear life in the first couple laps. I tried hanging with wonder-boy, Jordan, but that kid can fly thru the sand and was outta my sights sooner than I expected.

At the end of the second lap, my chain fell off and I struggled to get it back in. Game over. I lost too many places and mostly a hard-core mindset. I just cruised thru the final couple laps.

Interestingly enough, that as once I lost my concentration, I lost my mud skills. I ended up in the rocks. I ended up in the trees. I grabbed the wrong tube on my frame over a barrier set. I got really stupid. Like my brain shut down.

Anyways. Its bike cleaning and repair days now. Rain seems to want to stay with us thru Wednesday. I need new brake pads, a new headset. A stronger head.

On to the next weekend….

update

2008-10-02T13:15:00.003-05:00

no time to blog. Too important around here. "Mister-make-it-happen."

Did see maine south high school's social butterfly all-star, Melissa Thornley. That was a lovely reunion. I caught up on all my chicago friends (including you).

We went to a AICP show together. It was her treat. We also went out for lunch.

thats all that you need to know about my life now.

race report coming soon from a weekend's worth of pain.

Come and Party with us...

2008-09-24T10:35:00.002-05:00

Tattoo Update

2008-09-23T16:47:00.004-05:00

Kurt Martinson led me into an exciting tattoo direction. I'll post more as things come together, but this is proper props to him.

props to kurt.

from fpa

post publish: Josh, lets see if you can figure it out... Hint: classic tattoo design meets our heritage. Hmm... yep, think it through, popeye.

Porkchop Hill

2008-09-22T11:11:00.003-05:00

Race no.1 St. Cloud, MN
Course description; starting line to right/left-hand turn and then a general straight to end of the park, around tennis courts via some trees and then a down hill/right-hander that many took too hot. Down to pavement to a 180, back down the pavement to the first set of barriers, over some wood chips and a slippery/sharp-left turn that also many too hot.
Along the ridge of a hill (while slowly climbing), quick couple lefts to large/fast downhill, 180 to barriers and run up, back down fast with a sweeping right-hand turn to immediate barrier set number 3, then run up to line.

-while I still managed to be run a little late, this year I got in a better warm up. –was nice to see all the crossniacs kits. –it seemed like an easier course, but still one of the season’s hardest. –got a decent start, held my own for the first lap, even capitalized on other’s mistakes and falls. –had a great second lap, felt strong and gained a couple positions. –hit the pain-wall on third lap and became a rabbit many racers jumped upto. –just about died on fourth lap. –then hit it harder on final lap, but no bounce in step left for remaining barriers cost me a position or two at finishing line.

Did better than last year and am looking forward to improving in the next couple races. I’m not racing next weekend, so I’m allowing myself a gin and tonic tonight, than back to monklife on Tuesday.

-p

Feelin' Patriotic

2008-09-19T14:25:00.001-05:00

Ahh yes, nothing like singing about the statue of Liberty and rubbing your balls against the mic stand. God Blessed America with David Lee Roth.

1985.. I was a freshman. Who knew Janes Addiction was coming a mere 3 yrs later.

ok. have a weekend. First cyclocross race for me. Pics to come.

Delightful

2008-09-16T13:18:00.004-05:00

Watch this first.
http://www.linktv.org/video/2931

Now read this:

GOP delegate's hotel tryst goes bad when he wakes up with $120,000 missing
By David Hanners
dhanners@pioneerpress.com
Article Last Updated: 09/16/2008 09:16:22 AM CDT

Related
Delegate theft
RNC robbery victim in interview: Iran should be bombed next
He met her in the bar of the swank hotel and invited her to his room. Once there, the woman fixed the drinks and told him to get undressed.

And that, the delegate to the Republican National Convention told police, was the last thing he remembered.

When he awoke, the woman was gone, as was more than $120,000 in money, jewelry and other belongings.

The thief's take stunned cops.

"It's very, very, very rare," Minneapolis Police Sgt. William Palmer said. "I can think of a couple of burglaries where we had that much stolen, but it's the first time I've heard of this kind of deal."

The haul included a $30,000 watch, a $20,000 ring, a necklace valued at $5,000, earrings priced at $4,000 and a Prada belt valued at $1,000, police said.

The victim was identified as Gabriel Nathan Schwartz, 29, of Denver, a single attorney and a fixture in Colorado Republican politics. He was one of the state's delegates to the convention this month in St. Paul.

Reached by phone at his law office Monday, Schwartz said that because the case still was under investigation, "I think at this point, I don't want to make a comment on it."

During the convention, Schwarz wasn't shy about talking to the media. In an Associated Press article about Sen. John McCain's acceptance speech, Schwartz was quoted as saying that as far as oratorical skills go, McCain "has more experience in his little pinkie" than Democratic nominee Barack Obama.

In an interview filmed the afternoon of Sept. 3 and posted on the Web site LinkTV.org, Schwartz was candid about how he envisioned change under a McCain presidency.
"Less taxes and more war," he said, smiling. He said the U.S. should "bomb the hell" out of Iran because the country threatens Israel.

Asked by the interviewer how America would pay for a military confrontation with Iran, he said the U.S. should take the country's resources.

"We should plant a flag. Take the oil, take the money," he said. "We deserve reimbursement."

A few hours after the interview, an unknown woman helped herself to Schwartz's resources.

The theft happened at the Hotel Ivy, a luxury hotel in downtown Minneapolis. (The Colorado delegation was housed at the Four Points Sheraton, several miles away on Industrial Boulevard Northeast.)

The theft occurred early on Sept. 4, hours after Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin gave her speech accepting her party's vice presidential nomination. A police report said Schwartz told officers he met a woman at the bar and took her to his $319-a-night room.

"Victim reported suspect made victim drinks, told him to get undressed, which is the last thing he remembers," a police narrative said. "Upon waking, victim discovered money, jewelry gone; total loss over $120K."

A police report notes the crime occurred between 4:22 and 5:46 a.m., and Palmer said investigators believe Schwartz was drugged, although he declined to discuss details.

Aside from the watch, ring, necklace, earrings and belt, Schwartz also reported a $1,000 purse or wallet, a $1,500 cell phone, $500 in cash and a couple of rings worth $50 had been taken.

Alister Glen, general manager of the Hotel Ivy, called the theft an isolated incident and said no hotel personnel were involved.

"I don't know if I'm at liberty to discuss it," he said. "It's still under police investigation."

Schwartz was a supporter of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, donating $2,300 — the maximum individual donation allowed by law — to his presidential campaign last year, according to records from the Federal Election Commission.

After Giuliani dropped out, Schwartz switched his allegiance to McCain, and records show he donated $2,300 to the Arizona senator's campaign in April.

In biographical sketches of Colorado's delegates published in the Rocky Mountain News, Schwartz said he was single, didn't have any pets and most admired Colorado Secretary of State Mike Coffman, "as he has served our party for many years and has served in the military."

He said his idea of a "dream ticket" was McCain and Mitt Romney, the former Massachusetts governor.

On the Web site for his Denver law practice, Sandomire & Schwartz, the lawyer describes his experience as a civil and criminal lawyer and points out he is a regular guest on "Colorado State of Mind," a public affairs program produced by Rocky Mountain PBS. The show, according to its Web site, says it gathers "opinionated and passionate people from across the state" to discuss a wide range of issues.

In his interview on LinkTV, Schwartz seemed opinionated and passionate.

He said an attack on Iran was needed to protect Israel, and he offered how it could be accomplished through "strategical airstrikes."

"Hopefully, just bomb the hell out of them from the sky. No troops," he said.

Schwartz was asked if he had a message to the protesters who filled the streets of downtown St. Paul.

"Get a job," he replied.

Go Redmond Go

2008-09-14T21:13:00.001-05:00

He looking tired at Chequamegon.

Fuckin' GOP

2008-09-12T09:15:00.001-05:00

http://www.michiganmessenger.com/4076/lose-your-house-lose-your-vote

not surprising... not good.

busy

2008-09-11T09:26:00.000-05:00

birthday. anniversary. birthday week.

things are settling.

Time to Clean The Ick off The Counter...

2008-09-05T14:52:00.008-05:00

I do thinks it was telling that the GOP used fake fireworks.

Anyways, they, are on their way home, and I've got the instinct to clean the counters. They left an ick thats sticky and smells bad around here. Nothing a little Pinesol cant fix. We'll put that riot gear away for awhile, let the horses out to pasture and all take a big deep breath.

So, in an effort to freshen our breath, here are several videos I think should do the job:

Naked Raygun - Treason

2008-09-05T14:35:00.001-05:00

yep

Fugazi - Song#1

2008-09-05T14:32:00.001-05:00

it is nothing...

RAGE

2008-09-04T10:35:00.006-05:00

Got tickets to Rage Against the Machine last night. Last minute thing. TIs was my first Rage concert. Hundreds of thousands of people raging at the machine. Pretty powerful.

Redmond took some pics and video, when I get my hands on that, I'll post it here. In the meantime, consider this, and this and heck, this too...

Fu#k The RNC

2008-09-01T20:51:00.009-05:00

I protested that evil ass Karl Rove along with the members of the Welcoming Committee like most other 30-somethings with 2 kids today.

I cleaned the basement. I did it because I hate that man. I detest Karl Rove, so I made it doubly-clean. I even vacuumed the far areas no one uses.

Seriously though, I hate that ass.

But what in the hell are the thinking with Mrs Palin? Seriously... At first I thought, "interesting move mccain". Now I'm thinking, WTF? Seriously, I cant wait till Obama's gloves are off.

please obama, take off the gloves and kick on ass....

Whos Riding this Weekend? When?

2008-08-29T09:53:00.001-05:00

Come people, whats the plan?

Why Hath My Biker-God Forsaken Me?

2008-08-27T09:58:00.006-05:00

You see that sucker hole this morning? I fell for it. I mean, I've got to get miles in, but I had normal clothes on, was beginning to load up the car and was planning on the lunchtime run.

Let us Read from 3rd Peter Chapter 4, verse 14:
Then, behold, blue sky do-ith appear in the west, above a stable in saint louis park. We must travel there, see our savior and bring him gifts of gel bars and sport drink.

But, nay, this is an angry god. a jealous god. For as I travel west to the promised land, taking the longer way into work, he strike-ith my tire FLAT. Flat I sayith. I am in a plague of flats. My bike-god, why hath thou forsaken me and my tires, with 7 flats in two weeks?

Have I not offered prayers of pain and sweat? Have I not shaved my legs? Have I not sacrificed time and money and more time for thee?

WHY then, or lord, has thou given me a another flat and a sucker hole today? Why? Why? Why?

A reading from 3rd Peter...

UPDATE: IT APPEARS THE LORD LOOKED UPON ME WITH FAVOR AND HAS REWARDED MY WITH A LARGER SUCKER HOLE, SHALL IT HOLD TILL 5PM?

I KNOW THIS DUDE

2008-08-24T22:50:00.007-05:00

http://www.usavolleyball.org/national/profiles/men/player.asp?number=12

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Hoff

This "kid" lived behind the alley where I grew up. Now he's playing for gold on the US Volleyball team. Weird, I guess. Josh, Lara, any words of wisdom? I will say that he was very good at ghost-in-the-graveyard games. I would even say that I saw olympic potential at the time.

again...weird.

Phascists Go Home

2008-08-21T13:18:00.004-05:00

The Republic Convention is here next week so protesters must be arriving. "Phascists Go Home!" was painted on the backside of the Grain Belt Sign. I'll grab a pic here of it soon enough.

But it begs the question, as the rest of the twin cities are gearing up for the big event; where are the protesters staying? Embassy Suites? Can you see the breakfast buffet? Bunch of anarchists lined up, waiting for someone to refill the cornflakes? Maybe they order a ham and cheese omelette like everyone else. Spence, Where are the protesters staying? I mean the REAL ones, the ones looking for tear gas. Not the Seward neighborhood mother of two type protesters.

Our Obama lawn sign was stolen just the other night. My mind went right to the vision of some angry republican ripping it out of the lawn. You know how easy it is to blame those folks. It was probably some jr high kid looking to impress his schoolmate.

Anyways, I've been thinking of great signs we should replace the Obama sign with. Because we're on Cretin, I suspect a ton of republicans will be driving down our street looking for.....ah...directions. And they'll look at our sign and know just how evil they are and they stay lost. hahahaha.

I'll start posting sign ideas here if they are worth anything. I need to run them by a copywriter tighten up the language.

ok. another lame post.

2 for 2

Lame Update

2008-08-19T08:52:00.004-05:00

Back again from a family weekend. Tired.

So.. GP was all the National Criterium Championships. Maybe not in the results, but the pictures. Check out this if you care.

Bergman counts. The odds have to roll their way one of these years. They'll get it. MN has two very fast team. Only one of them has the guts to battle on a national level. I dont mean that the other team is scared to, just that it does elect to make the big races.

hey BK...how come you guys dont hit up Downers Grove?

Fin & Feather '08 Trip Update

2008-08-11T09:40:00.001-05:00

at FPA & Family blog.

Annual Fishing Trip '08

2008-08-11T09:36:00.002-05:00

Fishing is the opposite of bike racing. It takes me about 3 days of fishing to slow down and get into the vibe, to get used to the subtle tugs on the lure. But the big fish weren’t biting at the honey hole this year, so we shut down the effort and enjoyed the slower vibe, the subtle tug on the bottle.

Monk's Life takes a Back Seat to a Gin+Tonic

2008-08-02T20:51:00.002-05:00

Let the Bass-War's begin. I'm up north, feeling the breeze flow thru the cabin. I'm enjoying a G+T and thinking of you. I'm also listening to John Denver, cause... why wouldn't you?

but anyways Clay and I are gonna hit the walking paths on his BMX bike. I would have killed to have a bike like his when I was a youngster. I've got the Cross bike with and extra set of road wheels incase I want to roll faster. Anyways, we're gonna hit the off-road and maybe take a jump or two. My kid is no Stu Thompson, but hes the smartest MF ever.. whatever.

Lookout bass and northern, I'm coming after you tomorrow am.

enough for now.

Success...

2008-07-30T16:51:00.004-05:00

http://www.cyclingnews.com/road.php?id=road/2008/jul08/chicago08

Any chicago FPA Scene readers with first-hand observations? Josh? Nate? Max, visiting the 'rents? Anyone?

Monk's Life Day 1

2008-07-28T08:28:00.004-05:00

Morning one of Monk's Life. Intervals at Picnic Island-just me, a deer, and two parked cars. Gotta a lot of work ahead of me, but off we go. Cross-season has begun.

FPA Family Updated

2008-07-23T14:26:00.000-05:00

that blog's been updated.... go there if you are interested.

Too much to race

2008-07-23T12:58:00.004-05:00

$35 is too much to race for a half hour. It aint the only reason I'm not racing, but a strong one. Sure, I could pre-reg and save a whooping 3 bucks, but it is too much as well.

I bet others pay more in other states, but its too much for me. I'm going start showing up at MCF meetings and bitching.

Impeach the Fucker

2008-07-10T15:48:00.003-05:00

Give him hell.

I am not b2b

2008-07-08T09:21:00.003-05:00

Northfield

2008-07-08T09:20:00.003-05:00

yeah, I raced Northfield... what of it?

LaTour

2008-07-07T12:17:00.005-05:00

3 Things I hate about Versus' coverage of LaTour-today.

3. Saab's Media Buy
I dont know who talked Saab into the deal, and lord knows I love a good swedish car-maker, but if I see that turbo spot once more.... Same thing last year and the year before.

2. Frankie Andreu "on the scene" interviews
It not so much that I dont care for Frankie, lord knows I respect a fellow Chicago-ian, but the shallow questions, high whiney voice all exemplify Versus' tacky approach to americanize such a euro-cool event.

3. Paul & Phil's matching shirts and cozy-camera-cropping.
Looks like these guys are in the back seat of an old Buick LaSabre wagon. The camera happens to be perched on the arm rest between mom and dad.

Mr. T Treat your mother right

2008-07-02T15:15:00.001-05:00

lunch ride or cheap chinese food

2008-07-02T10:04:00.001-05:00

tired today.
rode the nice bike for a lunch-time spin.
rather take it easy, eat a big-bad-meal.

get work done...

must-try-to-ride-before-earth-blows-u...p...

'anks Wah

2008-07-02T08:55:00.006-05:00

Wah had some encouraging words to share. I needed to hear those. Bike racing is hard work, and even though I have no idea what I’m doing, or if I’m making any progress at all, its nice to remember its just bike racing. Especially from someone who is so intense about it.

I have no idea what the monk’s life would look like for me and my family. I dream of a day when I can live a “monks” life. I wonder if that’ll ever happen. Old habits die hard. Family life is more important (hard work too).

So I’ll just keep chipping away at the game. It helps to have friends and supports who appreciate what I can offer to the game. Though sometimes I wish it could be a great lead out to the line.

Truck Track Numero Dos

2008-07-02T08:21:00.004-05:00

What a stupid sport I've gotten myself into. So much work. and for what..?

Cross season. Eyes on the prize baby.

Anyways, Truck Track last night didn’t go so well. At least for me. What is the truck track? It’s the Dakota County Tech College’s truck driving practice grounds. Complete with cops cars. It makes for good racing with a variety of twists and turns.

I like it a lot and I’ve become more comfortable with my turning at speed.

That said, I’ve become less comfortable with my straight-away bridging a gap efforts. Especially in the wind. I double-dipped last night. I should say, I entered two races and barely completed either.

I caught Wah’s jump to the win from the holes in the porto-pod. Looked sweet, but I didn’t want to pee on myself, so I couldn’t see the win.

I pulled Grell around the course the later half of the second race. Turns out the judges scored him quite high by accident.

Here is TheDis observing the rules of the road.

Birchwood's Square Lake Road Race

2008-06-30T08:27:00.003-05:00

This race is my baby, all grown up and move away. Actually, I moved away, but whatever. Anyways, finally got to race a birchwood road race in something like 5 years. Maybe 4.

I hate road racing. I hate crit racing. Not like I hate other things, but I dont feel excited and confident, I feel nervous and anxious. But once we got rolling, I felt better. More comfortable than I ever have at the start of the race.

Its a 4.5 neutral roll out to the course and I with a couple others led the way. Nothing special to report here. But once we hit the course, the pace picked up. Nothing crazy, just "go!" time. I stayed up front for many miles, Tried to stay close to Jared. I kept him in sight for some time.

Then the hill came. I started great. The pace was good. I was probably top-ten heading into the hill, but in no time, I slide back to the end of the pack. And I saw them roll away. I just couldn't close it. I dont have that upper-level-torque. I cant grit my teeth, shut my eyes and fight it out.

Not yet.

Anyways. I tried to bridge up-didnt and was forced to ride by myself for about 1/2 lap. A LSC racer caught up to me and we worked to finish the race.

That was my 5 (6?) road race and my body was tight/sore/unhappy. Only one way to fix that problem, but racing more of them is unlikely until Clay gets into Harvard, Joanna in Yale. So until then, you enjoy your wins boys.. I'm on the word's longest base-building program...

then it was family time at my folks, then over to spence's bday party. Luckily I avoided redmond.

tattoo status

2008-06-25T20:28:00.002-05:00

where to go....

ideas coming together...

looking for further discussion...

Keep it local?
Cruise to Chicago?
Memory trip to Austin?

local rescouces? Like is it cool to just go and hang out at a tattoo parlor and ask questions? Do people go in with a vague idea? Pick some flash? How does it all work?

questions

How To Repair a Mix Tape

2008-06-18T11:07:00.005-05:00

This is A cassette tape.

We used them a lot years ago. More specifically, this is a mix tape. One made for me in 1988 by Christine Coomer. It contains some classic mix-tape material; 7 seconds, Billy Bragg, Michelle Shocked, some Cure B-sides, the Specials, The Clash.. anyways, a great mix-tape.

Well, it needed repair. And unlike a mixed-cd, you can actually repair this technology.

Step 1. place cassette onto desk.
Step 2. unscrew 5 screws, place carefully aside
Step 3. gingerly seperate the two cassette body-halves
Step 4. fix what needs fixing
Step 5. put back together

Then you toss it back into the cassette deck and crank it loud.

Aaahhhh.. old technology. Got to love it.

Teachers

2008-06-18T09:34:00.003-05:00

I've been blessed to have great people in my life. These gentlemen are my teachers. I would not love cycling as much, if it weren't for this crew (and others).

Its a pleasure to be on their team.