Scattered Observations From The Saddle ...

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Smiles & Shadows - The Groundhog Day 217k 02-06-2012

The groundhog never saw us coming. Randy, Terry and I set off into the darkness in 40ºF temps; temperatures optimistic for the "high" on a February day in Kansas, and yet we were planning on breaking 60 later in the afternoon.  I had planned this ride […]

February 200k completed...I think? 02-02-2012

I mean to say, I THINK today falls in the month of February!  Along with Randy R., and Terry B. from St. Joseph, MO., I completed today's 217km Border Patrol route (my 12th personal running of this route, upon counting - yikes) in the best conditions I could […]

Bicycle Dreams comes to KC, Feb. 18th 01-31-2012

"Bicycle Dreams, the award-winning feature-length documentary about the Race Across America (RAAM), will premiere in Kansas City at the Screenland Crossroads Theatre on Saturday, February 18 at 7 p.m.The screening is sponsored as a benefit for BikeWalkKC. "To capture […]

Head games 01-23-2012

I stumbled upon another interesting tip while reading a popular ultra-distance blog, involving music, which I might try later this spring.  Like the author of that piece (I'll link later), I often find myself with music drifting into and out-of my head in the […]

A call to action - yes, even here. 01-18-2012

I won't spend a lot of time on this - we'll return to regular programming with the very next post.However, I think this deserves the space.   I urge all of you to take action on any of the myriad sites  that offer petitions or conduits to contact congress and […]

Dodging the bullet 02-10-2012

Record warmth for January, it seems -- if only on average... it's been unseasonably warm for weeks at a time now, with only a single, minor snow event since the year began.  I was a "good boy" and rolled the dice on a permanent date that was well […]

Over the hump 01-14-2012

Officially completed 200k #7 this evening... so, one step closer, and past halfway... feels good, but brain is a little scrambled:  a tough day, conditions-wise, and compounded by some personal mistakes.  They can't all go perfectly, right?  More to come, as usual […]

Even more winter kit considerations 01-08-2012

Even though it's been unseasonably warm here, I'm still preparing myself and gear for more "winter-like" riding - which is sure to come. The process is reminding me of some things I've read lately, some other things discovered along the way, that […]

Unbelievable weather 01-05-2012

While I'm sure by posting this I'm looking weather-death in the face and spitting, I simply can't believe the weather we've been having lately here in eastern Kansas.  It's making me a little uneasy heading into yet another weekend where temperatures […]

Happy New Year 01-02-2012

Happy New Year, everyone!   I've tried to be careful not to construct false drama in previous posts or tease that I might be potentially announcing something here, like a big goal for 2012.  I've been scouring websites, calendars, ride lists, yes... but I haven't […]