Four CRAZY riders?

Four brave souls met this morning at 5:00 for a fun, spirited ride to the Mocha Moose.  Thanks to Deb for interjecting just a bit of sanity ...  heck, 5:00 is just about as crazy as 4:00!

And thanks to Chris and Dave for coming along.  Who would have thought we could find four people willing to meet so early?

First stop . . . the Duluth BOMARC missle base.  Many long time Duluthian's don't even know it exists.  You know that red and white water tower you see somewhere on the Berquist Rd?  Well, that's it.

The base is long deactivated (ca 1972), but this is what the missiles looked like

A couple of links for those interested:

Wikipedia

Photos

Let me think . . . oh yeah, from there it was off to the Mocha Moose!

Where Chris showed us his true form

Tim Ek joined us for coffee after dropping Amy off for the marathon (GO AMY!!)

See if you can guess which guy gave Tim a lecture on race nutrition:

(Tim conceded it is simply easier to drink pickle juice or suck mustard packets, although neither of these lobbies have cool riding kit)

The rest of us just enjoyed Mocha Moose coffee and caramel rolls

Before our paceline inspired ride home

It's a great thing when you can ride just over 50 miles, and be home around 8:00!

TGIFRR!

Today was the first of Jame's TGIFRR (Thank Goodness it's Friday's Relaxing Ride!)

Although only 3 of us were able to make it . . . we braved near gale force winds and had a lovely time.

I'd certainly like to thank Kay for finding time for her first outing

We had but one small drama . . . (it was however a slow leak)

James, the consummate gentleman!

For those who do not believe it:

14 mph average . . . for 1.5 hrs . . .  the definition of "relaxing ride!"

Thanks James!

Six silly boys

Today six brave souls (read:  silly boys) appeared nearly simultaneously at

 "the Church" for a morning of high spirited riding.

I know, I know . . . it looks suspiciously like four . . . 

believe me . . . there were six!

Although this portion of Jean Duluth Rd from Zimmerman to Normanna Rd

beat up Mr Jim B . . . the rest of us paid for it as he sped down 

Howard Gnesen at a fast clip (graciously, he never exceeded 27mph). 

 It was fortunate for us all that Mr Jim J was there to reel him in.  

We do need to explain the course to him next time as he took a bit of a shortcut home (somehow this let him avoid that crazy hard hill on Howard Gnesen from Ridgeview to Kenwood Edison . . . I wonder if he knew that?)

I would suggest we all chip in and get him a road bike (instead of the full on

TT bike), but I fear he will be too fast.

Mr John H was feeling the effects of jet lag today,

I know he will be back on his game shortly.  That is good for us, since he cuts a wide swath through the wind.

In spite of the fog, we had a blast!

Vi går bare hvis veien er tørre

Even though the very clear instructions for the day said "We'll go only if the roads are dry," two of us were confused.

The tall lanky rider, understanding only Norwegian, looking for the words: "Vi går bare hvis veien er tørre," had every reason to show.

In my case . . . I guess there is no excuse, I'm just silly.

The lanky one and I showed as directed and chose to head up to the Mocha Moose for a quick coffee.

The Norwegian, being a good father . . . carried grub back for his still sleeping ten year old son.

Even though it was wet, it was great to get on the gravel

After a four week layoff, the traveler was a blur on the road . . . 

After a couple of cups of Mocha Moose coffee, I had no choice but to choose

Luckily, it was somewhat Tardis like

Lots of talk about this weekend's Dirty Benjamin

Tomorrow we will try to pay attention to the instructions . . . I promise . . . 

Bike Variety!

The weather dawned Sunday a little better than Saturday, although confusing . . . was it hot, cold . . . wet or dry . . .  we had a bit of both.

Speaking of "a bit of both"

Note the somewhat confused look on Jim's face as he tries to figure out what kind of bike Mary and Steve are riding!

He apparently needs to check with Sheree, who checks the notes on her hand.

Heidi Jo just wants to get going!

finally we are off...

to the Mocha Moose of course!

Apparently Jim was feeling a bit off today . . .

While Sheree felt fine . . .

Looks like Mary and Steve had a good time!

Hope to see more of you on this Sunday ride soon!  We don't go too fast,

 but have a blast!

Cold, windy, misty morning in Duluth

Not a bad turnout for a cold, windy misty morning in Duluth, MN

Riders plotting to spend Rich's money at the Mocha Moose

Same riders enjoying the spoils of their conspiratorial discussion!

However they managed it, it was a well earned break.  Today was cold, windy and wet in Duluth.

Still . . . we had a blast.

Lots of talk about riding gravel . . . it's good to know that everyone wonders where the roads lead . . . there is but one way to find out . . .
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"If I had accelerated every time you coughed;
 we would have been home an hour ago!"