Behind the facade...

Just a quick post

2011-06-01T21:34:00.001-05:00

...to see if this is working.

Weekend Wrap-Up

2011-04-03T19:55:00.002-05:00

After being more than a bit apprehensive about moving up a category, I have come away convinced I did the right thing, and happy with my performance.The weekend consisted of three races: a hilly and twisty time trial, a fast and furious short track race, and a XC (cross country) race the next day.The time trial was not my best effort. I felt sort of detached, and not really into it. I went too

Maybe the dingos ate your Spring

2011-03-04T10:34:00.001-06:00

Spring was here, now its not. Wait, it was here yesterday - for a bit. Oh well, its March in Nebraska. I recall the shamrock painted on mainstreet of Wisner for St. Patrick's Day getting ruined by snow. I won't be worried for another week or two, then I have got to get rolling on my mountain bike to get ready for this http://psycowpath.com/apr-2-jewell-park.html

Odds and Ends

2011-01-26T14:05:00.001-06:00

An assortment of things happening lately. - Participating in the honor guard today for a policeman who died. We went to high school together and worked together for years. He died of cancer. The honor guard is quite a site - inspiring and chilling at the same time. - Been working a ton of hours lately for all the various jobs I have trying to build a war chest for spring and summer activities.

The Green Hornet was ok.

2011-01-15T09:32:00.001-06:00

It wasn't the best movie I've ever seen but it was very entertaining.

Untitled

2011-01-05T07:57:00.001-06:00

Good weight session this morning. Enough said.

Can I count that high?

2010-12-23T22:01:00.001-06:00

I have reached an age in my life that people around me are having babies, again. Several years ago I was having children so was everyone around me. Now, my kids are having kids and many of our younger friends are starting families. While nothing about this is unusual, its natural actually, most of the births or the early stages of the baby's life were. Either the mother had great difficulty

Party time!

2010-12-17T23:24:00.001-06:00

Its a busy weekend for us. After work today we had my office party, a dance performance to watch, and a birthday bash for a mutual friend. Tomorrow is a 12 hour shift followed by another performance and roller derby. Roller derby? Yes, a friend's wife plays (rolls?) for a local team. Should be a hoot.

Testing, testing

2010-12-10T21:07:00.001-06:00

I am done with phase two of a three phase testing block and all I can say is "Damn, that hurts." Yesterday was some short 3 mile TT efforts.After the heavy lifting earlier this week (Thanks to an informal competition with Devin) my legs were heavy and sore. Needless to say, the numbers I generated were not stellar. Tonight there were several sprint efforts. A five minute sprint and three

Its a learning curve

2010-12-05T21:00:00.000-06:00

I did some consultations with someone with some coaching experience last week and have been hopefully pointed a little more accurately toward success in 2011. Over the weekend I did a couple workouts based on those consultations and I must say I am intrigued and encouraged. Maybe sometime I can actually shell out the bucks for an actual coach. One of the things I really like about training,

Busy November

2010-11-16T11:16:00.000-06:00

I am still trying out this Tumblr thing so this time the entire post is there. Here is the link http://cedge100.tumblr.com/post/1592224003/busy-november

It may be a little early but...

2010-10-27T22:05:00.000-05:00

Looking back over my 2010 season I realized that I met all the goals I set for myself, even surpassing a few. While it wasn't a perfect year, it was pretty darned good. My goals were modest - hang on during our weekly group rides, podium in a Psycowpath race, and have a marked increase in measurable performance on some know rides/loops. Modest or not, they were goals I set and worked hard to meet

And now its over

2010-09-25T15:03:00.001-05:00

Well dang. The last Psycowpath race of the season has just been canceled. For all practical purposes my 2010 season is done. Its been an outstanding year: much better than I reasonably expected. I think I'll go upgrade my MTB license now. Hello Cat 2.Eek.

Hello out there via Blogaway

2010-09-16T08:16:00.001-05:00

Sorry but this is just a quick note to test Blogaway Location : 2600-2614 Prospect Ave, Norfolk, NE 68701,

The past has passed

2010-09-12T21:38:00.001-05:00

After Saturday's Psycowpath Capital City Challenge at Branched Oak Lake I sent out this tweet: All old MTB demons exorcised. Good day - 2nd place. Jerry Hoff 1st. via TweetDeck Jon Downey jon_downey It pretty much tells the story of the race. It WAS a good day - great people, great weather, twisty Nebraska singletrack, and a successful race. I hope one of these days I can actually beat Jerry.

2010 Maskenthine XC Classic

2010-08-29T21:28:00.001-05:00

The highlight of my cycling summer was yesterday - the Maskenthine XC Classic. Its a big deal for me - I was one of the original designers of the trail and to have a successful event on it is quite special. Its also cool to see all these folks come together to maintain the trail and make the race special. And this year was even better as I could finally race at our club's event. After some

Ponca Avenged

2010-06-21T08:31:00.000-05:00

Saturday morning Jerry Hoff and I drove to Ponca for the 2010 Ponca's Revenge Psycowpath race. Jerry, for those who don't know, is a stellar motocross racer since the mid-1970's and a lifetime athlete. He is a super nice guy as well. Early this year I had no plans on riding this race, partly because I didn't plan on racing as much as I have been and partly because Ponca kicked by ass so badly

What I have learned in 2010

2010-05-28T08:16:00.002-05:00

Its almost June, so 2010 is starting to show some age. Sort of like me, I guess. I always figure time isn't wasted if you learned something - did I learn anything this year? Some... My recovery well has a finite depth. But each time I dredge the bottom, it gets a little deeper. My kids are going to grow up, whether I pay attention or not. I have no business riding in the front on a group ride.

I love it when a plan comes together

2010-05-02T22:04:00.000-05:00

Let me preface this by saying that I AM talking about a Cat 3 45+ mountain bike race, so in the grand scheme of things, the subject of this post is really not that important. Ok, that was the disclaimer, now on to the post. After years of struggling, self-doubt, crashing, half-assing, and generally wussing I out; I finally decided to HTFU and give this bike racing thing my all. Either I was

Well, Heck, At least it didn't suck

2010-04-18T23:03:00.001-05:00

As part of my last hard training block for the Swanson Psycowpath, I decided to take on the le Tour de Husker crit. My riding has been pretty top-drawer lately, so I felt pretty good going in, even with the usual nagging self-doubts. I had a plan and stuck to it with regard to pre-race prep and warm-up, and my bride was helpful in keeping my nerves under control. I went out for a last minute

One down, one to go

2010-03-01T15:38:00.000-06:00

The first seriously hard training week of the year is done and I feel pretty darn good about it. I met all my goals, came away a little sore and tired, and am ready to hit it again tomorrow for hard week numero dos before a rest week. I am going to find out whether I can be competitive once and for all. The Paragon is as good as anything else out there, and I have good places to ride and

The Belt

2010-02-21T20:45:00.000-06:00

Why on earth would I post a picture of my belt? Or any belt for that matter? Funny you should ask. I have had this belt since about 1998. I wear it almost every day, and usually for work. During the day, I not only holds up my pants but my work gear - gun, handcuffs, and badge. At one time I had a pager clipped to it, which really ages not only the belt but me as well. After that I clipped my

Go Away

2010-02-09T09:33:00.000-06:00

I was fine coming back to Nebraska. After being in Florida over the weekend I had re-energized and was ready for the last few weeks of winter. I had seen green grass, palm trees, and felt chilly at 50 degrees. In shorts and a t-shirt. I was even fine looking out this morning to a bit more new snow. Then, as I was walking down the driveway to help Kristin get her car thawed out, I biffed it.

Easing off the gas

2010-01-20T09:16:00.000-06:00

I have been steadily ramping up my workouts since early December with longer and harder sessions. During this entire time I have kept an eye on my recovery waiting for the signs of fatigue. I was curious how long I could continue the steady increases before I had to back it off. I noticed earlier this week I wasn't looking forward to certain aspects of my routine so I knew it was coming. Today

Mid-January Report

2010-01-15T09:28:00.000-06:00

Its January 15, time for an update I suppose. My fitness seems to be coming along nicely. I am trying to contain my workout intensity which, depending on the day, has been interesting. Extended periods in zone 3 are getting easier, but my energy level is fluctuating and my recovery is starting to suffer a little. I think both of those are products of the weight loss program I'm following, so I

2010 Resolutions

2009-12-31T15:46:00.000-06:00

I have never been much of a New Year Resolution kind of guy. I guess it could be that I thought my life was some sort of master puzzle and I was destined to fill a specific spot. Or maybe I was scared to commit to something for fear of failing. Or maybe I was just plain lazy. My money is on lazy. Looking back, I fulfilled most of the things I started out to do in 2009, even without a published

Blue Moon or Blue Moon?

2009-12-31T13:41:00.000-06:00

Either way you go, tonight will be a blue moon night. According to an online source: Get ready for one of those rare celestial phenomenons you won’t want to miss. Not only will the earth be blessed with a full moon to accompany tonight’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, but it will be a Blue Moon — the second full moon in a single month. The first full moon of this month occurred on December 2,

December 27 Spin Class mix

2009-12-28T11:37:00.001-06:00

Comments? Artist Title Length The Wallflowers 6th Avenue Heartache 05:37 Talking Heads Burning Down The House 03:45 The Bravery Believe 03:46 U2 Mysterious Ways 04:04 Van Halen Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love 03:50 Faith No More Epic 04:54 Phoenix 1901 03:13 Garbage Stupid Girl 04:19

Merry Christmas To You

2009-12-23T11:27:00.000-06:00

In case I don't make it back here before Christmas, I hope all you who may happen to stop here have a joyous Christmas and a happy New Year. We will have kids in the house on and off Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but the majority of the day will be spent alone with my bride, Kandy. We plan on taking in an afternoon movie while a nice prime rib meal bakes at home in the oven. The

Too Bad Its Only 2009

2009-12-14T15:29:00.001-06:00

A few weeks ago I got the strangest phone call" "Hello Mr. Downey? We're curious if you want to interview for a position here." "Here" was Riverside County, California. After getting my jaw off the floor and gathering my wits again, my answer was a shaky "Yes?!" It seems the application I sent in out of curiosity a year or so ago had floated to the top of a pile and I was being considered for

Jingle Cross is over

2009-11-30T09:43:00.000-06:00

The Jingle Cross Weekend is over. I had a great time and learned a lot. Thank you to all the great folks I worked with this weekend - Jeff, Heidi, Carla, Brett, Mark, Steve, Emma, and the rest of the great crew. Some bullet points: Most impressive moment: Being at the top of Mt. Krumpit watching Todd Wells power up the hill and making it look so so easy. Most satisfying moment: watching Troy

Another One... (Thanks Sydney)

2009-11-24T15:52:00.001-06:00

The Registration Table (NSFW)

2009-11-24T09:47:00.000-06:00

This is funny, I don't care who you are. Thanks Megan She is the genius behind this one and promises more. You go girl.

Bite me.

2009-11-20T20:01:00.000-06:00

We have a daughter who lives in Lincoln. She, as well as my wife and another daughter are big Twilight fans. Big like BIG - read all the books multiple times, own the DVD, etc. And last night was the culmination of several months of waiting for them with the release of the latest Twilight movie "New Moon." Not only did we all go see the movie, we saw the midnight showing. In Lincoln. We live in

The Nebraka Peloton

2009-11-19T10:23:00.000-06:00

Swing over to http://nebraskapeloton.blogspot.com the home of the Nebraska Peloton, a new blog for information on riders, teams, and happenings around the cycling scene in Nebraska.

Presto!

2009-11-18T20:12:00.002-06:00

I'm a sucker for good rabbit cartoon, and this is the best since Transylvania 6-5000

Uh, What?

2009-11-11T19:43:00.000-06:00

Two days ago something jumped up and slapped me in the face. Not usually a good thing but this most certainly was. I can't really say what it is just yet, but I will be able to - sooner or later. Suffice to say, its enough to knock me back on my heels for a bit before propelling me forward into the unknown. Like I said in a previous post: life is funny that way. On a different subject, I have

Nice Weekend

2009-11-07T07:48:00.002-06:00

From all accounts it looks like it will be a gorgeous weekend. I don't think I'll be able to take advantage of it but here's hoping all of you can. Have a good weekend!

Try not to hate me...

2009-11-06T16:04:00.001-06:00

The Impossible Quiz - Answer insanely hard questions

Not Funny "Ha Ha"

2009-11-05T15:09:00.007-06:00

"All it takes is one thing to be out of place to throw everything off balance." I wasn't really talking bikes but this is a good illustration of what I mean, and how things have been going lately. If even one thing goes awry it can bring the whole (pick one: organization, career, plan, family) crashing to the ground.Conversely, its often the minor adjustments that keep things whirling

And the last one falls

2009-10-30T23:02:00.001-05:00

Our last child turned 16 today. Of the five, he's one of the more trouble free, but "he" is a boy, with a new license, and boys and cars are "interesting." He has four older sisters and I lived through them - let's hope I am as lucky with this one.

Its been a while

2009-10-29T22:22:00.003-05:00

Wow, it HAS been a while. Life's been busy, and my online line has been consumed with biking and promoting. For those that care, I have stuff to share. But right now its bed time.

Funny Stuff Borrowed

2009-08-25T09:05:00.001-05:00

I can't take credit for this, but this is some funny stuff. And true. Enjoy.Random thoughts: * More often than not, when someone is telling me a story all I can think about is that I can’t wait for them to finish so that I can tell my own story that’s not only better, but also more directly involves me. * Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

Prepare for Whining

2009-08-01T09:13:00.004-05:00

Get ready - whiny post ahead. I have been feeling in a real funk lately and am having a hard time chasing down the reasons. I really don't like myself when I feel like this so this is hopefully a cathartic post to get me moving again. There are lots of things to talk about here, and the topics are in no particular order. Sort of a stream of consciousness thing. Ready?After having a great spring

Fourth of July

2009-07-04T08:37:00.005-05:00

Its the Fourth of July. Thank someone who keeps America safe.

Hello, hello? Is This Thing On?

2009-06-18T09:12:00.003-05:00

Not sure anyone is listening anymore because it has been so long since I posted. its been a busy month since the list time I checked in here. So what has been going on? Work, races, racing(!), family, and stuff. Lots of stuff. Training has been going very very good. I am very glad I ended up with extra hours on the bike early in the year because with some of my other obligations I get put off

Emptied the Tank

2009-05-18T13:07:00.004-05:00

The last time I posted, I was at the crest of a cycling wave having some good rides and feeling great. As expected, I went out a week ago Sunday and had an awesome ride. It wasn't real long but I felt strong and rode as good as I ever have in the past. Then Monday set in. I shouldn't make it sound so dramatic because what happened was totally expected, I just chose to ignore the inevitable. Took

The Rest Week That Wasn't

2009-05-09T21:31:00.004-05:00

Remember that training plan I talked about? The one that had me peaking last week and recovering this week? Yeah, well, that didn't happen. It all started according to plan. Finished out last week with a good ride at Maskenthine and took Monday off. Tuesday... was evening spin class combined with the commute by bike and a little off-road riding, followed up with Wednesday morning class and a gym

Great Week on the Bike

2009-05-02T22:15:00.009-05:00

When I set up my training plan early this year I had a thought of peaking for the Swanson race that was held today. I was getting close to having my bride comfortable with the idea of racing again until Redemske crashed at Le Tour de Husker. Still may have pulled it off until Thursday. I still peaked this week but no racing.Thursday? Where should I start? Let's go back to the beginning of the

New Week, Still Random

2009-04-28T15:22:00.002-05:00

Had a great weekend (mostly) at home with Kandy. We both forgot how much we enjoy each other's company and it was nice remembering. Didn't do much: lawn maintenance, house work, dinner. Just nice.Rode quite a bit last week, even though I wimped out of a TNR. On Friday I let it rip at the Secret Training Ground, laying down the fastest laps I have ever done there. Hmmm. Is there racing in my

Random Bits of Information from the Last Week

2009-04-22T12:45:00.002-05:00

I acted at Chief Referee at the Le Tour de Husker in Lincoln this last weekend. I had a good crew working with me - Kevin, Nancy, and Cheryl - so my job was easy. I could focus on some of the issues during and after the race, concentrate on keeping things moving, and work on my scoring without any pressure.It was a good weekend, even though the weather was very up and down. I went from looking

Back After 7 Months

2009-04-15T11:33:00.002-05:00

Finally rode some singletrack last night for the first time since September 19, 2008 - almost nine months ago. I love singletrack. I love riding with everyone out on the road and being in a group and trying to hang with the group, but for me nothing is better than dirt. I like being out in the trees being a part of nature and riding my bike.Even though I had a mechanical issue the made my riding

Friday Recovery

2009-04-11T08:07:00.002-05:00

Set out after work Friday for a quick recovery ride but once I got into it I didn't want to stop. Ended up just south Wee Town before I had to turn around to get home in time for church.Legs felt great: constant spinning at 95-105 rpm with HR steady in Z2.So, it wasn't the 130 miles that Dan had, but it was a good after work spin.

Whirling Spots

2009-04-10T15:29:00.002-05:00

Since I couldn't partake of this week's Thursday Night Ride and my workout and bodily rhythms were in sync, I opted for letting it all hang out on the spin bike in class.Compressing the subtleties of a 120 minute TNR into a 45 minute spin class was no easy feat. But, after seeing whirling spots in front of my eyes after the last threshold interval, I think I accomplished my goal. Legs were fried

Not much to report

2009-04-09T11:37:00.003-05:00

Things have been pretty uneventful lately waiting for the Easter Bunny to show up. Last night The Vicious Poodle woke us up at about 3AM barking at someone down the street. He thinks he scared them away preventing a burglar attack on our home and I haven't told him any different.Training in coming along nicely. After hanging on by a thread for most of last week's Thursday Night Ride I am a bit

Official Upgrade

2009-03-30T11:44:00.002-05:00

I spent 14 hours on the road over the weekend traveling to Blaine, Minnesota for a USA Cycling Class "B" officials seminar. The course was held at the National Sports Complex which is also the home of the NSC Velodrome. Having never been to a velodrome this was a special treat. Its a hard thing to photograph and capture the true feel. Even video doesn't do it justice - you just can't grasp how

The Great White North

2009-03-27T10:11:00.001-05:00

Finally done with a marathon session of spin classes. A double on Sunday, two Monday, and one every day since. It was supposed to be a rest week but I managed to keep my exertion levels mellow. Off to the Great White North today - Blaine MN specifically. I am going to a USAC Class B officials seminar at the National Sports Complex. That is where the velodrome is and I am anxious to lay eyes on

Latest Mix

2009-03-16T11:26:00.001-05:00

General workout, actually did this last while working on LT intervals.01) Aerosmith - Sweet Emotion 05:03|02) The Bravery - Believe 03:46|03) The Caesars - Jerk It Out 03:18|04) Garbage - Push it 04:02|05) Buckcherry - Rescue Me 03:13|06) Foo Fighters - I'll Stick Around 03:52|07) Flyleaf - Breathe Today 02:55|08) Rise Against - Re-Education (Through Labor) 03:42|09) Amberlin - The Feel Good Drag

Full week of spinning

2009-03-15T17:46:00.001-05:00

It looks like the spin bike and I will become very close this week. Five classes plus a double class on Sunday.Been reading Jennifer Sage's blog at http://funhogspins.blogspot.com/ She says that there should always be a profile for a class, instead of just winging it. Might be some repeat profiles if that is the case.

2008 vs 2009

2009-03-15T17:27:00.003-05:00

On Saturday I did nearly the exact same ride as I did the same time in 2008. Its a loop south of Ames, IA. Actually the 2009 ride wasabout 15 miles longer than the 2008 route. Same weather, same wind.I purposely didn't monitor my speed the entire route, focusing on cadence and heart rate the entire time and keeping both in a predetermined range.When I returned, I compared results: Same average HR

Respecting the Process

2009-03-11T09:05:00.002-05:00

Slowly, very slowly, learning to apply the phrase "Respect the Process" to my training. And actually do it.This week is threshold work. Not 4-5 threshold workouts like I would have attempted in the past, but a measured approach.Monday - recovery from a long ride Sunday and the previous week's endurance/climbing work.Tuesday - Cruise intervals. Today- recovery.I feel surprisingly good, and ready

A Spin Class Rookie

2009-03-05T10:29:00.001-06:00

This post came to my attention about a newbie at a spin class. Hillarious. http://tinyurl.com/b2ordl.

Came up a little short

2009-02-23T10:25:00.002-06:00

As is the story of my life, I came up a little short last week. This time it was training, but only by about 15 minutes.I hammered the climbing all week, with 4 workouts consisting of 4x6 minute climbs per session. Yesterday was the last climbing workout for a bit with 4x8 minutes climbs. All the climbing work was solidly done is Z4 approaching Z5a. The rest of the week consisted of either base

MMmmmm Beeer.

2009-02-19T11:51:00.003-06:00

Maybe a new favorite - Stella Artois. Belgian. Tasty. Good in big glasses.Not as heavy as my previous fav, Blue Moon. Looking for an opportunity to try Beck's Premium Light.

We're Climbing

2009-02-17T20:38:00.003-06:00

Starting into a new cycle, after a week of tempo work, this week is dominated by climbing work. Yesterday, battling a case of the stomach flu, I eased into some shorter high intensity work.In class tonight we did 4 6-minute climbing intervals with HR solidly in upper zone 4. I was feeling strong and powerful and had a good workout. I am having a hard time getting up into zone 5, but that will

True Friends Help You Clean Up

2009-02-11T07:31:00.002-06:00

Reaching my Goals

2009-02-08T19:16:00.003-06:00

My workout plan calls for 2 weeks on and 1 week off. Today was the end of my 2 weeks on, thankfully.Finished off the week by teaching a viscous spin class that I went into with very little motivation. Ended up the 90 minute session with a good 40 minutes of tempo and some steep climbs under my belt, and a giant puddle of sweat under me.As class was starting I downed a Celsius drink. It wasn't bad

Joe Savoie on Rahpsody

2009-02-05T12:34:00.001-06:00

http://play.rhapsody.com/playlistcentral/playlistdetail?temprhapid=5335798&title=Spin+30&tracks=1958937+1968715+15704362+3848303+6632790+9337139+2042214+2670798+10122003+2210776+6632970+794928+1868249+2010109+12294193&from=real&didAutoplayBounce=trueOne of Joe's workout mixes

Building the Base

2009-02-03T21:49:00.001-06:00

Moving on with the same theme as last week but adding in some steady hills. Workouts are dominated by steady state work with some hilly endurance thrown in.Had the entire class so fired up at the end of Sunday's 90 minute spin that they were exhausted but wanted more. We did a standing sprint holding it until everyone but one sat down leaving a "sprint winner." Didn't work - no one would

Shifting Gears

2009-01-27T20:38:00.001-06:00

Last week's workouts were dominated by hills and sprints. Great for developing muscle and power but very hard on the body. This week is dedicated to steady-state high-aerobic work.With the exception of one long hill in the middle of the workout, the first section of class this week will be tempo and the second will be at or near threshold. The entire class will focus on higher cadence with

The Year of the Ox

2009-01-26T16:14:00.003-06:00

Its my year. I was born in 1961 so according to Chinese Horoscope lore, I am an Ox. This is also The Year of the Ox, and today is Chinese New Year. "People born in the Year of the Ox are patient, speak little, and inspire confidence in others. They tend, however, to be eccentric, and bigoted, and they anger easily. They have fierce tempers and although

Sunday Sweat Fest

2009-01-24T18:50:00.001-06:00

This Sunday's 9o spin spectacular starts at 3PM. Last week there were a few open bikes but make your reservation now!Think hill sprints and tempo.

My Life As An Idiot

2009-01-14T11:43:00.003-06:00

This pretty much summarizes how my life goes. To see the original post, and others, go here.

Full Spinnin Slate This Week

2009-01-12T09:03:00.001-06:00

My spin class schedule is filling up rapidly. This week's schedule: Tuesday 5:45a 6:30a 5:30p 6:15p Wednesday 5:45a 6:30a Thursday 5:45a 6:30a 5:30p 6:15p Sunday 3:00p 4:30p The Sunday exact time is subject to change, there is some discussion as to what time it will start, I will post updates.

Spinning vs Cycling

2009-01-05T20:01:00.001-06:00

* Sam Murphy * The Guardian, Saturday 10 May 2008 * Article historyCardiovascular fitnessSpinning: A study by the American Council On Exercise found spinners worked at 75-96 % of their maximum heart rate - far exceeding the minimum requirement.Cycling: Not quite as good as spinning . Still, research shows the average amount of oxygen the body can take in and use each minute is 73.5ml/kg in

Playlists

2009-01-03T18:29:00.001-06:00

View my playlists online at http://view.playlist.com/user/41610141 Thanks to Ryan @redbone14

Sunday Spin Classes

2009-01-03T14:39:00.001-06:00

Sunday 90 minute spin classes start tomorrow at the YMCA. The dates I am leading are:Jan. 18Jan. 25Feb. 1Feb. 8Feb. 22Mar. 22Bring two bottles of water and don't forget to call in to reserve your spot.

Filling in Tonight

2009-01-02T15:13:00.001-06:00

Filling in for another instructor tonight 5:30-6:15PM. Call 371-9770 for a spot.

OK fine. My list for 2008

2009-01-01T13:32:00.002-06:00

Since everyone else seems to be posting up best and worst lists I feel left out. Here are my highs and lows, kept to the point:Best Things:My wife. Katie's weddingMerrit and Kayla's graduationsJacob's confirmationKristin's recovery from back surgerySpending time with Mitch, Nicole and Kaytlin (Florida family) and cari, Anthoney, Sam, and Zane (California friends)Racing the Dakota 5-oPutting on

My hero (Stupid Roller Tricks)

2008-12-28T22:40:00.000-06:00

New Blog, Come Visit

2008-12-27T15:48:00.001-06:00

I started another blog for, well, just go look.http://spin-cycling.blogspot.com

New Music Needed

2008-12-27T15:46:00.001-06:00

I have a little bit of everything in my musc library but it seems its never enough. Between just looking for new stuff for no good reason and needing to put spin class workouts together, I am in need of some inspiration.Here is an example of a 45 minute set for me:Garbage - Stupid GirlLenny Kravitz - Where Are We RunningDinosaur Jr. - Feel the PainSeether - Rise Above ThisGnarles Barkely -

First Post

2008-12-26T23:07:00.001-06:00

The idea of this blog is a to create an archive of the spin workouts I have created, to blog about spinning and its pros and cons, and to shamelessly self-promote the classes I teach.

...in which I make the rollers my bitch.

2008-12-26T12:41:00.001-06:00

http://www.nencycling.org/..._which_i_make_rollers_my_b!tch

I can almost taste the burrito

2008-12-23T07:34:00.001-06:00

The "diet-for-food" contest between Joe Savoie and I continues, as does the SmaackDown(ey) biggest loser contest on www.nencycling.orgWell, a milestone has been reached: I weighed in at 197.8 this morning. I'll take a burrito, with guac, and a Modelo, please. Hold the chips: I'm on a diet.

Commentary - Lance Armstrong, Twitter, and Doping Controls

2008-12-04T21:06:00.001-06:00

A little background to start with: Lance Armstrong is, well, LA. He was the Great Driving Force behind Cycling in the last 10 years. Now he is back and being very open about his life via Twitter. Twitter, for those out of the loop, is a micro-blogging platform which makes blogging as simple as sending a text message. (If you can't send a text - how'd you manage get here?) The kicker with Twitter

Happy Birthday Mitch!

2008-11-30T14:51:00.001-06:00

Wade & I Halloween 95Originally uploaded by mitchyd_2000My brother (on the left) is celebrating his birthday today. Not sure what he was celebrating here...Happy birthday bro!

And, I'm Free

2008-11-18T08:40:00.002-06:00

I started this post to reference the sling I was wearing to torture, and have some image of a torture device to compare the sling to.But when I started looking for one, I was reminded that some places still use actual torture. Not funny at all.So, simply put - its been nearly eight weeks of limited mobility. But now I'm free.Yay!

3 Days, 20 Hours, 57 Minutes

2008-11-14T11:15:00.001-06:00

Time ticks on....Not like I'm counting tho.

And the Countdown Begins...

2008-11-10T08:39:00.001-06:00

Anyone who knows me, reads my blog, looks at my Facebook page, or has anything to do with me knows that I am VERY anxious to get rid of the shoulder immobilizer and pillow and get on with therapy.Well, the days til that happens are in the single digits now - 8 days. Hallelujah.

It is ON !!!

2008-10-29T11:49:00.002-05:00

Joe Savoie and I have a competition going on as Joe describes it on www.nencycling.org - Jon and I set up a little bet to help encourage each other to loose weight in the off season. His goal is to weigh 190 by 1 March... Mine is to loose go from 185 by 1 March. For both of us, it is about 15 lbs. Whoever gets there to their goal first or is the closest by 1 March gets a free Dinner. Posted

Website Extreme Makeover and Twitter!

2008-10-29T09:38:00.001-05:00

The Elkhorn Valley Cycling Club www.nencycling.org has been given an extreme makeover, hopefully making better use of space while displaying tons of useful information. The new page displays the same calendar, blogs, and stories and now has local news and a wiki. For those who use Twitter, Elkhorn Valley Cycling now has a Twitter feed - add nencycling or team@nencycling.org to your Twitter

Ok, now what?

2008-10-17T15:28:00.002-05:00

After surgery, I thought recovery was going to last forever. I visited the therapsit a couple days after surgery and was given some rudimentary exercises that were supposed to take me six weeks to do at full range of motion.Wednesday I went back to the therapist, one week after surgery. I went through my exercises for the therapist. Huh, you are at the four week level. Can I do more? No.Really?

Getting Back Into Things

2008-10-14T15:23:00.000-05:00

Slowly returning back to the world. Cautiously. And optimistically.

Sugery. Tomorrow. Noon.

2008-10-07T16:09:00.001-05:00

Pretty much tells it all. Except for the part about wearing a shoulder immobilizer for the next 6 weeks.Then 6 weeks of therapy.So, look out January: Here I come.

Be Brave

2008-09-26T09:42:00.001-05:00

No Broken Bones But My Season Is Officially Over

2008-09-20T18:06:00.001-05:00

Raced the Branched Oak Psycowpath today. Legs, check. Feeling good? Check. Bike working as well as an old NRS can? Check. Shoulder pads? Oops, knew I forgot something.Things were going well. I boogied up the one mile gravel road climb, in site of the leaders and about mid-pack. Into the singletrack no problem. Wow, was that the first (of four) lap I just finished? Cool. I'm right where I want to

Was it really this hard?

2008-09-12T08:34:00.001-05:00

Trying to create a slide show like I have seen on Sean's site. Only took me forever to figure it out.

In hind sight it was OK

2008-09-08T07:33:00.003-05:00

My trip to Spearfish didn't turn out quite like I planned but I am committed to doing it again. I know I can ride better knowing what to expect. And hopefully my jeep won't blow on the way home again (to the tune of $1600)d

Dakota Five-0 coming!

2008-08-18T11:28:00.001-05:00

My year-long goal of the Dakota Five-0 is nearly here. Leaving Saturday, racing Sunday, drive home Monday. Can't wait!Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel