Ride the Divide on Netflix Instant Play

Starting in Banff, Canada, and ending at the U.S.-Mexico border, the Great Divide mountain bike race extends 2,700 miles along the Continental Divide. This scenic documentary follows three determined cyclists attempting the grueling ride.

Flying a Kite for Winter Fun

I've recently acquired a new toy. It's a hq Rush4 350pro trainer kite. Once proficient, I hope to be using it to pull me and my skis along frozen lakes. I've had several practice session and am reading the trainer kite guide. Probally would have been safer to read first, as this is not a toy. On windier days I've been pulled scrambling forward using all my might to control it. It is reportedly suitable for winds from 5-24 mph. Check out the video below to see what stronger winds look like. My kite is the next size up, but so am I.

I'm excited about this because it will make cold windy Minnesota days something to look forward to.

HQ Power Kites Big Jump | Rush 3 Pro Trainer Kite Test from Power Kites on Vimeo.

Thanksgiving, Really! Do I Look Thankful?

Getting Myself Hooked Up

I wanted a trailer hitch installed on my truck. Calling around I found that I'd be looking about $350 for the hitch and wiring harness installed. Not too much money, but I'm always looking to save. I discovered that I could order a hitch and harness online from etrailer and have my local rental store install it. This plan would save me about $100.

Turns out my shop is too busy putting snow plows on to install my hitch for the next couple weeks. So, last Saturday, I decided to DYI it. Found some online tutorial videos where I learned to disconnect and lower the rear exhaust system, expand the mounting holes and to use these nifty wires to thread the mounting bolts through the frame. Suppose to be a 40 minute job.

Three hours later, after buying a torque wrench and making a second trip out for the ball, I'm hauling. It's good to save a couple hundred bucks, but even better to feel like a manly self-sufficient guy in a Subaru Forester.

Two Sides of the Metro.

Today we hiked around the Stone Arch Bridge taking in Mississippi river front ruins and admiring nature, as Shiva, returning concrete and metal to the Earth.

Last weekend we were at Afton State Park strolling along the St. Croix. We noticed the current shore and much higher ancient banks of the river formed when glacial melt water blasted through the valley.

We found Ordovician fossils and enjoyed the late fall colors in both locations. These sites are impressive places to spend time.

Grizzly Bow

Just picked up a new to me Bear Grizzly bow, 50# @28". It's about 5 years old, but doesn't have a scratch on it. The guy said he only shot it about three times. Came with a quiver, stringer and 6 aluminum arrows for $175. Felt sweet as I shot a few rounds in the back yard.

I loved my old Bear bow, but accidentally destroyed it by leaving it strung in my hot car after the Bunker Hill Traditional shoot last year. Apparently a warm bow will de-laminate. Lesson learned.

New Gear

New bivy-tent that is less than one kilo. Slept out one night in the back yard, breezy with a temp in the low 30's. It worked well. It's listed as 3 season. Wonder how it will be on a hot summer night or snow camping? Here's some basic info and a 360 view.