An Afternoon of Nordic Skiing at Trollhaugen

Snow Bunnies

The result of two kids sharing one set of skis

Harris' first time on skate skis; he rocked'm!

Way to go Claire

Claire did well in a race for new skiers at the Classic Suburban Conference JV Championship. She took 2nd place! It has been a blast having her on my team.

High altitude cycling - Lichtenstein, Saxony, Germany, 09350 - Guinness World Records Photo - Home of the Longest, Shortest, Fastest, Tallest facts and feats

High altitude cycling - Lichtenstein, Saxony, Germany, 09350 - Guinness World Records Photo - Home of the Longest, Shortest, Fastest, Tallest facts and feats

Here's How I'm Spending my Days.

Step Back and Try It

Kite Skiing on Rogers Lake

Took the kite and my Nordic touring skis out on Rogers Lake today. Was able to cruise for about 500 meters along the SSE side of the lake. The wind was from the West at about 15 mph with some gusts into the mid 20mph range. It was a blast skiing, but I didn't want to get too far away from Harris, my 10 year old son, who skied in support. He took the photo.

I'd like to get out more in the center of the lake with a little stronger wind. I was hoping to figure out how to ski out and then tack back. Maybe next time out. Lots of fun, and my touring skis made getting back easier than walking.

Super fun to use the wind to glide along the lake. I think of it as a real life video game balancing on legs to ski while being pulled and keeping the kite flying in the power band. Crashed once trying to tack; not very graceful trying to fly the kite and get up at the same time.

新年快樂

Best wishes for the year of the Dragon

Here's our Chinese New Year Spread. Every dish was as good as it looks.

From a French artist Shaka. Would this post be illegal under SOPA?

Overnight trip to Afton

My brother, Jared, and I decided around noon Sunday to camp-out for the night. We loaded up and headed toward Afton. Stopped at a bar to watch the Packers lose to the Giants. We weren't in Wisconsin, but you can see it across the St. Croix River in the picture below.

The River is iced up with little snow covering it.

Likewise, little snow for ground cover. Couldn't use a snow-stake or pound regular pegs in the frozen earth. Made do with a chunk of firewood.

Spent the evening sitting around the fire. Temp. in the mid 20's with a bit of a breeze.

Packed up and headed home. Not very eventful, but sure glad I got out anyway. It's good to be at a point in my gear and knowledge, where I can quickly throw my kit together and be warm and comfortable on a January, Minnesota night.

Looks Fun

Link

Glacier Skiers Go Hiking

A year ago we booked 4 cabins at Afton St. Park for a skication. Instead of skiing we enjoyed hiking and warm weather. My first experience with camper cabins; found them wonderful.

I think the kids are ready for snow.

Ice Kiting

Elf Yourself!

33 Sets of Skis and Poles in the Subaru

We can't haul our skis on the team bus because it blocks the aisle, so the Forester is the new team ski hauler. What it lacks in sport it makes up for in utility.

Who's North Korea's New Leader?

Miss Commuting-Reminiscing About Daily Ride in Taipei

My ride was about 30 mins. each way. This give a good feel for riding in the city.

A Night Out/Gear Testing

Backyard Saturday Night 4" of new snow 25 F. Used the 20 degree bag and slept comfortably on the lower end of its range. Eureka Zeus 3 season tent did well in the fourth, but would leak snow through top vent if the wind blew. Fleece balaclava kept my head snug all night.

Maybe it was the Winter Bike Expo, or cutting our holiday tree, or the lovely snowfall, or another muse that led me to a cozy night out.

Winter Bike Expo.

Jared and I headed to the Greenway Freewheel this morning for the Winter Bike Expo. We each got one of these dandy schwag mugs for test riding Mukluks 3s and 2s, Necromancer Pugsleys and a Moonlander with sparkly paint.
The Moonlander and a Mukluk 2 sitting in front of the store. Note the difference in tire size.

Two views of the Necromancer. I really like the ride and found the 17 degree sweep of the the handlebars perfect.


A row of Mukluks v. the Pugsley line-up. I like that both are different bikes. While the Salsa is super upright and comfortable, my choice for fat tire touring/cruising; the Pugsley made me smile and want to ride hard over cars. The Moonlander with sparkly paint, however, got our phat tire award for being even fatter without feeling like we were giving up anything.
Other highlights of the day included listening to Dave Payman speak about the Arrowhead 135 and the Iditabike along with a great lunch while visiting with B. Rose, in his bunny suit, about skiing, bikes, coffee and guns. I appreciate the casual and approachable attitudes of the Freewheel staff, Surly people and presenters. I'll be back next year.