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.

Goodbye Camry

So long to a great car. It's amazing how this car has held up and maintained it's value.

Model A

My Dad's 1931 Ford, Model A sitting in front of the house that I lived in from 2 until I was 13.

A couple of shots of the car driving around Woodlawn Park.

Despite being 80 -years-old, the car drove much like a modern car. Electric start, three speed manual transmission and brake where I would expect to find one. However, with no power assist on the controls I found that I needed to plan turns and stops plenty early.

What a fun drive; both my brother and I, full sized men, were able to ride the rumble seat.

The temperature gauge is a thermometer in the radiator cap. Here's a page with more Model A specs than you likely care to read.

Congratulations New Zealand All Blacks World Cup Champions

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QN65LHLYS10

I Saw Your JOEY! and Raise You BUCKY!

New Wheels

2011 Subaru Forester. So far we love it, like camping, KD Lang and comfortable shoes.

Hobo Camping The Luce Line 2011

Hobo camped the Luce Line. Our hobo dinner pictures are best appreciated expanded. Steak, brats, a couple of different types of chicken and beans all cooked over our camp fire. Wonderful. The cookies, candy, and sampler of freeze-dried stroganoff, beef stew and pasta Alfredo were good too.

Long Haul Trucker loaded. At one time in addition to gear and food, I had over two gallons of water strapped on. Water weights 8.35 lbs per gallon;
I estimate I had over 20lbs of liquid alone on the bike.

Sean's Nob trailer and cyclocross bike with +plush seat.

George's single speed Trek 700 with homemade trailer.
It was brilliant to put a backpack on the trailer as a bag.

Q's single speed Cross-Check with Bob sporting
a clever homemade handlebar bag.

Jared's Salsa La Cruz with new compact crank and cassette.
Nice size Jandd frame bag for easy access to stuff.Looking forward to next year!

Two Dads and Four Kids Bike Camping

Group photo after loading up camp on Sunday morning

Lunch at the DQ a mile or so into our ride. Notice the 1984 Trek 520 loaded up and pulling a homemade cargo trailer plus guitar.

My Long Haul Trucker

Mid 90's Trek 930 converted into touring bike with rack and Top Touring 2000 tires

A Maruishi Mixtie with Conti Gator skins on 27 inch wheels. This is a very nice smooth bike
A 90's Trek 700 with upgraded stem, bars and seatpost.

A near stock GT bullet 24" wheels fitted with rear rack and panniers

A tree frog riding a 9 year-old boy.

Two takes on rice and hot dogs for dinner

Roasting marshmallows (Why's her other arm so small?)

Without moms around the kids could whittle. One of the girls cut her finger but didn't make a fuss at all.

We got lucky with the weather we stayed dry on both Saturday and Sunday. It did rain when we were sleeping so we broke out the rain gear because of dipping trees.

Another shot of the 520 with it's load

This sign and the changing weather made the kids think about XC ski season coming up. We all ski together too.

Q's Garage