Weighted Bat

I have heard people say they wished they got a better workout on a ride while leading the ride the whole time. They should swing a weighted bat. I rode my weighted bat today and got a GREAT workout!! I have an old mountain bike that I have built into a 3 speed all purpose bike. One purpose is getting a great workout on every ride. It did not fail me today. I rode with Jay H. Cindy S. and Bob (I mean Rob T.) Cindy is trying to decide if she is going to do the Madison Ironman this year, so she pulled a couple intervals during the ride. I think she can do it. WOW! Jay looks better every day and Rob's bike is beautiful not to mention his commuting has him in top form as well. Very nice ride, it was worth getting up at 5:30. Thanks you guys!

Oh, I should add, the ride was super cool. We went to the Stone Arch Bridge and then down East River Road to Fort Snelling and then up West River Road, stopping at Dunn Brothers on Lake Street. COOL! We decided to go with Jay up to Blaine High School where he was meeting his wife for a ride and then rode home back across the dam. Neat!

Hill Repeats

I have a new favorite ride in our area, it is the Elk River Hill Repeats ride. John R. and Jay H. rode over with me today and we hit the hill 5 times and headed home. John was definitely the polka dot jersey winner today. We got in some great climbing and conversation. Cool! John also won the green jersey by winning Super Prime. We didn't challenge which kind of goofed up his celebration of pointing to the C on his Colorado jersey he got this past week.

Dirt Track Fat Tire Madison

I took the kids out riding tonight and we went to an old running track in the neighborhood. I was timing my kids on quarter mile laps and they were timing me. Then I had the idea of doing a Madison relay with the kids for a half mile time. Owen and I came in with a 2.01 and Rose and I got a 2.09. The kids were thrilled and now we have a goal, beat those times! It was fun to see my kids so excited to ride hard!

Afton Hill Ride

Bernie and I went over to Woodbury for some heavy TCBC action. We had a great ride! The roads were awesome and the group was moving. TSH looked great and if it wasn't for San Antonio Scott hugging Bernie's wheel and a surprise prime, that was completely illogical, we would have swept the thing!

Grrrreat Ride Last Night

Jay T., who may ride for another TSH team next summer, took us on a route up to Elk River and it was great. We did hill repeats and when you had your fill you just waited on the corner for the rest of the group. I flatted and still loved it. I love our group too. I think that I have said it before but I never imagined that I would have belonged to the strongest and most enjoyable peer group in my life when I was 39. How long can this last?

Get This!!

As of right now we have 20 people riding in Team Strong Heart kits! Do you know how cool this is? This is a group that is focused on their love of riding and riding for a purpose. I am thrilled to be a part of this team!

Think about it... you are at an event and someone asks you about your team... rather than saying something like, "ah, well, I am part of this team that, well, rides." You can say, "I ride with a group of people that I care for deeply and that cares for our community by riding for a cause. The cause that we are supporting right now is Camp Odayin. Let me tell you about our group's mission and the camp." How cool is that!? Riding with purpose, a purpose that goes beyond simply making yourself faster and showing up your neighbor!! The possibilities are endless! Come and join the team! I am already planning the holiday party!

Team Strong Heart

The team is growing and this is all very exciting. There is already a team of women heading up to the Headwaters 100 in September and what is the name of their team? Team Strong Heart. We have also gained some other members on in the Northwest Burbs. The team is only gaining strength! RAAM was only the beginning!!