Saturday Morning Ride Launch 2015

It's on! Saturday morning group rides have officially launched this weekend. And with great weather like we've been having – a nice turnout was to be expected. And that my friends, has all the makings of a very positive cycling season indeed. We had seven riders in total this morning, which is a really good size for this first Saturday out. This would be considered a medium size group for this club. Typically, a small group for Team Sprockets will range between 2 to 4 riders – a large group will be about 10 plus. We also had the pleasure of riding with one of our new team members today as well, which was awesome.

Meeting at team headquarters in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, we kicked off this Saturday morning ride at 8:00am today. It was mostly sunny, with a temperature around 55 degrees, and a light wind – overall perfect day really. We did a classic Team Sprockets loop around Mendota Heights, Eagan, Minneapolis, and St. Paul. We rode for about 90 minutes, at a casual clip, ranging a distance around 25 miles. This was a good distance for everyone, to balance between different riding levels. This distance will begin to increase as we move into the season, and as riders acclimate to each other and become stronger with conditioning. Overall, we made a fairly good time throughout the ride today – only stopping to fix a flat tire for one of riders half way through the route. We made that time up fast, with a quickened pace, good road quality, and low traffic conditions. Also, this Saturday was not a destination ride like some other of our past rides, but rather, a get-together course ride reception to kick-off this new season, with new ideas, and new riders.

Finally, we completed our inaugural Saturday morning kick-off ride with a delicious post-ride breakfast at TK's Coffee in Lilydale, Minnesota. Given the hilly terrain of the Mendota Heights area, optimal for cycling, and attracting enthusiasts from all over the metro area – TK's Coffee Shop has become somewhat of a destination not only for Team Sprockets, but other cyclist, and bike teams as well. TK himself is a lively and welcoming store-owner, with excellent hospitality, service, and delicious foods and coffee.

If I didn't know better, I'd say this season – is looking pretty tasty...

Fire the Cannons!

The 2015 TEAM SPROCKETS cycling season is officially kicked off! And what could be be better to start this riding season off right than an excellent small group ride through Southeastern Minnesota. The group gathered in Red Wing, Minnesota, and rode the Cannon Valley Trail to Welch, Minnesota. It turned into a perfect weekend for riding bicycles and enjoying cool artwork. The Cannon Valley Trail is a 20-mile plus scenic bicycling trail running between Cannon Falls and Red Wing, Minnesota. The group chose to ride a small section of the trail,


which was a shorter ride than usual, but it was a great way to warm up for the season and get everyone prepped for longer rides to come. Starting at The Anderson Center at Tower View – the group enjoyed a wonderful sculpture garden before heading down the trail following the Cannon River to the town of Welch, and Welch Village Ski Resort, where diehard skiers were still savoring the last precious days of Winter.
If you get a chance
to ride or visit Red Wing, Minnesota – make sure to check out The Anderson Center at Tower View. Located on the Historic A.P. Anderson Research Farm – it is a very cool creative residential art center for painters, writers, sculptors, poets, photographers, and more.

Now for the beginning of the rest of the season!

Perfect Summer Morning in Minnesota

Given the long cold winter, and a seemingly extended cold spring, on top of non-stop weekend rain – it was finally amazing to go out on a substantial group ride in PERFECT weather. For a change. A break finally revealed itself this last Sunday morning with excellent participation. 72 degrees and mostly sunny was exactly what the doctor ordered...necessary medicine in more ways than one. Calling a group ride most of this season has been pretty spotty given the weather, so there was some pent up anticipation to get out and really get some miles down. After getting a couple of e-mails inquiring on an outing – it was only a matter of time that the ball really got rolling. We met in Mendota Heights, rode north on Shepard Road to East River Road in St. Paul, up to the University of Minnesota East Bank, over the Mississippi River via the Stone Arch Bridge, past the Guthrie Theatre, down West River Road, pass Fort Snelling, over the Mendota Bridge and back home. We even took time to look at Minnehaha Falls along way. Overall, an extremely satisfying ride!

6th of July and Summer Showed Up

This 4th of July 2014 was pretty good overall, as 4th of July's go here in the Mid-West. Lots of fun, with family, friends, neighbors, and so on. Good food, good parades, and good fireworks made for a very nice holiday indeed. The holiday forecast for the weather was perfect. Perfect! Two days later...the definition of our humid continental climate is revealed in all its discomfort. The hot, humid, raining, jungle like atmosphere is not great for bike riding I can tell you that. So the classic morning bike ride everyone has expected and looking forward to, was canceled – again.  However, when it comes to Team Sprockets, the glass is usually half full. A good try, and a good ride was put to the test later in the early evening. Though the heat, wind, and humidity, made for some challenging riding – patience, and a fair amount of calm pacing, and made for a wonderful pleasant riding.

Lake Minnetonka Odyssey

It was a great day for a bike ride around Lake Minnetonka this last Sunday morning! Even though it was slightly overcast, with rain in the forecast – it did not stop this big group of Team Sprockets riders from taking on one the Twin Cities largest lakes.  Flooding presented a challenge to bike around the 35 mile distance of the lake with the recent rains, and did require adjustments to the usual route taken with a slight detour toward St. Bonifacious. Ironically, this did create new scenery, roads, and elevation to explore in the process. The rain did finally come however – and as refreshing as it was, most of the ride was completed perfectly by these Sprocketeers in excellent weather. Indeed, this ride is fast becoming a desirable mainstay in the Team Sprockets go-to rides of the last two seasons. Thank you to one of our team members, Tom Lesser from Excelsior, Minnesota, for hosting this week's wonderful ride!

Team Sprockets Rides Again!

This blog has been on hiatus for a while. After a very long winter (no riding in March or April, and very little in May), Team Sprockets is ready to ride again. Our first "official" group ride will occur this Saturday morning, June 7, 2014. We'll leave from G-Man's home for a 25 miler throughout Mendota Heights, St. Paul and parts unknown.

We will be inspired by the Tour of Luxembourg, which is occurring at exactly the same time in the little European country of Luxembourg, home of Andy and Frank Schleck. We will allow our Luxembourg Lions to roar once again as we take advantage of the precious little time that we call summer and prepare our bodies to take on our own "Tour de France."

Watch this blog for updates and news about Team Sprockets in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Grab the lycra, saddle up, and shine on!


-- G-Man

In The Garden of Cycling Shoppers Delight

By Luxo-D

So many choices, so many brands...what do I do? Help me Oujia-Wan, you're my only hope.

It seems like, but isn't, but it seems like, everywhere I look, people are talking about or thinking about buying a bicycle. Oh sure, there is no shortage of chatter about the subject. The constant droning on about this bike, and that frame, or that drive-train, and so on and so on. It is almost like there is a kind of sickness out there that makes people blather on about what they want to get. And believe me, talk is most definitely CHEAP.

A rational person would never allow this kind of velo-consumption to go beyond the idle browsing. No. For them it's on to the next thing, lawnmowers, vacuums, TV's. But we're not talking about "rational" people are we...no we are not. We're talking about a person with a kind cycling perversion that goes outside of common day shopping norms. Indeed, a trained psychiatrist would deem these types of cycling shoppers, borderline "Institutional." However, there is more than meets the eye...

There are basically two kinds of cycling shoppers in ME uneducated opinion. The first one, is the dude that shows up at every cycling in shop in town, looking at this that and the other thing, only to be confronted by a hopeful shop clerk desperate to make a sale, only to be brushed off with these depressing words..."Thanks, I'm just browsing." The second shopper, is the notorious "Online" guy, searching and searching in endless agony to seek out a deal no matter where. Whether it's ebay, Craig's List, or any number of online cycling discount sites - retail price shall never be paid, EVER! Fortunately, yours truly here, has found the happy balance between them all...

Catalogs.

Yes catalogs! I love them! They are everything a shopper could want in an experience. Beautiful, glossy, large, well photographed pictures of beautiful cycling machines, displayed in perfect settings, and posed in the most enticing angles to maximize the shopping experience. With brief descriptions of all the different models, accented with juicy tid-bits of personality for all sorts of different types of riding needs. As well as, elaborate and detailed specifications, of component options, to contrast and compare...eh hem. Excuse me, I seemed to be getting a little flush writing about this...

So, in conclusion...a well informed bicycle shopper is a happy bicycle shopper. No matter where you buy. Good luck.

The Gary Fisher-Freewheel Bike Freedom Ride!

By Luxo-D

As a full-blooded American dude, nothing gets me more excited than a little old fashioned colonial time revolutionary celebratory action. Between fire-works, the Forth of July, and folks decked out in Revolutionary era costumes, just to ride bikes, is enough to make you start humming the Star Spangled Banner. So when I heard about this event...well let's just say, Yankee Doodle was another hot tune of the day...

Hear ye, hear ye, let FREEDOM ring out! The RIGHT to ride is on! The Gary Fisher-Freewheel Bike Freedom ride has ridden!

And so it was this last weekend at the Freewheel Bike Cycling Freedom Ride. A cycling retailer extravaganza of enthusiasm and camaraderie for over two hundred participants! A 90 minute ride starting from the original West Bank Store on the University of Minnesota campus, to the extremely handy Mid-Town Shop on the Mid-Town Greenway, out to the brand NEW Eden Prairie Store to sign the Freedom Ride Cyclists’ Bill of Rights – a document extolling the virtues and rights about cycling anywhere, any place, anytime. Not to mention the chance to ride with the very important VIP and special guest himself – the man responsible for starting mountain biking as we know it...Gary Fisher (Founder of Gary Fisher bicycles.)

It was a jolly and sprite time too, with perfect riding weather to boot. Yay, for yours truly, I felt honored to be riding with this wholesome bunch of enthusiastic cyclists for sure. Indeed, the chance to ride with Gary Fisher, was an opportunity not worth missing! I even spoke to the man too! Our conversation went like this... I said, "Hi Gary." He said, "Hi." I said, "I like your glasses." He said, "Thanks." I said, "How long are you here?" He said, "Just today." I said, "Ah." Furthermore, what could be more fun and spirited, than the event hosts and coordinators from Freewheel Bike and the very creative, hot Minneapolis advertising agency known as Pocket Hercules – all riding in FULL American Revolutionary Continental costumes! A challenge I might add to ride on bike.

Finally, at the end of the ride, the crowd was treated to a smorgasbord of tasty treats, bratworst, hotdogs, and refreshments, as well as receiving a complimentary 20% Off on all merchandise for anyone that rode and signed the Cycling Bill of Rights. This Kid...exercised his LIBERTY with a set of new Vittoria tires.

This was definitely the Stroker Ace in FREEDOM. No doubt!

The unkind atmosphere of April

By Luxo-D

Who said that famous quote..."April is for Lovers?" Or was it..."Georgia?" I don't know, there is some quote that defines April. Generally, a lot of us have been looking forward to bicycling season all winter long. Like you, the thought of getting out there and enjoying some really awesome Spring weather has been a nugget of anticipation for quite some time. Just the thought of perfect Spring temperatures mixed with the first long light of sun, is enough to get a dude pretty stoked up. Unless...

April – The Siren of Despair...
Yeah, a guy could just sit there and blubber in his beer and cry like a big fat baby about how bad the weather has been. You know, whine about how it's raining, or it's too cold, or too windy, or whatever. I too (Brute), thought the long melancholy of winter was over – only to be subverted by this siren of annoying bad weather. But look, I think...and I don't much...think there is an opportunity at play here to harvest the dream. That is, IF your water bottle is not half empty? Indeed, why not take this moment to test new gear, new routes, and new abilities in personal endurance? In a way, embrace the adversity of poor conditions, and reap the benefits gained by Velo SURVIVAL of the Fittest!

Make it SO number one...
Hey folks, there's lots of stuff a committed cyclist can do when the weather sucks whazoo. Like... adjust your saddle for instance, or tweak your shoe cleats, or visit a favorite bike shop, or go to a bike expo, or look at bike gear online until your wife says "Get the hell off the computer!"... You know, stuff like that. I'm just saying, you don't have to squander the moment because it's not perfect out. Being a wussy is a state of mind, not an act of treason...

So, double up those shorts, put on the windbreaker, or slip into some knickers! Live the adventure and ride for your life! After all, it's only...

"The Suite Life of Zak and Coty!"

Jerseys in transit

By Luxo-D

I got a call from Canari Cycle Wear yesterday...

"Your jerseys are ready and being delivered."

Most excellent.

Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival – Last Ditch Hope

By Luxo-D

For quite some time, it has been a goal to ride in the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival. But for reasons of bad luck, I have not gotten in. Until now...

The Cheq Fat Tire is a grueling 40 mile hill laden mountain bike race on the American Birkenbiener Trail, in beautiful Cable/Hayward, Wisconsin every September. With limited space and over 15oo participants, the event organizers must use a lottery system to choose the riders for for the big day. As you can imagine, with limited space, the spots are indeed coveted. Like everyone else, I mailed my entry and fee, and took my chances to be picked from obscurity, to be selected to the ride this awesome bike race... I wasn't.

Now what? After 4 years of not getting in, what were my choices. Sit at home again. Well not so fast! It had come to my attention, that there may be one more option, one last desperate chance to get into this incredible cycling event... a letter. For those, that had the unfortunate luck NOT to be chosen, the event organizers had another chance for an enthusiastic rider to give it a shot. The official "Please Let Me In." Cheq Fat tire Essay Contest! Though tightly limited, and purely at the discretion of the organizers good will – this was a chance for any hopeful participant to plead their pathetic case, why HE or SHE should get to ride in this great race.

So...like any caged animal, I did exactly that, write an essay, why yours truly was worthy to ride. A literary last ditch do or die situation, in the only way I know I could. Like the eternal optimist I am on occasion, I hoped this was just the right stuff to stand out. Much to my surprise, I was quite shocked when the Head Man of the show e-mailed me a message with this simple announcement...

"Snatched from the jaws of defeat!" Your essay has been chosen...we'll save you a spot in the race!

A virtual Stroker-Ace of the pen indeed.

Freewheel Bike, Eden Prairie – Up & Cranking!

By Luxo-D

Every once in awhile, there is good news. And sometimes that news comes in the form of progress. Just when it seems like the status quo is set – something happens to shakes things up. Like you, I enjoy my visits to the bike shops. Heck, when the season is in full swing, I find myself hanging around these joints more than I would dare to admit. In fact, some of the proprietors of these shops often scold me, by saying stuff like..."Hey you, whadda you doing standing around for – get to work!"

So, when I heard Freewheel Bike was opening a brand NEW shop in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, I checked my shorts. If you don't know, Freewheel Bike is a Twin Cities bicycle retailer revered among avid cyclist for awesome product selection and customer service since 1974. Owned by Bloomington resident Kevin Ishaug. The location of the new 7,000-square foot store is in the old Outback Steakhouse spot at 12910 Plaza Drive, near the intersection of I-494 and Hwy. 5/212, kinda near the Eden Prairie Center shopping mall.

And these guys got the stuff! Trek, Gary Fisher, Surly, Moots, and Look among others. Not to mention the gear – clothes, shoes, racks, parts, tools, and helmets, etc. And they also got the passionate dudes to take care of it, without making you feel like an idiot. With "Golden Wrench" mechanics to make everything all right and round. Certified to install and repair SRAM, Shimano, Trek, Avid, and many more serious gear I know nothing about.

If you're nostalgic or location is your deal, don't worry – you can always check out the ORIGINAL store on the West Bank of the University of Minnesota campus. Or the Midtown Bike Center located near the Midtown Greenway. They've got lots of stuff at those places to boot.

I don't know about you, but this KID is booking his way down to the Open House this Saturday! Plus, they will have 20% off all merchandise, and there's a drawing to win a NEW Trek road bike too! The open house goes through March 19 - 28.

This my friends... is the STROKER-ACE of bike shopping opportunity.

Feets of Fury!

By Luxo-D

Hey cool cats, are you ready to get it on? The riding season is here, and the big question for the day is – are you ready to unleash your "Feets of Fury?"

Hell, look at this dude... he's got it going on! Right? I don't know about you, but this fella is making a fashion statement that says..."I don't give a shat, if it's wet, icy, or a freaking sloppy god knows what...I'm going! With or without you. Dig!"

Who knows if he went for a ride, who knows if he actually did it, it doesn't matter. What matters, is this simple truth... the new season is not waiting for you to say...it's "Okay." It's officially on.

If I were you, and I'm not...I'd be hitting all the bike shops right now, looking for an edge. Anything, I mean anything, that separates you from them, and them from whoever. No matter if you're in the market for something or not – get down there and find what's in, out, and never was. Because people, once the yuppies show up... it's over. Or, you'll have to wait for the next sales person.

Stay dry. Sorta.

The First to Ride

By Luxo-D

Talk is cheap. But every once in awhile someone says and does things to make you ponder... do you have the tenacity, the guts, to go out and do something no one suspects. The mere whisper, the declaration if you will – is enough to set a whole calamity of activity in motion. Of course the conditions need to be ripe for such events to take place – a kind of velo-gravity needing to fall just perfectly and make it...REAL. Indeed.

Now, I would love to be the first guy out there to cut some NEW road. It's crossed my mind more than once over this long winter. Dreaming of new roads and new hills is always something to cherish in deepest, dark solitude of the cold months. Yet, when I heard the other day, that The Immortal was talking "big time real" about going for bike ride...I gasped! The thought, of one of the TEAM SPROCKETS™ members going for a bike ride this early, jazzed me. Oh sure, there are lots of people out there already, and it shouldn't be much of a surprise really, with the thaw currently in play – but I was caught off guard actually. In a way, the spontaneous mention of it, impromptu and cavalier in tone – frightened and stoked me to get ready with an urgency uncommon for February. Trainer be damned!

So that my friend's is exactly what we're going to do. Get that gear out, wash those shorts, and bring that bike to the shop. Cuz...girlfriends, it's going to be here sooner than you think.

Ready or not.

New Year and a NEW Look

By Luxo-D

Change is good. Like a butterfly emerging from it's chrysalis.
And so must we all.

Check out the NEW TEAM SPROCKETS™ club jersey for 2011. This is preliminary concept at the moment (subject to change), but it is darn close to the NEW look being developed by the TS Team. Fashion, oh yes – it is a bold statement indeed – classic in tenacity. With it's hot red field accented by the traditional Luxembourgian graphics, you've come to love and respect with TEAM SPROCKETS.™ It is a team jersey that demands the most uncompromising of attention, or scorn, depending on your viewpoint. Zoolander beware, there's new kid on the runway this year.

Additionally, the bright colors will prove to be beneficial on the road with potential hazards too. I don't know about you, but I prefer to be seen by drivers, even the ones preoccupied by cell phones, music, food, and god knows whatever else.

Look for the colors to flying by a road near you. Excelsior!

New Years Resolutions or Nightmares

By Luxo-D

Everybody loves change. Shake it up so to speak, and make some changes you've always wished you could. Okay...

Hey man let's face it – change is hard. There's so much work to do, it's SICK. Sometimes, it just sucks to even make an effort. But we've got to try eh? What good is a new years resolution without a tiny bit of elbow grease anyway, right? Maybe throw in a smidge of positive attitude too, for good luck. Okay, I know it's not easy – I can sympathize. Partially. Not really. But at least I can listen? Well no, I don't do that either. Now Look, I've been there too, I mean it, gawd. We all have tons of crap we just never got around to. But I'm not keeping score – are you?

Don't be a Debby Downer.
Look, there were some pretty awesome goals satisfied last year no doubt. A lot in fact! I can think of at least three or four major cycling events completed. Some, that had nothing to do with actually riding a bike. Certainly, myself and other TEAM SPROCKETS™ members would generally call last season...VICTORIOUS! But just like the doped-up pros looking for that next big HIT, or that certain... god knows what, that often gets tested randomly... We need a super awesome NEW GOAL to harvest! A virtual MISSION to claim Conquest & Glory for the next year.

So, let's do it!
What's it going to be kats? New rides, new courses, new bikes, new gear? What's it gonna take to mark your year? How are YOU going to be validated by your piers, huh? Seriously, is some hot new swag going put you in the seat and make you OPTIMUS PRIME? Yeah maybe! Hell, I'm already sitting on some sweet new PEARL IZUMI SELECT road shoes, from SANTA CLAUS. At least... I got me one in the old' bag eh?

Keep it simple, dig.
Maybe this year, just try a little more time in the saddle. Or change out a needed component for some thing just a little better. Or, just shake up the diet by not going back for second helpings. Maybe even eat some fruit for crying out loud. Or...If I maybe so bold...drink less beer? How about, you get that HOT new bike you've always wanted!

In the end, little thing add up to a whole bunch of big things.

Just saying...

A Wish List to Santa

By Luxo-D

What's that old phrase..."A wish in one hand, and a crap in the other...see which gets filled first," or some nonsense like that. Well that's what we got, A WISH LIST. And just what are we supposed to do with it eh? Well, I can think of about a dozen super cool things I would like to get for 2011. This wishful thinking maybe out of my control, but then again...a girl can dream, right? It's not like I'm asking..."Hey, Calgon, take me away," or anything like that. I'm just saying there are a few cool things, a cool kid like me, would love to have in the old arsenal, dig. Know what I'm sayin'?

So...where to start? Hmm, so many choices. Geez, it's like a pervert in a bra store...where to start...where to start, hmm which bra? Well let's see, maybe a cool new jersey, or some awesome nicker bibs, or maybe a kick-ass helmet, or some neat socks, or maybe some wicked road shoes or something. I guess...

What I really wish for...is a NEW cyclocross bike!

Look, I like to scheme about stuff sometimes, okay. Like how, if I get rid of this thing, then maybe I can get that thing. You know, this is The G-Man's operation all year long by the way. Nobody can scheme like that dude. Hell, he's a "Master Schemer Extraodinaire" when it comes to his next bicycle acquisition. One day it's Orbea bikes, the next day it's Look bikes, then Cervelo bikes the day after that, Focus bikes from god knows where. Anyway, right now, at this very moment that's it, a NEW cyclocross bike under the tree. I don't even know what brand I even want...heck, I like the first thing that looks super cool. I don't even give a hoot what it's got under the hood, brand or anything. It's the first impression right out of the gate. Even my brand loyalties take a big bruising, but we're wishing right, anything goes? Or does it?

Come on Santa Claus, I've been a good Joe... haven't I?

Winter? Now what?

By Luxo-D

Just like that...Mother Nature flicked the switch. So now what? Oh sure I'm a little melancholy about the whole thing. It was one of the greatest spring, summer and fall riding seasons ever! Epic in awesome. So what's a cool guy supposed to do, huh...blubber in his beer? Yes. But not so fast Von Schlaunager, there are more than a few ways to skin the ol' exercise-cat, indeed.

This Big-fat-cry-baby isn't going to take it sitting down. Seriously, there are plenty of exercise opportunities for a sorry sap like yours truly to do. But WHAT is the question. Surely, we all empathize with the challenges. Or, do we all just knuckle under and surrender to the flab...? No dammit! Well...maybe, okay yeah...

Now, as much as I would like to claim the cycling hardcore-high ground in this matter – I for one, am not much of a winter cyclist. Yeah, there are dudes that ride non-stop like my work colleague 'The Stranger.' But this guy rides year round in some of the worst weather, most people would skip for the car. On the other hand, not giving away to being a total puss, I will go out if the temp is right, for a zip or two around the hood, or down to a favorite watering hole. You know, get the 'show-on' with some proper winter gear and some public attitude to show commitment to the sport...

Let's face it though, it can't be denied...cycling does have its seasonal miseries too. The indoor season is not something to be cherished that's for sure. Who can forget the torment of the bicycle trainer? An exercise device that instills a droning exercise monotony. An unsatisfying spinning to "Nowheresville." A virtual velo-purgatory, vexing, and sick. It is...the Iron Maiden and Rack of cycling. A fixed hellnation on wheels...

Luckily, there are options that suit the fair weather rider. After all, winter does have some classic recreational activities that get the blood going and the heart pumping. I for one turn my attention to hockey, downhill skiing...and shoveling. My neighbor Roy – turns to curling. Other TEAM SPROCKETS™ members I know, do other stuff...like setting mouse traps.

In the end, do what you need to do. Indeed, I think it would be wise to use this time wisely, to re prioritize. Prepare for the Spring and a better day. Kinda like...Luke Skywalker, contemplating shooting Wamp Rats in Beggers Canyon...

"Embrace the POWER of the Season."

Super (Spooky) SMURF!

By Luxo-D

Back in the day, if you would have asked me, "Hey Luxo-D...you scared of the woods?" Hell no, I'm no scaredy-cat dammit! But then again, when was the last time YOU went to Murphy Hanrehan on HALLOWEEN...hmmmm girl friend?

Now I know, the sweet riding days are closing in, there's no doubt about it. And this Kid will be blubbering in his beer sooner than he'd like. So getting into the woods before the snow comes was a big driver for the TEAM SPROCKETS™ crew for sure. The G-Man, Roy, The Immortal, and yours truly (Luxo-D) gave it good ride this last weekend. Halloween to be exact. Was it Spooooooky? Oh hell yeah it was spooky! Geeez. There's MONSTERS in them woods... dang-it!

Super SMURF!
Murphy Hanrehan, is a classic, single-track mountain bike hot-spot in the south metro of Minneapolis, in the City of Prior Lake, Minnesota. With over 10 miles of winding trail, small obstacles, hills, and beautiful mixed terrain – it is a popular destination for mountain bike riders of all levels. This Halloween day, was definitely the day to be out, ride, and pose too. An absolutely gorgeous fall day to boot! Oh sure, there were plently of hot-shots on the ol' trail, but that didn't matter. The ride was totally solid. However, on a side note, I did find the G-Man's boisterous and vocal excitement of the ride at Murphy Hanrehan to be a little bit enthusiastic. I wouldn't say annoying or any accusations as such, but HE did enjoy the banter of his own grunts, squeels, and yalps, anytime he hit a sharp curve, rock, bump and anything else. In fact, he earned the temporary moniker of "The Crazy Screaming Guy," in the woods, and it did prove useful at times. Coincidentally, a co-worker of the his, "The Dust-Man," whipped passed us on the trail – unaware of the bombastic-racket announcing our presence. Besides that, the trail conditions and camaraderie could not have better! After two hours, we were spent. In the end, we quenched our thirsts and savored our ride.

Afterward, some of the boyz of TEAM SPROCKETS™ treated themselves to a lip-smacking treat from McDonald's to nurse the post ride blues. With the FAMOUS and limited time-only McRib Sandwich. A tasty snack of splendor indeed.

I give this ride a "SPOOKER-ACE" for awesome!

Hayward Fat-Tire Unofficial

By Luxo-D

Who loves a weekend get away? Well I sure as heck do – how about you? You know, get away from the monotony of the rat race, and responsibility, by having "The Good Ol' Times," with your buddies, and stuff. Get out on the bike dammit, and ride your brains out! For mountain biking...this is it. A carnival of biking delight!

Where to Bruté?
Hayward Wisconsin, is your classic weekend excursion in this part of the upper midwest. 3 hours Northeast of the Twin Cities more or less. A regular fisherman's cabin oasis to be exact. With a plethora of cabins, lakes, and woods. It is also home to a fairly popular mountain bike race every September as well – The Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival. A classic 40 mile mountain bike race on pretty nice chunk of the American Birkebeiner Cross Country Ski Trail.

The boys of TEAM SPROCKETS™ gave it a go recently, and to much joy indeed. With an excellent mix of single track, logging roads, snowmobile/ATV trails, paved highway, and The Birky Trail – it was your basic variety of ambrosia, pure and simple. The G-Man, Spud, and myself drove up from the Twin Cities the Friday night before, (including four stops to McDonald's for a chocolate shakes), so we could get a fresh start the following day. We stayed at an awesome lake cabin called Haycreek Cabin, nestled snugly into a fantastic wooded area on a gorgeous lake in the Chippewa Flowage.

Expedition Activated
Getting started at a reasonable time the following Saturday morning, we visited a local bike shop in town, for some reassuring guidance. The Blue Moon Bicycle Store. It is an awesome store, with a great selection of bicycles, and accessories. It also has plenty of cross country ski gear too, if you're into that kind a thing. We got plenty advice, recommendations, and directions for our full day Odyssey. Our route was straight forward enough, Hayward to Cable.
We even enjoyed a wonderful lunch at a local woodfired pizza establishment midway through our ride in Cable to boot (The Rivers Eatery & Ideal Market). With a bounty of thirst quenching beers too, I might add. The pizza...savory vontastic!

The BEST Day Ever
If there was a perfect weekend for weather, this was it! An absolutely beautiful fall day for riding. The forest was at it's peak of Fall color, with the air temperature at a regular 60 degrees the entire day, and a gentle, comforting breeze. It was a treat, to switch back from single track, to trail, to logging road, and then back through out the
day – variety was definitely the name of the game. Hills? Plenty galore that's for sure. A never ending roller coaster of them.

Finally, after it was all done, with cramps setting in, and the disorientation working it's magic...we savored our victory with Steak, wine, good banter and Bruce Lee and Quentin Tarantino movies. The next morning, after a great night sleep, morning coffee, and National Lampoons Animal House, we celebrated our weekend Odyssey with a classic morning breakfast at one of Hayward's classic breakfast institutions...The Norskie Nook.

Not too shabby, I'd say...eh? Here's to the "Good Ol' Times."