Saturday January 16th Coffee Shop Lunch

Former Bike Riders;

Its damn cold outside, chances are there will be no ride next Saturday again. So how about we meet and greet for coffee someplace next Saturday about 12:30 in the afternoon. I have some suggestions, once I know there is some interest.

Roark

9th Annual Maine Lobster Ride and Roll July 24th

The Maine Lobsta Ride is July 24th - I have send my brother Robert a note and asked him if Ocean Point is available that week. There are several other good bike rides in the area we could do during the week. Everyday you can eat lobsta to your hearts desire.

Let me know if you are interested. The house at Ocean Point can accomodate 7 - 8 of us. Only serious cyclist please.

The dates for the Maine Trip would be July 23rd - July 31st. Fly up on Friday and Fly out the following Saturday.

Mark

Riding The Chicago Lakefront on Saturday July 17th 2010

Folks,

I plan to do the century option of this ride along the Chicago Lakeshore. I grew up in Chicago, and figure its not too late to ride a route I have never done fully. Its three states in 100 miles. I dont know all the details of when I am leaving (eg Friday), and what I will be riding on Sunday. I just plan to do it. If your interested, let me know.

Tri-State-Tour

Roark

Saturday Post Turkey Ride

Ron and Folks;

I am up to ride this Saturday in Wildwood. My suggestion though is to start from the Lone Wolf Coffee Company on Clayton Road in Balwin. We can do the Meetup St. Louis Regular Saturday Route. Lone Wolf is the most Bike Friendly Coffee Shop in St. Louis My suggestion is a 9:30 start time so it warms up a bit. They have great oatmeal for those who want to get there a bit earlier for breakfast.

I am also willing to ride some Hills of Kirkwood from my house, with Lunch at the Bitter Sweet Bakery near Mike. They have great food, and they should remember me for thowing Maxines 50th Bday Party there. If we ride from my house 9:00 am is a good time.

Let me know your plans and interests so I know what to do tommorow morning. First one to respond gets to pick the start location.

Roark


Lone Wolf Coffee Company
15480 Clayton Road, Suite 220
Ballwin, Missouri 63011
Phone: 636-527-7027

New Telephone Number

I have a new home telephone number it is 636 812-2307.

I have a new e-mail address dana_mark@att.net

Mark

Sunday Ride

Since John and I drove to a ride on Saturday. I plan to ride from my house on Sunday. I will be leaving at 9:00 am. Most likely miles in the 40-50 range. Somewhere along the way we stop for coffee. If your interested let me know.

Roark

Another Ride Option For This Summer

Welcome to the Grand Illinois Trail And Parks bicycle ride for 2010

GITAPWe "head for the hills" on this year's GITAP – to Galena and the unglaciated area of northern Illinois. The Grand Illinois Trail's northern leg promises great cycling (and not all hills), scenery, and state parks – along with our special blend of small numbers and large friendliness. Make plans now to enjoy an early summer vacation on a bike with us in northern Illinois.

The tour begins on Sunday, June 13 and wraps up on Friday, June 18.

Yes, this year's ride is a six-day ride. We will begin and end at Freeport's dramatic Highland Community College. From there we're off to three outstanding state parks – Rock Cut, Lake Le Aqua Na, and Mississippi Palisades. In the ride's middle we'll take a two night stay at lovely Galena – within walking distance of its historic downtown. Most of the route will be on roadways that are a part of the Grand Illinois Trail The minimum distance this year is 260 miles for the week, but by taking extra loops, it will be possible to do 465 miles.

The base price for the ride will be $385.
We’ll also have an “early planning rate” of $375 – for
registrations mailed by April 1. A late rate of $410 will
go into effect on June 1.

A Motel Options is Available.

Sunday Ride

Folks,

I plan to ride the Pasta Ride to Edwardsville On Sunday From Culver's at Horseshoe Lake. Saturday I am out for Maxine's Birthday Celebration. The info for the Culver's Ride is below. I can take four from my house in my van for those who want to carpool.

Roark

Sunday, 11-08-09 St. Boniface Pasta Ride
For years, Anne and Jim Jesse have led a bicycle ride to the annual
pasta dinner at St. Boniface Church in Edwardsville, and they will do
so again Sunday, Nov. 8.

The dinner takes place from 11 a.m. til 7 p.m. Jim and Anne plan to
start their ride at about 10:15 at the Madison County Parks and
Recreation headquarters at Horseshoe Lake Road and Illinois Route 157
next to Culver's. If the parking lot fills up at the headquarters,
there is plenty of parking at Culver's next door.
The pasta dinner offers a choice of mostaccioli or spaghetti with a
choice of meat or meatless sauces for about $8.00 (adults, less for
children). The dinner includes drinks, salad and dessert. Be sure to
bring a couple extra dollars to tip the friendly, attentive
grade-school servers.

September Bike Ride for 2010

With Mike leaving word that he wont be planning this summers trip, here is the first option I am considering: LAGBRAU (7 day option) With hotels but not with airfare or bike shipment $1100.

A CALL TO PEDALS - to all capable bicycle riders everywhere to come and participate in "the most scenic bicycle ride in the world," the Legacy Annual Great Bike Ride Across Utah (LAGBRAU). Each day you will ride through a different National Park, National Monument, National Recreation Area or National Forest that are international recognized as some of the most unique and beautiful sites in the world.

LAGBRAU offers three route options:

• LAGBRAU Full Fall (10-day)
• LAGBRAU (7-day)
• LAGBRAU Lite (3-day)

Roark

Crepes In The City Closes

FYI Folks,

Crepes in The City closed its doors last week with the owner apparently skipping town.
I talked with the landlord today, and had the information confirmed.

Roark

Sunday's Ride - Day of The Dead

I will be joining Mark tommorow at 9:45 to ride toward Forest Park to join the group. During this ride, just so everyone knows I plan to loop over to Cherokee Street so I can enjoy a bit of the "Day of The Dead" Festival.

Thanks,
Roark

The Cherokee Street Latino Business owners cordially invite you to join us on Sunday Nov. 1st from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Cherokee and California Avenue intersection to celebrate El Día de los Muertos. We will have a reenacment of a visit to a graveyard on Day of the Dead. Some local business will be giving away food and beverage samples: coffee, hot chocolate, tamales, mole, Day fo the Dead Bread. Traditional food, crafts and sugar skulls kits kits will also be available for sale.

Hmmmmm A Ride This Weekend?

Folks,

I am thinking of riding this weekend. Its just a thought right now, but any takers on the potential?

Roark

My New Bike Buddy!

Ok Folks she is so much cuter then any of my other bike buddies. She rides a Roark Bike too! Lovingly build from spare parts by Dad!

October 10 & 11 Bike Riding

I am up for a good warm up bike ride on Saturday - a city ride would work? - in preparation for Sunday's Ride the Rivers Ride. I have registered for Ride the Rivers - is any planning to register for the ride on Sunday - maybe you pick up the registration packets and we can meet up in Olivette - the ride goes through Olivette on Old Bonhomme I think.

Mark

Sunday October 4 Riding

I am up for riding Sunday. We can start at my house and ride out Wildhorse Creek to St. Albans and decide if we want to go to 6 Flags. Let's plan to ride at 9:00. If you want to come for breakfast around 8:00 let me know. We can sit out on the deck.

Tour de Wildwood

Anyone riding the Tour of Wildwood Sunday? I plan on starting around 8:00

Ron

Weekend Rides

Anybody doing the group rides this weekend?
Saturday is the Beer and Brat Century.
Sunday is the BFC Foot High Pie Ride.
Greg

Rooms at Ramada for MS150

Folks,

I still have one or two extra rooms available at the Ramada Inn in Columbia Missouri for the MS150. I think Mike wants one of the rooms (Mike please confirm). If you want the other please let me know tommorow Thursday, because Friday morning I will cancel any extra rooms.

Roark

Craigs List

Anyone,

I have been selling off extra bike stuff on Craigs List. Melina's old bike (the one she road in the Blue RidgeMountains and on the Wisconsin trip) took about a week to sell and my Shimano A-520 SPD Sport Touring Road Bike Pedals took about 5 minutes to sell.

Anyway, I want to post my bent Bontrager Race rear wheel. Spokes and Hub are perfect but the rim is bent. I think it is 3 years old. Anyone have a suggestion on how much money I should ask for?

Thanks,

Brian

Weekend Rides - Fri 8/29 to Sun 8/30

Folks,

Here are my plans for the weekend.

Friday Being an Off Day - Ride 70 miles from my house leaving at 7:30 am out to St. Albans & Back (if I can find a partner in crime).

Saturday - Ride 70 miles
option 1: I didnt get to do St. Albans Friday so do it today.
option 2: Ride Past New Town in St. Charles County to wiggle 70 miles
I plan to leave my house at 7:30 am on Saturday.

Sunday - 50 miles solo one way out to Elsberry Missouri to meet family for party.

I am looking for company on Friday and Saturday. Sunday I am just looking not to be solo road kill.

Roark

Elsah/Eckharts Ride Sunday

Sunday we will meet at 7:45 and roll at 8:00 from the Alton Casino/Marina parking lot. We will park in the lot farthest from the casino, close to the marina after you cross over the Clark bridge into Alton. We will go up the riverroad to Elsah and then head up the hill to Eckharts. So far Mike, Roark and I are going.
Greg

Triathlon Race Results

Any Interested Parties,

Total triathlon time is 3:06:56

Swim (1500): 32:03
Bike (24 mi): 1:17:43 (19.2mph)
Run (10k): 1:07:10 (10:50 min/mile)
32nd of 34 males age 40 to 44

It was a great event. Very well organized. The run was through the Lake Saint Louis subdivision and residents were on their driveway playing music and cheering on the participants (in many cases, their neighbors) and handing out water.

Dan Baur: A lady wanted to buy my Gus's Gang sleveless jersey. I sent her your way.

Brian

Rides this week / weekend?

Anyone planning on rides this week or weekend? The weather looks kind of iffy for the next 2-3 days, so I'm playing the week by ear. However, the weather for the weekend is supposed to be perfect for riding.

I might get out tonight for something short and simple, or maybe the Trailnet ride.

Wednesday - watching weather - hoping to do the Trailnet ride.

Saturday - I know Brian is doing the Lake Saint Louis Tri - best of luck to you! What time is the start and the tentative finish? I'm hoping to ride that morning early. Maybe 3-4 hours, probably rolling anywhere from 7:00 to 8:00 - done by noon or so. Guessing 45 - 60 miles. Roll from my house to meet others, or meet at Roark's?

Sunday - I'm planning on doing the Trailnet ride in Wentzville. Probably won't ride to this one from my house though! Unless Mark happens to be thinking of riding from his house. I could be talked into riding with him from his house.

Take care,

Mike

Trek 2.1

Amanda received her birthday present a little early so she could get used to it before her JCC Kids Triathlon and the MS Bike Tour. The present is a 2009 52cm Trek 2.1 9 speed triple womens specific design road bike with tiagra on the front and 105 on the back. This bike is aluminum with carbon fork and carbon seat stays. It is one sweet bike!

Melina wasted no time and took possesion of the Schwinn Fastback.

Melina's Denali will be for sale soon.

Brian

Almost Worth Skipping The MS150 For!

Dangers in Cycling

One more thing we have to worry about when cycling.

http://www.ksdk.com/news/national/story.aspx?storyid=182419&catid=28

Greg

Save the date / does this date work for you?

Hello all,

Lynda and I are going to have our annual Bike Group / Holiday party a little earlier this year, so maybe we can enjoy the Fall weather and our deck a bit more during the party. We're hoping this becomes the new annual tradition too.

So right now we are looking at October 17th (a Saturday). I hope this date works for the majority. We might have one or two other dates to work with, but our calendar is actually quite jammed up, so this is probably the most likely date.

More info to follow,

Mike and Lynda

Roark's Plans Fri Aug 14 th - Sat Aug 15 - Sun Aug 16

I see we have a bunch of plans for the coming weekend. So I thought I would through mine up.

Friday Aug 14th (Assuming I am not in Houston), I have a day off, and plan to ride. I beleive its Charlie's 83rd birthday, so if thats corrent, I will shoot out with John to join him for a celebratory ride.

Saturday Aug 15th I am going to ride from my house and do some of the Hills of Kirkwood. If its really hot I will depart at 7 am or if its cooler 8 am. If I am motivated the ride will loop back via the Chain of Rocks Bridge and Chambers Road for 65 miles. Otherwise I will cut it to about 50 miles.

Sunday Aug 16th I am open to either Trailnet if I can find a ride to the ride, or I will do my 50 miles to New Town and back ride.

Update to rides August 10 - 16

Hello all,

So it looks like Ron is out for the soccer fields on Monday. I'm still planning on being out there, but it will depend on work.

Tuesday I think I'll do the Trailnet ride that atarts at Alpine shop.

It turns out I can not ride this Wednesday due to baseball tickets.

Might try the Thursday trailnet ride out of Carondolet instead.

Friday - off

Saturday - ride a downtown - towards West county thing, hopefully with Tom

Sunday - looking at the trailnet ride out of Edwardsville

Mike

Student director, 17, to release second full-length feature film

Student director, 17, to release second full-length feature film

Posted using ShareThis

Rides this weekend (August 8 and 9)

So who's riding this weekend? I'm starting to feel like it is Tom and me and no one else. :)

Saturday I'd like to ride the Dog Prairie Century. Anyone else? Greg? Ron? I think Tom is up for it too. If Tom and I don't hear from anyone else though, we might just do a longish ride from downtown instead. Maybe from downtown to Six flags and back. We could easily be talked into this option if others are more inclined to do this. We could roll from downtown and swing by Roarks. Then work our way to Mark's, or to Kaldi's in the valley. Then to Six Flags, and then start working our way home. Any takers? Sort of a modified version of the 100 miles of hills (which by the way I think we need to get on the calendar before the year is over).

Sunday I'm still hoping to do the Trailnet ride - the ride of the little hills in Saint Charles. Any takers on this? I'm likely to do that ride even if I don't hear from anyone on the blog. Just let me know so we can meet up.

Take care,

Mike

Revenge is Mine!

Lead the lead group up the hill to Delmar (coming up Midland), so I score that as a victory. The other 6 in the lead group passed me in the last 100 feet, and then I bailed to ride home. All and all a good night.

I'm planning on riding the Wednesday night ride again next week.

Mike

Spawn Hits The Post Dispatch

Folks,

As you know, this Sunday at 7 pm is Joseph's new film premeir. Let me know if you need tickets, I am treating. Today in the Post Dispatch his Joseph had an article.

Here is the link: http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/education/story/88C8BA35991A5E98862576080079C7B4?OpenDocument

Roark

Rides this week and next (August 3 - about 16)

Hello all,

Great ride this past Sunday! My legs were fried by the time I got home! But I enjoyed the whole day and it was good to push a bit harder than I have most of the year.

These next two weeks here are my plans / thoughts:

August 3 - I'm planning on making it out to the soccer fields again tonight.

Wed, August 5 - planning on doing the trailnet ride again. Rode to / from it last week and then did the ride. Got dropped from first group in the last 5 miles, so not too bad. This week I'm planning my revenge - to hang with the lead group until my split home when the route comes back to the loop.

Thursday, Aug 6 - might do the Trailnet ride that starts at Carondolet park. It's a city / Grants Trail kind of ride. I think only about 25 miles. I'm looking at it being a good recovery ride. Might just take the night off.

Saturday, Aug 8 - I'm leaning towards doing the Dog Prairie Century. don't think I have done this one before, but I know the area and it is usually a pretty good area. I think Greg is looking at doing this too? Anyone else? Don't want to go by myself, so if there are no takers, I'll probably come up with a city ride or something with Tom and Dave T.

August 9 - would like to do the Trailnet ride in Saint Charles - Ride of the little hills - the 61 mile option.

August 10 - maybe the soccer fields again

August 12 - Trailnet ride again

August 15 - Not sure. Anyone have any ideas? 100 Miles of Hills?

August 16 - the Trailnet ride is in Edwardsville this day. The long route is only 43, which I why I was looking at a longer day on the 15th.

Let me know your plans. I'm obviously trying to ramp up my riding. I want to ride a bit more August - October than I have been lately, so carry a good base into the winter. My plan is to get back to the brevets in early 2010, and I think ramping up now is a pretty good plan.

Take care,

Mike

Rides Saturday and Sunday (August 1 and 2)

Hello all,

OK, so here is the plan. It looks like Mark is up for a longish ride on Sunday and he is offering to cook us a fabulous breakfast - so let's go with that for Sunday. I think he said something in another blog about meeting at his house at 8:00 on Sunday. Mark can you confirm? I'd say we meet at his house and then hit the Babler / Saint Albans area, and then wrap up.

I know Tom and I are thinking of riding from downtown to Mark's so if we get in about 50 with the group, we will get in a total of about 90 for the day with the commute to and from Mark's, so that is what we are looking at. Tom and I can leave downtown at 6:30 and make Mark's by 8:00.

That leaves Saturday still to plan. I don't think I have seen any other posts / thoughts on Saturday. I think Tom and I will just wing something together downtown, probably in the 30 - 50 mile range, probably with Forest Park or Kirkwood in mind. If anyone wants to throw out ideas for Saturday there is still time to plan and make changes. Tom and I will probably roll from our own house at 7:00 or 7:30. We could hit Roark's or Kirkwood Kaldi's, or other an hour later and then go from there, just kind of winging it depending on who responds.

Looking ahead to next week, I am still looking to hit the soccer fields again on Monday night. Last week was a lot of fun. I'm also planning on hitting the Wednesday night trailnet ride again too. Last night I did that ride and had a blast. Got dropped from the lead group at about 4 miles to go, so not too bad. I had not ridden that route in over two years and the new route (over to Westport and back) is GREAT. I might be up for a Thursday city ride next week too - maybe something shorter, like Forest Park, or South City, maybe with Lynda.

Mike
314-605-9745

New Flash: Joe Weil in the News!

I hope you are all enjoying a week of me away to visit Obama.

In the mean time, just in case you have not gotten your latest issue of the Suburban Journal, here is a link to the article published about Joseph and Psycho Films.

http://suburbanjournals.stltoday.com/articles/2009/07/29/west/education/0729mid-psycho0.txt

Remember I am paying for tickets for any of my friends who want to make the premier on August 9th at 7:00 pm.

Roark

Rides this week, or weekend, or next week?

Hello all,

Anyone planning any rides these next couple of weeks?

I'm looking at this schedule:

Wednesday, July 29 - I'm hoping to do the Wednesday night Trailnet ride for the first time in forever! (Ron, I told you I couldn't do this ride this week, but I've changed my schedule and I think I can be there).

Thursday, July 30 - Not sure. Might need the night off. Might could be talked into a city ride of some sorts.

Satuday, August 1st - I'm off all weekend. Saturday morning I'd love to get in a longish ride - maybe 50 - 75 miles. Maybe ride to Roark's and then do whatever he might have in mind?

Sunday, August 2nd - maybe a city ride? Or a longish ride if the long Saturday didn't come together. Maybe ride with Lynda if the longish ride did come together.

Monday, August 3rd - Hoping to go do the Soccer Fields ride again. Tonight was a lot of fun. Maybe we can go faster next week?

Wednesday, August 6th - hoping to do the Trailnet ride again.

Thursday, August 7th - not sure. Maybe a city ride in the evening?


Let me know your thoughts and plans too and we'll go from there.

Mike
314-605-9745

Rides Thursday (July 16), and this weekend, and Monday

Hello all,

I am planning a ride Thursday afternoon / early evening if anyone is interested. I'll probably roll from my house around 5:30 (6:00 at the latest). I'm pretty sure Tom will join me too. We'll probably roll west thru Forest Park and out towards Roark's and the Kirkwood area. We will wing it from there. Round trip from my house will be about 30 - 35 miles. If anyone wants to join us during the route, let me know. We can meet folks at FP, or Roark's, or wherever.

Saturday and Sunday I have to work both days, but Tom and I are looking to be out early for similar types of rides. Maybe roll around 6:30am Saturday and 7:00am on Sunday (or something like that). Just kind of winging some of this so I get some miles in on a work weekend.

Ron - not sure how things turned out for you this past Monday and the plans for riding out at the soccer fields. If it didn't pan out, or if you're up for this coming Monday I could certainly be talked into that this coming Monday. It's been forever sense I rode out there and I'd be willing to go out to run the big gears and the flats.

Talk to you all soon,

Mike
314-605-9745

Below is a note from the Lt Gov. of Missouri. Please take a few minutes to let Jay Nixon know your opinion regarding the race at 573-751-3222.

Tom 

"By now, some of you may have heard rumors regarding Gov. Nixon freezing state funds for the 2009 Tour of Missouri. I would like to share with you the details that we currently have:

On Wednesday, at the close of business, I was informed by the Division of Tourism that the money set aside for the Tour of Missouri was frozen by Gov. Nixon's administration. The state's commitment for the 2009 Tour of Missouri was $1.5 million. Without these funds, which are available and approved by the Tourism Commission, the Tour of Missouri will cease to exist.

At this time, I have requested a special meeting of the Missouri Tourism Commission to evaluate our options and decide what our next step should be.

As you know, we are very close to putting the final touches on the race this year. Our sponsors have invested and we are on track with our fundraising goals. Teams from across the world, the same teams now racing in the Tour de France, have been invited to our state, and communities across Missouri are making great preparations for the race. Contracts have been signed by the state, cities, sponsors and vendors and cutting this funding will leave the state susceptible to wasteful litigation.

Right now, I am urging cycling fans across our great state, and around the world to contact Gov. Jay Nixon at 573-751-3222 and tell him to release the funding for the largest sporting event ever held in our state."

Saturday Ride

Folks,

Its back to warm and muggy weather. So to celebrate I will be riding from my house at 8:00 am on Saturday morning. I will be doing 40-50 miles. The route choice will either be out to New Town and back, or the Hills of Kirkwood.

Roark

Rec Plex Triathlon

On Father's Day another amazing Rec Plex Triathlon took place. While Mark was unable to attend two new people (Cheri and Jason) did the Tri and Bill was a spectator.

I was happy with my results. 9:32 on the 500m swim (12th place in the 35 to 39 age group) and 1:12:13 on the 20.5M bike and 56:00 on the 4.4M run. As far as I can tell, these are my fastest times to date on the swim and bike and a match for my fastest run.

Cheri did a great job on her first (real) Tri. 13:14 swim, 1:14:41 bike, 1:00:04 run.

Jason is a triathlete (even though he denies it) and finished 16th in his age group (35 to 39). Swim 11:13, bike 1:04:23 (16th place), run 35:21 (10th place).

Now is the time to set your goal of doing the Fall Rec Plex Tri. You have plenty of time to learn how to swim. No excuses. "Just Do It"!

Brian

Father's Day Ride

For anyone not tied up in the morning with being a father on Father's Day.

I plan to ride from my house at 7:30 am tommorow morning (Sunday). I hope to be back by noon. I am thinking to beat the heavy part of the heat, yet still get in 40-50 miles.

Roark

Calhoun County Century Ride

The Calhoun County Century Ride is on for this Saturday. There are 4 committed to do the ride, Roark, John, Ron and myself. If anyone else is interested please post. Does an 8:00 start time sound good to everyone? We will start at the usual start place in St. Peters at the commuter parking lot at I-70 and Mid Rivers Mall Drive. Remember to bring cash for lunch, the ferry and snacks.
Greg

Sunday ride (June 14)

Hello all,

So here is the newest info on the ride for Sunday. Brian, Tom and I are all going to shoot for a 30 - 40 mile ride pretty early on Sunday (so I can get to work). The plan is for each of us to leave our respective houses at 7:00 am (by bike) to meet at Starbuck's in the U-city loop around 7:30 - 7:45. We're not stoping for coffee, just meeting there as it is pretty central to our homes. From there we wing-it. Probably something like parts of the Wed night Fun Club ride / Forest Park, or maybe even downtown / riverfront.

So if you are interested in a morning ride of about 40 miles, be at Starbucks no later than 7:45. I'll have to bail from where ever we are to be home by 10:00 or 10:30 at the latest. Others (maybe Tom) might stay out a little longer.

Mike
314-605-9745

Saint Louis Cycling Club

I am happy to report that I completed a ride with the Saint Louis Cycling club this morning. It was a 37 mile bike ride that left from Babler Park and envolved the usual roads plus a loop in Eureka by Hidden Valley ski lodge that you get to by going under highway 44 at Six Flags and turning left and taking the Legends Parkway. The ride was 38 miles and I had an average speed of 16.2. I believe there were 3 racers in the group, one who was retired and 60 or so years old (Jim). Jim happened to break his chain on one of the climbs (thank god) and nothing else went wrong other than trying to keep up going up hill. They are all Mike Brady fast going up hill. I have been invited back so I must have done OK. Hope everyone had a good time on the Route 66 ride.

Brian

Les Miserables - June 25, 26, 27

Hi Everyone,

I just thought I would let you know about a production that you (and/or others) might be interested in seeing. Amanda is going to a theatrical camp and they are putting on Les Miserables on Thurs June 25, Fri June 26, and Sat June 27. It’s for grades 7-12, so it’s amateur, but I think it might be pretty good. And, of course, it’s Les Miserables!!

Tickets are $5 for children and $8 for adults. Since Amanda goes there every day, I’ll be glad to be the messenger person and deliver your money and get your tickets for you. You can either give me cash, make the check out to me and I will write one big check, or you can make your check out to St. Louis Summer Players. Just let me know how many tickets you want and what day you’ll be going. You can also buy tickets at the door.

The play is at Missouri Baptist University, Pillsbury Chapel and Dale Williams Fine Art Center, One College Park Dr., St. L., 63141. The house opens at 7pm and the show begins at 7:30pm each night.

We’ll be going all three nights, so if you go, we’ll be sure to see you there.

Thanks.
Cheri

Other (short) rides this weekend

Hello all,

I'm hoping to get out this weekend, both Saturday and Sunday for shortish rides that leave from my house early, or I could meet others in Forest Park too. My new job requires that I work one Saturday and one Sunday a month, and I've decided to knock out both this coming weekend. But the good news is that I don't have to be anywhere until more like 11:00 or 11:30 on the weekends, so I'm still planning on doing a 90 - 120 minute ride each day before work.

Anyone who may be interested let me know. I'll probably leave my house around 8:00 each day and head towards Forest Park, or even towards Roark's. Then I'll just loop south or west, or whatever and work my way back to my house by 10:00 or 10:30.

I'd love to have some company for part of, or all of the ride, so let me know.

Mike

Calhoun County Century Ride

Anyone interested in doing our Calhoun County Century Ride? I was thinking we could do it Saturday June 20. Or we could do it this Sunday June 14, but for those doing the Route 66 ride on Saturday, maybe 100 miles the next day is too much.
Greg

BFC Route 66 Ride Saturday June 13

Anyone interested in doing the BFC Route 66 ride this Saturday?

Door County & Green Bay Riders

Folks,

As your ride coordinator; you are officially informed you must register for the Menominee River Century Ride on June 28th. http://www.mrcride.com/index.html

I have no clue how many and who are still coming. BTW: I still dont know my own accomodations either.

Roark

Hosteling Five-Star Century Ride Sat May 16

Anyone interested in doing the Hosteling Five-Star Century Ride this Saturday? It starts in Portage-des-Sioux in St. Charles county.
http://www.moonlightramble.org/events/5star.aspx

Bicycle Rides Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17

Sunday, May 17 is the Strawberry Ride in St. Jacobs. IL - I am sure most of us will be doing it. Let's plan to car pool over. I can take myself and 2 more bicycles.

Saturday, May 16 - since Sunday is a flat ride let's do some hills. I suggest we do West County to St. Albans, Six Flags, Rockwood Reservation and back to my house. We can meet at my house on Saturday morning at 7:30 and roll by 8:00 - we can stop at Lone Wolf Cafe at Clayton and Kehrs Mills for breakfast. 10 minutes from my house- and then we take Kehrs Mill to Strucker.

My Mom said get outside and ride

Hello all,

So, I was moping around the house today while it was raining and my mom said get outside and ride your bike. I said I didn't want to get wet, so she said, OK, so long as your ride Saturday and Sunday.

I don't hve any definite ideas, but I'd like to ride both Saturday and Sunday. Anyone have any ideas? Lynda is up for a city ride on Sunday, so I'll put that down.

I'd love to do a longish / hardish ride on Saturday. I'm very flexible. If I don't hear from anyone it will probably turn in to a city / Forest Park ride.

Sunday I can see riding 15 - 20 with Lynda, but I'd still be up for more, so let me know.

Mike

New phone - 314-605-9745

Ride Saturday?

Hello all,

I'm not sure if a ride Saturday is going to come together, but I'm still kind of looking at it. Lynda and I will probably do a city / Forest Park type of ride, maybe 15 - 20 miles. Not sure when either - just kind of watching the weather. We'll probably just wing it and get out if we think we see a 2-hour window of mostly dry.

Feel free to give me a call and we'll see from there. We're pretty open about time of day - it's more about staying dry.

Mike and Lynda
314-239-6229

Danny MacAskill (or how to control your bike really well)

This is just so incredible impressive ... had to post it. Make sure you watch all the way till the end.

Riding Sunday May 3 West County

I am doing volunteer work on Saturday in the city so will not be riding. Let do some hills on Sunday in west county. We can start at Lone Wolf Coffee House for breakfast and start riding at 9:00 am. The coffee house is at Clayton and Kehrs Mill Rd. We will ride from there out to Babler and St. Albans and Six Flags.

Let me know if you will be joining us.

Mark

Sunday's Ride 4/26

Folks,

I am starting to plan my weekend rides.

Saturday - First I will be riding to Tillis Park to walk a mile for Huntingtons Disease. I hope you plan to walk for this cause. Afterwards I will get back on my bike for more miles, if your interested in the walk/ride let me know.

Sunday - I plan to get some of those Hills of Kirkwood onto my legs. Depending on who comes along and how we are doing we will continue to add hills out to Grants Trail and beyond. On the loop back home I am planning on stopping at the Muny for the Green Day Festival. It was a nice event last year. I plan to leave my house at 9:00 am.

Roark

Direct Link to that cute lil video of the Lopatins

Folks,

I am helping the Lopatin's out so you don't have to go anyplace but the blog to vote. Vote early, vote daily.

Roark

Video

All,

Amanda entered a contest through Upromise to win $10,000 for college. Please go to the following link and vote for her video. You can vote once every 24 hours under each email address (if you have multiple email addresses).

http://www.tuition-tales.com/video-contest-entry-profile.asp?vid=4AC95161D8674766A533CC0578D6B8C7#

Thanks so much!
Cheri

Babler Forest

One time going up this hill on my mountain bike I said to Dan Baur ...."I would get off my bike and walk but I am going so slow that I will probably fall over before I can unclip!"

Sunday April 19th - First Team Ride Under New Management

Folks,

The DRS team will be riding this Sunday down Grants Trail to Kaldis in Kirkwood and back. Its an easy 20 miles that starts from the trail head at 10:30 am. As you all know, Zavisa is now the captain and I want to support him. I will be riding from my house at 9:00 am to get the the ride start at 10:30 am. Afterwards I might loop through Jefferson Barracks, since its been a year since I looped the park. If you plan to join me on the to/from ride, let me know.

Roark

Pesach/Easter Riding, Saturday/Sunday 4/11-4/12

Folks or those of you who still ride,

Here is the weekend forecast:

• Saturday: Sunshine. Highs in the low 60s and lows in the upper 30s.
• Sunday: Few showers. Highs in the upper 50s and lows in the mid 40s.

My plans are:

• Ride Saturday from my house starting about 10:30 am, doing more of those Hills of Kirkwood followed by Laurmier Park, Eddie & Park Rollers. then if the legs till hold Grants Farm Hills, toasted legs back onto Grants Trail to head home, 45-50 miles.

• Ride Sunday from my house starting about 10:30 am. This time going for some flats. Either looping the city and over to Holly Hills, or out to St. Charles and Crooked Tree.

I am open to suggestions. Regardless I will be out there getting some revolutions onto my legs.

Roark

Riding Saturday and Sunday

Saturday sounds like it may be the best day of the weekend. Let's do a west county ride. We can head to Babler and then ride toward Wildhorse Creek and out to St. Albans and Six Flags, etc. Let's meet at 8:00 am and be ready to ride by 8:30 at Lone Wolf coffee shop at Clayton and Kehrs Mill Rd. It is new and a great place to ride from. The owner is a cyclist. It is good to support him.

Sunday if the weather is good will probably do the BFC ride in St. Charles.

Mark

Sunday ride - March 29 - part two

OK - the votes are in, but the weather looks pretty iffy (as in SH#%Y).

How about we meet (with bikes) at Lone Wolfe in Chesterfield at noon? We can have brunch / nurse some coffee for a bit and see how it goes. I'd say we roll by 1:00. If the roads are too wet, we just drink coffee. We can work our way to Fox and the Hound on or off bikes later in the day.

With a little luck we roll at 1:00 and get in 30 miles, and still catch some basketball around 3:00.

Lone Wolfe coffee in Chesterfield - Clayton and Kehrs Mill - west of Baxter Rd and on the south side of Clayton Rd.

If noon is too late, let me know - I'm still flexible. But I think we may need an extra hour to see if the streets will dry off.

Mike
314-239-6229

Ride Sunday, March 29?

Anyone up for a ride Sunday? The weather looks like it will clear off Sunday morning, but it will be a bit cool until around noon. I'd be up for about anything. If you don't like my suggestions below, throw out another idea - I'm pretty flexible, I just want to get out.

Maybe some hill work in the valley? We could meet at Kaldi's in the valley at 11:00-ish for a late brunch - then roll at noon. It might be a bit brisk right at noon, but it will be in the 40's, so not too bad. I'm thinking maybe about a 30-40 miles ride.

For any NCAA basketball fans, I was also thinking we could finish the ride with a stop at the Fox and the Hound for post-ride carbs and catching the last of the Elite Eight games.

If you don't like the above idea, I'd be happy with a city / Forest Park type ride, or a start at Roark's / Kirkwood type ride too. I'll do anything!

Let me know, or call,

Mike
314-239-6229

Sunday Ride

Its not much notice, but I spoke with John, and he and I are up for a ride tommorow morning. Its going to be a short one, because my spawn just got back in tonight from Florida, and he flies out Monday morning to Coloardo. Ah the life of a seventeen year old.

The plan we ride from my house at 10:15. I will of course be spinning early morning. We can play where we are going when we leave. I would like to be back about 2:00 pm so I can spend some time with the spawn.

Roar

March 14-15 Rides

Looks like the weather this weekend will be cooler, yet less windy. I plan to ride both Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday I am thinking 10:30 am from my house over to do the Hills of Kirkwood. Ron and I added Timberlake backwards from Marshall Hill's Base Last Weekend. Its a heck of a climb.
Figure 45 miles.

Sunday, once again starting at 10:30 am, I am going to attemp the Crooked Tree Loop. Figure 40 miles.

Here is the current weather forecast:
Saturday: Mostly cloudy skies with a few showers later in the day. High 54F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Sunday: Showers possible in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 50s and lows in the mid 30s.

Thanks,
Roark

March 7-8th Rides

Folks,

I am sitting here in my hotel room in San Antonio. It hit 80 today so I am thinking about riding, before I head over to the River Walk.

So I checked our local weather and Saturday and Sunday might have rain, but the temperatures will be in the high sixties.

I haven't posted a ride from my house in a long time, so that's about to change.

Saturday I plan to leave my house at 10:30 am to hit the Hills of Kirkwood, followed by a run up Grants Trail into the City. If you want to join let me know.

Sunday I am thinking of riding from my house over to Crooked Tree In St. Charles.

Figure 40-50 miles each day.

Roark

Everything you could want - Feb 28 ride & March 1

Hello all,

Wind, snow, wind-chill temps in the teens - It's looking like Saturday will provide everything you could possibly want in a "Spin at home day", so I'm thinking no outside ride for me on Saturday. So I'm planning on coffee at home and a 1-hour session with Coach Troy (of Spinervals fame).

I'm not sure what Lynda and I will be doing otherwise - maybe catching a movie. We saw Slumdog (fantastic) and Doubt (good) last weekend - this week we are thinking about Milk on Saturday evening. If anyone wants to join in let us know. Probably a 7:00ish show at Frontenac, or we could be talked into an earlier show and a 7:00ish dinner.

Sunday is not looking that much better for outside riding. I can handle the cold - it will depend on if the streets are wet. Is anyone else this crazy? The wind chills are looking like the mid to upper 20's in the afternoon - so it would probably have to be a short ride at best. I'm thinking maybe to Kirkwoood Kaldi's and back at most. Either that, or another date with Troy. If no go on Sunday biking, Lynda and I may still plan a brunch, and that could still be Kirkwood Kaldi's.

Take care, and spin like hell!

Mike and Lynda
314-239-6229

Ride Saturday Feb 28 and / or March 1?

Hello all,

Anyone interested in riding Saturday the 28th, or Sunday the first? Long range forecast looks tolerable on at least one day. I'm thinking if we're lucky the forecast will work out for the better on both days.

No need to make definite route plans just yet. Let's post some interest, and firm it up later in the week.

About the only suggestion I'd make is at least one day we do the hill work like we did a couple of weekends back, and maybe the other day - we shoot for "medium hard" and do work like Forest Park, Kirkwood, etc. - again kind of like a couple of weekends back.

If I were pressed to name a time and a place I'd say valley Kaldi's at 10:30 (roll time) on one day, and Kirkwood Kaldi's at 10:30 (roll time) the other day.

Talk to you all soon,

Mike
314-239-6229

It's a surprise - Melina's next gymnastics meet

Hello all,

I thought I send out a post about Melina's next gymnastics meet. Lynda and I are both planning on attending. Word on the street is that she likes to have friends attend - but she doesn't want to know ahead of time as it makes her nervous. So we're all being very secretive about this - so Shhhh!!

Her next Saint Louis meet is at America's center, downtown Saint Louis. She'll be competing in the evening on Sun Mar 8. Open stretch begins at 5pm. Competition starts at 5:30p. It usually runs for about 4 hours, but you can see as little or as much as you want.

Admission price is $10/adult.

I think Tom and Sarah are looking to attend as well. I was thinking we might be able to make a group activity out of it.

We have no real plans right now other than planning on going to the meet. Maybe we could all meet at a restaurant or coffee house or something before the meet, and then go over? Maybe someplace like Crepe's In The City, or something on Washington Ave.? Not sure if Crepes is open that late on a Sunday, but I'm sure we can find something that works. Just kind of winging it here.

Let us know,

Mike and Lynda
314-239-6229

Ride Sunday, Feb 15 - final update

Hello all,

OK - so we are more or less back to our original plan for Sunday's ride. I'm no longer planning on meeting Dessa's group - they are rolling just a little too early for me. I just checked Sunday's weather forecast, and I think the best riding time is going to be from about 11:00 - 3:00 for some sun, and a bit of warmth. Tom and I rode today (Sat) and with a wind chill in the 20's it was pretty cold. Tomorrow it is supposed to be WC in the low 30's from around noon to 3:00 - and maybe some sun too.

So here is what I propose: We meet at Kaldi's in Chesterfield - roll by 11:30. I'd like to get a late breakfast, so I'm planning on being there maybe around 10:45. Lynda may come out too - for late breakfast.

I'm pretty sure Roark is in for Sunday - I think Mark too. Tom is on the fense. Dr. Dan is thinking about riding with his brother - but he has our plan too.

Ron? Rick? Anyone named Lopatin?

Talk to you all soon,

Mike
314-239-6229

Ride Sat Feb 14th, Sunday 15th, Friday too?

Hello all,

If anyone wants to ride this weekend, let me know. I'm planning on riding both Saturday and Sunday. It may be a little brisk (low 40's for a high)- but it is supposed to be sunny and dry - only a 10% chance of rain in the long range forecast now.

I'd propose about what we did last weekend - only maybe a slightly later start time, but not much. Let's try this:

Saturday - we do some sort of city / Forest Park / Kirkwood / Olivette type ride. I'll be rolling from my house - but I can plan to meet others somewhere along the way. Or if anyone wants to start at my house that is fine too. We can meet at a central location - maybe Roark's? Maybe Kaldi's in Kirkwood? I'd say we meet at one of those locations by 12:00 or 12:30. I'll roll from my house at about 11:00 either way - and meet where ever others are going to be. I'll look to ride in that location for about 10-15 miles, and then work my way home. We can meet at the Forest Park visitor's center too if that is good. I'm looking for about a 40 - 50 mile day total.

Sunday - I'd say we do exactly what we did this past Sunday. Meet at Kaldi's in the valley and take the usual routes to Bablar and back - but the shortish version. Last week we did the most direct route we could and it worked out to 34 miles or so. I'd say we do that again, and if we're feeling up for it we can always add miles along the way. Since it may be a touch cool - I'd say we plan to roll by 11:00.

Friday ? - I'm thinking / hoping to knock off work around 3:00 or 3:30. Last week Tom and I got in about a 15-20 mile ride in and around Forest Park from like 3:30 to 5:00 - worked out great. If that can happen again this week, that would be great.

Talk to you all soon,

Mike
314-239-6229

Ride Saturday? Sunday? maybe Friday?

Hello all,

I'm having a pretty crummy week - so I think the cure is to get out on my bike ASAP.

Tom and I are thinking about getting an afternoon ride in on Friday. Maybe 3:30 or 4:00 until dark. I'm not real interested in riding in the dark - but I think we can get a couple of hours in, or ride in the dark a bit. This would probably be some version of a downtown / Forrest Park type of ride.

Mark and I are kind of talking about a ride Saturday too - but we are watching the weather. I'd be up for about anything - morning or afternoon, maybe both. I think Mark is more available for afternoon. I'll be watching the weather. I'll probably use the "I don't want to start in the rain, but willing to start and get wet rule". If the weather is looking up, I'd LOVE to hit some hills - either in the Wild Horse Creek area, or at least the Kirkwood / Marshall / Adams area. If we rain out, Mark and I are also thinking about just catching a late lunch / coffee.

Sunday is probably about the same as Saturday for me.

Let me know,

Mike
314-239-6229

Cliff Bar Recall

---Product recall: Clif Bar is recalling 14 products sold in the U.S. and 4 in Canada because they contain peanut butter from the Peanut Corporation of America. PCA is being investigated as the source of a recent salmonella outbreak.>>>SOS

Economy

This Years Rids

How about we start putting together the list of dates, and who might be interested in this years rides.

May 2nd - Three State Three Mountain

May 22-24 - Horsey Hundred

June 20th - Horribly Hilly Hundred

Sept 12-13 MS 150

Oct 4 - PUMPKIN PIE RIDE - Ottawa IL

Oct 23-25 - Hilly Hundred

Add to the list, give your interest. Since its going to be iffy to ride for the time bing, I can use some thoughts of warmer things to come.

Roark

More Rides For the New Year

Folks,

Dan, Mark and I got in 19 miles with free beignets to start out the new year. A bit more then the originally promised miles, but the french pastry made up for it.

Since the weather seems to be holding, and my winter gear actually had me sweating with todays temperature I was thinking about some more rides. The forecast for the next two days is:

• Tomorrow: Partly cloudy skies. High 49F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
• 
  Tomorrow night: Mostly clear skies early will become overcast later during the night. Low 34F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.
• 
  Saturday: Cloudy skies with a few showers later in the day. High 48F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.

With that in mind I am up for some more short rides starting in the late morning, early afternoon (so I can continue those crack of dawn spin and workout sessions).

I am open to suggestions for rides the next two days (obviously I am off of work)

Roark

New Years Day Ride

Folks,

I am thinking of starting off the New Years with a bike ride, short sweet, but meeting minimum ride qualifications (.5 miles if you fall, 6 miles otherwise ).

The weather prediction for is:

Tomorrow: Sunshine and some clouds. High near 45F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.

My thoughts are late morning or a noon departure time. Let me know if your interested otherwise I am off to the J to spin.

Roark

Christmakkah ride - Dec 25

Hello all,

It's looking like God is going to bless Jews and Gentiles alike this year with warm(ish) weather December 25th. Anyone up for a ride? We could stop for some Chinese food, Beignets (pronounced BEN-JAY's) and Coffee to make it a really multi-cultural experience. If the BEN-JAY shop is closed - maybe we just have coffee and baby doughnuts at Mike's house.

The long range forecast has highs in the low 50's. I think some of the Christians may have family activities to attend to in the AM, but if anyone is interested I'm kind of looking at noon or afternoon, for a city type ride. Maybe start at Kirkwood Kaldi's and see what we can come up with? Or maybe start at Roark's, and see if we can hit Forest Park and the city?

I'm up for about anything. My legs are turning to jell-o, so it will need to be a bit on the mild side.

I'll firm up some details as the day gets closer and I see the responses.

Mike

Saturday Ride

Folks,

It looks like the weather will be cooperative this coming Saturday, Dec 13th.

Saturday: Cloudy. High 46F. Winds SSE at 15 to 25 mph.

With that in mind, I say lets go for a ride. I am in my usual winter routine just in case so I will be at spinning from 8:30 am to 9:30 am.

The ride from my house starts at 10:30 am. We can loop some hills of Kirkwood, then warm up at Kaldis. We can play it be ear for how many more miles after Kaldis.

Let me know your plans.

Roark

Kelly Sleeper Rides Into Water At Castlewood Last Weekend!

Leftover Day (Friday) ride, also Sunday?

Hello all,

Tom and I are planning a shortish ride on Friday. Probably a noon start to let it warm up. Probably about 20-25 miles. We are looking at Forest Park stuff to stay out of traffic. We think noon - 2:00 or so. I'm thinking I will leave my house around 11:30 to meet Tom some place around noon - maybe the Forest Park visitor's center. We'll probably just tool around the park from there, and maybe downtown just a bit as we work our way home. I might see if Tom wants to stop at Cafe Ventana (the coffee shop on West Pine and Vaneventure) for some free beignets.

Ron and all - I can't get out Saturday as I'll be out of town.

Sunday the weather looks pretty iffy, but I might be up for an afternoon ride (like 2:00 or so), but it does look iffy. Post ideas and I'll see depending on the weather. But I might have too many things to do at the house too.

Mike

Turkey Ride, and Wednesday ride?

Hello all,

Mark and I are planing a ride for Turkey morning, but we don't have all the details yet. I thought I'd throw something out, just to see who might be interested.

We're looking at a shortish ride (25 - 30 miles) that maybe starts around 10:00 or 10:30 and maybe goes for about 2-2.5 hours. We have not nailed down the start place or time yet. I have to be home by 12:30, so I'm looking at a start time of around 10:00 or 10:30 - but the weather is supposed to be pretty fair, so I don't think 10:00 is too early.

Mark, I was wondering if starting at Kaldi's in Kirkwood might be a good start? Maybe we roll from there at 10:30? Or maybe even 10:00? If this is not a good start I'm game for starting at Forest Park. I could be talked into starting in the Valley too - all though that would be my least favorite idea. I'd like to try and think of a place I can ride to. If we go with Kirkwood Kaldi's I'd probably put on the cold weather gear and ride to Kaldi's early enough to get coffee and oatmeal at 9:30 or so (if they are open), and then ride with you for a couple of hours, but then bail on home. I need to be home by 12:30 to get ready for plans with the family.

If we hook-up at Kaldi's we might be able to work some of the Kirkwood hills, and maybe Grant's trail, and just see how things work out.

If anyone is up for an afternoon ride on Wednesday I'm kind of looking at that too. I might be able to knock off around 3:00 - it would be a short ride near my house. Dave? Tom?

Talk to you all soon,

Mike

Ride Sunday, Nov 23 - Turkey Ride too

Hello all,

Anyone up for a ride Sunday? The weather looks pretty darn good, and not too windy either. It should warm up to tolerable around 10:30, and for certain by 11:00. After noon it will be on into the low to mid 50's.

So how about a Forrest Park / City type of ride? If David T.. jumps in, we may wind up with some south city / towards Grant's Trail type of riding too.

I'm game for about anything except going solo, so I'd like to find a friend. I'm looking to roll from my house around 10:30, and I can head to Forrest Park to meet others there. Maybe we can call it Meet at Forest Park Tourist Info center at 11:00. That sound good? We can wing the route from there. Last weekend David, Dr. Dan, Tom and some others and I started there and had a pretty interesting ride down south from there that was pretty fun. I'm looking for something in the 30-40 miles range. I've done a few too many 25 mile rides, and want to stretch it just a touch.

Turkey Day is looking pretty good too. Maybe a light ride before we set the table? I'd love to get in about 25 miles or so maybe around 11:00. Anyone game? Probably about the same ride description as above. Maybe just stick to Forest Park and the City and keep it simple.

Let me know,

Mike
314-239-6229

Top of the Door Tour

Folks,

I am going to wet your appetitie by stating to post our summer rides. At this point what I post will not be a final form, but you will get the general idea. So I am going to start at the Top, the Top of Door County!

Door County's tranquil "top of the thumb" area is a world apart from the bustling villages farther south on the Penninsula. This water is never far away on the first part of the ride which takes in both the Lake Michigan and Green Bay Shores and the turbulent chanel known as Death's Door.

The tour begins in Ellison Bay, which contains the Pioneer Store built in 1900, and the Victorian Hotel Disgarden bed and breakfast. In town in the Viking Restaurant, home of Door County's oldest Fish Boil. If our timing is right we will back to all have dinner after the days ride.

Leaving town we travel to The Clearing -- beautiful views of the water and the setting sun, historic stone and log buildings and hiking trails that wind through the property's 130 acres of forest and meadow - combine to create one of Door County's great cultural and natural treasures.

Next we pass orchard stores selling apples, ciders, and homemade preserves on our way to Newport State Park, Wisconsin's only formally designated wilderness park. The park was a logging village in the 1800s. Only remnants remain today, and beautifull rustic sandy beaches.

After enjoying the parks views we head off to Northport to catch the Ferry to Washingonton Island.

Just a few miles off the tip of the Door County peninsula lies Washington Island. A friendly year-round home to 700 people, the island is also an enchanting destination for thousands of visitors each year. The Washington Island Ferry Line is the vital transportation link across storied Death's Door passage.

Once on Washingon Island we will tour by bicycles its remote sites. We might be hungry when we get here so consider a stop at Nelson's Hall, Bitter's Pub and Restaurant. We will be sure to stop at the Stavkirke church patterned after the Borgund, Norway church built in 1150 A.D.

Other sights will include the Arts & Nature Center, Jacobsen Museum, Farm Museum, and Jackson Harbor. Then its back to the ferry to return to the main land.

After returning we will head over to the town of Gills Rock. At the very tip of the Door County peninsula lies Gills Rock, where a strong tradition of commercial fishing continues today. Gills Rock offers divers the opportunity to explore the many shipwrecks in and around Death's Door. The local maritime museum houses many artifacts from these wrecks and chronicles the fishing industry .

Click Here For The Routes Cue Sheet

Saint Louis Film Festival - Nov 13 - Nov 23

Hello all,

So what does the film festival have to do with cycling? Not much, but it does have something to do with coffee - before, during and after the show, so I felt it was an appropriate topic for the blog.

Lynda and I are planning on seeing as many shows at this year's festival that we can pack in to our schedule and we thought we'd see if anyone wanted to join us for any of the shows we are planning. This year's festival has over 100 films, many of which are international and usually fantastic, plus some very good documentaries, and quite a few shows have a Saint Louis connection, either being shot here, or actors and directors from here - or all three.

So, below are films Lynda and I are looking at. I don't know if we'll make it to all of them, it is a pretty ambitious list, but we're going to try and catch as many of them as we can. Plus, we'd probably be up for some before or after show coffee's or light meals - so let us know. If you want more info on the SLFF, including descriptions of all the shows, check out the following web site: www.cinemastlouis.org

Thursday, Nov 13 - Tivoli - Humboldt County - 7:00 PM (Mike only, so I'm looking for a date)

Sunday, Nov 16 - Tivoli - Katrina's Children - 2:45, and Fuel (best Doc at Sundance) at 7pm

Monday, Nov 17 - Frontenac - Fashion Victims - 9:00pm

Tuesday, Nov 18 - Tivoli - War Eagle, Arkansas - 7:00pm - Mike only

Wednesday, Nov 19 - Tivoli - The Pope's Toilet (a comedy) at 7:00pm and Stranded at 9:00. Stranded is a documentary that is getting strong reviews about the 1972 plane crash in the Andes with the Rugby team. I'm sure you've seen Alive! - but this is supposed to be better, with interviews from the survivors and re-creations in film from their true accounts.

Thursday, Nov 20 (maybe, and only Mike) - Tivoli - Say Goodnight - 9:45 - a local movie with local scenes, actors, directors, etc - looks pretty good.

Friday, Nov 21 - Tivoli - The Thacker Case (a murder mystery) at 7:15, and Advertising for the Mob (a comedy) at 9:15. We might need to check that these don't overlap. If we only go to one, it would probably be the second one. Waves of Freedom (a documentary about some of the first settlers of Israel) is also playing that night at 7:15 - which will not be an overlap with the Mob movie - and I'm interested in that too.

Saturday, Nov 22 - Tivoli - The Trap (a thriller) at 1:15. Also, at 7:15 we're planning on seeing the Brother's Bloom ( a comedy with Adrien Brody). That same day at 6:30 at Frontenac - The Class is playing (best film at Cannes). We'd like to see the Class too - but will go with the Adrien Brody film.

Sunday, Nov 23 - Frontenac - Waltz with Bashir ( a Documentary in animation about the middle east - maybe Israel and or Palestine - I can't remember for sure - it's getting a lot of critical acclaim) at 3:15, and I've loved you so Long ( with Kristin Scott Thomas) at 6:15.


So lots of great movies - probably too many! But what the heck. There are also another 10-15 or so that look really great, you just can't see them all. But we are noting them down, and will watch for them to come to Frontenac or other places in the upcoming months.

So let us know if you're interested..... and we'll see you at the movies!

Mike and Lynda

End Of Dubbya Ride (Saturday)

Folks,

You may have voted for the Obama or even MCain. One thing is for sure we all wanted Dubbya GONE! So I am going to have a celebratory ride that he will be gone in a couple of months. It starts from my house at 10:15 am on Saturday. Just like Dubbya I dont have a well thought out plan yet. So we will just head into the fray, and we will wing it. Hopefully we will have better luck without a plan then Dubbya did.

Roark

Friends and Family at Crown Vision

Crown Vision is having a friends and family "sale" November 16th to 22nd. They are offering 35% off eyewear, 10% off contacts, 20% off non-prescription sunglasses and $200 off LASIK.

The event is by invitation only. I have 5 invitations to hand out. Let me know if you are interested and I will get an invitation to you.

Brian

Ride with a destination - Nov 1

Hello all,

Lynda and I are planning a ride for Saturday Nov 1st. We want to see if the group would be interested in a city / Forest Park type of ride that has a stop at some point at Compton Hill Water Tower. This is one of the old city water towers that has an interesting history. It is at Grand and Russell, about a mile from our house. You can see the tower from I-44, and have probably driven by it many times. The tower is open the first Saturday of every month from April - Nov. It cost $5.00 to go up, and you may need to have a backpack or something for tennis shoes to climb in, but I think most of us can figure that part out.

Lynda and I have been up it, and it is pretty neat. It is not a bad climb at all - it is not THAT tall. Neat view, and some history, plus on Nov 1st, the colors and leaves may be about right.

We can bike before or after or both, and we can probably fit in a coffee or brunch stop somewhere too.

We can probably launch this ride from our house or Forest Park, or a group could leave from someplace else (like Roark's) and meet us too.

Let us know if you're interested,

Mike and Lynda
314-239-6229 (Mike)
314-772-7229 (house)

Ride Sunday Oct 25?

Hello all,

This will be kind of brief. Roark and I chatted for a few minutes today about possible rides this weekend. I think we are both looking at Sunday as we are each kind of tied up for Saturday. Right now we have no definite plans, but it will probably evolve into a Roark's house / city ride / Mike's house kind of ride. I'd guess starting at something like 10:00 or 10:30.

Let us know if you're interested, or if you have better ideas. I'm guessing we will start at Roark's for many of us. Lynda is interested, which means she and I would probably start at our house, and maybe meet Roark / the group in Forest Park, or the Loop. We can then ride around the city, and / or the riverfront trail, and such, and just kind of wing it. We can work our way back to Roark's too. If anyone wants to meet at our house (Mike and Lynda) or at Forest Park, let us know.

I'll look for ideas and then post something more definite come Saturday afternoon / evening.

Mike (and Roark) (and Lynda)
314-239-6229

Weekend Plans Oct 18-19

Folks,

It's getting about that time for me to post my weekend ride plans.

Saturday is my big day to ride this weekend. I hope to leave my house about 8:30 am for a City type ride. This may include Jefferson Barracks, a bit of Kirkwood, and maybe the Arch grounds in time to catch a bit of Barack! I would love to have a bit of company so let me know if your going to join me.

Sunday I am pretty much out for riding. But you could ride to my house for the 3:00-5:00 pm Sukkah party. There is going to be food, and outdoor fun! I think you all have gotten the flier earlier though most of you didnt RSVP.

Roark

Ride The Rivers Century - Sunday Oct 12th

Folks,

As you know the Rider the Rivers Century goes right by my house. This morning I noticed the Trailnet arrows are pointing in a direction opposite from the last few years. The ride will start in St. Charles and go East back toward St. Louis proper at the start of the ride. My house is about 17 or so miles from the start.

Of course I want to start from my house since the route goes right past. Since I wont be going past the registration point till mile 85, I need someone who is starting from St. Charles to register for me. I will reimburse this person for the registration fee ( and get my ferry tickets and lunch ticket). I will also provide a 17 mile rest stop and indoor potty break.

If your planning to start from St. Charles and wouldnt mind registering me ( and possibly any others who want to start from my house ) could you let me know before Sunday?

Thanks,
Roark

Ride Sunday Oct 5th

Folks,

Here are my plans for Sundays ride. I will be leaving my house at 9:00 am. I will meet Mark at the Boat House Parking lot at Creve Coeur Lake at 10:00 am. We will ride out to New Town and back. There will be a coffee stop in either New Town or Crooked Tree in St. Charles.

Roark

Ride Plans Saturday Oct 4

Folks,

If anyone is up to a nice relaxing 50 mile ride, here is my thought. We start from my house at 9:30 am, late enough so things warm up a bit, and head out the the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. There we will find the Route 66 Festival, to stop and enjoy a bit. Afterward we ride back with the hilly Chambers road option, or the flat backtrack on the Riverfront trail. It about 50 miles round trip.

Let me know if you plan to join me.

Thanks,
Roark

City ride Saturday (9-27) at 11:00 - Mike's house

Hello all,

There will be a city ride this Saturday starting at my house at 11:00. Probably a 2 - 3 hour ride. Maybe a coffee stop too. The route will be make it up as you go along - mostly downtown, Forest Park, Tower Grove, etc. - Bike Saint Louis stuff. Maybe the riverfront trail, but I doubt it. Maybe Carondolett park too. This will be a pretty casual / relaxed ride.

I know that Tom and Sarah Perez will be there, as well as Mark, Nancy, Lynda and of course me.

Talk to you all soon,

Mike

Save the date - sort of

Hello all,

Long time no see / hear / ride! More on that later. For now, Lynda and I were wanting to test the waters on dates for our Winter / Holiday party this year. We are looking to move it up earlier in the year this year, so we are looking at Nov 15 or Nov 22. Right now we are leaning towards Nov 15, but I wanted to see if anyone had a big conflict with one or the other.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone again, but hope to see most of you on the road sooner. Lynda has a new bike (a 9-speed triple with drop bars and all - the real deal!). She is wizzing around the neighborhood telling me I need to work on my drafting (me drafting her) and that my spin needs some work. So once we get a few more miles under our belt we hope to join the group for some weekend sity rides and such. More on that later too.

So let us know if one date or the other is good or bad. Mark and I were thinking we might be able to share pictures of the Blue Ridge trip and of our trip to China / Korea. I think it would be fun. We could set up a power point projector and maybe let the slides run, or something. Maybe a bit corney to all sit and watch slides, but maybe fun too.

Anyway, lots to talk about and share. I hope to be out on the bike this weekend, but I'm not sure if I'll make the Wildwood ride. But hopefully some ride some place.

Thanks all,

Mike and Lynda

100 Miles Of Hills Finally Falls!

Folks,

Yep it true. With cool weather, a few spitz of rain, and clouds blocking the sun it was a perfect day to finally put to rest the entire length of the "100 Miles of Hills Ride". Thats right after eight or so attempts the ride finally got completed.

There was St. Albans the hard way, Osenfort, Reis Road, St Paul Road, Marshal Hill, Adams, bonus climbs, even Midland and Warson. They all got climbed today from start to finish by Brian and myself.

Roark

Saturday Sept 20th and Sunday Sept 21st Rides

Folks,

So here are my final ride plans for this weekend.


Saturday Brian has convinced Mark and myself for one more attempt this season of 100 Miles of Hills. I personally think the ride will go another season without ever having been ridden to completion but I am up for a try at it. The ride will be leaving my house at 8:00 am, and will pick up Mark and anyone else who cares to join at Kaldis in the valley at about 9:15 am. We will not be staying at Kaldis for breakfast to keep things moving. We will pick up some food at our first rest at the Head Store in St. Albans.

Sunday I plan to ride to Trailnet's Flat as a Floodplain Ride that's starts at the Orchard Farm High School. We officially leave from the Lopatin's at 8:00 am. Depending on my son's need to have my car on Sunday I will either be driving or riding over to the Lopatin's. It's 29 miles from the Lopatin's House to the rides official start, so we may miss official registration. We will ride the 15 mile section of Trailnet's Ride, so figure 75 miles. A food stop will occur either in New Town, or St. Charles on our way back home.

Roark

Season End's Riding Plans:

Folks,

It seems with the closing of the season ride coordination is at a end as well. I am going to do my part by posting some of my upcoming plans and rides available. I hope this will motivate you to get on board and on a bike.

Saturday Sept 20th: Hostellings Dog Prairie Century: From St. Paul, on the wall because I have so much respect for this group.

Sunday Sept 21st: Trailnets Flat As A Floodplain: Riding From My House to the Start 50-85 miles depending on routes chosen.

Sunday Sept 28th: Trailnets Tour de Wildwood: Riding From Mark's House 60 miles.

Saturday Oct 4th: Hostellings Sand Creek Century: On the wall because not only do I have so much respect for this group, but I have always avoided this suffer fest.

Sunday Oct 12th: Trailnets Rider The Rivers Century: My house is on the loop, so its 100 miles starting at my house, with registration in St. Charles this year.

Oct 17th - 19th: Hilly Hundred: So far as I know, no hotel rooms have been reserved, and no one has registered.

Saturday Oct 25th: Tour De Bass in Springfield Mo, Rest Stops Every 10-12 miles, 20-100 miles. Inaugeral Ride Sponsored By Bass Pro Shops : If I can find a partner in crime I think I would like to give it a try.

Let hear your thoughts, on this list, on adding to the list and gets some rides going, or I seriously will have to re-acclimate to solo riding.

Roark