The Coming Weeks Rides 6/7-6/13

Folks,

I thought I would be pro-active now that the weekend is half over and I head to DC on Sunday.  I come back Wednesday, so of course the Wednesday Night Ride is out.   After Thursday morning it will be just the boys in my house, and since the 18 year old boy pretty much makes films and does  his own thing, I am planning ahead.

So here are my plans. 

I will be doing an evening Ride Thursday night, with John J.  John is putting up with my rather slow speeds these days.  BTW John is atop a brand new electrically charged Dura Ace Bicycle.

Friday morning I plan to be social and go over and join the Illinois Horseshoe Lake ride. 

Saturday I am hoping for something with hills, Chesterfield Valley works, or the Hills of Kirkwood. 

Sunday I plan to ride from my house to support Amanda Ls Huntingtons Cure Ride at Creve Coeur Lake, with an after ride loop say to Crooked Tree to enjoy some coffee.  That is unless my 18 year old is willing to ride with me around Creve Coeur Lake.  In that case I will just ride with him, and drive to and from the lake.

So let me know if your plans coincide and you would like to be company (good or bad).  Start times and places are open for input.

Roark

A Post from My Son! - Let Him Know If You Are Interested

I am posting this for Joseph.  Please let him or me know if you are interested.  ----- Roark

Hey everybody,




In case you didn't know, I will be shooting a new feature film entitled "The Pascal Sign" this summer. The Pascal Sign tells the story of five unique personas during the religious End of Days, as they struggle to answer the difficult question of how one gives life meaning during the end of time. The movie, which will run about two hours, features a professional cast from all over the mid-west, a new High Definition format, and Surround Sound!



Production for The Pascal Sign takes place over the entire month of June, and WE NEED YOUR HELP!



There are a series of small non-verbal roles throughout the film for extras and if you are interested in being featured in one of these scenes that would really help us out. Please let me know if any of these work for you and you would like to be involved. Please forward this to any person you think would be interested.



Thanks,

Joe Weil



JUNE 2ND - We will be filming at Local Harvest Grocery, and need employees and shoppers to walk around the store.



JUNE 16TH - We will be setting up Developmental Day Care as an orphanage and need to fill it with kids.



JUNE 17TH - We are filming at Mississippi Mud Coffee Shop and need other patrons.



JUNE 24TH - We are filming at Tom's Bar and Grill and need other bar-goers.



JUNE 26TH - We are filming a hospital sequence and need patients, doctors, etc.



JUNE 30TH - We are filming at a gas station and need others to be filling their cars

Joseph Gives His Highschool Commencement Speech!

Folks I am going to brag one last time (ok I may again). Here is a video of Joseph giving the commencement speech to over 2500 at his graduation ceremony.
Roark

Weekend Rides...5/22-5/23

I hope everyone has been enjoying the cool rain riding while I have been enjoying the end of Joseph's High School era. Looks like, if my cold lets up I will be back to riding this weekend.

Saturday though I am open to suggestions I was planning to ride from my house around 9:00 am.

Sunday of course I will be riding for brats and strawberries on the Strawberry Festival Ride. http://www.trailnet.org/documents/berryflyer.pdf

I am of course looking for "good" company. Let me know your plans.

Roark

Saturday and Sunday Riding May 15 and 16th

Saturday looks like a toss-up right now. On Sunday, let's plan to ride out toward St. Albans and Six Flags. We can meet at my house Sunday morning at 8:00 and ride at 8:30. We will try to be back by 1:00pm. My address is 15243 Kempwood Dr. Chesterfield, MO 63017.

Mark

Joseph's Induction Into High School Broadcasting Hall of Fame Ceremony

Folks,

One of the advantages of being the blog owner is that I get to post what I want.  I thought I would include a video of the induction ceremony of my son Joseph getting inducted into the Ladue High School Hall of Fame.

Roark

Please help.....

I received word from the woman who collects the registration forms for Amanda's HUNTING-TONS for a Cure Bike Ride that she has only about 5 people registered. This event would be a great lunch stop for a longer ride. We would like registrations in by 5/20/10 so that we have enough of everything. It's only $20 and includes lunch, snow cones, music by a DJ, optional t-shirt, raffle/door prizes. Huntingtons has affected our family for years. My mom died from it. My sister has been diagnosed with it. I have not yet been tested for it. Please take time today to send in your registration form.

June 13, 2010
Creve Coeur Park, Sail Boat Cove parking lot
Registration forms can be downloaded (and then mailed in) at http://www.hdsastl.org/

Thanks so much for your help!
Cheri

Pre Mom's Day Ride

Folks,

Well last week I got in say about 175 miles of bike time.  This week I have less days to ride, just Saturday due to Mother's Day and working Friday.

So if your not in shul, or other commitments how about a long 60 mile ride Saturday.  I can make up the route, or take suggestions.  A 9 am departure from my house would be good.

Roark

Weekend Bike Rides

Folks,

It seems like its been forever since I was able to ride on a weekend to my hearts content.  Well I think I just might be able to slip one in before graduation season sneeks up on me.  So I plan to ride assuming the weather holds, Friday (yes I get to take one of my off Fridays!), Saturday, and Sunday!  Since I am way out of shape I am not planning on and Frondos or Frodos or even a Gandalf ride.

I am open to reasonable suggestions.  My options to begin with include:

Friday - The Horseshoe Lake Contigent Ride (40-50 miles)
Saturday - Tour de Stooges Ride (64 miles)
Sunday - Maeystown Fruehlingsfest Ride (50 miles)

Hope to get back on the right road!

Roark

Sunday Earth Day Bike Ride

Let's do an Earth Day Bike Ride. I will ride from my house on Sunday morning - and head to Olivette and pick up Roark and then we can head into the City and end up at Forest Park.
I'll leave my house around 8:00 and get to Roark's just before 9:00.
Dan, how does that time work for you on Sunday morning?
Mark

Late Ride Saturday

Folks,

My plans for this weekend are go with the flow.  I am having a quarter century celebration at the ole shul so I will be riding Saturday for a short ride sometime after the kiddush on Saturday.  Sunday since I am leaving for Washington DC for a week of fun, I will either be riding short and early, or doing a double spin session.

Roark

MONDO FONDO!!! - Saturday May 1st

Hello all,

Anyone up for any of these crazy ideas? I'm pretty sure I'll shoot for the Mondo Fondo. By May 1st I should be in pretty good conditioning and I'll bet I can talk Tom into giving this a shot.

Let me know what you think,

Mike


Presented by: Big Shark Bicycle Co.

Register online at: www.bigshark.com

Registration: Riders start in order of registration. Access to the start/zone at 8:00 AM. All riders have to be staged by 8:20 AM. Late arrivals will be staged in back. 


Routes: 
Mini Fondo – 25 miles with 2,500 feet of climbing.
Midi Fondo– 75 miles from Augusta past Daniel Boone’s home with 5,600 feet of climbing. Mondo Fondo – 132 miles from Augusta to Hermann and back with 12,000 feet of climbing. 


Features: A traditional pairing of challenging riding and a tour of some of Missouri’s best and oldest vineyards. Fully supported, chip-timed event, all riders receive overall ride time and their climbing time.
Directions: From I-64 and S Hwy 94 in Weldon Springs go southwest on Hwy 94 towards Augusta for 16.5 miles. Turn left on Jackson St. in Augusta, then right onto High St. The Winery is on the left.
Fees: $85 for individuals and $150 for tandems in advance, day of registration will be $100/$175. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Trailnet.

Blooming Ride - First Weekend In April

Folks,

March is on the way out, cold, rain, wind will be a thing of the past.  April will be nothing but temperate conditions, with a heavy dose of pollen! 

Here is the forcast for the coming weekend, its a great one.

Apr 3 Saturday



Mostly Cloudy. Highs in the mid 70s and lows in the mid 50s.


Apr 4 Sunday


Considerable cloudiness. Highs in the low 70s and lows in the low 50s.

So lets plan to ride.  Its time to do the Hills of Kirkwood this coming Saturday.  Then we can ride out to Crooked Tree on Sunday.  If you dont like those plans, suggest something, the point is, LETS RIDE!
 
Roark

Saturday Musical Ride

Folks,

I am leaving my house at 10 am to ride the City Sound Tracks Festival described below.  I will be riding between Metrolink Stations.  Afterwards I may make an excursion to loop to the Chain of Rocks Bridge. 

Here is the festival info:

Take MetroLink to the City Sound Tracks Music Festival this Saturday to show your support for St. Louis public transit! City Sound Tracks is an innovative, all-day music festival along the MetroLink line in the heart of St. Louis. Twenty-seven local musical groups will perform at Tom’s Bar and Grill (20 South Euclid Avenue, a short walk from the Central West End Metrolink Station) and Union Station (on the lake stage that can be seen from the parking lot). The festival begins at 10am and will end at 10:30 pm. Admission is free.

http://www.citysoundtracks.org/

SPRING!!! SPRING!!! SPRING!!!

Rusty Riders, last week we got 58 miles in of cold weather riding! Cold enough that I am home sick with a bad cold.

So while laying about listening to Good Morning America what did I hear?

Friday: Abundant sunshine. Highs in the low 50s and lows in the low 30s.
Saturday: Occasional showers possible. Highs in the low 50s and lows in the low 40s.
Sunday: Occasional showers possible. Highs in the low 60s and lows in the mid 40s.

My plans are to be fully recovered and ride Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Who wants to enjoy SPRING?

Roark

Weekend Heat Wave

Folks,

Oil those creaky knees. I hear we are in for a weekend heat wave!

Feb 27 Saturday
A few clouds. Highs in the low 40s and lows in the upper 20s.
Feb 28 Sunday
Mix of sun and clouds. Highs in the low 40s and lows in the upper 20s.

Thats right its going to be in the 40s this weekend. How about a short coffee house ride starting you know at my house. I might even share a Groupon with you! I figure thirty miles tops, just to not forget you know how to ride a bike.

I am up for either day. Lets wait till at least 10:30 to get the heat of the day. Other then that I am open to suggestions.

Roark

Creakkkkkkkkkk...........

Thats the sound your knees are making from lack of use. What's become of all the spandax clad folks I used to cycle with? Spring can't be that far away, so if its too cold to cycle, get on those spinning bikes.

Lets start to hear suggestions for spring rides! Summer rides! Fall rides!

Do you get the pictue, bicycle rides!

Till then you can join me at the J, where this weekend, Saturday I spun for two hours , and Sunday I spun for an hour and did weights on legs for the next hour.

Don't forget Mark is making plans for a week long bicycle ride in Maine this Summer. Right now I think its only three of us.

Roark

Sun 1/17/10 ride

I'm thinking a little later ride will be slightly warmer. I think I'm looking to leave from my house at10:30a and ride out to crooked tree for a coffee. Anyone is welcome to join.
Thanks.
Cheri

Saturday Brunch 12:30 Black Bear Bakery

Folks,

I dont know if the weather will be good enough to ride, but lets plan to meet at 12:30 in the afternoon for Brunch at the Black Bear Bakery on Cherokee.

Roark

Best Vegan-Friendly Brunch
Black Bear Bakery
Venue
Black Bear Bakery
2639 Cherokee St.
St. Louis, MO
314-771-2236


Vegans dreamin' of a steamin' weekend feast would do well to head toward Cherokee Street for the neighborhood brunch at Black Bear Bakery. Each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the bakery's staff — which collectively owns and operates the establishment — serves up French toast, egg casserole, biscuits, mushroom gravy and homemade apple butter for the vegetarians. But vegans have options too: potatoes (fried and seasoned); kale or collards (sautéed and steamed), hearty buckwheat pancakes, mixed fruit and salad. Twenty-five-year-old Chris Scheetz, who does a lot of the cooking on Saturdays, says he'll use whatever produce he can get his hands on. Sometimes that means harvesting what's in season from the garden across the back alley. At $9 for all you can eat ($10 with coffee), another demographic may also enjoy this brunch: call us the locavoracious.

Gymnastics competition Sun 2/28/10

I just wanted to let you all know that Melina has a gymnastics meet at the America's Center (701 Convention Plaza) on Sun 2/28/10. Warm ups start at 4:30pm and the first event will probably start at 5pm. There's an entrance fee (probably about $10 per person). If you're going to be there, let me know so we can keep an eye out for you.
Thanks.
Cheri

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