Heart rate.

This is either a clip of my average heart rate or a profile of the Royal 162 elevation. Either way, there are no flat spots so I guess that means I'm still alive.

Roster Update - 03/31/11

I updated the roster today and would like to know if I've missed anything. If you could take a look (only comment if you're name is wrong or not there at all) and then pass this message around to others you know that might be riding I'd certainly appreciate it.

Kiwanis to host breakfast.

Just got a heads up from the Kiwanis Club of Spring Valley, here is their message:

The Kiwanis Club of Spring Valley is sponsoring a fundraiser breakfast for Almanzo 100 riders and their families at Kingsland High School (the start/finish) on Saturday, May 14th from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM. The menu is scrambled eggs, French toast sticks, sausage, milk, juice and coffee. Cost is $6.00. Children 5 to 8 years old -$3.00. Under 5- free. Proceeds to benefit the children and youth of the Spring Valley area.

Need direction?

The fellas over at the Ragnarok have posted an excellent note about Tulip Notes and Cue Sheets. The AGRS races seem to all follow approximately the same format where directions are concerned. If you get a second, check it out, as what you see there will be very similar to what you'll be using at the Almanzo in May. Find it here.

Not riding in the Ragnarok?

Do you have the weekend of the Ragnarok 111 free? Do you still want to get in some miles? Let me know if you're interested and I'll gladly fill you in on all the details.

Pedal.

Thank you.

I have been thinking a lot about life and everything there is to do with it lately and how the bicycle plays an integral role for me. To me the bicycle is a tool, not unlike any other I might find in the garage or a cupboard in the kitchen. It is a tool that allows me an opportunity, every time I step over it and pedal away, to get a little bit closer to the world around me.

Being on a bicycle grants me a chance to hear birds sing and children laugh. It allows me the delightful feeling of rain on my skin and the wind in my hair. It offers me a connection to the world that I otherwise might not get if I am bottled up inside of an automobile. As it is, I spend the better part of my time awake indoors working to keep shelves stocked or encouraging others to buy bicycles and experience the same things I do. If I did not take the time to get on my bike and ride to work or just for fun, I am afraid I would miss everything in between.

This world is an incredible space and I am fortunate to be a part of it. I feel lucky to have found the bicycle and all that it allows. I am honored to be a part of a community that continues to grow and blossom and as long as I can, I will continue to try and pay it forward. Spring is upon us and I am excited for the gravel road racing season to begin. Thank you all for everything and hopefully I will see you out on the road.

Best Always,
Chris

Bullied to the break.

Here is an excellent story about bullying and the bullied. Interesting to here the boy speak about how it impacted him and got into his mind.

"The taste of effort"

L'EROICA (english version) from Edouardi Sepulchro on Vimeo.

Update - Version 03.20.11

Hello all. I have just returned from a fantastic visit to the Minneapolis area. The weekend found me eating here and here, getting coffee here, riding with this guy and a host of great bicycle people and hanging out on the dock behind this place. A great weekend and one I hold very high (it's at the top actually) on my annual list of things to do.

As far as race stuff goes, I'm knees deep in getting things organized. As it stands right now, we will be having a pre-race check-in the Friday before the race, much like we did last year. Here's how it will most likely breakdown.

Friday:

1:00pm to 3:00pm - Check-in at Bicycle Sports (the shop I work at) in Rochester
5:00pm to 8:00pm - Check-in at Glynner's Pub (my neighborhood bar) in Rochester
8:00pm to infinity - Hang out at the Pub, go back to my house (just a few blocks away), go to your hotel/tent/rock/bivy/etc...

Saturday:

6:00am - Royal 162 check-in at Kingsland High School (start/finish) in Spring Valley
6:50am - Royal 162 pre-race announcements
7:00am - Royal 162 start
7:05am to 8:45am - Almanzo 100 check-in at Kingsland High School in Spring Valley
8:50am - Almanzo 100 pre-race announcements
9:00am - Almanzo 100 start
4:00pm - Almanzo 100, 62 mile checkpoint closes
6:00pm - Royal 162, 124 mile checkpoint closes
9:00pm - Almanzo course closes
10:00pm - Royal 162 course closes
10:30pm - Wrap it all up and take it all home.

That is the current schedule (which is certainly subject to change). I would like to recommend everyone that can (especially those riding in the Royal 162), to please come Friday and get checked in ahead of time. This will make everything go a lot smoother on Saturday morning.

We will have volunteers helping get cars parked in an orderly fashion so as to use the space available to it maximum capacity, please respect them and do as they suggest as 700+ is a lot of people and cars.

Carpool where possible.

If for some reason you cannot make it, please let us know so that we can make decisions accordingly.

Get out and ride, Spring is upon us!

*more soon*

Song of the day 03.14.11

"...there should just be a mystery about the lyrics and where they come from and...a mystery about how closely the song writer is connected to the song."

I miss California.

Wolfpack Hustle. The All City Team Race 3 from Midnight Ridazz on Vimeo.

Brilliant.

MIT Media Lab Identity, 2011 from readyletsgo on Vimeo.

Preparedness.

So you think 100 miles is easy? Here is a photo of myself from the Gentlemen's Ride last fall...right before I threw up while riding (yes, puked off the bike while riding) out of the Forestville checkpoint. I hope your getting some miles in.

About making a contribution.

***READ THIS BEFORE DONATING***

Here at the Almanzo we are committed to providing a world-class event that remains absolutely free to all who choose to enter. Since 2007 a small band of devoted volunteers has offered up their time and asked nothing in return. They represent the best of the Almanzo; individuals committed to changing the landscape that is bicycle racing. And we are pleased to announce that together we will host nearly 700 registered riders this spring.

Our mission has always been bigger than the Almanzo alone; our goal has been to inspire other riders, and we can still succeed. If only 10% of the riders who came to the Almanzo went home and created their own events, we’d all have free rides year round.

Yet, at the same time we’re breaking records and inspiring others, we’ve reached a tipping point that threatens our very existence, and we need your help now more than ever.

By offering a modest financial contribution, you add your name to a list a people dedicated not only to keeping the Almanzo alive, but to spreading this idea of free bicycle racing across the country.

Please consider donating any amount you are comfortable with.

By banding together, we can all get a free ride.

Much Respect & Humility,

Chris Skogen

2011 Rules

I touched on a few things in the mass email that went out right after registration closed, but I wanted to go over a few things again. I updated the RULES button over there (underneath the DONATE button) in case you want to clarify anything.

First and foremost YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN for this. There will be no drop bag service this year (some things just don't scale to 700+ riders) and there is no aid station. What this means is that no one from the Almanzo team will come to fix your flat or otherwise lend you a hand. That said, you can meet anyone you like within the city of Preston (near the 40 mile mark).

Most importantly, YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN and are expected to follow the rules of the road. We have an excellent opportunity to bring cycling to a community that might not otherwise experience it. Please be stewards for the sport and show the people we'll meet that cycling is fun AND productive for the human spirit.

I went for a walk and took some photos.