tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1296860210628343962024-03-07T14:42:44.158-08:00The Yeti Call: Sounds of the ForestFrydahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738323203426072423noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-129686021062834396.post-44729546896027618012008-05-18T08:26:00.000-07:002008-05-18T09:40:39.640-07:00Long time since last entry...<div>Over a year to be exact. Well I realized my sweet 10am to 6pm work schedule and the fact I only rode twice during the week left about 6 hours a wek between 8am and 10am when I coudl blog to my hearts content. Then the summer hit and then in September an 8-5 work schedule with a 18 mile commute, and there you have it- no blog entires. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Safe to say I was using the time wisely, riding bikes, more fitness than I think I've ever had and then an awesome new job. Much love to Rocky Mounts, but I think I was born to not only work in the bike industry but also design product. Pearl Izumi is a perfect fit. </div><div> </div><div>News Blurbs that will require seperate entries for description themselves:</div><div>1. Nat and I are engaged: Further post describing the elation of the engagement. </div><div>2. Nat anbd I are buying a new house- it is sweet. Move in date May 30th. </div><div> </div><div>We often ride over to a park, try to find a balance of sun for Nat and shade for me, lay in the grass, read and let the sun beat on us. Below is a picture from one such event. </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201741148608818002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PfPQt7mnH1maMPMtbBIlusdcr8O1nouR_DHeZyjRNL7zw6gxpMCw2tZGpR7hBQxrGOixO3G8ndmjvluykhQYj2lAX4gwd6NxhpJOOICpQjWKJSxtiEOo24Wnw49TGVDjIvwRB65iOVs/s320/Nat+and+Jas+chillin.JPG" border="0" /></div>Frydahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738323203426072423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-129686021062834396.post-63434803719066131392007-03-21T14:50:00.000-07:002007-03-21T16:12:24.089-07:0080 Degrees Fahrenheit sure does feel hot this time of year<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFwtDa5bCMcXvH7MrUR2GOxnCNQRe2Iq8NxwYJpfCAKB4iMuDZBSNEb9NxSMB2Nq2exf3pesspd1ki-9Yq_i7oyN5L7HJkcRIR6AiIS11ZMmMt4K0DNdAW24zA3F4GwXVFRGQvLPA1MI/s1600-h/Moab+Arch.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFwtDa5bCMcXvH7MrUR2GOxnCNQRe2Iq8NxwYJpfCAKB4iMuDZBSNEb9NxSMB2Nq2exf3pesspd1ki-9Yq_i7oyN5L7HJkcRIR6AiIS11ZMmMt4K0DNdAW24zA3F4GwXVFRGQvLPA1MI/s320/Moab+Arch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044509972138994530" border="0" /></a><br />6 Hours West of Boulder on I-70 is the high desert of Utah. Specifically Moab, Utah. Home to two National Parks, a bike shop for every 1,000 year round residents and not a single chain store, Moab some how maintains the luxury of remaining a real town, despite it's obvious status as a tourist destination.<br /><br />Natalie and I went out last weekend with some friends, did a little camping, stayed in town one night, sampled the local coffee, scones, beer and burgers and when I say local, I mean the local businesses are all local. Natalie was running the Canyonlands Half Marathon and I did a little riding with Bryan.<br /><br />Despite her longest run being only 5 miles, Nat finished without walking a bit.<br /><br />On Saturday, Bryan and I rode Slickrock and then rode through town to replenish water and food and went out to do another loop of trail. Below is the top of a the craziest hike a bike I ever want to do. 700 feet of 100% bike carrying. I really tried to wheel the bike next to me several times but it was so rocky, those rocks politely reminded me every time that I needed to carry the damn bike.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZFY0SMM3GoT1TkpfXfeXcAmOXFKyYnLjfrH7WjEebut_KYdGxdZnLHq2dWTMFUnKmbY7nCEaLk2TqAx1IKD_ySyBfJq05pG0tpCe1J9mCvo_bT6epFcAysSMnpFHeyUID-nMXp2elLU/s1600-h/riding+in+moab.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZFY0SMM3GoT1TkpfXfeXcAmOXFKyYnLjfrH7WjEebut_KYdGxdZnLHq2dWTMFUnKmbY7nCEaLk2TqAx1IKD_ySyBfJq05pG0tpCe1J9mCvo_bT6epFcAysSMnpFHeyUID-nMXp2elLU/s320/riding+in+moab.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044501979204856642" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">View from the top<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3aLEUrTot8W71Kytpl_y9ssgpPUfFdACIaIF24gbShxT34YHXQemBMhSeP1gQaMQu6e5UgThApkM0n_sb3CLOVe6N_vsAmZW9dwroQoABPeqTbco8aCFpx6hmMQE-m-Nqi6bj4VVE6kE/s1600-h/Ridin+in+Moab.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3aLEUrTot8W71Kytpl_y9ssgpPUfFdACIaIF24gbShxT34YHXQemBMhSeP1gQaMQu6e5UgThApkM0n_sb3CLOVe6N_vsAmZW9dwroQoABPeqTbco8aCFpx6hmMQE-m-Nqi6bj4VVE6kE/s320/Ridin+in+Moab.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044509989318863746" border="0" /></a>And the ribbon like reward we were treated to after a rest. Too bad there was a headwind, otherwise it would have been the stuff of dreams.<br /><br /></div>There is no place like Moab. Despite the cliche, Slickrock is really fun, you can ride your bike or hike for hours on end and always have a good time. I don't think I'll ever get bored hanging out there a couple times/year.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOz91NOaA1C49AOWTl_9oCPm6k5dwgLqH5uA6ZsZeQhoIB_2sK7z2S18qm9rk74YQriOAuE7ceOySinFtz33_O3jAS6K9gQtCu2vf4u6CEvEQCWh_eFBsEpgk60mHUTN3fVEI6bxauseA/s1600-h/Nat+in+Moab.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOz91NOaA1C49AOWTl_9oCPm6k5dwgLqH5uA6ZsZeQhoIB_2sK7z2S18qm9rk74YQriOAuE7ceOySinFtz33_O3jAS6K9gQtCu2vf4u6CEvEQCWh_eFBsEpgk60mHUTN3fVEI6bxauseA/s320/Nat+in+Moab.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044509980728929138" border="0" /></a><br />Nat looking cute on Main Street. I feel like we could add a Saturday Night Live logo and her name in the upper left hand corner of the photo and I'd think she were a comedian, it was the opening credits, and a monologue would soon follow. Natalie was smiling because the gelato we just had was damn good.<br /><br />You didn't think I'd update this again, did you people!!??!?Frydahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738323203426072423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-129686021062834396.post-53979885130373566292007-01-15T09:43:00.000-08:002007-01-15T11:22:51.392-08:00Weekend SnowWeekend of playing in the snow. Saturday I did a little snowshoeing and Natalie had her first skate ski lesson. Sunday I wrecked myself skate skiing at Eldora. It is awesome up there.<br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5020319254945138642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOwOx0ClN60OLfp23aMUpJqHATxD9eEe55PRQWUCFrv34dIUhiJiInAhTG1ybugGZh0I59EfLya1ZSohsKfXKtqW_3V0izKgivbXBju3lPt1de2kmqizXCCPoVCR9D0X2e8pS40edRYY/s320/snowyforest.JPG" border="0" /> I love winter forests. No matter which way you turn it always looks the same but it never seems to get boring to look at.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJa55-P2h_wyDpH88ScHHZAVxD-zPy_LG4SKXZwcGlQK5F_MOOOmyUjv6_I6VTwlFVcH7ksTYhG9lInxpDWS03aS7sf0QYWqrcDhGfuDHAqUv_3DO9THqiJHI2yPiBpvuoxuTqRt8z3sk/s1600-h/backside+of+Eldora.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5020319263535073250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJa55-P2h_wyDpH88ScHHZAVxD-zPy_LG4SKXZwcGlQK5F_MOOOmyUjv6_I6VTwlFVcH7ksTYhG9lInxpDWS03aS7sf0QYWqrcDhGfuDHAqUv_3DO9THqiJHI2yPiBpvuoxuTqRt8z3sk/s320/backside+of+Eldora.JPG" border="0" /></a> Back side of Eldora. The snowshoe trails at Eldora were pretty tracked out for the first part of the hike but once I got to the north facing slopes that hadn't gone through melt cycles, to each side of the packed trail there was awesome powder. Descending was pretty fun.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzviPJ1WSgTb-AU51kOW8ac7nSIiSD2EmYPSLlo3eeMUsASEVQnd1DtU7bjU3121KzGvkpJ4hsz2aerRU0QSY8bVngr3gHxnkY00UhMksmx-NIZeba3zLi2NAVdPeIVNfxVlMerRBkUAY/s1600-h/blogposting.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5020319272125007858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzviPJ1WSgTb-AU51kOW8ac7nSIiSD2EmYPSLlo3eeMUsASEVQnd1DtU7bjU3121KzGvkpJ4hsz2aerRU0QSY8bVngr3gHxnkY00UhMksmx-NIZeba3zLi2NAVdPeIVNfxVlMerRBkUAY/s320/blogposting.jpg" border="0" /></a> Pondering the state of the world at home. It's nice to be over the cold I had last week. I am finally drinking coffee again in copious amounts. Mmmmmmm Coffee.<br /></p>Frydahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738323203426072423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-129686021062834396.post-42395518957695771222007-01-12T14:54:00.000-08:002007-01-12T15:42:41.313-08:00Guitar like a Banjo and sending Tristan to the Cyclo-Cross World ChampionshipsGreat night last night. Went to the Mountain Sun for a Junk Burger and low and behold, a Brown Ale is on tap. The Mountain Sun has officialy become the spot of choice in Boulder. I always enjoyed going there for food with friends, but inevitably it would be usurped from the top spot due to the inevitablity of compromise in my beer selection. And they call the it the Cleveland Brown. How can you not think about a Cleveland Steamer if someone says to you "Cleveland Brown, coming right up."<br /><br />In college I knew a mountain bike racer that could play the banjo, really well in fact. He road tripped to Collegiate MTB Nationals with the UW team one year, and broke out the banjo in the hotel room. Ever since I have been very impressed by banjo players that really know how to play, that is, picking with four fingers instead of one. Last night I saw a guitar player at The Laughing Goat who picked with four fingers. And he didn't have any artificial picks. It was all finger tips. It was awesome. The music he could make was really entertaining and fun to listen to. I think it may have been the first time I saw a truly skilled guitarist perform. I may be making the trip to the Niwot Tavern next week to listen again.<br /><br />Also of note, check out <a href="http://www.tristanschouten.blogspot.com">www.tristanschouten.blogspot.com</a>. Tristan Schouten is a Wisconsin based Pro MTB and Elite Cyclocrosser who was named as a discretionary pic for the US Cyclo-Cross Worlds Team. He has the oppurtunity to compete against the world's best in Belgium at the end of this month. He'll need some help to get there, however. If you believe in US Cyclo-Cross and have an extra 5 or 10 dollars or more, throw it Tristan's way.Frydahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738323203426072423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-129686021062834396.post-85527732471161842712007-01-10T11:11:00.000-08:002007-01-10T13:28:12.479-08:00Weekend ReportA little late for a weekend post but oh well. The weekend in pictures along with a commuting pic Natalie took of me the day of the first blizzard in December. Tomorrow and Friday are supposed to be much of the same, so I thought it would be a good preface to that.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOozKQ4GafkD_iz2ZDf6yzhT_MeSOZ9X0b6K5IuxR9olf4OBh3k6xNUm1erIBwhdK1pqBs2Y4gclF0daj_XShXfgQKOxyEj5NpG8i63D9bZzYKLiN4mfw9ASjWzmBOmURbukTzUS8lHk/s1600-h/silverthorne2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5018498094322354066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOozKQ4GafkD_iz2ZDf6yzhT_MeSOZ9X0b6K5IuxR9olf4OBh3k6xNUm1erIBwhdK1pqBs2Y4gclF0daj_XShXfgQKOxyEj5NpG8i63D9bZzYKLiN4mfw9ASjWzmBOmURbukTzUS8lHk/s320/silverthorne2.JPG" border="0" /></a> Silverthorne at 7 in the am. Bryan hooked us up with some lodging for Friday night so we could avoid ski traffic and enjoy the morning with a breakfast sandwich and coffee instead of sitting in the car for 3 hours. Gracias!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxb_kZB3OKqPsqmmO880BW7XAtbWasLYat_-hu0O4FTzESaYyEkC6i3giqKPQULZ0GaA00R1sI8HgSehK8UoZjB5JZsdMAevKpX4imvpj4R5r-CO8z0mjVyIWdboy3JZisXaKT98ZcEs/s1600-h/whiteout.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5018498098617321378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxb_kZB3OKqPsqmmO880BW7XAtbWasLYat_-hu0O4FTzESaYyEkC6i3giqKPQULZ0GaA00R1sI8HgSehK8UoZjB5JZsdMAevKpX4imvpj4R5r-CO8z0mjVyIWdboy3JZisXaKT98ZcEs/s320/whiteout.JPG" border="0" /></a> Great day of skiing until about 2pm when the winds really started to whip. This is looking up the mountain outside of the chalet at the top of Peak 8.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIs7ibjsF3gpDYhV4N4PkFj5Os-92DIRudq0plXEWYbLj522uS2z9RLdTeKms3Mdp5DWhAyInuibHh5e523YZ6ptUCQGwf-Nd3uAMctyJ1mpmFELO67FBFKjKkw3W0V80cfugHwSVDGkQ/s1600-h/boulder+falls.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5018498102912288690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIs7ibjsF3gpDYhV4N4PkFj5Os-92DIRudq0plXEWYbLj522uS2z9RLdTeKms3Mdp5DWhAyInuibHh5e523YZ6ptUCQGwf-Nd3uAMctyJ1mpmFELO67FBFKjKkw3W0V80cfugHwSVDGkQ/s320/boulder+falls.JPG" border="0" /></a> Sunday brought seemingly better weather until I went up to Eldora to go for a ski. When they say High Wind Warning, they mean it. My face definitely hurt from the blowing snow while I was walking from my car to the nordic house. As I set my skis into the rack, I noticed the few brave souls with shells and hoods skiing out into the sustained 30-40 mph winds. I had no such clothing. When I ski I have to wear the lightest long sleeve baselayer available or I'll sweat straight through it. I did have the foresight to bring a jacket on this day because I knew it would be windy, but I stood in the nordic house with my backpack on, thinking about my face and how I knew I'd ski no more than an hour for fear my cheeks would fall off after that. Not worth $17. I said "Not today" and took my skis back to the car and drove off to watch football on the TV. <br />I did stop and hike down to Boulder Falls on my way down the canyon. I love waterfalls in the winter.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVbTSUd9om6PVPVKSoDEUNoyOaJRnk4hwwfPjbTnP5DeoUHOeTFrmqCvPS-S5-dj8LbPJ_lIHYM1fmoqP4nsUi0XLLYrBPvpyO0c7ZJkd52UBEQQ3v6ChX9syoLhotKMEeVGLJH-nEMo/s1600-h/hardcore+commuting.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5018498107207256002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVbTSUd9om6PVPVKSoDEUNoyOaJRnk4hwwfPjbTnP5DeoUHOeTFrmqCvPS-S5-dj8LbPJ_lIHYM1fmoqP4nsUi0XLLYrBPvpyO0c7ZJkd52UBEQQ3v6ChX9syoLhotKMEeVGLJH-nEMo/s320/hardcore+commuting.JPG" border="0" /></a> Now everyone at work laughs at my googles when I ride in on inclement days. But I think it is an essential winter commuting accessory when the weather is precipitous, as it was the day in the above picture. Get out of your car people.Frydahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738323203426072423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-129686021062834396.post-70071577631534573282007-01-05T13:20:00.000-08:002007-01-05T13:39:18.679-08:00All hail the snow!Damn I like all this snowing that is going on. Breck has a foot of snow by now; and it continues to snow in Boulder. What does this mean? Skiing. Lots and lots of skiing. The plan is Breckenridge tomorrow, and Frisco for some nordic on Sunday.<br /><br />Commute in today wasn't too dodgy at all. I did get a little sideways/out of control on Spruce Street and nearly clipped the curb( It was barried in snow so I'm not exactly sure if I was near the curb or not). But overall the roads were half slush and half snow, so the 25c's worked just fine.<br /><br />WHO let the dogs out? WHO!?!? WHO!?!?!? WHO!?!?!?Frydahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738323203426072423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-129686021062834396.post-56479727184694922702007-01-03T16:41:00.000-08:002007-01-03T17:10:59.737-08:00Long DecemberBack from Wisconsin after a whirlwind holiday tour. Here's the run down:<br /><br />No photos as the camera ran out of battery prior to leaving. Natalie packed the charger but I managed to keep myself busy enough that I didn't feel like running out to the car in the balmy 40 degree weather (damn global warming, it's Wisconsin for god's sake! ) to charge the battery and thus I spent a solid 10 days without documenting my experiences through images.<br /><br />Instead I'll rely on words.<br /><br />Met up with good old friends a few times and spent some time drinking beer, bowling, drinking beeer and generally having a good time. Definitely a highlight of my time home.<br /><br />I foolishly packed my skis instead of my bike. I had to resort to ::gasp:: running! I did actually enjoy it.<br /><br />Running is good fun if and only if it is done on trails that twist, turn, and provide atleast a small but measurable amount of elevation gain and loss. Such is the case at the Glacial Blue Hills trails outside of West Bend, WI. Fun on the mtb, but tight enough that they're even fun while running. Recommended duration: 1 hour. (It's still running people and you'll kill your knees if you do it longer than that.)<br /><br />Saw a few movies including Night at the Museum. If you liked Jumanji, I'd recommend it. Went ice skating with the feam at the Pettit in Milwaukee. That was alot of fun. Althoguh I did find out that the Olympic Training Center is no longer thus as most of the Olympians jumped ship for SLC. Gone with be the days of speed skating olympians calling Waukesha home. But then again, if I had the choice between SLC and Milwaukee, I'd probably choose Salt Lake.<br /><br />Here's a question: Will it take legal precedence in America to stop greedy developers from laying down housing tracts without a concern for the people that will live there and the quality of life they'll experience? Who should be accountable?Frydahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738323203426072423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-129686021062834396.post-48644193109129805062006-12-21T06:58:00.000-08:002006-12-21T08:37:30.816-08:00Still SnowingWell, Natalie's flight was cancelled, and the airport, city, grocery stores, and coffee shops are all closed down due to the volume of snow. Keystone got 2 feet. There is some pow to be had, but Hwy 93 down to Golden is closed so there will be no going to the mtns today. I could probably get up to Keystone on Saturday morning and still get some fresh snow...errr I mean...get my first real powder experience in, but that would require a late departure for home. More snow is expected on Saturday morning so I think we'll be getting the hell out of dodge Friday evening. Rocky Mounts will be on the only business open today. Alas, I do have work to do so time won't be completely lost.<br /><br />Snow is too deep for the bicicletta today. Will be utilizing gaiters for the walk in.Frydahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738323203426072423noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-129686021062834396.post-17438806303795642052006-12-20T09:39:00.000-08:002006-12-20T10:55:43.209-08:00Blizzard WarningWell there is a full fledged 'Blizzard Warning' through Thursday afternoon. 24"-36" of snow is forecasted on the front range. I am exited to ride over to North Boulder Park and ski tomorrow morning.<br /><br />This 'Blizzard' puts a damper on Natalie's plans to fly out this evening, although her flight has yet to be officially cancelled. I, on the otherhand, am still planning to drive out on Friday evening, hoping 24 hours after the snow subsides the roads will be sufficient enough for driving. Nat may be coming with me though as flights may not be leaving until Friday under current conditions.<br /><br />The commute in today was glorious. I busted out the goggles as commuting while it is snowing is really pretty sore on the face without them. Relatively few cars on the roads so I could ride in the road rather than the bike lane.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYA0tDYyVwtNuQLsjEeGyTtmL-pJNKHfpVhOr1v1ebCKpGn9q9n68aeKYocfMMftVaKv0UfPHbvbnxYObLWqNSxHLJWM5MnwktiCjPSirNqLMTO4EGUwddAgBWSYw30qmEUBB_g9mfo8/s1600-h/handlebars.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5010673904189937842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYA0tDYyVwtNuQLsjEeGyTtmL-pJNKHfpVhOr1v1ebCKpGn9q9n68aeKYocfMMftVaKv0UfPHbvbnxYObLWqNSxHLJWM5MnwktiCjPSirNqLMTO4EGUwddAgBWSYw30qmEUBB_g9mfo8/s320/handlebars.jpg" border="0" /></a> My view on most mornings, sans snow. Skinny tires in the snow can be sketchy, but as long as cars don't pull out in front and you don't need to pull any evasive maneuvers, I can get down to work without laying it down. Braking traction is nil with my set-up in this weather, however the only downhill is pretty mellow so I can get the 40 feet or more I need to stop.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYE8-NegY0rz6hdEIi8fJ9eF7lngkEZofkN_oKRQt1F-jeUgp-y7CfvZDupSKByjGWQCd1l9LnoH8MDDIQMIQDAyecSVl1izZIADiw1izn-gzX9Z2SoTGkUL5580wAYQDgMXO3R77w0Tk/s1600-h/plow.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5010673912779872450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYE8-NegY0rz6hdEIi8fJ9eF7lngkEZofkN_oKRQt1F-jeUgp-y7CfvZDupSKByjGWQCd1l9LnoH8MDDIQMIQDAyecSVl1izZIADiw1izn-gzX9Z2SoTGkUL5580wAYQDgMXO3R77w0Tk/s320/plow.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>You can see two plows in the right hand lane working in tandem to clear Folsom. I question Boulder Couty Public Works' decision to assign two of thier six plows to the same section of road in the same direction. All the wonderous skiing this weekend at Eldora will be missed, but this storm should create a sufficient base for the new year. </div>Frydahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738323203426072423noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-129686021062834396.post-78306854865028688932006-12-15T09:01:00.000-08:002006-12-15T09:59:40.547-08:00Saving the World and Coffee Rant<div>Well until I figure out exactly how I'll be saving the world, I thought I'd pass on things I like to do that I think helps and encourage those that also want to empower there purpose on the earth to try these things out. </div><br /><div><strong>1. Bring your own coffee mug to the coffee shop if you plan to take your coffee to go. </strong></div><br /><div><strong>2. If you are drinking your coffee at the coffee shop, use a cup they have there that they'll wash and re-use.</strong> </div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5008811270346169362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXgXx8mjMMZgW6sEBHZ3bkPs0mrnyYRXQcwmf3eWXbGPG7_QFE5bfe6xGrEpfvOZGCN5HEcouV1DpuLkdlwSFmx7IzmEoeUIbO9AKgDLqb1WMLtwU8wlD4QvM27KJoL9TPuJ_gR0_2j8/s320/chilipeppercoffee.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">This is an example of a coffee mug you might decide to bring to your local coffee shop so your barista can fill it with coffee. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>By doing the above you will: </div><br /><div><strong>1) Reduce your bill.</strong> Most coffee shops will credit you 10 cents when you bring in your own cup. For you folks that don't conceptualize value unless it is monetary, there's your money figure if doing something has to increase your bottom line for it to be worth your time. The price of your coffee has a paper cup, cover, and 'java jacket' built in, so most coffee shops won't charge you for them unless they give you them. What's that? You go to Starbucks and they don't credit you? That's because Starbucks isn't about you or your coffee. They're about money. Alot of people think they are about thier employees due to thier great benefits, etc, but I'd argue that is just because they are about the money. Happy employees = more profit generating ability because employees are motivated to keep charging you for cups and java jackets even if you don't get them. Cause they're taken care of, right? So who gives a shit about anyone else. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>2) Reduce Waste.</strong> I'm waiting for any college republicans out there to tote the party line(we live in a partisan world right? India cares about blue and red) and comment on how in the 'real' world this doen't matter. Well I'd like to point out that politics are far from the real world. Politics are like a game and these such games rarely attempt to address quality of life and its accompanying attributes which as is discussed above, are not monetary. </div><div> </div><div>Thought for the weekend: Does anyone else see the ironies of building roads, lengthening power lines and widening city infrastructure under a FALSE pretense of increasing quality of life when in reality these things are the engines that powers the money train for real estate developers and contractors that in effect actually hamper the convenient, slowed down, community rich lifestyles people are seeking?<br /></div><div></div>Frydahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738323203426072423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-129686021062834396.post-86662241055795928342006-12-14T09:57:00.000-08:002006-12-14T11:18:54.539-08:00What once was lost, now is foundFalse alarm on the lost camera front. Accordingly, here are a few pics from last weekend, along with a thought for the day.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5d_Y7V2UJEu_LXVhxsedXBhr5Ey9QVc2Q_RqG9lYrMbJU-QjziDEJOFTK5B1NWydrJodhiqqxZrb2CW6v77L9_FotptWjo2hmcF2RL5RaN3xH4TlSNbChWVLZ5sw09Wp6a8bS7FqZUU/s1600-h/foothills.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5008455110446712706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5d_Y7V2UJEu_LXVhxsedXBhr5Ey9QVc2Q_RqG9lYrMbJU-QjziDEJOFTK5B1NWydrJodhiqqxZrb2CW6v77L9_FotptWjo2hmcF2RL5RaN3xH4TlSNbChWVLZ5sw09Wp6a8bS7FqZUU/s320/foothills.jpg" border="0" /></a> The playground. Adults deserve recess too. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdXnuGfTTQ8Vw04_bC0nAlOG6glNQM8bLPymm4bqFZJGYMGBhHh1AZIzi_O0RhRTpXBBiNZYSZCVP7a-7F3F7fZhxmg7yFBt6EieVNzbnIKQHcTWh7qUIf-p1p7K_KQTZWUtpWwMsZ3M/s1600-h/bryan+stuck.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5008455136216516498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdXnuGfTTQ8Vw04_bC0nAlOG6glNQM8bLPymm4bqFZJGYMGBhHh1AZIzi_O0RhRTpXBBiNZYSZCVP7a-7F3F7fZhxmg7yFBt6EieVNzbnIKQHcTWh7qUIf-p1p7K_KQTZWUtpWwMsZ3M/s320/bryan+stuck.jpg" border="0" /></a> Bryan stuck in the snow pack. Really.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisK3-9on9ajmve2DneziO8q2JukYuOIT_XZsPlbjcb49NQ9-B0U6_n4I_yj7XyS9oRiTPkM01NUZIY2us0IqPP3bDlpPTssORsQV-oO3dyDGaOUE4UNbJG05UmWYmdQ7lErdI_SJOh5fs/s1600-h/longspeak.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5008455144806451106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisK3-9on9ajmve2DneziO8q2JukYuOIT_XZsPlbjcb49NQ9-B0U6_n4I_yj7XyS9oRiTPkM01NUZIY2us0IqPP3bDlpPTssORsQV-oO3dyDGaOUE4UNbJG05UmWYmdQ7lErdI_SJOh5fs/s320/longspeak.jpg" border="0" /></a> Looking out of Gold Hill at Longs Peak. I'll climb that 14,000 foot bitch one of these days.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUE9PFIpXGhC0kJC2uakYKiJRnOBDXkGMUvwsKlojb5P_fLKPFjz6zdHBCdqhXwv6ZdwCCSlkGkUAsJiYsSakstcJOxu69Lah74uaNKsXo-MovgEs2fdjBULVMhY2yy_EQ8pnAupNTKzo/s1600-h/outofgoldhill.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5008455149101418418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUE9PFIpXGhC0kJC2uakYKiJRnOBDXkGMUvwsKlojb5P_fLKPFjz6zdHBCdqhXwv6ZdwCCSlkGkUAsJiYsSakstcJOxu69Lah74uaNKsXo-MovgEs2fdjBULVMhY2yy_EQ8pnAupNTKzo/s320/outofgoldhill.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><p align="center">Riding out of Gold Hill with the foothills rising up to the Divide. Awesome. </p><p align="center">Peet's has been brewing some strong ass coffee lately. It has really been wigging me out. And as I scramble to hydrate my brain back to a state where I feel my eyeballs are relaxed rather than twitching from side to side without the aid of any stimuli, I wonder, "What the hell caffiene? Why must I enjoy an excellent roast and the resulting cup of coffee that you so cleverly hide yourself in?" </p>Frydahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738323203426072423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-129686021062834396.post-21008792304963620872006-12-13T12:10:00.000-08:002006-12-13T17:04:12.655-08:00Ode to Brown Ales: Zweiter StueckAvery Brewing Company. <a href="http://www.averybrewing.com/">http://www.averybrewing.com/</a>. A hidden gem in the front range micro brew scene. Small brewer and limited distribution. Only a select few beers make it in to local bars but one that does and the one I love is the Ellie's Brown Ale. You can find it on tap at the West End Tavern making the beer/burger combo at this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Boulder</span> establishment hard to beat. This one has a bit of chocolate in it and tastes really smooth. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">One</span> of those that if you get <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">going</span> with friends, it tastes so good it can quickly turn from a pint to a pitcher to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">belligerence</span>.<br /><br />It's Wednesday. Maybe too early to throw a few back.<br /><br />Go outside and play. Darkness is no excuse. This is the time when you can use your headlamp. If you live in Couger country, make sure you go with friends and sing carols along the trail though.Frydahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738323203426072423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-129686021062834396.post-60870364997120756132006-12-13T11:55:00.000-08:002006-12-13T12:10:14.546-08:00Lost camera and inoperable lap top battery pack...Don't worry it is only temporary. I was a bit discourgaged over the weekend though. One of my main motivations in this blog was to post lots and lots of awe inspiring photos of the Colorado scenery, just for Ted. So I thought I'd just wait to post until I found the camera. I have some great photos of the Switzerland Trail from Saturday. I think it was nearly the clearest day I'd ridden it so the divide views were awesome. Awesome enough that while filming Bryan plow through some snow pack I got all artsy and panned from the Divide to him riding. Alas, you probably won't ever see that video b/c it was filmed on th his camera, which puked out half way through the ride. My pictures on the other hand should make it onto the blog, as long as I can find the camera.<br /><br />The battery pack is another issue which moved blog posting from ultra convenient at home or work any time of the day, to work only. The shrunken window did not bode well for my blog posting. <br /><br />Wish me luck in the camera finding.Frydahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738323203426072423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-129686021062834396.post-51036197109176786142006-12-08T09:28:00.000-08:002006-12-08T14:27:44.739-08:00Brown Ales and corresponding rantSo I think alot about beer. As soon as I moved to Boulder I was amazed at the amount of micro breweries who brew solid brown ales. I love the german influence in Wisconsin, but a consequence of this heritage is the beer they chose to brew. In Wisconsin, most micro breweries have a great selection of Lagers, Pils as well as Stouts and Porters. But the English Ales just flow down so much better. The Great Dane and Great Lakes Breweries brew a Scotch Ale, but I like the thick English brews the best. So begins the Ode to Brown Ales. <a href="http://www.lefthandbrewing.com">www.lefthandbrewing.com</a> The Deep Cover Brown Ale from Left Hand Brewing in Longmont is damn good. I don't know enough about beer to describe why it fits my tastes, but if you're in Colorado I'd recommend a visit to the brewery or the purchase of a six at a liquor store. (For you Wisconsinites, you can buy beer till midnight in CO, so if you get in late, now worries. However you're SOL on Sunday)<br /><br />Being that it is Friday, I hope you'll all be tossing a few back in celebration of life.<br /><br />Eric: Just as you learned to appreciate coffee while in Italy, the English pub scene provides a perfect outlet to deepen your appreciation for beer. I urge you to drop your books and take advantage.Frydahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738323203426072423noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-129686021062834396.post-78853609366783128592006-12-07T17:37:00.000-08:002006-12-07T17:41:14.909-08:00Why we work<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1_z9i0hOY8Fpc6cMs3cQxsrDzKz6SXS4wb172UBxKEGr8QL6XYhjtBW25q5qewF7jei_MhhumJHYn5fUHcGrBUE-vF6PAVlLF4C4fOqT8ntbregrH6cyGFNhu7oFe0sm4qWaKqE_EVY/s1600-h/CIMG2216.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5005964732875628562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1_z9i0hOY8Fpc6cMs3cQxsrDzKz6SXS4wb172UBxKEGr8QL6XYhjtBW25q5qewF7jei_MhhumJHYn5fUHcGrBUE-vF6PAVlLF4C4fOqT8ntbregrH6cyGFNhu7oFe0sm4qWaKqE_EVY/s320/CIMG2216.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br />So we can go play on the weekends. Frisco Nordic Center. Very Nice!Frydahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738323203426072423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-129686021062834396.post-82488181347423335602006-12-07T17:05:00.000-08:002006-12-07T18:03:22.185-08:00Do you hear that?Yes, that is the sound of the Yeti.<br />Well, CNN.com, Yahoo News, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Cyclingnews</span>.com, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Velonews</span>.com, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">NSMB</span>.com, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">singletrackworld</span>.com, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">bikemagic</span>.com and various blogs combined have failed to fill my time enough with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">their</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">inadequatly </span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">frequent</span> updates that I've resorted to blogging to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">fill</span> my time. In most workplaces you need to be typing to make it look like you're working, and therefore just sitting and thinking won't do. I'd like to do just that, but as mentioned above, it probably wouldn't fly. So welcome to my world. I hope you enjoy reading and I EXPECT heated argument regarding such hot button issue as religion, legal unions between humans, and stem cell research....talk amongst yourselves.Frydahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738323203426072423noreply@blogger.com0