Grandpa knew best

Always an incredible wood carver, Grandpa R creates figurines and objects that emote an array of reaction. Back in 1989, while I was immersed in cross country and track, my grandpa noticed this passion, much like he has for golf. Unbeknownst to me, he had procured one of my shoes. This is probably one of the best gifts I have ever recieved, even as long ago as that was. When I recieved it, I was immediately drawn to the detail to Reebok's "new at the time" ERS or energy response system that was integrated w/ a dual density eva midsole to prevent overpronation. Also noted was the detail to the worn high abrasion outsole (one of the downpoints of this particular shoe)

It wasn't until later that I truly appreciated the time, thought, talent, and foresight that he put into this. It is a reminder of one of the many things in life that make me happy, and how important all of my family is to me. Hope he gets to swinging the clubs again soon!

Todays lunch hour was brought to you by the letter "H" as in "H"ill repeats or what in the "H"eck am I doing trying to keep up with Wartburgers?? Still maintained below 180 bpm though so I didn't push it too hard. A good 5 miles w/ a half sub from sub-city in the gut.

Tonight is Clarksville's Trick or Treat from 5-7, should be fun! Still wonder how your supposed to scare someone during the daylight?? I am sure it is much safer.

Docs, Toads, Dummies, and Burnt Turkey

Visited w/ the cardiologist and he said this heart condition happens to quite a few people, yet he will need me to do a stress test. That can't be that bad. Probably no worse than your average cyclo-cross race. I'm sure all will work out.

As long as the Mrs. and I were near CF we decided to get a bite to eat and stop by Brent's shop. He is doing some neat rearranging and painting.

Kerkove has his "patented self-portait" but I decided to take this pic in true BLUE fashion.
This big dummy looks like it is begging for some long mileage and self-sustainment.

Finally, Mark your calendars for this group ride once again!

Lunchtime L.S.D.

The equivalent of cycling Long Slow Distance, but running. Used my hour to take in just how beautiful this little town can be. Starting with an easy glide downhill through Wartburg, where everyone waves, young and old. Before crossing the bridge, one gets to play as a Kelpe Dog, herding the Geese and dodging the green stuff. Past the Bank of Inspiration, that will soon read 1st Nationalized Bank onto the peaceful Bike trail. After a few steps under a thinning canopy it's time to head back uphill to work. A pleasant 5 miles. If everyday were this easy...

Strange face in face effect here...

Family, Hockey, and a windy run.

Dad made it home on Friday and is way ahead of his recovery schedule. He will be bored and stir crazy for the next six weeks, so if you drive or ride by the corner of 3rd and Division, be sure and honk or ring your bell! In a strange turn of events, I went to the doc myself, not being able to breathe and having pains in my chest. Scarey to say the least. After an EKG and Echocardiogram, we deducted that it was more than likely stress related. However they did notice the Mitral valve would occasionally be slow to respond in sequence or fail to go. So guess who gets to see the Cardiologist? By speaking w/ those in the know it should be pretty treatable and not a big deal.

Saturday night we went to a knock down drag out Black Hawks game. To summarize, there were at least 10 helmet-less fights (4 at one time), 8 game ejections, and Waterloo won in OT.

Probably the only time the Mrs. wasn't on her feet ;)

Sunday I got a chance to get my running legs back on through Heery woods to attempt to get out of the insane winds to no avail. Felt good and got my spirits in the right place.

Long time no blog

Dad had a succesful aortic valve replacement - the mechanical type. Pretty stressfull situation Monday but we made it!! He will probably want to go back to work tomorrow knowing him...

Did get a chance to ease the mind Saturday w/ some Wisconsin relatives. Great Game!!

morphing the possiblity

This Bike Plus This Bike
Equals This Bike

140mm of travel will be reduced to about 80 going from 26 to 29 on the lefty max- but it should be fun.

You gotta see this!

One of our Scouts on a fast paced superman style re-mount. Picture courtesy of Kim.

Never burn bridges

Good and BUSY FLTF weekend (follow link for pics and results) had w/ success for both the IMB and Pack 4053. Very proud of my 12 year old gutting it out on a very rigid 1x8 finishing in just over an hour on a demanding course. Next time he needs to tie his Vans....

Fantastic and inspirational couple of bands from Heartland Vineyard Church, Great food, Great People and support! Thanks to everyone who helped and showed up!!

On the downside, some arsonist decided to burn down our newer bike bridge near Clarksville- As my wife said, kids and people in Clarksville can't keep their mouth shut so I am certain it will be resolved.

More later....

26er's vs 29er's

Something a bit smaller; tried and true that has never let me down, maybe a bit outdated- but will never get rid of . . .

But with all this bigger is better stuff, I thought why not? At 150 lbs, it's not for the weight weenies, yet is very efficient and nimble.


Meet Yukon!

Almost time to head out to camp and prepare!

Forecast looks lovely for F L T F !

Mid 70's and no rain predicted- for the Flat Tire Festival. We have cabins and campsites still available. Tomorrow the 9th is the cut-off for discounted family or single weekend rates, (like it's not cheap enough already!). RSVP to me @ jbidwell2003@hotmail.com , call 319-939-6923, or if you're on facebook go to this EVENT and say your attending. There will be activities for all!
Still looking for a couple volunteers to help w/ race duties, as well as people to enjoy the single track, eat, and enjoy some tunes!

What were you doing 2 years ago??

Happy Birthday Rhea and all that work paid off Jeff!

I'm THOR!!! well it hurts....

Picked up the rental jackhammer and generator and proceded to make me'self a bit sore come Sunday AM. Good work at camp done though for sure w/ the help of Guitar Ted, Tim Cook, Rob Walters, Rob Houlihan, DW Huisman, and others. Went fishing in the dark Saturday eve w/ the youngest as the oldest was at at a weekend hunters training course. Did some more fishing and grilling w/ Eli Sunday AM and then proceeded to hang w/ friends in Waverly for a b-day party which resulted in some football. Only ruined one shirt and one pair of pants but did manage to tackle our biggest and toughest senior on the C-ville team. Yeah, that was smart. Busy weekend capped off w/ a nasty stomach flu/ fever or something Sunday night. Might as be miserable at work, eh?

Eli thinks this might work....