2023 was a non-cycling year.  A severe back injury in early March resulted in strict guidance from my doctor to stay off the bike for 18 months. This was disappointing news, but the few times I did head out for a ride the pain and numbness were palpable. Cumulative riding time for the year was less than two hours for not quite 20 miles. Dismal. Accordingly, the fleet has been culled by one bike (the Surly Cross Check was sold to a coworker), while two others are currently for sale (Nordavinden and Volae). If/when I can return to cycling, I'm going to stay on familiar, comfortable bikes wi ..read more

There was a substantial increase in commuter mileage over 2021, thanks in large part to a return to normal at work resulting in fewer days teleworking. Higher fuel prices and favorable weather also helped. The new RUSA Rouleur Program afforded me the opportunity to participate in a 125k in May, which turned out to be a perfect fit for our normally busy weekends when we visit Minneapolis. I hope to do another in 2023 and possibly a 200k with the Minnesota or Montana Randonneurs sometime in late summer. Nothing new on the bike front, other than a couple of them are not getting much use. Seems g ..read more

The unseasonably warm weather this November has been a boon for cyclists in Bismarck-Mandan as opportunities to ride comfortably this late in the season are rare.  I took advantage of the conditions a couple weekends ago to do a ride focused on visiting archaeological sites along the Missouri River.  This was a ride I planned last winter, guided by my interest in agricultural practices used by native peoples in the region.  The sites I visited were settlements previously occupied by the Mandans, who, along with the Arikaras and Hidatsas, thrived along the Missouri River for hund ..read more

With my planned brevets in September and October derailed by work commitments and ridiculously priced lodging, I’ve opted to sneak in some rides with a local flair, beginning with North Dakota’s own Theodore Roosevelt National Park.  The park includes north and south units, and while separated by approximately 70 miles, they both feature some amazing geology, flora, and fauna. I’ve ridden the south unit loop nearly every year since moving to North Dakota in 1999.  The loop is a reasonable distance (36 miles) and offers short, but challenging climbs.  The wind is always a factor ..read more

Last weekend I participated in my first RUSA Populaire, the Mini City Slickers 125k. The event closely followed the route I rode in 2018 for the ACP brevet with the same name (minus the 'Mini'). The shorter distance was ideal as April proved to be a horrible month for training, plus there were planned activities later in the day that necessitated I be off the bike by mid-afternoon. About 25 riders arrived at the East Lake St. Dunn's Brothers for the start of the ride. The weather was fantastic, with clear skies and a light wind from the southeast. Following a group photo (the first for the Min ..read more

There was an increase in cycling compared to 2020, with all bikes seeing more time and miles except for the Rawland Nordavinden (road) and Volae (recumbent).  Participation in a September 200k in Minnesota was scuttled to make time to see family in Nebraska. Hope to get back in the ways of randonneuring in 2022!  A trip to Montana is planned. One cycling-related highlight was the publication of an amended version of a previous blog post in the Fall 2021 issue of American Randonneur. The response was positive, and I thank Janice Chernekoff (editor) for encouraging me through multipl ..read more

(The Heart Follows the Path, by Paul Noot) (Brompton M-6, by Brompton Bicycle Ltd)   When Brompton announced their categories for the 2nd annual 'Brompton World Challenge', there was no doubt about where I'd go for the 'Brompton Geographic' photo...  Paul Noot's state mural near 5th and Main in downtown Bismarck. Not sure if it'll be recognized by the judges, but if it is, all credit goes to Mr. Noot.  Most thankful for his artistic gifts, and for making them accessible (and even interactive ..read more

Putting a wrap on another year with meager cumulative mileage.  Intentions of local commuting and brevets in Minnesota gave way to a telework reality in mid-March.  As COVID  cases climbed through the year (with some of the highest per-capita rates in the country here in Bismarck) my aversion to risk kept me close to home, usually on foot via lengthy walks/hikes/jogs using nearby trails. One new wrinkle of significance for 2020 were my two forays on the Volae recumbent late in the year. The experiences were humbling, as my start-stop and handling skills left much to be desire ..read more

Enjoyed some rare sublime weather yesterday with a lengthy bike ride on the Mandan side of the Missouri River.  Few pedestrians and cyclists were out, leaving the trails mostly open for worry-free riding. (Confluence of Heart and Missouri Rivers) (Looking north on Infantry Post Hill) Had just enough time to cover a distance equal to my age.  I guess I'll know I'm officially 'old' when I celebrate this annual milestone with kilometers instead of miles.  ..read more

No rides of any significance were attempted in 2019.  A convergence of limited free time and a general apathy towards distance cycling resulted in the lowest cumulative mileage in over 20 years of riding (10 rides, 146 miles).  I did not ride the Koga-Miyata this year. After much reflection, I’ve decided to let my RUSA and Minnesota Randonneur memberships lapse.  Outdoor activities have transitioned to hiking and trail running, activities I find safer (away from the increasingly distracted and drug addled drivers) and less burdensome from a time management standpoint.  I ..read more