Adventure Racing

I've been asked multiple times to join teams for an adventure race, but for some reason or another was never able to do it. I finally got my chance last weekend. Stephen Regenold (of www.thegearjunkie.com) my adventure journalist partner, old pal Stanley (whom I met on North Dakota's Mah Dah Hey trail in '06), and a friend of his, Stephanie embarked on a 6.5 hour race.

First we started on foot, reading maps, orienteering our way to checkpoints. We ran through groves of saplings, swamps, rocky ravines and more. Length: Approx. 6 miles.

Then we were routed to a creek. We hiked/ran up the creek, hitting checkpoints along the way. The creek wound through several huge culverts that were dark and dripping. As if hiking through a creek is not hard enough, try turning out the lights! This was actually a favorite part of the race for me.

When the creek dead-ended at a 80' waterfall, we climbed out of the creek and onto bicycles. We rode roughly 12 miles on the road to a river.

At the river we loaded our bikes into a truck, grabbed 2 inflatable kayaks, paddles, and set off for 6 miles of wet drudgery. Not really. My legs were welcoming the rest and the day was perfect for a paddle. Hot, but not too hot. The water felt good. River was s bit low, so there were some short portages.

Upon reaching the 6 mile point we exited the water and grabbed our bikes for another few miles of road biking that would bring us to Mount Kato - a ski hill that has singletrack trails all over it. We rode 8 or 9 miles of singletrack, hitting checkpoints along the way. Another 4-5 miles of road biking to the finish point.

We were the second co-ed, 4 person team to show, but a missed optional checkpoint bumped us into 3rd when the team behind us made it to the finish with their time bonus. Dern. We had to settle for 3rd place. For a first race, I was happy enough. It was super fun to be in the woods and wild all day. There was suffering and cramps to be sure, but it was too fun to dwell on the negatives.

I might get into another one of these this year - I'll post if I do.

***Not sure who to credit photos to. Someone borrowed Stephen's camera. If you want credit, stand up.

In hind sight...

A few months ago an advertising agency client of mine mentioned that there would be a dress code for an upcoming job. The shoot would be for a pretty formal, professional client of theirs. So, being the dork that I am, I send a few options for them - total tongue-in-cheek style. This was my favorite. It is 80's T.C. I am wearing an ostrich skin (likely fake) leather jacket with shoulder pads and oversized bicep area. Tight pants with a lot of belt loops, tight-rolled of course. A righteous turquoise, tight shirt with pink flamingos. Lastly an attempt to feather what hair I had at the time.

Amazingly the client continued plans for the shoot and has even allowed me to bid on an upcoming job! Lucky for me they have a sense of humor.

Happy Friday, everyone. Enjoy another summer weekend!

Brinkman Russell Inc.

I know that for a lot of people, now is not a great time to gussy up the house. But if you are one of the lucky who have not yet felt the pinch of the current economy, and are considering a remodel, may I suggest calling Brinkman Russell. I have worked with these guys longer than any other client. I am proud to be associated with them too. A lot of construction companies have poor reputations for unmet expectations, ridiculous delays, or maybe even outright dishonesty and shoddy work? I have always heard positive feedback from the homeowners that hire B.R. They are perhaps the most ethical company I have ever worked with.

These are a few shots of homes they remodeled this year.

If you want to contact them, give them a call (651) 735-8367) - or visit their site: www.brinkmanrussell.com

Bike racing, and summer fun.

This has been an exceptional summer here in Minnesota. Having grown up in a warmer climate, I am all about the Minnesota summers. They are short and sweet. You dang well better make the most of it, because snowflakes fly early up here.

So, I have been making the most of it. I've been sailing, bike racing, adventure racing, swimming, riding motorcycles, camping, etc... Never a dull moment. I do not have photos for all of these activities, but I scrounged a few to show you.

First is my son Jack during his first Mountain Mike race. He's done BMX and the Shimano Kid's races (everyone wins), but this year he decided to compete for real. Mount Kato, in Mankato, MN was the race. He suffered through the 4 mile course, wrecking twice, but insistent on finishing. He was not very pleased at the end of the race, as it was the toughest physical thing he has ever done. But you should have seen his mood change when the results were posted and he got second in his age group! Kid was pumped up! I was right proud of him. I got to follow him through the course and it was really fun to watch him maneuver the course with his tiny bike. Kids rule, seriously.

I raced later in the day and had a great time. This is one of my favorite courses. I managed a 3rd in my Single Speed category, but was 30-something overall. Good times.

Lastly, dig this image my wife took of Jack at the beach. Kids are the best humorists and they do not even know it.

If you have not met your summertime funtime goals, get it in gear. We're neck deep into July already. Make it happen.

***The bike racing images were pirated from Dana Schoppe's page. Thanks, Dana.