Could Schwinn have started the most popular exercise craze of the decade???

Uhhh, the Cross-Fit!?! How did they know? I would argue they had something to do with it, about 20 years ago. 

The other Quote of the Week

Quote of the Week

"According to an old saw, a year in Vermont is nine months of winter followed by three months of very poor sledding."

I feel this applies to MN too.

Sara Bareilles - I choose you

Sara Bareilles - I Choose You: http://youtu.be/xjE5D9cHiOk

Waverly Cafe, Waverly, MN

If you're up for a road trip west of the cities, into rural MN, put Waverly on your list. I'd make a point of hitting this diner-like cafe for brunch...and maybe the nearby Harley dealership. 

Food is solid diner fare. I tried what seemed to be one of their signature items, stuffed hash browns. They were very good, and if that wasn't filling enough, I added the two eggs and a two-piece French toast order. Delicious!

Of course, this is not low-fat and you may just snack later in the day, but this is classic American breakfast food. Let's say it helped fuel my short ride later in the day...yeah, that's it. 

Project He SL, completed

Though it took some time, extra effort, and a few moments of debate... if it's worth doing, it's worth doing well. 

14lbs without any extra fancy bits. I'm hoping it will get tons of use (crossing fingers). 

Can a bike shop stay in business?

I'm often amazed at the bike shops that stay in business. You have to be a smart, savvy, and an ever-changing business person to do it well.

Below is a screen shot (maybe an actual "photo-copy") from a 1990 Bridgestone catalog (a now defunct bike brand). It all holds true today though, and maybe has gotten worse with the introduction of the internet.

Revisit: Reads Landing Brewing Co., Reads Landing, MN

Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, MN

The first hint of Spring, even if only for a few short hours. Summer, please hurry. 

Project He SL, commence!

"Pretty little maids all in a row..."

Quote of the Week

You know it's funny what's happening to us. Our lives have become digital, our friends now virtual...and everything you could ever want to know is just a click away. Experiencing the world through second hand information isn't enough: If we want authenticity we have to initiate it - The Art of Flight / T. Rice

Summer House Santa Monica, Chicago, IL

This is my first abbreviated restaurant post. The food and company kept me so busy and happy that I didn't take any pics after the first few. Forgive me.

It's a warm, light, inviting space in the former Tilli's location. I thought it would be tough to bring a California feel to Chicago, but they did it and it works. Not only does the place look pro, the staff, at least our waitress, was very pro as well. She handled us without issue.

It was a great visit to this relatively new spot on Halsted. We had a great time and I hope to be back soon.... and visit their pizza place now open next door.

Penrose Brewing Co., Geneva, IL

Fun spot to catch up with an old friend and it was hopping (pun intended) on a Friday night. Totally eclectic mix of young and old, white collar and blue collar, hipsters and dufuses. 

Though they seem to have an affinity for making Belgian IPAs, even if you don't like the pale ale family, they'll have something you'll like. I had a very easy-to-drink saison and a dark n' stormy Belgian black ale. 

Very comfortable inside with an upscale brew pub feel, iron and wood decor, picnic table seating and lots of energy from the people. Reasonable prices also helped, plus flights and growlers-to-go. Tours are supposed to be "coming soon". 

Thickest wallet ever?

I swear this thing was 6" thick when folded. I watched him remove/unearth it from his pocket, but am still not sure how it fits (in his front pocket!). 

Like George Costanza, maybe this guy is proud of how much crap he carries around in his "pocket purse".