Poll Results, #57, Lance in France.

I don't think many of us would argue that this year's Tour wasn't more memorable and more watched than in years past. I suspect alot of it is the Lance Factor. It also didn't hurt that there was good racing, some other story lines, and no talk of doping (at least not yet).

The results reflect these statements somewhat:
> 3 (25%) people chose 'yes it's been fun to have him back' - here here!
> 4 (33%) people chose 'lil bit' - so you watched b/c of Lance or another reason?
> 2 (16%) people chose 'not so much' - you should watch with me, I'll explain everything.
> 3 (25%) people chose 'lance who?' - you should get a TV to start.

New poll up when I think of one.

Al's Breakfast Diner.

Having been seen on Food Network, this placed looked to be something of a local celebrity. On closer inspection, it's a greasy spoon, in the best sense of the phrase. Usually, you have to wait in line outside the place (so I'm told), which is simply for the fact that the place is about 12 counter seats, and that's it. People, again, I'm told, wait a long time. Well, I guess it was just one of those lazy Saturdays, because we walked right in and sat down.

Now the mantra for picking out the food should be "keep it simple". Don't get eggs Benedict or huevos rancheros, but you can be sure omelets and pancakes are good-to-go. In fact, I noticed "Corn Pancakes" on the menu, and not being shy about food options, decided to give them a try. It was very unique (not in a bad way) and the corn was as fresh as it gets. I wouldn't order it again, but at least I can say I tried. I also had a $1 bowl of applesauce. Yep, regular ole applesauce. I dunno, it sounded good. They even said, "Would you like cinnamon for it?" ... as if they had to ask.

[turn to the right, mohawked short order cook - check]

[turn to your left, surly (but very nice) counter waitresses - check]

Lake Delton, MN.

Finally found (got caught in) a long ride this past weekend. Here is a highlight, among many nice spots. This is Lake Delton, only about 15 miles from downtown. The state does have alot of lakes... no doubt about it... like 10,000, I heard.


[ooohhh!]


[ahhhhh!]

A new knock-knock joke.

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Alison.
Alison who?
Alison to da reggae, dat's who!!

C'mon, use an accent. Tell it to a 6 year old. Laughs, I tell you.

July in MN?

This was necessary the other day at a cookout.

It was like 60 degrees all day.

I hope I get used to this soon.

Fall Already?

It doesn't bode well for summer lately.

SRAM XX, First Ride.

[great frame to hang the world's lightest MTB group on]

So, I had the chance to ride a Scott Spark with XX the other day - uhhh, yes please! The bike wasn't my exact size and I just jumped on it at the trailhead, so there wasn't time to really dial it in for myself, but still... it was a good time.

The parts basically make you feel like you're in a World Cup race on a World Cup-worthy bike. It was very fun, with little or no issues to report with XX. The best part is probably the ability to stay in the big ring (depending on your legs) for much of the riding. You can even big-big all day long. It keeps front shifting (which is still the best I've felt on an MTB) to a minimum and lets you concentrate on the trail ahead.

[XX Elixir brakes - ooh, juicy]

[10spd RD with Exact Actuation, hello XC riders!]

[stout FD with over 40 variations of clamps and mounts - your bike should be covered]


[Absalon-like Fulcrum Red Metal Zeros, very nice]

[and this 9 hour milled out Red-like cassette - so choice, expensive, and light as all get out]