The BIG Commute

Once or twice a year I get the opportunity to take commuting to a whole different level from normal. I get the opportunity to trade in my one mile commute for a 67 mile commute. I work at the Howard Wood Dakota Relays in Sioux Falls and for the State Track Meet when it's in Sioux Falls. Today was one of those beauty days for the commute with WSW wind around 10 mph. My ankle is still giving me a hard time (more on that in a long detailed post soon) but I managed to hammer out a little better than 22 mph average.

I'm not exactly sure how my brethren from Sioux Falls handle in town travel. There sure isn't much respect for you on the streets. Oh yeah, and to the redneck in the beat up truck with a cigarette hanging from his mouth who yelled "get the f**k off the road" on the corner of Marion/12th street, I'd be glad to sit down and discuss the rules of the road with you. If that doesn't work, I'm okay with a good old fashioned throw down as well.

A Must Blog Moment

This is a little too long to Twitter about, but I hope the humor of it translates well in a blog post.

I had just completed a 31 mile bike ride when my youngest asked if we could do a "fire pit". That sounded pretty good since the wind was really low and we had a couple of downed branches to burn. After the fire was going good and Laura got home, she brought out the makings for Smores. As we were making them I leaned over and my cell phone in my pocket got bumped and the following transpired:

Phone: Say a command
Me: Shut up
Phone: Calling Laura
*short pause*
Everyone: Uncontrollable laughter as Laura's phone rings

First Idiot of 2010

It's been awhile since I've felt the need to blog about poor driving in my "calling out idiots" section. The time has come.

In my crude drawing below, I'll try to set the scenario. I was coming to work and there is a one block section with stop signs on both ends. Also keep in mind that I'm not what you would call a slow commuter as a rule. As I'm closing in on the stop sign a car ZOOMS up beside me.

Unfortunately my oath to keep my cool in such situations went out the window when I realized they was trying to squeeze me out AT THE STOP SIGN after I had taken 1/4 of the lane to prevent this. I glared back, used a 'mild' expletive that roughly translates to "stupid donkey". They didn't pull up beside me completely once they realized I was mad, but I made sure to glance back to check the license plates.

BUT WAIT...The car is now in the PASSING LANE, STOPPED at the stop sign and traffic is coming both ways on the street. I can't go, they can't go. Does this story get better? Yup. A car is turning TOWARDS the car now stopped on the wrong side of the street. I shake my head, laugh, and cross the street.

For this piece of brilliant driving:

SD Plate 19AX25 - Welcome to "The List"

Barking Dog Cycling Club

It's official! The bicycle club formally known as the Lane Hogs have voted to become the Barking Dog Cycling Club. Why Barking Dog? It's a part of who we are in these here neck of the woods. Check out the story of how the name came about HERE, and become a fan on Facebook. See you on the roads. Watch out for the pack.