I recognize the immense impact my Dad had on my life. If you had a relationship with me on any level, you often heard story's about my Dad. I was so very fortunate to have been able to have worked side by side with him well into my 50's and the beginning of his 90's (can you imagine that?) . Farming, ranching, mechanical, electrical work were tasks we teamed up on from the time that I was as young as 8 years old. In fact, there is a picture of me in diapers in a baby chair my dad built that hung off the side of our old Dodge pickup. It's parked in a farm field and my Dad is sitting on a upside down bucket, back to me while he is brazing or cutting a piece of steel on a broken plow with a acetyline torch. THAT was childcare in my family. THAT was a fantastic way to grow up. It was only just before the Covid outbreak that I had to start insisting that he start taking it easy. Bad knees led to a broken hip, then covid led to a stroke.... he worked hard and learned to speak again but physically remained in a wheelchair until he passed away on Friday.
Out of all those experiences together - my favorite? Just playing catch in the yard after dinner in the evening or on a Sunday afternoon. Quiet, throwing the baseball back and forth, chatting about what ever popped up. The last time we did this, my oldest daughter Maddi was 6 or 7 and she joined us. Dad's shoulder was going bad so the throws were softer, shorter and perfect for Maddi joining us.
Happy trails, Dad. Not a day has ever passed that I haven't appreciated the abilities, skills, work ethic and creativity you planted in me. You lived a very full life and the all community's you touched were so happy to have you there. Among the good work, there was always a joke and with a lucky few, a shared "drink with the Lord" far outside church communion (as in Lord Calvert). I'm so thankful you are finally reunited with with my Mom, your siblings and our brother's who preceded you. You are at peace now. We love and will miss you.
It appears likely that the recent fuel pric hikes have gotten me more motivated to return to commuting to work by bike, even if I have to leave the house at 4:30 am. I did it last week and it honestly wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. 20 miles each direction. 17.5/20 miles are pure bike path. No more complaining I don't have time to ride.
Contrary to floating rumors of cancelation, The 26th annual 2026 CSP Race Series dates are June 3, 10, 17, 24; July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Aug 5, 12, 19. Category 4/5's are scheduled at 6:00 pm, Category P,1,2,3's are at 7:10 pm.
Final details of sponsors, bbq nights and other fun will be announced as we publish our flyer this Friday!
Took me a week, but cobbled some time to put this new Ventum GS-1 frameset together from Conifer Bike Shop.... can't wait to take this on many adventures!
I haven't gotten up early just for a bike ride in a really long time.....thank you Conifer Bike Shop for helping to re-light a fire to ride. Looking forward to demo'ing this Ventum GS1 today!
P2P's last race of the year is always a grass-roots event for the local elementary school kids in my small agricultural town of Kimball Nebraska. Yes, some are missing helmets (which will be ordered and delivered soon) but none the less, fun was had as if it were 1976 and we were racing around the block again (literally). No crashes to report and smiles were flooding the course. Free bike race on "the bike you got" + kids music blaring + medals & free icecream + the whole family cheering = a bike race as it should be. Fun, rewarding and memory making....who knows, we might even get a new generation of bike racers out them! I never had this when I was a kid and look how deep I got into cycling. Maybe other clubs should invest into just doing low cost kids bike races at a local elementary school or local town celebration? Just a thought.....
