If your "Sunday best" is a new pair of Pearl Izumi bike shorts and your idea of congregating is hopping on your bike and heading out on weekend mornings for bacon rides with your friends, then you, my friends, need to keep on reading.
A Sunday in Hell, the 1977 documentary about the Paris-Roubaix bike race, will be playing for free (ah, yes, there's my favorite word again) this Sunday, September 27th at 7:30 pm at the Nebraska-famous (as opposed to world famous) Waiting Room Lounge, located at 6212 Maple Street.
The film, directed by Jorgen Leth, details one of the most dramatic of the spring classics, as racers ride (or sometimes run) over narrow, muddy, cobblestone lanes across the French countryside. Featuring such famous racers as Eddy Merckx, Roger De Vlaeminck, and Freddy Maertens, A Sunday in Hell is considered by some to be the best film ever made about professional cycling.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Fall cross-country news
When I think of the fall season, I think of three things: cyclocross (a sport that I’ve never participated in because it requires that I add to the already notable collection of bicycles in my garage), football (a sport I once competed in, if you define “competed” as “getting continually crushed into the dirt by high school-aged kids who weighed 100 pounds more than I did”), and cross country (a sport in which the participants look constantly agonized, so I avoided it like the plague in high school).
It took me several years to realize that all the grimacing done by cross-country runners was actually an expression of profound pleasure and that the sport was really fun. So, without further ado (or adon't), here's the Nebraska Adventures list of "trail running or cross country races I should think about doing this fall."
Beer and Bagel Run
I recently discovered that the ever-popular 17th annual beer and bagel off-road run will take place on November 8th at the hilly (by Midwest standards, anyway) Mt Crescent Ski Resort (makes me giggle every time), which is about 15 miles north of Omaha near Crescent, Iowa. Entry fees for the 3-mileish run will cost you $30 prior to October 25th, and you can pick up a registration sheet at Peak Performance. (As far as I and the poor shoe sales girl I questioned at Peak Performance know, online registration will not be available for this race.)
What will be available this year, however, will be chip timing, which means that after the race we can muse (with a mouthful of chili) over our horrendous split times and vow that, next time, we'll run the entire thing instead of walking up the big hills. And then we'll drink a thousand beers--I promise.
Swamp Stomp
Held at west Omaha's Chalco Hills, the Swamp Stomp (and Gator Gallop, for the kiddies) is a Cajun-themed off-road 8k, featuring running for the whole family, lots of grub, and hopefully some zydeco. Billed as a warm-up for the Living History Farms Race (see next entry), the Swamp Stomp has unfortunately been scheduled for the day before the Beer and Bagel Run, a conflict that will leave all but the most hearty of runners choosing between the two events. Online registration (and pricing) is available here.
The Living History Farms Off-Road Race
Billed as "The Biggest Cross Country Race in North America," the Living History Farms Race is an epic off-road event near Des Moines, Iowa. With race organizers limiting participation to the first 7,500 runners (yes, you read that correctly), you'll be hard-pressed to find yourself lost and alone at any point in the run.
Prepare for steep drop-offs, creek crossings, scrambling up gullies, and general mayhem as you and a herd of your peers jog for 7 miles over hill and dale (and Dale, if he happens to fall in front of you).
To witness some of the craziness first-hand (second-hand?), check out some videos on youtube. Online race registration should be available around October 1st, so if you're interested, be sure to register early. Oh yeah, and take some video and email it to me so that I can post it here.
It took me several years to realize that all the grimacing done by cross-country runners was actually an expression of profound pleasure and that the sport was really fun. So, without further ado (or adon't), here's the Nebraska Adventures list of "trail running or cross country races I should think about doing this fall."
Beer and Bagel Run
I recently discovered that the ever-popular 17th annual beer and bagel off-road run will take place on November 8th at the hilly (by Midwest standards, anyway) Mt Crescent Ski Resort (makes me giggle every time), which is about 15 miles north of Omaha near Crescent, Iowa. Entry fees for the 3-mileish run will cost you $30 prior to October 25th, and you can pick up a registration sheet at Peak Performance. (As far as I and the poor shoe sales girl I questioned at Peak Performance know, online registration will not be available for this race.)
What will be available this year, however, will be chip timing, which means that after the race we can muse (with a mouthful of chili) over our horrendous split times and vow that, next time, we'll run the entire thing instead of walking up the big hills. And then we'll drink a thousand beers--I promise.
Swamp Stomp
Held at west Omaha's Chalco Hills, the Swamp Stomp (and Gator Gallop, for the kiddies) is a Cajun-themed off-road 8k, featuring running for the whole family, lots of grub, and hopefully some zydeco. Billed as a warm-up for the Living History Farms Race (see next entry), the Swamp Stomp has unfortunately been scheduled for the day before the Beer and Bagel Run, a conflict that will leave all but the most hearty of runners choosing between the two events. Online registration (and pricing) is available here.
The Living History Farms Off-Road Race
Billed as "The Biggest Cross Country Race in North America," the Living History Farms Race is an epic off-road event near Des Moines, Iowa. With race organizers limiting participation to the first 7,500 runners (yes, you read that correctly), you'll be hard-pressed to find yourself lost and alone at any point in the run.
Prepare for steep drop-offs, creek crossings, scrambling up gullies, and general mayhem as you and a herd of your peers jog for 7 miles over hill and dale (and Dale, if he happens to fall in front of you).
To witness some of the craziness first-hand (second-hand?), check out some videos on youtube. Online race registration should be available around October 1st, so if you're interested, be sure to register early. Oh yeah, and take some video and email it to me so that I can post it here.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The Ultimate Fighter, Nebraska-style
Just like Steven Tyler (before his less-than-graceful fall from a stage), after a brief end-of-summer hiatus, I’m back in the saddle again. And, of course, by “in the saddle,” I mean, “writing blogs on blogger,” which doesn’t explain why I smell of livestock and leather.Although early September generally isn’t a time when most Nebraskans put away their sunblock and dig out mittens and chapstick, this year seems to be ushering us into the fall season faster than usual. So today, rather than posting about some outdoorsy activity that will cause you to smell bad (which is what I usually do), I thought I'd somewhat shift gears and highlight some fall television programming for those of you who enjoy watching sports when the weather gets a little cooler.
If you like this...
...then you should probably check out this season's The Ultimate Fighter, a reality television show where a number of contestants are sequestered in a house in Las Vegas while they fight one another elimination-style in an effort to win a contract with the UFC, or Ultimate Fighting Championship. Phew, what a sentence!
For one thing, this looks to be a great season, as one of the sport's most notorious fighters, Kimbo Slice, will be competing.
The show, which features all heavyweights this season, will also showcase a few former NFL'ers, as well as Roy "Big Country" Nelson, the International Fight League's champ.
But even cooler is the fact that Abe "Hurricane" Wagner, who trains and fights out of Omaha's own Mid America Martial Arts, will also be appearing on the show.
For a sneak preview of the 10th season of The Ultimate Fighter, check here. Finally, a reason for us Omahans to tune in and root for a local boy. You know what I'll be doing on Thursday nights this fall...
If you like this...
...then you should probably check out this season's The Ultimate Fighter, a reality television show where a number of contestants are sequestered in a house in Las Vegas while they fight one another elimination-style in an effort to win a contract with the UFC, or Ultimate Fighting Championship. Phew, what a sentence!
For one thing, this looks to be a great season, as one of the sport's most notorious fighters, Kimbo Slice, will be competing.
The show, which features all heavyweights this season, will also showcase a few former NFL'ers, as well as Roy "Big Country" Nelson, the International Fight League's champ.
But even cooler is the fact that Abe "Hurricane" Wagner, who trains and fights out of Omaha's own Mid America Martial Arts, will also be appearing on the show.
For a sneak preview of the 10th season of The Ultimate Fighter, check here. Finally, a reason for us Omahans to tune in and root for a local boy. You know what I'll be doing on Thursday nights this fall...
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Destination: Weird
As a fan of both weirdness and travel, I wanted to, nay had to, shine the spotlight on this website: One part wikipedia, one part Ripley’s Believe it Or Not, and one part Lonely Planet Thorn Tree Travel forum, Atlas Obscura details the strangest and oddest places in the world.
Billing itself as “A Compendium of this Age’s Wonders, Curiosities and Esoterica,” thus far, the Atlas only has one entry for our great state of Nebraska (which happens to be Charlie Johnson’s Museum of the Odd in Lincoln). But that’s okay—additional entries can be added and edited by readers, much like wikipedia.
Even if you aren't planning a future trip to the last handwoven, Inca-made grass bridge in Peru or The Devil's Swimming Pool (and why wouldn't you be?), this site can provide hours of fascinating reading...and it has cool pictures.
Billing itself as “A Compendium of this Age’s Wonders, Curiosities and Esoterica,” thus far, the Atlas only has one entry for our great state of Nebraska (which happens to be Charlie Johnson’s Museum of the Odd in Lincoln). But that’s okay—additional entries can be added and edited by readers, much like wikipedia.
Even if you aren't planning a future trip to the last handwoven, Inca-made grass bridge in Peru or The Devil's Swimming Pool (and why wouldn't you be?), this site can provide hours of fascinating reading...and it has cool pictures.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
A pig-themed post
Let’s go for a roll in the mud!
If you’ve ever dreamed of making like a swine and diving face-first into a dirt and water mixture (or if you just really, really hate your current pair of running shoes), you, my potentially filthy friend, have just 8 more days to register for the Nebraska Sports Council’s third annual Mud Run, or its cuter, more diminutive version, the Mini Mud Run.
Held in Springfield, Nebraska, at 9 am on Saturday, September 6th, this foot race features a 3.1 mile course made all the more difficult by unknown obstacles and, of course, a giant mud pit that must be negotiated by crawling not over, not around, but through it.
For those of you, like me, who have eaten like a pig all summer, the shorter Mini Mud Run may be a more attractive alternative, as this noncompetitive event has runners jogging the very reasonable distance of 1 mile before coating their eyeballs with filth.
Tasteful costumes are encouraged, as is throwing away said costume rather than wadding it up, throwing it in the back of your car, and letting it bake to a stinky, brick-like consistency. Bring extra clothes for after the race (and maybe your toothbrush). To see last year’s competition in all of its dirty glory, check out the pictures here.
Revenge, I scream!
If you’re as upset about swine flue as I am, then you’ll know that the only way to truly combat this horrible disease is to eat as many pigs as possible. Yes, that’s right, revenge, like bacon, is a dish best served warm, and some local cyclists, as is their custom, are going to do their part this weekend.
I am, of course, referring to The Bacon Ride, an early Sunday morning ride that will start at around 6 am at Wohlner’s parking lot and travel to Platte River State Park. Although anyone is invited, be prepared for a 100-mile day. For more information, check out the Pedal Omaha blog.
If you’ve ever dreamed of making like a swine and diving face-first into a dirt and water mixture (or if you just really, really hate your current pair of running shoes), you, my potentially filthy friend, have just 8 more days to register for the Nebraska Sports Council’s third annual Mud Run, or its cuter, more diminutive version, the Mini Mud Run.
Held in Springfield, Nebraska, at 9 am on Saturday, September 6th, this foot race features a 3.1 mile course made all the more difficult by unknown obstacles and, of course, a giant mud pit that must be negotiated by crawling not over, not around, but through it.
For those of you, like me, who have eaten like a pig all summer, the shorter Mini Mud Run may be a more attractive alternative, as this noncompetitive event has runners jogging the very reasonable distance of 1 mile before coating their eyeballs with filth.
Tasteful costumes are encouraged, as is throwing away said costume rather than wadding it up, throwing it in the back of your car, and letting it bake to a stinky, brick-like consistency. Bring extra clothes for after the race (and maybe your toothbrush). To see last year’s competition in all of its dirty glory, check out the pictures here.
Revenge, I scream!
If you’re as upset about swine flue as I am, then you’ll know that the only way to truly combat this horrible disease is to eat as many pigs as possible. Yes, that’s right, revenge, like bacon, is a dish best served warm, and some local cyclists, as is their custom, are going to do their part this weekend.
I am, of course, referring to The Bacon Ride, an early Sunday morning ride that will start at around 6 am at Wohlner’s parking lot and travel to Platte River State Park. Although anyone is invited, be prepared for a 100-mile day. For more information, check out the Pedal Omaha blog.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Thinking of doing a short triathlon? Do you lack a Y chromosome?
I have wished many, many times that I could somehow change the length of a project I’d gotten involved with—maybe pull up at mile 55 of a century bike ride, leave work at 2 pm rather than 5 pm, or stop hiking at the top of the mountain and, I don't know, take a helicopter or a water slide back down. It’s a novel and wonderful idea, and the women who enter (yes, only women are allowed to enter) the noncompetitive Methodist Health/UNO women’s triathlon on August 29th will get to experience that feeling.
First, participants will start with a short 100-yard swim in Wehrspann Lake (named after John Wehrspann, who, in 1912, became the first man to don a weighted vest and walk underwater from one end of the lake to the other, a feat known as "bottom shuffling" that was popular around the turn of the century in the Midwest1). All manner of assistance is allowed, so feel free to don an old inner tube or bust out your water wings (although these could slow you down in the transition area).
Next comes the "choose your own adventure"2 part of the triathlon, as racers decide whether they'll do a 2, 4, or 6-mile bike ride followed by a half-mile, one-mile, or 1.5-mile run through the rolling terrain of Chalco Hills.
The triathlon is intended to be an untimed, purely-for-fun event, so if you've never done a triathlon before, this would be a good opportunity to try the sport out. This is also a good opportunity for more experience competitors to practice their transitions while getting in a good workout. Proceeds go to a good cause (assisting the UNO women's swimming and diving team with traveling costs for the year).
If you’re interested, on-time registration (which is $18) ends tomorrow, although you can register late, right up until the day of the race for $30. Just print out this form and send it in.3
Footnote 1: This is a total lie.
Footnote 2: Does anyone else remember those books from the 80s? Do people still read/write them?
Footnote 3: Don't foget the envelope and stamp.
First, participants will start with a short 100-yard swim in Wehrspann Lake (named after John Wehrspann, who, in 1912, became the first man to don a weighted vest and walk underwater from one end of the lake to the other, a feat known as "bottom shuffling" that was popular around the turn of the century in the Midwest1). All manner of assistance is allowed, so feel free to don an old inner tube or bust out your water wings (although these could slow you down in the transition area).
Next comes the "choose your own adventure"2 part of the triathlon, as racers decide whether they'll do a 2, 4, or 6-mile bike ride followed by a half-mile, one-mile, or 1.5-mile run through the rolling terrain of Chalco Hills.
The triathlon is intended to be an untimed, purely-for-fun event, so if you've never done a triathlon before, this would be a good opportunity to try the sport out. This is also a good opportunity for more experience competitors to practice their transitions while getting in a good workout. Proceeds go to a good cause (assisting the UNO women's swimming and diving team with traveling costs for the year).
If you’re interested, on-time registration (which is $18) ends tomorrow, although you can register late, right up until the day of the race for $30. Just print out this form and send it in.3
Footnote 1: This is a total lie.
Footnote 2: Does anyone else remember those books from the 80s? Do people still read/write them?
Footnote 3: Don't foget the envelope and stamp.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Xterra BOLT pictures, recap, results
Despite torrential pre-race rains that had many athletes wondering if ark-building would be a more suitable way to spend the day, last Saturday's inaugural Xterra Branched Oak Lake Triathlon (BOLT) kicked off with nary a hitch, save a half-hour delayed start and a last-minute re-routing of washed-out singletrack.
At 9:30 am, with clearing skies and reasonable temperatures, over 100 racers flung themselves into the algae-colored water at Branched Oak Lake for the 1000-meter swim. But the story of the day was the mountain bike section of the course, which started with a 5-mile grass ride and culminated in 2 laps in the tangled, muddy trails just west of Branched Oak Lake's area 1. Bike handling skills, mud-shedding tires, and a good motor were at a premium, as many racers began to redefine success as simply not getting pitched over their own handlebars into the mud. But racers that kept their rear tires weighted and didn't stop till they were at the top turned in some truly amazing times for the mountain bike section, before dismounting and trotting back toward the dam for a 4.5 mile finishing run.
Afterward, winners received their bolts, and anyone willing to engage in stupid human tricks (or pushups) were further rewarded with gift certificates to a Lincoln bike shop. All in all, though, the race organizers did a terrific job, and a spirit of fun, cooperation, and camradery pervaded the entire event.
Pictures and results
If you sang the national anthem, volunteered to work at the race, participated in the race, or even happened to be water skiing at Branched Oak Lake that day, there's a really good chance that photographer Ken Coffman took a picture of you in one of these 400-some photos. Race results can be found here.
At 9:30 am, with clearing skies and reasonable temperatures, over 100 racers flung themselves into the algae-colored water at Branched Oak Lake for the 1000-meter swim. But the story of the day was the mountain bike section of the course, which started with a 5-mile grass ride and culminated in 2 laps in the tangled, muddy trails just west of Branched Oak Lake's area 1. Bike handling skills, mud-shedding tires, and a good motor were at a premium, as many racers began to redefine success as simply not getting pitched over their own handlebars into the mud. But racers that kept their rear tires weighted and didn't stop till they were at the top turned in some truly amazing times for the mountain bike section, before dismounting and trotting back toward the dam for a 4.5 mile finishing run.
Afterward, winners received their bolts, and anyone willing to engage in stupid human tricks (or pushups) were further rewarded with gift certificates to a Lincoln bike shop. All in all, though, the race organizers did a terrific job, and a spirit of fun, cooperation, and camradery pervaded the entire event.
Pictures and results
If you sang the national anthem, volunteered to work at the race, participated in the race, or even happened to be water skiing at Branched Oak Lake that day, there's a really good chance that photographer Ken Coffman took a picture of you in one of these 400-some photos. Race results can be found here.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Tranquility Tire Tantrum MTB, Pictures and Results
As last Saturday's temperatures boiled to near 100 degrees and the southerly wind felt like someone trying to blow dry my hair with a lighter and a can of Aqua Net, in my daze, the only song I could hear blasting from the Psycowpath PA was Buster Pointdexter's neo-calypso classic Hot Hot Hot. Anybody else have that problem?
Like the race, at first the song and its infectious chorus was kind of fun, but then it started to get to me. However, for those racers with cooling fans in their lungs, heat sinks in their brains, and the ability to store water like a camel (or perhaps just wear a hydration pack, like the rest of us mere mortals), the temperatures were a non-issue.
Pictures, including some pretty nifty portraits of Tranquility Tire Tantrum mountain bike racers, can be found here. And full results of the race can be found on Nebraska Cycling News's website. Enjoy!
Like the race, at first the song and its infectious chorus was kind of fun, but then it started to get to me. However, for those racers with cooling fans in their lungs, heat sinks in their brains, and the ability to store water like a camel (or perhaps just wear a hydration pack, like the rest of us mere mortals), the temperatures were a non-issue.
Pictures, including some pretty nifty portraits of Tranquility Tire Tantrum mountain bike racers, can be found here. And full results of the race can be found on Nebraska Cycling News's website. Enjoy!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Single speed (disg)racer
How’s this for a summer road trip idea: pack your pink jock strap and the lucha libre mask you bought in Tijuana on spring break years ago, bungee your single speed mountain bike to the top of your station wagon, and get on the open road to witness one of the wildest mountain bike races in the world—the 2009 Single Speed World Championships (SSWC).Held on Saturday, September 19th, in Durango, Colorado, this year (about 900 miles from Omaha), the SSWC is a mysteriously run annual event that attracts a wide variety of single speed enthusiasts from all over the world. Costumes and drinking are de rigueur, athletes range from the world class to the half-assed and are routinely thrown a competitive curveball (the top 20 finishers in the 2005 mountain bike race were forced to race go-karts--yes, go karts--in order to determine the champion), and the winner gets not a trophy…not a medal…not a Taco Bell bean burrito gift certificate…but a tattoo. (As the race organizers say, “Don’t win if you don’t want the tattoo.”)
Photo of the 2003 and 2004 champs. Photo taken by Wendy Gasson. Permission to use in Wikipedia granted via email on Jan 1, 2004. Her main website is http://wendysphotos.fotopic.net/. The photo can be found at: http://wendysphotos.fotopic.net/p6944314.html
Anyone interested in participating should’ve registered months ago, but that’s okay—there’s a ton of interesting things to do (other than watch the spectacle of the race itself). For one, there's a ton of great mountain biking in the area. For another, there's the Durango to Silverton narrow gauge rail, which will provide you with spectacular views of the San Juans and the Animas River (which you can also go whitewater rafting on).
For a full schedule of events, check here. And for a write-up in this month’s Outside magazine on last year’s SSWC, held in Napa, check here.
And, for a better idea of the weirdness associated with this event, check out the registration video that appeared on the SSWC web site earlier this year:
Photo of the 2003 and 2004 champs. Photo taken by Wendy Gasson. Permission to use in Wikipedia granted via email on Jan 1, 2004. Her main website is http://wendysphotos.fotopic.net/. The photo can be found at: http://wendysphotos.fotopic.net/p6944314.html
Anyone interested in participating should’ve registered months ago, but that’s okay—there’s a ton of interesting things to do (other than watch the spectacle of the race itself). For one, there's a ton of great mountain biking in the area. For another, there's the Durango to Silverton narrow gauge rail, which will provide you with spectacular views of the San Juans and the Animas River (which you can also go whitewater rafting on).
For a full schedule of events, check here. And for a write-up in this month’s Outside magazine on last year’s SSWC, held in Napa, check here.
And, for a better idea of the weirdness associated with this event, check out the registration video that appeared on the SSWC web site earlier this year:
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Although this blog post is only tangentially related to Nebraska adventures (that tangential relation mostly being the word “adventures”), this film positively begged to be re-introduced to a new audience.Shot in a single take in Paris in 1976, director Claude LeLoche mounted a camera to the front bumper of his car (a Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9). Early one morning, LeLoche plopped behind the steering wheel and tore through the streets of Paris, leaving $200 worth of rubber on ancient cobblestone, scattering pigeons, running red lights, and giving viewers a breakneck-speed tour of the city of lights. The result is C'etait un Rendezvous (It Was a Date), a testosterone-addled, white-knuckle example of cinéma-vérité that makes The Fast and the Furious look like High School Musical.
On one hand, it is a daring and imaginative (albeit dangerous) project, one that fully mesmerizes viewers during its 10-minute run time. On the other hand, it serves as a reminder to bike commuters, pedestrians, and pigeons to always be aware of what’s going on around you—don’t take anything, even that walk signal or the fact that cross-traffic has a red light, for granted, or you could be road kill.
On one hand, it is a daring and imaginative (albeit dangerous) project, one that fully mesmerizes viewers during its 10-minute run time. On the other hand, it serves as a reminder to bike commuters, pedestrians, and pigeons to always be aware of what’s going on around you—don’t take anything, even that walk signal or the fact that cross-traffic has a red light, for granted, or you could be road kill.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Homegrown hares
You can file this dispatch in the "if you didn't already know about it, you probably won't be doing it" file (especially because the last-minute deadline for entry was July 31st--sorry, loyal readers), but here goes anyway: Adventure racing, a multi-discipline sport for people who love the great outdoors almost as much as they love suffering, will once again be causing blisters in the Omaha area.
The Wild Hare 12-Hour Adventure Race will kick off at an undisclosed time and location (sounds mysterious, doesn't it?) after a mandatory gear check and pre-race meeting Friday evening. Featuring 21 two-person and three-person teams who compete in trail running, mountain biking, canoeing in the Missouri River, and orienteering, the race is sponsored by the Wild Hare racing team, a homegrown adventure racing team that for the past few years has competed far and wide in a number of grueling challenges.
My hat is off to these brave young (and old) men and women--good luck to all. There aren't many things that I would still consider "fun" after having to do them for 12 hours.
The Wild Hare 12-Hour Adventure Race will kick off at an undisclosed time and location (sounds mysterious, doesn't it?) after a mandatory gear check and pre-race meeting Friday evening. Featuring 21 two-person and three-person teams who compete in trail running, mountain biking, canoeing in the Missouri River, and orienteering, the race is sponsored by the Wild Hare racing team, a homegrown adventure racing team that for the past few years has competed far and wide in a number of grueling challenges.
My hat is off to these brave young (and old) men and women--good luck to all. There aren't many things that I would still consider "fun" after having to do them for 12 hours.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Tranquility Tire Tantrum mountain bike race news
Race map online
The Tranquility Tire Tantrum, one of the Omaha area's most popular and enigmatically named mountain bike races, is barely over a week away, meaning there's still time for local fat-tire enthusiasts to get out and familiarize themselves with the race course.
Most everyone reading this blog is aware that the trail has morphed over the last year or so and now features more twists and turns than a corn maze without an exit. The trail's most notorious addition, the camelback section at the top of the south hill (which, the second time I rode it, caused me to do a pretty nifty endo), will be a part of the course for all category 1 and 2 riders.
For more information, check out Dale's post at mtbomaha.blogspot as well as the link to the trail race map here.
Because trails, like my toenails, cannot maintain themselves...
...the good folks at Trails Have Our Respect (henceforth known as THOR) are calling for a race prep trail day the evening of Tuesday, August 4th. Interested and motivated individuals are encouraged to bring weed eaters, loppers, rakes, and any extra scrap pieces of trail you might have laying around in the garage.
Also, wear long pants (no kilts allowed), bring drinkable fluids (preferably of the non-chocolate milkshake variety), and bring bug spray (this will not count as your drinkable fluid). And, on a more serious note, I (and all other trail users) would like to thank both THOR and their trail maintenance helpers for all of their hard work, much of which is often taken for granted.
For more details, check out THOR's blog.
Also, a group ride reminder
Mondays, weather permitting, are Bike Masters' group rides, which begins at the Bike Masters location at 129th and Fort before heading down to Tranquility Park. Riders of all skill levels are welcome, so for those of you who are averse to solo trail riding, this might be a good time to get out and prepare for the race by hitting the trail.
The Tranquility Tire Tantrum, one of the Omaha area's most popular and enigmatically named mountain bike races, is barely over a week away, meaning there's still time for local fat-tire enthusiasts to get out and familiarize themselves with the race course.
Most everyone reading this blog is aware that the trail has morphed over the last year or so and now features more twists and turns than a corn maze without an exit. The trail's most notorious addition, the camelback section at the top of the south hill (which, the second time I rode it, caused me to do a pretty nifty endo), will be a part of the course for all category 1 and 2 riders.
For more information, check out Dale's post at mtbomaha.blogspot as well as the link to the trail race map here.
Because trails, like my toenails, cannot maintain themselves...
...the good folks at Trails Have Our Respect (henceforth known as THOR) are calling for a race prep trail day the evening of Tuesday, August 4th. Interested and motivated individuals are encouraged to bring weed eaters, loppers, rakes, and any extra scrap pieces of trail you might have laying around in the garage.
Also, wear long pants (no kilts allowed), bring drinkable fluids (preferably of the non-chocolate milkshake variety), and bring bug spray (this will not count as your drinkable fluid). And, on a more serious note, I (and all other trail users) would like to thank both THOR and their trail maintenance helpers for all of their hard work, much of which is often taken for granted.
For more details, check out THOR's blog.
Also, a group ride reminder
Mondays, weather permitting, are Bike Masters' group rides, which begins at the Bike Masters location at 129th and Fort before heading down to Tranquility Park. Riders of all skill levels are welcome, so for those of you who are averse to solo trail riding, this might be a good time to get out and prepare for the race by hitting the trail.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Bike bites
Down in the park...
Idle hands are the devil's tools (and all this time you thought "the devil's tools" were a local metal band), so with only a month or so until the the clang of the school bell strikes fear into the hearts of students everywhere, some Omaha cops will be hosting "Fun in the Park," a generically titled get-together for kids in kindergarten through seventh grade. Held Thursday (tomorrow) from 4pm to 8pm at North Omaha's Miller Park (2707 Redick Avenue), Fun in the Park will include activities such as bicycle safety checks, bicycle rodeos, a bicycle raffle, swimming, and golf lessons. Food and prizes are available (and not mutually exclusive, if you ask me). Also, if anyone attends, please let me know what a bicycle rodeo looks like.
Training blog for mountain bikers
Mountain biking is a different kind of animal; it requires a particular kind of physicality, one that is related to the physical needs of its, cousin road biking, yet unique. And James Wilson, a mountain bike-oriented strength and conditioning coach, has developed his own vision for how a downhillers and cross country riders need to train.
At bikejames.com, Wilson offers free podcasts, videos, and text with tips and tricks about strength training (which is often overlooked in the world of road cycling), stretching, warm ups, nutrition, and high-intensity interval training. Although the site is mostly used to garner buys for his mtb workouts and programs, plenty of free (there's my favorite word again) and helpful information is available.
Idle hands are the devil's tools (and all this time you thought "the devil's tools" were a local metal band), so with only a month or so until the the clang of the school bell strikes fear into the hearts of students everywhere, some Omaha cops will be hosting "Fun in the Park," a generically titled get-together for kids in kindergarten through seventh grade. Held Thursday (tomorrow) from 4pm to 8pm at North Omaha's Miller Park (2707 Redick Avenue), Fun in the Park will include activities such as bicycle safety checks, bicycle rodeos, a bicycle raffle, swimming, and golf lessons. Food and prizes are available (and not mutually exclusive, if you ask me). Also, if anyone attends, please let me know what a bicycle rodeo looks like.
Training blog for mountain bikers
Mountain biking is a different kind of animal; it requires a particular kind of physicality, one that is related to the physical needs of its, cousin road biking, yet unique. And James Wilson, a mountain bike-oriented strength and conditioning coach, has developed his own vision for how a downhillers and cross country riders need to train.
At bikejames.com, Wilson offers free podcasts, videos, and text with tips and tricks about strength training (which is often overlooked in the world of road cycling), stretching, warm ups, nutrition, and high-intensity interval training. Although the site is mostly used to garner buys for his mtb workouts and programs, plenty of free (there's my favorite word again) and helpful information is available.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Weak Odds...for the week End
Despite the continued beatings, the morale has finally improved here at the office, mostly because it's Friday. When I stepped outside this morning, the honeyed air tasted particularly delicious, the normally harried commuters waved with all of their fingers rather than just one, and even my mass-produced coffee reminded me that somebody, somewhere picked those tiny little beans because they love me. Or maybe they did it it to avoid being beaten. Regardless, each sip of coffee is a reminder that, deep down, we're all the same, in that we all hate our jobs.
Just 8 hours to go until I'm out that door...so let's figure out what to do this weekend, shall we?
Farmer? I didn't even plow...ah, never mind
Having just seen the film Food Inc (check the film section of next week's issue of "The Reader" for a review), a documentary about the hegemonic practices of the food industry, I'm reminded that I live in a state in which there are still plenty of small-time farmers who are responsible stewards of their land and who produce delicious and reasonably priced food. Last week, at the Omaha farmer's market, I picked up some zucchini, squash, and tomatoes (the ones I'm growing in my yard are still a bit Kermit-colored), and I managed to pay less for those items than I would've at my local chain grocery store. In this case, cheaper was better.
No need to pry open the wallet, my friends
As many of my faithful readers probably already know, "free" might be my favorite four-letter word. So because Mutual of Omaha loves us (and by "us," I mean Omaha), and Mutual of Omaha has resided in this city for the past 100 years, they're celebrating with Wild About Omaha Weekend, a two-day event that features free admission to all sorts of local businesses. For instance, on Friday (today!), the super-cool movie theater Film Streams (1340 Webster Street) is offering free showings of Scorsese's The Last Waltz, while that bastion of all that is hip, the Slowdown (which is only half a block from Film Streams), is offering a free outdoor concert with Cursive, Flowers Forever, and Azure Ray. Saturday? How about free admission to the zoo, or a Royals game? Click on the above link and go to Schedule of Events for more information.
Come sail away...
When I was a kid, my dad had a tiny, 1-person catamaran. Several times each summer the four members of my immediate family would pile onto it, an exercise akin to college students stuffing themselves into a telephone booth (when was the last time you saw one of those old-fashioned things?). Then we'd sail around for several hours, until we were too delirious with sun exposure to care if the catamaran finally tipped, which is when my mom would officially declare that she (which meant we) were done.
What I'm trying to say is that I was lucky enough, despite the minor inconvenience of having to sit on top of or underneath other family members, to be able to sail when I was young. For anyone looking to experience the act of sailing for free (ah, there's that word again), the Lake Manawa Sailing Association is offering free sailboat rides from 3 pm t0 5 pm on Saturday at (where else?) Lake Manawa, weather permitting (and it looks like it will). No reservations are required, just bring your smiling face, can-do attitude, and a life jacket (if you have one).
Just 8 hours to go until I'm out that door...so let's figure out what to do this weekend, shall we?
Farmer? I didn't even plow...ah, never mind
Having just seen the film Food Inc (check the film section of next week's issue of "The Reader" for a review), a documentary about the hegemonic practices of the food industry, I'm reminded that I live in a state in which there are still plenty of small-time farmers who are responsible stewards of their land and who produce delicious and reasonably priced food. Last week, at the Omaha farmer's market, I picked up some zucchini, squash, and tomatoes (the ones I'm growing in my yard are still a bit Kermit-colored), and I managed to pay less for those items than I would've at my local chain grocery store. In this case, cheaper was better.
No need to pry open the wallet, my friends
As many of my faithful readers probably already know, "free" might be my favorite four-letter word. So because Mutual of Omaha loves us (and by "us," I mean Omaha), and Mutual of Omaha has resided in this city for the past 100 years, they're celebrating with Wild About Omaha Weekend, a two-day event that features free admission to all sorts of local businesses. For instance, on Friday (today!), the super-cool movie theater Film Streams (1340 Webster Street) is offering free showings of Scorsese's The Last Waltz, while that bastion of all that is hip, the Slowdown (which is only half a block from Film Streams), is offering a free outdoor concert with Cursive, Flowers Forever, and Azure Ray. Saturday? How about free admission to the zoo, or a Royals game? Click on the above link and go to Schedule of Events for more information.
Come sail away...
When I was a kid, my dad had a tiny, 1-person catamaran. Several times each summer the four members of my immediate family would pile onto it, an exercise akin to college students stuffing themselves into a telephone booth (when was the last time you saw one of those old-fashioned things?). Then we'd sail around for several hours, until we were too delirious with sun exposure to care if the catamaran finally tipped, which is when my mom would officially declare that she (which meant we) were done.
What I'm trying to say is that I was lucky enough, despite the minor inconvenience of having to sit on top of or underneath other family members, to be able to sail when I was young. For anyone looking to experience the act of sailing for free (ah, there's that word again), the Lake Manawa Sailing Association is offering free sailboat rides from 3 pm t0 5 pm on Saturday at (where else?) Lake Manawa, weather permitting (and it looks like it will). No reservations are required, just bring your smiling face, can-do attitude, and a life jacket (if you have one).
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Watersport weekend adventures
Although July's been tolerable so far, boiling-hot summertime temperatures are biding their time, just waiting to blow up your air conditioner (and your electric bill), sap your strength, and leave you sprawled in the backyard kiddie pool, wearing a garden hose like a fashion accessory. So, when the temperatures get hot, the hot get out and explore a few weekend watersport adventures.
Yaks over Zorinsky...kayaks, that is
Call me naive (or Stuart--I've always liked that name), but prior to this morning, I'd never heard of kayak polo. Water polo, yes. Rich-dudes-in fancy-clothes-on-horses polo, indeed. I'd even heard of bike polo in the Omaha area. But until I checked out the Nebraska Kayak Polo website (and a few youtube videos of theirs), I was a kayak polo neophyte.
Luckily, according to their website, Nebraska Kayak Polo takes a "beginner-friendly approach" to their sport, starting participants with the sit-on-top variety of kayaks, which only require that the user a) have the ability to sit and b) have the ability to paddle.
In the summertime, on Sunday afternoons, the group plays on Lake Zorinsky. In winter, instead of donning wetsuits and/or winter coats, the group moves the game indoors to a local pool. If you plan on participating in the action, make sure you check out their website and make reservations, since space (and by "space," I mean the number of available kayaks) is limited.
Whatever floats your tube
Last month I wrote a little bit about river tanking, the practice of taking an empty livestock tank, filling it with your family and friends, and floating it down a river. If that seems too newfangled and high-tech for you, perhaps you should revisit the idea of good old-fashioned river tubing.
Unfortunately, good inner tubes are getting harder and harder to find. Luckily, Nebraska outfitter Tubing and Adventures will supply these necessary items, as well as transportation, coolers, and cooler tubes, for a scenic and relaxing float down the Elkhorn River.
If you'd prefer to canoe (or if you're of the do-it-yourself variety), further information on the Elkhorn River canoe trail can be found at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website.
Yaks over Zorinsky...kayaks, that is
Call me naive (or Stuart--I've always liked that name), but prior to this morning, I'd never heard of kayak polo. Water polo, yes. Rich-dudes-in fancy-clothes-on-horses polo, indeed. I'd even heard of bike polo in the Omaha area. But until I checked out the Nebraska Kayak Polo website (and a few youtube videos of theirs), I was a kayak polo neophyte.
Luckily, according to their website, Nebraska Kayak Polo takes a "beginner-friendly approach" to their sport, starting participants with the sit-on-top variety of kayaks, which only require that the user a) have the ability to sit and b) have the ability to paddle.
In the summertime, on Sunday afternoons, the group plays on Lake Zorinsky. In winter, instead of donning wetsuits and/or winter coats, the group moves the game indoors to a local pool. If you plan on participating in the action, make sure you check out their website and make reservations, since space (and by "space," I mean the number of available kayaks) is limited.
Whatever floats your tube
Last month I wrote a little bit about river tanking, the practice of taking an empty livestock tank, filling it with your family and friends, and floating it down a river. If that seems too newfangled and high-tech for you, perhaps you should revisit the idea of good old-fashioned river tubing.
Unfortunately, good inner tubes are getting harder and harder to find. Luckily, Nebraska outfitter Tubing and Adventures will supply these necessary items, as well as transportation, coolers, and cooler tubes, for a scenic and relaxing float down the Elkhorn River.
If you'd prefer to canoe (or if you're of the do-it-yourself variety), further information on the Elkhorn River canoe trail can be found at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Walking the dog...without a yo-yo
Did anyone get the above yo-yo trick reference? Probably not. Let's move on, shall we?
If you like a) walking and b) dogs, and you feel bad about orphaned dogs with sad eyes1 being cooped up in tiny cages all day long, this blog post is for you, gentle Omahan2 readers.
Once again, the Nebraska Humane society is looking for volunteers of all stripes. However, the Nebraska Humane Society doesn't hand a leash and man's best friend3 to any ol' potential Michael Vick that enters its door. Volunteers are expected to jump through some hoops to get involved in this project (although you don't have to roll over or shake--okay, you might have to shake). The 2009 orientation/training sessions (which you have to attend if you want to walk with the puppies) takes place September 12th and September 19th at the 89th and Fort Humane Society location. More information, including a downloadable4 application, can be found here.
Although this volunteer opportunity is quite a commitment (8 hours per month for at least 6 months), your reward will be warm fuzzies. And by "warm fuzzies," I don't mean you get to keep the dogs. Also, a word of warning: There's no word on whether there's an aptitude test involved, with some lower-scoring volunteers being relegated to poop-scooping duty.5
Footnotes:
1: Except when they have boogery eyes. That's just gross.
2: Is "Omahan" a word?
3: Or woman's best friend--this is an equal opportunity blog, after all.
4: This is definitely not a word.
5: Unless that's your thing. I'm not judging.
If you like a) walking and b) dogs, and you feel bad about orphaned dogs with sad eyes1 being cooped up in tiny cages all day long, this blog post is for you, gentle Omahan2 readers.
Once again, the Nebraska Humane society is looking for volunteers of all stripes. However, the Nebraska Humane Society doesn't hand a leash and man's best friend3 to any ol' potential Michael Vick that enters its door. Volunteers are expected to jump through some hoops to get involved in this project (although you don't have to roll over or shake--okay, you might have to shake). The 2009 orientation/training sessions (which you have to attend if you want to walk with the puppies) takes place September 12th and September 19th at the 89th and Fort Humane Society location. More information, including a downloadable4 application, can be found here.
Although this volunteer opportunity is quite a commitment (8 hours per month for at least 6 months), your reward will be warm fuzzies. And by "warm fuzzies," I don't mean you get to keep the dogs. Also, a word of warning: There's no word on whether there's an aptitude test involved, with some lower-scoring volunteers being relegated to poop-scooping duty.5
Footnotes:
1: Except when they have boogery eyes. That's just gross.
2: Is "Omahan" a word?
3: Or woman's best friend--this is an equal opportunity blog, after all.
4: This is definitely not a word.
5: Unless that's your thing. I'm not judging.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Cornhusker State Games MTB, pictures and results
The Cornhusker State Games are officially underway, and conditions at Sunday, July 19th's mountain bike race at Branched Oak Lake State Park were perfect for those of us who love the taste of dirt in the morning.
The rutted single (and sometimes double) track made for some interesting riding, and despite the area around the lake being relatively flat, race organizers added some short, challenging climbs that thoroughly torched this blogger's quads. A handful of pictures of the sport/expert division's racers can be viewed here, and results can be viewed at the Nebraska Cycling News website. Cheers, and happy trails!
The rutted single (and sometimes double) track made for some interesting riding, and despite the area around the lake being relatively flat, race organizers added some short, challenging climbs that thoroughly torched this blogger's quads. A handful of pictures of the sport/expert division's racers can be viewed here, and results can be viewed at the Nebraska Cycling News website. Cheers, and happy trails!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Weak Odds...for the week End
Tri, try again
It's mid July, and in Nebraska the triathlon season is bearing down on us like a Hummer on a bike commuter. If you haven't yet participated in an open-water swim this year, or if your favorite pool was recently closed, or if you need to burn some calories after pigging out at Ribfest, Team Nebraska Triathlon has organized a triathlon practice Saturday morning at 7 am.
First off is an open-water swim in Lake Manawa (its name being derived from a Native American expression roughly translated as "lake where the water smells like it's from a man"). Next is about 25 miles on the old aluminum horse, and finally the meeting is capped with a short run. More information can be found at Team Nebraska Triathlon's Facebook page.
Wear a brightly colored swim camp, get there early, and make sure you have all of your gear, as this is a self-supported practice. And don't expect to put the hammer down--some of these guys and gals are so hardcore they're also going to be racing Sunday at the Papillion Mayor's Triathlon.
Free fall, in the summer
If you've ever yearned to jump out of a plane while another man wears you like a front-facing fanny pack, then this weekend, my friend(s), your dreams have been answered. In Plattsmouth, the Lincoln Parachute Club is offering its annual Redemption Boogie, a celebration of tandem skydiving. Print a $10 off coupon off their web site, show up at the Plattsmouth Municipal Airport between 8 am and 7 pm (no registration required!), sign a waiver or six, take a short instructional course, fly up to 13,500 feet, anchor yourself to an instructor, and experience the thrills of all-out freefall. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society, and the massive flow of adrenaline benefits your adrenal glands...and your soul.
Let's kick it down a notch, shall we?
If the aforementioned actitivies create too much of a strain on your constitution (weekends are for relaxing, after all), DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, in Missouri Valley, Iowa, offers ranger-guided nature hikes on a variety of short hiking trails at 10 am on Saturday morning. Bring along a cooler and do some post-hike picnicking among the wildflowers. In the afternoon (or as I like to call it, nap-time), if the heavy chimpanzees of sleep aren't hanging from your eyelids (hey, you have your sleep-related mythical folk characters, and I have mine), shift gears and get ready for some nature films, or check out the nature photography of Jeff Murray.
It's mid July, and in Nebraska the triathlon season is bearing down on us like a Hummer on a bike commuter. If you haven't yet participated in an open-water swim this year, or if your favorite pool was recently closed, or if you need to burn some calories after pigging out at Ribfest, Team Nebraska Triathlon has organized a triathlon practice Saturday morning at 7 am.
First off is an open-water swim in Lake Manawa (its name being derived from a Native American expression roughly translated as "lake where the water smells like it's from a man"). Next is about 25 miles on the old aluminum horse, and finally the meeting is capped with a short run. More information can be found at Team Nebraska Triathlon's Facebook page.
Wear a brightly colored swim camp, get there early, and make sure you have all of your gear, as this is a self-supported practice. And don't expect to put the hammer down--some of these guys and gals are so hardcore they're also going to be racing Sunday at the Papillion Mayor's Triathlon.
Free fall, in the summer
If you've ever yearned to jump out of a plane while another man wears you like a front-facing fanny pack, then this weekend, my friend(s), your dreams have been answered. In Plattsmouth, the Lincoln Parachute Club is offering its annual Redemption Boogie, a celebration of tandem skydiving. Print a $10 off coupon off their web site, show up at the Plattsmouth Municipal Airport between 8 am and 7 pm (no registration required!), sign a waiver or six, take a short instructional course, fly up to 13,500 feet, anchor yourself to an instructor, and experience the thrills of all-out freefall. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society, and the massive flow of adrenaline benefits your adrenal glands...and your soul.
Let's kick it down a notch, shall we?
If the aforementioned actitivies create too much of a strain on your constitution (weekends are for relaxing, after all), DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, in Missouri Valley, Iowa, offers ranger-guided nature hikes on a variety of short hiking trails at 10 am on Saturday morning. Bring along a cooler and do some post-hike picnicking among the wildflowers. In the afternoon (or as I like to call it, nap-time), if the heavy chimpanzees of sleep aren't hanging from your eyelids (hey, you have your sleep-related mythical folk characters, and I have mine), shift gears and get ready for some nature films, or check out the nature photography of Jeff Murray.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Fiji? I didn't even...ah, forget it
The good folks at Eagle Creek, makers of lots of cool travel gear and garb, really want to send you and a friend (and by "friend," I mean your best blog buddy at Nebraska Adventures) to Fiji, a Pacific island as lovely and tropical as I am hairy and smelly...I mean "fun to travel with" and "invaluable because of my extensive knowledge of the culture and geography of certain South Pacific islands."
Around October 31st, just when the air is beginning to chill a bit in the Midwest, winners (and by "winners," I mean you and I) will be selected in a random drawing. Second and third place winners will receive Eagle Creek luggage, which is better than watching a Senate confirmation hearing, but not as good as going to Fiji. To enter, just head to the Eagle Creek web site and click on the giant box in the lower right-hand corner that says "Win a Trip to Fiji." Then fill out the form and cross your fingers.
Around October 31st, just when the air is beginning to chill a bit in the Midwest, winners (and by "winners," I mean you and I) will be selected in a random drawing. Second and third place winners will receive Eagle Creek luggage, which is better than watching a Senate confirmation hearing, but not as good as going to Fiji. To enter, just head to the Eagle Creek web site and click on the giant box in the lower right-hand corner that says "Win a Trip to Fiji." Then fill out the form and cross your fingers.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Woodsy women unite (this Saturday)!
Backwoods, a chain of less than a dozen outdoor gear/apparel stores sprinkled throughout the Midwest, has some great stuff. I love going there and checking out all of their earth-tone-colored gear, so pretty and clean and sterile, and thinking about how filthy dirty it would be if it were mine. I like to daydream while tracing my finger along their Black Diamond ice axes. I even once found myself mesmerized by a 20-minute slideshow of someone's trip to the big Mexican volcanoes that looped on a flat-screen television.
Unfortunately, ever since my wife recognized that I have a (financially) debilitating backpack addiction, I haven't done much shopping. But if I ever need an item quickly, I usually head to either Canfield's or Omaha's local Backwoods store. (Or there's always the Internet, but I'll get into that in a later blog.)
The cool thing about Backwoods is that, in addition to gear and super-expensive guided trips all over the world, they also offer some cool freebies and events. This weekend (and the third Saturday of every month) is the Omaha chapter's Real Chicks Hike event, a ladies-only event held at the Hitchcock Nature Preserve in Honey Creek, Iowa. You can check Backwoods' calendar for more information. In the past, Backwoods has also offered (free) yoga in the park, (free) orienteering classes taught by Nebraska Sports Council Racing (NSC Racing) director Jim Craig, and even some free after-hours wine-and-cheese events, complete with raffles for gear. (My wife did let me attend that one.)
Unfortunately, ever since my wife recognized that I have a (financially) debilitating backpack addiction, I haven't done much shopping. But if I ever need an item quickly, I usually head to either Canfield's or Omaha's local Backwoods store. (Or there's always the Internet, but I'll get into that in a later blog.)
The cool thing about Backwoods is that, in addition to gear and super-expensive guided trips all over the world, they also offer some cool freebies and events. This weekend (and the third Saturday of every month) is the Omaha chapter's Real Chicks Hike event, a ladies-only event held at the Hitchcock Nature Preserve in Honey Creek, Iowa. You can check Backwoods' calendar for more information. In the past, Backwoods has also offered (free) yoga in the park, (free) orienteering classes taught by Nebraska Sports Council Racing (NSC Racing) director Jim Craig, and even some free after-hours wine-and-cheese events, complete with raffles for gear. (My wife did let me attend that one.)
Friday, July 10, 2009
Weak Odds...for the week End
Tour de France goes internationale
It's been a bad week for France. First, a recent survey points to the French as the world's worst tourists, a title I thought (based on my personal experiences) would easily go to Australians. (Sorry, Australia.) However, luckily for Australians, they have a slightly better grasp of the English language than the French, a distinction that this survery apparently considered quite important.
And, second, I also just found out that a good chunk of this year's Tour de France (translation: Tour of France) is not actually in France. Yes, folks, Lance and company started off the most grueling race in the world in Monaco (not France). By stage 6, the race, much to the delight of Spanish riders, had dipped into Spain (also not France), going all the way to Barcelona after a ride along the coast. And then stage 7 brings the riders from Barcelona into the Pyreneees and to the principality of Andorra, a tiny country that is still not France.
Meanwhile, a few hundred miles west of there....
Death in the morning
Sorry to disrupt the normally irreverent tone of this blog for a moment, but July 10th's encierro (running of the bulls) in Pamplona has resulted in thedeath of Spaniard Daniel Jimeno Romero, 27, the first goring death since 22-year-old American Matthew Tassio was killed in 1995. Romero's death will, no doubt, cast a pall over the weekend's festivities, much like Ray Ducharme's paralyzing injury did when I attended the festival in 2006.
On a more positive, albeit rehashed note...
As mentioned in one of last week's blogs, cycling duo Mark and Jeff Siepker will be kicking off their tandem bicycle ride from Omaha to St Louis to benefit the Ollie Webb Center, an organization that helps support people with developmental disabilities. You can see them off at the Bob Kerrey pedestrian bridge or donate a few dollars to help their cause at firstgiving.com.
It's been a bad week for France. First, a recent survey points to the French as the world's worst tourists, a title I thought (based on my personal experiences) would easily go to Australians. (Sorry, Australia.) However, luckily for Australians, they have a slightly better grasp of the English language than the French, a distinction that this survery apparently considered quite important.
And, second, I also just found out that a good chunk of this year's Tour de France (translation: Tour of France) is not actually in France. Yes, folks, Lance and company started off the most grueling race in the world in Monaco (not France). By stage 6, the race, much to the delight of Spanish riders, had dipped into Spain (also not France), going all the way to Barcelona after a ride along the coast. And then stage 7 brings the riders from Barcelona into the Pyreneees and to the principality of Andorra, a tiny country that is still not France.
Meanwhile, a few hundred miles west of there....
Death in the morning
Sorry to disrupt the normally irreverent tone of this blog for a moment, but July 10th's encierro (running of the bulls) in Pamplona has resulted in thedeath of Spaniard Daniel Jimeno Romero, 27, the first goring death since 22-year-old American Matthew Tassio was killed in 1995. Romero's death will, no doubt, cast a pall over the weekend's festivities, much like Ray Ducharme's paralyzing injury did when I attended the festival in 2006.
On a more positive, albeit rehashed note...
As mentioned in one of last week's blogs, cycling duo Mark and Jeff Siepker will be kicking off their tandem bicycle ride from Omaha to St Louis to benefit the Ollie Webb Center, an organization that helps support people with developmental disabilities. You can see them off at the Bob Kerrey pedestrian bridge or donate a few dollars to help their cause at firstgiving.com.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Miles and miles and miles....
The eastern Nebraska and western Iowa region have a lot to offer in the way of adventure, but sometimes you just need to dip your tootsies in the Mediterranean, kiss a panda bear1, or BASE jump off of the Matterhorn. Believe me, I understand.
That's why, my fellow travelers, I covet my frequent flier miles like the little make-believe treasures that they are. I pay closer attention to their expiration dates than I do the milk I buy at the grocery store. I check on them (for no good reason) more often than I check on my own shriveling 401k. I tuck them into bed and night and give them sweet smooches.2
So here are a few tips I've used for hanging onto my own airline rewards miles:3
a) Make sure I know how long I've got. American Airlines miles, for example, expire after 18 months of inactivity. Frontier Airlines expires after just 12 months of inactivity. If you're as serious about keeping your miles as I am, inactivity is the enemy (that might be my new motto), and it's almost worth keeping a spreadsheet to keep track of your miles, or, better yet, signing up for the rewards emails that will let you know.
b) Make sure you keep those miles alive. Like most things in a capitalist society, miles don't need sunlight and water to live--they need cash. The good news is that you have options. Many airlines have some version of a skymall or a shopping program. If you make purchases online, for any product, always check with your airline of choice's shopping program first. You'd be amazed at how quickly additional miles can pile up with your regular online purchases. Retailers like REI, Sierra Trading Post, Sears, Borders...even Wal-Mart all play ball with these programs. And even cooler, some of these retailers offer additional discounts that's aren't found elsewhere online when you buy via the airlines' shopping page.
c) Make sure you sign up for your airline's dining program. After all, you like to eat, right? I recently discovered American Airlines' dining program, whereby I sign up for free, then I get additional rewards (and my other miles stay alive), while I feed my greedy face4. It's a win-win, so why not take advantage of it?
Footnote 1: Haven't you always wanted to do this?
Footnote 2: This is a lie.
Footnote 3: You can also get one of those airline rewards credit cards, but they usually have annual fees. I hate annual fees.
Footnote 4: My face isn't actually that greedy. It's more needy.
That's why, my fellow travelers, I covet my frequent flier miles like the little make-believe treasures that they are. I pay closer attention to their expiration dates than I do the milk I buy at the grocery store. I check on them (for no good reason) more often than I check on my own shriveling 401k. I tuck them into bed and night and give them sweet smooches.2
So here are a few tips I've used for hanging onto my own airline rewards miles:3
a) Make sure I know how long I've got. American Airlines miles, for example, expire after 18 months of inactivity. Frontier Airlines expires after just 12 months of inactivity. If you're as serious about keeping your miles as I am, inactivity is the enemy (that might be my new motto), and it's almost worth keeping a spreadsheet to keep track of your miles, or, better yet, signing up for the rewards emails that will let you know.
b) Make sure you keep those miles alive. Like most things in a capitalist society, miles don't need sunlight and water to live--they need cash. The good news is that you have options. Many airlines have some version of a skymall or a shopping program. If you make purchases online, for any product, always check with your airline of choice's shopping program first. You'd be amazed at how quickly additional miles can pile up with your regular online purchases. Retailers like REI, Sierra Trading Post, Sears, Borders...even Wal-Mart all play ball with these programs. And even cooler, some of these retailers offer additional discounts that's aren't found elsewhere online when you buy via the airlines' shopping page.
c) Make sure you sign up for your airline's dining program. After all, you like to eat, right? I recently discovered American Airlines' dining program, whereby I sign up for free, then I get additional rewards (and my other miles stay alive), while I feed my greedy face4. It's a win-win, so why not take advantage of it?
Footnote 1: Haven't you always wanted to do this?
Footnote 2: This is a lie.
Footnote 3: You can also get one of those airline rewards credit cards, but they usually have annual fees. I hate annual fees.
Footnote 4: My face isn't actually that greedy. It's more needy.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Just shooting the bull...
File this one under "adventuring vicariously," but, this morning, I was reminded that one of the world's biggest parties is underway in Pamplona, Spain, a feria that will always have a special place in my heart. Of course, the most famous part of the San Fermin festival is its daily running of the bulls or encierro, easily the most dangerous and insane 400 meter sprint in the world.
Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, those of us with Internet access can still be a part of the party. To re-create the festival, simply dress in white, make a pitcher of sangria (one cup sugar, 2 sliced-up oranges, a bottle of red wine, anywhere from 2-10 ounces of brandy, and some ice), drink the pitcher of sangria (make sure you spill some on yourself), buy a case of beer, listen to loud music while drinking beer all night, lay down in a park at about 7 am for half an hour, then get up and watch the morning's running of the bulls on SanFermin.tv.
SanFermin.tv's street-level cameras really get you close to the insane action, and those who haven't seen first hand or participated in an encierro can get a pretty good idea of the bulls' immense bulk, the sharpness of their horns, and the chaos of running in the city's crowded, narrow street, particularly the highly dangerous Estafeta, just before the Plaza del Toros. Also worth checking out is the video footage of the chupinazo, the festival's unbelievable champagne-soaked kick-off on the Calle de los Mercaderos.
If you still don't feel like you're part of the action, do some sprinting and make sure you fall down on cobblestones. Goring yourself is optional (and difficult).
Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, those of us with Internet access can still be a part of the party. To re-create the festival, simply dress in white, make a pitcher of sangria (one cup sugar, 2 sliced-up oranges, a bottle of red wine, anywhere from 2-10 ounces of brandy, and some ice), drink the pitcher of sangria (make sure you spill some on yourself), buy a case of beer, listen to loud music while drinking beer all night, lay down in a park at about 7 am for half an hour, then get up and watch the morning's running of the bulls on SanFermin.tv.
SanFermin.tv's street-level cameras really get you close to the insane action, and those who haven't seen first hand or participated in an encierro can get a pretty good idea of the bulls' immense bulk, the sharpness of their horns, and the chaos of running in the city's crowded, narrow street, particularly the highly dangerous Estafeta, just before the Plaza del Toros. Also worth checking out is the video footage of the chupinazo, the festival's unbelievable champagne-soaked kick-off on the Calle de los Mercaderos.
If you still don't feel like you're part of the action, do some sprinting and make sure you fall down on cobblestones. Goring yourself is optional (and difficult).
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Taco, taco man...
Usually when I hear the word "taco" and "bicycle" in the same sentence, I think of bending a wheel on your bike so badly that it takes the shape of delicious Mexican food. I can personally attest that this is no fun because a) wheels are expensive and b) a tacoed wheel is usually associated with a nasty case of road (or trail) rash...on your face.
But in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area, on Thursday nights while the weather is nice, those words can mean only one thing: the Thursday night taco ride, an adventure turned cultural phenomenon for cyclists that enjoy drinking margaritas, eating tacos, riding their bikes in the dark, puking, and any or all combinations of the aforementioned activities.
If you're interested, leave the kids at home, load up your bikes, and show up at the Wabash Trace trailhead (near Lewis Central elementary school in Council Bluffs) at about 5:30 or 6:00 pm. Be ready to ride to Mineola, Iowa (about 10 miles, one way). Bring enough tools to change your tire, if you happen to get a flat. And don't make the rookie mistake of forgetting your headlamp for the dark ride back. Or you'll risk case of trail rash on your face--without tacoing your wheel.
But in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area, on Thursday nights while the weather is nice, those words can mean only one thing: the Thursday night taco ride, an adventure turned cultural phenomenon for cyclists that enjoy drinking margaritas, eating tacos, riding their bikes in the dark, puking, and any or all combinations of the aforementioned activities.
If you're interested, leave the kids at home, load up your bikes, and show up at the Wabash Trace trailhead (near Lewis Central elementary school in Council Bluffs) at about 5:30 or 6:00 pm. Be ready to ride to Mineola, Iowa (about 10 miles, one way). Bring enough tools to change your tire, if you happen to get a flat. And don't make the rookie mistake of forgetting your headlamp for the dark ride back. Or you'll risk case of trail rash on your face--without tacoing your wheel.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Adventure odds and ends
2 Guys, 2 Wheels, 2 Trails send-off
There's nothing like an epic bike ride to unshackle the spirit...and numb the nether region. Loading up your panniers or your trailer (or even your backpack) and starting the journey of a million RPMs with a single pedal stroke is so sweetly simple. There's a sublime, Zen-like quality involved with travelling fast enough to make the miles tick by, but still remaining connected to your surroundings.
Obviously I could wax romantic all day about super long bike rides; it's my favorite thing to daydream about while I sit chained to a desk. So I'd better get down to business: on Saturday, July 11th, father and son Mark and Jeff Siepker are going to ride a tandem bicycle from Omaha to St. Louis via the Wabash Trace and the Katy Trail. Their 300-mile epic ride is for a good cause--they're trying to raise money for the Ollie Webb Center, an organization that offers support, advocacy, and programs for people with developmental disabilities. Feel free to donate here, or you can meet them July 11th at the Bob Kerrey pedestrian bridge (on the Omaha side) to ride all or part of day one, from Omaha to Malvern (about 30 miles). Good luck and happy trails, guys!
Registration extended for Cornhusker State Games adventure race
For all of you procrastinating adventure racers out there (is there such a thing, really?), the Nebraska Sports Council has extended the deadline for registering for one of its toughest (and by toughest, I mean "most painful") events at the Cornhusker State Games--the adventure race. Held this year at Branched Oak Lake State Park (and featuring trail running, mountain biking, water events, and climbing), this race is sure to test your 3-person team's mettle (and maybe your team's first aid kit too). More details can be found at the Cornhusker State Games website.
Outside...online?
I know, I know, the above subhead is an oxymoron, like "Wii sports" or "ski Iowa." Just bear with me. Although I’m planning on doing a more comprehensive “hey, check out these really cool web sites” blog at some later time, I thought I'd give everyone a heads up about the online version of one of my favorite magazines (despite its lack of Midwestern coverage), Outside. They're one of the best at what they do (National Geographic Adventure being my other fave), and the fact that the online version is free (yes, you read that correctly) makes this deal as sweet as my upper lip is sweaty.
There's nothing like an epic bike ride to unshackle the spirit...and numb the nether region. Loading up your panniers or your trailer (or even your backpack) and starting the journey of a million RPMs with a single pedal stroke is so sweetly simple. There's a sublime, Zen-like quality involved with travelling fast enough to make the miles tick by, but still remaining connected to your surroundings.
Obviously I could wax romantic all day about super long bike rides; it's my favorite thing to daydream about while I sit chained to a desk. So I'd better get down to business: on Saturday, July 11th, father and son Mark and Jeff Siepker are going to ride a tandem bicycle from Omaha to St. Louis via the Wabash Trace and the Katy Trail. Their 300-mile epic ride is for a good cause--they're trying to raise money for the Ollie Webb Center, an organization that offers support, advocacy, and programs for people with developmental disabilities. Feel free to donate here, or you can meet them July 11th at the Bob Kerrey pedestrian bridge (on the Omaha side) to ride all or part of day one, from Omaha to Malvern (about 30 miles). Good luck and happy trails, guys!
Registration extended for Cornhusker State Games adventure race
For all of you procrastinating adventure racers out there (is there such a thing, really?), the Nebraska Sports Council has extended the deadline for registering for one of its toughest (and by toughest, I mean "most painful") events at the Cornhusker State Games--the adventure race. Held this year at Branched Oak Lake State Park (and featuring trail running, mountain biking, water events, and climbing), this race is sure to test your 3-person team's mettle (and maybe your team's first aid kit too). More details can be found at the Cornhusker State Games website.
Outside...online?
I know, I know, the above subhead is an oxymoron, like "Wii sports" or "ski Iowa." Just bear with me. Although I’m planning on doing a more comprehensive “hey, check out these really cool web sites” blog at some later time, I thought I'd give everyone a heads up about the online version of one of my favorite magazines (despite its lack of Midwestern coverage), Outside. They're one of the best at what they do (National Geographic Adventure being my other fave), and the fact that the online version is free (yes, you read that correctly) makes this deal as sweet as my upper lip is sweaty.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Mapping your Nebraska adventures
There's something to be said for lacing (or Velcroing--is that even a word?) your shoes, stepping out your front door, sucking in a lungful of the outdoors, and taking off running or bicycling with very little preparation. Unfortunately, those of us without GPS (I know, I know) or a cyclometer (I know, already, jeez...) or even any idea how to use a map (okay, now I definitely do not fall into that category) have no easy way of knowing how far we've ran/cycled once we return home--if we return home (see earlier GPS reference).
In the olden days, to determine how long my little neighborhood jog was, I would've 1) later driven the same route in my car while keeping a close eye on my odometer or 2) relied upon my highly accurate rate of perceived exertion, which would've informed me that the loop was somewhere between 50 and 75 miles long.
A few weeks ago I decided to use a website called mapmyrun to determine the length of my neighborhood loop. As it turns out, my grueling, ultramarathon loop was only a mile and a half long. And, more importantly, mapmyrun.com (and its cousin mapmyride.com), turned out to be pretty cool sites.
If you spend a few moments navigating the site, you'll find a wide variety of news items, training tools, forums, upcoming races, a contest of two, and even some pre-mapped runs (the site eerily recognized that I lived in Omaha and supplied me with maps of an Elmwood Park run, a 4-Mile downtown loop, and a run called "Keystone Loop from Steve's").
Site registration is free. And although the free version has some annoying ads that tend to get in your way while you create your own workout maps, that's a small price to pay for a highly useful set of newfound training tools.
In the olden days, to determine how long my little neighborhood jog was, I would've 1) later driven the same route in my car while keeping a close eye on my odometer or 2) relied upon my highly accurate rate of perceived exertion, which would've informed me that the loop was somewhere between 50 and 75 miles long.
A few weeks ago I decided to use a website called mapmyrun to determine the length of my neighborhood loop. As it turns out, my grueling, ultramarathon loop was only a mile and a half long. And, more importantly, mapmyrun.com (and its cousin mapmyride.com), turned out to be pretty cool sites.
If you spend a few moments navigating the site, you'll find a wide variety of news items, training tools, forums, upcoming races, a contest of two, and even some pre-mapped runs (the site eerily recognized that I lived in Omaha and supplied me with maps of an Elmwood Park run, a 4-Mile downtown loop, and a run called "Keystone Loop from Steve's").
Site registration is free. And although the free version has some annoying ads that tend to get in your way while you create your own workout maps, that's a small price to pay for a highly useful set of newfound training tools.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
"What are you doing for July 4th?" "Oh, just a quick pump and run."
Not too long ago, I found myself saying something similar to my mother. The last time I'd used the words "pump" and "run" in the same sentence, I was probably talking about the practice of the ol' "gas n' go," whereby you a) fill your vehicle with gasoline and then b) without paying, peel out of the parking lot howling with laughter while taking off your fake Burt Reynolds moustache. At least I hope that's what I was talking about.
However, this time, I was talking about the Missouri River Runners Pump n Run, a 5k of a slightly different variety, held near North Sioux City, South Dakota, just across the Nebraska border. You see, before you lace up your fancy tennis shoes and stretch out your hammies, you're placed on a scale, weighed, and then your body weight is racked onto a barbell that you must benchpress over and over until your triceps are as useless as man nipples. But here's the kicker--for every rep you achieve, you're allowed to subtract a full minute off your 5k time. How's that for a unique duathlon idea? Incredibly, some of last year's contestants ended up with a negative run time.
The lifting takes place on July 2nd and 3rd, from 10am to 6pm, and the race is July 4th at 8am. Although I probably won't be wearing my stars and stripes hot pants (this is a family event, after all), you will be able to recognize me because I'll be the guy with the low bench press reps...and the horrible 5k time.
However, this time, I was talking about the Missouri River Runners Pump n Run, a 5k of a slightly different variety, held near North Sioux City, South Dakota, just across the Nebraska border. You see, before you lace up your fancy tennis shoes and stretch out your hammies, you're placed on a scale, weighed, and then your body weight is racked onto a barbell that you must benchpress over and over until your triceps are as useless as man nipples. But here's the kicker--for every rep you achieve, you're allowed to subtract a full minute off your 5k time. How's that for a unique duathlon idea? Incredibly, some of last year's contestants ended up with a negative run time.
The lifting takes place on July 2nd and 3rd, from 10am to 6pm, and the race is July 4th at 8am. Although I probably won't be wearing my stars and stripes hot pants (this is a family event, after all), you will be able to recognize me because I'll be the guy with the low bench press reps...and the horrible 5k time.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Nebraska weekend getaway #113 -- hiking and biking at Ponca State Park
Perched amidst the Missouri River's rolling bluffs in northeastern Nebraska, Ponca State Park is a close (drive time: less than 2 hours from Omaha) weekend getaway for many eastern Nebraskans and western Iowans. After you've unpacked the kids and pitched your tent at one of its 87 campsites (or thrown your Samsonite luggage into one of the 14 two-bedroom fully furnished, air-conditioned cabins), Ponca, via its steep and underutilized trails, serves up some of the best hiking and mountain biking in the state.
Start the day off with Ponca's most strenuous hike: 500-some vertical feet up a heavily wooded bluff to a lookout where you'll be rewarded with views of both South Dakota and Iowa, as well as a look at the Missouri River as Lewis and Clark would've seen it over 200 years ago (thanks to the 1978 Scenic River Act).
After a lunch back at camp, trek over to Ponca's ice-cold pool, open from 1:00-6:00pm daily, where you're guaranteed to be refreshed. In the afternoon or evening, hike over to the Old Oak Tree, a 320-year-old behemoth at the park's center or go fishing for catfish (late June is the best time of year).
The next day, continue exploring the park's backcountry by foot or bike, or go for a guided horseback trail ride, which run from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Golfers can test their mettle at the 9-hole Highland Oaks Public Golf Course, which is at the southern end of the park. In the afternoon, take a short bike ride into the town of Ponca via a paved trail or, if you've brought a boat, put in or take out at the boat ramp, located at the park's north addition.
If you're driving back via Highway 20, make sure you stop at the Sweet Tooth Drive-In (which is not actually a drive-in), in Jackson, Nebraska, which advertises the best malts on Highway 20.
Or, for the more environmentally aware, enjoy a cone.
Further information regard Ponca State Park and its many adventures can be found at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website.
Start the day off with Ponca's most strenuous hike: 500-some vertical feet up a heavily wooded bluff to a lookout where you'll be rewarded with views of both South Dakota and Iowa, as well as a look at the Missouri River as Lewis and Clark would've seen it over 200 years ago (thanks to the 1978 Scenic River Act).
After a lunch back at camp, trek over to Ponca's ice-cold pool, open from 1:00-6:00pm daily, where you're guaranteed to be refreshed. In the afternoon or evening, hike over to the Old Oak Tree, a 320-year-old behemoth at the park's center or go fishing for catfish (late June is the best time of year).
The next day, continue exploring the park's backcountry by foot or bike, or go for a guided horseback trail ride, which run from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Golfers can test their mettle at the 9-hole Highland Oaks Public Golf Course, which is at the southern end of the park. In the afternoon, take a short bike ride into the town of Ponca via a paved trail or, if you've brought a boat, put in or take out at the boat ramp, located at the park's north addition.
If you're driving back via Highway 20, make sure you stop at the Sweet Tooth Drive-In (which is not actually a drive-in), in Jackson, Nebraska, which advertises the best malts on Highway 20.
Or, for the more environmentally aware, enjoy a cone.
Further information regard Ponca State Park and its many adventures can be found at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Off-road racing, Nebraska style
The Xterra race series, the country's premier (or at least most visible) series of off-road races, is making its inaugural appearance in Nebraska on Saturday, August 15th, giving Midwestern, dirt-loving masochists just 7 weeks to train.
The Xterra B.O.L.T. (Branched Oak Lake Triathlon...or, if you prefer, Barf On Legs, Tires...or Bring On Lunch Time!), an off-road triathlon scheduled to be held at Branched Oak State Park, features a 1km swim (broken into 2 500m laps), a 21k mountain bike, and an 8k trail run. (You can read trail reviews and get directions to the park here.)
Although the solo entry fee is a bit pricey ($75), chip timing will be used for splits, and the race promotors are going to give away a whole bunch of schwag. In short, the whole thing should be a lot of fun. If you don't barf on your tires.
Also, for all of you Nebraskans who can't afford to fly to Darfur but are interested in witnessing human suffering, volunteer opportunities abound.
The Xterra B.O.L.T. (Branched Oak Lake Triathlon...or, if you prefer, Barf On Legs, Tires...or Bring On Lunch Time!), an off-road triathlon scheduled to be held at Branched Oak State Park, features a 1km swim (broken into 2 500m laps), a 21k mountain bike, and an 8k trail run. (You can read trail reviews and get directions to the park here.)
Although the solo entry fee is a bit pricey ($75), chip timing will be used for splits, and the race promotors are going to give away a whole bunch of schwag. In short, the whole thing should be a lot of fun. If you don't barf on your tires.
Also, for all of you Nebraskans who can't afford to fly to Darfur but are interested in witnessing human suffering, volunteer opportunities abound.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Calling all athletes of the "amateur" and "Nebraska" variety...
...your time to shine has arrived. If you've ever dreamed of impressing that cute blonde in your Food Science class with your gold medal in ping pong, or if your résumé has a blank spot reserved in the Other Activities section for "second-best horseshoe pitcher in the state of Nebraska in 2009"...or if the only way to earn your father's love is by competing in a sport known as "Shooting - Cowboy Action" (insert one of 7,000 possible jokes here), then folks, you'd better get crackin', because the deadline for registering for 2009's Cornhusker State Games is nearly nigh. And by "nearly nigh," I mean two days away.
But don't worry, there's still plenty of time to train for your respective sport or pull a team together. (Note to self: Start actively befriending people interested in competing in tug-of-war next year.) The opening ceremonies (along with Sportfest, the pre-opening ceremonies, which is free for registered athletes) begin Friday, July 17th, and competition runs from the 17th through the 26th.
But don't worry, there's still plenty of time to train for your respective sport or pull a team together. (Note to self: Start actively befriending people interested in competing in tug-of-war next year.) The opening ceremonies (along with Sportfest, the pre-opening ceremonies, which is free for registered athletes) begin Friday, July 17th, and competition runs from the 17th through the 26th.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Running scared...of further injury
For the past couple days, my coworker Ryan and I have been complaining about running injuries. Somehow, independently of one another, both of us managed to strain a calf muscle during jogs that should've ended sooner rather than later. And now, with our slight limps and tender lower appendages, we're paying the price.
According to the Omaha running club's website, next Wednesday, June 24th, the Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital will be conducting free running injury evaluations at West Omaha's sporting goods superstore Scheels (17202 Davenport Street). Simply bring your injured body part (which is hopefully still attached to your body), wash your weird feet (and wear clean socks), and hobble your broken self into the store for a free consultation. And after your evaluation, you can purchase a new pair of kicks (which you may not use for a while, depending on the severity of your injury) for 10% off. How sweet it is!
According to the Omaha running club's website, next Wednesday, June 24th, the Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital will be conducting free running injury evaluations at West Omaha's sporting goods superstore Scheels (17202 Davenport Street). Simply bring your injured body part (which is hopefully still attached to your body), wash your weird feet (and wear clean socks), and hobble your broken self into the store for a free consultation. And after your evaluation, you can purchase a new pair of kicks (which you may not use for a while, depending on the severity of your injury) for 10% off. How sweet it is!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
RAGBRAI Council Bluffs needs volunteers!
Although it's too late to register for the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI), those of you in the Omaha area with a volunteering spirit, an irresistible attraction to bicycles, and nothing to do on July 17th, 18th, or 19th can still help out.
Check out the Council Bluffs RAGBRAI page for more information about volunteering. The nation's best-known bicycle tour is still in need of people to assist with hospitality (sell t-shirts, greet riders), information (hand out maps), campgrounds (take money, stamp hands), and leg massage1 (quads first, then the calves, please).
Footnote 1: Okay, okay, you caught me. This is a lie.
Check out the Council Bluffs RAGBRAI page for more information about volunteering. The nation's best-known bicycle tour is still in need of people to assist with hospitality (sell t-shirts, greet riders), information (hand out maps), campgrounds (take money, stamp hands), and leg massage1 (quads first, then the calves, please).
Footnote 1: Okay, okay, you caught me. This is a lie.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Rain and our local trails
Although Nebraska and Iowa offer adventure options a-plenty, these states are woefully inadequate when I feel like making like a dolphin and doing some ocean frolicking. So last week I crammed my trusty Osprey Aether 70 backpack full of snorkel gear (with an extra t-shirt for good measure), gathered the wife and kids, and headed off to Grand Cayman, a tiny island in the Caribbean about 180 miles south of Cuba, where I enjoyed some decent snorkeling, smooched a stingray, and R&Red like a pro.
Upon my return, I was surprised to find that my variegated irises had grown six inches, my autumn-blooming clematis had grown a foot or two, and my lawn was still green--all thanks to plenty of rainfall in Nebraska. This moisture was great for my plants, but bad for local trails.
So, for all of you Nebraska and Iowa mountain bikers and trail runners who are curious about trail conditions, I present to you the best resource I've found thus far, the Trails Have Our Respect web site. There (and on their blog), you can find current or near-current trail condition reports, information on trail maintenance day, and (insert pirate voice here) a treasure trove of trail maps. Sorry, I couldn't help myself. I just got back from Grand Cayman.
Upon my return, I was surprised to find that my variegated irises had grown six inches, my autumn-blooming clematis had grown a foot or two, and my lawn was still green--all thanks to plenty of rainfall in Nebraska. This moisture was great for my plants, but bad for local trails.
So, for all of you Nebraska and Iowa mountain bikers and trail runners who are curious about trail conditions, I present to you the best resource I've found thus far, the Trails Have Our Respect web site. There (and on their blog), you can find current or near-current trail condition reports, information on trail maintenance day, and (insert pirate voice here) a treasure trove of trail maps. Sorry, I couldn't help myself. I just got back from Grand Cayman.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Omaha adventure racing
Adventure racing has long been relegated to the hinterlands and the faraway open spaces, where only the most intrepid of the adventurous would dare compete. For years, I've watched Eco-Challenge on television and lived vicariously through those athletes, never dreaming for a minute that I had what was required to compete in an week-long, expedition-style adventure race...alas, I adore my sleep (and my feet) too much. And I dislike leaches on my eyeballs.
Lucky for all, there are very few leaches on the streets of Omaha, which is where Adventure Omaha, The Ultimate Urban Adventure Race will be held this weekend. Rather than rappelling head-first through waterfalls and mountain biking instead of sleeping, racers will compete on one of two aptly named courses: the black course (a 4-6 hour race) or the blue course (a slightly friendlier 1-2 hour course).
I realize it's too late for anyone to prepare to race this weekend, but if you're interested in participating in future events, this might be a good time to head downtown, stroll around the Old Market, chow down at Taste of Omaha, check out the new pedestrian bridge (and its little water area for the kiddies), and see what this race is all about. And while you're at it, bring a cowbell and your loudest cheers. After four or five hours, the racers on the black course could use the moral support and encouragement.
Lucky for all, there are very few leaches on the streets of Omaha, which is where Adventure Omaha, The Ultimate Urban Adventure Race will be held this weekend. Rather than rappelling head-first through waterfalls and mountain biking instead of sleeping, racers will compete on one of two aptly named courses: the black course (a 4-6 hour race) or the blue course (a slightly friendlier 1-2 hour course).
I realize it's too late for anyone to prepare to race this weekend, but if you're interested in participating in future events, this might be a good time to head downtown, stroll around the Old Market, chow down at Taste of Omaha, check out the new pedestrian bridge (and its little water area for the kiddies), and see what this race is all about. And while you're at it, bring a cowbell and your loudest cheers. After four or five hours, the racers on the black course could use the moral support and encouragement.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
June Bike Races
June is a great month to finally awaken your bicycle from its winter hibernation (if you haven't already done so months ago, like many diehard cyclists). Just venture into your overpacked garage and look around for the thing with the handlebar and wheels. There it is, right next to the miniature mechanical bull and the full-sized Han Solo cardboard cutout. Pull it out, dust it off, and take a seat (on the bicycle, not Han Solo). Feels good, doesnt' it?
For those of you looking for something more than recreational riding, there's a host of June bike races that will welcome first-timers and beginners with open, chain-greasy arms. The entry fees are usually nominal in the beginner's category, and there's much fun to be had. And sometimes free hot dogs to be eaten.
For those of you looking for something more than recreational riding, there's a host of June bike races that will welcome first-timers and beginners with open, chain-greasy arms. The entry fees are usually nominal in the beginner's category, and there's much fun to be had. And sometimes free hot dogs to be eaten.
- Saturday, June 6th - The NorfolkClassic (road race), in Norfolk, Nebraska
- Sunday, June 7th - The Iowa Mountain Bike Championship Series race #4 (mountain bike race), in Ida Grove, Iowa
- Sunday, June 7th - Nebraska State Championship Criterium (criterium race) in Norfolk, Nebraska.
- Tuesday, June 9th - The Norfolk Race Series, Time Trial (time trial race) in Norfolk, Nebraska.
- Saturday, June 13th - Nebraska State Time Trial Championships (time trial race) in Yutan, Nebraska.
- Sunday, June 14th - The Maskentine Classic (mountain bike race) in Norfolk, Nebraska.
Saturday, June 20th - Ponca's Revenge (mountain bike race) in Ponca, Nebraska. - Sunday, June 21st - The Iowa Mountain Bike Championship Series race #5 (mountain bike race) in Des Moines, Iowa.
- Tuesday, June 23rd - The Norfolk Race Series, XC Mountain Bike (mountain bike race) in Norfolk, Nebraska.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Nebraska weekend getaway #476 - Tanking
Feel free to file this one under "only in Nebraska..."
Does the thought of doing Eskimo rolls in a kayak cause you to void your bladder just a bit? Canoes a little too tippy for you? Do you ever struggle to heft your bulk out of good old-fashioned inner tubes?
Well why don't you drain Ol' Bessie's livestock tank, load your family into the SUV, and float down a river? Some Nebraska outfitters are now running "river tanking" trips down the Cedar River and the Calamus River in western Nebraska. At first blush, this uniquely Midwestern method of navigating our great state's riverways seems both a) a little dangerous and b) a little boring, a juxtaposition not unlike lawn darts...or NASCAR.
For those of us without the proper equipment, the good folks at Get Tanked LLC have no problem setting your entire family afloat in the bovine equivalent of a tippy cup. One tank seats 4-6 adults (depending on the girth of you and yours) and will run you $63.30. Both life jackets and (admirably) trash bags are furnished by the outfitter on this 4.5 mile, 2 and a half hour (almost 3 hour) tour through Nebraska's famed and beloved sand hills.
After my marathon expedition last summer on Iowa's Des Moines river (a weekend jam-packed with hours upon hours upon hours upon days of spine-wrenching paddling), kicking back in a tank doesn't sound too bad.
For further reading, check out Calamus Outfitters, featuring the photography of native son Joel Sartore.
Does the thought of doing Eskimo rolls in a kayak cause you to void your bladder just a bit? Canoes a little too tippy for you? Do you ever struggle to heft your bulk out of good old-fashioned inner tubes?
Well why don't you drain Ol' Bessie's livestock tank, load your family into the SUV, and float down a river? Some Nebraska outfitters are now running "river tanking" trips down the Cedar River and the Calamus River in western Nebraska. At first blush, this uniquely Midwestern method of navigating our great state's riverways seems both a) a little dangerous and b) a little boring, a juxtaposition not unlike lawn darts...or NASCAR.
For those of us without the proper equipment, the good folks at Get Tanked LLC have no problem setting your entire family afloat in the bovine equivalent of a tippy cup. One tank seats 4-6 adults (depending on the girth of you and yours) and will run you $63.30. Both life jackets and (admirably) trash bags are furnished by the outfitter on this 4.5 mile, 2 and a half hour (almost 3 hour) tour through Nebraska's famed and beloved sand hills.
After my marathon expedition last summer on Iowa's Des Moines river (a weekend jam-packed with hours upon hours upon hours upon days of spine-wrenching paddling), kicking back in a tank doesn't sound too bad.
For further reading, check out Calamus Outfitters, featuring the photography of native son Joel Sartore.
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