Almozo 100

The young bucks in southern Minnesoat race their bicycles on gravel roads. This one is the Almozo 100, in Fillmore County, which has great roads.

Wheel Building

I don't build my own wheels. There are people who say that I'm not a real cyclist because I don't. Maybe so. I have had wheels built by a few people. There is a bit of skill involved. Some are better than others. Those I have that were built by Dan Lestrud, who was taught by the late Dan Ulwelling, have been true from the start and stay that way, so I don't screw around with it.

If you don't build your own wheels or have someone you trust, you might want to try Earle Young. http://earle3.blogspot.com/ 

Holiday Sing-Along

The headlines in the Lanesboro section of the Fillmore County News read:

Dan Chouinard to host the annual Old-Fashioned Holiday Sing-Along at St. Mane Theatre.

It seems this is a regular Lanesboro event and Mr. Chouinard is a repeat host. The name was familiar, but I couldn't quite place it. A quick google search refreshed my memory. He is an occasional guest on Minnesota Public Radio and the Prairie Home Companion, both as a story teller and musician. As the event is on December 21st, we won't be able to make it, as we will be hosting the first wave of our family Christmas. I'm not certain I'm a sing-along guy anyway, but the smalltown feeling of community is hard to resist. I found this particular intriguing quote on his website. http://www.danchouinard.com/

"When not working as a musician he travels the world by bicycle, with tent and accordion in tow, seeking out new repertoire and music making opportunities."

A Better Kvale Interview

When Cjell and I checked out the Minneapolis frame guys a month ago I really didn't take many pictures. A few days later a fellow named Mike Kelly also stopped by Kvale's shop for an interview/photo shoot. Good interview, captured Chris really well - nice photos, even got a shot of my ol' blood and ivory Kvale.

http://biciak.blogspot.com/2012/12/chris-kvale.html

Christmas 2012

On this day in 1990, Kirby Miles Berg, my youngest brother, died in a house fire, leaving a hole in  my life forever. He was 31 years old and left behind a young daughter to grow up without a father. Two days ago 20 innocent young children were gunned down. I cannot comprehend the pain of those families. All this seemed to tear the scab off of my memory and the pain is closer to the surface this year. It tends to temper the joy of Christmas a little. Nothing is permanent; nothing is forever. All life is transitory. I'm looking forward to seeing my daughter next week.



I like this song more than most Christmas music. It captures that sad longing, poignant happiness that the season can be. Have a good holiday.

Bertin CLB Brakes

Tony Tambini sent me pictures of his frenchy built-up Bertin townie with the CLB brakes mounted. This gives me much pleasure. The brakes really were a little rough when I sent them to him. Almost embarasingly so. I doubt they had ever been cleaned or polished. Tony certainly didn't waste his good fortune. Jeez, those brakes look great! I wouldn't have believed it was possible. The whole bike looks good for that matter.

Dr. Alex Moulton

Alex Moulton died yesterday at the age of 92. He was an industrial designer involved in the suspensions of automobiles (Mini Cooper), airplanes and bicycles. These photos are of a folding bicycle at Rydjor Bike in Austin, Minnesota, my local bike shop.

And the nice part, actually signed and dated by Dr. Moulton himself. I know Dan told me the circumstances of this, but I can't remember.

Christmas Memory Lane

There was a time I felt that there was no point in having an artificial Christmas tree. Either it was a natural fresh killed tree or it was pointless piece of plastic. So we would go out to Paul Budd's farm and take our bow saw out into the trees and select a likely tree. We went through all of the cutting, hacking, trimming rituals. Then tie the victim to the car roof and ... well, you know - dirty, sappy, pine needles, bird nests. I have mellowed. Now I just take a fake tree out of a box, pop it open like a perverse arboreal umbrella and get the lights working. From then on it's pretty much Lorna's world. She wouldn't tolerate much help anyway. All the ornaments have to go in special places with particular neighbors - little themes and vignettes scattered in carefully placed 'random' locations about the tree.

Snowflake tatted by my grandmother, carved Danish ornament, counted cross-stitch girl made by Lorna, photo Lorna's mother Florence and Aunt Dorothy - State Fair 1935, icicle made by me, Grandma Adena's makeup compact, Lenox ornament from my sister. The whole tree is filled with mementos and the older we get the more crowded the tree gets. We fill the tree and we become someone else's memento down the line.

Rachael Price

Things I Cannot Change

I like the high, lonesome banjo and the kid's raspy voice. I would like to take him aside and discuss his attire though. Just don't fit the package.

Hard To Buy For

Tony Tambini had a need for some vintage French brake calipers. I happen to have a set knocking about in a bottom drawer. It was something I was not using and likely never would, so naturally I gave them to him, certainly not expecting anything in return. I came home yesterday and there was package by the door. My neighbor Christy and I adjourned to the Growlery this afternoon and smoked a couple of them. Excellent. Thanks Tony, not necessary, but appreciated.

Lanesboro Community Party

I understand this may have originated as a fund raiser for something. Over the years it has evolved into a community gathering, just ... just because. There was a program, drawings for free "stuff", a formal dinner - bring your own beverage, then a band played while people sat and talked, or danced the night away.  

 Our table seating included Lorna and me, a bunch of Kiehnes, and John Davis. A good group.