The Aldrich Avenue Weekly

Its been brewing for about a month now and I gotta let it out somehow. So I chose here. Apologies to those of you who hate complaining in writing.  Until a recent string of events, my life lately has pretty much been total chaos this past couple of weeks, and prolly will be bad again by Saturday. I got a call last week at work. It was Eric telling me he might miss the next month of work. Let me tell you a little about what has been going on. Eric has been sick for a solid 3 months now. It first was pneumonia that lingered and he had trouble breathing. Then he got a bad cold, and was having these panic like attacks, and had to call in from time to time. It has now been determined that he has some sort of case of The Asthma, and he cannot go back to work until it passes. Doctors orders….. Every year Eric is in the top 3 at Erik’s for top mechanic’s(labor dollars). So as soon as I heard this, I knew I was going to be working a lot and my emotions were going to be tested. And they have been already. This past Sunday we were very busy, a line of bikes waiting to be checked in. I was doing the best I could. This guy had this kids bike that needed a new tire. He sat there and waited his turn, then his wife came in asking whats taking him so long. He made a comment along the lines of "well I didn’t realize it takes 20 minutes to check in a flat tire." I heard it and he knew I heard it. Ya know, I’m doing the best I can to get these people in and out as quickly as possible. But he had to be "at a party".  Another guy came in to get some service done, and parts installed. When I told him it will be $7.99 to install the saddle, he started laughing at me and asked me if I was serious. With a straight face, and fumes rising inside I said "yup". I don’t have time for this shit when the shop is already bonkers. People are so rude sometimes. I honestly was so stressed at that point, I could have gone out back and had a cry.

   Then came yesterday morning. Salvation. A ray of hope. Theodore Wirth Park was now open for mt. biking. Thank God. Kyle and I found path to ride to and from the park. We did a solid 2 1/2 hours of riding. Ahhhhh, the Salsa was flawless. I love that bicycle. Perfect riding conditions for sure. We both have trouble with that rock garden at Theo for some reason, and decided the first person to bail on it buys the first round of beers at Old Chicago when we get back. We both made it, so next was if we both make it again, SHOTS!!!. An hour later, we were sitting on the patio at Old Chicago on Hennepin, drinking shots, beers, nachos, in spandex. After that was dinner at the rents. What a day. Sanity returns, and all is good for now.
  As I was driving home last night down Johnson(I took the long way). I was sitting at a stoplight and this women with two kids starts to cross the street. One is an infant in a stroller, and the other on a little trike with a handle on it so she can direct him. It was quite a sight. Then she looked at me, gave me this "this is what you get to look foward to buddy" look. It was a smile, but a stressed out smile. Like she had been with the kids all day. Where was dad I wondered?  I smiled back. I kinda quivered. Am I ready for that? I dunno. Today is another beautiful day and I’m off to  to some intervals on the trainer then off to work.  The allergies are in full swing and the biker tan has returned so summer is here………………..

daily quote - "It shows that a guy like Brad May has no respect, so he deserves no respect from anybody" -Derek Boogard after Brad May’s cheap shot on Kim Johnsson after the Wild beat the Ducks in game 4. Watch out Aneheim, the "Boogeyman" is angry.

Matt and I have officially begun the process to hopefully get Umphrey’s McGee to play at Spring Jam 2008. Its all talk at this point, but we’d like to make it happen if possible. Check it out Facebook Umphrey’s Group and Myspace Umphrey’s Group . These are just groups to get the word out. Join up. Matt is still going to the U and we’re throwing around the idea of getting a hold of the powers that be to make this a reality. Like I said, its just talk and we are in NO WAY affiliated with the Band or the organization that makes Spring Jam happen, but we want it to happen. So join up!!! If you have any information that would be helpful in our quest please let us know. Like I was saying in my previous post, this band kicks ass. A good definition of "Jam Band" in my book. These guys play 10-15 minute versions of their songs. Mixing in all sorts of solo’s by eat member, doing things on guitars you wouldn’t believe. I’ve heard some people call them the next "Phish", but I disagree. They are in a totally new and unique element.  Spread the word.
    What a horrible week of weather we’ve had. So far I’ve had 4 days worth of riding ruined. Only two of those days did I manage to get on the trainer. Sunday night I did my first intense interval session. It felt good. I was tired, and the legs were sore the next day. A good feeling believe it or not. Just over a month now until Erik’s Spring Cup. The anticipation is growing, and I can’t wait to plow through that course. I’m hoping to get outside this weekend. At this point, I don’t care if its cold outside, as long as there is no precipitation I’m game. I gotta get out and ride. The trainer is like a hamster in a hamster wheel. Anything more then and hour and a half is agonizing. Speaking of bicycles. I should have the Allez equipped with the Campagnolo Centaur group I’ve been wanting in the next month or so. My taxes are in the mail. I actually get money back this year. Suck it Uncle Sam.
   Those of you who know me know I love CHEESE, and grilled cheese sandwiches. My quest for the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich continues. Holly, Brie, and I met up for drinks at Lyle’s last Saturday to discuss bikes over a beers and some grub. The current leader for best grilled cheese is/was Sully’s in NE. To my knowledge they have since closed and its a whole new ball game. Lyle’s grilled cheese was as I said on Saturday "adequate" but not great. The Pumpernickel Rye was good, but they just used cheap slices of kraft cheese. 1 outta 2 pieces of the puzzle in place there. Now all they have to do is get at least two kinds of cheese on the sandwich, and it must be freshly sliced cheese. So its still Sully’s at this point. Anyone have any suggestions as to where I should try next?
  Ever since I got back from SRAM last December, my infatuation with suspension keeps growing. I love working on the stuff. A local wrench opened his own suspension/brake center just down the street from my place. Shockspital  His name is Brian Rose, and he knows his shit about suspension and hydraulic brake products. He started the suspension center and Quality Bicycle Products, and has now branched out on his own. I am hoping to visit sometime soon and maybe get a tour. I too someday would like to spend my working hours working on these products. Time will tell.
   In closing I would like to say R.I.P. to the late great Herb Carneal. Twins radio broadcaster for 45 years, and will be missed. I would also like to pay tribute to the late Judy Trapp, mother of my childhood best friend Bobby. She passed away this past weekend, and the funeral was today. Sadly, I was not able to attend. I wish Bobby and his family the best from here on out.

quote of the day  -   "I can’t support bike lanes. Roads are built for buses, cars, and
trucks. My heart bleeds when someone gets killed, but it’s their own
fault at the end of the day."
-Rob FordToronto City Councillor
FOOL!!!!!!!

My oh my!!!! What a weekend. The place two be this past weekend was 1st. Ave. I just saw the two best concerts I have ever seen this past weekend. The Band? Umphrey’s McGee. Quite possibly(in my opinion) the best live show a person can see. I’m telling you. These guys can shred it on their instruments. My state of mind helped out too. But honestly, I was blown away. In awe. Who are Umphrey’s McGee you might ask. They have been known to called a "progressive rock/jam band from".  A mixture of this and that. They played 2, hour and a half sets. Just them, only them. Fans chanting "UMPHREYS" and cheering on batman on the big screen as he took down those villains. "BAM", "SMASH", GO BATMAN!!!! Then that screen turned black, the screen rose, and the place turned into a frenzy. WOW!!!!! A must see in my book. It was a fun time. Myself, Matt, Brill, Reggie, and Brandon, all hopped the bus down there, and walked back Friday and Saturday nights. Only about a 25 min. walk to our place. Ran into some old friends and had a grand time.
 
The shop is now completely bonkers. No hope for a break until late
July. Gone are the thoughts of buying a new car. Gone are the thoughts
of actually cleaning my room. Gone are the thoughts of cooking. Now
come thoughts of "wheres the RUM", high stress levels and non-stop
chaos. Do you realize that from now until late July we are turning
wrenches on bicycles open to close, every day of the week? Gotta love
it. So come on in folks. I know those bikes need some lovin’, and Bad Andy and his crew will make em’ happy.
   I am loving this weather we’re having. I’m finally outside riding my bike. No more of that damn, wretched trainer. That thing drives me insane. The latest rain is not helping, but its warmer. A couple of nice long rides with Kyle last week, and hopefully two more this weekend. The legs are coming back, and it feels great. Speaking of feeling great, I just ate a cheese sandwich, gonna suck down some water, and hit the hay. Peace.

:Disclaimer: The "weekly quote" is now going to be called "the former weekly quote" and now will be called "quote of the day". Thank you for you’re cooperation.

quote of the day - "breathe easy, think slowly, dream focused" -Umphrey’s McGee

I was at work last week and I got a message from my mom to give her a call. I called her up and the first thing she said was, "I’ve got some bad news". It turns out that someone that I knew quite well as I was growing up as a child was going to die.
   My very first real friend and best friend was a kid by the name of Bobby. We hung out all day, every day for a number of years. I’m not gonna lie, he was of the trouble making ILK, but he was a good kid and a good friend. We got in trouble a lot and would always get chewed out by his mom Judy. From taking off on his go-kart, starting fires, turning the backyard into a rally pit for the cart, she always caught us. As we hit middle school we grew apart and developed new clicks. Unfortunately for Bobby his click was on the wrong side of the tracks. He missed a lot of school from there up through high school, and got in some trouble with the law. I never hung out with him again from that point up until last Friday night. "You remember Judy right?" says my mom. I say "of course". "Well it looks like she is going to die". I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. From what I’ve heard she had broken her ankle some time back, and developed a blood clot that shot right up to her brain, put her into a coma, and is now on life support. It was really sad news and I felt so bad for that family. She was the lifeblood of the family business. They owned a truck wash and she did all the accounting. I’ll always remember her sitting in her office clicking away at the typewriter and yelling at us at the same time. She made this wonderful hot peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that to this day cannot be beat. I saw Bobby that same day I heard the news at Moe’s Tavern watching The Dirty Harry’s perform. We talked. About his mom, what we have been up to, and what not. It was hard. I didn’t know what else to say besides "I’m sorry". He said we’re welcome to the funeral and I hope to attend. Just makes you realize how fragile our lives are. Think about it. It all started with an ankle injury. Crazy shit. I wish Bobby and his family the best from here on out. I like to think that God needed and accountant.

quote of the week - and excerpt from "Mad World" made recently popular once again by Gary Jules. Originally performed by Tears for Fears.
   All around me are familiar faces
   Worn out places, worn out faces
   Bright and early for their daily races
   Going nowhere, going nowhere
   Their tears are filling up their glasses
   No expression, no expression
   Hide my head I want to drown my sorrow
   No tomorrow, no tomorrow

Its official. Spring is finally here. With all this recent warm weather, most of the snow is gone, so yesterday I went out and did my very first outdoor road ride of the year. It was grand. It was only fitting that some asshole had to ruin it for me. Yesterday’s forecast was to be around 50 degrees. I think it was closer to 60. I hopped into the saddle hoping to do at least and hour and a half on the bike. I instantly felt like a million bucks. I love the first ride outdoors of the year. Its the best ride of the year in my opinion. Fresh air and all the smells you haven’t been around in months. All those sounds while riding. Birds, vehicles, gears grinding, breathing. I would say at about the hour and a half mark I was riding down County Rd. C minding my own business, when a car with 4 guys in it(probably in their late teens, early twenties) started yelling at me as they went by and flipped me off. I didn’t quite make out what they said, but like every other motorist out there that yells at a cyclist, it usually entails "get off the road". So I do what you do back to assholes that do this thing to me. I give them the full on double bird. It usually ends at that, but not these guys. I see em’ turn off and down the road pop out again at a stop sign. This time they are going the other direction and as we pass each other, I put up my hands like "whats your problem" and they hurl a glass bottle at me. I landed right behind me and shattered. I was a little surprised, but that soon led to anger. What if that thing hit me in the head and knocked me out cold(I was wearing a beanie, not a helmet). Its assholes like these that make riding in the cities crazy. I know it goes both ways. I always feel bad when some motorist totally thinks they own the road and I show them how I feel. I wonder who saw that. Do they think the same? Its sad really, but I’m not gonna let some asshole think he owns me just because he is in a motorized vehicle. I’m gonna let you know how I feel. I don’t like taking shit from people. ESPECIALLY from motorists that think its funny to throw shit, and antagonize cyclists. I’ve had small items thrown at me like, paper, plastic objects, even a water balloon once(it bounced off me and smacked on the ground) but NEVER a glass object. I didn’t have my glasses on so I couldn’t get a good look at the license plate number. Honestly, I was ready to throw down right there with those assholes, spandex and all. Anyhoo, I ended up riding a solid two hours in beautiful weather.

    I watched the Wild beat Vancouver last night in overtime @ Van. A huge game, playoff atmosphere, high stakes. I watched Sportscenter today hoping to see highlights, and I got nothing. I was pissed. I think I saw them talk more about football then what happened in the NHL last night. I think now that ESPN is not covering NHL games anymore(Versus is) they are sticking it to em’ by not showing as many highlights as they used to. They have done a bad job all year with covering NHL highlights. The only bright spot is watching Barry Melrose with that slick back almost mullet like hair and how much he loves the game of hockey. I think of all the broadcasters on that station, he is the most passionate and most enjoyable to watch. Today is another beautiful day, and I’m off to enjoy it. Happy Hump Day everyone!!!!

weekly quote -
Rodney Dangerfield:  "I went to a fight the other night and a hockey
game broke out."

"Find yourself a girl and settle down, Live a simple life in a quiet town" I dunno if any of you know what that is from, but its from the band The Raconteurs. Its a great album and I suggest everyone go pick it up. Good stuff, and that line pretty much sums up what I’ve been searching for. Well, finding the girl part anyways. I went to Chipotle today to get some grub, and this women behind me in line was yakking on her cell phone while ordering. Now usually this doesn’t bother me when this happens, but this was an exception. She preceded to talk to her friend or whatever, AND tell this lady to make the burrito how she wanted it done. Down to having the small pieces of chicken, and not the large ones. I could see the frustration on the employee’s face. It was annoying, I wanted to tell that moron to get off her fucking phone!! It held up the whole line behind her too. People should have the common decency to get off your phone while having some sort of a transaction. I get it at work a lot, and it just pisses the hell outta me.  Ok, down to business. Some of you may or may not know that I’ve been given an opportunity to transfer to Madison WI, for work. The opportunity was given to me about 2 weeks ago. Maybe 3. I went to Madtown last week for a couple days to check out the lay of the land, see the two stores service area’s I would be managing, and met the guys out there. It was a good yet short trip, but ultimately helped my with my final decision. I went back and forth on this for quite some time. On one side, why leave? I like where I’m working now. My current place of residency is quite nice and really has that "I’m home" feeling. My family and friends are all here in the cities. I’m thinking about going to school for journalism. On the other side however, it is a promotion. It would be more responsibility and let myself prove I can take on the challenge. It would be a pay raise. I would get to work with my old manager Dan. I’d get to live right by campus and State street downtown Madtown. You can see my dilemma. So, after a lot of going back and forth on this, I have decided that I will be staying in the Twin Cities. Some people might say "Andy, you pussy, its only a 4 hour drive and its a PROMOTION". Yes, I understand that. It comes down to adding my reasons to stay are quite more then my reasons to go. There was a lot at stake then just re-locating for a job. I love my job, but I love a lot of other things in my life that are here in the cities. So thats that. Bad Andy’s staying in town. Now I can get back to focusing on training for the 24 Hours of Afton once again. Speaking of which, I spent a good hour and a half in the saddle today. It felt good. Later on this week, I’ll be doing a ton of skiing thanks to the recent dumping of snow we got. Thats all for now, time to get to those wretched taxes. Cheers!!!!

Quote of the Week - "Pain is a big fat creature riding on your back. The farther you pedal, the heavier he feels. The harder you push, the tighter he squeezes
              your chest. The steeper the climb, the deeper he digs his jagged, sharp claws into your muscles."
   -  Cyclist Scott Martin

Man oh man, I’d give anything to feel that good right now. This whole week I’ve been sick. Its been this nagging head cold that keeps playing games with me. On and off, back and forth. Last night I thought I was over it and treated myself to a glass of rum, a beer, and even rolled up a heater. Bad idea I guess, because I’ve had a terrible headache all day. I left work early tonight because I could not function anymore. Lets hope it doesn’t screw over my busy weekend ahead. On my next post, I will have let you people know what I decided with that "very big decision" I have to make in the next few days. Lets just say, its a biggie. Anyhoo, in relation to my recent thoughts on the subject, religion and faith has been something on my mind a lot lately. I was raised a Catholic and still remain that. However I hardly follow anything it stands for, but I hope to change that over time. I respect anyone who has faith in whatever religion, but I have to stop at Scientology. This has got to be the dumbest smart idea anyone has ever come up with. Only smart because so many people follow it. Has anyone ever read up on this religion. Its a joke. I mean, there are so many different faith’s in the world that all have legitimate backgrounds, but not this one. Its ludacris. I can’t follow a religion that was founded by some guy back in the 50’s. Tone scale(characterization of human mood and behavior)?  The ARC triangle(three components that make up "successful livingness")?  The god  Xenu? Come on. Garbage. Take some time one day and read up on it. It will be a good laugh. I hear comedian and local minnesooootan Al Franken is running for Senate in 2008. Good to hear. Only in Minnesota. So far I like his style. 1. He’s a comedian so you know he’s going to be open minded. 2. He’s not afraid to criticize himself, and 3. "Gosh darnit, people like him". Should be and interesting voting year in 2008. I think the fact that I have started working out again on a regular basis, might be the root of my state of being sick. It throws your body for a loop when you start up on that stuff after a long break. Lets hope it doesn’t last too long. We brewed up a Scotch Ale last weekend, and plan on brewing a German Alt this weekend. The "brewery" is in full swing at the house. Not too long from now we’ll be doing All Grain brewing. Speaking of beer, check out a fellow co-worker of mine who started a podcast about beer beer talk   Its not a bad deal so far. Its in its early stages, but check it out. Not bad. With that I’m off to make some tea, a grilled cheese sandwich, and hopefully getting rid of this cold. Word.

weekly quote - “reject the government’s cruel and cynical interpretation.” Al Franken

Those of you who do not know this man, its a picture of Sheldon Brown holding a wheel of the coveted "POWer wheels" lacing technique. I put it up 1, because I LOVE this picture, but also because I finally laced, tensioned, and trued my very first wheel without assistance a little over a week ago. It really is sad it took me this long but here we are. Soon I will have a duplicate of this picture only of me in it. His site is pretty fucking cool too. If you are a bike guru like myself check it out sheldon brown  So I recently read about a First Lt. in the Army that is refusing to go to Iraq. Correct me if I’m wrong, but shouldn’t you know when you sign up for the Army, Navy, etc. you just might end up going into real battle? At least, thats what I heard.  His court-martial started today and now this schmuck might end up in jail for 4 years. Now I don’t know if he joined the Army before the war began, but had he joined after it began I have no sympathy for him. He claims "my participation would make me party to war crimes". I’m sorry buddy, but you signed an oath, and I believe you should follow through with that. This cold spell has put a damper on my skiing. I don’t mind cold weather, that is when I can just walk around and hang out, but skiing in weather like this is not my first choice. Hopefully by the end of the week I’ll be back out on the trail. I’ve been on a BIG Beatles kick lately. I finally borrowed all of my mom’s albums the other day to burn them all. I say its about time. I grew up listening to 4 things. Classical music, James Taylor, Paul Simon, and The Beatles. My mom is a Beatles NUT. I wish I had gotten into them earlier in my lifetime. Better late then never eh? And with I think I’ll leave you with that.

weekly quote - "
Blackbird fly, Blackbird fly. Into the light of the dark black night" -The Beatles

A snifter of rum, and then if I can find the dugout……………….ok we’re ready to rock. Hello again…Long time no reading? Geezalaweeezzz why not? Oh right, my bad. Its been awhile since my last post. Apologies for that. I’ve been slacking. So yesterday was voted the "most depressing day of the year". Whatever that means. Not much has changed since my last post. Christmas has come, then gone. Not much to speak of on that one. New years at the crib was a hoot. Lots of good photo’s and stories from that one. Just ask. I went out to Breckenridge, CO the second week of Jan. with some friends to ski, drink, ski, drink, and then maybe a little bit of drinking. Good times, and pics of that too!!!! Other then that not much has changed in this world we occupy. The last time a president’s approval rating was this low, my parents hadn’t really met yet, Pink Floyd was kicking ass, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas was being written, and the whole coutnry was stoned. Iraq is still a mess,. Canada still rules, I’m still single, and the Gophers hockey team is still # 1. So what the hell is there to talk about? Well, having snow is finally nice. Apparently recent studes have shown that the old saying "not two snowflakes are alike" is false. Honestly, who the hell spends time  finding useless and pointless factoids like these? And who the hell is paying these crazy bastards? I’d like to meet them. President Bush made his State of the Union address tonight. I actually lisented to it, its the first one I’ve ever had interest in. All in all, I’d say it was well said. He made some good points. I like that he finally recognizes a global climate change, finding new ways of fuel that are enviormentally safe.  His health care goals seem reasonable. I would suggest finding it on youtube, or reading it on abcnew or cnn, or whatever. You just might like it. Those of you that still appose global warming, i urge you to watch "An Inconvenient Truth". Don’t think of it as a global warming documentary, think of it as a save the enviornmment, and a cleaner world. Seriously. Do it. With that I think I might go watch that flick. Then its some Bloc Party and then off to bed. Word.

weekly quote - "Is a Vegetarian allowed to eat animal crackers?" - George Carlin 

Warning: The first portion of this post may bore you if you are not of the bicycle ilk. This past week I got to go out west to Colorado Springs for some training through work. We went to SRAM. Producers of RockShox,Avid,Truvativ, and of course SRAM bicycle products. It was a weeklong techncal seminar they call STU(Sram Technical University). It was pretty damn cool. We took apart their new road shifters(which are by FAR the easiest road shifter/lever to overhaul). Briefly on hydraulic brakes, and 3 full days of suspension. Basically overhauled every kind of damper/spring/fork assembly they offer. All in all it was a good trip. The new RockShox product is pretty badass and is definatley going to put them back on the map. Impressive. It was a class of about 16 "wrench’s" from all over the country. One guy hadn’t been on a mt. bike in over 8 years yet he was there to work on forks!! Needless to say, I learned real quick he dosen’t like mt. biking. WTF?  When we weren’t in class there were some cool things to check out. However, thanks to good old Karma I missed out on some of that. My body decided it wanted to shut down for about 36 hours and make me feel like crap. I was in bed Tuesday night by 4pm and didn’t get up until the next morning at 7:30. I missed some things. Cripes. The Garden of the Gods park was pretty badass. Some wicked rock formations, and Brad circling around one a few times too made it pretty sweet. We only went out and really tore one on Thursday night. We went to this microbrew that had 11 of their own beers. We tried the sampler pack which gives us 3 oz. of each kind. Not bad barleywine. The Irish pub afterwards was much better. A roudier crowd with lots of emotion inside. This one crazy lady was singing to "drunken sailor" drinking a beer in one hand, and holding onto her infant baby who was bawling. I couldn’t believe it. Flew back last night. A really turbulant ride, but the view of the Twin Cities at night was worth it. Spectacular. Good to be home though. Here’s some of the trips highlights.
-getting to airport to leave too early, decide to drink beers
-plane has something wrong with the "strut" wait another two hours. did not drink beers
-first sight of Pikes Peak the next morning
-toy with all sorts of cool bicycle goodies. greasy hands, forks, and coffee. yea buddy
-mark buys little elephant at some weird store
-buy New Belgium Sunshine Ale
-drink that tasty Ale
-Brian’s Bicycle Repair
-mark giving brad shit the whole trip. absolutely hilarious
-thursday nights drunken shenanigans
-seeing a bar that had "Hot Mom Contest" on Wednesday nights
-Garden of the Gods park
-trying to drink our beer late thursday night before we leave and bbqing brats at midnight ouside the hotel.
-car ride back to Denver to fly home. Last of beer is downed.
-crazy old guy back up to Denver in old "hooptee" driving with a Fosters Oil Can in his right hand.
-drunk guy at bar thursday night telling me "I can’t get too drunk, I have to be able to talk to the taxi driver to bring me home".
-saw that crazy guy yesterday at the Denver Airport.

Good Times

weekly quote - "Actually
it only takes me one drink to get drunk. The trouble is I can’t remember if it’s
the thirteenth or fourteenth."
George Burns