Friday, October 31, 2008 – Today Papa Franz, Katie, and I walked to the store (bakery and meat market) and bought fresh bread and meat for breakfast. It was another feast for a king…bread, cheese, meats, Nutella, jams, coffee, tea, and juice. I don’t think I could have asked for anything more.

After breakfast, Papa Franz, Franzi, Katie, and I went to Altötting and saw the “black mary”, which is a famous statue of the virgin Mary in a church in the town, which as many churches all around the square. People claim that the virgin Mary helped them be healed and produced miracles. We also met Frani’s girlfriend Angelica (Geli?) and then all returned to the Kopfelsberger’s house.

Susanna and Michael joined us, and eventually we went to a hockey game without the parents. We went to a town just outside of Munich. We had dinner at the rink and then watched the game. Michael’s team got their butts kicked, but it was fun to watch regardless. On the walk home, the boys stayed behind and eventually snuck back ahead of the girls to jump out and scare them…it was only proper given that it was Halloween.

Tonight we are staying in a hotel with three rooms and 6 beds for all of us. I had several liters of beer, so I think it is time to go to bed. Bis morgan…

Thursday, October 30, 2008 – Today I woke up at six o’clock. I went to the bathroom (wondering why I had all that beer before bed) and then tried falling asleep again. I didn’t think I would fall asleep, but eventually I was able to settle down for another 2 hours. I woke up to an amazing breakfast…lots of various breads, including brezel (pretzel), cheeses, a wonderful rhubarb and banana marmalade, yogurt to be used as a spread, honey, nutella (I guess peanut butter is not as good here??), and more. Of course, the large spread was for us guests, but it still reflects some of the local breakfast choices.

After breakfast, we (Papa Franz, Mama Ingred, Susanna, Michael, Katie, and me) headed to the salt mines just outside of Salzburg. It was a nice drive, although we could not see the top (Gibtfalt?...I keep forgetting this word, so I am forcing myself to include here) of the mountains due to the fog (Nebel). We took a small train into the mine and went down two different huge wood slides to get to lower levels. The tour guide would speak German for a long time and then play a recording that would have a noticeably shorter English version, but I still picked up on most of the details. The coolest part was an underground pool that was 100m x 30m and 3m deep (?). It was crystal clear, and the reflection of the ceiling made it look like the moon. Unfortunately, I could not take the picture I wanted because everyone was getting on the boat that we took to the other side.

After the salt mine, Susanna and Michael had to return, but the rest of us went to the Konigsee for lunch. I had currywurst and beer. It was pretty good. Still a bit foggy, but a few of the surrounding mountain peaks started to appear. There were lots of shops with clothes and other items that were surprisingly not too expensive. I didn’t buy the $200 lederhosen despite being reasonable.

When we returned to the Kopfelsberger haus, we met Franz (the son) and he took us to a climbing hall. I was only good for two easy climbs; meanwhile he climbed across the ceiling…pretty cool to watch. Afterwards we went to a bar with Franz and one of his friends from the climbing place. I tried a wine that I can not remember the name of…it is supposedly a wine that is very young; not aged / fermented like a normal wine. It was quite sweet, but tasted pretty decent.

After the bar, we took a quick walk on the grounds of the longest castle in Europe. The view of the nearby lake and town was cool; although a bit foggy. I tried to take a few night shots, but they were only so-so.

And now it is time for bed…

Von Deutschland

Ich schriebe von Deutschland...

Wednesday, 11/29 – We hopped on a flight from Appleton to Chicago at 4pm, and from Chicago we started our 8 hour flight to Munich. Once I proved to customs that I couldn’t speak the language well enough to answer their questions, they seemed to hasten their search and let me through. We were greeted with herzlich wilkommen by the Kopfelsbergers, including Susi (Susanna), Papa Franz, und Mama Ingrid. I attempt to stick to speaking German only to take advantage of this opportunity. I hope to only speak English as a necessity.

We throw our suitcases in the car and head to a parking place for the S-bahn (train) to head into Munich. We check out the Marien-Platz and grab a cup of coffee. Then we headed to the Hofbrau Biergarten for some beer and food. I had the Schweinebraten (boiled pork). The five of us split a couple liter mugs (krug) of beer…taking turns drinking out of the big mugs. Good stuff! We walked the market a bit and picked up a butternuus (butternut squash)…the Kopfelsbergers never had it before, so I offered to make it for them for dinner.

We then checked out the Frauen Kirche (church) and then headed to the Olympic park. We went up the needle to get a view of the city; although the overcast weather limited the full potential of the lookout point.

Eventually we headed to Susi’s flat and met her fiancée (which is Schlopen auf Deutsch?). We then headed to Halsbach to the Kopfelsberfer’s haus where Susi and Michael eventually joined us. Mama Ingrid quick made me an espresso so I could hang in there. We made a quick dinner with pasta, homemade tomato sauce (they have a glass house [greenhouse] with lots of tomatoes). I made the butternut squash and added a touch of brown sugar once we tried it without. It was a great dinner, and we had several beers and some good conversation.

I remember several times thinking to myself that this is so much more amazing than I imagined. I love being with a true German family and immersing myself in their culture and language. And they are truly wonderful people, which makes the experience all that much better. How fortunate I am!

the weekend rides

I have been on a bit of a biking hiatus with the exception of a weekend Sheboygan ride. However, with the WORS banquet upon us, the usual suspects got together for a ride at Standing Rocks near Stevens Point. Jesse, Brian and I warmed up with 5 miles of single track before Bob and Diane joined in; then we did the 13 mile loop. Diane actually walked the double track and in horror-film fashion seemed to be just coming over the hill every time we stopped between sections...how is that possible? Okay, I know how, but it still messes with the mind!

After the ride it was time to do a last-minute shower at the Y, which seems to be becoming tradition. Then we were off to the banquet. No award for me this year and yet another year of dodging all the raffle prizes...we did say never again, right? Anyway, it is good to get together with the group, we had a great ride, good food; so overall it was another great day.

Sunday we headed back to the usual traing grounds at "the camp" (Reforestation Camp). Trek had their demo days and I wanted another chance to see if a 69er might be in my future. To my dismay, I rather enjoyed the $4,000 SuperFly even more. The SRAM X0 shifting is precise and flawless! Not sure what that means regarding my next bike purchase. But in the end, it meant a weekend with many hours of biking and it was great to enjoy the Fall weather. Note to future self: Yes, it feels too cold, windy, and about to snow...but throw on a jersey and arm warmers and let the trail do the rest...great Fall riding!

The day was ended with some family time; hanging out with my pops for his b-day. I have a great fam, so it was nice having pizza and playing cards for a bit. Okay, tis the season, so we threw in a bit of politics and religion too :-)

Today I should begin packing for Europe. I am excited to get back to Germany and Austria and hopefully get in some Euro MTB. Frankly, it's just nice not having to work.

Back to SheVegas

Well, after having a DNF during last week's race, Jesse and I headed back to Sheboygan so I could complete my 3 laps. Of course, the morning started out a bit rocky. I still didn't fix my flat from the race and I was determined to go tubeless again since tubes haven't been working for me (and it just isn't right to continue riding half tubeless). So I busted out the Stan's and attempted to set the tire with my floor pump...no good. After many frustrating and even creative attempts, it became clear that it wasn't going to happen. I made a mess and I was nearly out of Stan's too. So, I threw the flat back on for transport and we hit the road.

Once in Sheboygan we checked out Wolf's cycle. Friendly guy, but no Stan's and no higher end mountain bikes to peruse. Then we checked out Johnny's...small, interesting shop, but not what we were looking for at the moment...although I was tempted to see how much the unicycle hidden behind some scooters behind some bikes cost. So, on to Bike and Ski (where we went last weekend on our downtown exploration). Great shop. They had my Stan's, but the guy at the store said he had never applied it. On the plus side, he let us use the shop to do it ourselves. I'm proud to say we didn't spill a drop and the compressor did the trick.

So, off to the course. The tire held up great, so i was quite happy. The trail was very different from last week...lots of leaves and a bit wet, so slippery conditions were inevitable. I was a bit slow for Jesse, but we still had a good workout. I also didn't want to fall while still nursing my wound from last week. All in all, another beautiful Fall day to get out on the bikes.

Tire Gods

I got in another Fall night ride on the Fixie. Tonights ride got down to 40 degrees...it feels colder, but I suppose I just need to adjust from the warm weather we had lately. However, the bigger issue hasn't been the temperature recently; instead, the theme seems to be "flats". The tire Gods have frowned on me again...my 4th flat this month. Different tires and different bikes, but somehow I mastered the flat out. So, I see some Stans in my future for the Mtb and new tubes for the fixie.

Other than that, I have been working on getting my photos organized and online. I am now caught up other than some old photos I hope to scan. Just a week away from my trip abroad, and I am looking forward to posting lots of pictures. But for now, I just need to get some sleep...

She-Vegas

Well, it was "She-Vegas" weekend; the final WORS race in Sheboygan. The usual suspects met up at the HoJo. It was a beautiful Fall weekend with summer temps (mid-70's). We checked out the downtown including the local farmer's market, kayak shop, and bike store. The downtown is actually pretty nice with good restaurant selection, but it was eventually time to check out the course...

There was a decent crowd at the park checking out the course. We headed out through the parking lots leading to the single track...time for a warm-up jump. I hit it at an angle and my rear wheel slides out on the landing. So I left some flesh behind to the dirt gods and continue to check out the course. It's a great course. The "equalizer" seemed much easier this year; not sure if this was the improved skills or last year's washout near the top being filled in. Either way, I was excited to climb it for the first time, and during the race I was able to grab my $5 at the top for a successful climb. As I tucked the $5 in my shorts my energy gel fell out and I thought I heard someone say "your rear tire is flat". Nah, must have been "you dropped your gel pack" or something. So I continue on to the quarry where I proceed to jump down a series of ledges; each drop seemed more dampened than then next until I heard rim. Flat. Damn. So, I toss the bike on my shoulder and walk to the finish line to claim my DNF for 1 point. No podium for me. Season over.

It was an interesting end to an interesting season. Makes me contemplate whether or not I move up next year. Either way, I look forward to an off season of riding for fun and just keeping off a bit of the winter insulation. Maybe take a crack at MUni.

Fall Ride

I went on a cold, wet, and windy Fall ride tonight - and I loved every squishy pedal stroke! The above picture is an attempt to capture my current light setup on the Fixie...I'm sporting the NiteRider FireStorm on front (the white streak), MonkeyLetric on the wheels (the hopping colors), and PlanetBike on the rear (sorry, wrong direction). I am very happy with the visibility to drivers and the bonus of a cool light display.

My goal is to bike through the winter. I did okay last year, but once it drops below 0 with windchills I tend to lose my feet pretty quickly - even with gators over my shoes. I'll just keep toughening up on the relatively temperate Fall weather and take if from there. I am also excited to do some night singletrack...I think I'll leave the Fixie behind for that though :-)

Touching on the personal side for a bit...I think I need some change. I miss some aspects of the city life I had. Although I would miss my garage and basement storage space, I long to return to the urban life...with great access to wooded trails (that's possible, right?). I want to walk to the grocery store, the coffee shop on the corner, and bicycle commute to work. I want to be surrounded by art, culture, and new experiences. I find it hard to leave family and friends, but I know I long for more. These are thoughts I plan to sort out over the usual Fall/Winter introversion.

'76 Fixie

Since my eyes drifted to a 69er during the Trek demo rides, I thought I would throw a little love to my '76 fixie today. I have it all decked out with lights for the Fall night riding season. So far I really enjoy getting out...I love Fall! The temperature has been cool but very comfortable.

My latest edition is the MonkeyLetric spoke lights...very bright LED lights in that create cool patterns as I ride. I think they are awesome, and pretty functional too since people can't help but notice them.

I have been getting back into my pictures lately. I also hope to keep this blog going...mostly for myself, but who knows...I am putting myself out there to whomever may care to look. It is only right since I was inspired by another person's public photostream...thanks CMC! (P.S. CMC, if you are reading this, then you should know I have a major crush...did I say that out loud?)

69er and the HPT

Brian and I ventured out to Western Wisconsin to meet up with Bob and Diane (fellow WORS campers). It was Trek / GF demo day, so I took out a Superfly and a 69er singlespeed. I think I am sold on the 29" wheels. I also think I need to raise my bars 2". Not sure if the demo was a good thing or a bad thing yet...I may now be in the market for a bike, or at least some components.

Overall, we had a blast checking out our friends' local trails and hanging out. What a beautiful area!