Appropriate

It is extremely cold here today, so I thought I'd post this clip from the 88 Giro to warm everyone up. This trip over the Gavia pass was an exploration of each rider's pain threshold. LBL is now less than four months away (4/18/2009). I'm still considering routes, from the comfort of my fully stocked basement . What length ride would you prefer? I'll put a poll on the right side, so you can vote. I'd like to wish everyone a joyous holiday!

Ramble On

I found this when I was surfing the other day. Wow! I just never imagined that these would morph into that! I also never imagined that this masterpiece (picture)would change into this. Technology is a mixed blessing: it can provide us with items that function wonderfully with no maintenance, for example, a cordless phone. Yet, sometimes, it produces a glossy product that doesn't last half as long as it's predecessor: just take a look at how long stereo equipment lasts these days (or televisions). So you can call me a retrogrouch, but I see no reason to run the latest equipment. As slow as I am, I only need two speeds- go and stop.

Happy Winter Welcome Day!

Samuel Smith makes very good beer. My favorite is Winter Welcome, a wonderful seasonal that will make anyone forget the miserable conditions outside. Speaking of miserable, how about this crap? How screwed up are some people's priorities?

I'm Back!

After a little break, I've returned. I'd like to say I was on some grandiose ride & show everyone pictures of the amazing terrain that I somehow conquered, but I was tired & just drank some beer & vegged out. The KeRNeL is making news, and also dropped me a note wanting to know when LBL 2009 will be. He suggested Saturday April 18th, which sounds like a fine day to drive the moral compass of my soul into 666 land. Will that day work for everyone?

Same as it ever was

eDBiLLy sent me a note, saying that I should still have our Spring Classic called LBL for Lincoln- Beer - Lincoln. I think he's right. To quote eDBiLLy, "What say you"?

LCL 2009

Shmaltz Brewing has graciously offered to sponsor LCL 2009! Props go to DiRk & K-BiLLy for helping line this up. Why the name change from LBL to LCL? I'd like to shorten the ride a bit & also make it more than an out & back course. Hell, by April it may have every letter in the alphabet in its title.

Another Week

At one time, REM was the most important rock band on earth. For you young 'uns, they shook rock music to the core, similar to Nirvana. In CiTy BiLLy news, we have a sponsor onboard for our Spring Classic, LBL (it may be called LCL in 2009).

skillz

When I was younger & dumber, I never had any appreciation for any kind of music other than the genre that I was currently infatuated with. Now, I'd like to think my ears are more open. I can tell you one thing: Sammy Davis Jr. sings the crap out of this song & Paul, Will, Anton & Sid do a tremendous job of emulating a lounge band, and a very good one at that.

Schnoctobeerfest 2008 Recap

The slideshow was up yesterday, so here's the recap. Saturday morning, the weather was cold, damp & foggy. In other words, perfect wool weather. The Merckx was already at eDBiLLy's house, outfitted in full CiTy BiLLy trim (note the 666 number plate). We had a meet & greet before the ride & I met a Hopluia & a Coors Light. 10 am arrived & we assembled for a group shot. Upon departure, I immediately went down the other branch of Greteman's driveway, because it's a slightly shorter route (you know you're in trouble when you're trying to cut 30 feet off a 57 mile ride). Once on the road, everyone started to go at their own pace, which means I was on the back. We had a rather uneventful first 15 miles, save for eDBiLLy & I getting separated from the group at a train crossing (I'm not Tom Boonen, so I'm not going to sneak under the crossing arms). But, being the good natured group that BiLLys are, the whole group waited for us. We arrived at Nickerson, where we had our first beer stop (yours truly had a 24 oz. Miller Lite). Next stop: the KerNeL's parent's house, where we gratefully devoured zucchini bars & brownies. The ride from Fremont to Valley was a slow slugfest, being hindered by a quite strong headwind. Upon arrival in Valley, a stop at the bar was in order. This bar was truly a typical Nebraska watering hole: on the wall, was a sign that said, "The Witch is in", with the "W" crossed out, replaced with a "B". One of the BiLLys order a Boulevard, and was told that the bar didn't serve imports. The bartender then informed the thirsty cyclist they did have Corona! Once we had a few rounds at the bar, it was decided that it was time to get back on the road. The rest of the ride went quickly, with everyone salivating for the keg of Hopluia & MeGBiLLy's awesome Lasagna that was waiting at the end. After supper, it was time for the beer buffet, and after a grueling sampling session, the following awards were granted: Best Import (eDBiLLy) Paulaner Oktoberfest, Best Domestic (Kenyon) Anchor Steam, Best Label (DiRk) Coney Island Lager, Wild Card (Lee) Homebrew Irish Stout. The film "Road to Roubaix" was screened & was a perfect end to a wonderful day. One of the last discussion topics of the day was next year's Schnoctobeerfest: there was talk of a new course, complete with cobbles! Everyone departed, with one of eDBiLLy's brilliant Schnoctobeerfest shirts. Join us next year!

Schnoctobeerfest Recap

I'll be posting a slideshow in the next couple of days, along with a narrative. My dumb butt isn't patient enough to edit a very long post.

It's a Wrap!

Schnoctobeerfest-it was cold, damp, windy & a total blast! I'll write up a more detailed recap when I get some pictures (BiLLys- could you please send me your photos?). The beer judging was fun, with everyone trying beers they'd never tasted (including two of Lee's homebrews). So thanks go to eDBiLLy & MegBiLLy & family for their spectacular hosting job! Thanks, also go to the riders: K-BiLLy, Laura (the first lady to ever fully ride a City BiLLy ride), Kenyon, Lee, DiRk (with his pimpy Langster). KeRNeL, T-BiLLy, B-BiLLy, eDBiLLy & yours truly. Plans are already being made for Schnoctobeerfest 2009, with a possible route change to include a cobblestone section & a date change so the bike & beer buffet doesn't interfere with pheasant hunting (MusCLe, you were missed).

Schnoctobeerfest Happenings

The shirts are now printed- eDBiLLy & I finished them last night. I'll try to post a "spy pic" tomorrow. I just wanted to take a moment & wish everyone safe travels. The weather is even looking stellar! Get ready for an epic day!

Vacation: Day One

I decided to take a well-deserved (at least I think) vacation this week, culminating with Schnoctobeerfest. I have a grueling schedule set up for this week: riding, beer drinking, wrenching on my bikes, some bottling & oh yes, beer selection for Schnoctobeerfest. The picture I've posted shows two different CiTy BiLLy jerseys: the KerNeL is sporting a short sleeve woolie, while yours truly is wearing a very rare item: an actual Schnoctobeerfest jersey, hand- screened by eDBiLLy. As for today, it's 8:45 am, I've already snuck in a fixie ride, am drinking a Spilker & am going to watch a Cyclocross race from Belgium (the motherland). This is truly going to be an epic day!

Don't Just Stand There-Sign Up!

So far, about a dozen people have indicated they want to ride CiTy BiLLy's Fall Classic, Schnoctobeerfest. It's not too late to register! Just drop me a note, you can pay your $20 the day of the epic. What do you get for your $20 (plus a six pack of beer)? You'll get a supported ride, with fine sag stops, such as the one pictured. You'll get a wonderfully tasteful handprinted Schnoctobeerfest shirt, along with our beer buffet, complete with prizes (details). Prizes will include some rare CiTy BiLLy schwag, along with some of Spilker's finest (there will also be a keg of Hopluia for post ride refreshment). We will be screening the new film Road to Roubaix, along with a surprise. We will be taking pre-orders on short sleeve CiTy BiLLy wool jerseys. A great time will be had by all!

Weekend Happenings

I rode my bike this weekend! eDBiLLy & I went to Octaginta in Lawrence, Kansas & had a ball. We ended up only riding the 41 mile route, but with a 4 hour drive, & a wind that was absolutely howling by 2 pm, we both felt good with our decision. In Schnoctobeerfest news, the t-shirts are going to be "Old Skool" white with tattoo blue images. I have seen the drawings & these shirts are going to be very schweeeeeet! We made the decision to go with safe for work shirts for everyone, unless you drop me a note, and say otherwise. Briman is the only one that has requested a NSFW shirt. It's not too late to register! We'd like to have everyone signed up by this Saturday, October 11th, to enable shirts to be made. Join us!

It's coming up fast!

B-BiLLy, this pics for you! The KeRNeL's mom doesn't even like beer, but being the trooper she is, posed for this. She also made some killer brownies, and I think, is ready for this year. Many of the CiTy BiLLy North folks are doing the B2B Fall Colors Tour this weekend. eDBiLLy & I planned on going to the Octoginta
ride several months ago, so we're going to miss B2B, and that upsets me. Now for the obligatory questions- are you coming to Schnoctobeerfest & what are you riding, and for the brave of heart, what kind of beer are you going to impress the panel with?

My First

Get your minds out of the gutter! I went & visited my folks yesterday & they told me that they had a bike they thought I would like. Now, I've ridden some pieces of crap in my life, so I was a little skeptical. Imagine my shock when they pulled out the first bike I ever rode! Things haven't changed much: steel frame, fixed gear. Oh yeah, it weighs about as much as my Guerciotti!

Morning Journey

My journey commences, & the sun has barely begun it's trip across the horizon. As sol makes it's presence known, the rich foliage loses much of the moisture it's gained from the cool, crisp evening. I start out chilly & with the limited flexibility of the weekend warrior that I've become. Yet, somehow after a few miles, my body remembers the previous trips, some of them long & painful, & begins to ease into the task at hand. I experience the continuum of nature: young squirrels, beginning to learn how to forage, just in time for the long winter ahead & roadkill, just waiting for Mardi Gras beads. Holy crap, who do you think I am, John Boy Walton? Went out for a quick fixie jaunt this morning & am now enjoying a great volume beer, Old Style!

Who can ride Schnoctobeerfest?

Anyone, who has a sense of adventure & realizes the main reason we ride is it's FUN! The course itself is about 55 to 60 miles in length with a few hills. We leave no one behind, heck, some of us (me) will be in the back anyway. One of the films we're going to screen is "Road to Roubaix". I saw it for the first time yesterday, and it's brilliant!

Schnoctobeerfest 2008

When: Saturday October 18th, 2008
9 am: "Meet & Greet"
10 am: Ride time
Where: 7315 N. 216th St. Elkhorn, NE

How much: $20 & a six pack of yer choice

*Pre- ride beverages (there will be a keg of Spilker Hopluia)
*Various "hydration" stops
*Route Support vehicle
*Post Ride meal (Italian) & beer buffet
*Limited edition t-shirt (not yer typical Onabike type!)
*Donated six packs will be on the beer buffet & be judged by the group
*Prizes will be awarded in the following categories: Best Domestic Micro, Best Old School Brew, Best Import, Best Label Art (Piss on the beer), Wildcard (wow the group with quantity, quality, a story on how this beer makes your life worth living).


After ride festivities will also include the screening of several cycling films. This year's t-shirts are a tribute to the tattoo artist Jerry Collins- there will be a safe for work version & the NSFW version (actually, the only controversial image is on the bottom back of the shirt, if you would tuck your shirt in, you could wear this to a PTA (PTO?) meeting). We will have one of our waivers to sign the day of the ride. To register, please drop me a note with your t-shirt size. I'll post pics of the shirts, so you can decide which version of the shirt you want.

Schnoctobeerfest 2008

On Saturday October 18th, eDBiLLy is going to host our annual Fall Classic, Schnoctobeerfest, a bike & beer buffet. The ride will leave from CiTy BiLLy world headquarters (west of Elkhorn) at 10 am. The ride will be preceded by a" meet & greet" (meet & greet your favorite beverage) at 9am. The route will be similar to last years, with a surprise or two thrown in. Registration will be opened next week, with information on schwag that will be available. We will once again ask for a freewill offering of a six pack of beer to go into the giant ice barrel. This year, I have decided to open up the judging to everyone: we will have small sampler cups available, along with scorecards! I hope to see a bunch of familiar faces, along with some new ones: See you there!

Merckx Update

I love finding parts to build bikes. They have to be eclectic parts: for some reason, I enjoy researching things on the internet for hours on end. Thanks to Greg, a class act, for the Selle San Marco Rolls saddle. Thanks to my friend, Sam, who took time out of packing for the Dakota 5-0, for the pimpin' tape job. This baby is done, save for the 666 number plate I need to have hanging off the top tube. Anyone have any suggestions on how to get that accomplished? In other news, I'll get info for Schnoctobeerfest posted in the next week. As for tomorrow, I'm going to visit a friend in Cortland. I just ordered two bottle cages, so I can get from bar to bar properly hydrated.

Extravagance

Well, I did it: bought another bike. I got this one from K-BiLLy,
and she is a stunner! An Eddy Merckx race bike badged for Andy Hampsten, from the 89/90 season of the 7-Eleven Cycling Team. Please don't bust my chops for the SPD pedals: I love them, & I'm going to ride the crap out of this bike (special occasions, sunny days). I'm not worthy of this bike: but, there's at least four other bikes that I own that I feel the same way about, so I may get over it.

The Classics

Many of you know I'm a Spring Classics fan, and that I have a special place in my heart for Paris Roubaix. There's a film coming out in the Spring, "Road to Roubaix", that looks promising. For me, there will never be a film that tops "A Sunday in Hell", but take a look at this trailer. In other cycling-related news, I'm headed to CiTy BiLLy NoRtH land today, to hopefully add a very classic addition to eDLoNNiE's bicycle collection. This one is on the up and up: eDLiNDa knows all about it!

Finally!

This morning, I had some free time & jumped on the fixie & rode the Schnoctobeerfest 2006 route to Crete & back (around 52 miles). I can't tell you how good it felt! The picture above is from the 2006 ride, at the first beer stop in Denton. I'm already getting excited for Schnoctobeerfest 2008 (October 18th).

The State of the Union

Here's a pic for you! Artistic, don't you think? I'm slowly getting on the bike, and riding.











I'm constantly inspired by the CiTy BiLLy north contingent! Here's a picture of them, modeling their new King of the Road jerseys, during a recent MS ride- brilliant!



















In my state of the union address, I'd like to mention two things in the cycling industry:
1) Richard Sachs is closing his order que this month
2) Whitney Moyer has quit frame building

Happy KeRNeL Day!

Schweeeeet!

The Voler "King of the Road" jersey is done & from these spy pics, looks like an instant classic (I may be a bit biased). I can't wait to stroll into a tavern wearing this bad boy & order a PBR! In other news, I'm in training for Octoginta & Schnoctobeerfest, two of October's finest. I finally figured out to get on a bicycle again, but it will definitely be a trial to get into anything resembling riding shape. The only way I could do RAGBRAI would be on the sag wagon.

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Now playing: George Jones - He Stopped Loving Her Today
via FoxyTunes

Tweakin' the Clock

I have a weird job: retail. I work most holidays & lately, both Saturday & Sunday. Yet, yesterday (and today) brought a new challenge: working overnight (from 5 pm to 7:30am). The store is short one managerial position on third shift, so I covered it. Now, the grueling part: changing one's internal clock, so I can go back to working my normal shift (7am-6pm) tomorrow. I slept for two hours, woke up, had a cup of coffee, & went and rode the fixie. I actually feel pretty good right now. The one thing that upset me today was the news that Anheuser Busch is being bought out by InBev. I'm really not sure why this news is so unsettling. I'm not a fan of Budweiser, yet I admire the way the company is run. In my job, I have dealings with the company & they're first class, all the way. eDBiLLy's clan & my lovely wife & I went down to St. Louis & had the opportunity to tour the Anheuser Busch facilities, & were treated like royalty. I just hope the good folks from Anheuser Busch are treated with the respect they deserve for carving out nearly a 50 marketshare in the good ole USA. I'll get off my soapbox.

Back in the Saddle

I rode the Panzer today for nearly 30 miles. It is a testament to my fitness level that I even write about a ride of this length. Yet, about halfway into this ride, I was on form. The miles were ticking away, I was spinning (the fixie always stays with me) & I had forgotten about work. Now, I remember why I love cycling! In other news, the order for the "King of the Road" jerseys has been finalized. There will be 20 of these beauties made! The next jersey in the pipeline is a short sleeve woolie! Details to come soon. Pictured above is the Schnoctobeerfest 2008 sticker, designed by eDBiLLy. The Bike & Beer Buffet is Saturday, October 18th. The video for the day is an oldie, but a goodie! When I was in high school, I loved the Cars. The KeRNeL loved the Cars. Here's a live cut from 1979, with the one Cars song I never grow tired of: "All Mixed Up". Ben Orr was a great vocalist.

Sunday is the Deadline!

Want a "King of the Road" jersey? Let me know by Sunday! In other news, eDBiLLy vows to have the shed ready for Schnoctobeerfest 2008! Are you ready?

WTF?

This is eDBiLLy's shed: or should I say, this was what it looked like. Last Friday, a 115 mph wind flattened it to the ground. We went there on Monday & assisted with clean-up. It was hard to fathom that this was due to wind, & not a tornado. Thankfully, the whole Greteman clan is safe. I'll post pics as soon as I get them.

CiTy BiLLy Jerseys for Sale

Voler is the maker & eDBiLLy is the artist. Image is on the front & back of this jersey (the black & white one). Black & white, this is never going out of style! $65 plus shipping. Please let me know by July 6th if you're interested. I do have a PayPal account to facilitate purchases.

The Epitome of Cool

Peter O'Toole has always fascinated me. You just know that throwing down a single pint with the man would lead to a story that would be with you the rest of your life.

CiTy BiLLy NoRtH, wearing the colors

From the sponsoring newspaper, here's some stylin' fellas rockin their workshirts on "Ride with the KeRNeL" day. Great pic B-BiLLy, K-BiLLy, the KeRNeL & the MuScLe!

Update from Tdk

The KeRNeL & the CiTy BiLLy North contingent called me this afternoon from a drinking establishment in Huron,SD (today is "Ride with the KeRNeL" day). Sounds like they rode through rain for something like 23 miles, all the time rocking their CiTy BiLLy workshirts! This will definitely merit a special toast at Schnoctobeerfest 2008 (tentative date: Saturday October 18th). The pic to the left is the KeRNeL, eDBiLLy & I (always the slowest) on the first TdK.

TdK

The Tour de Kota starts tomorrow. The KeRNeL, eDBiLLy & I rode the inaugural Tdk in 2005, and had a heck of a good time (T-BiLLy joined us for one day). I wished like hell I could be up there for "Ride with the KeRNeL" day.

Maintenance

The Panzer's drivetrain has been sounding like grinding gravel lately, so I stopped at Monkey Wrench yesterday for a new chain. It's now time for eDLoNNiE's maintenance tip: replace your chain when it stretches. Buy yourself a chain checker & replace the chain before it screws up your chainrings or your cassette (or freewheel). Steps to replacing a chain: 1) Spilker Hopluia

2) Miles Davis on the sound system

3) Chain tool (if you're me, you can use the one you got 27 years ago)
In other bike-related news, I finally got out for a ride today! Reading the exploits of Snakebite is pushing me to start riding with a passion again. I have to be in decent shape for Schnoctobeerfest.

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Now playing: Miles Davis - Solea
via FoxyTunes

King Eddy!

Eddy Merckx, at his finest, turning himself inside out. October 25th, 1972, Mexico City-49.431 km (30.715 miles) at the end of a season in which he won the Tour, the Giro, Milan-Sanremo, Liege-Bastogne-Liege, Giro de Lombardia & Fleche Wallonne. Simply unbelievable!

Time for a fix!

I am in serious need of a long ride, preferably on the Guerciotti. There is something magical for me, riding a fixed gear. It doesn't happen every time, but there are those rides where you fall into a rhythm, and the miles just fly by. I've ridden in 39X16 so much that I forget to shift on my other bikes, content to grind up hills. Normally, I ride on Thursdays, but this week, there was a thunderstorm, so my commute to Cortland was via the shoebox (Scion Xb).

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Now playing: Benny Mardones - Into the Night
via FoxyTunes

These are the days

So, the other day, I pull the Croll out of mothballs & tell my wife I'm riding the Homestead Trail to Cortland to help a friend. I leave Lincoln at 5:50 am & the ride to Cortland is spectacular. I've got Joni Mitchell on the ipod & am cranking along pretty good for an old out of shape beer drinker. I get to Cortland, and my friend asks me, "How do you ride that bike with two flat tires?". Goathead thorns did in both tires! Maybe next time, I'll ride a road bike.

Happenings

Being a man of impeccable timing, I thought I'd talk about wool today. There are currently two different CiTy BiLLy wool jerseys in existence, a short sleeve (light blue with canary red lettering) & long sleeve (Betty Badass Black). At LBL 2008, the topic of a third jersey, short sleeve, black was tossed about. If you are interested in such an attention getter, please let me know. I'm planning on ordering them so they arrive in time for Schnoctobeerfest (October). Cost would be dependent on number ordered, but let's say $90 tops. In other related cycling news, Grain Belt is finally available here! So right now, I'm enjoying one with my bottle raised to the MuScLE! Hopefully, later in the week, I can do a photo essay on my commute to visit a friend.

Redirect time

I need to ride! I am currently in the worst shape (physically), that I've been in, in a very long time. I hope to go out for some long rides this week on Wednesday & Thursday. Oh, the video I've embedded is from Matthew Sweet, who lived in Lincoln, before he made it big. I think he is a pop genius.

I'm still kicking!

I've been very busy, so not much news. I have updated the slideshow, so that it features photos from LBL 2008.

Maxwell- Chillin'

Never heard of Maxwell? In my humble bubblegum opinion, he's a modern day Marvin Gaye. In other news, we have leftover LBL workshirts, $10 plus shipping (each will be personalized). Just Contact eDLoNNiE if you want one.

Close to Perfect

Ten BiLLys rode LBL. 80% completed the ride: 100% had fun.













The group departed at about 9:15 am, after some of New Glarus' finest.














The support vehicle was very ably staffed by Linda & Meg- here's one of the first rest stops, with water & Gatorade (yes, we drink water).












Arriving in Cortland at Spilker's, after a nearly perfect 23 miles: very little wind.













One of the new BiLLys, K-40, with founding father, eDBiLLy. We had four new BiLLys on this ride: K-20, K-40, DiRk & K-BiLLy! Unfortunately, Sp S-O had another engagement.










The Spilker Tour was definitely a highlight of the ride. The samples were an appetizer for the kegs afterwards. A couple of the Northerners purchased beer & shirts which went into the support vehicle.










Sam did a great job explaining the brewing process & the hard work, that ultimately, creates great beer!













We're off! On the way to Beatrice.















I want to take a minute & thank the CiTy BiLLy North contingent, led by the KeRNeL (they were more than half the riders). Absolutely top notch group of guys!












Here's yours truly, limping into the turnaround point, just outside of Beatrice. I had very few training miles in before this ride, so of course, being the sane person I am, I rode the fixie. The rest of the ride was great- the weather was beautiful, wonderful people, delicious food & heavenly beer. Before I knew it, the sun was setting & folks had to get back home. Can we do this again next week?

The Final Countdown!

Here's a couple of pics that would bring a tear to any BiLLy's eye: two mini kegs of Spilker's finest, getting nice & chilly for tomorrow!

Safe Travels

I hope all the CiTy BiLLys from the state that gave us the Corn Palace, have a safe & fun journey down to Nebraska (insert your own joke here).

Insider secrets for LBL

The menu for the post-ride banquet will include Italian Sausage on a bun with Cowboy Beans. There will be kegs of Spilker's Hopluia & Foggen Lager! If someone wants something else to drink (if you're a designated driver), please let me know. The morning of the ride, I will prepare a breakfast casserole, which will be served at around 8:30 am. Show up anytime for the ride after 8:15 am. We will have fun!

Quick Survey- what are you riding?

Which bike are you bringing to LBL? Please post. Right now, with my total lack of fitness, I think I should be in the back of eDBiLLy's pickup (the support vehicle), drinking beer & eating peanuts. I suppose I'll ride Ventoux.

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Now playing: Led Zeppelin - Ramble on
via FoxyTunes

The week ahead

This is a sad shot. The now gone Foster's Tap in Princeton, Nebraska. Located 18 miles south of Lincoln on Highway 77 (on the LBL route), it was the perfect place to stop for some food & drink. Speaking of food & drink, the final preparations for LBL are on. The Gretemans already got most of the food, so yours truly is in charge of liquid refreshment after the ride. Friday morning, I have to make a trip to Cortland to pick up some Spilker! Would anyone want anything other than coffee, water, juice before the ride? Remember, this ride traditionally starts with a strong headwind. The weather is looking good, keep your fingers crossed!