Thursday, December 31, 2009

Phone Call

Caller: How long are you open today?

Me: Is this for a delivery?

Caller: No, I just need to drop something off.

Me: So you're delivering something?

Caller: No, I just need to drop something off.

Me: We close at noon for deliveries.

Caller: I can't make it by noon, but I'm not delivering, I just need to drop something off.

Me: As long as you're not delivering, someone will be here until 3:30.

Caller: Ok, I can be there by then to drop something off. Thanks, good-bye.

Me: Good-bye.

Guess I don't have to be in hospitality to enjoy stupidity.

Happy New Year All Y'all!

Monday, December 28, 2009

Back to the Grind

Christmas was quiet and chaotic.

Work this week will be busy and slow.

Happy Monday!

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Merry Christmas

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Great....

now I feel guilty about owning dogs.

Article.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Telecommute

Yesterday, I worked from home. Even though Sam and Julie were in and out throughout the day, I had very few interruptions and was able to do and fix things that I've been trying to get through for quite awhile.

Today, I could feel tension in my neck and head withing two hours of arriving at work and I feel like I've gotten very little done.

Wish my position were more conducive to a virtual office.

Maybe it's time for some change.

Happy Friday, all y'all!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

The Big Ten is considering bringing another school into its conference. There will be a twelve to eighteen month study done to see if it's a viable and worthwhile move.

Congress wants to push the healthcare reform bill through by Christmas. This bill has not been around for even close to twelve to eighteen months.

Is the Big Ten trying to act far too slowly or is Congress trying to act far too quickly?

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

No Lost Screws

No extra screws either. That's the good thing. The bad? The problem wasn't the switch. Well, guess I'll move on to the fan and see if that's the fix. Unfortunately, if I keep moving through the 4runner like that, it will be a very long project. But, I'd end up with nearly an entirely new vehicle.

I have a few days to burn in the next couple of weeks. Think I'll look at the forecast and see if I can find some daylight hours and decent temps to take Rocky-cross out for some miles. I haven't been seeing the sun much lately and it's really getting to me.

Monday, December 14, 2009

I Need to Make a New Rule for Myself

No sitting in the 4runner during lunch when I have my Leatherman with me. It seems that approximately one-third of the dash has been taken apart. The intention was to replace the heater fan switch, but the switch is at home in the garage. What are the chances that I won't lose any screws by the time I get home? Maybe I shouldn't carry a knife with me on a daily basis.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Words I Don't Care to Hear

"We are going to spend our way out of this recession."

Friday, December 4, 2009

Spring Thoughts

I know that this is way early. And, by no means does it mean that I don't want winter. But, I'm thinking that my b-day gift in May should come early and it should be a roundtrip flight to somewhere in the Southwest in say April or so.

It's strange, normally this time of year I don't think that far ahead. But, right now when I do I almost get giddy. I've sat down, pondered, and layed out some plans and goals to be hit step by step. I think what's driving it is the huge let down I experienced from the lack of racing and riding... especially at the end of the season. Now that I no longer see daylight during the week, I really miss saddling up any of my trusty two-wheeled steeds.

Motivation is here now. I need to run with it in a smart way to carry through the next months.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

It has started

My lawn is still green, but the flurries have started. Not like we've gotten 4 inches of snow that would cancel a crit. But already, with barely any flurries, I heard someone complaining about snow while I was at lunch.

Hey! Moron! It's December in Wisconsin! Quit the complaining, act like this is completely normal - because it is - or move!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Champange Hand-ups... Wisco Style


Photo by J. Curtes.

This is one of my favoite pics of the year. No spillage. Many cheers. I love the cross scene. I seem to be having some internal issues that I'm going to need to address. Ben may or may not remember what I agreed to. We'll see next season.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Saturday, November 7, 2009

I was going to post some things today, but I spent too much time commenting elsewhere. Now it's time for coffee and getting prepared to split wood.

Happy Saturday all y'all.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

I must have

a timeshare somewhere that I need to find. I keep getting emails telling me that I can rent or sell my timeshare for top dollar. I feel that I may really be missing out on a spectacular money-making oportunity.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Up in the air

Have some type of bug. Missed two days for the man this week. Hate doing that. Saturday cx is out because of schedules. Maybe I'll fight dano for DFL on Sunday. If I'm feeling a bit stronger, that will be the plan.

Went to my favorite lunch place today and saw an old Toyota with Fuel Cafe stickers on it. Thought I had the only one of those.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Lost my racetime babysitter for tomorrow. Not good. Have no idea how I'll be able to do the Halloween CX now.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Blaster Results - Courtesy of Big Steve and Julie Timeworks



1 Lapper






















Ladies




Place Time # Name City Team
1 1 08 04 101 Melinda Propson Green Bay Performa
2 1 09 46 102 Margaret Ruf Platteville
3 1 20 09 103 Heather Utech DePere Performa
Men




Place Time # Name City Team
1 53 20 104 Constantine Peters Milwaukee
1 53 20 105 Darwin Peters Milwaukee Expo Racing
3 1 06 42 106 Dan Hutter Oconomowoc MOJD Marine
4 1 09 21 100 Thom Mathie Barrington IL










2 Lapper











Ladies

Place Time # Name City Team
1 1 42 42 218 Amy Plato Grafton Twin 6
2 1 48 53 205 Heidi Kraut Oconomowoc
DNF 207 Brittany Nigh West Bend Team Pedal Moraine






Men




Place Time # Name City Team
1 1 22 56 209 Josh Bartoszuk Fuel Café
2 1 26 30 212 Chris Volgrecht Milwaukee Treadhead Cycling
3 1 27 07 66 Igor Norideski West Bend No Ride Ski Racing
4 1 30 18 211 Marcin Nowak Verona Polska
5 1 31 10 201 Steve Cummins Slinger
6 1 31 22 215 Jeff Wren West Bend Extreme
7 1 31 37 204 Paul Kekstak Green Bay Performa
8 1 32 17 216 Jeremy Walworth Oshkosh
9 1 32 24 203 Don Freitaig Marshall
10 1 36 00 206 Andrew Schumacher Kewaskum
11 1 36 01 219 Mark Husband Shorewood
12 1 31 30 202 Dean Zigman Sussex
13 1 40 17 213 Luke Utecht Greenville Performa
14 1 45 51 208 Guy Archambeau Menasha
15 1 47 28 210 Chris Cooper Milwaukee
16 1 57 26 214 Jim Schuldenberg Dallas TX
17 2 03 25 200 Big Bob Neidinger Slinger
18 2 05 37 220 Nathan Keopke Glendale
19 2 10 38 221 Jeff Trepanier Jackson
DNF 11 Jay Curtes
DNF 217 Andy Schinpke Cedarburg Twin 6










3 Lapper








Ladies

Place Time # Name City Team
1 2 01 49 516 Lori Sable Thiensville
2 2 06 10 329 Abigail Strigel Madison Mafia Racing
3 2 11 15 318 Claire Cannon Milwaukee WORS/Twin 6
4 2 11 24 320 Lindsey Kriete Milwaukee Gear Grinder
5 2 15 46 311 Pamela Davis Edwards CO First Descents
6 2 22 27 302 Regina Campbell Wauwatosa Alterra/Twin 6
7 2 31 39 327 Rachel Gatto Oak Forest IL Twin 6
8 2 43 03 319 Gabriela Bartnova Zion IL Club Tread






Men




Place Time # Name City Team
1 1 44 37 315 Rotten Ron Knutowski West of Madison Fuel Café
2 1 44 44 321 Randy Wegener Plymouth Fond du Lac Cyclery
3 1 51 09 330 Kevin Tith Madison B K B
4 1 52 04 317 Greg Jones West Allis
5 1 56 10 301 Brian Petted Cedarburg Fuel Café
6 1 59 30 306 Aristotle Peters Hartford Expo Racing
7 2 00 48 316 Ryan Santoski Milwaukee Team Seagal
8 2 02 53 303 John Lanser West Bend
9 2 04 44 324 Bob Phelps Milwaukee
10 2 06 17 328 John Timm
11 2 09 08 322 Michael Martens Grafton Buc/Nomad Cycling
12 2 09 21 309 Ryan Cowles? Mpls MN Twin 6
13 2 11 15 414 Matt Gehling Madison
14 2 13 18 305 Jake Schipke Cedarburg Team Extreme
15 2 19 31 421 Jim Michlar Whitefish Bay Gear Grinder
16 2 22 25 325 Jared Pleus Sheboygan
17 2 22 32 312 Justin Latham Germantown Got Wood?
18 2 22 33 313 Jeff Bublitz Green Bay Gen-X
19 2 26 20 304 Blake Schlaeppi New London Bean City Brewery
20 2 30 07 310 Todd Neidinger Waunakee
21 2 31 39 307 Keith Wolf Wauwatosa Extreme/Twin 6
22 2 42 28 331 Paul Makela Grafton
23 2 43 32 323 Mark Scheultheis Wauwatosa Chriropractic Partners
DNF 300 Jon Hirsch Hartford Fuel Café
DNF 308 Andy Thieman Edina MN Twin 6
DNF 314 Marc Engelhardt Milwaukee Team Seagal
DNF 326 Al Ruhoff Plymouth










4 Lapper











Men

Place Time # Name City Team
1 2 04 33 402 Darrin Braun Butler Adverture 212/Specialized
2 2 07 34 864 Joe Curtes Fuel Café
3 2 07 53 417 Ron Stawicki Waukesha Team Polska
4 2 10 25 415 Ray Nelson Woodstock IL Tread Head Cycling
5 2 12 42 401 Maiciej Nowak Waukesha Team Polska
6 2 14 52 407 Chad Boyles Cedarburg
7 2 15 03 412 Jack Hirt Wauwatosa
8 2 18 07 Mike Curtes Fuel Café
9 2 19 16 420 Chad Hindebrandt Wausau Team Polska
10 2 21 40 419 Nathan Guerra Oconomowoc Mr. Tree Racing
11 2 21 41 408 Ben Cisheros Waukesha Team Polska
12 2 22 54 410 John Lirette Menomonee Falls Hayes Disc Brakes
13 2 23 36 411 Carlos Haeckel Waukesha AdventureGuatemala.com
14 2 24 26 413 Glenn Kirst Menomonee Falls Wheel & Sproket
15 2 27 26 409 Ben Neubauer Oshkosh Performa
16 2 29 48 400 Bill Nigh West Bend Pedal Moraine
17 2 30 37 405 Dan Schaefer Adell Pedal Moraine
18 2 32 14 404 Mark Burkholz Menomonee Falls Extreme Bike
19 2 56 03 403 Berry Davis Edwards CO
DNF 406 Kevin Plato Grafton Fuel Café
DNF 418 Brian Merklein Hartford Fuel Café
DNF 422 Joel Johnson Wauwatosa
DNF 423 Nate Johnson LaCrosse Mt Borah
DNF 424 Sam Wellskopf Campbellsport

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Shakedown Cruise


Layered myself up to ward off the lower 40 degree temps and took the Rocky-cross out to Beechwood tonight for its inaugural ride. Have some adjustments to make. Front end chatters a bunch under hard braking. Rear brake needs to be dialed in better. It's been awhile since I've set up cantis. Guess I've lost a bit of the touch. Shifting was pretty good. Need to move the hoods up a bit higher. So, for just taking it off the work stand and hitting the trail, it worked quite well. Hooked up nicely. Ran it up False Summit five times and hurdled some logs on the lap that I set up. Have a lot to work on. Legs have very little left in them right now, but it feels great. Maybe tomorrow I'll hit the local park and try out the "course" that Sam and I walked off a few days ago.

Monday, October 12, 2009

It is Built




Since I'm out of the running for total lap count this season, maybe I'll try this on some sections at Beechwood tomorrow (today... I really need to get to bed.)

Sunday, October 4, 2009

The plan was

to finish the x-bike and head to Lapham to see how awful I can make myself feel. But, during the Saturday night assembly I found that the cable hanger for the front brake won't work. Decided to not do the race if I didn't have a front brake. So, no race update.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Some Parts





I have the parts. Time to put the Sam-man to bed so I can start building. Maybe I'll snap some pics for all y'all so you can see what a little old, a little new, a little used and a little off my shelf will turn into.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Sam was coloring... on the 57" screen in the living room. Luckily Clark must have figured that something was wrong, so he ate the crayons.

Thank you, Sam.
Thank you, Clark.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

1 Thing I REALLY Don't Like

Seeing the sunrise,

at work,

on a Saturday,

of a holiday weekend.



Tonight's Booyah Bash and tomorrow's corn roast are helping to keep me going.

Guess I better get back at it.

Happy Labor Day weekend all y'all

Friday, September 4, 2009

It's nearly Friday!

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Cows, Broken Hand and the Po-Po

First thing I saw when I was pulling into the Beech. At least it was penned. BTW, there are a number of cowpies on the trail.

Not me. Heal fast and well, Bob. For others out there, the berm/bowl is a wholelotta different at night. And, it may be renamed.

I think he was on a fishing expedition. The "said" reason he stopped me before I even got a chance to get on the road was b/c I have no front license plate and he also wanted to warn me about the few cows still on the loose. Told me that one had already been hit by a car. Glad I made, for some unknown reason, the decision to not have a single beer. Nothing on breath. Nothing in the truck. Hope no one else had any issues.

Happy Wenesday all y'all.

Monday, August 31, 2009

Showed up at the race venue on time.

Made my donation to the Titletown Flyers and the Reforstration Camp.

Road the course set up for racing.

Felt good.

Beat some that had been beating me.

Didn't place as high as I thought.

Was bottle biotch for the Curtes bros and Maciej.

Went home.

Friday, August 28, 2009

It's Friday. Been a poor weather and ride week. Beech was canx due to rain. Bro-in-law ride was canx due to late schedules. Worked until 6 last night - no ride.

But, tonight, the plan is to ride 16.70 miles broken down into two 8.35 mile legs. How's that for a goal? Heading to doubleBs to sample the first-ever batch of Blaster Octoberfest. We need to make sure that it will be worthy to serve at the Beechwood Blaster before he makes a large batch.

Happy Friday all y'all.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Doing a lot of data entry and deciphering today. Zune is on shuffle. Last five artists: Squirrel Nut Zippers, Rob Zombie, Blink 182, Anthrax, Clifton Chenier. What the heck will be next? Wait for it, wait for it... London Symphony Orchestra playing Russian and Ludmilla.

Waiting for lunch, but moreso waiting for a hopefully early release to head to the Beech and maybe do some cow chasing.

Happy Tuesday all y'all.

Monday, August 24, 2009

It's Monday.

My turkey sandwich wasn't satifying.

My blueberry yogurt was spoiled.

I'm eating a banana.

Hope I can keep from raiding the fridge when I get home.

Friday, August 21, 2009

It's Friday.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Cows and Lights

Tried to get out of work at three o'clock... four-thirty was the real time, but, I was out and headed north to the private course. Last night's Beech went much better than last week's. Brought the gears again. Been really enjoying the cush and being able to climb everything out there - well, except for the "CX Run" part of False Summit. I choose to dismount and run the hill. Yeah, Joe may be trying to talk me into attempting some cross racing this season, but this big ol' body may be telling me otherwise.

Finished lap one w/ only a small amount - compared to Sam anyway - of cow dung in my treads. Seems some of the neighbor's cows got loose yesterday. The lap was strange for me. Started out pretty normal and once I was warm I felt good... quite good actually. More like I normally would on lap two. There were parts of the course where I felt like I was not in contact with the ground. More of a floating feeling. I'm not sure if this is good or bad. Felt in control, but always preferred to be on the ground with bikes, motos, snowmobiles, atvs, whatever. Didn't get to be unnerving, it just felt very different.

Quick mount of the light as an "in case" measure and I headed out for number two. Felt good again. Didn't really need the light until the Penalty Box section. Must have made a difference as I didn't tag either tree that I did earlier in that short ST piece. Finished in the dark. First night lap out there for me. Very different course without daylight. Glad that I've done one-hundred eighty miles out there this year. Got out of the wet kit, pounded some water and took a seat by the fire. Very pleasant evening.

Out after work with the bro-in-law for some pave.

Word is that Thursday night CX nights will be starting. Have not yet broken the news to Julie that I'd like to ride Tuesday, Wednesday and now Thursday evenings. Wonder how she will take it.

Happy Wednesday all y'all.

Friday, August 14, 2009

One for CB's D-bag Report

White tank-topped, teased blonde hair complete with bangs lady driving a Ford Exploder, elbows on the bottom of the steering wheel, right hand with cell phone up to ear, left hand with cig to mouth taking one last puff before flinging the butt out the open window toward the car in the next lane while trying to maintain a straight line on the expressway.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Ladies Night

Thursday night typically means it's Julie's turn to go out with friends. I get Beechwood Tuesdays and Bro-in-law Wednesdays, so I have no beef whatsoever with this set up. But, thanks to glorious weather, this Ladies Night means a ride for Sam and me. Well, Sam will ride, I'll pedal.

Happy Thursday all y'all.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Last night's ride didn't go so well. A huge thanks to all of those who helped me out. Nearly all symptoms are now gone. I'll be addressing the issue soon so I can figure out what the heck is going on with me.

-Big Steve

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

It's no longer Monday. Sweet! Tuesdays during riding season always mean something good. Goal today is to better keep the rubber side down.

Happy Tuesday, all y'all.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Wet


Woke up this morning a little bit later than a normal. Julie got ready for her every other Saturday trek to the office for a 1/2 day. Sam and I were going to do a charity ride for cancer sponsored by the local hospital. We didn't pre-reg and the plan was to show and make a double donation for the cause. Unfortunately, the weather is being less than cooperative. The picture here was taken before 9a this morning, and, yes, that is a street light glowing. Didn't get a pic of the harder rain. But, we've certainly had some downpours where it's been difficult to see the neighbors' houses. The lawn needs this as do the water tables.

Happy Saturday, all y'all.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009


CB chillaxin' during his extended weekend after the 24/9 win.

Julie and Sam along for the ride.

Ouch



Beechwood got me tonight. Yup, it hurt. Monster bruise on the knee should arrive by tomorrow morning.

24/9

I went to the 24 Hours of Nine Mile this year, but as support instead of racing it. Was a completely different experience and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Got about 3 hours of sleep in a 40 hour period. The drive to Door County for a few days of chillaxin' after the race seemed to take forever. At least CB was able to get 1 song on the playlist before he crashed hard in the passenger seat of the toy. I'll throw up some pics from the weekend soon. As far as race write-ups, CB said it best here.

Mt. Trashmore aka Crystal Ridge

I had no front brake for ~1/2 the race in tight twisty singletrack, big ring singletrack and a rough ski hill downward double traverse. Lots of skidding. Slower pace than normal. Skidding changed my lines in the ST resulting in numerous and various sized branches to the arms, shoulders and head. Was seeing stars for a bit and couldn't always remember where in the course I was. I finished, not quite DFL. But, it was Sam's 1st race venue ever. He did great. He truly just loves being outside where the action is.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Counting the hours

until I'm outta here. Very limited saddle time as of late due to some issues. There are things that are more important that riding, but it's not always easy to accept that the rides won't happen, especially when riding has very much been my release lately.

As I type, CB is enroute. Heading to 24/9 tomorrow to support JB and CB in their 24 hour duo effort.

Then off to the water and beach in Door County for a few days followed by meeting at the Beech for Tuesday night. Quiet Wednesday with a trip to the airport to send Chris back to AZ.

Good luck to those of you partaking in any Superweek activities and a safe weekend to all.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Saw the Beach Boys last night. They still sound pretty much the same. One of the few "old" groups that I've seen that haven't dropped their singing by an octave.

Private fenced area with food, silos of beer, advertising Fuel, comped whirlpool suite at the hotel. Was a good night.

Today, although a vacation day was back to reality. Work on the Toyota. Hopefully it will be dependable. Really need it for the next couple of weekends. Still hasn't let me down as many times as the Heep grand cherokee did.

Tore apart the vacuum cleaner to fix it.

Yup, life is good.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Just got back

from a nice near two-hour ride with a neighbor. I think I've found a good riding partner. He makes me push up the hills but not to the point that I blow up to quickly. This is something I really need. My bro-in-law is still coming up to speed on the bike. Hopefully he'll be able to join us on some of these morning rides. He and I are slated to ride after work on Wednesdays. That will make a ride with Neighbor Mark on Saturday or Sunday, Beechwood on Tuesday and Chris on Wednesday. Throw in a solo or two and I should be able to make that jump up.

Today's ride was a bit tougher than I thought it was going to be, but most of that was due to the wind. They're blowing at 15-30mph and we had a 7-mile stretch that was open and right into the wind. Add a couple of hills during that and you have a clyde's least favorite combination: uphill into the wind. Had to get out of the saddle a few times, but I think that helped the legs. Plus knowing that we'd be making the turn soon to have help from the wind made the process more bearable. We had some nice rollers that the crosswind didn't seem to matter much. Then at about mile 18, we made a left and were treated to a couple of 40+ mph downhills. A few more turns and we were heading back into town. Held a nice pace with the wind at our backs and got ready for the little uphill sprint that ends behind our house. Felt stronger than I thought I would and got Mark to the stop sign. He told me he's not going to let that happen again.

Time to get ready for another ride. Family to the park and coffee shop after Sam's nap.

Sunny in the 70s, park, coffee shop, two rides and family time. Happy Sunday all y'all.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Why is it that the people who are complaining about the heat today are the same ones that were complaining about the cold a few months back and as little as a couple weeks ago couldn't wait until we finally got some summer weather?

Beech tonight. Still recovering from the virus and have some aches so I brought the gears. Wanted to have a bit of a softer ride.

Happy Tuesday all y'all.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Finally starting to feel better. It's been a long, long week. Should be able to ride the Beech tomorrow for some laps.

Happy Monday, all y'all.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Well...

I have some explanation about Tuesday night's poor showing and pain. Went to the clinic on Wednesday evening. Right now they're saying that it's a viral infection. But, because I am also showing symptoms of Lyme Disease, sans rash (less than 50% of patients exhibit the rash), they ordered a Lyme titer. No results of that yet. Maybe today.

Happy Friday.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Don't Know

Last night at the Beech I felt quite crappy. Only two laps crappy. I just hurt. My obliques, my shoulders, bi/triceps, neck. I tried to wash the feeling away with some good conversation and a Smithwick's and a Guiness, but it didn't work. Today my hams and quads hurt so much I can barely walk. I've been riding more, but nothing of a muscle teardown in over a week. I'm starting to feel like it may be a medical problem with the amount of pain I'm experiencing. If this keeps up, it will really complicate the decision I'm pondering.

Monday, June 15, 2009

I find it amazing how many wings fans are stuck on Crosby. Chump, Cindy, Cindyrella, crybaby, whiner, wuss, pussy, etc. How good can he really be, he only had one goal in the entire series?

wtfe!

Your team was so concentrated on him that you let the rest of the team beat you. And, if your measure of a good/great player is the number of goals they score in a series, then there are many players who will not even meet the criteria and should not even be playing.

I started my dislike for Michigan fans and their teams in the early nineties because they seemed like such fair weather fans. Not something I was accustomed to as I have always been with people that stuck with their teams no matter what was going on. You may have complained, but you always stuck with your team.

Happy Monday all y'all.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Legs felt tired but good yesterday. Feel great today. Family ride this afternoon. Happy Thursday all y'all.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Reached a New Stretch Goal

Beechwood last night -4 laps. Absolutely shredded my legs. They're toast. Was the fourth lap fun? Nope. Was it excruciatingly long and painful? Yup. Any problems? Yes. The biggest problem is that I want to do it again. I've noticed that I'm finally making little steps at getting stronger out there. The SS is killing me and helping me all at the same time. But, as I said, little steps are being made. Each week seems to bring a better feeling further into lap three. I'll take it. I have no idea how this will transfer to the speed and "endurance" that I'm going to need on Sunday. It is my hope that this will be of great help.

Woke up early this morning and easy-spun on the trainer for 20 minutes. Had trouble turning the cranks when I started. I could feel every area that was cramping last night. Julie was on the elliptical next to me and noticed, as well as commented on, how slowly I was pedalling. I mostly refrained from a smart-a$$ed, cynical comment... mostly. After about five minutes, I started to feel much better and could actually make circles. Sitting here and having to get up and down from my desk, I'm very glad I did what I did at 5:30am. Legs are tired - very tired, but, at the end of the day, when all is said and done, it will be a good thing.