Steve Tilford

I am kind of in a rush this morning. I hate being in a rush on a Saturday morning, or really any morning for that matter. I’m meeting the Endersbe family, Rivers Eatery propriators, and driving up to a burn area, North of Barnes, to pick blueberries. I rode up there yesterday, which btw, was a new post-op mileage record of 63+ miles, and the blueberries are pretty much everywhere. I guess that is one advantage of having a raging forest fire up in Northern Wisconsin, nature rewards with blueberries.

Like I said above, I rode 3 1/2 hours yesterday and sort of fell apart on the way back. I’m wondering where all those glycogen stores go when you hurt? I really didn’t spend all that much time off the bike, not even time to bonk at 50 miles. I had to stop at a corner bar in Drummond and get a Snickers bar and Coke. It was kind of fun being in the bar later on Friday afternoon, it was good people watching, but I was mildly bummed about not being able to get the 14 miles back without stopping.

I had dinner, once again, at the local hangout, the Rivers Eatery. There were lots of interesting people there. Mick introduced me to Gary Sjoquist, a super cycling advocate and just an all around energetic guy. He is one of those guys our sport needs. He is many involved with NICA, trying to get more young people into the sport in Minnesota, or where ever. Plus, a ton of other stuff. I’d like to meet up with him again to see if I could help him with any of his many goals.

I also had the pleasure to sit down with Craig Bierly and have a glass of wine. He’s been travelling all over the US for the past 7 years, riding his MTB on the best trails he can find. Here’s an interview with him to see how he got to be a MTB transient. And here’s link to his website to follow his adventures. Pretty interesting fellow that is leading a very rich life.

I hate to say it, but I have to suit up for the blueberry picking. Gonna take some Avon Skin So Soft with me just in case the mosquitoes are bad. It hasn’t been too bad so far, but why take a chance.

I stopped by the offices of Mr. Fat Tire himself, Gary Crandall, to pay pilgrimage.

Beth and her rabbit Lucy.

I got to hold Lucy and she is a sweetheart.

Gary Sjoquist enlightening me on advocacy.

Craig Bierly.

Craig’s Sprinter van.

Yesterday went about like I thought. Picking blueberries, romping in the woods with Bromont, swimming early and then later under a full moon. Pretty enjoyable.

The blueberry picking went great. My hamstrings are a little toast from leaning over for so long. It is amazing how many are just out there to be had. Miles and miles of burn area, re-populated by blueberry plants. They are smaller than store bought blueberries, but tastier.

I came back and got “stuck” switching between watching the finish results from Leadville and the Tour of Utah. Brian, Bill, plus Kent and Katie, tandem, were racing yesterday. Plus, Matt Gilhousen, czar of our sponsor, TradeWind Energy. They had a pretty amazing day. Brian was 7th overall, Bill finished 20th, and Kent and Katie won the tandem category. Matt finished, when was his goal. My ex-teammate, Todd Wells won, leading a Specialized 1/2 finish. Wish I was there.

And Utah, was good too. That was a pretty close finish. Everyone had to race, so it was good in that respect. I thought it was interesting that Cadel went back to the Trek Factory Team car to discuss whether their rider would ride in a 4 man break. I haven’t seen that much. Anyway, I guess it worked out for everyone. BMC got the stage, plus kept 3rd overall, Danielson kept the lead, and Horner is happy recuperating from illness, just sitting on and finishing his antibiotics, while he finishes 2nd in the race.

I swam 20 minutes straight in the lake. My shoulders got sort of weak, but I just pulled less and they felt okay. I can’t remember the last time I swam 20 minutes without stopping. I went again last night, during the super moon. Just a warm down swim. The super moon really isn’t officially until today, but since I was swimming after midnight, it was officially already today. There have been 3 super moons this year, the phenomenon when the moon is in its “full moon” stage, and at its closest point to earth during its yearly orbit. Go check it out tonight. The moon will appear much larger than normal.

Dennis was re-elected to the Birkie board last night. I’m not sure how long this term is for, but he’s on. He is also a representative to the Worldloppet Ski Federation, so he’s a very important guy in nordic ski circles. Feel free to call him for favors, but he expects compensation.

This is the one week anniversary of Vincent’s and Lisa’s new baby girl, Petra. I like the name a lot. I want to go to Petra and hike. And, I want to go and see Petra, the baby too, not at the same time though.

Okay, better get back to the harsh time schedule here.