Jay Richards

2009-11-10T17:21:00.000-08:00

As expected, November has been warm and relatively dry so far. Seems like in the Fall if one month is cold and wet, the next one is warm and dry. Probably said this a while ago but really hoping for skiable snow for Thanksgiving. The lake is very close to freezing over. Just need a night of calm and teens. Last night only down to the upper 20's and lake was gelling on the north end so it is right there. John Dee has fired up his forecasts and nothing getting him excited the next 10.

Seems like the kids have been playing football whenever they are all together. Rain, snow or shine--- all good.

Head cook Deb had a birthday on a weekend so we picked her up a sugarbush cruiser from Paramount. Deb does an awesome job.
Not much action from the deer stand over the weekend as far as deer harvesting. Lots of sunrises and sunsets and time to think a lot. Saw a few deer. All but one while riding on the Salsa out to the stand. One did see in stand bolted when I moved just a bit. First time in maybe 8 years I haven't seen some type of buck on opening day. Don't get it when probably a 100 deer the past year have tried suicide missions towards our car but you move one inch on the stand and white flags are a flying. Lot of bird action with swans, ducks, woodpecker and other perchers zipping around. A pileated was soaring through Sunday morning just screeching like crazy about something. You wonder if any other critter can understand what it is saying. Sure was noisy.

Jon and Jens have started hockey, Jake has started ski practice and Jack finally started basketball. Bring on the snow!

2009-11-05T20:01:00.000-08:00

The west side of Richwood Road from Richwood to Floyd Lake is hanging on to some nice drifts. If think they have a good chance to make it through this weekend, and be there until April which would be pretty cool. The county groomer grooms the ditches posted below and might possibly be working this white.

In college I would go and ski these drifts not out of desperation but for the love of skiing. If I did it now, someone would probably call mental health.

Deer hunting opens up this weekend. Always a big deal in the area. I just enjoy being out in the woods and will probably be pretty selective. Hope to get out a few times. Should be nice weather for sitting in the stand. Just fun watching deer pass by and other animals and they don't even know you are there. We had the US Fish and Wildlife law enforcement division come down the driveway yesterday and park near the lodge so they could leave their pickup and unload a atv to inspect some hunters up north on the Sugarbush trail. Baiting is a big problem. Kind of like the door knobs in cycling that dope because of pressure to win. Pressure to bag a big buck and put it up on top of the truck and drive back to the cities so better be sure and bait. Interesting talking to the officer. He said one guy called to complain because his neighbor was baiting and the complaint was his neighbor was using better bait than he was and attracting more deer!! Be safe and good luck!

2009-11-02T20:49:00.000-08:00

Few people I bumped in to today asked if there was any snow left. Good thing I had my camera along today.

Snow in the morning in the soccer field at the base of Mt Maplelag.

Snow in morning on south end of Little Sugarbush near the Olk residences.
Snow drift on the south end of Flottemechs north 160.
Jonell entering the Callaway post office amongst some snow piles and what not.
Callaway liquor store with some snow pile action.
Nice looking snow drift 2 miles east of Callaway on Jim Anderson's property just above the Buffalo river.
Closer look at that cornice.
Plow dribble intersection of 21 and 14.

Late afternoon at soccer field. Didn't get much above 35 so very little melting.

All this snow melts and finds it way to the Red River which was looking pretty high at the toll bridge in Fargo today.

2009-11-01T19:44:00.000-08:00

One of the reasons I wanted to head down to the Red Barn cx race was to see Erik and the Erickson Tree Farm. Erik worked at Maplelag for one winter and he also went to the same folkehoyskole in Norway as I did. The school was a great experience. We were in the sports and outdoor course. Lots of great adventures traveling in Norway including week long canoe trips in boundary waters type terrain, backcountry overnight ski trips in Jotunheimen sleeping in snow caves, and climbing/skiing one of Norway's highest mountains, Glittertind. And trips in Europe for skiing. Erik had even more trips going to Africa I think.

Erik and his wife Shana taking the plunge at Maplelag Y2K.

Saturday afternoon I used the pickup to rollpack and small loop. That was pretty comfy. Warm, radio to play favorite music selections, and cup holder for beverage. Guess the PB can do all that but much noiser.
Fun weekend of skiing and outside fun.

Jake took full advantage of the snow, heading out three times on Saturday including a full moon ski and once on Sunday before the snow was toast. The first classic skiing of the year always burns. Icing the legs in 30ish water temp.
This is one of the best times of the year for the angle of the sun. Always some great lighting when the sun is shining.

Brotherly love. Jon wrapped up tryouts tonight, scrimmaging against a St Cloud team and will be playing Pee Wee A. Congrats Jon. The best part of the scrimmage was absolutely no yelling or screaming from any parents. I couldn't believe how quiet it was. It reminded me of when I played JR hockey in Norway. It was always dead silent at the games. Should be a great year.

2009-10-30T20:12:00.000-07:00

Wow, that was a nice quick hitting afternoon snow storm. Yeehaw! Love it. The forecasters blew this one, saying up to an inch accumulation but we scratched about 6 and Callaway reported 8 and Waubun, 13 miles northwest of here reporting 10! Whoever is reporting from those locations, nicely done. Can't ever recall a report from Callaway. Hope it keeps up for November til April. We were going to head to Red Barn cx tomorrow but dicey roads locally and all this new snow to play in will keep us home. Plus Jon and Jens have hockey so plenty going on the home front. Definitely enough to groom but one inch of rain before has the underneath sloshy. Probably will old school it and go up and down Suicide and pack it out on one side and should hold til Monday am. Windy out now. Yikes! Blow down some leaves.

2009-10-28T09:19:00.000-07:00

Past weekend we celebrated Jake's confirmation. Most of the family, cousins etc. were on hand to celebrate. First confirmation makes you think about how fast time has flown by since baptism. Jonell had some pictures from the early days with the kids out. Wow. 1 down and 13 to go.

Dinner in the lodge Saturday night after the Mary Kay convention over the weekend.

Pumpkin Run Saturday morning. After a nice sunny day on Friday, Saturday started much of the same before rain moved in again. Jon walked/ran with cousin Madeline. The only two out of the 13 to give it a go. Nicely done. Jake had confirmation stuff and Marco ruled out since he is running sections tomorrow.

The Griffith and Richards boys. Never had an opportunity to get the whole gang. Thanksgiving.

Yesterday I finished the major mowing on the trails. As usual, Bullhead and the eastern trails are the last to get hit. You never know what to expect on the dam crossings. Water tables are up again and with beaver activity etc. there can be channels or water holes. Have been close a few times but lucky not to drop it in like Bob did a few years back.
About this time of year, people start sending photos of deer, ducks, geese and late season fishing shots like the little perch Jonell's brother Ryan caught the other week.
This is the buck taken by Camp Ripley with the monster rack.
The only thing I got to show is our cat that caught a mouse last week. Like I said before, if you are thinking of doing the pet thing before kids. Don't. Just start having kids. Took the cat to the vet last week for examination, shots, pet care etc. The biggest kicker to me is how you can put frontline on the pets and it seems to work well but nothing for humans. (btw, I am off antibiotics and definitely getting better but still have days you know not quite 100%, yet) I went solo and sure wish Jon, Jake or Jonell would of been along to laugh when everyone "lined up" and congratulated me on being a new kitty owner as I walked out. Huh?! Jonell then took the cat in for Dr. snip snip surgery ear cleaning few days later. Cats are never the same after something like that. Oh, they pulled a deer tick off as well but didn't send home any antibiotics. I just glad the four pets we are taking care of don't have agendas like the kids because I honestly don't think we could do it all.

2009-10-18T19:33:00.000-07:00

MEA weekend for the kids. Five days off from school. Can't remember much of Wed. other than it was rainy and we enjoyed a rare day of doing not much of anything other than keeping on top of continuous lodge correspondence and watching radar Wed night trying to figure out how much it was going to snow. Jake and I pulled the roller out to get ready for some possible rollpacking Thursday morning.

Took the roller out Thursday am which was a bit sketchy but I live for skiing the sketch. Skiing was pretty good actually, all thing considered, and can remember a lot more hairy days of skiing than Thursday. I always feel skiing in poor conditions makes better skiers, not that I am worried about it. Probably the sketchiest ski of all time was on the east side of the continental divide in Glacier National Park after hiking a ridge up and tele skiing down Spot mountain with Mark Morrissey after the upper slope had been wind swept by record winds the day before and was solid ice and total survival ski just to get off the mountain.

MN. Friday we headed east to Duluth to embark on a Three day tri state triangle. Caught the UMD hockey game. Nice contest. Power play cycle for UMD very impressive. Mike Connolly was impressive again. Hard skater, clever with the puck.

Woke up to sunshine for the first time in what seemed like a week after some drunk tried getting in to our room at 3am of the morning. Called the front desk and was pretty entertaining watching him try to get himself down the stairs.
WI. Saturday morning we headed to Baker Orchard for cx action. Great venue with Cullen family serving up a nice plate of racing action, bonfire going, "dogs",apples, cider, cool barn and Jon tuning up for Sunday's game with H-wood. Jens did the kid race and Jake had a solid race in the Cat 3 race taking 3rd overall.
ND. Church Sunday morning then up to Fargo, ND where Jon had his last football game of the year in the Fargodome.
Team played solid once again winning their fourth game in a row. Jon rushed for a couple tds and pulled in a screen pass in and ran another one in.
Hitterdal, MN. Hitterdal is a cool town. Any store that displays the wheels in the front window deserves a picture. Lot of car time but some fun times and good memories and a nice break from a busy and hectic Fall. Sunday afternoon finally nice weather to catch up on some outside projects and maybe the highlight seeing the boys go two on two on the basketball court with no blow ups.

2009-10-13T11:21:00.000-07:00

Head cook Deb is off this week so Jonell and I cover in the kitchen. Smaller groups so we will try new things.

Jonell made Mocha Cheesecake Dreams for dessert and it was the best dessert I have had in my life. I was dreaming for sure. Even made the chocolate sauce from scratch. That's what I want for my 40th birthday Jonell.

2009-10-12T15:11:00.000-07:00

First accumulating snowfall of the year always exciting. Pretty messy in the woods and lots of branches getting bent over but better now than December!

"Snaking" up Suicide Hill Saturday morning before heading south with the Wenzels for cx action on Sunday.

Snow coming earlier than expected. Looking at the 12 hour surface, thought most of the action would of been Saturday early am but started coming down hard and you knew it was going to stick...right when pan frying walleye for 220 for weekend wedding guests. Was a little hectic but I had a good helper.
Batch 3 of 8.
Early morning Saturday, donated other half of kitchen for church to crank out 2000 meatballs for Sunday church meatball dinner. 370 plates served.
The woods look surreal with almost full leaf cover. Some trails can hardly passed through. Duck hunting friend was driving on trail early Saturday morning, missed a turn.....get a call Saturday morning during breakfast rush. "Drove into a swamp" Didn't have time to truck out there to pull him out but relayed a come along and they got out with that thankfully.
Jon and Jens stepping up to the plate doing what needs to be done without asking.
Sunday afternoon after everyone cleared out, took Jack and Jens out to the island mainly to check things out and take in the crisp weather. We don't use a motor, keeping the row boat going old style.
Conditions for duck hunting have been ideal since opener with good wind direction and overcast skies. Hoping to get out with the kids again in the morning over MEA.
My cousin dropped off all our Grandpa's old guns when he visited last winter so I took out the Browning over under. I like duck hunting just to be out in the blind (area used to "hide" from the ducks), watching birds zip by like fighter jets and being in nature makes a successful hunt. It is nice to get a few birds now and then and cook them up with squash, wild rice and other local Fall harvested treats.

2009-10-09T08:28:00.000-07:00

Instead of the teenager helping get the cat down it was the 6 year old and cat helping the teenager. Won't talk why the teenager was up in the tree.
Khaki pants or cross bike? Jens: "Look at those hearts on the truck"
Jim Halver cranking out the rommegrot nicely for taste of our chuch event. Anyone who is in the church basement at 7am making the ancestors proud deserves a photo post. Most of the church not happy with ELCA ruling and might be breaking away.
If this location is E-Goat I wonder if the end of our driveway is C-Goat or S-Goat. Should attend a township meeting and find these things out I guess.
Jack building a fort nicely. I am glad there were no cell phones when I was growing up.
Last dragonfly of the year enjoying the warmth of the brushcutter.
Jake test riding the new wheels. Two weeks off completely before resuming training for the xc ski season.
Jon shivering cold after wet game Tuesday night. Made a dive to avoid a tackle and ended up in puddle. Was fun at the time but nw wind and 38 degrees made 30 min later pretty darn cold. Best game of the year to watch. Both teams playing their hearts out in classic muddy conditions and Jon's team taking the win by 6 pts.
Never would of thought would be playing team that had college friend Heidi and Dean's boy. When McKenna and Mitchell born, could fit size of your hand. Miracle of life. Post game chilli and warm shower hitting the spot after the game and exciting 12 inning Twins finish. Thanks for the hospitality.
Jon's hockey buddy from Moorhead Ice Hogs AAA team coming over last night. David having scary accident few weeks ago, falling on his bike and lacerating his liver. Initial reports no hockey for the year but second opinion has him skating end of this month and possibly checking in the New Year. Hockey starting for Jon and Jens next week.

2009-10-01T16:41:00.000-07:00

Warm summerlike days are probably a thing of the past now. No complaints. September has been awesome but ready for this cooler weather setting in.

Getting some time on the water when I can. Keep thinking of the beautiful ice we had last year and if anything close to last year will be great.

Last day of September. Plan on water indulgence until November 1. No rush to crush. Threading the needle through the wild rice.
First frost of the year is always exciting. Probably not many people taking picture of their wind shields but this gets me pumped.
Frosty leaves.
Been looking for a car for Jake. Pretty impressive only 53k. (miles that is) The green truck is probably half the age with 228k. Asking 2500 for the grocery hauler. Thinking it would be a very nice fit. Could take out the back seats etc. Good thing the Dominator doesn't live in these parts.

I always wanted a van. Think it would be perfect for our family. Can't convince Jonell. Scott Olson used to truck us around in his during the team Zizibakawadaboo days and worked nicely. The built in ladder is the ticket. Option for different towing heights. You could pull people down the city streets after a winter storm like the college days. Just don't go down a one way, the wrong way and first car you meet is a cop.
Neighbor TJ is back for Fall and Winter to help with trail maintenance etc. which is nice. TJ knows the trails and even the cutovers like the back of his hand and is good with the chain saw. Has hunted the area pretty thorough since he was young. We have been mapping all the trails this week for that new trail map and hope to finish by the weekend if not too wet.
We still have the cat that showed up a few weeks ago. This makes cat #6 or 7 for us. I think this cat might make it, even though it has used up 3 lives already (Fly had it by its tail and the cat amazingly escaped somehow) Since then I have been working on the dogs to not get so uptight. The cat isn't like other cats we have, running around doing the big sharp pointy teeth thing and hissing all the time. Sure sits and sleeps funny. If you just got married and thinking of doing the pet thing before having kids, have kids first then get the pets. Much more rewarding.
Cowboy day for the kids today. "Listen hear young lady" Jack says when I pick him up after school. Jack, you didn't say that at school did you says I...ahh.........says Jack ..not to any boys just a couple girls. He said that wasn't as bad as what Jens did. Jens got three girls to laugh hysterically and got them in trouble.

2009-09-27T19:18:00.000-07:00

With a full plate on tap this weekend on the home front, I was sitting tight. Couldn't ask for better weather on the weekend. The trails are awesome right now. Today got windy raw with rain but feels good and reminder winter is not far behind.

Did sneak up to Moorhead to catch Jon's Saturday morning game. His team won and Jon had some nice runs.
Lots of Bruins to run away from. Speaking of bruins, a couple guests reported seeing a bear but I could not confirm when I went to go look. Jonell claims a bear came up on the deck when I was in CO.
Our friend Ramsey from MI on vacation, hanging out with Jon and taking care of him more than he should. Thanks Ramsey.
Driving the back roads home... when I came to the stop sign at 9. There were hundreds of harleys turning on to 26. I couldn't believe how many there were. I looked right and they were strung out for at least a mile. No way was I going to wait so I pulled out and drove on the left side till I could sneak in. I was pretty much smack dab in the middle.

On the shore of Lake Agassiz looking back. I could go for some surfing sayulita right now.
Out of the woodwork even with side standers.
Jonell took Jens and Jake down to St Cloud for MNSCS race on Saturday. Jens won his age group in Kids Comp and 7th overall. Jake raced 2 1/2 hours pulling in 9th. Both Jake and Jens said the course was awesome. They were going to come back and Jake was going to race in Bemidji but they stayed with family instead and Jake raced Porkchop cx. Wenzels brought a cx bike down so he wouldn't have to run with a full sus over the barriers. Bit shorter race at 30 min. He thought the B race would of been better but they have the JR class and license is such....even though lot of the guys he was racing with yesterday were racing A. Wheels moving....all good.
Click to see skinnsyki med size action.
One of the groups here this weekend have been coming for 10 years now. Creative Memories scrabooking group led by Kris, Joleen and Sue. I won't say last names otherwise the head hunters out there from other resorts will be callling them like the last time I posted last names. Super high energy, super positive, hard working, have fun. Out walking at 6am and full on until midnight. Some good memories the last 10 years including the first year they came we had a Native American Indian group here when they checked in. Typical for Native group is to burn sweet grass or sage before opening their meetings and when Sue and co came in they thought a bunch of wacky tabacky was going on and thought what the heck are they getting in to. Little cultural explanation and all good.

2009-09-25T11:40:00.000-07:00

First item of business each morning is cranking out Jonell a cap or machiatto.

Not sure how I got this to happen the other morning. Must of been the coffee Kyia gave me put out by the Mid Min Cycling Club.

Jonell's flowers are liking the open space and extra sunshine thanks to the two trees cut this summer. Warm temps and nice sunshine this month helping out as well.

Remember the first time you discovered what it was like to hear you echo, and everything you said to the other side of the lake, said back to you? Jack did this week.
Jack on water color action with the painting group here this week. Led by Judy Florell who does an awesome job bringing a lot of folks to Maplelag. Three times a year with a group of ladies around 20 in the late winter and full plate of activities.
We got our huge shipment of pumpkins, gourds, and goose squash this week from Virgie and Marlin Ziegler. Before I could take a picture of it all, Jonell had it displaced and decorated in fine form all throughout the lodge. All the rock moving training paid off.
Minnesota Forest Resource Council meeting on Thursday. My mom serves on the board. Did a tour with the group along with our local forester Dave Johnson who is pointing out some facts. Dave and I will be doing a new trail map for the Maplelag trails, using gps and some of his programing. You know you have some heavy hitters in the group when they talk about hanging out with Pawlenty. Good meeting and some interesting discussion for sure. Highlighting our #1 focus of providing great trails while implementing forest management of growth and seeding/planting of new trees which has been over 100,000 since the mid 70's.

2009-09-22T18:43:00.000-07:00

Sunday wrapped up a great weekend in NW WI.

Jens enjoying the smooth surfaces everywhere, working on his no brake stoppie.

I don't think I could of set this picture up. Maplelag/Paramount team members all in the photo, racing in the Crit cross and posting solid results. Jake 5th, Trent 9th, Matt Wenzel 11th and Steve W 12th. Very nice representation. Sunday was probably the hardest day of the year to not be part of the action, racing wise. The crit/short track racing is my favorite and I really liked the format this year. I was real tempted to give it a go but figured best to not push it. Appt on Mon has me two more weeks on antibiotics and go from there.
Jack Hinkens "nailed" the last barrier practicing before the qualifier but in racing action didn't have a chance to throw it down until the last lap he had the opening after passing Ezra and stuck it. Little hockey mentality coming through the way I saw it. Very nice.
Cloud Andersons and fellow Cloudonians represented the best cheering section at the awards ceremony so we did our best to cheer Kyia on during her dig.
Fans. Grandma Judy is lucky that poodle didn't dig in that caramel corn with Rodney not sitting post.
Grandpa Rodney putting down the Fat Squirel and GU chunks and getting the vision to discover the wolfhorse. Condo full blown upnorthsugarcoatedcabinpotpourifeel
On the shores of GG for a pit stop. I think Brian Matter could of made it to south Duluth faster than us but the swim in the Brule river which was icy cold (flowing in to Lake Superior) sure felt good and hard to pass Duluth without getting a Sitka Sushi sandwich.
Jens in form. We missed having Jack (who was at a birthday party) and Jon (football game on Saturday) but a great trip and good memories. Thanks to Grandma Mary for having Jon and Jack and holding down the fort.

2009-09-19T12:08:00.000-07:00

Another great day of racing at Chequemegon Fat Tire Festival. Jake defended his title nicely in the Short and Fat, taking the win over Tom Meyer and Luke Baker who rounded out the podium spots.
Start was controlled until the bridge where Jonell was standing, taking these pics. (photos from the big camera won't get downloaded until we get home) Jake was tucked in behind being patient. Jens, Grandma Judy and Grandpa Rodney along to take in the action.
Jake and Tom broke from the main group a few miles back that consisted of Luke Baker and Michael McBurney and a few others. I was up the hill a bit from Jonell, nervous as heck waiting for him to come. Jake made his move with a mile to go and hang on to take the win by six seconds. Jake said the race was harder this year, mostly due to the dust and exhaust being kicked up by the four wheelers and hard racing of course.

Crossing the line. It was awesome to be there to watch the finish.
Podium.

Maplelag team riders Trent Warner and Matt Wenzel having solid races today as well. Good job.

Going in as the favorite has a lot more pressure and nerves. Great job Jake. We are very proud of you.

2009-09-17T08:54:00.000-07:00

The warm weather this month has slowed down the color action on the leaves. One of the best times of the year when there is still lots of green but a nice blend of color in the mix. Summer like nights this past week, sapping out as much supper outside as possible.

Jon running to the outside Tuesday night. He his enjoying playing and has met some new friends in the process.
The cat from last weekend is liking his stopping point. We called around and no one is missing. Can't believe someone would drop it off from the wedding group, you never know I guess. The cat is not a wild cat so we aren't really sure where it came from.

Big Chequemegon on tap for the weekend. Haven't missed many editions since the first one attended back in 1990. Jonell and I were set for the 40 on the tandem but the lymes deal this summer put training and racing on the back burner and we will be going to just watch Jake. Should be fun and nice to get away one last time before hunkering down for the winter for good. Follow up appt. this week has me back on antibiotics but I am going to wait until Monday when I see infectious disease specialist in Fargo to see what he says. Hopefully get things figured out because still not 100%.

P-cakes lakeside, August 29th, 2001. Should be some great racing across the board. Good luck!

2009-09-13T19:56:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe we are looking at the middle of September here shortly. Non stop action since camp ended making the time fly by. Big wedding on the weekend keeping things going around the clock. All good.

Grandma Judy, Kriston Wenzel, Jonell and Marci after setting the dining room up nicely. The picture I am not supposed to post but they did an awesome job getting things dialed.

A kitty cat wandered in about the time the wedding party was having their pictures taken and kept on rubbing against the mother of the bride so.....in to our house it went. Sunday night the cat is still in our house...along with a fresh bag of kitty litter and cat food. Our last cat has been on a month vacation. Usually it takes off for a few weeks, comes back then is gone but my feeling it found its way to Sugar Creek rd and found it better. Just like Lucky dog who wandered through the woods, an animal that was possibly displaced doesn't have the ego like a foo foo from the pet shop. I have a feeling this cat is going to stay if we don't find the rightful owner.
Cowboy from Oklahoma. Don't see this in the lodge every day. Said he hasn't had any folk take a pictures of his wranglers. Said I would of done the same last weekend but lycra shorts don't have any pockets. Super nice guy, helped out big time moving benches etc.
Sunday traffic jam on the Goat Ranch road. Pickup to the left pulling a rice boat. Commercial rez set up that knocks some serious rice into the boat. If you heard a helicopter type noise during the Loppet weekend, it was this guy making laps on Big Sugarbush. Talked to Jonell's brother and he and a friend knocked out 232 pounds over the weekend. Hoping to get out this week while it is ripe and ready.
Jake giving thumbs up for more speed during some motor pace action Sunday afternoon. Had the cruise set at 33 and wanted more going up final hill at 36ish. Speed was not an issue, was running out of gears, drafting behind the big Yukon. Think I am going to look for a motorcycle.

2009-09-11T20:04:00.000-07:00

First week of school in the "books".

Ready for another year.

Getting a ride to school one day this week by the Big brother. Watch the gravel roads!
Jon heading off to middle school.
Jonell helping Jack get set up.

Five minutes in Jens and mates looking like they are thinking of summer past.

2009-09-09T11:40:00.000-07:00

To blog post proper for the weekend, I would have to post a picture of everyone that walked through the door, even the folks that brought dogs. Its all the great people that either race, spectate, volunteer, take pictures, cook food, time the event etc. that make it happen. The list is huge for those to thank but special thanks to Steve Wenzel who organized a crew to take down the fencing post race, Tom and Lori Warner for stepping in here and there doing anything, Matt Johnson bringing up the MNSCS start chutes and columns, Kyia running the skills clinic and my most awesome wife who is simply amazing.

Jack did such an awesome job singing the star bangled banner two times. He was a bit nervous the second time, mainly with all the people but I told him to look up at old glory and pretend there was no one around.

Enjoyed the good conversation with John Sandberg. John pulls some throttle in the winter and didn't quite know what to think of the snowmobile signs. Good stuff.
H-Wood and K-Wood chilling Sat night with Grandma Mary sharing photos. When there is wood, its all good.
Jens racing Kids Comp. Jens had a great race winning his age group which was the largest class of all the races over the weekend and was fourth overall among all Kids Comp which was the largest Kids Comp this year according to head timer Greg Blasko. Jens has the late December birthday so still has a few months at age 6 before he officically is 7.

Having ridden a few laps with Jens, I know exactly where he got off his bike and got back on at Suicide Hill even though I didn't make it out there. Jens rode Jack's bike a few times but he does better on the single speed and smaller bike so that was his choice for race day. Jens would go out and ride laps on his own at times you would least expect so he had the course dialed for sure. Jens has bike handling skills that blow us all away in the fam, whether on the dirt jump track or singletrack.. and make us quiver.
Jake had solid races across the board. Told him that if he drilled it in the tt and st, that is as good as any training you can do as he does final tune up for Cheq. Jake was hoping to crack the ten minute barrier but that is ripping pretty fast and 9 seconds back off the 4th spot is solid. I knew the xc would be long and the focus was just to ride steady and smooth. Nicely done Jake.
Jake cranking it in the short track as the old man dad blares on the megaphone.
Jon didn't race on the weekend, nursing his neck but had a good time playing with Brendan and Jen's Tegan and engaging in long conversation with their parents. Jen's dad came up to me Monday morning and said some nice things about Jon which only made Jonell and I proud.
Race photos by skinnyski.com
The short track racing is always the highlight of the weekend for me and once again Doug Swanson and crew did not disappoint. Thanks again to everyone who made it a great weekend!

2009-09-02T19:34:00.000-07:00

Things are looking great for the weekend.

Shirts are in. (Nicely done Tony on the design this year)
Trophies are in.

Fall threads are in and Jonell did and amazing job once again getting the gift shop in tip top shape. Need to recruit her to the freight houses.

Course is all set. Blowing out all the single on Thursday and Friday morning. Bunch of riders out riding tonight and reports were good. Always nice having Steve Wenzel come out check things out a few days out, gets everyone fired up nicely.
We added some whoops to the side of the dirt jump track. Jake on down to Jens are liking those. The only kicker is that I will have to push them to a big pile again since JibFly ski trail starts here. No problem. Jake said the rest of the dirt jump track has set up nicely. We have been watering it down since all the new jumps have been made with black dirt. Looking forward to the weekend!

2009-08-31T19:48:00.000-07:00

Last weekend of the summer spent nicely with family on both sides. All nephews and nieces etc. visited with over the extended weekend. Cool weather had it feeling like late September or something. Calm and sunny most of Sat and Sun and about as good as it gets.

Setting up a tent for Grandma Judy's birthday party on Friday. Nice having all the extra hands.

Uncle Jim cooking up walleye Jonell's brother and dad among others caught over the summer. Rubber gloves critical for inspection and tossing for flour coating.
Jonell reminiscing with drivers ed teacher from high school.
The gang.
Jody and Jonell's dad Rodney. Jonell's dad had kidney failure 8 years ago and basically needed a new kidney. Jody said "you can have one of mine".
Bonfire Sunday night with my sister, her boys and Uncle Dan playing gitar nicely singing bible camp songs.
Jake teaching Jib some new tricks.

2009-08-27T18:50:00.001-07:00

I've been keeping my eye on the wild rice this year, hoping I can get out a couple of times for some harvesting. Last time I went was when I took the boys on Bullhead lake 3 years ago. We hit it a little late but was fun to show them what it is like. The crop is looking pretty good down there, probably the best out of area spots I have looked at. The best time was when I went with Jonell's dad maybe 10 years ago and we hit it pretty good in the Park Rapids/Lake George area. Went with Jonell's brother a few years back, we just went one afternoon south of Park Rapids but was pretty green and didn't cook out so well. Growing up I used to go with my parents and if you have ever riced before, getting the rice in your throat or down your shirts and pants isn't fun.

Stopped in Richwood today on way home from town. Saw a guy filling up with gas that had a ricing canoe in the back. So I asked him is take on the ricing scene. He had just come from Round lake on the Tamarac Natl Wildlife refuge, east and south of here about 10 miles. He had knocked down a few pounds but was pretty green and needed 3-4 days. He showed me some and it looked farther along than the the rice in front of our house. I ended up talking to the guy for about a half hour. He was hard core. He was rambling off all the top spots in the state of MN and knew ricing backwards and forward. He is part native so is able to get permits on the rez. Anyways he said he had 6 different canoes he uses and went through the pros and cons of each. Ended up exchanging numbers and said he would give me a call on a whim since he is always looking for partners. He talked about going to Mallard lake near Mille Lacs but that would be a haul and better for me to stay nearby. He said on a good day at Mallard a couple guys could knock out 400 pounds.

2009-08-26T11:25:00.000-07:00

Busy week on tap getting ready for the bike race and closing out camp end of this week. In Duluth over the weekend for Jon's last summer tourney. Whole family was there, making for some fun times in between games.

Jon has stepped up his physical play, liking the open ice checks and learning along the way. Few too many penalty minutes though but some adjustments by winter season should have him good to go. Talked to a Canadian fellow who is interested in having Jon play on a Canadian team next summer. Thats a long ways away.

Played at MARS rink at Marshall, Cloquet rink and the new Heritage center (above) All very nice rinks with the Heritage center being built just last year I think. Has to be pretty awesome when a cities team comes up to play Duluth East.

They have done a very nice job displaying the history of Duluth hockey and what not at the Heritage rink. Liking the Police jersey and goalie mask.
Jens and Jamie. Running all over the rinks. Jamie is sister to Josh who plays with Jon, also from DL>
Canadian parents from Thunder Bay tailgating nicely.

After playing in the Cloquet rink, went into Cloquet for burgers at Gordy's and noticed some guys wailing on each other, midevil style. After we ate had to drive back there and check it out. Jack was totally digging it.Jens said the lid was heavy.

Guy let Jack try some stuff on. Guess they have competitions for this and clubs and what not.

Went up to Spirit and rode there Saturday morning. Jake double flatted making a short ride for him but I rode around scoping out some loop variations. IMO, Spirit would be an ideal place to hold the National Champs. Maybe in a few years I might put a bid in to organize it. Combined with some folks who have put on events and some contacts to build gravity stuff, could be a nice event. Could have a pretty sweet 22-23 minute lap. Record rain the days before we were there and most of the singletrack was wet. Super fun and technical. I'm only good for about a hour though.We went to the ESPN X games 3d movie that just came out. Never got a picture of all of us with the glasses. Movie was pretty good, just got a little long near the end.

Sunrise on GG.

Fun times.

2009-08-19T23:47:00.000-07:00

Jonell has been using the swag bags nicely Jake and I scored at Sea Otter. Folks have come up to her at the grocery asking where she got them.
A few summers ago we hauled in a bunch of candlepin bowling ball size rocks and filled up the whole slope in front of hour house. Jonell didn't like that so she personally moved every one basically and pulled out the plants and re planted the lakeside area and did some other landscaping touch ups. Very nice Jonell. We have left most of the other lakeshore in front of Maplelag "native", not letting Peter cut loose with the weed trimmer. The lakeside drop area might look a bit different this year but ride the same.

Last night we had Gustavo (ARG) and Jaiver (MEX) over for a end of summer dinner. 8:30-9pm might be a little late for us but early for these guys with supper often 10pm at home for Tavo, going past midnight. Gustavo is the second half dean of the Spanish camp we have here at Maplelag and Javier is his right hand man. Since the last 12 years we have been at Maplelag, these two guys have been here every summer. It is really nice having the same folks back as they know the routine and there isn't really any panic button pressing and Tavo's attitude of "everythings great, it will all work out" keeps the wheels moving smooth. Tavo's family runs a hotel in Argentina and doesn't have a problem flushing a toilet or too. Javier has also unplugged quite as well a few making things much easier for me.
With the enrollment changing for various reasons, the days of Spanish camp might be numbered and a new language camp would take its spot. A fun evening sharing stories of old of all the crazy memories, people and situations. Tavo and Javier are the best of friends but have a lot of differences and a riot listening to them speak half Spanish half English all with good laughs. All the times we have gone to Mexico we have always been to the coast and pretty isolated in one spot. The stories from the interior are interesting for sure. But my Mom also shared the time we went down to Mexico as a family when I was only 3, driving from Minneapolis to Mexico City then to Puerto Vallarta. Took 52 hours driving non stop. Hearing some of the stories I hadn't heard before, think I am lucky to be alive.

2009-08-17T13:45:00.000-07:00

It definitely felt like a return to Fall weather today with the temp falling to the 50's and a cold rain early afternoon. A few trees have started changing already, usually the ones that have been subject to stress etc. We have a couple trees right next to our house that needed to come down but dragged my feet because I hate thinning trees right around the house. (Squirells had been chewing the sweet maple bark off the branches and pretty much did the tree in.) But better to take them down when you can versus middle of the winter after a nice winter storm and a dump of snow and a tree has crashed on to the house and you have to deal with that instead of playing in the snow.

Took the tree down to the left no problem but the one that had the dried and colored leaves took some examination to determine proper way to cut and make sure I didn't drop it on the house.
Fell in good spot with no harm done. Jonell helping out the clearing. Nicely done. Going to have to take Jonell out this Fall when deadfall clearing. Probably wouldn't get anything done then!
Managed to save the little sapling next to the cut tree. Hopefully will grow up nicely. Not expecting it to grow up like the tree that was taken down.
Blocks for campfire and grilling. The lingering of sawdust when cutting leaves a aftertaste of maple syrup.

Last week we pretty much had kid friends over every day. All good. Highlight of the week was Jack's birthday party on Friday. Nice hot summer weather for plenty of water action etc. Looking forward to Labor day weekend when I can have a bunch of my friends over.
Jon sporting some serious hockey hair. Last tourney of the summer coming up this weekend in Duluth then we are going to cut it low for football, if we can. Going to be a good tourney with some solid teams. Skating in three rinks I haven't been in so look forward to that and hopefully feel good enough to ride out at Spirit Mtn with Jake.
Sunday headed down and over to Wisconsin for the Border Battle. Still on the sidelines recovering from lymes....good days and bad days.....learning to be patient and letting it steer its course. Photo above brought back a few memories: Don Schimachael back on the mtb solo.....think last race saw him besides Cheq. was Gear Grinder in Jamestown but he would make it over to the Prairie Knights Casino race south of Mandan. Made fun of my cut off bib shorts at that race. Doing Cheq. with Adam Bergam stoking. Andy Dahl in polka dot jersey: raced against Andy back in the 90's. Never forget the National race at MT Spokane I drove out to with George Hayes and met up with Eric Bartz and Jeff Hall and Andy threw a tube down after I flatted saving my race. The days of 100+ riders in each Expert age class.
Thoughts and prayers going out to Geno who crashed yesterday. Talked to Gary Sjoquist at Q active today and said Geno punctured a lung, broke a rib and one other bone. Tough deal. I guess Eddie Karow, also in photo above above, stopped to help with evac after dicing and duking with Geno and dnf'd after helping. Just good people all around at these mtb races.
Jake raced JR X having a solid race taking first among all JR xers. 4 min riders on the podium including Maplelag rider Trent Warner. At WORS cup they started separate from Male and Female elite but yesterday they were right behind the Elite riders with no time break so lots of traffic to deal with. All seemed to turn out okay. Fun watching the elite races. Like the shorter laps, making for tighter racing. Did feeds for TJ Woodruff and was kind of crazy since he was drilling it at the front on most of the laps opposite sides so I had to make sure I didn't take out the other riders. Enjoyed visiting with folks I normally wouldn't if racing and explain to some folks curious about the Loppet that Maplelag isn't 7 hours from River Falls and we do have electricity. Ha! Good stuff.