I'd like to thank the Academy of Clickers and Linkers for their support
To those of you who have been kind enough to visit my blog site, repeatedly, in such a short span of time I'm now officially Googleable. Just type in dee-icing in google search and my blog site comes up - within the first three listings. That's very cool! I'm told it usually takes several hundreds of visits/hits to a blog site before Google latches on to it during a search.
James Brown says it best:
Which of course HAS to be followed by:
Thanks, everyone!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Milk Cartons, Iron Butt Update, Walz-On-A-Stick
Have You Seen Me?
No, my picture isn’t on the back of a milk carton despite what my friend Pat says. I know it’s been awhile and I need to make amends for my absence. I did have some computer issues for a few days. Good Lord, I can’t believe how incapacitating it is to be without the webz and cyberworldz! In the end all I have to say is that I LOVE the Geek Squad guys almost as much as I hate Best Buy – and that’s a lot.
Grab a cup of your favorite caffeine and let’s roll…
Iron Butt Rally 2010
Per IBA rules, daily blogging was not allowed. It’s sad to think that in an amateur competition, people feel the need to cheat, hence the no blogging rule. Now that the rally is done I can share with you all the dizzying miles racked up by our resident biker chick.
Connie rode her motorcycle day and night, night and day. Through Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming and back to Colorado. Next came Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota (Lakeville actually, on Hamilton Drive, next door to me to be exact), Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and finishing up in Spartanburg, South Carolina. That’s 17 states folks – all within the allotted 5 days.
Following her progress via satellite was one of the most interesting, fun and educational things I’ve done in a long time. It was nice to have a purpose at 3:00 a.m. with the insomnia. I gotta admit I thought the night hours had finally made instant oatmeal out of my brain cells when I watched the tracker ping through MN and right into Lakeville. Stepping outside to see her with my own eyes was surreal. Not wanting to tamper with her official routing I didn’t make contact but I was certainly dying to!
She slept for only a few hours at a time before showering, eating and hitting the open road again. Some pit stops for gas were as short as 4 minutes in order to be on time in South Carolina. Torture and Fulfilling are the two words Connie used to describe the total experience. She didn’t hesitate for a second before answering YES! when I asked if she’d do it again. Connie finished in the middle of the pack and I have to believe that’s pretty astounding for a first timer. Congratulations, Connie – You Did It!!! And for your efforts – a wooden plaque, the respect of your fellow riders, your family and friends.
Knowing my dear friend as I do, I’m pretty sure she’s already making notes for the next time she participates in the Iron Butt Rally. Oh, and the award for the best named town/landmark on the map throughout the whole trip goes to… Greater Green River Intergalactic Spaceport. Look it up, it’s real.
In Memory Of Mom
Sadly, Connie’s triumph was tempered by the loss of her mother the day after she returned home from South Carolina. Blessedly, her mother passed away in her sleep. Connie and her mom were very close, more so in recent years. When her mom’s health issues increased, Connie transitioned into the primary caregiver role as many children do with aging parents. Something that never changed over the years was their mutual love for the Minnesota Twins. Connie never failed to call her mom after every game to chat about how the boys played. Connie’s mom was one of her biggest supporters, as any good mom tends to be. You all know by now that the reward for completing an IBA ride is a wooden plaque or trophy. Connie’s mom called before every rally ride to wish her daughter good luck and to “get big wood!” I’d like to believe she waited for Connie to get wood and come home safely before leaving this world.
Pronto Pups and Wes Walz
It’s here – the Great Minneosta Get Together! It signals of the end of summer for most folks. For me it signals the fast approaching hockey season. The State Fair has hosted the Wild since their first season ten years ago. And who was among the first players to appear at the fair, you ask? Why that would be Wes Walz – like you didn’t see that coming a mile away. As the team celebrates Year Ten (prepare to be sick of hearing that phrase by game 10 of this season) it seems appropriate that one of the most valued players in the team’s history makes an appearance at the fair to reveal the top 10 games in the team’s history. I would just like to point out that even though Wes hasn’t been with the team since 2007 he is still as big of a draw, if not bigger than most of the current players. I’m just sayin’. Robyn and Vicki will be happy to know that I was a much more composed puck bunny today. I didn’t turn all giggles and blushing, well hardly at all…just a little.
Thanks to Bobbi for a fabulous day at the fair on Friday – great people watching and conversation with you! We’re just a couple of simple country girls at heart, happily making our way through the DNR building and livestock barns. We spent a good amount of time in the creative activities building – marveling over quilts and embroidery work. Today I spent about two hours in the Ag-Hort-Bee building perusing the flowers, veggies, honey and wine entries. Great music on Friday by The Brass Kings. Bobbi – do you remember the name of the trio we listened to at the coffee place? Two guitars and a bongo/drummer…they were joking about their scheduled appearances at the fair and how folks should not bother coming on the days they wouldn't be playing.
Vicki - 23 days until we're in our seats!
No, my picture isn’t on the back of a milk carton despite what my friend Pat says. I know it’s been awhile and I need to make amends for my absence. I did have some computer issues for a few days. Good Lord, I can’t believe how incapacitating it is to be without the webz and cyberworldz! In the end all I have to say is that I LOVE the Geek Squad guys almost as much as I hate Best Buy – and that’s a lot.
Grab a cup of your favorite caffeine and let’s roll…
Iron Butt Rally 2010
Per IBA rules, daily blogging was not allowed. It’s sad to think that in an amateur competition, people feel the need to cheat, hence the no blogging rule. Now that the rally is done I can share with you all the dizzying miles racked up by our resident biker chick.
Connie rode her motorcycle day and night, night and day. Through Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming and back to Colorado. Next came Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota (Lakeville actually, on Hamilton Drive, next door to me to be exact), Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and finishing up in Spartanburg, South Carolina. That’s 17 states folks – all within the allotted 5 days.
Following her progress via satellite was one of the most interesting, fun and educational things I’ve done in a long time. It was nice to have a purpose at 3:00 a.m. with the insomnia. I gotta admit I thought the night hours had finally made instant oatmeal out of my brain cells when I watched the tracker ping through MN and right into Lakeville. Stepping outside to see her with my own eyes was surreal. Not wanting to tamper with her official routing I didn’t make contact but I was certainly dying to!
She slept for only a few hours at a time before showering, eating and hitting the open road again. Some pit stops for gas were as short as 4 minutes in order to be on time in South Carolina. Torture and Fulfilling are the two words Connie used to describe the total experience. She didn’t hesitate for a second before answering YES! when I asked if she’d do it again. Connie finished in the middle of the pack and I have to believe that’s pretty astounding for a first timer. Congratulations, Connie – You Did It!!! And for your efforts – a wooden plaque, the respect of your fellow riders, your family and friends.
Knowing my dear friend as I do, I’m pretty sure she’s already making notes for the next time she participates in the Iron Butt Rally. Oh, and the award for the best named town/landmark on the map throughout the whole trip goes to… Greater Green River Intergalactic Spaceport. Look it up, it’s real.
In Memory Of Mom
Sadly, Connie’s triumph was tempered by the loss of her mother the day after she returned home from South Carolina. Blessedly, her mother passed away in her sleep. Connie and her mom were very close, more so in recent years. When her mom’s health issues increased, Connie transitioned into the primary caregiver role as many children do with aging parents. Something that never changed over the years was their mutual love for the Minnesota Twins. Connie never failed to call her mom after every game to chat about how the boys played. Connie’s mom was one of her biggest supporters, as any good mom tends to be. You all know by now that the reward for completing an IBA ride is a wooden plaque or trophy. Connie’s mom called before every rally ride to wish her daughter good luck and to “get big wood!” I’d like to believe she waited for Connie to get wood and come home safely before leaving this world.
Pronto Pups and Wes Walz
It’s here – the Great Minneosta Get Together! It signals of the end of summer for most folks. For me it signals the fast approaching hockey season. The State Fair has hosted the Wild since their first season ten years ago. And who was among the first players to appear at the fair, you ask? Why that would be Wes Walz – like you didn’t see that coming a mile away. As the team celebrates Year Ten (prepare to be sick of hearing that phrase by game 10 of this season) it seems appropriate that one of the most valued players in the team’s history makes an appearance at the fair to reveal the top 10 games in the team’s history. I would just like to point out that even though Wes hasn’t been with the team since 2007 he is still as big of a draw, if not bigger than most of the current players. I’m just sayin’. Robyn and Vicki will be happy to know that I was a much more composed puck bunny today. I didn’t turn all giggles and blushing, well hardly at all…just a little.
Thanks to Bobbi for a fabulous day at the fair on Friday – great people watching and conversation with you! We’re just a couple of simple country girls at heart, happily making our way through the DNR building and livestock barns. We spent a good amount of time in the creative activities building – marveling over quilts and embroidery work. Today I spent about two hours in the Ag-Hort-Bee building perusing the flowers, veggies, honey and wine entries. Great music on Friday by The Brass Kings. Bobbi – do you remember the name of the trio we listened to at the coffee place? Two guitars and a bongo/drummer…they were joking about their scheduled appearances at the fair and how folks should not bother coming on the days they wouldn't be playing.
Vicki - 23 days until we're in our seats!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Half Way Through The First Day - Connie's Progress
The First 12 Hours
From Denver to New Mexico to Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park she’s buzzed along. Coming out of GCNP she’s tracking NW on highway 89 and has made her way to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area just south of the Utah border – all within the first 12 hours. You and I are all like, wow – what an aggressive rider! Connie is still running on adrenaline at this point. Since this is her first Iron Butt ride I can assure you she’s determined to make her mark. It will be awhile before I start to worry about how Connie’s feeling. I know she’s got the energy drinks and energy bars. I know she knows her limits. Still, I’ll end up worrying at some point – it’s what friends do. By the way, it’s 10:30 p.m. and our gal has crossed into Utah. Already the list of National Parks Connie has been in or riding just outside of, is getting long – add Grand Canyon National Park, Kaibab National Park and Desert View Campground. But I have to say that my favorite city name by far to this point has to be Tuba City, Arizona. That just caught my eye on the map and made me giggle. Unlike Connie, I'm signing off for the night. I'll be back in the morning with an update on her progress and some insight into the man who makes her engine purr - if you know what I mean.
From Denver to New Mexico to Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park she’s buzzed along. Coming out of GCNP she’s tracking NW on highway 89 and has made her way to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area just south of the Utah border – all within the first 12 hours. You and I are all like, wow – what an aggressive rider! Connie is still running on adrenaline at this point. Since this is her first Iron Butt ride I can assure you she’s determined to make her mark. It will be awhile before I start to worry about how Connie’s feeling. I know she’s got the energy drinks and energy bars. I know she knows her limits. Still, I’ll end up worrying at some point – it’s what friends do. By the way, it’s 10:30 p.m. and our gal has crossed into Utah. Already the list of National Parks Connie has been in or riding just outside of, is getting long – add Grand Canyon National Park, Kaibab National Park and Desert View Campground. But I have to say that my favorite city name by far to this point has to be Tuba City, Arizona. That just caught my eye on the map and made me giggle. Unlike Connie, I'm signing off for the night. I'll be back in the morning with an update on her progress and some insight into the man who makes her engine purr - if you know what I mean.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Iron Butt 2010 Begins! Second Article in a Series
Riders, Start Your Engines...
And she's off! Connie rode out of Denver this morning, a little before 9:00 a.m., with her checkpoints and bonus spots mapped out. I'm tracking her progress via the satellite link she authorized me to use. She's been heading southwest on 160 all day.
As I post this Connie has shifted more directly south, having merged onto 491/160. Place your bets, folks! She could be headed for New Mexico, Arizona or Utah from her current position.
From what I can tell, Connie has been driving through some beautiful country - parts of the Rio Grande National Forest, skirting the San Juan National Forest and driven past the Mesa Verde National Park on her left. I hope some of the checkpoints and bonus stops include these places. Bobbi is a huge National Forest fan so I'm hoping she'll comment on the scenery Connie's driving through.
This first leg of the Iron Butt Rally has Connie heading out of and coming back to Denver within 36 hours or so - sometime Tuesday night. She'll talk through any bike issues with Randy, he'll change the oil and I think he'll see the bike through another inspection.
The second leg of the rally will begin in the wee hours of Wednesday morning, or what I like to call 'zero dark thirty' or 'getting up at the crack of my ass'. At 4:00 a.m. she'll receive her new bonus/checkpoint list and then she'll spend an hour or two mapping out her route. She's hoping to be on the road again by 6:00 a.m. or so.
In the meantime - take a look into Connie's world of riding...
And she's off! Connie rode out of Denver this morning, a little before 9:00 a.m., with her checkpoints and bonus spots mapped out. I'm tracking her progress via the satellite link she authorized me to use. She's been heading southwest on 160 all day.
As I post this Connie has shifted more directly south, having merged onto 491/160. Place your bets, folks! She could be headed for New Mexico, Arizona or Utah from her current position.
From what I can tell, Connie has been driving through some beautiful country - parts of the Rio Grande National Forest, skirting the San Juan National Forest and driven past the Mesa Verde National Park on her left. I hope some of the checkpoints and bonus stops include these places. Bobbi is a huge National Forest fan so I'm hoping she'll comment on the scenery Connie's driving through.
This first leg of the Iron Butt Rally has Connie heading out of and coming back to Denver within 36 hours or so - sometime Tuesday night. She'll talk through any bike issues with Randy, he'll change the oil and I think he'll see the bike through another inspection.
The second leg of the rally will begin in the wee hours of Wednesday morning, or what I like to call 'zero dark thirty' or 'getting up at the crack of my ass'. At 4:00 a.m. she'll receive her new bonus/checkpoint list and then she'll spend an hour or two mapping out her route. She's hoping to be on the road again by 6:00 a.m. or so.
In the meantime - take a look into Connie's world of riding...
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| The Cockpit: 1 of 2 GPS units here seen here. Cear tubing is fed from the water jug. |
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| High Tech Helmet - hard to see the ear piece and microphone for her phone, but it's there. |
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| Extra fuel cell Randy designed, built & installed. Water jug not his design, but does the trick! |
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| This little doohickey is her satellite tracker - really cool toy! |
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| 3:15 a.m. Wednesday - getting 'geared up' and ready to head out for Denver. |
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| One last kiss goodbye from the hubby/master mechanic who makes this all possible. |
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| Engine on, countdown begins... |
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| Clearing the 'cargo bay' |
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| Final systems check and then she's gone... |
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| Prep work - extra fuel cell secured. Flashlight secured below can be used as a weapon as well ;) |
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| Connie and her cockpit the day before heading out to Denver...get the idea she's a Victory supporter? |
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| Victory Rules! |
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Get Your Rally On! First Article In A Series
Anxiety and Anticipation
My friend Connie is a little preoccupied these days. She’s prepping for a major ride next week and this one is a first for her. She’ll be attempting to ride 5000 miles in 5 days as she tackles the Iron Butt Rally 2010. She’s been working out, checking her gear, making lists for packing. Randy, the love of her life and master mechanic, is busy as well. He’s got her bike on the lift in his garage: putting new tires on, making sure the extra fuel cell he designed and installed is working to his expectations. He’ll go over the bike, part by part, to make sure it’s running safely. Then he’ll prep his own bike to make sure he’s ready to go, even though he's not actually participating. Randy will provide maintenance support for Connie prior to the start, afer the first leg of the rally and then meet up with her at the finish line. I can say with total confidence that no other rider will be in better hands. Connie is always quick to say that she could never do these kind of rides without Randy's support. She's speaking of their partnership as a couple, not just his crazy-good mechanical skills.
The Iron Butt Rally, sponsored by the Iron Butt Association, is considered to be the ultimate competitive motorcycle endurance ride. It is one of the last amateur competitive motorcycling events. The rally consists of checkpoints located around the United States. Riders will start in Denver, Colorado on Monday, August 16 and finish up in Spartanburg, South Carolina on Saturday, August 21.
Here’s how the rally works: Points are accumulated by arriving at checkpoints (pre-determined destinations) within the allotted time and by visiting optional bonus locations between the checkpoints. In order to be considered a finisher of the event, riders must be present at each of these checkpoints within a two hour window. It is not a race, but rather a test of planning, preparation, strategy and tactics, riding skill, and endurance. This is what really appeals to Connie’s competitive side while also giving her a sense of freedom and release. Driving her on (pun intended) is the possibility of picking up the optional bonus destination points which can boost her final standing. The ride takes place regardless of weather conditions – rain, sleet, snow, desert temperatures, thunderstorms and the occasional hurricane. At the end of this adventure the successful riders are rewarded with… a handsome trophy and the admiration of their fellow riders. That’s right, no cash prizes or brand new cars await the victors. Remember, this is an amateur competition. A trophy or a wooden plaque and a sense of accomplishment – that’s what motivates these riders.
Connie rides out on Wednesday this week to meet up with fellow Iron Butt riders in Denver. She'll have lots to do prior to start of the rally next Monday. Randy will leave on Friday to meet Connie in Denver for the pre-rally bike inspection. He'll be allowed to respond to any concerns about her bike and it's modificatons, like the fuel cell and line to the main gas tank. Then he steps aside as Connie receives her checkpoint list. She'll be on her own as she plans the route she'll take and programs her GPS. Her rally begins when she rolls out just a couple of hours later.
I'll be up at 2:30 a.m. tomorrow in order to see Connie off for Denver. I'll post pictures of the bonvoyage ceremony after I go back to bed and then get up a few hours later.
Here's team Gabrick in action - Randy let Connie take his bike last summer when her own bike went down for the count just days before she was due to ride in The Great Lakes Gold run. How's that for True Love?!
My friend Connie is a little preoccupied these days. She’s prepping for a major ride next week and this one is a first for her. She’ll be attempting to ride 5000 miles in 5 days as she tackles the Iron Butt Rally 2010. She’s been working out, checking her gear, making lists for packing. Randy, the love of her life and master mechanic, is busy as well. He’s got her bike on the lift in his garage: putting new tires on, making sure the extra fuel cell he designed and installed is working to his expectations. He’ll go over the bike, part by part, to make sure it’s running safely. Then he’ll prep his own bike to make sure he’s ready to go, even though he's not actually participating. Randy will provide maintenance support for Connie prior to the start, afer the first leg of the rally and then meet up with her at the finish line. I can say with total confidence that no other rider will be in better hands. Connie is always quick to say that she could never do these kind of rides without Randy's support. She's speaking of their partnership as a couple, not just his crazy-good mechanical skills.
The Iron Butt Rally, sponsored by the Iron Butt Association, is considered to be the ultimate competitive motorcycle endurance ride. It is one of the last amateur competitive motorcycling events. The rally consists of checkpoints located around the United States. Riders will start in Denver, Colorado on Monday, August 16 and finish up in Spartanburg, South Carolina on Saturday, August 21.
Here’s how the rally works: Points are accumulated by arriving at checkpoints (pre-determined destinations) within the allotted time and by visiting optional bonus locations between the checkpoints. In order to be considered a finisher of the event, riders must be present at each of these checkpoints within a two hour window. It is not a race, but rather a test of planning, preparation, strategy and tactics, riding skill, and endurance. This is what really appeals to Connie’s competitive side while also giving her a sense of freedom and release. Driving her on (pun intended) is the possibility of picking up the optional bonus destination points which can boost her final standing. The ride takes place regardless of weather conditions – rain, sleet, snow, desert temperatures, thunderstorms and the occasional hurricane. At the end of this adventure the successful riders are rewarded with… a handsome trophy and the admiration of their fellow riders. That’s right, no cash prizes or brand new cars await the victors. Remember, this is an amateur competition. A trophy or a wooden plaque and a sense of accomplishment – that’s what motivates these riders.
Connie rides out on Wednesday this week to meet up with fellow Iron Butt riders in Denver. She'll have lots to do prior to start of the rally next Monday. Randy will leave on Friday to meet Connie in Denver for the pre-rally bike inspection. He'll be allowed to respond to any concerns about her bike and it's modificatons, like the fuel cell and line to the main gas tank. Then he steps aside as Connie receives her checkpoint list. She'll be on her own as she plans the route she'll take and programs her GPS. Her rally begins when she rolls out just a couple of hours later.
I'll be up at 2:30 a.m. tomorrow in order to see Connie off for Denver. I'll post pictures of the bonvoyage ceremony after I go back to bed and then get up a few hours later.
Here's team Gabrick in action - Randy let Connie take his bike last summer when her own bike went down for the count just days before she was due to ride in The Great Lakes Gold run. How's that for True Love?!
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Heat, Humidity and Hockey
Ice, Anyone?
August in hockeyland is typically cold and desolate, despite the humid heatwave we're experiencing here in Minnesota. For me, this is the hardest month to get through while waiting for the season to begin. There's just nothing going on, or so I thought...
The Wild signed 37-year-old John Madden, winner of three Stanley Cups - most recently in June with the Blackhawks, to a one year deal. He's a defensive forward that will remind you of a former Wild player I'm fond of. Chuck Fletcher's take on John: "The things [Madden] does really well are always areas you're looking to get better in -- defensive play, killing penalties, faceoffs." My feelings for Wes aside, this signing makes me wonder about the chances of Casey Wellman making the team out of training camp. On the other hand, I'm pretty sure this means that Sheppard is all but outta here. Unless James acquired mad hockey skills and sense over the summer I can't imagine that he'll make the team given the signings during free agency. Now, Madden is no spring chicken and I know some folks are already moaning about the acquisition of yet another aging grinder. Please, people - remember that the Wild's current lack of cap space plays a bigger role in who they could sign than the desire to make the flashy signing.
So, recapping the Wild's activity this summer here are the centers that will more than likely anchor our four lines this season: Mikko Koivu, Matt Cullen, Kyle Brodziak and John Madden. For me, it's not worth speculating about the rest of the players until training camp and into pre-season this year. I don't think we're in it for the Stanley Cup next June, but I don't think this is going to be a wasted season either. I do admit to being concerned about Cam Barker's value compared to having given up Nick Leddy. I think Dave and I are on the same page regarding the ultimate cost of that trade. Man, I can almost smell the ice...it's only 47 days until pre-season games start.
Until then, I leave you with this video. Stay Cool!
August in hockeyland is typically cold and desolate, despite the humid heatwave we're experiencing here in Minnesota. For me, this is the hardest month to get through while waiting for the season to begin. There's just nothing going on, or so I thought...
The Wild signed 37-year-old John Madden, winner of three Stanley Cups - most recently in June with the Blackhawks, to a one year deal. He's a defensive forward that will remind you of a former Wild player I'm fond of. Chuck Fletcher's take on John: "The things [Madden] does really well are always areas you're looking to get better in -- defensive play, killing penalties, faceoffs." My feelings for Wes aside, this signing makes me wonder about the chances of Casey Wellman making the team out of training camp. On the other hand, I'm pretty sure this means that Sheppard is all but outta here. Unless James acquired mad hockey skills and sense over the summer I can't imagine that he'll make the team given the signings during free agency. Now, Madden is no spring chicken and I know some folks are already moaning about the acquisition of yet another aging grinder. Please, people - remember that the Wild's current lack of cap space plays a bigger role in who they could sign than the desire to make the flashy signing.
So, recapping the Wild's activity this summer here are the centers that will more than likely anchor our four lines this season: Mikko Koivu, Matt Cullen, Kyle Brodziak and John Madden. For me, it's not worth speculating about the rest of the players until training camp and into pre-season this year. I don't think we're in it for the Stanley Cup next June, but I don't think this is going to be a wasted season either. I do admit to being concerned about Cam Barker's value compared to having given up Nick Leddy. I think Dave and I are on the same page regarding the ultimate cost of that trade. Man, I can almost smell the ice...it's only 47 days until pre-season games start.
Until then, I leave you with this video. Stay Cool!
Friday, August 6, 2010
Birthdays and Bad Ass Motorcycles
Connie – this one’s for you:
My dear friend and best next door neighbor EVER celebrated a birthday last week. It was significant in that she turned 50. It was insignificant in that Connie neither looks nor acts like a 50 year old. I attribute this to passion. Connie is a passionate person. She’s dedicated and determined to bring her team in at 100% success rates at work. She’s loyal to the Minnesota Twins and Vikings, sharing in the triumphs as much as she cries over the lost games. Connie is an avid dog lover/owner who, like me, would donate a kidney to her ‘kids’ if possible. She has drive and determination like very few people I’ve known in my life.
Connie pours her heart and soul into everything she does and that kind of energy level needs a release valve. Everybody has one, that’s not unusual. Some of us are just more highly strung when it comes to our release mechanisms. Connie’s release comes in the form of motorcycles. Victory is her brand and her current ride is one Bad Ass Motorcycle to be sure. This machine is both sexy and snarky at the same time. It’s built for long distance riding and that is Connie’s true passion. We’re not talking leisurely drives to Stillwater on a Sunday afternoon. No, No…Connie needs a sense of accomplishment in addition to being on the open road.
On her milestone birthday Connie saddled up and hit the open road to revel in turning 50. Her birthday present to herself: racking up 1536 miles, from start to finish, in just under 24 hours. I call this kind of riding freakin' insane. She chalks it up to completing yet another BunBurner ride. These kind of rides are nothing new to Connie, in fact she’s done a number of them, along with a couple of 1000 mile rides which are referred to as SaddleSore rides. The names for these rides aren’t titles Connie and Randy came up with just out of the blue. The Iron Butt Association (IBA) sanctions these, and many other long distance rides. Their motto is “World’s Toughest Riders” and I’m living next door to the poster biker chick for the IBA. I’ll write more about this distinctive association in the coming days. And you all have to know that Randy also rides and is THE master motorcycle mechanic – hands down. But just for today I wanted to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my favorite biker chick friend. You make 50 look fabulous!
My dear friend and best next door neighbor EVER celebrated a birthday last week. It was significant in that she turned 50. It was insignificant in that Connie neither looks nor acts like a 50 year old. I attribute this to passion. Connie is a passionate person. She’s dedicated and determined to bring her team in at 100% success rates at work. She’s loyal to the Minnesota Twins and Vikings, sharing in the triumphs as much as she cries over the lost games. Connie is an avid dog lover/owner who, like me, would donate a kidney to her ‘kids’ if possible. She has drive and determination like very few people I’ve known in my life.
Connie pours her heart and soul into everything she does and that kind of energy level needs a release valve. Everybody has one, that’s not unusual. Some of us are just more highly strung when it comes to our release mechanisms. Connie’s release comes in the form of motorcycles. Victory is her brand and her current ride is one Bad Ass Motorcycle to be sure. This machine is both sexy and snarky at the same time. It’s built for long distance riding and that is Connie’s true passion. We’re not talking leisurely drives to Stillwater on a Sunday afternoon. No, No…Connie needs a sense of accomplishment in addition to being on the open road.
On her milestone birthday Connie saddled up and hit the open road to revel in turning 50. Her birthday present to herself: racking up 1536 miles, from start to finish, in just under 24 hours. I call this kind of riding freakin' insane. She chalks it up to completing yet another BunBurner ride. These kind of rides are nothing new to Connie, in fact she’s done a number of them, along with a couple of 1000 mile rides which are referred to as SaddleSore rides. The names for these rides aren’t titles Connie and Randy came up with just out of the blue. The Iron Butt Association (IBA) sanctions these, and many other long distance rides. Their motto is “World’s Toughest Riders” and I’m living next door to the poster biker chick for the IBA. I’ll write more about this distinctive association in the coming days. And you all have to know that Randy also rides and is THE master motorcycle mechanic – hands down. But just for today I wanted to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my favorite biker chick friend. You make 50 look fabulous!
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| Connie and her Bad Ass Motorcycle |
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