Spent this past Wednesday night wrenching on my bottom bracket and catching up with a good friend.

Bikes and great conversation make the perfect combo! OK, John did all the work. Thanks John

You will be missed. Rest easy my friend!

With just one month left until the Coon Fork 40 gravel race, the excitement—and nerves—are definitely starting to build. This race, known for its challenging terrain and scenic views, is the perfect test of endurance and skill. I’ve been putting in the miles, but there’s always that mix of anticipation and doubt leading up to race day. The thought of tackling those rugged gravel roads, unpredictable weather, and the relentless hills is a bit daunting, but it’s all part of the adventure. I’m ready to see how the months of training stack up and to push myself to the limit. With only 30 days to go, it’s time to dial in the last few training sessions, fine-tune the gear, and get mentally prepared for one of the most exciting challenges of the year!

RIP OZZY

1948 – 2025

I got to see Ozzy Osbourne my freshman or sophomore year of high school on the No Rest for the Wicked Tour back in 88 at the Mecca Arena here in Milwaukee!

19 Years of US: Happy Anniversary, Maxine

I can’t believe it’s been 19 years. Nineteen years. It feels impossible to wrap my head around that number—nearly two decades of laughter, lessons, love, and living life side by side.

Three weeks before my first gravel race, everything went sideways. I got super sick—bad enough for two urgent care visits in two weeks—and didn’t touch my bike that whole time. Then, with just one week to go, I went out for a light spin and managed to snap my derailleur. Awesome. So my bike sat in the shop the entire week leading up to the race.

I finally picked it up literally 24 hours before hitting the road for race day.

And of course, I didn’t pack right. It was 55°F with 15–25 mph wind gusts, and there I was, dressed like it was summer. Not ideal. But once the race started, things turned around.

Thanks to a beautiful tailwind, I was flying—hit 38 mph on flat gravel (shoutout to the wind gods). But the joyride didn’t last long. That same wind turned into a brutal headwind, and I was crawling along at 8 mph for the next eight miles. Still, I pushed through and ended up snagging 4th place in my age group.

All in all? A crazy lead-up, but an awesome day on the bike. Already counting down to next year’s race—hopefully with fewer curveballs.

Earth Day, observed every April 22, originated in 1970 as a reaction to environmental concerns, notably highlighted by disasters like the Santa Barbara oil spill and movements sparked by influential works such as Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring.” Senator Gaylord Nelson spearheaded the initiative, leading to the first Earth Day, which mobilized millions to advocate for a cleaner environment and contributed to significant policy changes, including creating the Environmental Protection Agency. Today, Earth Day is a crucial reminder of our duty to care for the planet. Simple actions like reducing plastic use, conserving energy, and supporting local sustainability efforts can make a meaningful difference. Educating ourselves and others about eco-friendly practices can foster a collective culture of environmental stewardship that ensures a healthier future for all.

Happy Milwaukee Day!!!

In honor of April Fools Day, I decided to sign up for the Seeds & Stone Roubaix, gravel race in Waterman, IL. Race day is 32 days from now. You can keep track of my training on my YouTube page!

This year marks the 39th anniversary of the release of the movie RAD. last night I got to see RAD on the big screen for the first time since opening night 1986 to make the night even better. I got to share that experience with some of the best people I’ve known in my life.