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.

WMSE’s 23rd annual Rockabilly Chill fundraiser is this Sunday March 23 from 11an-3pm at the MSOE’sKern Center1245 N. Broadway Milwaukee, WI

On this International Women’s Day, let’s take the opportunity to honor the incredible women in our lives and uplift them with our support and encouragement.

I’m thrilled that my artwork received seven bids last night at Art & Music and found a new home. Ultimately contributing $110 to the Incredible WMSE 91.7FM radio station.

Right now, I would much prefer to be in Brighton, England. Instead, I’m stuck at work today. But for now, here’s a video to enjoy.