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ronb2
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Posted: Mon Apr 28th, 2008 08:49 pm |
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Yep, no sympathy. Although I'm in Houston on business, I think the wx is hi's in the low to mid 40s in the Milwaukee area. Crummy spring to date. Miles b4 Grabaawr might be a few less than desired.
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fatdaddy
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| Joined: | Wed Jun 20th, 2007 |
| Location: | Florida USA |
| Posts: | 9 |
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Posted: Mon Apr 28th, 2008 02:29 pm |
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I guess I won't get much sympathy for training in Florida's heat. We hit mid-80's yesterday which is very pleasant. A few more weeks and we'll be baking, so need to train now.
I talked to my mother in Berlin WI. She was talking about snow which was completely incongruent to FL's weather last weekend.
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JohnH
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Posted: Sun Apr 27th, 2008 08:03 pm |
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No, wait...
there's white caps on the corn fields.
But hey, nothing like a 30 mph tail wind on the way home.
Very exciting.
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JohnH
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Posted: Wed Apr 23rd, 2008 05:24 pm |
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Sunny, seventies, gentle breeze on my knees!!!!
The last of the snow piles are almost gone -
Happy happy joy joy
Only 8 more weeks
Spin! Spin, oh Wheel of Fortune!
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norbikes
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| Joined: | Thu Feb 15th, 2007 |
| Location: | Mt. Vernon, IA |
| Posts: | 26 |
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Posted: Sat Mar 22nd, 2008 10:04 am |
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Roads clear down Mt. Vernon way. Have been out doz/2 times since last week----shortish rides. Duzn't feel like I lost too much over the winter!
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JohnH
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Posted: Fri Mar 21st, 2008 10:36 pm |
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its snowing.... again....
Somebody sound the alarm.
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JohnH
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Posted: Fri Mar 7th, 2008 11:07 pm |
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| Six string music?
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Becky
Super Moderator
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Posted: Thu Mar 6th, 2008 01:47 pm |
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Any chance of getting a repeat performance at the Talent Show?
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JohnH
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Posted: Mon Mar 3rd, 2008 11:36 pm |
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What was that old Buffet song, 'Cowboy in the Jungle'? I may have mixed up the words:
"There’s a biker in the winter, and he looks so out of place
Dreams of lycra clothes and a sun burnt nose
But now his legs are white as paste
"Headed out to Blue Mounds, where the hammer boys all play
Now he’s stuck just south of Madison
'cause the snow plow blocked the way
"So he hangs out with Canadians, night and day they're raising hell
And all the miles he’s ridden
are just stories that he likes to tell."
Something's not quite right...
I flunked out of Calypso Poet school.
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norbikes
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| Location: | Mt. Vernon, IA |
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Posted: Sun Mar 2nd, 2008 06:33 pm |
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I'm enjoying my time off the bike. Reading, listening to music, building up new rides. Am riding rollers 3 times/week, but only for 'bout hr/2 per, to keep the spinning memory in the legs. Spring will be here soon enuf for me.
Nor in Iowa
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Becky
Super Moderator
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Posted: Sun Mar 2nd, 2008 04:51 pm |
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Sanity, I'm guessing, as I'm sure Jimmy Buffett meant to sing, "If we couldn't ride we would all go insane."
Becky
(probably been to one too many Buffett concerts in her lifetime but she is from Florida and Parrotheads abound)
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norbikes
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Posted: Sun Mar 2nd, 2008 12:37 pm |
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Plus it's March 1st, I need miles.
Miles for what....?
Nor in Mt. Vernon, IA
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JohnH
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Posted: Sun Mar 2nd, 2008 02:10 am |
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I work at the big place on the other end of the same town. Today was a little warmer, and the ice on the road is starting to recede a little. It's still about 4 inches thick on my street, but today there's puddles.
I wish I was more like our fearless moderator, out there in the snow and ice and on my bike. Next weekend I'm going out on my mountain bike whether its raining or snowing or whatever. Trainers just don't cut it. Plus it's March 1st, I need miles.
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Tom
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Posted: Wed Feb 20th, 2008 11:33 am |
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I work across the street from a Walmart. I noticed they gave up on using a pickup truck with a blade to clear their parking lot. They are now using a big skip loader to move and pile the snow at the perimeter of the lot.
The mounds of snow are getting so big that I'm beginning to believe that some of it may still be around in June.
14 years ago I moved to the midwest from the panhandle of Florida. I have never seen any winter like this.
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JohnH
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Posted: Wed Feb 20th, 2008 10:37 am |
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I am not worthy! Having lately driven on the roads around this town, there's no way I'm gonna ride on them. For me, it's really the darkness thing - I am afraid of the dark. Who knows what evil lurks around that icy pile blocking my view?
I am having fun on the weekends though. Last Saturday was the best snowshoeing I can remember, for the deep south of Wisconsin.
My bike is so clean, its gleaming.
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Becky
Super Moderator
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Posted: Wed Feb 20th, 2008 02:56 am |
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Was the high 8? It was sunny this morning so I wasn't paying attention to temperature. Looking forward to the below zero wind chills tomorrow, though.
Thanks for reminding me I need to update my web site. Can you imagine, trying to keep up with the motorists stuck on the interstate that day? It was encouraging to know people nearby took it upon themselves to get on their snowmobiles and help out. Had that been a back up on a hot, humid, sticky day on a FLA interstate, well, lets just say, having lived and driven Interstate 95 in South Florida in the 90's, there would have been gun play. See, heat does have its drawbacks 
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Tom
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Posted: Tue Feb 19th, 2008 10:56 pm |
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Gotta admire someone still collecting bike miles in the middle of Madison's worst winter on record.
I understand it made it all the way up to 8 degrees today.
Hey Becky, I was looking at your website today.
http://www.cdpdigitaldownload.com/
I think you could have made a fortune on the Interstate a few days ago. You could have setup in the Dejope parking lot and handed coffee across the fence to the all the stuck drivers from Illinois.
Tom
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Becky
Super Moderator
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Posted: Tue Feb 19th, 2008 12:39 pm |
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Hey guys,
I hate to admit this, but I've ridden more miles this past January in snow/ice then January 2007 when I was in sunny FLA, go figure. I like riding now, but I am looking forward to the spring switch to the road bike.
So how come there's no song out there that chants, "I gotta go where it's ICE!"?
-Boat Drinks, good any time of year, in fact, I'm having one now 
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ronb2
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Posted: Mon Feb 18th, 2008 04:33 pm |
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JoeMarty,
Glad to hear that you are forecasting an early riding season for MO, but up here in WI, more snow and ice. I'd say we are at least 4-5 weeks away from being able to ride here (at least for me, I don't ride below about 45F, and never on snowy/icy roads)
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JoeMarty
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Posted: Mon Feb 18th, 2008 04:29 am |
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Becky, JohnH,
Children, Play Nice! Spring is almost upon us. I know.
I drove for 7 hours through a blizzard today to get home from daughter's in northern Iowa. Very difficult conditions, but home safe.
All of these things tell me that spring starts next week, late. We'll pretty much be riding every day by about the 23rd, so get ready.
Happy Spring. JME.
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JohnH
Approved Members
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Posted: Sun Feb 17th, 2008 07:26 pm |
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| Won't you beam me somewhere Mr. Scott...
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Becky
Super Moderator
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Posted: Sun Feb 17th, 2008 07:19 pm |
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| Yes, a lovely (now snowy) Sunday in Madison. It's 30 degrees outside and the hockey game is on, so where are the Boat Drinks?
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JohnH
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Posted: Sun Feb 17th, 2008 05:34 pm |
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Alright, now it's raining, and we're waiting for it to turn to snow.
The DOT told everyone to stay off the roads, and everything is closed. Even the dog won't go outside.
I am posting this so, in case it is 100 degrees come June, I will remember this and be be glad to soak up the warmth.
I am going to the basement to wax my bike.
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JoeMarty
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Posted: Wed Feb 13th, 2008 04:26 am |
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I've been away a few days and have much "replyin'" to do.
First, Norbikes, I think we did meet and talk a bit while riding last summer, but I must confess that if you walked in the door right now, I couldn't identify you. Nevertheless, Border Raiders is much smaller group than even the reduced size GRABAAWR of last year, so we will have a better chance to meet and perhaps ride together for a while this year.
And Tom and Norbikes, you are right that the northern Wisconsin roads are relatively untraveled and good for riding. But I must say that the roads of Iowa in the 51 weeks when RAGBRAI isn't going on are much the same, albeit as Norbikes mentions, the scenery is pretty consistent. Northern Missouri, northeastern Kansas, southeastern Nebraska and southwestern Iowa are much like Wisconsin; they offer varied scenery with relatively untraveled roads. Thus, Border Raiders has a similar appeal. But let's face it, a well organized and operated ride anywhere in the midwest has much to offer.
JohnH, I pretty much agree with what everyone else has said about RAGBRAI and GRABAAWR. They both have a place. RAGBRAI isn't so much an organized bicycle tour as it is a huge weeklong party celebrating bicycling and the wonderful rural life style that is the great state of Iowa. GRABAAWR, on the other hand, is a true, weeklong cross-state bicycle tour. Unlike RAGBRAI, the GRABAAWR emphasis is on riding the bike. It is more challenging generally, less crowded and far more relaxing. They are different, but both are fabulous. And contrary to whoever said it, I think RAGBRAI is an every year deal, but perhaps not the full week. I usually do 2 or 3 days and find that more than adequate.
Finally, Tom and JohnH, I can only empathize with you guys about the snow and the weather. According to the news today, Madison either broke today, or will tomorrow, the record for snowfall, and winter is not yet over. We have had a difficult winter, considerable snow and cold, and it has been on-going in February and appears that it will be in the foreseeable future. But it is no where near as severe as what those of you in Wisconsin are suffering. Hope you get relief soon.
Typical of it all, I did a 20 mile ride in 70 degree weather on Feb. 4th. We had snow on Feb. 3rd and 5th, as well as several days since. I don't think it has gotten above freezing since Feb. 4th. Nonetheless, I did get a 20 mile ride in and in fact have 100 miles in for the year to date.
Have a good one and keep posting. I find hearing from other riders, particularly this time of year, enjoyable and encouraging. Spring is not that far away. Later, JME.
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Tom
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Posted: Mon Feb 11th, 2008 03:03 pm |
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That's one of the best parts of riding northern Wisconsin, there are places you can have the road to yourself for long periods of time. Very little traffic if any. Just you and the wildlife.
But that seems forever away right now. More snow in the forecast. It's expected to start in the next few hours. It will probably be enough to set a new local record for most snowfall over a winter.
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JohnH
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Posted: Sun Feb 10th, 2008 01:32 pm |
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More snow last night, and now it's 9 below! At least the sun is shining.
First day in 2006, I rode mostly alone in the morning rain on the century, but by 60 miles I had new partners and was never alone on the route again.
Once I completed the route, I wanted to up my mileage, so I took a set of the Wisconsin Bicycle maps. In the central sands I think I rode for over an hour without seeing another human being.
Not one flat the whole way.
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Tom
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Posted: Sat Feb 9th, 2008 11:33 pm |
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All that is true, but you meet the nicest people standing in RAGBRAI KYBO lines.
Ronb2, GRABAAWR is a whole bunch quieter than RAGBRAI. You can even find yourself out of sight of any other riders now and then.
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norbikes
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Posted: Sat Feb 9th, 2008 12:02 pm |
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Just so------Ragbrai is an altogether differant proposition. I think everybody should do it once, it's such a unique cycling experience. But once you've ridden in WI you won't go back to "corn on the left, soybeans on the right; corn on the right, soybeans on the left...".
Grabaawr offers much more appealing scenery, a lot more managably sized group, terrifik roads. You won't be disappointed!
Best, Nor in Iowa
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norbikes
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Posted: Sat Feb 9th, 2008 11:56 am |
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Hey, Joe----good to hear you will be on the Border Raiders tour as well this coming June! I think we rode together one ayem leaving town mid-week on last yr's Grabraawr.
Cheers, Nor in Iowa
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ronb2
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Posted: Fri Feb 8th, 2008 04:16 pm |
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Hi All,
First time Grabaawr'er here. Have done a couple of Ragbrai's and am looking for a less crowded/little more bike ride/little less party. Looking forward to corresponding here as we get closer.
Until then, if any of the "veterans" have any tips unique to Grabaawr, I'd be interested in hearing 'em.
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JoeMarty
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Posted: Fri Feb 8th, 2008 03:49 am |
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I got the GRABAAWR 2008 forum started last month, and it's starting to build a little steam. But I must now confess that my riding buddy and I decided last week to skip GRABAAWR and do Border Raiders. We've been on GRABAAWR in 2004, 2006 and 2007, with Bicycle Tour of Colorado in 2005. So it is time once again for a change, and Border Raiders is so logistically easy for us that it just makes sense to try it. But we will no doubt return to GRABAAWR in future years. It has been a great ride in the past and hopefully will be in the future.
The Border Raiders decision notwithstanding, I hope you will let me post from time to time just to keep in touch with the fun people who do GRABAAWR. Later.
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norbikes
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Posted: Thu Feb 7th, 2008 01:26 am |
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I rode it in '06. Same route this yr, which is why I'm giving it a miss and doing the Border Raiders tour. Never ridden in NB, MO or Ks, so it will be something new. I remember the stay in Baraboo being one of the best. Great mexican resturant on the square w outside seating, very enjoyable outdoor concert that afternoon, and an excellant used book store on the square as well. Enjoy!
Nor in Iowa
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JohnH
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Posted: Wed Feb 6th, 2008 11:21 pm |
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So, today we got about a foot of snow. I'm starting to go a little nuts. I'm dreaming of green grass and dry pavement.
I signed up for my second GRABAAWR. I went in 2006, but missed it last year.
I'm ready to ride.
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norbikes
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Posted: Thu Jan 17th, 2008 10:36 am |
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I'll take lots of snaps & post 'em on Picassa, so's you can see what it's all about. I think the historical aspect is esp. intriguing---lots of history in that area related to pre-Civil War maneuverings. Last edited on Wed Jan 23rd, 2008 10:24 am by norbikes
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Tom
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Posted: Wed Jan 16th, 2008 05:09 pm |
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That Border Raiders tour looks like it would be a good one. A couple days longer and multiple optional mileage days.
I'm going to have to keep that one bookmarked for the future. I'm afraid all my vacation time is spoken for the summer.
Tom
Last edited on Wed Jan 16th, 2008 05:10 pm by Tom
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norbikes
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Posted: Wed Jan 16th, 2008 01:09 am |
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Another rider opting for Northwoods. New route appeals, and Grabaawr is a repeat of yr before last. Will be doing the Border Raiders tour during the week Grabaawr is going on----Kansas in June....!
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Tom
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Posted: Mon Jan 14th, 2008 05:25 pm |
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Northwoods chose a new route this year. I'm familiar with Ashland and Trempealeau county, but other than that the route goes through parts of Wisconsin I haven't visited before. It's just a change of scenery.
I've been on Northwoods a few times in the past and it's a good one if you like a quiet ride. Normally it's limited to less than 400 riders.
So has anybody else committed to a ride this year?
Tom
Last edited on Tue Jan 15th, 2008 11:17 am by Tom
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JoeMarty
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Posted: Fri Jan 11th, 2008 05:58 pm |
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Tom, of course you can participate in the GRABAAWR forum. I doubt if any of those Northwoods folks particpate in the forum.
Why did you decide on Northwoods instead of GRABAAWR; just for a change?
Good to hear from you and we'll eventually get some others posting. J.
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Tom
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Posted: Fri Jan 11th, 2008 02:51 pm |
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Hey Joe!
I've signed up for the Northwoods ride for 2008. Am I still allowed to comment on the GRABAAWR forum?
No miles yet - my bike is quietly resting (rusting?) in the corner of the garage.
Tom
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JoeMarty
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Posted: Fri Jan 11th, 2008 04:15 am |
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Forum is kind of hidden on the web site, and when you find it, you see that everything is pretty much last year.
Well, this is where the 2008 GRABAAWR Forum begins.
The warm weather that swept across the country over the past week got a lot of us excited. I did my first ride of 2008 last Saturday, 25 miles, 60 degrees, mostly sunny, strong wind. My first ride on January 5th; that is the earliest ever. Last year, the first ride was MARCH 5TH!
I'm psyched about getting back on the bike and looking forward to all the anticipation that goes into preparing for and planning that big ride of the summer.
Start talking about it and posting on this forum! I look forward to getting to know all of you between now and next summer.
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