veterans day

even in the woods

Typical Activities

Employed, unemployed, and sort of employed — we're all in the same gang.

tnmwr

repairs











follow the leaders









































shooting stars

Sda was right, this is better, and us midwest hillbillies do know better than the euros

Slaven Is The Mad Maxxiest

"Matthew Slaven completed the first lap quickest, netting the glory of being the first cyclocross racer to ever ride through the Thunderdome."

More on SSCXWC at Velo News at Cyclocross Magazine and at BikePortland.org.

Squash Tacos

As it happens, those long gravel rides turn to talk of food. Last weekend, Jesse was generous and offered up one of his. I tested it out Friday and confirm the yum factor. Try it out.

My alterations: red pepper flakes instead of serranos. If you used serranos, esp. with the seeds in, it'll be mighty spicy. You may want to serve those on the side.

Black Bean and Butternut Squash Tacos with Sweet Port Wine Salsa

courtesy o' JP

1 can black beans (rinsed/drained)

1 butternut squash cubed

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

8 soft Corn tortillas

Port Wine Salsa (see recipe below)

Cilantro sprigs for serving

3 Serrano chiles, seeds removed if desired, diced

Crema, creme fraiche or sour cream for serving

Cut the butternut squash in half crosswise at the narrowest point. Cut each half in half again lengthwise. Peel each section with a vegetable peeler or a flexible sharp knife. Use a teaspoon to scrape out the seeds and strings. Cut into 1/2- inch cubes.

Port Wine Salsa

1 cup red wine vinegar

1 cup port wine (or any red wine)

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoons mustard seeds

2 teaspoons red pepper flakes

1/2 teaspoons coarse salt

1 medium white/red onion diced or 10 medium shallots, peeled and diced

Combine the vinegar, wine, brown sugar, black pepper, mustard, chile flakes, and salt in a medium saucepan. Stir over low heat until the sugar is dissolved. Add the shallots/onion and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer while cooking squash or until thickened.

Warm the black beans separately over low heat. Heat large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add olive oil. When hot, add squash cubes and toss well. Sprinkle with salt, cinnamon, cumin and black pepper. Saute over high heat, tossing frequently, until browned outside and tender but not mushy inside, about 10-15 minutes. To serve, heat tortillas quickly one by one in a very hot dry skillet, about 10 seconds per side. Assemble tacos by spooning in black beans, topping with sauteed squash, salsa, cilantro sprigs, diced Serranos, and cream. Roll up and enjoy that bottle of wine.

So, it begins, 2010 season planning

Ouachita 2010.
you in?
March 27th / 28th
looking back last time I raced it I was 72nd.
but I stopped and had a beer with Squirell when he damaged himself at the start of the race,

this year, I hope to do better.
we'll see how the winter training months go.
might be time for a Y membership through the winter months.

Gravel ride Sunday morning

Ride leaving Meadowlark Coffee at 8:30 AM. Coffee drinkers get your cup earlier enough to be ready to roll by 8:30. Wind is forecast for South to SW at 10 to 15 mph. How about a ride to Wilber for brunch at the Wilber Hotel? $6.95 per plate. We'll head through Cortland on the way out for folks not wanting to go all the way to Wilber.

and well, that's how fac gets done..

stolen from Johnny @ drunk cyclist

It's gonna be an awesome weekend for riding

How about a nice long gravel ride on Saturday morning? Meet at Meadowlark for coffee at 8 AM with departure time of 8:30 sharp. Wind is forecast for North to Northeast. Anyone up for a Wahoo or maybe even a North Bend gravel adventure? North Bend has some really good eats at the Corner Cafe. That'd be a century for the trip to North Bend. That would be epic.

It's Friday, and there is a lot going on.

Fac
Split Lip Rayfield
It could be an epic night...

5pm kickoff, grab your food bring it to Jakes.
6pmish roll out.
9pm Split Lip Rayfield @ the Bourbon

It could be the closest thing to the "Annual"
if you show up. if you drink to much, and sit on your seat to hard, it will be your annual...

charge your light.

it was an excelent Thursday in the park

out the biker side














back the hiker side













even hit the ant farm














it's all, all good












seems i'm not the only wine drinker this time of the year. sometimes I just crave a glass of Shiraz, or a nice Cab. Never been a white wine fan. Mostly I just stick to beer. and like the Mayor once said.... what's your favorite kind of beer? what's in your fridge?

speaking of beer, and bikes. Fac, Jakes. bring your light and be ready to ride if you show up late, well, tuff, if your early, start drinkin...

Steve is having his showing at Bricktop, and Split Lip Rayfield is playing at the Bourbon... should be a nice night for a ride, and then skiddale back downtown to enjoy some time out and about. it's gonna be a nice night.