I want to extend my sincerest thanks to Katie Johnson, Kathy Lehn, and the entire staff of Lake Region Healthcare for allowing me to bike in the cafeteria while sharing the vision and heart behind the Dream Big Tour. Thanks to everyone who took interest in my personal dream as well as the collective dream of establishing the Dream Big Scholarship. I’m overwhelmed by the level of encouragement and support I’ve received, and I feel blessed to be a part of this community.
The Fergus Falls Daily Journal did a front page story on my upcoming adventure. I thought they did a terrific job, but I found the “wild animal” reference a bit unsettling. Click here to read the story
I am proud to announce my fearless support driver …. Aaron Christensen. This is the man who’s gonna keep me sane when the delusion sets in. On top of being extremely hard-working and responsible, he’s also a medic for the Army National Guard … hopefully that won’t matter ; )
In this frustrating video, I learned the importance of researching your route before setting out. Fortunately I have detailed descriptions of many of the roads I’ll be traveling thanks to people like Steve Garufi. Check out his blog for great Coast-to-Coast documentaries: http://bikeacrossamerica.net/
When training for an extreme physical challenge in the Spring, you can’t wait for optimal training condtions. You have to suck it up and get out there. This photo was taken after a crazy cold 10K race in Grand Forks, ND. This race kicked off the epic Grand Forks Winter Series consisting of a 10K run, 12 mile bike race, and Winter Triathlon. Despite temperatures in the single digits, I was able to walk away from “Day 1” tied for the lead with top-ranked triathlete Sean Cooley. This Saturday’s Iceman Triathlon will serve as our very own “boarder battle”. May the best man win !
Central Lakes Cycle was kind enought to loan me their Pugsley for the Brrrrr Winter Classic Bike Race in Fargo this past weekend. While I knew the Pugsley would be fun to ride, I was skeptical as to how truly competitive it could be. However, that skepticism was replaced with amazement when I found myself floating over terrain that would’ve normally swallowed me whole. After battling with the front-runners for the first couple laps, I was eventually able to pull away. My heart went out to my skinny-tired friends as I watched them swerve and bobble in the rutted snow and ice. Thankfully, the only obstacle that gave me trouble was a large patch of glare ice. It reminded me that even the Surly Pugsley is made by human hands – though barely.
This past Friday I had the chance to sit down with Lisa Workman, the host of the local television show “Find It In Fergus Falls”. We talked about my upcoming Coast 2 Coast Tour and my goal of establishing the Dream Big Scholarship. I was a little under the weather that day, but I wasn’t going to pass up this opportunity to share my dream with the world !
100 miles around Lake Alice …. Why Not ! !!!
With optimal Winter riding conditions on Thursday, Dave Jensen is challenging anyone who wants to join him for all or part of his Lake Alice Winter Century Ride. With temperatures in the 30’s all week, the roads should be pretty clean and clear by Thursday. Since Lake Alice is 1.15 miles around, Dave is going to start at noon and ride 87 continuous laps until he hits 100 miles. At 13 – 15 mph, he expects to be riding until 8pm. Please spread the word as Dave is really hoping for a little company along the way !!!
This is a repost of my 250 mile ride to Duluth in 2011. I left at about 4pm on July 3rd and arrived around 11pm on July 4th. I did my best to capture all the best sites along the way (including my crash in Jay Cook State Park). I highly recommend this ride. However, it would probably be better as a 3 day ride. Enjoy the scenery !!!
DreamBigTour 