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Our good friend Gabe came over to build up his new bike, a Rocky Mountain Slayer, last night and Palmer joined in on the fun a bit later. Grease was applied, beers were consumed, and parts were installed.
Tools……
and more important tools.
This weekend Laura and I joined my Mom and Dad for a trip to Duluth to visit my brother and take part in the 14th annual Fitger’s Bockfest. The first thing one must do when attending Bockfest is to get yourself a cup of beer and bring it over to the fire to have your beer poked with a red hot poker. The heat of the poker caramelizes the caramel in the beer giving it a really yummy sweet and smooth taste to it.
The first event we took in was the polar bear plunge. Many a brave soul climbed down the rocky embankment to throw themselves into the frigid Lake Superior water. Had I remembered to have brought my Speedo I would have jumped right in.
“Instructions and advice” are given out as everyone gets ready to head for the “beach”.
Plungers head down the rocky embankment to the shores of Lake Superior.
The first to take the plunge.
The master of ceremonies.
“How was it?”
“Awesome!”
None took their time to dilly dally.
Mom, Dad and Laura watch from above.
My brother bringing gifts of beer and pretzels.
Next up was the stein race. A couple approached us and asked if any of us wanted to be the fourth person on their team. I quickly volunteered Laura, who just happened to not be standing there at the moment :D The first leg of the raced involved using a wheelchair to transport your beer without touching the mug. The second stage then involved having someone push you in the wheelchair (this time while holding the beer).
The last leg of the race involved walking two beers while having your legs taped to your partner, Here is Laura making sure not to spill any.
Steins being measured. Every inch of beer spilled cost your team on minute.
And the verdict? Laura’s team won! She received a really nice warm hooded sweatshirt. Make sure to note the sore losers (last year’s champions) in the background haha.
Last night Pete , Andy, Tom, and I joined up with about twenty plus other beer drinkers from Brew52 to taste the Alt Beer at The Herkimer pub and eatery. I was a bit dissapointed in the alt but did enjoy the kolsch I had immediately after.
Northern Brewer mentioned on their website that they were looking for photos to use in their upcoming catalog that showed off readers home draft setups. I decided it was a perfect time to recreate my drinking alone photo to make it a bit more of a party.
MikeyB:Sunrise is 7:36 AM’ish these days. Park opens @ 5am. This is the only way we will be able to get a “night” ride in at Murphy since the gates close at sunset.
Scott: Are you crazy? Keep me posted.
Pete:I am totally in. Do we drink before? I am confused…
And so it began. Up at 4 a.m with just a few grumbles to Laura as I got out of bed. Loaded the bike and gear and was in the car by 4:20. The forty minute trip to Savage, Mn turned into the one hour forty minute trip as my sense of direction is completely off once I head south of the cities and I couldn’t find the road to the trail head. Arriving at the trail head I meet up with Pete and MikeyB. Get the lights up and running and there is still plenty of darkness as we head off for a ten mile jaunt. The wind chills you to the bone as we all find our groove with only the occasional “branch, bridge, rock!” to break the silence. Three miles in and I’m hurting, my stomach is in knots and I pull over and out goes the blueberry muffin I ate in the car. Much better. Back in the saddle we continue our way along the trail and watch as the sunrises. The last few miles the legs start to complain about the time but they hold out and we make it back to the parking lot for beers and coffee.
Drinks consumed:
Peppermint Schnapps on the trail
One pint of Boddingtons Pub Ale
One bottle New Glarus Totally Naked
One mug of coffee and Irish whisky
Pete Ryan went to Montana awhile back and was kind enough to pick me up a nice sample of beers that are not readily available to those of us who live here in Minnesota. Included in the bunch were a Rogue Mocha Porter, Bayern Dancing Trout and Trout Slayer Ale, Deschutes Mirror Pond Ale, and Kettle House Double Haul IPA and Cold Smoke Scotch Style Ale. I’m looking forward to tonight. Thanks Pete!
