December

Usually by the end of December I have spent time on my trainer.  I have a beauty of a machine to place my steed on.  I figured that I would have had many rides on it. Heck, I fully expected to be on it today, Dec. 29th. However,  It's 60 degrees out.  The trainer is going to have to wait.

Build your beast

Heading out with a perma-grin

I had about 2 hours to work with, so I rode from home to Lake St. Louis.   The sun was shining brightly and the wind is blowing just enough to make it more of a workout.  What a beautiful day God gave me.

He wanted to go in, but settled for a picture

Obligatory holiday shot

I hope you were able to get out and enjoy some of this weather.  Living in MO, you never know from day to day what you will get.  The weekend looks good, low 40's at night and low 60's during the day.  A New Year's Eve hike is being planned...... Stay tuned

Priceless

I have been around long enough to know that the " best things in life are free ".  Yesterday was Christmas and I opened several  gifts. There was one gift of surprise my husband and daughter had up their sleeve.  They had wanted me to go for a bike ride since I have been too busy all week.  The gift of riding my bike got even sweeter when I saw that my good friend Mary was going to be hitting some gravel about 1pm.  Perfect timing for me.  We have not had a ride together in a super long time.  Our rides together are at races.  And by together I mean we see each other at the beginning and I chase her to the finish.

Our last ride together was along the Katy starting at Research Park ending in St. Charles, about a year ago.  Great 30 mile ride with a beer in the middle.  We found a beer tasting and tried a new beer.  Funny thing was, we could accept samples but could not enjoy an open beer.  What?  We purchased two O Fallon Sticke It To The Man bottles with two brown paper bags.  We enjoyed them hiding behind a building, shielding ourselves from the wind and any possible lawmen.  On our ride back the alcohol took effect and we laughed a lot.  I will never forget that ride.

Last year for Christmas Mary bought me a four pack of Sticke It To The Man.  I have held on to them for a special occasion. That day came yesterday.  Christmas day 2011, I spent riding with an awesome friend.   We rode the Katy to Klondike.  We chatted, caught up on each others lives, rode 18 miles in 1:18, and parted ways by 3pm.  I handed Mary one of those four beers yesterday. I imagine she enjoyed it and reminisced about our ride too.

 O Fallon did not make this beer this year. There will be only two left by the end of this evening.  I will enjoy this beer and remember that day.  Priceless.  The last two we will drink together.  You can't buy that.


 

CXMAS In PICS

The pictures will speak for themselves.  If they don't you should mark your calendar in 2012 and join us.  Team Seagal does this non-ride of JERKS every year.  Check this blog in Dec.  and you will be provided with what we think you should know.  If you are in need of words in an R to X rated version, read this.  YOu have been warned.  Read a cleaner version here. Thanks SuperKate. 

Look What some " Jerks " Did

Over the weekend a group of JERKS, actually a term of endearment, got together for a social ride.  It was a wonderful day to socialize, ride bikes, and collect canned goods.  I started collecting at last years ride, which went over very well. This year was also a very generous year and I am pleased to report that I am just shy of 200 items.  A generous soul donated $30 cash , that I will take to the store and purchase more.  Feel good, as many families will be touched by your kindness.  Pat yourself on the back.   You jerks rock, and  I love you all.

2011 Donation


 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 

UltraFit 2000 Sports Headphone Review With A Sweet Deal

Last week I told you about the UltraFit 1000 Sports headphones.  This week I want to introduce you to the   UltraFit 2000 on ear headphones.  These are perfect for someone who does not care for ear-buds or in the ear headphones.   They will cover your ear and the headband goes behind your neck, instead on top of your head. Polk uses a 'SecureFit' system, which keeps them  in place and quite comfortably. I wore these for several walks and runs, as well as a couple bike rides.




1. Headphones
2. Protective Case
3. 1 pair of silicone ear pads
4. 2 pair foam ear pads
5. 1 pair cold weather Shearling pads
6. Connection adapter
7. Shirt clip

I was still aware of my surroundings, and could hear beyond the music.  This surprised me since the ear pads covered my ears. The sound quality was just as impressive as the 1000's.  The 2000's come with an attached,  flat 46" long, tangle free audio cable.  Also included is a 3.5mm connector cord that is designed to fit through the small opening of your carrying case.  These headphones come with the same stain-guard and moisture resistant properties as the 1000's.  Punish them.   They can take it.

The orange clips keep them in place

  Looking at these in a photo I thought they would be heavy and cumbersome.  They were neither.  They weigh approximately 2.5 oz.  I did not notice I had them on, even after a couple hours.  These can be used while wearing a helmet.  In fact, you could wrap the cord in the back of your helmet and hook them on to the helmet.  Thanks for the tip Mike.

Helmet fit

  I liked the on ear three button remote and microphone, over the 1000's button being on the audio cable.  Just my preference. I also like the choice of ear pads.   The "cold weather Shearling pads" are a good option to have while braving Missouri winters.

The UltraFit 2000's cost $69.95 and come in black/red and orange/white.  You can still win a pair of these by signing up here .  If you are local, you can stop by Ballwin Cycles and drop your name in the hat. The drawing will be on Dec. 23rd.  Polk audio is also giving you 20% off starting today ( Dec. 16) until Dec. 31st.  Sweet deal at $55.96.

Stay tuned for the 3000's review.  Which are also 20% off.


I was not compensated for this review in any way.  This is my opinion.