The Bauer Family

  Michelle, Brendan and I made a road trip on Friday to spend out Christmas cash.  We went down to Burton and Flint.  The first stop was MC Sports.  I had been eyeing another Fat Bike.  I called before leaving and the manager would give me the Black Friday price.  So there is a new bike in the stable.      Mongoose Vinson   I got the bike on the workstand last night and will be doing a few upgrades.  More details to come.   Michelle got a spacesaver for the bathroom and Brendan got a few things for his phone (used as an iPod).   We got home and Michelle and I took a nice nap.  We then watched a few movies.  A really nice day. 

  Things were busy as always leading up to Christmas.  Michelle and I worked half a day on Christmas Eve.  We then went out and picked mom up.  We had a few stops to make and then made it to our house.  We picked up some food from Panda House and had a nice and delicious dinner.  Brendan was very excited and wanted to open presents.  We were hoping to wait for JJ to get out of work.  We could not hold Brendan off long enough.    Everyone was excited.   Thank you, I love you!   JJ was supposed to get out of work at 6:30pm.  We waited and waited.  He did not get out till after 7:30pm and home around 8:00pm.  He worked and 11 hour plus day.  But he made it home and opened his presents from mom.     Michelle and I then took mom home.  JJ and Brendan stayed at home.  We got back around 10:30pm and got Brendan to bed.  Michelle and I then went to the basement ...

  Today was Global Fat Bike Day.  Having a Fat Bike required me to participate in the ride that was organized at Sleepy Hollow State Park.    Raymond arrived at our house at 9:00am.  We loaded his bike, gear and headed for our destination.  We arrived with plenty of time and prepped for the ride.   Raymond's Specialized Fat Boy The Green Machine   There was a total of 17 riders.  15 on Fat Bikes.  Here is a sampling of some of the bikes.      Motobecane Night Train Bullit Trek Farley Chinese Carbon Borealis Charge Cooker Maxi Surly Krampus 29+ Framed Minnesota 2.0   There  were others there that I did not get photos of.  A very good mix of all the manufacturers.  Before departing for the ride a group photo was taken.   The ride group.   We started out at a nice pace and the trail was leaf covered and tacky in places. ...

  So we all survived Thanksgiving!  On Friday Michelle went out shopping in the morning.  I stayed home with Brendan.  After he got up he went over to the neighbors and brought the boys over to watch the Lego Movie and play.  I did laundry and some other things around the house.  On Saturday Michelle went out shopping again, this time for my mom.  She got home and I took the Green Machine out for a short spin at the park.  Michelle worked on Mom's scrapbook and I helped her finish it up.  We then went our and spent some time with mom.   Sunday arrived and I loaded up the Green Machine for the ride home from church.  I had a nice 12.7 mile ride home.  Pushing the Vee Snowshoes is not easy on pavement or gravel, especially into 20mph gusts.  Very good work out.  Will be changing the front ring to the 30 tooth before Saturday.  Saturday is Global Fatbike Day!  There is a ride at Sleepy Hollow that I...

  The Thanksgiving Holiday started a day early for me this year.  Two years ago we tried starting an annual mountain bike ride at Island Lake State Recreation Area.  Last year we were not able to do it due to lack of time and vacation time.  So this year I revived the ride and hope to continue the tradition as long as I am able.  Ended up having Raymond, Mark Abbe, Don Miller, JJ and myself.  We arrived early and were the only ones in the parking lot.  Guess the cold weather was keeping people away.   Green Machine ready to roll! Don arrives.   We got the bikes prepped, got in our riding gear and were ready to go. Raymond and Mark. Don Miller   The trail was in great shape!  We only encountered one other rider and a few hikers.  JJ did really well for the amount of time he has spent on the bike.  He really seemed to have fun. Mark at one of our pit stops.   JJ getting out of fr...

  Friday was Halloween and the church had the second annual Harvest Party.  We were ready to go with chili, nachos, candy, games and prizes.   The weather was another story.   The temperatures dropped during the afternoon to the low 30's with winds as high as 45 mph.  By 3:15pm it was snowing.  The weather stayed like this through the entire evening.   Gaurdians of the Galaxy "Rocket Racoon" stopped in!     A couple of felines.   Pastor enjoying the chili!   The garage filled at one point.   Prize celebration!   My favorite Kitty! Love you Sweetie!   The weather definitely kept people away this year.  I still feel it was a success as we were able to spread the word of the Lord to those that did brave the weather.  Even if you reach one it is a success!   So we now need to take the things we learned from the last two years and put it in to ac...

It has been a busy fall.  A lot going on as always.  School is in full swing and the kids are doing well.  We celebrated the fall birthdays.   Brendan is 9!   Scott is 19!   We finished some landscaping at mom's house. Front is done.   We made a visit again to Uncle Bill's.   This past weekend we cut down three pines at mom's.  We will grind the stumps in a couple weeks after they dry out a bit.  Mom is doing good.  She has good days and bad days, at times she is very depressed.   The church will be having our annual harvest party Friday evening at Dawn and Reubens.  Next Friday is Michelle's birthday.  This year there will be no Iceman.  Thinking of doing a few fat bike races this winter and maybe a long weekend with the family if it will work out.   Stay tuned.   

Between early this morning and early evening I completed the process of putting the Snowpack Fork on the Green Machine.   Work completed.   With the job done I took the bike out for a short ride.  Mostly pavement with a little gravel and some off road at the Taymouth Township park.  It felt good.  Did seem to ride smoother than the factory aluminum fork.   Looking good!   The 1x10 drive train seems to work well. Just need to get it out for a real test one of these days.