Major Case of the Blahs

Anyone else feeling the Winter Blues. I dont think I can handle another bout of freezing weather. I have side projects going on that are hectic, the weathers been bad so not much for destressing, School has been somewhat crazy with 4 tests this week alone. Arrgh!! Vacation Please

PugFest '08

Richzilla Productions hosted another amazing event on 2/17/08, Part of the Cold Bear Challenge, Pugfest 2008.

The race was an a major test of ones endurance and drive.

The first race of the Cold Bear Tri Challenge was packed so perfectly. Those of us who did not ride where kicking ourselves for not bringing our bikes. With that in mind I started a thread in our womens forum. I wanted to show my support for Rich and Elk River by having a huge presence of women at the race.

We ended up with a total of 17 women, not too bad for a days work. There are less women racing in the whole MNSCS then what showed up at the Cold Bear Challenge Race II.

The race totalled 73 participants, of which I think 1/3-1/2 DNF'd due to the course conditions.

It was like riding around in a big bowl of mashed potatos without the ability to stop and have a bite when you get hungary (Thanks Andy). But the conditions of the trail only made the event better. This was one of the best events I have been to so far.

I have to say that the people that show, and the support that is there for Rich and The Elk River trail is so great. The people really make the event, they are so laid back and it is nothing but fun.

Rich has the support of the City of Elk River, Ramsey Cycles, Surly, Behind Bars Bike Shop and REDBULL (sorry if I missed anyone) And they all come together to put such life into the events.

If only the MNSCS could take on some of the life of these events, I think the numbers of participants would skyrocket.

Oh how I degress.

The race was estimated at a 1 hr/lap time, it took 1.5-2 hrs for most of the people, It was sheer pleasure busting our way through mounds of sloppy snow covered hills, slipping and sliding out of our pedals and crashing into the soft savior of the snow. Everyone finished with a huge smile of satisfaction on their faces.

There is nothing like a good winter race/sufferfest to remind one of how much they love the thrill of racing and biking in their life!

Here is a link to some photos of the event:

http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/showthread.php?t=25176

The next race is scheduled for March 9th. See you all there.

Z Hydration Pack

HOw about this.


Now I can be supported, give a false sense of large breastedness, AND quench my thirst. What more could a women truly ask for



Oh oh oh, During the Winter the water will also not freeze. BONUS!

Hows about this for an eye opening Campaign

The most eye catching Ads are the ones we remember. How about this for a statement.

Old Friends = Good Times

This weekend I had an opportunity to reunite with my high-school group of friends. A few of us are still close, but 3-4 others had lost touch. Myself and another Gal showed up late because of a prior conflict. It was quite awkward at first but gradually and after a few drinks the girls fell into their familiar roles and once again we clicked as if in High School.

Many things have changed for all of us girls, but the bond was still there. I would love to do it again but I think it would be nice to be out of the bar, maybe the next one can be a hiking trip or canoe trip.

Connection Between Long Lost Relatives

Do you ever wonder if the connection would still exist between yourself and a relative if you had never actually met the person. I guess this could be the same as to strangers who feel as if they have always known one another.

My Fathers Dad has never been around, as far as I can remember we have never met and he has never been apart of my families life. I had often thought about this man who had chosen to abandon his sons. I wondered how he could do such a thing, to such wonderful men, as well as to their future families.

I dont think I was ever angry about it, but more inquizative as to why. Maybe this is because I never really had a granpa. I have very found memories of my Grandmas husband who I called Grandpa Pete. Well I thought Grandpa Pete also loved us very much but when my Grandmother passed away Good Ole Grandpa Pete took most of my Grandmas belongings and money and ran for the hills, he left the rest of her family with little to nothing to remember her by. Granted She will never be forgotten and material things are not what life is about, but it is nice to have and Grandma Valerie would not have wanted things to turn out they way they had.

All and All my luck with Grandpas was just Bad. Last summer I started a family tree and it got me probbing for information regarding my Fathers Dad. I never really got much information from my family, except that "he was a jerk" . Well, I know how hard it can be for others to accept other peoples decisions and I wanted to make this one on my own. I figured that there must be more to the story since nothing else was ever said. My wonder had ebbed and flowed since this time.

I stopped working on the family tree because it was starting to cost me money That I didnt have and over the course of the summer we are so busy with mountain biking that I tend to leave everything behind until the cold comes again.

Well Anyways, about 3 weeks ago My Fathers Dad started creeping back into my thoughts, more and more each day I was wondering where this guy was, what he did, and why he left his first family behind. Asking these questions is kind of scary because you always want to hear the good and when speaking with a complete stranger who must not care, you most likely will hear things you dont want too.

This morning I was googling my name to see what information would come up when I happened to see the name Dick Schoppe, which is the name of my Fathers Dad. I knew that Dick lived in Florida but wasnt sure where. I decided to Google his name and see what I came up with. The first site I came across had a bill of sale, someone had purchased an antique vehicle from Dick Schoppe and it stated that he was an ex president of the Buick Club of America and lived in Florida.

The next site I came across had a listing of the members including an email address. I knew their was a possibility that this was the wrong Dick or that the man would just choose to ignore my email and I would never hear back, but something in me told me to press on. So I sent out what I guess I thought was a simple, to the point email. In Hindsight, I have no clue what I was attempting to accomplish. I just wanted to know he was okay and talk to the man who should be my Grandpa.

The email I sent out was


"Hi Sir-

I am a daughter of your son Ken Schoppe. In essence your Granddaughter, which does not seem a fitting title in this case.
I have always wondered why you never wanted to be apart of our life? I don’t expect you to answer this email but I would like you to know that I have thought of you many times over the past years.Your Son has grown to be an amazing man and I am so very lucky that he is in my life. So though I have never gotten to meet you and feel that you have made a bad choice in leaving my father without a father, I guess I have to thank you for bringing such a wonderful man into my life.
Not that you deserve to know this or may not even care, but I believe that people should be given second chances.

Ken has 5 daughters, I being the oldest with his current wife. We range from 18-30 yrs old.
Nicole his oldest daughter has 2 daughters of her own, her youngest is 4 months old and quite a beauty.
Ryan is an accountant and has a daughter and son, her youngest recently turned two.
I, Dana, Have a longtime boyfriend and no kids, we spend our time traveling and doing mountain bike races. I am working on completing my Bachlors in Nursing and then will be working on my Masters.
Samantha is 22, she is currently obtaining her bachlors in child development and obtaining a teaching licensure. She is in a longterm relation a wonderful man.
The yougest is Jordy, she is an amazing girl, she is as bright as she is beautiful. She is currently attending college at a State University.


I would be interested in chatting if you ever decide you would like to know the rest of your family."

Quite Frankly, after I hit "send" It was out of sight out of mind. I didnt think of it again, I guess I just assumed that there would never be a response and there was no point in holding out. I did what I could and thats that.

Low and Behold (note to self: What is the history behind that saying?) at approx 1 this afternoon I got a call from a gentlemen was was referring to himself as "Sir". I asked if this was "Dick" he said yes it was and that he thought I needed an explanation. He explained that the laws for a father where quite different then, and that he was advised by his attorney to not interface with his ex or the children. They went to court and Grandma was granted childsupport and custody of the boys. He was vague as to the custody issues but left it that he only did what he was advised to do. He says that his monetary obligations were always met. He even had to go back to court a 2nd time because his child support checks were being spent inappropriately. He said that was it, he didnt see the kids until one random day when 3 drunk boys showed up at his door. He didnt want to bring up old times and just left it at that by saying that " it is a two way road".
He contacted My Uncle Bill who passed away quite some time ago from childhood leukemia. (he was an adult which is why it was so hard for him to battle.) and I guess he explained things and made peace with Bill before he left.

Dick is into antique vehicles and had always had a motorcycle until about 4 years ago when he sold his last one. He also let me know that he has had 3 daughters, none of which have children as of yet. Dick had a bout with Cancer about 4 years ago and is still successfully cancer free. 3 Weeks ago he went into the hospital for a routine procedure and by the next morning was in surgery having a Triple Bypass.

I am not sure if he has a new lease on life because of his recent/semi recent health issues or if it is just a case of every story having two sides. The guy I talked to seemed extremely caring and had a great sense of humor and a contagious laugh. If nothing else he was kind enough to give a blood relative a call an explain something that has haunted her for years. He did remind me of my Dad some, despite their sordid past.

I wish I could see him, see the resemblances, see the manerisms. The things you gain from a parent whether they are a mother or father or just a sperm/egg donor.

Dick is 79 now and he may not have much time left on this earth. I do believe something brought us together at this time. He was in my head while at the same time ongoing a major surgery that could have ended his life. So you tell me, is there a link between blood relatives even if you do not know one another? Ill let you decide...

I hope someday to get a chance to meet the grandfather I never had. He was very upfront with me stating that he is an old man now and does not intend to try to be the father he never was. He is too old to change his ways and does not want to get deeply involved. He did say that it was very nice to chat with me and that I could call him anytime, he would be more then happy to chat or answer any questions that I may have.

With that I say, Sometimes we may forgot that certain things that seem unfair and selfish are not always easy for the other persons involved as well. Each circumstance has its own series of events that makes it unique and changes things forever. I will be less quick in my judgements because we all want our stories to be the more important ones and truths become stretched and important details get left out.

Valentines and all its Cheese

Maybe a little late for this year but a fun idea for those who like to read or be read too.


Spying a dusty red binding on the lower shelf, Dana pulled at the tightly wedged volume. Unbeknownst to her, her jostling had caused a book to dislodge and tumble from its precarious position on the top shelf. Then she heard it – the sound of a sudden movement and leather against flesh. She looked up, surprised. “What?” her blue eyes widened as she took in the sight. “If I startled you, my apologies.” The man in dark silk smiled at her through electric brown eyes and then reached up toward the skewed shelf, adjusted it, and returned the book. His voice was like his clothing, soft, rich, almost beckoning. The dim light fell gently on his dark brown hair and shoulders. Impossibly wide shoulders... Dana felt her heart skip a beat; how picturesque. His arms seemed not to stretch as he reached to resettle the shelf. Watching from below, comprehension dawned, she tucked her red hair behind her ears in nervousness. Ah, the noise. She eyed the angle, and a shudder wracked her body. The whole shelf could have toppled were it not for this curious stranger. She had to clear her throat before she could speak, her mind filled with images of heavy, sharp-cornered objects landing on her head. “Thanks for the rescue,” Dana said. Then with a grin added, “Quick hands.” “Only when there is need, I assure you.” Andy smiled, teeth reflecting bright in the dusty air, those broad shoulders casting a shadow over Dana. He nodded in what might almost have been considered a bow and then turned sideways and was gone. One moment there, the next he’d vanished as though he’d never been...


A lascivious grin was spoiled by the frothy mustache Jessie wore; cross-eyed, she glared at it, twisting up her mouth, remnants of her latte still clinging to her lips. “Do stop licking your lips that way; some man might get the right idea about you, and then where would you be?” Dana was only half kidding, blue eyes ablaze. “Where every cat longs to be, my sweet innocent little bookworm. Completely in the cream.” She batted her eyelashes outrageously making Dana laugh. “So, your date last night?” “Oh, it was perfect. A perfect catastrophe,” Jessie grinned. “I told you he was in the adult education program, right?” She waited for Dana to nod, all-the-while choking on her own laughter. “Well, we finally got around to talking about what he studies.” Giggles began to emerge, making her slur her words. “That yummy little Brad-Pitt-in-Thelma-and-Louise I was drooling over is here studying to become a priest!” “Oh, no!” Dana sat back and burst into laughter of her own. “What did you do?” “Oh, I merely suggested that an in-depth knowledge of temptation and sin might help in his work. I even offered to give him a guided tour.” “You didn’t!” It was purely rhetorical; knowing Jessie, Dana was quite sure she had. “What did he say?” “I thought I heard ‘get thee behind me’, but he was running the other way, so I could be wrong.” If Dana hadn’t already finished her drink, she’d have choked...


Andy sighed. He longed to go to Dana, to comfort her, to caress her, but he could not, and so he remained outside, just below her window, watching and listening. He thought of her silky red hair and dancing blue eyes. His mouth filled with the bittersweet taste of longing. The first flush of dawn chased him away, but before he left, he thrust a note beneath her window sash. I have watched from the shadows;you are brighter than sunlight. It might have been more poetic than literal, but he meant it truly; hers was a warmth that would not burn him to ash – though it did seem to have seared its way into his heart.

There are also childrens books

I am not usually one for the valentines holdiay. I feel like its a hallmark event that is not all about how much you care for the other people in your life but how much you are willing to spend on them. Shouldnt we be treating the others in our life like its Valenines day every day?

I do however like cheesy so I am getting me one of those books!!

School has been going well, straight A's so far and its as if I have reunited with an old friend.  

 Feels great to be on the right path after so long of being astray.  I remember the end of high school and the few following years, everything just seemed to land in my lap, everything worked out wonderfully and I never had money issues or worries about what to do next.  Then somewhere along the line I lost my place and lost myself.  It has been a bit of a struggle getting back to good, but I feel as if I have made it a long way and I am finally getting back on the right path and relearning who I am.  The twenties are a crazy time. I can see why the 30 somethings say that they would not go back to their twenties if they had the chance

I have learned many valuable things in the last few years and grew tremendously as a person. I am glad I waited to attend school,  when I look back, sure it would be nice to be done with school right now and maybe I would be making more money. I am just happy that I know I am going for the right thing and I can be happy with my career.  Also, on a fun note, my new camera is coming soon and I will be taking some photography classes during my off semester between switching schools.  Time to hone in the photo skills, then I will be set.

Biking, Photography, and helping others. Fulfillment?  Well on that note, I have become  an Adobe Illustrator Junkie, another new passion. How fun is it to design a mountain bike jersey?well aside from trying to please 20 very strong confident women, it was great fun and a great challenge.    I have attached the Jerseys for the world to see (or atleast the 5 people who read my blog anyways)