Nuf Said?

The Wisconsin Bike Fed’s Santa Rampage Ride is tomorrow, Saturday, December 1st, and there is an after party being organized for folks on this side of town at Three Lions Pub. 

The Rampage Ride is a bit of goofy holiday fun that benefits the Bike Fed’s many worthy projects.  The Ride is the gateway drug that have led many astray into the joys of year-round bike commuting and winter riding. Details regarding the Rampage Ride are at this link, and details regarding Greater Shorewood Bikers and Active Shorewood’s after party are below. 

Active Shorewood is holding its Holiday Party this Saturday, December 1^st, 4-6 pm at Three Lions Pub (conveniently scheduled as an after-party to the Wisconsin Bike Fed’s Greater-Milwaukee Santa Rampage Ride). Active Shorewood (a loose consortium of Greater Shorewood Bikers, the Lake Michigan Swimmers, and the Chancellor’s Running Group), promotes year-round riding, running and swimming, and is composed of folks who don’t let a little cold weather or frozen water deter them.  Saturday’s event is open to all like-minded people.  Admission to the Holiday Party is free, but donations at the door to World Bicycle Relief are encouraged.  Santa or other festive costumes also encouraged.    

I hope to see as many of you who can make it out and about at some point tomorrow.  Cheers.    

Festivus!

Please mark your calendars for the following up coming events:

• The Wisconsin Bike Fed's Santa Rampage Ride:  Saturday, December 1st, starting and ending at various locations around Milwaukee.  More details at this webpage:  http://www.bfw.org/rides/santa-cycle-rampage/.  There is the official ride (which involves an entrance fee and a waiver), but does benefit the Bike Fed, and the un-official ride.  Both are an enjoyable way to get a little exercise, have a bit of goofy fun, and spread some holiday cheer.  The Rampage is wonderful gateway drug to the joys of four season cycling. If you've never done the ride, a word of caution:  key to a successful Rampage is pacing oneself when it comes to alcohol consumption.   
• The Kru's Holiday Party December 1^st, 4-6 pm at the back room at Three Lions Pub (conveniently scheduled as an after-party to the Santa Rampage Ride). The event is open to all who enjoy being active, so feel free to invite friends. Admission is free, but donations at the door to World Bicycle Relief are encouraged.  Santa or other festive holiday costumes encouraged.  More details to come soon.  

Eskerrik Asko

Last Swim: Yesterday
Next Swim: Today
Kru: Itch, Diablo, Cormorant
Waves: Wavy
Water: Very Clear
Temp: 41

"We're American! We don't plan, we do".
Word on the street is that a traditional Thanksgiving Swim is being arranged. Wave pending we will be swimming this Thursday time TBD, blah, blah, blah... I recommend winter gear; gloves, booties, more gloves, easy changeable dry clothes, Licor 43... More blah, blah, blah... No excuses, if you do not have winter gear; you can always visit Jake at Lake Effect Surf Shop and get what you need and more.

In the meantime, in preparation for this event I am starting my thankful list:

• Grazie for the Lake
• Danke sher for the Kru, specially when they are quiet
• Merci beaucoup for Seaglass
• Gracias for Driftwood and artists
• Arigato for Stickie Hole (although removed accidentally by strangers - WFB Popo has arranged their best team to find Stickie whereabouts)
• Spasiba for the Bluff
• Takk for the Walls
• Mahalo for sandy beaches
• Efharisto for the Sun and the Moon
• Toda for Kahuna's working legs so he no longer needs to be pushed up the hill in a wheelchair
• Do jeh for after swim shots (Lujo)
• Khop Khun Mak Kha for Landmarks
• Shukran for the Ducks
• Blah, blah, blah...

Well if I do not see you on the beach have a nice Day; if I see you on the beach remember there are other stupid things you could be doing and chose not to.

Sometimes November offers a gift...

...today was one such day.

Last Swim: Saturday at noon
Water Temp: 47
Waves: 1-2 feet out of the ENE
Clarity: I couldn't tell you, I wasn't going in that water at 47 degrees
Crew: Itch, Linda the Lamprey

The remaining leaves popped in the clear sunshine; people raked their lawns; families took walks; and swimmers took to Lake Michigan.

Thursday was the last day of the Milwaukee Film Festival. I watched Kim Swims, a documentary about the first woman to swim from the Farallon Islands to San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, a distance of almost 30 miles. She over for almost 17 hours! In the course of what is a very good movie, she describes particular pleasure many swimmers feel in the open water. She also shows herself to be totally badass and one hell of an athlete. Check it out here. Go to the "See the Film" link and rent it for $3.99.
It's worth it.