Colorado Wheat Harvest 09 - Better Then Ever

The wet spring and summer in Colorado this year resulted in a fantastic wheat harvest. I went out east near Arriba and helped my cousins with harvest. It was a great time and I was happy to help them. They work long hard hours but being outside and driving a combine was a fun change compared to my cubicle. Hopefully I will make it Oklahoma and Kansas some year for harvest where I also have family that farms.

Kenosha Pass / Colorado Trail Mountain Biking

Ron and Jake organized another bike trip this weekend. Saturday they rode downhill at Keystone while I raced at Winter Park. Then on Sunday we road the Colorado Trail starting at Kenosha Pass on Highway 285 and road northwest over the Continental Divide to Breckenridge. It was a great ride and the first part was filled with big views and wild flowers. Once we reached the divide summit, weather was blowing in so we had to skip the last 14 miles of downhill rolling single track. I guess that means we will have to go back some year. ;-)

++++++++++

Mark is having fun in the great outdoors.
ESN:0-7341053
Latitude:39.5302
Longitude:-105.9983
Nearest Location:not known
Distance:not known
Time:07/12/2009 14:32:06 (US/Mountain)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=39.5302,-105.9983&ll=39.5302,-105.9983&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

Time:07/12/2009 13:28:45 (US/Mountain)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=39.4613,-105.9102&ll=39.4613,-105.9102&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=39.4547,-105.9026&ll=39.4547,-105.9026&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=39.4126,-105.7586&ll=39.4126,-105.7586&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

OK ESN:0-7341053

Sailing the high seas of Utah with Ryan, Mike, Linda, Jeff, Erin, Matt and Laura 6/10/09 thru 6/14/09.
ESN:0-7341053
Latitude:37.0692
Longitude:-111.4542
Nearest Location:not known
Distance:not known
Time:06/13/2009 12:29:26 (US/Mountain)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=37.0692,-111.4542&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

OK ESN:0-7341053

Sailing the high seas of Utah with Ryan, Mike, Linda, Jeff, Erin, Matt and Laura 6/10/09 thru 6/14/09.
ESN:0-7341053
Latitude:37.1864
Longitude:-110.8795
Nearest Location:not known
Distance:not known
Time:06/12/2009 10:27:58 (US/Mountain)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=37.1864,-110.8795&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

OK ESN:0-7341053

Sailing the high seas of Utah with Ryan, Mike, Linda, Jeff, Erin, Matt and Laura 6/10/09 thru 6/14/09.
ESN:0-7341053
Latitude:37.1206
Longitude:-111.0817
Nearest Location:not known
Distance:not known
Time:06/11/2009 15:44:55 (US/Mountain)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=37.1206,-111.0817&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

OK ESN:0-7341053

Sailing the high seas of Utah with Ryan, Mike, Linda, Jeff, Erin, Matt and Laura 6/10/09 thru 6/14/09.
ESN:0-7341053
Latitude:37.1707
Longitude:-110.872
Nearest Location:not known
Distance:not known
Time:06/11/2009 10:02:01 (US/Mountain)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=37.1707,-110.872&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

OK ESN:0-7341053

Sailing the high seas of Utah with Ryan, Mike, Linda, Jeff, Erin, Matt and Laura 6/10/09 thru 6/14/09.
ESN:0-7341053
Latitude:37.1127
Longitude:-110.9487
Nearest Location:not known
Distance:not known
Time:06/11/2009 08:38:12 (US/Mountain)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=37.1127,-110.9487&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

OK ESN:0-7341053

Sailing the high seas of Utah with Ryan, Mike, Linda, Jeff, Erin, Matt and Laura 6/10/09 thru 6/14/09.
ESN:0-7341053
Latitude:37.1767
Longitude:-110.9225
Nearest Location:not known
Distance:not known
Time:06/10/2009 15:44:56 (US/Mountain)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=37.1767,-110.9225&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

Bon Voyage

We have left Bullfrog and are on the water so I imagine cell coverage
will drop and this will be my last post. I'm excited, this is going
to be FUN!!!

Hello Powers

Wow, it's a small world.

While we were loading the houseboat I saw a lady on the dock I
recogonized. It was Lousie from Winter Park and she was also setting
sail today with Graham, Heidi and family. It looks like you missed
this trip Allison but I'm sure you are doing something equally cool.

Bar?

Learning how the bar works and everything else.

Rough

It's going to be rough. I think that's why Mike and Laura have such
big smiles. The houseboat is 73' long, has 5 bedrooms, a nice
kitchen, a big flat screen, a roofside deck with bar, hottub and BBQ.

Good job Jeff. This boat rocks.

Boat comparison

Jeff's boat vs my boat. His has 400hp, can carry 12 people and 20
cases of beer. My boat has 0.01hp, can carry only me and 1 can of beer.

OK ESN:0-7341053

Sailing the high seas of Utah with Ryan, Mike, Linda, Jeff, Erin, Matt and Laura 6/10/09 thru 6/14/09.
ESN:0-7341053
Latitude:37.5193
Longitude:-110.7444
Nearest Location:not known
Distance:not known
Time:06/10/2009 08:54:32 (US/Mountain)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=37.5193,-110.7444&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

BENT!!!

>

> We were taking two boats to Powell and I was going to tow Ryans from
> Golden. However on his way from Colorado Springs he hit a pothole
> which blew a tire, bent a rim and bent the trailer axle.
>
> After a frustrating afternoon of trying to get things fixed, it was
> determined the axle could not be fixed. And with a bent axle the
> trailer could not make it 900 miles to Powell. So we ditched the
> boat and headed for Powell a good 7 hours later then planned. We
> then stopped in GJ to pick up Mike and Linda who used to live in
> Pueblo and moved to Hawaii. Then finally at about 3am this morning
> we made it to Bullfrog on the north shore of Powell.
>

OK ESN:0-7341053

Mtn biking Centennial Cone 5/20/09.
ESN:0-7341053
Latitude:39.745
Longitude:-105.3356
Nearest Location:not known
Distance:not known
Time:05/20/2009 19:07:38 (US/Mountain)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=39.745,-105.3356&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

OK ESN:0-7341053

Mtn biking Centennial Cone 5/20/09.
ESN:0-7341053
Latitude:39.7457
Longitude:-105.3255
Nearest Location:not known
Distance:not known
Time:05/20/2009 18:37:32 (US/Mountain)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=39.7457,-105.3255&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

OK ESN:0-7341053

Mtn biking Centennial Cone 5/20/09.
ESN:0-7341053
Latitude:39.7717
Longitude:-105.3469
Nearest Location:not known
Distance:not known
Time:05/20/2009 18:11:07 (US/Mountain)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=39.7717,-105.3469&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

Hi Hi (Goodbye)

There's the plane, our ride home. Flying here from Chicago on SAS was
a pleasure and the flight went quick. Hopefully going home will be
the same.

Besides the pickpocket, my trip was great. Denmark and Sweden are
great countries and I would love to come back. But if I plan to ride
my bike or camp I will wait till summer. We were super lucky and
experienced the warmest, sunniest and driest weather Denmark and
Sweden have seen in 100 years. And today as we prepare to leave the
weather is cool and overcast for the first time in a week.

The lack of useless gift shops is ironic and maybe a fitting
farewell. I don't know if it was hard to find gift shops and tshirt
shops because summer wasn't yet here or because it's something the
Danes and Swedes don't do compared to Americans. I think it's the
latter but either way I hit the airport hoping to find a tshirt and
some other gifts. But to my surprise I couldn't even find a gift
store at the airport.

Instead the international departure terminal was full of alcohol,
perfume, clothes and even a nice lingere display. Why worry about
worthless junk when you can look and feel good with good drinks and
nice clothes.

Hi Hi, Maan Tak (goodbye, thank you very much)

Copenhagen street tax

My last day in Copenhagen ended with a canal tour of Copenhagen. It
was suggested by my friend Katrine who I met several years ago
skiing. She now lives in Copenhagen and joined me on the tour. While
on the tour, Katrine and the boat guide both provided city histories.
I prefered Katrines rendition but we both learned something new from
the boat guide. In old Copenhagen, the buildings are very narrow
because they were taxed by the length if city street they occupied.
It doesn't matter when or where, people always try to avoid being
taxed it seems.

Thanks Katrine for the tour and worlds best hot dog.

Train life

Time was running out so I hopped on the train from Arhus to
Copenhagen. It took 3 hours which would of been 3 days on the bike.
Good thing for trains.

Happy birthday

Travelling just to see the sights is always fun but I enjoy it even
more when I get to meet some locals. So after a great day at
Legoland, Rasmus and Mette let me join them at a friends birthday
party. It was a great party with lots of nice people, delicous food
and nonstop drinks.

World Lego tour

If you never played with Legos you might not understand the interest
in going to Legoland. However, I think most people would love it if
they only went. I know I sure did!!!

I didn't know what Legoland would be like for an adult but I thought
it was awesome and so did many other people of all ages. Legoland
itself is a combination theme park and model brick heaven. Everything
is based on Legos and if possible made from Legos, including life size
people and minature cities.

My favorite part was the minature cities. Using cities from around
the world, the Lego engineers would reproduce cityscapes in Legos.
Just that in itself was awesome because some of the cityscapes were
huge and included millions of Legos. But the Lego engineers even
brought the cities alive by incorporating sound and moving Lego
trains, ships, cars... One of the most impressive things was a series
of ship locks in which ships were raised or lowered as they moved
between cities.

So what's my conclusion. Legoland is a MUST SEE!!!

White Lightning

Many Danes don't have cars thus all the great bicycles and trains.
However Rasmus and Mette do have a car and they fondly refer to it as
"White Lightning" because of it's agressive looks and superb driving
characteristics. Not because it's a white Ford Escape esque station
wagon with 180k plus miles.

They offered me the chance to borrow WL and take her to Legoland. I
didn't want to impose but I said yes because Legoland would take two
days via bike and I only had half a day. After a quick test drive
around the block Rasmus handed me the reins and I was off with White
Lightning.

I love driving and I love biking but each has it's place and time.
White Lightning ran like a champ and without her Legoland would have
been impossible. Thanks Rasmus and Mette.

OK ESN:0-7341053

Bike touring Denmark and Sweden from 240409 thru 030509.
ESN:0-7341053
Latitude:55.4497
Longitude:11.8906
Nearest Location:not known
Distance:not known
Time:05/02/2009 04:54:19 (US/Mountain)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=55.4497,11.8906&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

OK ESN:0-7341053

Bike touring Denmark and Sweden from 240409 thru 030509.
ESN:0-7341053
Latitude:55.3319
Longitude:10.7614
Nearest Location:not known
Distance:not known
Time:05/02/2009 04:35:14 (US/Mountain)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=55.3319,10.7614&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

OK ESN:0-7341053

Bike touring Denmark and Sweden from 240409 thru 030509.
ESN:0-7341053
Latitude:55.7367
Longitude:9.1296
Nearest Location:not known
Distance:not known
Time:05/01/2009 03:41:14 (US/Mountain)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=55.7367,9.1296&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

Arhus - Our House

Last night I arrived in Arhus, home to Rasmus, Mette, Christian and
Han-Henrik who I met in Colorado Springs. They treated me to a great
picnic and have even given me a place to sleep.

I'm so jealous of all my Danish friends because all of them bike to
work in under 10 minutes.

I have picture on my camera-camera that I will post.

Now it's time to go visit the land of plastic blocks :-). Know what I
mean? Wish me lucky, I resting the bike today and driving Rasmus's car.

So lush

I could not have better weather, roads or scenery. Everywhere I go is
gorgeous with either lush fields or forests. It may rain here most of
the winter but it does a good job helping things grow and stay green.

6000km of pedaling

The first thing I saw when riding off the ferry in Grenna, DK was a
map of the North Sea Cycle Route. Some might call it a dream and
others might call it a nightmare but I think all would call it F...ING
LONG!!!

The North Sea route is 6000kms and follows the coasts of Scotland,
England, Netherland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway. Yesterday I
rode 60km in the afternoon so at that pace I would need 100 days to
complete the route. I better start saving my vacation and get some
well padded shorts.

Just incase you want to do any route planning here's the website.

http://www.northsea-cycle.com

Cruising the high seas

Was it a cruise ship or ferry?

The ferry from Varberg was many times larger then my last ferry from
Helsingor. On the ferry there were 2 levels for vehicles, a level
with sleeping cabins, a general level with shops, restaurants, casinos
then a top level with outside deck.

It was only 4 hours from Varberg, SE to Grenna, DK but in that time I
imagined what it might of been like for my Swedish grandfather. He
left home and the farm at 15 to become a sailor and then sailed for 12
years.

While we cruised the seas were calm but there was a steady brisk
wind. For most of our crossing you could not see any land. I can
only imagine how scary it might have been on a small wooden ship, in
rough seas and in the middle of a large unforgiving sea.

OK ESN:0-7341053

Bike touring Denmark and Sweden from 240409 thru 030509.
ESN:0-7341053
Latitude:56.1407
Longitude:10.1808
Nearest Location:not known
Distance:not known
Time:04/30/2009 11:03:39 (US/Mountain)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=56.1407,10.1808&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

OK ESN:0-7341053

Bike touring Denmark and Sweden from 240409 thru 030509.
ESN:0-7341053
Latitude:56.1972
Longitude:10.2511
Nearest Location:not known
Distance:not known
Time:04/30/2009 09:54:56 (US/Mountain)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=56.1972,10.2511&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

OK ESN:0-7341053

Bike touring Denmark and Sweden from 240409 thru 030509.
ESN:0-7341053
Latitude:56.367
Longitude:10.5861
Nearest Location:not known
Distance:not known
Time:04/30/2009 08:11:28 (US/Mountain)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=56.367,10.5861&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

OK ESN:0-7341053

Bike touring Denmark and Sweden from 240409 thru 030509.
ESN:0-7341053
Latitude:56.4083
Longitude:10.9252
Nearest Location:not known
Distance:not known
Time:04/30/2009 05:26:09 (US/Mountain)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=56.4083,10.9252&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

OK ESN:0-7341053

Bike touring Denmark and Sweden from 240409 thru 030509.
ESN:0-7341053
Latitude:56.5462
Longitude:11.28
Nearest Location:not known
Distance:not known
Time:04/30/2009 04:11:21 (US/Mountain)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=56.5462,11.28&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

OK ESN:0-7341053

Bike touring Denmark and Sweden from 240409 thru 030509.
ESN:0-7341053
Latitude:56.7633
Longitude:11.8486
Nearest Location:not known
Distance:not known
Time:04/30/2009 02:38:13 (US/Mountain)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=56.7633,11.8486&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

Swedish Firewater

Not much to say besides sunsets are pretty.

Really? Nakenbad!!!

I have heard about and I even joked about it but I have yet to see
it. However I now have proof that it really does exist.

Varberg Fortress

For many years Denmark and Sweden fought over southern Sweden because
of it's valuable farmland. It was in those days that Varberg fortress
was built.

Fortunately the Swedes and Danes are no longer fighting so now you are
allowed to explore the fortress and even take pictures.

Varberg dinner goodies

Can you believe all that good food. I don't know why I think buffets
are an American thing but they aren't. Tonight we enjoyed our third
buffet and got to enjoy all sorts of things.

I have no idea what things are called but there was ham wrapped in
bacon, meatloaf with sweet pickled cabbage, fried breads with berries
and many other things.

There was also one very unique thing that was all sprouts. It
included wheat sprouts, barely sprouts, red bean sprouts and garbanzo
bean sprouts. It kind of tasted like dirt but I imagined how good it
was for me so I ate them up.

Modern windpower

And today the wind is good if you are trying to generate electricity.

Historic windpower

There's no denying it, the Swedish coast is windy. That's a good
thing if you are grinding grain.

Bike rack

It was a beautiful day with a slight breeze but I didn't ride my bike.

Instead I threw my bike on my parents rental car and hitched a ride to
Varberg, SE. I wanted to ride but it was 75 miles of rolling hills
and the allergies were kicking my butt.

Tomorrow I will catch the ferry to Grenna, DK.

Allergies in bloom

Ever since landing in Denmark I have been fighting a runny nose. I
thought it was a cold from the airplane but now I think it's allergies
because I feel fine except for a runny nose which will not stop and
causes me to cough.

Paul's home

Before Paul left for America this is the farm he grew up on. Even
though it was many generations ago the farm is still in family.

Potatis (Potatos)

Glimminge, Sweden is where my Swedish grandfather came from and it is
where many of the relatives still live and farm. In his days they
farmed various grains like wheat and barely but these days it is all
potatos.

We had several good farm tours and learned a lot about the land and
farms. Many thanks to Erik, Bobil, Jan, MaiBritt, Thorsten and Frida.

Weak beer

I now know why my Swedish grandfather worked with a German brewer and
why the ferry from Denmark to Sweden was full of people with cases of
beer. Its because Swedish beer is weak.

In Sweden you can buy three types of beer. 1) Weak = 2.2%, 2) Strong
= 3.5% or 3) Export = 5.0%.

OK ESN:0-7341053

Bike touring Denmark and Sweden from 240409 thru 030509.
ESN:0-7341053
Latitude:57.1087
Longitude:12.2436
Nearest Location:not known
Distance:not known
Time:04/29/2009 11:52:59 (US/Mountain)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=57.1087,12.2436&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

Cousins cottage

One of the Swedish cousins and they are letting us there. It is very
pretty with potato fields on one side and the beach on another side.

We are so lucky. Thank you Erik and Bidal.

Travel - Lindstrom reunion

For as many wrong turns as I took, I arrived at the reunion just in
time to eat!!!

It was a great event with approximately 50 people. Great food,
stories and songs were shared by all.

Skanska Cykelsporet

The southern Swedish state of Skane is supposed to be one of the best
cycling regions in Sweden. Even though I have not ridden anywhere
else in Sweden I might have to agree.

As I rode from camp at Leberget to the reunion at Glimminvagen via
Angelholm I encountered a wide variety of riding and sights. Between
Leberget and Angleholm I rode paved but peaceful one lane roads from
farm town to farm town. Then between Angelholm and Glimmingevagen I
rode more one lane roads plus everything from dedicated bike paths, to
seaside dirt roads and wooded dirt trails.

The route I haphazardly rode was anything but straight or direct but
that was OK. I was riding my bike to enjoy the country side by
slowing things down. Getting from point A to point B in the most
direct way or shortest amount of time was not the point of bringing my
bike.

EccoNote voice recording.

Camp sounds

Lerberget camping

Helsingor, DK to Helsingberg, SE

My route was anything but straight but I did make it. More to be said
later.

Danish country roads

Time for some biking pics. Denmark and Sweden are both full of
countless bike trails and country roads.

OK ESN:0-7341053

Bike touring Denmark and Sweden from 240409 thru 030509.
ESN:0-7341053
Latitude:56.3773
Longitude:12.7048
Nearest Location:not known
Distance:not known
Time:04/26/2009 10:12:27 (US/Mountain)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=56.3773,12.7048&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

OK ESN:0-7341053

Bike touring Denmark and Sweden from 240409 thru 030509.
ESN:0-7341053
Latitude:56.4054
Longitude:12.7308
Nearest Location:not known
Distance:not known
Time:04/26/2009 05:09:56 (US/Mountain)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=56.4054,12.7308&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

OK ESN:0-7341053

Bike touring Denmark and Sweden from 240409 thru 030509.
ESN:0-7341053
Latitude:56.3361
Longitude:12.7771
Nearest Location:not known
Distance:not known
Time:04/26/2009 04:02:39 (US/Mountain)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=56.3361,12.7771&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

Chips for salt

Hangry in Sweden

Not familar with hangry? Well if you ever get angry when you get
hungry then you know hangry.

In a post about Copenhagen I mentioned how things are open late and
there are a ton of people out. Just so you don't get confused, that
is ONLY in Copenhagen and not the rest of Denmark or Sweden. As I
biked through the countryside yesterday and today from Copenhagen to
Leberget, SE to Glimminage, SE it was impossible for me to find
anything to eat but a gas station pastry and a ferry pre-packed
sandwich. So last night when I got to camp I ate my pre-packed
sandwich with a few m&m's and went to bed hangry.

Then this morning I woke up early and decided to start pedalling. I
left camp at 6:30 and was hopeful I might find a good breakfast
place. Well, those hopes were crushed as I biked from town to town
where everything was closed and no one was outside except for an
occasional farmer or jogger.

Eventually I found my way to Rabocka camping in Angleholm where I
learned restaurants don't open until 11am on Sundays. I don't know
how the Swedish do it but I like my breakfast before 10 at the VERY
latest.

Fortunately Rabocka had a camp store. The choices were sparse like
might be found in communist Cuba but at this point food was food. I
got chips for the salts I sweated out, 3 pastries because those were
the only ones left, a bottle of mineral water because that was my only
choice and a little thing chocolate drink.

Mark
B.














http://oklacolo.blogspot.com

Powered by Nutella

Yesterday in Copenhagen at the hostel I had my favorite Nutella for
breakfast. If your not a fan of the creamy chocolaty hazlenut spread
then that's OK because it means I will not have to share with you.

In addition to the Nutella I had several coffees, orange juices,
cheeses, meats and hot fresh breads for my jam and Nutella. That may
sound like a lot of food and it was but if I had known it would be my
last meal for 26 plus hours and 100 miles of biking I would have
forced down a couple more servings.

OK ESN:0-7341053

Bike touring Denmark and Sweden from 240409 thru 030509.
ESN:0-7341053
Latitude:56.2455
Longitude:12.8545
Nearest Location:not known
Distance:not known
Time:04/26/2009 00:43:54 (US/Mountain)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=56.2455,12.8545&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

OK ESN:0-7341053

Bike touring Denmark and Sweden from 240409 thru 030509.
ESN:0-7341053
Latitude:56.2246
Longitude:12.6573
Nearest Location:not known
Distance:not known
Time:04/25/2009 23:27:19 (US/Mountain)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=56.2246,12.6573&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

OK ESN:0-7341053

Bike touring Denmark and Sweden from 240409 thru 030509.
ESN:0-7341053
Latitude:56.0322
Longitude:12.6158
Nearest Location:not known
Distance:not known
Time:04/25/2009 11:30:30 (US/Mountain)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=56.0322,12.6158&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

OK ESN:0-7341053

Bike touring Denmark and Sweden from 240409 thru 030509.
ESN:0-7341053
Latitude:55.9616
Longitude:12.4098
Nearest Location:not known
Distance:not known
Time:04/25/2009 09:33:38 (US/Mountain)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=55.9616,12.4098&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

OK ESN:0-7341053

Bike touring Denmark and Sweden from 240409 thru 030509.
ESN:0-7341053
Latitude:55.6648
Longitude:12.5295
Nearest Location:not known
Distance:not known
Time:04/25/2009 06:39:19 (US/Mountain)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=55.6648,12.5295&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

iJetlag continued

iJetlag continued

It's was 11pm in Copenhagen and 3pm in Colorado or 35 hours since
getting up in Colorado. During those 35 hours I at most slept 5 hours
because for some reason airline seats are designed for people a lot
shorter then me. Thus the thought of sleep was very exciting even if
we were in a hostel room with six other snoring travellers.

I fell asleep quick but by 2am I was up. I had not drank any water
since the airport 12 hours previous. I tried to ignore the thirst
because I had no water with me and I did not know where to find any.
Eventually the thirst won and I left the hostel looking for something
to drink.

Unlike Colorado, Denmark does not shut down at 9pm or even 2am. So
even though it was after 2am, the streets were still abuzz with bar
goers and bikers. After a couple quick blocks I came to a 7-11 and
bought myself some juice and water to drink. The next 15 minutes I
stood outside 7-11 enjoying my drink, watching the people and checking
my iPhone.

I then headed back to the hostel and that is when things went from
amusing to embarassing to vengeful. While walking back this short
little guy with dark skin and hair grabbed my arm and started
talking. He pretended to be drunk while he confused me with his
jibberish and stumbling. I continued walking and soon enough he let
go and was gone. Then 10 steps later I felt my pockets and noticed my
iPhone was not there. I quickly checked my other pockets but it was
not there either. In desperation I turned around hoping to see the
guy who just confused me but he was long gone and all I saw was a
street full of drunk bar hoppers.

Now let me ask you. Have you ever been swindled, taken advantage of
or down right robbed? If so, what kind of feelings ran through you?
I can tell you the feelings that ran through me. First it was loss
because something I owned was gone. Second it was embarassment for
being so foolish. Third it was vengence for being taken advantage of.

With vengence on my mind it was impossible for me to head back to the
hostel. Instead I walked up and down the street I had just been
robbed on. I looked in the bars, the restaurants and side streets but
pickpocket was no where to be found. I had no idea what I would do if
I found him but I had a similar experience in 2005 at the Zurich train
station which resulted in me confronting the local forgein pickpocket
who the police then arrested and found with almost $2000 in stolen
property.

However in Zurich, the theif only attempted and nothing of mine was
actually stolen. So while I was also vengeful in Zurich, my vengence
in Copenhagen reached a new unseen level. I was ready to confront the
guy on the street and fight him if necessary. But after several laps
up and down the street an hour had passed and I was convinced the guy
was long gone. I started heading back to the hostel and on my way I
flagged down a Danish police car. I told them what happened and
preceded to give them a description of the guy in hopes they might at
least prevent future pickpocketing. While I was doing that, I saw the
guy who robbed me cross the street and enter the 7-11 where I bought
my water and was later robbed near.

I pointed him out to the poilce and they followed him into the store
then brought him back out. I stood to the side while they questioned
then frisked him. It was not long before they started pulling things
out of his pockets and making a pile. Once they were done, they
called me over to look at what they had found. In the pile of stuff,
there 6 phones plud several IDs and credit cards. Obviously I was not
the guys only victim but I was the only one who knew what he did and
was not willing to let it go. So even with me standing there, the guy
still claimed my phone was his. But after unlocking it and showing it
to the police they believed my story and gave me my phone back. I
then hung around until the police arrested the pickpocket and hauled
him off.

With my iPhone back, I headed for the hostel hoping for some sleep.
Unfortunately I was so wound up from the nights events that I never
did go back to sleep. But to night, I am hoping to sleep well from
either complete exhaustion or the satisfactionn having my iPhone back
and helping the police arrest the pickpocket.

Many thanks to the men and women of the Copenhagen police. You ROCK!!!

=====================================
Mark B.

Software Engineer
Java, #C, Web Services, ...

Adventurer
Snow, Dirt, Travel, ...

http://oklacolo.blogspot.com

oklacolo@gmail.com
=====================================

iJetlag + iPhone + iPickpocket = iPolice

Before I begin the iJetlag story, let me tell you about Copenhagen
because it's a beutiful city even if I did have a miserable first night.

Brian and I arrived in Copenhagen yesterday afternoon from Denver.
Both of us were tired from the flight but we wanted to see Copenhagen
before heading to Sweden. After some initial confusion and the
purchase of three train tickets from the automated machine we were on
the train from the airport to Copenhagen city center.

The trains run every 10 minutes, allow bikes and got us downtown in 12
minutes. Both of us commented on how cool the train was and how we
would ride a train if Colorado had something similar.

Any reservations I had about bringing my bike were instantly
eliminated on my first step outside the train station. In every
direction you looked there were bicycles. There were new bikes, rusty
bikes, strap bikes, cart bikes... with equally unique riders. However
my favorite riders were the ladies in skirts, stockings and high heels.

Once my excitement from all the bikes subsided we made our way to the
CPH hostel. By the time we were checked in it was 5:30. I took a
quick cat nap then joined Brian on a four hour self guided tour of
Copenhagen. First we hit Christhaven which is a STRANGE wanna be
hippie commune. Second we walked the canals which were lined with
side walk cafes and people drinking beer. Third we walked through the
Kings fort which is a cool walled fortress surrounded by a huge water
filled moat.

After all that walking we were hungry and started looking for food.
There are a ton of restaurants but finding something to eat was
somewhat difficult. Many of the restaurants were to swank and
expensive for us. When we finally found one we ending up leaving
because the service was so bad. Then the next place we tried was
closing. Finally we found a popular mediterainan buffet with salads
and pastas. We ate our fill there then headed back to the hostel for
some much needed sleep.

Joi saves my bike

I sware, I did my homework. I called all the airlines looking for the
best deal including flight and bike shipment. Eventually I settled on
SAS because their flighs were comprable and they were the cheapest for
shipping a bike at $100 each way.

Well you can imagine my disbelief when checking in with United and I
was told it would be $200 each way. I argued, then I cursed and
eventually I walked away I was so pissed.

What do you do when the airline has you bent over the barrell? I
called SAS and then United but they were no help. Both told me the
shipping costs depend on the airline checking your luggage. So even
though I booked through United, SAS was checking my luggage and thus
the fee would be $200.

For several minutes I debated my options. Is biking in Denmark really
worth $400? Do I leave my bike and try renting? Do I forget biking
altogether?

I eventually decided I had done to much and come to far. So I went
back to the ticket counter hoping my return trip would be $100 since
SAS would be checking my bags.

Lucky for me, another ticket agent was now working the bike counter.
Her name was Joi and she booked my bike for only $100. Thanks Joi!!!
You saved my bike and made my day.

Sunny in Denmark and Sweden

There was some debate if late April and early May were to early for a bike trip to Denmark and Sweden but it looks like the weather gods are blessing me. The weather should be sunny with highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s. I think it sounds like perfect biking weather.

Bubbles are good

It's 9:02AM in Copenhagen or 1:02AM in Colorado and my bike is wrapped in bubble wrap and ready to go.

Everything seen in the picture is going in my "custom" cardboard box from Peak Cycles in Golden.

Boxed items include: 1) bike, 2) wheels/skewers, 3) pedals/wrench, 4) seat, 5) locks, 6) tools/pump, 7) camelback, 8) helmet/head gear, 9) gloves, 10) shoes, 11) spot?, 12) tape, 13) tent, 14) sleeping pad, 15) sleeping bag, 16)1st aid kit

36 hours to go... I am so READY!!!

Improve keg-hefting with tooth filing

Like most families, my families has it share of family stories. It can sometimes be hard to tell reality from fiction but this weekend I was reminded of several stories.


While waiting on breakfast at the "Orginal" Hard Rock Cafe in Empire, I looked around the cafe. In the west room they are building a new entrance and had several panorama murals. I remember the murals from childhood when they were located in Empire's Redman Hall. The murals depict life of the early Empire valley settlers and one mural was particulary interesting because it is about my Swedish relatives who I am visiting later this week.


The mural did not have a label, but I think "Tall Tales of Lindstrom" might be fitting. It featured the Lindstrom homestead/brewery, several men, an ox-team, a wagon full of beer and notecard about Lindstrom.

In case you can not read the postcard, this is what it says.

"Lindstrom's brewery, due west of Empire, made beer from hops imported by ox-team brom St. Louis. The brew was dispensed in five gallon kegs. These kegs, weighing approximately 60 pounds when full, challenged brawny miners and loggers who worked nearby at Lindstroms's saw-mill to lift them from the ground with only their teeth gripping the bung. Competition was keen. But Paul Lindstrom was the champion keg-hefter. He conditioned his small, but strong, teeth for the sport by using a carptenters's file to keep every tooth at the same level."

Smuk bla himmel dag - Beautiful blue sky day

Old man winter combined forces with spring moisture and blessed us
with 3 feet of late April powder. It's beautiful but my psuedo tele
legs are screaming mercy!!!