Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Cyclocross, Fun Machine, Workhorse, Race Bike, Commuter, All Rounder


I just built this Cannondale CAAD9 CX bike with SRAM/Zipp/Truvativ components.  It is perfect for any kind of riding you like. More importantly, it's perfect for me.  Some fine tuning needed, like a longer stem, off road pedals and maybe a lower bar position, but it feels so nice going down the road...

This Week's Great Name for a Band

"Java and the Chesterfield Kings"

Monday, August 29, 2011

Hanging with the SRAM Crew (and Mike Adamle)

Hanging out with some of the SRAM and World Bicycle Relief Crew after the Wrigley Field Road Tour (to Milwaukee) to raise money for World Bicycle Relief and Chicago Cubs Charities (http://www.worldbicyclerelief.org/).  Great fun and good cause.  Yes, I gladly had a couple of Old Styles.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Creole Red Beans (Kidney) And Rice - Louis and Lucille Armstrong

By - Louis and Lucille Armstrong

Creole Red Beans (Kidney) And Rice

(Use 2 qt. pot with cover)
1 lb. Kidney Beans
1/2 lb. Salt Pork (Strip of lean, strip of fat)
(Slab Bacon may be used if preferred)
1 small can of tomato sauce (if desired)
6 small Ham Hocks or one smoked Pork Butt
2 onions diced
1/4 green (bell) pepper
5 tiny or 2 medium dried peppers
1 clove garlic - chopped
Salt to taste

Preparation
Wash beans thoroughly, then soak over night in cold water. Be sure to cover beans. To cook, pour water off beans, add fresh water to cover. Add salt pork or bacon, let come to a boil over full flame in covered pot. Turn flame down to slightly higher than low and let cook one and one-half hours. Add diced onions, bell pepper, garlic, dried peppers and salt. Cook three hours. Add tomato sauce, cook one and one-half hours more, adding water whenever necessary. Beans and met should always be just covered with water (juice), never dry. This serves 6 or more persons.....

To prepare with Ham Hocks or Pork Butts..... Wash meat, add water to cover and let come to a boil in covered pot over medium flame. Cook one and one-half hours. Then add beans (pour water off), add rest of ingredients to meat. Cook four and one-half hours. Add water when necessary.

Suggestions
For non pork eaters, chicken fat may be used instead of salt pork. Corned beef or beef tongue may be used instead of ham hocks or butts.

Rice
2 cups white rice
2 cups water
One teaspoon of salt
One pot with cover

Wash rice thoroughly, have water and salt come to a boil. Add rice to boiling water. Cook until rice swells and water is almost evaporated. Cover and turn flame down low. Cook until rice is grainy. To insure grainy rice, always use one and one-half cups water to one cup of rice..... "To serve"

On dinner plate — Rice then beans, either over rice or beside rice as preferred.

Monday, August 1, 2011

The New Frame

Cyclocross frame: 58 cm Cannondale CAAD9 with all Carbon Fiber Easton fork.  Can't wait to build this one up for commuting, fun weekend rides and maybe a few cyclocross races.