Checking in from MN

[slimtrader]

Hey old friends,

Just checked in after not being on here for quite a few months. I miss everyone and miss the occasional opportunity to ride during the winter. My wrist healed up nicely and I got out and rode this fall before the forest was closed for deer hunting season. I was a little rusty on the bike and I was a little timid since last time I rode there I had my collision with the mighty oak tree. I went back and visited the tree and the large patch of missing bark.

I took my wife out riding for the first time on real trails and I think she was overwhelmed. I could see the fear and panic on her face after she took a few spills on the trail. We've got a way to go there but it was fun to have her there and I think she now can understand a little bit of what our trails look like. We were on the easier stuff but she's not used to rocks, sand, and ruts.

Sold the KTM to my brother. Sad to see it go but I couldn't ride this summer and had 2 bikes. I have an '09 husky 310. I picked up a TTR 125 for the wife/daughter and the first street bike I've owned in a long time this fall. '95 Kaw Concorse. Nice sport cruiser but it doesn't agree with my hip joints and I get really uncomfortable after about an hour of riding. I may sell it and look for something that agrees with me more.

Other news, I finished the kitchen remodel at my place. It turned out great so I'm in good with the wife. I got a new job at a machine shop. Interesting and fun work. I always liked working with my hands and with the heavy metal pieces we work with I like to say I get paid to lift weights! I decided to ditch the handyman gig as every out of work contractor seems to be doing that right now and I don't feel like beating the bushes for new customers. It took me a while to build a good customer base in Kansas, people I enjoyed working for. It's also hard to keep organized when I had to move from a 40x40 shop to a 2 car garage.

Things are going well. Lots of new things to do in the big city and it's nice to be close to family again.

I'll keep my eye out for a spring ride down in MO or AR and see if I can swing it.

Take care,
Mike Jennen

[troy]

Hey Mike!

Strange timing--just yesterday evening I was thinking about you and wondering how things are going for you and your family. I love you, man! (In a totally non-gay way, but not like that would be bad or anything.)

Lots of the guys who enjoy the gnarly stuff are signing up for WUDI. (April Fool's weekend) It's in the White Rock Mtn area. I just asked to be added to the attendee list this morning.
http://www.jebruns.com/Wudi14/wudi14.html

Compromises and trade-offs. You try to do what's right for the family. You gave up your customer base and your property with the huge workshop...but...seems like you did the right thing. We miss you! One of these days I'm gonna come up and see you. Question is, do I ride the F800 up or haul the EXC450?

[safiri]

Question is, do I ride the F800 up or haul the EXC450?

Haul the EXC on a lightweight trailer behind the F800. Duh!