Kodiak Rider artwork

Kodiak Rider

45 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 1 rating

Previews of Chicago area bike races.

Sports chicago bike racing
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Episodes

Wheeling CX 2022 - 45+

November 17, 2022 23:39

 Weeeeeeeeeeee-Ling The Wheeling course has been pretty static over the years.  This was my 5th crack at it and it is the first time I remember it not being muddy and freezing.  There was a little rain earlier in the week but the course wasn't slick at all.  There is an off camber section that has a speed limit when muddy but can be ridden fairly normal in the dry.  There is also a short downhill u-turn that causes problems but was ridable this time.  The temps were low 30's but I only reme...

CamRock n Roll CX 2022 - 50+ Cat 4/5

November 15, 2022 18:46

 North of the border once again.  Things worked out well this weekend.  Jerilynn was out of town and my Madison friend actually was in town.  So I drove up Friday night and we watched the Spartans choke away a game on an aircraft carrier and the Badgers pulling one out at the Brewers stadium. The CamRock n Roll race is in Cambridge WI, southeast of Madison by about half an hour.  So the drive in the morning was much nicer than the 2 hours I've done earlier in the season. I found a couple o...

Groundhog CX 2022 - 45+

November 09, 2022 20:37

 The movie Groundhog Day was filmed in Woodstock, IL which is where we raced on Sunday and thus the name of the race.  This year it was also the Illinois State Championships. The Tower crew was a little light as Iceman was on Saturday (among other things). That meant I was alone in the 45+ while Fran, George and Mark were in the 55+. The temps were in the mid to high 40's so in theory not too bad, but the wind was 15-20 mph which made it chilly.   The wonderful thing about cyclocross is t...

Campton CX 2022

November 04, 2022 22:05

What's the phrase?  Fool me once shame on you.  Fool me twice then shame on me. We will get back to that. Campton is the annual Halloween race.  Many people dress up either a tiny bit or just all out.  I just stuck to my Tower kit as did the other Tower racers. In my race we had myself, Bryan and Joe.  Both Bryan and Joe have continued to improve their placing each week.  Tony is working out some back issues and is sidelined for a bit. The 55+ race had George, Fran, Bob, Brad and Mark. ...

ABD Sunrise Park CX - CCC# 3

November 02, 2022 16:04

 Kryptonite - "often used to describe something likened to kryptonite in causing someone's weakness, failure, etc." There are plenty of things in cyclocross I'm just not that good at or can't do at all (Jumping tall barriers) but the hill at Sunrise Park is absolutely my kryptonite.  It isn't a big hill like Saturday's in Grafton and getting to the top isn't a big deal, but at the top there is a U turn that goes steep downhill/off camber.  Every year I fall and every year I lose time there....

Grafton Pumpkin Cross - 2022

October 28, 2022 18:37

 One more time the decision was made to head up north.  After last week's podium my head was full of bravado.  George talked me into it (or the other way around if you ask him) and we made the early morning drive to Grafton, WI, just north of Milwaukee. There was a pre-ride video done by the hosts before all the tape was up and it looked pretty tame - a grass crit perhaps.  When we got up there it was anything but.  It was a good course with plenty of off camber turns and one big hill.  The...

Glenwood CX - CCC #2

October 19, 2022 15:43

 After the Saturday podium it was time to be brought back down to earth with a smack down in the second CCC race of the season.  The CCC 45+ race has all categories (1-5) and my lowly Cat 4 status pushed me back to the 4th row (races are also 40 minutes instead of 30).  I did have company as Tony F. and Joe Doyle right there with me in row 4 and Bryan C. was just behind.   We had a really good Tower turnout for the Glenwood race.  In the 55+ there was Fran, George, Bob, Brad and Mark.  Bob'...

Field of Riches CX

October 18, 2022 14:16

Once again it was time to head north of the border and race in Wisconsin.  Just outside of Milwaukee, George and I carpooled on Saturday morning to the Field of Riches CX race.  The better half was out of town so what better to do than race. We signed up for the 50+ Cat 4/5.  It was a 30 minute race in a park amongst some beautifully changing leaves. Based on the name of the race I didn't expect too much more than riding around in a grassy field.  I was very wrong.  The course included thr...

Trek CX Cup 2022

October 13, 2022 20:55

Two days.  Two races (in 16 hours).  Two friends.  Same course.   Let's compare: First race on Friday: Cat 4 (all ages); Second race Saturday morning: 45+ Cat 4/5 1st: 50 degrees; 2nd 35 degrees (um, brr) 1st: 30 minutes (actual race time 40 minutes WTH); 2nd: 30 minutes (actual 32 minutes) 1st: 120 racers (5th row start for me, 7th for George I think); 2nd: 29 racers (more in 35+ and 55+ scored separately) (1st row start for me, George had a second row start in the 55+) (Bryan C. start...

Schiller Woods CX - CCC #1

October 07, 2022 02:51

Schiller Woods in the city is the first round of the Chicago Cross Cup series (of 7).  It is a new venue as the typical kickoff (Caldwell Woods) is under construction.  The pre-race info was that it was flat with one hill used in multiple ways with a gravel run up. This was a real power course.  Those with good power should be able to take advantage of the long grass sections.  This was me last year.  This year is up in the air. The gravel run up had 2 barriers in the pre-ride but they cam...

#CrossIsHere 2022 - LAPT Lion Cross

September 12, 2022 20:16

The CCC season doesn't start until October so the pre-season for us entails motoring up to Wisconsin.  The nice thing about the Wisc CX Series is there are a ton of races to choose from.  This was opening weekend and on Sunday it was the LAPT Lion Cross near-ish Milwaukee. Bryan Connelly (UPB) and I signed up and headed up to Tichigan, WI.  The forecast was cool rain all day just like back home so I didn't even use the bike rack and stored the Crux in the rear of the car.  No sense in washi...

Worlds.... and oh yeah, Nationals

February 14, 2022 23:49

 It was an opportunity I couldn't pass up.  Cyclocross World Championships in the U.S.  Within driving distance.  And what turned out to be 50-60 degree sunny weather.  Arkansas here I come.  Well, came and went by now.  The last weekend in January I hitched my wagon to Peter's wagon and we trucked (Compact SUV'd) to Fayetteville (actually stayed in Bentonville).  Peter is an industry man (Watch out for his Eliel kit) and I tagged along for the ride. Besides actual racing I'm a pretty big p...

Region Riot CX

December 03, 2021 01:13

 Midwest Regional Championships The end of the season is here.  The Region Riot race and Nationals was all that was left. The Region Racing team is based in Crown Point, IN.  I hadn't been to this race before but as buildup to Nationals I thought it was good to keep racing.  Evidently, not many people had that same thought.  In fact, of the 48 people signed up for the 50+ race at Nationals (my race) 75% of them are from out of state.  Where the heck are all the Illinois racers??? Fields w...

Wisconsin State Championships CX

November 22, 2021 22:58

 Double Feature(s) With the CCC season over too early one must sometimes cross rival's borders in search of that racing fix. Saturday brought us to Waterloo, Wisconsin, home of Trek bicycle company and this year's state cyclocross championships. The literal backyard of Trek is a permanent cyclocross course.  In October it hosted the 1st World Cup of the season with all but a few of the European and American pros.   With a little less palmares than the pros and more prep needed for Nation...

Wheeling CX

November 17, 2021 05:00

 The Pre-Ride Wheeling is usually later in the year when it is colder and is always slick.  So, when there was midweek rain and projected 30 degree temps it felt just like old times. Come race day it was actually 37 and the course was nice and grassy >> Green is good, green is grip.  I got my normal 2 pre-ride laps in and the course was good.  I wouldn't say I felt confident because this course always has my number.  But the amount of grass (as opposed to mud covered grass or just plain mu...

Groundhog CX

November 11, 2021 03:55

They filmed the movie Groundhog Day in Woodstock, IL so that is where this race gets its name. We had a smaller crew than usual with Bob (and sons) and Bryan (and son) up at Iceman this weekend.  Fran, George and I along with Mark in his Intent kit made the trek to Woodstock.   Since there is no CCC (Chicago Cyclocross Cup) this year and the races are all on their own the PSIMET team decided to shake it up a little.  So, instead of the bulk 55+ and 45+ races that we do they created sub-cat...

Campton Hills CX

November 03, 2021 16:57

 This should be a short one as I didn't fall and didn't have any real power. Campton Hills is the usual Halloween race.  Many people dress up on the sidelines and especially on the bike.  Most of the costumes are in the later races but even in the 45+ race there was a guy in a full bunny suit.  There was an appearance by the Allez Omi Opi fan as well. It had rained a bunch during the week but the course turned out to not be too bad.  Us old farts go early in the morning so there is dew eve...

ABD Sunrise CX

October 25, 2021 21:30

 Stupid! That describes a bunch of my race on Sunday.  But mostly the last bit when I was fighting for 24th place and pushed it too hard in a corner when I didn't need to. But let's backtrack and set the stage a little.  The race was at Sunrise Park in Bartlett which is a staple on the CCC circuit.  All week long it was calling for rain on Sunday and it didn't disappoint.  But lucky for me the rain waited until after my race and hit most of the other races.  That didn't mean my nerves were...

Caldwell Woods CX 2021

September 29, 2021 04:27

 Caldwell Woods is the usual season opener (Relay Cross is also great but with the alternating laps format it is really just a good re-initiation).  This season we aren't guaranteed any races due to Covid so it was great to show up at Caldwell Woods on Sunday.  The Tower crew included Bob and George in the 55+, and me in the 45+.  There is no overall Chicago Cross Cup this year (Covid) but as long as there is racing there will be fun.  And let's face it I don't think I've ever earned a point...

Kodiak Rider Recon - Episode 4: Fox River Omnium

August 12, 2020 17:12

Episode 4 previews the Fox River Omnium - May 20th and 21st Register at https://www.bikereg.com/fox-river-omnium Race Tech Manual:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwhVX-DMO_7RRVd1bkktZWh5X3c/view Elgin course video: https://youtu.be/dsmB74RDGdI Fox River Grove video: https://youtu.be/dsmB74RDGdI USA Cycling Annual License:  http://www.usacycling.org/news/user/story.php?id=579 Link to Podcast

Kodiak Rider Recon - Episode 5: Master's Memorial Day Omnium

August 12, 2020 17:11

Episode 5 previews the Master's Memorial Day Omnium - May 27, 28 and 29 Event Info:  https://www.abdcycling.com/events/masters/ Register at https://www.bikereg.com/memorialdaymasters Link to Podcast

Kodiak Rider Recon - Episode 6: Glencoe Grand Prix

August 12, 2020 17:09

Kodiak Rider Recon - Episode 6: Glencoe Grand Prix https://www.bikereg.com/glencoe-grand-prix https://register.usacycling.org/#!/c/pricing Link to Podcast

Omaha Zoo - 2013

August 11, 2020 00:07

The main goal of our trip was to get to the mountains.  For one driver it is a two day trip (Dayne may have his permit next year).  In the middle is Omaha.  We were just in Omaha in 2011 so it was not a new zoo to us.   It is a pretty cool zoo however so we didn't rush to wake up and planned to spend the entire 2nd day at the zoo and the hotel pool.I couldn't find my camera (The one I borrowed from my mom) so all these pics are from Dayne and Audrey. Right next to the zoo used to be the base...

Rocky Mountain National Park - Part 2

August 11, 2020 00:07

After Chasm Falls we still had a long way to go.  It is a 9 mile dirt/gravel road and we were only about a mile into it.  I bring that up because we had already had such a good time it felt like we were going to explode if we kept up this pace all the way up. About half way up we hit some switchbacks.  And these aren't your ordinary switchbacks.  There were ruts about 8-10 inches deep right in the middle.  I'm not sure how well the Volkwagen would have taken it but the CRV did just fine (Th...

Rocky Mountain National Park

August 11, 2020 00:07

First of all let me say it really is all it is cracked up to be. We are staying in Estes Park which is a stones throw from the park.  We drove up Sunday evening while it was still light and were just amazed at the views.  It was a twisting and turning road along the Big Thompson river.  I almost felt I could turn around at the top and I'd be happy with the trip. Today we headed into the park proper.  I had been looking at the map and trying to figure out what to do.  There is so much it w...

Kansas City Zoo

August 11, 2020 00:07

You know when a father always has to give the son the job well the son Dayne hultman has taken over! Alright well to get things started off we went to the Kansas City zoo. The funniest thing was the polar bear but i wish i had some footage but my dad does. The red panda was a cool thing because we dont have red pandas back in Brookfield. The other cool thing was when we saw the newly discovered tree kangaroo the new speices found under a volcano with a bunch of other species. Here is a pic...

Columbia

August 11, 2020 00:07

What?!  A zoo in Columbia?  No.  There is a Zou in Columbia but only the tiger kind.  The kind that whooped ass over Kansas in football this year. In between St. Louis and Kansas City I couldn't pass up stopping to see the campus.  It was also the kids first chance to see where the old man went to school.  We saw my old dorm and drove by the stadium.  We couldn't see the new basketball area but there was a gate open at the Farout Field.  I told Evan it was ok to step over the chain and wal...

St. Louis Zoo

August 11, 2020 00:07

We woke up to a great breakfast from Mike and headed to the zoo.  He gave us directions for free parking but we weren't early enough for  a Sunday and all the street parking was taken.  No biggie considering it was a free zoo anyway.  We had seen the zoo from the highway the day before.  They have a cool sign out front. I had talked to someone that had said it was a small zoo and that we could walk through it in two hours.  I would have to disagree that it is small.  It was plenty big and to...

Hello St. Louis

August 11, 2020 00:07

The start of another vacation - zoo style. We are staying in the midwest again this year but are going a little south and a little west. First we head south. A drive down to St. Louis and our first stop is the St. Louis Science Center. This was a neat place with some giant robot dinos and a laser harp.  We saw the omni-max movie Sea Rex about the dinos in the oceans.  It was interesting, although I find it hard to believe a 50 ton dino-fish can live on mollusks and small fish. After ...

Taking a Hike - 3-31-11

August 11, 2020 00:07

We visited one of the local DuPage forest preserves on Thursday. Oldfield Oaks had a nice 1.1 mile trail. There was a 0.7 mile spur but the kids didn't want to do the extra walking. It wasn't too far from home and the weather was pretty nice. Sunny with little wind. So we headed off into the wild with our new walking stick in hand. Even though we were bundled up it still was really nice outside. It started as a paved trail and then changed into a well maintained dirt trail. Many trees...

Shedd - 3-29-11

August 11, 2020 00:07

On Tuesday we headed downtown. Our first stop was the Hancock Center. I found a discounted annual pass that was cheaper than going once paying normal price. Plus we got a $12 gift card to use at the cafe. Ok, my frugalness aside the skies were pretty clear so we went to the top. We were told that it has the fastest elevator in the country. 2o mph. Surprisingly it didn't feel much different. We did the audio tour we is narrated by Melman from Madagascar (David Schwimmer for those not i...

The Zoo - 3/28/11

August 11, 2020 00:07

Back to the zoo in 2011. It is Spring Break and a great time to go to the zoo - except for the cold weather of course. I was bummed looking at the forecast but when the sun was bright and the mercury was in the middle 40's we made a quick go. Usually we see the creature to the left after it has shed most of its winter coat; looking all mangy. But it was looking nice and warm on this day. Happy to have all the fur it could handle. I assume most of you can name this creature. But, ca...

Holiday Greetings!

August 11, 2020 00:07

Please watch our Holiday Greetings video. With Love, Case, Dayne, Evan and Audrey

Milwaukee Zoo

August 11, 2020 00:07

We were pooped after spending the day in Michigan so we got a late start on Tuesday. We finally made it up the other side of Lake Michigan up to the Milwaukee County Zoo. It was pretty easy to get there using the highway and well marked once we got off. I was surprised that the admission was more than Brookfield Zoo. The first thing we saw was the primate house. It was pretty extensive. Lots of different animals from the standard Apes and Orangutans to the less common Bonobo and Colobus ...

Vacation 2010 - Prologue

August 11, 2020 00:07

The kids and I hope to have a bunch more fun this week. As kind of a pre-vacation trip we decided to spend the day with Donna and her family in Michigan. William came with us too. We hit the dunes first. It rained all the way to Sawyer and stopped about 10 minutes after we pulled in. William was very determined to have his day at the beach so he went down to put his feet in the water. We joined in a few minutes later and then agreed that even though it was cloudy and the water was cold we s...

Corn Maze

August 11, 2020 00:06

This is from our trip to the corn maze.

Leaf Pile

August 11, 2020 00:06

Here is a video of the kids jumping in Nana's leaf pile.

Toledo Zoo

August 11, 2020 00:06 Video

We hit the Toledo Zoo next. Well, we did spend an extra day in Columbus and had lots of fun at the water park that is attached to the zoo. We had our first real experience with the wave pool and really enjoyed it. We weren't sure what to expect in Toledo because it seemed to be a smaller zoo. There were some really good reviews online and it fit perfectly into our trip logistically. When we got off the highway we drove through a lower income area and wasn't sure what to expect. Once at t...

Columbus Zoo

August 11, 2020 00:06 Video

Here we are. Three zoos in three days. Columbus, Ohio. I know I was starting to feel the miles. But this zoo was just voted the number 1 zoo in America (that's right. Ahead of San Diego) by the USA travel guide. If you can't get pumped up for that then what can you? Let me get the bear picture out of the way right now. These guys were just laying around but they at least were nice enough to be close so we could get a good look at them. I have one picture of the front claws of this ...

Cincinnati Zoo

August 11, 2020 00:06 Video

Today we went to the Cincinnati Zoo. It was a nice drive over. Only about two hours. Once close to Cincinnati there were rolling hills filled with lush vegitation. To the left is our tickets for the day. The cool thing was that it was a half price day. And anyone that knows me knows that makes me happy. We started off at the elephants. Every zoo has elephants and yet they are still fun to watch. These were asia elephants and were darker than the Brookfield ones. This was at the end of th...

Indianapolis Zoo

August 11, 2020 00:06

We had a great time at the zoo today. I was really impressed. It is smaller than Brookfield zoo in the number of animals and the physical size but the the exhibits were larger and more realistic. A good time was had by all. This guy had the right idea. It was hot. The Desert section was really cool. There were a number of animals in the same area and they were interacting and actually moving. Not bad for the middle of the day. It was nice to see a real walrus. Brookfield has been without...

Kodiak Rider Recon - Episode 3: Monsters of the Midway

April 26, 2017 02:56

Episode 3 previews the Monsters of the Midway. Special thanks to Keith Kaminski from University of Chicago Velo Club and Dom Lopez from XXX Racing-Athletico. Register at https://www.bikereg.com/34275 USA Cycling Annual License:  http://www.usacycling.org/news/user/story.php?id=579

Kodiak Rider Recon - Episode 2: Lincoln Park Crit

April 13, 2017 01:53

Episode 2 previews the Lincoln Park Crit. Register at www.XXXRacing.org

Kodiak Rider

March 13, 2017 03:42

Kodiak Rider Recon - Episode 1: Spring Super Criterium

March 13, 2017 03:41

In the inaugural episode I discuss the Spring Super Criterium.