This enterprising individual has started a Google Map with user reported locations where you can buy the delicious new Ben & Jerry’s flavor AmeriCone Dream. Its as delicious as it sounds, with carmel and chocolate covered waffle cone chunks. We got ours at 7-11 on Grand River in East Lansing. Another user reports finding it at the Okemos Meijer if you’re also in Mid-Michigan. 7-11 seems to carry a large variety of Ben & Jerry’s flavors so if in doubt, check out your closest say-lay as we say. Move fast heroes, we got the last pint on the shelf when we were there and it seems to be going fast everywhere.

Saturday got out and rode the dirt roads again. The trail reports showed two possible locations: Yankee Springs and Brighton - both described as relatively dry due to their sandy, elevated natures. Really wanted to hit Yankee to prepare for the CPS race, but the distance and uncertain weather kept me away.

Hung out with Dave Saturday night and enjoyed some delicious Famous Dave’s BBQ (different Dave). Magnifique! Rented Fast Food Nation which was a mildly enjoyable political flick. I was expecting more of an all out satire from the title (not knowing much about the book) and it turned out to be a bit more serious. Although the political bent of the story is obvious, it was not the screeching opinion rant I’ve come to expect on such a topic. Bruce Willis’ single scene is more than worth the rental.

Finally today I looked at the days weather outlook, and also saw that there was no rain in the prior 24 hours at Brighton, so I took the plunge and headed out to Murray Lake. The effort was well worth it, the trail was in excellent shape, with only a few muddy valleys at the bottom of hills and a few especially soil rich, as opposed to the typical sandy mixture, patches. Still a lot of leaf cover so had to take it easy in the corners, but the sun was shining, and the temps were in the 60s, it doesn’t get much better than that in March. Was intent on doing two laps but had to bail out on the second early when I noticed the time - Sarah still wanted to play tennis yet and the day wasn’t getting any longer.

This was the first real outing with the new clip less pedals. No problems really. I lost it onto my side lightly going up one hill primarily because I was intentionally taking it easy on the climbs to tread as lightly on the trail surface as possible. After that I was better prepared and mainly walked the steepest climbs the rest of the way. Murray isn’t a great test though as there is very little in the way of technical challenges on the course, more of a XC trail which I prefer anyway.

Now if only I could get Dave out there…

Well its warm enough outside to ride, but as the big blaring warning at the top of the MMBA homepage states, the dirt is still too wet for serious trail riding. What to do? Luckily just outside my door is a nice dirt road perfect for a little unpaved riding. Only about 5 miles end to end but a couple laps makes for a pretty good ride. Includes a couple of minor hills which is nice. Still I wish I knew of some longer stretches around here of dirt roads, but its surprisingly difficult to find such a thing. There are plenty of long, desolate stretches of nicely paved back country roads in every direction, but not many dirt roads. Oh well. Still got out and rode Saturday and Sunday, with nice sunny weather and temps in the upper thirties. Strong wind out of the north Saturday were tough, Sunday was nice and calm.

Thanks has to go out to Eric & Lauri for hosting a kick butt Hold’em poker tournament at their place Saturday night.  I was able to dominate despite  a long string of poor hands late in the game.  It was a pretty wild game with lots of swings in fortune.  In fact myself and the second place winner were both on the brink of getting taken out of the game.  Chris was down to his last all in but pulled it out and hung on for a nice runner up finish.