Project Rollers...Take 1

If you're not into cycling, you'll probably find this dull, but this is my focus hobby this year. I'll be sharing more and more as the season progresses.

I've really been pleased with my bike training this year, even though I have only been outside once so far. I've been getting my bike ready for the outdoor season, and have also jumped into a little project that will facilitate more variety when I'm not in a mood to take on the elements. For now, a picture of my morning rendezvous:

A couple of months ago I was challenged to build a set of bicycle rollers. I think mostly it was in good fun, but a couple of guys were talking about the latest breakthrough in cycle-training technology that put conventional rollers on a free floating frame. These modified rollers more closely simulate actual riding response. The price more closely simulates disregard for economic status...$850.00.

Well I took that challenge (whether or not it was truly implied) to heart with a goal to build the upgraded system cheaper than the conventional system cost. I thought about it a good long while and discussed the possibility of various materials with about anyone that would listen to me.

After looking at costs of several materials, I realized that the only way to meet my goal was to recycle...this thought struck me with fortunate timing, because I was headed to my parent's house where I hoped to find irrigation pipe that would serve as the roller drums. I was not disappointed.

I've only used a pipe cutting tool once before, but when a co-worker brought this monster in, I instantly recognized it. (Who keeps one of these around the house anyway?) This, in combination with an oil filter wrench worked well to trim my newly acquired pipe to length.

Three drums ready for axles.

I ordered up some bearings and then went to a local steel supplier to get the necessary pieces for the rails and framework. Today I cut the railing (angle iron) and frame (rectangular tubing) down to length, and will soon begin drilling holes to install the 1/2"-diameter axles. For now, this is the general layout: First, convetional roller layout...

And second, attaching skateboard wheels to the frame which will allow it to "float" forward and backward on the rails with bicycle accelerations.

To this point, I'm about $132.00 into the project, and I expect to be able to build two sets of rollers out of the materials, making it about $66.00 a set. The cheapest conventional rollers run about $120, and I think I'll easily be able to complete mine below that price.

I don't have a shop full of metal working tools, but I have a dremel, a file, a hacksaw, and a drillpress, and I'm sure I can gain access to a lathe for some specialty parts that will be required.

Birthday Eats

So on my birthday Sarah called me at work and asked, "Can we just have hamburgers for dinner tonight?" Yeah, like I'm ever going to turn that down..."Of course we can have hamburgers! You don't ever have to ask me that question."

All the right fixin's...Heinz, Miracle Whip, Bacon, the slightest twinge of mustard, cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, toasted buns (done on the grill), and 1/2 # of hamburger seasoned the creole way...The only thing that could have made this better would have been to use home-grown tomatoes (you know, the kind that actually have flavor).


I mean seriously...look at that thing! Who could resist such a delightful meal?

It was so good even, that after we began eating, Jamie came around and climbed up on my lap. She reached out and grabbed my burger and just started cramming it in her mouth! She took several bites, sampling each flavor section. I had to fight for my own bites, and you can see how big it was...

To top that off, Sarah had surprised me by cooking a cake I had been drooling over in a magazine for months...an eight layer yellow cake with the creamiest, chocolatiest, richest icing between each layer. This icing (much to wonderful to be referred to simply as frosting) makes my mouth very happy!

When I was a little kid, I could not stand frosting on cakes. Just give me the dry cake and some ice cream to give it some additional flavor...I still don't like a lot of frostings, but when it is like this, pile it on!

Red Rock

On our way down to La Sal we stopped in Wellington to let the girls run for a few minutes (sanity break). Caitin eventually found and climbed this wall without any prompting from Mom or Dad. Since she was able to do that, we decided that we could indeed take her to Red Rock country.

We spent one afternoon hiking in Arches, and had a great time. We opted for the shorter hikes (again a sanity choice), visiting Double Arch and Sand Dune Arch. Having only driven by Double Arch, I was really impressed by how big and beautiful it was. Somehow I had always figured that the longer the hike, the better the reward...not so! Caitin and Sarah and I climbed up into the second arch and Caitin scared us a bit with how un-afraid of heights she was.

While we hiked ahead, Grandma latched onto some Mater-time. Jamie had been really stand-offish to Grandma, so this was a perfect time for them to spend time together just hiking at Jamie's pace. Grandma snapped one of my favorite pictures from the trip during that hike. They made it nearly all the way to the arch by the time we were headed back down.

Sand Dune Arch was great as always, but I think I had more fun with my girls there than I ever did as a youngin. As should be required, we took our shoes off as soon as we arrived at the arch. The sand was nice, the weather was perfect, and the views were spectacular. Seems to me that this beats any old beach...although I admittedly haven't spent much time on beaches.

La Sal, UT

It's been a while since I've been to the home where I grew up. This trip was particularly fun to take my kids to the ranch.

To hang out with Grandpa...

and to spend time with Grandma...

and to meet Grandma's kitties.

The trip was great, and although we were certainly ready to get home in the end, we all had a wonderful time! We flew into Salt Lake City, and then drove down to beautiful southeast Utah. I grew up in La Sal, and I had several things I wanted to do and have my girls experience. We experienced optimal March weather conditions...sun and 60-70 degree days. We shopped Moab's downtown, hiked Arches National Park, hunted prarie dogs, explored abondoned mines, rode the 4-wheeler, did some jeeping, and I even got in a little snowmobiling with my dad. We got to see many of our Utah relatives (thanks to my little brother getting married), and we also saw some great friends and past roommates.

There was definately too much fun to document in one post, but here are a few highlights (more detail to come)...

Before driving to La Sal, we visited the Open House for the Draper Temple.

A peaceful moment on the road.

Snack time in the Moab sun.

A little John Deere time for Caitin with uncle Jeff and cousin Madison

Everyone had to earn their keep on the ranch...even Caitin and Madison

What would a vacation be without throwing rocks in water?

The red sand of Arches was a hit for Caitin, but Jamie thought it felt dirty.

Picnic time with Grandma and Grandpa Blankenagel.

Before heading back north I went out with Dad on the snowmobiles. What a beautiful morning... our "10-minute ride" turned into an hour.

Back up north, Caitin and Jamie dressed well for uncle Jason's wedding.

On an unexpected free day, we took the girls to Thanksgiving Point, and Caitin enjoyed two pony rides!

Midwinter Activities

Not a whole lot has been going on in our lives lately, but here are a few pictures from the past month or so...

Don't know if someone (likely Dad) gave this yogurt to Jamie or if she stole it from Caitin, but we caught her walking through the living room trying to eat at the same time. About 2 minutes later she was dumping it on the carpet and spreading it around...DOH!


Jump & Bounce and Jump & Party are our local sanity restoration places. Sarah and the girls frequent these places, particularly during the winter.


Jamie will actually eat some banana...and squish the rest in her fingers.


And she is a great kitchen helper! Have we mentioned that she is a bit clingy lately?


One Sunday morning the girls got out the dumbells and started playing them like drums.

Like Caitin, Jamie loves the swing...even when it is freezing outside!