The Chapter Closes

And there you have it.

When I started writing, around 1996, the number of books that I actually finished reading could be counted on two hands. So I entered Lindenwood Universities College of Individualized Education (LCIE) in order to improve my communication skills. In addition, I am not sure that I had put together three or four paragraphs throughout my entire career. Embarking on a communications degree after years of working in bars and restaurants seemed appropriate and that would later turn into a fairly decent self improvement mission, to say the least.

Computers came in to my life in 1993 when I opened my first email account on AOL. I appropriately grabbed Pfoodman@aol.com as the first thing that came in to my mind, a connection of the dots from a nickname that my father gave me probably 10 years before that. I was a food guy and so was he. Pfoodman is a play on the first two letters of my last name.

Working through the classwork at Lindenwood was pretty much all writing and I became a pretty good practitioner of the work with the help of my administrative assistant Francis, who was an English major. She eventually wanted to teach. She too entered higher education later in life and would edit some of my stuff. I learned a lot from her early on, when I was doing a lot of letters to the editors on subjects that interested me. Francis died suddenly of a heart attack and I was never able to tell her how important she was in influencing my decision to keep the fire lit, my deciding to embark on writing as a release and/or message delivery system to whomever wanted to read. She was an inspiration and a teacher to me. So if there is any doubt whether she reached her goal as a teacher, I am certainly able to attest.

Poetry was another thing that I enjoyed and became involved in a couple of groups who work shopped their work online. Eventually I was published after being found by magazine out of California and another out of the Northeast. I can't even remember the names. The two poems published were certainly not my favorites, but nonetheless, I can indeed say that I have been published with confidence.

So I started this blog out of a need to express myself and out of an experiment I had in mind. I thought that if I were to create a blog, write about things that interest me in the perspective that others might be able connect with, I could learn a thing or two and so would anyone reading my stuff. At some point it would provide me (and possibly my readers) some form of enlightenment. I wasn't sure what I was looking for as far as the experiment was concerned, I figured I would know it when I saw it.

I used my blog to report on active living events, cycling, music, parenting, business, world events, interesting individuals and their quest for...whatever--just about anything that came to mind. In time I was able to carve out a theme for most of it and it became a challenge to see how many hits I could get each week. There have been times that I have gotten over 1000 hits, usually 500-600 per week. Some times 200-300 when I have been uninspired--that which is the real challenge of blogging. I am not sure who the folks are that read this blog, but it was motivation enough to put stuff out there. There are around 600 entries total probably a couple thousand pages.

This past year I thought a lot about my writing and my position in the world and it was brought to my attention by my mentor that I should consider writing a book. Writing a book in 2009 is not nearly the task or expense of writing books years ago. Now one can self-publish and there are logistical folks out there that can do just about anything in order to keep you on track: edit, advise and partner in order to achieve message. While I have a message in mind, it will be most important to keep on track. So I have indeed embarked on writing a book and I will shut this blog down in the meantime in order to spend the adequate time needed to achieve the goal.

This blog has indeed been an instrument, a tool that has helped define who I am. As I have mentioned in the posts leading up to today, I am out there. Completely exposed and completely accessible by means of my retail restaurant Lone Wolf Coffee Company. Since I work with large audiences of people with my other company Pfoodman, I interact with many, many people. I am approachable and I like it that way. I do a lot of public speaking, give interviews for educational institutions and teach seminars. Give me a dark roast and a couple open minds, and I will spew like the pages here, on cue.

The experiment was to see what the result would be if I were to communicate openly "out" without alias and with as much opinion as possible. I would share my thoughts to those who would find themselves reading my stuff. I would occasionally write about things that others might not understand or care to indulge. There would be times when I would piss people off, like my mother from time to time, my wife, kid and others close to me. There have been both positive and negative sides of this thing. Most recently a barrage of negative trolling from alias. There would be times when my articles would help change the direction of legal proceedings relating to a community conflict with of my most interesting subjects and good friend Lewis Greenberg.

My business would emerge online and in front of everyone who wanted to see it captured, chronologically on this blog. There would be images of the kinds of things that I have been able to do as a result of the business thriving, my lifestyle has changed for the better. There would be endorsements for the charities that I am involved with, and motivation for others to embark on giving while emerging, an important message in my writing. There are things that I am moved by, usually instances of achievement by those who might not have had it given to them. Stories of perseverance, overcoming adversity. Authenticity is what the blog is about. And authentic is what my mission has become as a human being. It ain't easy, as many of you know.

My profile pretty well sums up the purpose:

Don't judge, box and label this writer, because I write about things that interest me and perspective is my work. I dance through the world by doing so, the way I see things, and for the benefit of my own personal agenda; a work in progress and part of a multidimensional media experiment. Feb, 2007...

I wanted to see what would happen in the world of social media if I were to stay dialed in on my completely exposed, completely authentic soapbox. What would happen if I were to do this while emerging the business? Who and what kind of diverse reaction from others would I encounter? How would the blog change my life and my ability to feel comfortable being completely exposed in an age where the Internet and its wealth of information searches for its own meaning, sorting out social and moral purpose? How would my life change as a result of the others reaction to who I am because of the exposure.

I would know when it was time to shut it down and it is clear that now is the time.

The experiment is over and the results are quite interesting. Pfoodman, Wapiti and Lone Wolf have emerged as a result of the story telling and creative social media development of which this blog was a part. We are now active in four states and quickly getting ready to expand in others. The companies are not just about me, they are about a very dedicated group of professionals who seek to improve their lives through unconventional mission and purpose. That is what I will do, Shepard the message. That is all I do really.

My experiment actually started in 1997 when I launched Pfoodman Online Culinary Solutions as a blog program. I wasn't even in business and I didn't really know how to do anything online. It was groundwork and part of the vision to do something creative in the social media world that hadn't yet even defined itself and hadn't yet set any ground rules. Information still flowed only one way back then. It wasn't until recently that important information would flow both ways, changing the way we do business, creating the need for platforms of authenticity. The fact that there is controversy, trolling and strategic negativity on the part of some folks is of no real concern in the bigger picture. There will always be those who struggle to release the shackles. If there is activity the exposure is working. The concept of being "out" versus "alias" has given me important intellectual thought process for what is next. And for that I am thankful.

My recommendation to those who have not yet embarked on something special, not yet taken the chance to express yourself without the backdrop of your contemporaries or the usual political spectrum, without alias and without the ball and chain of "what others might think if you say that"--my recommendation is that you do it now before it is too late. Authenticity is what will matter in the next several years. YOUR POSITION, YOUR PLATFORM. You have to prove who you are because there will be online reference to everything you do and everything you have done someday. There will be ratings surveys, including your personal perspective and your influence that has been strategically placed "out there". This is important in the scheme of things. If you haven't carved out "who" you are and can adequately project to a wide audience your "point of difference", which validates your position as a human being, you are behind the eight ball. This will work it self out in social and professional networks. Don't be relegated to the back pages of search engines because of substandard ratings from un-authentic purpose.

This is some pretty deep stuff. I know. But I am also the one who has been doing it for a while and embarked early on with the social media experiment, relating to personal branding. Read about social media marketing, and by all means, read my book when it comes out. I think you will be surprised.

Meanwhile, thanks for reading, love each other, be authentic.

Ralph

Vy Summit Wapiti Event

The homestead seen from the Scramble Summit in Tucson AZ

Chet Holden at the Scramble Summit, savor that feeling my brotha, you rocked!

45 people attended the hike, 20 participated in the Summit Scramble

Wapiti Adventures teamed up with the immensely popular entrepreneurial group, Vy, to handle the "active living" component of the 4 day retreat and conference in Tucson AZ. Aimed towards achieving a higher level of performance, Vy members gathered to share resources listen to speakers and network amongst some of the top business owners in the country.

Wapiti pro Staff Kevin Miquelon and scramble expert, Ralph Pfremmer, led the group on a 5 mile hike in to the desert with professional guide Bruce Corey of "Canyon Tough" out of Scottsdale AZ. Hikers learned about the dessert wildlife and fauna, then retreated to the "homestead" for reflection and meditation. Later, the summit scramble challenged those who wanted to "team climb" ridges with over 500 feet of vertical gain. All made it to the top, all made it to the bottom safely.

Troll fodder.

I was absolutely amazed at the social web seminar that I attended yesterday as part of the Vy conference in Tucson. It was the perfect perspective following the experiment with The Chief. A quick review (don't worry not much more about this): Ralph finds profanity ridden website with an entry using our intellectual property (logo). The "restaurant review" was written under alias, by an Internet troll. A troll is someone who posts controversial, inflammatory, irrelevant and/or off-topic messages in an online community, such as a blog, with the primary intent of provoking other users into an emotional response.

The motivation was very clear to a friend and associate of mine, who read the review and notified me. He mentioned that I can draw a connection to me from the writer. It was an inflammatory placement to create a negative social web presence, for reasons that will have to go unsaid for now. The writer has indeed taken down my logo but the review remains. The fallout: A google search now produces my name with the term "Shity Cafe". I expect the writer to pull it down before the connection is made, and I will evaluate the harm done at that time, but what have we learned?

First, he actually had a thing or two to say, so I appreciate that, the commentary was extremely harsh and there were personal attacks and name calling. All behind an alias. Trolling is dangerous work and there is risk of being "outed" if loyalties are compromised. The writer knows this now. But that is not what this is about. I had a good time playing around with the retort section and am thankful, as a writer and advocate to have gotten some energy out of it. This type of fodder is interesting to me.

Yesterdays seminar was on this topic. Social web analytics.

So what happens when you find stuff like this? First, and regardless of the reason, I think it is understood that we need to be able to take criticism, make changes and move on. What resonated loud and clear from the seminar was the it is very important to listen to what people say online, be prepared for the negative and be willing to do something about it. This is important. That said, I also happen to be one who will not be dis-respected when attacked by trolls. This is a litigious society that we are living in, after all. Combined with the fact that I have no problem confronting anyone in a most creative way. In order to pass out a slap or two. But that is not what this is about either.

So social web marketing is really a virtual commercial floating around with customers writing the content. This doesn't mean that trolls can't get to work, they have the space to do their thing on blogs and message boards. Is there content relevant. Yes!

More legitimately, there are methods used daily in retail businesses using rating systems: surveys, polls and reviews garnered from droves of people who use the products, authenticity is derived from the consumers activity and reported online in real time. This type of marketing proves to be unsavory to advertising executives, because it has changed the paradigm. A lot of them missed the mark and stand on the outside looking in. So, any messages floating around, any commentary, survey, anything that is google-able, is google-able, filtered or unfiltered, as a perception of the general public.

Transparency doesn't work. And that is why I went on the rampage with The Chief. Full disclosure in this type of marketing and/or influence is critical to establish a relationship of trust with the customer and or anyone wanting to learn about a product, company, business or whatever. To violate trust is to violate relationship. All other mistakes can be forgiven. The Chief is a troll, and, even though he tried to present himself as a concerned writer and used whatever justification he could muster, the fact that he was an alias and not genuine, nobody would take him seriously and he is now in a position that he does not want to be in. Because I will expose him, just for the hell of it.

So fake reviews, fake blogs, trolling message boards on behalf of the business owner or in strategy against, (competitor, disgruntled employee, wronged cultural perspective) is totally uncool. Many companies have suffered at the hand of poor decision making by tying to fake reviews, surveys etc. I think this is what was most interesting about the seminar. There is discipline and authenticity needed in order to play ball in the social web media.

By the way, who's company has a policy on Social Web behaviour? This is something that came up a couple times. Employees Facebooking about claims, peoples behaviour, intellectual property of the business, get caught and get punished, sued.

What does this all mean?

It means authenticity is key. Do yourself a favor, stand up and slap the trolls. And if you are a troll, consider coming to the other side, where a position in carving out the dynamics of social web media is still open--where you can make a difference is you play by the rules and use your creative process in good use.

I want to thank the Chief and his disciples for the good fodder. I remain, a work in progress, ego intact....ifyouknowhatimtalkinbout.

Now then...

So let's talk about the Internet and the types of things that chap us. This just three hours before I go to a social networking seminar in an entrepreneurial group out here in sunny Tucson AZ. Yes, I am in Tucson and getting ready to head out the door for a trail run prior to learning what we have just experienced in the arena of social and Internet media. Btw, I love trail running in AZ, used to do it in Phoenix when my dad lived up there. Seems like a long time ago. They have some Giants MTB's down at the front door, and I brought some bibbs, tempting.

Anyway, I loaded up the small coffee maker in my room. The room is really quite excellent, and two cups appeared before I was done with the shower. I sat down at the computer.... and day-amn doad... a bunch of messages from friends who think I might have gone over the edge or something with the coffee review from "The Chief". I won't lie, it chapped me pretty good. Not because it was crap, he actually has a good point or two in there. I know this. But because of the way it was used and the medium by which it was put out there, under alias, with profanity and without accuracy. He used my logo, my name, my imagery from my lifestyle and the world I live in. He referenced my lively hood, my other businesses, my vendors, my employees. All with the use of profanity and filamentary and incorrect commentary.

Now, I am not one to sit up at night scanning google and/or massaging the spiders that search and seek the net. This was sent to me from a friend and the friend was concerned that it was somebody who knew me and that it had been written with a hidden agenda. But I did find this article after googling my name, along with all the rhetoric. So my point is this. Who is held accountable when this happens? Now, granted, The Chief came to his senses and took the logo down. This was likely the right thing to do. But it was the wrong thing to do to write the piece without signing his name and the wrong thing to do to assume that he carries an ounce of credibility based on the premise of his site in general. My name will be associated with the word "Shity Cafe in West County", as referenced in the title. I don't think that works for me.

So my personal liberties were violated, call it what you want. Regardless of the quality of the food that night, regardless of his experience and whatever he compares it to. There is absolutely no reason why I should have to put up with this, and I should not see a google search with profanity next to my name or in relationship to the business in the community where I live. There is more to this story. But I cannot reveal it. Just know that I remain "out", exposed and authentic in relationship to the things I do and the methods that I communicate. Retorts can be quite fun and I actually enjoyed the experience. Is it to be taken all that serious, really? Hey, I am certainly not one to back down or turn the other cheek when faced with personal attack.

I am sorry for giving anyone the impression that I am not concerned about the problems that the writer had while visiting. The first three weeks were a bit of a challenge. And so is each and every day since. And don't anyone say what has already been said a hundred times. "aren't you too old for this?" Anyway, thanks for reading, as always. I remain as stable yet as cantankerous as ever.

Lone Wolf Gets kick from Ultra Critic dumbass

"The Chief" thinks he is a restaurant critic. So lets give him the time of day for a sec. Check out this dudes critique of The Lone Wolf Coffee Company just about a few weeks after we opened. "World Full of Idiots" seems to be a blog made up of a bunch of squirrels who take pot shots at anything from mainstream media to whatever easy pickins they can find. It is all pretty lame stuff, indulgent and the usual "write for the writer" genre of blog crap. I can't seem to get through a story without dropping it. This happens when writers write for themselves instead of the reader.

In this case, The Chief seems to have a beef with me, way too many reasons to think this. Lets face it, the place is kind of a work in progress, but people like it. I do take it personal, because who wouldn't? I would indeed like to find out who this guy is and figure out what I could have done to piss him off. There are plenty of reasons, I know this. Is it a fired employee? Somebody mad about Greenberg? Some other person whom I have put into perspective? What, a competitor or better yet, a disciple of a competing coffee company!!!!????

Anybody want to out this dude? I would like him to first take down my logo that he is using illegally, second, to have a visit over some coffee so I can council him on what life is like not hiding behind an alias. Let me know. His site sucks, btw, but I am sure the hit count will go up based on my most excellent musings in the retort section. Enjoy directly from his site, as a gift to him.

Wild Canid's Centers Grassroots

Ralph and Betty White, Jack Hanna and Janie, L to R.

I got involved with the Wild Canid Center a couple of months ago. Better known to St. Louis as the Wild Wolf Sanctuary over off of Antire Road at Tyson Research Center, land owned by Washington University. Dr. Marlon Perkins and his wife Carol founded the center in 1971 with a group of friends who were quite worried about the survival of the the species. Today it is the only American Zoo and Aquarium Association accredited wolf facility in the world. Other interesting facts about the center:

• Helped recover the red wolf population from 14 wolves to 160 in captivity and over 70 in the wild.
  
• Helped recover the Mexican gray wolf population from 5 wolves to 235 in captivity and over 40 in the wild.
• Unlike many other wolf facilities, the WCSRC is not a refuge for abandoned pet wolves. Its most important mission is the rearing of endangered wolves for reintroduction; for that reason it is open to the public only by appointment and for a specific part of the wolves?

Now, this is just a short list of the stuff they do and the story doesn't stop here. What I find most interesting is the fact that the organization started grassroots. Marlon and his wife and a group of friends/associates sitting around talking about the wolves, then each of them bucking up to start the process of saving the endangered species. This was 37 years ago, 37 years! When I met recently with daughter Margarette, she shared stories and publications going back to the sixties, of her families efforts to save the wolves, including she herself cutting up chicken on Saturday afternoon chores to feed them as a child. Enter 2009, years later and many wolves saved, the center needs our help.

Last night I invited a group of friends to embark with Janie and I on our new mission--to help re-energize not only the plight of the wolves, but the plight of the organization struggling to maintain its ability to continue on with the Perkins legacy. We plan on making that happen.

I became involved from my usual connecting of the dots (Lone Wolf/Wild Candid Center) and was asked to embark with them to provide donor support at the 2009 Gala event. Like most events that I am asked to provide support on in the way of "in-kind" and or strategic marketing purposes, I can draw a line from the Charity to our business, it wasn't too difficult in this case because of the name and my love for the area, which sits between Lone Elk Park and West Tyson Park along the Chubb trail. I had heard and researched the facility after becoming involved, but never visited the wolves.

By the way, "in-kind" donations of food and services are indeed real dollars to our organization and the concept of strategic marketing has been a tradition and part of the culture of Pfoodman since the company was founded in 2000. Pfoodman Holdings has supported the MS Society, the Arthritis Foundation, the St. Louis Science Center, Trailnet, the Chesterfield Arts and many other not-for profit groups in similar capacities in order to help these important causes raise needed funds for continued advancement.

Now, it usually stops there for us in most cases. We try and spread our resources to help the causes, especially in these times, when all causes truly need the help. The Wild Canid Center is no different and Janie and I plan on getting involved by supporting the center as a family and with Pfoodman/Lone Wolf's continued support with in-kind fund raising stratagies.

They had us at Howlo...
Last night Janie and I hosted a Wolf Howling for some friends and family--a private tour and presentation on the wolves and the Wild Canid Centers work there. Hoping to see and hear the wolves was on the mind of everyone when we arrived. We were not disappointed. "Dude", the alpha male was howling it up upon our arrival and most of the species were available for us to see on this special guided tour, not open to the public. And this ain't no zoo folks, there is very limited human contact. We truly got the vision and the purpose of the Wild Canid Center, as simply put: Save the Wolves.

Please, when thinking of your giving plans for the year, consider the Wild Canid Center. Call me direct at 314-496-2317 to find out more and/or to set up a meeting with Director of Development, Denise Nearing. I will buy the coffee. Get involved like my family plans to. Consider coming to our fund-raiser at Lone Wolf Coffee Company in November 21st, at Lone Wolf. Look for more details soon.

Sunday's Religion

The Sunday night pot roast was a hit, even though we all back away from the meat a little these days. It had been a while since Janie made such creation out of the love and tradition passed on from her grandmother and likely their grandmothers before that. The recipe, as simple as it is, being one that Janie has recreated a hundred times for our small family, another several hundred times for the lineage dating probably back to the caveman days as far as I know. That is a lot of meat if you think about it. I grabbed a bottle of red from the basement, a plumby Zinfandel from a wine tasting I had taught at Missouri Valley College a couple of months ago. The roast needed a half cup. It isn't like we could do anything else with what was left...

We eat out a lot. Can't help it. So when Janie announced at the breakfast table Sunday morning that we would have pot roast tonight, a familiar October family memory popped in: a cool wet early evening, football on the TV, Natalie at the computer doing homework, clicker in hand, surfing, the warmth and smell from the artificial log in the fireplace. It was a great idea and we were looking forward to reliving the family moment that, out of tradition, would be quite meaningful.

It would be one of those nights. While I sipped on the remains of the bottle of red, Natalie sat and talked about school and the classes that she looked forward to taking next semester and the following year at St. Louis University. Psychology being something that she enjoyed more than biology; but not wanting to take as much biology for reasons that she found hard to explain..."tends to limit a certain spiritual acceptance and I am not really wanting to go there" she said. My mouth dropped at such a statement. She had arrived at the steps of philosophical perspective. I thought, "game on". I can finally spar with her on philosophy and hopefully later rely on her as a source for some of my own...processes. I straightened up, lowered my chin and began...a process.

I asked if she was troubled by the concept of religion, spiritualism, logic, science, psychology?--was she more comfortable studying the logic rather than the science because of dis-loyalty, a struggle of some kind, what was the problem? What was it that she didn't want to embark upon?--why would it matter? It occurred to me how interested in this stuff she was-- understanding and putting into perspective the combining of scientific fact with spiritual knowledge, how challenging it must be for her at this age and at this point in her education.

I was taken aback for a moment, realizing that my daughter is really quite smart, different than some of the other kids she knows. Smart like my sister in some ways. File recall smart, not like me with all my connecting of the dots. And I soon found myself in a state of "I don't know what the hell I'm talking about". I realized that I need to know more about this or I will miss out on her stuff, the good stuff. I want to move along with her a little bit as she figures it out. I want to learn a thing or two also, get some of that value added residual "learn on" from the education that I am payin for. Word!

I am delighted and proud to see that she seeks to improve her understanding of this sort of thing, particularly as she embarks on her education. If she seeks to change the world someday, this is a good start.

Btw, I believe our conversation was on the topic of Esoteric Science, or the integration of science, psychology, spiritualism and religion. I studied this for a short time while working on another story a couple of years ago. Little did I know that I would come face to face with my own offspring on the topic. She with more horsepower than I. Me with the spiritual fulfillment of a Sunday family pot roast wine buzz...

GRRR eenberg!

Stltoday.com on Lewis Greenberg's trial

I think the story on the trial is adequately captured in the above link to Stltoday.com--though the choice of photo in that article looks to be hand picked or cropped to enhance the readers opinion of danger value. And the time of year does not truly reflect the artistry and care taken during the seasonal changes and re-vitalization process.

The pictures below are ones that I took today, on the request of Lewis and because the fall colors were shining through. Do yourself a favor and click on each one to experience the color and magnitude.

Since the ruling centered on the danger of Lewis' yard, it must have been deemed appropriate by the editor of Stltoday.com to highlight the cluster of sticks that appear to be in the context of "what if somebody gets impaled" question?" The judge felt the same way and ruled Greenberg guilty because of the danger of "sharpened metals, woods and plastics".


Even though it appeared that the defense missed the mark and did not argue to limit or reduce the prosecutors concept of dangerous material, instead spending hours on "when" the art was considered in violation and "whether" it was indeed art or not, the court decided to turn the other cheek on the freedom of expression debate.

And it was the safest route to go for both judge and prosecutor. Because let's be honest, who wants to fight Greenberg on his terms anyway? I can't fight with him and we certainly don't agree on everything. This, even though we are friends and coexist in our community together. I do know that love and acceptance is better than hate and false judgment. Love the guy and learn a thing or two about our culture, hate him and feel the pain that he feels from people not taking him seriously or accepting his position. That is the way it is with Lewis. It is important to understand this so that you don't fall in to the abyss with all the ill-fated rhetoric and argument that has lead to the division of...well, lots of his relationships...

To learn a little more about Lewis, read my original story written back in 07. Being Lewis Greenberg. You will have to excuse some of the manor of which it was written, it was the first of the Ralph Account and provided this writer with the confidence to continue. I am thankful to Lewis for helping me to become a better writer. Please also read the comments, corrections and responses from the family, these are also within.

Let face it, Lewis' circular pattern of thinking, his method of sorting things out and presenting his ideas--the way he arrives at conclusions, the way he perceives things to be, has sharpened his ability to apply pressure. And now the whole thing has manifested itself into his perspective, with overtones of prejudice, discrimination and fear. All this in response to those who think they have the right to take away his freedoms and those who think that intolerance is part of suburban living--those most often finding themselves in a struggle to understand his personality, vision and civil liberties, according to Lewis.


I must say that I thought Lewis to be fairly composed throughout the trial. He did not speak to anyone after, likely at the advice of his council who said that they would be appealing. When I asked him today if he was disappointed he said: "I was disappointed that I was not vindicated". When I asked him what is next he said: "You know me Ralph, it's business as usual."

Lets point out that he was indeed most recently voted Best Geezer by the Riverfront Times. This in itself an honor to Lewis. And to his fans out there, let it be known that he is honored and grateful. He also wants others to know that the future is bright and he is getting busy on his yard primping and preparing for the seasonal change while looking to provide additional focus on the the memory of the Holocaust and the freedom of speech and expression. He wanted to share some pictures on the much talked about sculpture, "Holocaust Revisited", photos that truly "represent the beauty and quality of my work", he said. He had photos printed to share with me, but since he has no computer or digital camera, no contemporary method of getting them "out there". I said that I would oblige.

When asked about not having a computer he said that too much hate would envelope him if drawn to the negative reaction of naysayers through the Internet. He counts on the people he trusts to, as Lewis puts it: "get the real picture out there".

And for the record, why do I oblige with all this stuff? Well, for starters, it's an intellectual project--that which is in the interest of culture and personality in my community.

My friend asked me last night while I was attending/sponsoring/catering (of all things) The Chesterfield Arts unveiling of The Awakening. She said: "Don't you worry that you need to watch who you associate with, because you have a business not two blocks from the neighborhood from where Lewis' home resides, the people in the neighborhood are your customers, your lifeblood, your income. Aren't you afraid that you will lose business, make people mad at you, have them judge you, hate you, hurt you, say bad things, talk behind your back, run you off????!!!!"

Well, I suppose that could be the case, but I enjoy a challenge and prefer to help the community better understand Lewis as a fellow neighbor, human being, interesting person etc. And, if there is a glimmer of goodness and/or generosity oozing from the old Geezer, I plan to make it my service to write about it. After all don't we all have a canvass of our own that we paint vigorously each day and with great care. It just so happens that Lewis has a part in my painting, my sculpture, my play writing. Does that really mean anything more? I have to communicate with Lewis because he too comes to my business, like all my other customers and I extend the same love and care to him that the others deserve. Go back to the rules on engaging Lewis if there is reason to doubt....

So that was how it ended on Thursday, after what I consider a 5 hour waste of public energy. The real show was today, two hours with my friend and source of unconventional inspiration.

Lewis Greenberg: authentic, intense, old Geezer, artist...

Much more to come...

"Burnin's" on the legs

I felt a little as if I was being dared to ring the door bell of old man Karnes house, or better yet, forced to toss the water balloon from the roof top on the folks below the graduating class at Jeff Jr High School. That is what it felt like when Eric and The Geezer rolled down the ramp on the almost completed highway 40 at Clayton Road and Skinker. We would run the entire new section of sweet smoothness before getting off at Hanley without as much as a whistle from anyone of power.

I am not normally one to be influenced like this, not after John Manning convinced me that throwing the dirt clod at Ronald Parton's car back in the 2nd grade would grant me access in to "the club". It was minutes later that Ronald, who would eventually go to prison, tossed our bikes over a bridge and assaulted Gordon, the other poor sole who listened to John's advice. We all wound up in court.

But this was different, this was a 51 and a 60 year old man telling me that it would be alright, to just go with it, shut up and ride my bike. "What are they going to do, arrest us?" I reluctantly jumped on their wheel as we made our way down the ramp and on to highway 40.

It was just last winter I did a time trial on the other side, inaugurating the newer portion of the highway. The opening happening just in time before I was to slice my wrists because of Clayton Road fury. It was so time to open that section, as it is nearing the time when the second section is to be completed. Why not poach it? We didn't get arrested, our tax dollars have indeed been put to good use, and we were able to "waldo pic" ourselves in a spot where others might not have gone quite yet.

Another thing about these two and their idea of fun. This one including Thrasher and the reason why my legs are still bloody from the Castlewood/Chubb roundabout from Saturday. Five hours and 40 miles of pain. Word to you: Anyone planning on making the way to Chubb by way of the West section of Glencoe railroad trestle should think about what it is like in one of those off-trail eco-exterra competitions. We made it but it was about the hardest thing we have done thus far, this year. The trail is not existent much more and thirty trees are down. No need to slice my wrists, my legs are battered and chewed from the honey suckle and brier associated with this sort of trekking. Paul giggled like a kid all the way to the creek, and then again at the dump, where we never did find our way to the backside of RollerCoaster.

Now, I am not advocating the use of the dump. At one time we found ourselves on the downside of the "hill" in seapage. The water, smelling of sulfur and likely glowing, entered my bloodstream by way of the open gashes on both of my legs. I don't like wearing tights on these guns. So when Eric piped up with "hey, my legs are not bad at all", I dropped him like a water balloon.

So two decent epic centered rides in a row. We are so ready for Burnin that we may change our name from "Old Fu$%##'s" to "The Three OPINKO's". Word.

Lone Wolf yourself

I had the pleasure of sitting and watching one of my employees working today, this while sitting in the Blackhawk Room at Lone Wolf Coffee Company, 15480 Clayton Road. One can sit and watch a multitude of people coming and going throughout the day. The place is quite cozy, this morning in particular because it was raining and the entire day looked to be a wash out, that which would provide a dismal outlook in regard to getting any exercise or moving around the city comfortably to see clients. So I am blowing it off, all of it, and plan on sitting here watching and writing, greeting, talking sh$%t and drinking Full Moon roast.

Nope, today would be the day that I can chill out on my perch, next to my stage and guitars, my wooden Indians, my bikes, my kayaks and all the stuff about me and my friends, all my cool stuff that has found its way from my basement and garage and now in to the cafe, all my pictures of cool people doing cool things. That is what this place is about. I was in heaven and looking forward to letting the day go by just as it should, whatever comes, does (insert sipping sound here).

Then the friggin Internet went out! GADAMIT! --and a line formed at the register where patrons would soon be digging for debit and credit cards to pay for their food and beverage. "No can do" said the cashier to one of the regulars. She also added: "The Internet is out and...psst, you want to see something funny?--that dude sitting over there in the Blackhawk room?--you want to see something really funny?--watch him slam the screen down on his laptop".

It was around then that I looked up and saw the staff-a-slappin their knees in laughter at me.

I like this place, it's fun what we have created, the community likes it too. Our efforts to open our core business, Pfoodman, to the community is somewhat unique and certainly in fashion with what has turned in to a vibrant place for networking and inspiration. Lone Wolf Coffee Company continues to evolve and there are things in the works that will blow your mind in the future.

Here is a question that I have to field from time to time:

"Hey Ralph, what is this I hear about you changing the name of Lone Wolf Coffee Company? We know you like that name and that it has huge meaning to the community in which it resides--the fact that Lone Wolf is the name of the trail overlooking the Meremac River at Castelwood State Park in Ballwin--that Lone Wolf is who you had a little talking to when you were a pushing your friggin bike up that hill on lap number three in the beginner 30+ fat old guy class as a smoker and an overweight pig--Ralph, you can't let that name go, it is we who are counting on you to make sure our voice is heard, that your work will not go un-noticed in the bigger picture. We are counting on you you skinny sombitch. You are truly a lot better looking and quite miraculous now that you have found fitness and experienced that which the Lone Wolf gifted you".

My answer to everyone is to stay tuned. Great things are planned.

I remain, Ralph Pfremmer, proprietor, Lone Wolf Coffee Company L.L.C.

Cause for New Money

I am a giver. And am criticized from time to time because of it. Not because I don't give enough, or because I give to the wrong folks or send the wrong message. But because sometimes it makes no sense to those trying to figure it out. I choose to live up to this standard-- that which I thought relevant early on in my budding entrepreneurial career. And, I continue on.

I think giving is part of good citizenship--seems to be my duty if I continue to maintain a business over any length of time. I have an understanding that, while growing my business, the fortifying of non-profit causes should be a part of my advancement strategy, both for the business and for personal reasons. By the way, non-profit entrepreneurs are some of the greatest hero's of our time and often the most forgotten--some of which hold the secret to the real spirit of entrepreneurship. Think Lindenwood University here, Dennis Spellmann and his staff of loyal folks. I am convinced that it is possible to have a strategy for giving as part of any financial statement and embarked on this as part of Pfoodman's emergence strategy. For anyone wanting examples of how this was the case at Lindenwood, please contact me.

It was a trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina, that got me thinking about this. Winding through the streets of the densely populated city, an economy with very little middle class and and exchange rate equaling 1-3 of US currency. We were kings while visiting on business, setting up retail coffee house restaurants in malls and retail centers. There is irony in this, seven years later we are doing the same in the states. Anyway, every time my host stopped at a stop light, dozens of homeless and unfortunates came running to the cars, always, ALWAYS getting something from whomever in the cars. When I asked my host what the deal was, I was told how the Argentinians held a very high ethical social responsibility...very high on their priorities--it was their moral responsibility to give to those in need and it was not governed over by an authority. And in that city of 10 million people, there were plenty of folks in need. I was intrigued.

Now, I don't often dole out pocket change to folks with their hands out in my town, not in the old US and A. Especially not while my business has oodles of jobs available, lots. And it is indeed a little different here. There is an entitlement here that is not as present there-- lots of resources for the down and out here, albeit, if they are smart and supported enough to find them. It is not as acceptable in my community to pan-handle, pilfer and squat, not near our West County Manse's. So we turn the other cheek when seeing this, looking away from what often ends up being our responsibility by way of politics or additional taxation, if the despair becomes great enough to warrant our attention and if the government continues to amp up the magnitude of social support. Blah, blah, blah...

But that is not where I am going with this. The real essence of my giving is that it is part of the fabric and mission of our business, part of an action plan and strategy--that which defines our culture and personifies our position in the business world and moral acceptance. I find it important to present myself as someone who has the necessary resources to create strategies and innovative processes that can uniquely draw attention to a need or a cause. In fact, it is my mission to perfect this strategy to share with others--to get others on board so that we may make a difference someday for crying out loud. It ain't about the money. So even though I turn my cheek to the sign holding freeway exit folks with their pathetic little dogs, I rarely turn anyone down when they have their hand out in the bigger picture, even though their clothes are clean and their cars are full of gas, the stomachs full, their children healthy. I suppose this is big picture giving.

I have a couple of conditions when giving. And this is where it gets interesting. I want to know what's in it for me (the business). Think about it. How in the hell is it appropriate for me to have conditions prior to giving. How much say should I have in it?-- and what do I get in return? Is it immoral or unethical to have this expectation? How can one haggle over stuff like this? Is giving not enough to satisfy the ego, the martyr in us? Is that what the true essence of giving is? Should we all donate anonymously and/or without recognition or acknowledgement? Look at our brothers and sisters in Argentina, emptying out their parking meter money daily without an expectation of something in return, but significant nonetheless. Do we need something in return?

Let's face it, in the states, its all about capitalism. New money and giving is a strategic marketing strategy and it can be functional and extremely rewarding to the one giving, not to mention the cause on the receiving end. I call this cultural cause marketing; the use of new money or "small business money" as a strategic development method for charities wanting to seek alternatives to the conventional cause marketing paradigm. Lets face it, there is only so much old money laying around. And the numbers are not as many. The "long tail" of small business is significant. Lets go after them! There is power in rallying those businesses capable of giving while sustaining their margins. This while equipping them with the tools for cultivating others to do the same and providing value to their organizations by way of networking, events and camaraderie. Toss in my personal agenda, active living sustainability and wellness, and by Gawd we have some change headed our way. There is an audience, an entire culture and/or tribe of entrepreneurs. We should get others to join the band wagon, have a big party while changing our social condition. Brilliant.

I suppose there is a political message in all this. Not my point. My point is that there is always an expectation on behalf of those giving and it is generally within moral or ethical standard in our culture, here in the states. And new money wants exposure like old money. We want a leg up, strategic alliance, brand placement, shout outs, community awareness, popularity to sell our goods and services. And, we want to have a good time! This is why we do this. "Strategic philanthropy" is now not at all just an old money reference. Lets embrace this in our own way to change the world--that which sets a path to a better social responsibility, not necessarily doled out by our government.

I think social responsibility fits comfortably in the glove of capitalism with the synergy and support of our government in the way of incentives. We must have this to provide our causes with what they need. Take a minute to evaluate your giving and better yet, what you or others whom you might know who stand to gain should a cause be affected by the enhancement and/or reduction of resources mandated by government . Regardless of that, don't be ashamed if you have an expectation. The Churches have been doing it for years.

Scots band to play in Columbia MO

Swamp Rock anyone? This band is quickly becoming a favorite round here. Seen in St. Louis recently at the Pageant. Take the time to catch them in Columbia MO at the Roots and Blues Festival, on stage at 7:00 PM. Kathryn, cool your bad self down for this

“toe sucking geek rock – kinda weird, but it feels good when you're doing it.”

Go here for a total artist lineup.

To all Pfoodman/Lone Wolf Burnin Teams

Ok, we don't have a campground again. Didn't Struckman say that we should spoon with him? Is Skuck going solo in the 6 hour? Can we get some team communication here? What will Geezer look like in pink? Thrasher? I suppose I will drive the van down there again and sleep amongst the dropping acorns, not. I am certain I will find an opening in the canopy to get more than an hours sleep before the bombs come.

I want a friggin buckle. The last three years have been 4th place just out of the hardware. Can we please put together a payday?

Hermann Cross Under the Lights

These photo's by Jimmy "Sweatermeat" Davis pretty well sum's it up

"Oh my!" Said the farmers wife. "What are those young boys doing with dollar bills hanging out of their pants?"

I am sure she was reffering to the steps coming up from the field in the 1's and 2's at the City Park in Hermann, a small farm community just west of St. Louis along the Missouri River. It was quite the spectacle, the elite cyclocross riders reaching the top of a 30 step platform, a golden shower of Pabst Blue Ribbon tossed affectionately on the riders passing. Most often by wig wearing, poll dancing, mosh pitting, hecklers who, appropriately so, grunted it out in the races prior. It was loud and the energy was turned up to 10. The band was playing another song by Pat Benatar or something, and another, and another.

Down on the parking lot there was another grouping of Bigshark and Mesa folks doing hand ups to the occasional errant rider needing an immediate carbohydrate injection. There were most certainly takers towards the end of the race, as Josh and Nate of Bigshark pretty well tried their best to keep Shad Smith of Trade Wind and Joseph Schmalz of KCCX of their asses. In the end it was Smith who got the jump after sitting in most of the night on Buttheads wheel in the later laps. Schmalz stayed on his wheel on the pavement, leaving Butthead back in a third place finish. It was a very good tactical race for the most part and early in the season, I might add. Smith is the 2008 State Champion. It will be interesting seeing what plays out this season in the 1's and 2's.

The 3's has some very fast riders. It was good to see Justin Bowen, Ghissalo, (Dirt Crit B Race Winner) and Drew Black, Mesa, get top tens. Zack Brace and Matt James not far behind, look for them to get fit and stay up front as well. I was glad Russ Murphy did the 3's, he looked strong and my guess is that he will be, like the other masters racers, looking to do something big in the state championships. I hope to mix it up with him a bit this year, always a fierce comptetitor and one of the most experienced tactical racers around. Klages looks strong, lean and mean too. I was hoping to get some of that later as well. My first cyclocross race was with Jim Klages, Jim Sullivan, John Mcraven, Rich Pierce and a bunch of other at Queeny Park in 2001.

The 4's, well, Boz, (Craig Basler, um Mesa) got the hole shot and premier registration again leaving me and the Bigshark boys to fend for ourselves. We had around 40 racers in the field so it was a good crowd. I was lamenting to Boz last night that we had not even begun the steps when he was already on the bike and going down the hill. Ain't nothing like a bind up on the first turn. Craig's gone from the Pulpit to the Moshpit by leaving the ICCC and joining Mesa Cycles team this year. And I am sure he will uphold their standards for bad ass racing. I will say this again. The boy is down right powerful and has done his work, finishing top ten this week and a podium last week. Nice work Boz.

Struckman had it all worked out as to how we would keep things under control but that shiat got walked on when Buddy blew the whistle. Besides muscling to the front together, there was little I could do to control the front. Cross requires a tempering of your effort. If you go anarobic, you have to slow. So ambling at a high level is key. Once the pace slows a bit, you can attack and make progress, but you never want to go completely anarobic near the start.

Mike Briner, Bigshark, got caught up in the tape and clipped my rear wheel on the second lap going down hard, only to weave through again for a top ten finish. The Hub guys dominated again, taking home Stone Hill bottles of wine given out as trophies. Boz had another strikingly good race getting edged out a bit by Matt Struckman, Bigshark. Matt's endurance fitness has paid huge dividends after a visit to Leadville this year and he is tough, looking to see him creep further in to the top ten and likely further. Karl King, Mesa, also showed up again, weaving his way through to 5th place and an exciting finish that left rumors flying that somebody got punched at the finish. Merely an arm check on the sprint, Karl looks to be in good form for the Bubba series.

I was quite comfortable this week, taking a 12th place and winning my sprint against Ryan Heine, Hub. Ryan, myself and Benji Bockting, CBC, set a decent pace chasing down the top ten and were making progress when Benji crashed on the twists on the second to last lap. Ryan was showing signs of slowing so on the pavement towards the finish, I jumped on and nailed it at the end. I was happy with the finish, but prefer a longer race to get through the others. I think this will be to my advantage in the B's this year, the longer races. I look to challenge Boz and the others as the fitness continues to come.

It was a great couple races. Thanks to Jeff Yielding for embracing the active living culture and promoting two very well run events in his hometown. It could not have been a better way to prepare for the Bubba Memorial Cyclocross Series. He ain't dead yet...

Trailnet Active Living Awards

First, I am so not turning my car on today. Not after last nights inspiring event put on by our towns local active living advocacy, Trailnet. It was the second annual Active Living Awards held at Alberici World Headquarters. You can't miss the place, it has a wind turban and the front yard needs a mowing.

I mentioned to Janie where we were going as she fidgeted with my phone, texting my kid why we were gone, and why she would have to seek out her own porridge for the evening. When she looked up she commented on how the grass and landscaping should be better taken care of, not impressed. She didn't realize the sustainable nature of the place until I yanked the electronic POS out of her hand and made her pay attention to that which is one of St. Louis's most interesting buildings. Take time to attend an event there if you can. It reminds me of the future (if one can one be reminded of the future). Like Westworld or something.

We entered the awards and were greeted by Dave Lauber. I am proud of Dave. It has been a tough year for all causes and Trailnet likely faced just as many challenges at a time when giving has been limited. Ann Mack, back from a bout with breast cancer, a story of perseverance in itself, seemed healthy and most concerned about re-attaining her fitness on the mountain bike, bravo to you Ann! Dave and Ann get my vote for overcoming the most adversity, and a shout out to them is in order. This without an ounce of negativity due to the recession. Trailnet is not a negative group, always looking down the road for what could enhance our communities active living presence.

I was there to clap Mike Weiss into his much deserved Tom Yarbrough award. And I was amazed at several things there while socializing and enjoying the catering of Pfoodman's Chris Lupo. Again, Chris, fabulous job. You always come through. By the way, it was Chris who handled all of the lunches for the Tour of Missouri as well, and the Pro Women's event at the Residence Inn. A big round of applause for a dude who I consider more of a brother than an employee. Thank you Chris, for helping Trailnet enhance their event. Pfoodman was mentioned several times during the evening. Chris, your efforts are equally inspiring.

Second, I had never seen Mike without a hat on, or Hammer, or Bill Martin, or John Richards, or most of the chicks there too for that matter. I hadn't seen anyone with a tie on, not in this setting. I was absolutely amazed at the room, bursting with over 200 people, all there in the spirit of active living and the advocacy that plays such an important role in defining what our city can become. Mike said it best when he received his award. "Why not do it here?". Mike, because of you and the others, we are on our way and never have we had the momentum like now. Hat's on to you dude!

Kinder is a hoot ain't he? Hey P, we don't care if you're an R-pub. Lets face it, there are a lot of business men bucking up to the causes out there and Pfoodman is one of them. Yep, we support anything in regard to active living, including the Tour of Missouri and a slew of others. Name it, we help. So lets be real here, without a little less gov. and a little less bureaucracy, we wont be able to give nuthin. So as far as I am concerned (being a proclaimed "just to the right of middle" outspoken b-man), you are the man and I am in support of your stuff.

Say P, by the way and if you don't mind, can you ask Nixon for my 500 bucks back? You will likely see him before I. I sent him a check prior to the election after attending a picnic down in Columbia with a bunch of local Dem's. Yep, they got in my pocket. Since Nixon is giving us trouble, I will chalk it up to pro-active gander rally for not getting anything in return for my support during his campaign. In hindsight I suppose I wanted to make sure he knew who I was upon my disappointment--when I start my pontification process against his regime for the pulling of support for the Tour--(I knew this would be the case someday). Ain't nuthin like a poor return on investment to kick start the rhetoric. Game on. P, thanks a bunch for your efforts and please know that it does not go unnoticed.

Have you ever seen a fitter group of women? I thought I was taking a yoga class at first sight but spotted the bar in the corner and went to rub elbows with the beer drinkers. There I saw Joe Hill about as fit as he has ever been, another outstanding member of the active living community.

Yep, it was a very inspiring evening and we plan to do so much more with Trailnet. As I stood there in the dark, (because the lights were broken or something) I looked around the room and reflected on my own journey. Enhanced by a cross section of folks in the room whom I admire greatly. Mike Weiss is one of those guys that you get the feeling that you just have to go with, as are the rest of his cronies. He gets it, and so do I. So do Ann and David, the other donors in the room, the award winners, the friends and families of everyone there, the fans at the Tour of Missouri and the communities committed to changing the paradigm of our condition. These are the tribe members and we are growing in numbers. Becoming more powerful, more influential and more loyal to the cause. There is something building here and it is going to change the world. Ifyouknowhatimtalkinbout.

Why ride bikes?

I got my ass handed to me again. It always starts this way at the beginning of any season. I am sure that I am under coached, the real problem. I need a 40,000 dollar a year live in coach. What this means is that I have not realized or been made to realize the need to specifically train for the discipline that is in front of me. It means more road miles, more intervals, more pain. I eventually get through it. I will embark this morning on the pain train since last night was a wash with girls tennis.

So just before the race Struckman shouts out "tell me those are not the new friggin kits for the team?"--this when I was out warming up prior to the start of Bearcat Cross in Hermann.

It's the pink fade. Our new team got new team kits and the rust red fades to pink on the shirt. I am now taking some hits. Or course, I don't really care all that much but Struckman found it to be "mighty Struckman like" to call me out on it. In response he was dealt out a powerful blow of profane language on my part. Then he beat me like a step child directly out of the start. So he is now the captain of said team and can fetch the water bottles for all I care.

I bought some new wheels and tires, etc. The tires need to be glued on and "put" on, neither of which I am capable of doing on my own, because they are specialized in their own way and it is all one big pain in the ass. It just occurred to me that I need new brake pads for the carbon wheels, so there is another fortybucks. I will now need an earpiece to Bazler because he is now my lord of candy and knowledgeable of all things Cross. This is fine for now. I will soon be getting my hair cut like his, drive a car like his and... I will stop there. I ain't wearing no friggin madras...

So I bailed on Geezer yesterday after he waited for me to ride. By the way, he gave my good friends the Blau's the hookup on a stuck window repair. Go to Paul for all your electric car crap repairs. He is the best and never can he not find the issue. Paul will soon be equipping the worlds fastest truck for the goods to set a land speed record at the Bonneville salt flats soon. I am so putting a LWCC sticker on it.

Thrasher called me from the van on his way home from Colorado with Carlson, Keister, Campbell and Koetoritz, a week at CB with half the group injured. This was the original 10 year reunion group so they all rented a room in Crested Butte and stuffed themselves into it for old times sake. They are son gay. Craig was pleased with his performance and was looking forward to coming back and putting a hurt on whomever he came in contact with. He didn't say this exactly, but this is the normal process for those returning from elevation. Bring it smart guy. You are now in charge of water bottles.

We went down to Hermann Saturday afternoon, me and Janie, in order to spend the night and wake up and do the race on Sunday. We couldn't find a room for nuthin. So we rolled in to Trappers on Main Street (I think it was). There we were greeted by the server and owner of the restaurant who brought out a phone book to help us. Soon we were introduced to another couple sitting on the patio (yes we were allowed to have our dog out there) who recommended others to try (they were B&B owners too). Next Jeff Yielding, the local bike race promoter roles up to get a carryout order, he makes a call, talks to a guy at the bar, he makes a call, others on cell phones got on board. The next thing you know we were embraced by the entire local community trying to find us a room. I was just there for a bike race with my dog and my chick.

What a cool way to welcome some outsiders by getting everyone to embrace our condition. We met all sorts of people there, and had a really nice dinner with some very nice folks. We ended up heading back to the lew, but our experience there was that which you least expect sometimes, warm and friendly. Thanks to Jeff for providing us a great experience in his town.

I ride bikes because of the people and the experiences that come with meeting and knowing each one of them. Quirky, belligerent, old, ruffled, skinny, squirreled, cheap, drunk, injured, smart, tall-tailed, detailed, anal, super anal, fat, guzzled, rancid helmet smelling, chode huffing, zoots. The community is made up of them. I recommend everyone take a look at how this tribe of idiots truly impact the world, or your world. For me it is worth it.

Entrepreneurial Hot Dog Guy

I was introduced to a young woman yesterday named Kellee who truly impressed me. I have a "coach" that I use to...well...center certain things relating to my entrepreneurial world, and occasionally this process presents the opportunity to help others. This was the case with Kellee and she, like many (but not all) young professionals had set out to network and make things happen.

I like this in young folks. The "go-get-um" attitude, the "I don't know everything but you do" approach to rubbing elbows with those who might have something to give. Ego, that is what I am talking about. Successful people have egos so when we get asked to share our stories, game on. And giving is in our culture. Pfoodman has a long history of helping others achieve, dolling out information, advise, money, resources for a slew of categories. When ego comes in to play, that is where some of the best stuff comes spewing out from me and the others involved in Pfoodman.

I am thankful that I was asked by Kellee, what she should do to "get to know the business community". It just so happens that I needed to carve out a presentation for some students at Lindenwood and this would be good fodder. So I started pontificating. The result is this post, by the way....

She's from Texas and finishing her certifications for counseling in these next few years. She has an undergrad from Vanderbilt and worked in the business sector in Nashville for quite a while. This kid is pretty high caliber and very sharp. But moving to St. Louis presents a challenge for her. She feels an outsider versus the insider that she had become comfortable with in Nashville. Her question was: "How do I find out who is who and what is what?" and "What companies are those most likely needing my unique combination of Organizational Development and Counseling degrees?

...somebody must have told her about our less than perfect OD....I would bet that most people in my position think this of their own operations...I hope so anyway...

So I had to explain my "hot dog" guy concept--that I am basically just a hot dog guy and (for strategic purposes) what I have to say is likely a little over the top and unconventional in regard to the traditionalist's of the St. Louis market place. Because I reside in the hot dog guy suit and live in the hot dog guy world, I have to think outside the box in relationship to my surroundings, because doing so has lifted me a little higher than my personal label, over time, and with consistency. Strip me of the titles, pageantry and pedestal, I am still just a hot dog guy with a little bit of creative process in getting the word out.

I don't like the conventional, the traditional, the day to day paradigm of fitting in under somebody understanding of the way things should be. I hate what my competition does and rarely make time to study it, unless it fits the Blue Ocean model for success and, if that is the case, I am on it.

I mentioned to Kellee that I thought St. Louis to be a "conservative entrepreneurial economy" which translates into friggin boring for my regular blog readers. I shudder to think that Kellee reads this blog someday, without first understanding the raw nature of its content and the "tell it like it is" perspective that I feel is so important to those trying to break in to the world of business and entrepreneurship. I try and speak the truth and put it out there in a way that most folks can understand. So there is integrity in my rawness, the hot dog guy is wired that way and it goes without saying that an entrepreneurial approach to getting anything in life is key.

What she was really asking is: "What do I need to do to get noticed?"

And I am not at all slamming old Bald Guy for his comments. Just providing some contrast. But Kevin chimes in, my partner, "go and get the St. Louis Business Journals Book of Lists and begin the process of dividing the companies into what might best be suitable for employment opportunities. Then carve out your resume and talent transcript to the unique qualities of those companies, or something like that. I almost fell asleep before he finished and started fiddling for my ipod. Not at all what I was thinking from HDG perspective.

I actually think it was good advice. The first thing you need to discover when coming to a new town, boring economy or not, is who the employers are. It is a great way to gain perspective and the local business journal is key to getting the skinny. I would, however, be careful fitting in to the old method of gaining employment by sifting through human resource departments in the traditional fashion and within the standard and conventional dolling out of information. You have to take control! It starts with a personal brand.

Back in 1994 I started the concept Pfoodman. It was a nickname my father came up with. I had been in the restaurant business and so had he. Back in the day we would always make a play on the letters, putting a "P" in front of any "F" in daily language. It was stupid Pfamily Pfun, get it? And back in his day, when he ran for President of the the Missouri Young Democrats, and won based on some unique signage/branding that read: " Pfremmer Pfor Pfresident". It was just stupid enough to gain attention and it was successful in getting him where he wanted to go.

...damn, this small vignette from my past created that which holds the most significance in everything we do from a marketing perspective...

This was the idea behind the start of my brand in 1994 and since the web was starting to kick in, my email address subsequently became Pfoodman. I was in the restaurant business--what I think today as being over glamorized and lacking in reality based concepts. I prefer to be the hot dog guy and thank Russ Hunt for enlightening me to its true meaning, which is a paradox in itself as it relates to who is the most important people in this world. Regardless, I didn't know how to break out into something more significant until I started listening to my inner voice. I relied on my intuition and started with the email address Pfoodman, on an AOL account.

Little did I know that it would be the catalyst to the beginning of something great. And I can't take full responsibility either. This with the help, loyalty and optimism of many people much smarter and much more patient than I.

...being naked on stage--what I would look like stripped of the support, loyalty and devotion of those choosing me as a leader...

My next "connecting of the dots" was to take advantage of the early blog and/or website templates that were available for free. I created Pfoodman.com, an online culinary solutions page where I could "do stuff with". The objective was to provide a glimpse into the mind of a young food professional and establish a presence on the web using my brand. I started writing and commenting on stuff, started getting hits, more writing, more hits, pictures of stuff, more hits etc. This is now called the Ralph Account and it has certainly gotten the attention and has become a part of our marketing program, receiving 400-500 hits per week during my peak writing months, usually September thru March.

I did this as a hobby, without much of a connection to business. I was employed with another company that I would soon compete with. Pfoodman had the right of first usage by the presence on the web, by the way. So when I went to trademark the brand, it would have been pretty tough for somebody to take it. Regardless of its obscurity. Pfoodman also became a guerrilla marketing technique, a cause marketing brand that I used to help some local bike races with charities behind them. I donated some food to the MS Society for a couple events using the Pfoodman logo for lack of a better brand. Soon I began to get phone calls for catering.

Later, when our company had grown and we faced the need to create a unique image, it was Pfoodman that had the story telling behind it. Pfoodman projects revenues to be in the area of 20 million near the end of 2012.

And the story telling doesn't stop there...Wapiti, Lone Wolf, Brown Dog Blues Band, HDG!

...if it is all I am ever good at, connecting dots and telling stories, then my life is pretty damn good...

There is a unique blend of conventional and unconventional process needed in order to become noticed in any economy. There are tangible things and intangible things that on must do in order to rise to the top. I strongly recommend the latter. As intangible as the process was for Pfoodman, it provided results in our ability to get noticed over the long term. From there it was on to the basics of performance: over delivery of quality and emphasis on value added benefit to our clients. Emergence happens, but it is rarely driven by somebody else's rules. Start by creating your own brand with your own rules and seek to provide value to those organizations you qualify as within your culture. Simply connect the dots from there...

...I suppose I am pretty darned happy with this one...

R

The Tour of Missouri

Above is Lt. Gov. Kinder starting the Tour of Missouri captured from my cell phone.

Well heck folks. I really don't know how to say to the naysayers of Missouri that this years Tour of Missouri is off to a helluva start. If there is one reason to keep the tour here it is for all the families and friends who lined the streets of downtown St. Louis in the celebration of a sport that everyone can do and do well. It is active living at its best and we must keep the spirit alive.

Never have I been as proud to be a St. Louis-en and a resident in the state of Missouri. I promise each of you that I will make it my mission to lobby for the return of this important event. Thanks Mike Weiss, Lt. Governor Peter Kinder, Mayor Slay, Kitty Ratcliff, all the other sponsors of the Tour for making this years event a notch above the rest. I proud to be a part.

Mike Weiss from Bigshark Bicycles and main guy in charge for the St. Louis stage pulled out all the cards for the Pfoodman Pfriends and Pfamily, by the way. Not only was I one of the official starters for the Tour but he had me interviewed fresh out of a can of 180 on stage prior the call ups, then he hooked me up with a ride during the race with Tour of Missouri Race Director Jim Birrell. Lone Wolf Coffee Company catered the lunches for the racers and volunteers for one of St. Louis's largest bicycle stage races in the history of the city.

Bravo Mike and your Tour of Missouri efforts.

Tall Oak

I love when school starts and I can finally fall in to place with fitness. As I hide it from Boz, my goal this year was to peak specifically for the cross season and specifically to stay in front of him. Now, I know and have been told about his nutrition and his oxygen tents and Electra blood dilatation stuff. But I am still optimistic.

Case in point, the Tall Oak Challenge. First, I was there, others were not. Barring the fact that this is one of the best managed and best venue races in the state, I happen to always do pretty well here. I will take joy in the fact that the only two teams that beat the Geezer and I (understanding that I did indeed have a good teammate) were Team Chris Ploch and Tom Albert, and Team Cameron Chambers and the other dude. Some pretty stiff competition, likely the best in the state. I truly am not worthy but will take this one and put it on the wall.

The name of the game in team races like this is consistency and that is what Jimmyleg brought to the table. No, I wasn't dropping 34 minute laps, but the 36 and change seemed to do the trick with the Geezer ramping it down on the last lap to overcome our race for third.

The first lap a kid almost died before getting kicked into the ditch. By the way, kids, if you are in a Le Mans start, and you try and get the hole shot and you bog down because you are inexperienced, and you decide to block, or freak and can't move and there are a bunch of fast big dudes behind you and you are being yelled at and you still don't move and then some big and nasty old fart kicks you in to the Brier, well, you should take note for the next race. It is a 6 hour race, not won at the start.

I happened to have enjoyed this race, good company, our tent village was cool as were the folks who joined us. I can't say thanks enough to the Cow Town guys who made it a good race for Paul and I, we barely squeaked out the 3rd place finish. Great times.


Thanks to Chris's gal Laura for the pics.

Jimmyleg

It ain't ever day that you get to stand on a stage and wale on a harmonica in the presence of such talent. Peter, Chef Mike, Kevin, Steve, Baby Drew joined us too. In fact, I am lucky that these guys gave me a shot at this stuff since I am not near the guitar player they are. The vocals piece came from over the winter, when our not-so-blues singer decided to bail for more of a rock thing. I stepped up because, well, because Peter said so. From there I realized that I had a hard time singing and playing the guitar, especially lead, so rhythm would have to be the ticket and only on songs when I could come in and out without butchering. Enter the harmonica and Jimmyleg was born.

Suddenly its back (the ability to play the harp) and I used to play a lot. The Gin Mill days in Houston with Joey Long and the Texas Brothers. Miss Molly and the Passions....The harp just takes over when you are on. You find the notes and it just plays itself through the scale, once you "get it". Not until these guys let me stumble around the past several practices was I able to hone it in. Now I play the harp and do vocals and limit myself to an acoustic accompaniment on guitar. Hey, so be it.

We played last night at the Blackhawk room at Lone Wolf Coffee Company in Ballwin. A practice, home field thing in what is really my corporate headquarters that looks and operates as a restaurant. We just got a liquor license too, so we look to have some fun performing as Jimmyleg, or whatever we formally decide to call ourselves. We like Chicago Blues, some country blues rock stuff, rockabilly. We put a twist on the traditional with some very significant guitar and soloing done by everyone.

Sunday Music Inspriations

We had about 10 musicians show this past Sunday. What a hoot, a big bass too, a mandolin. I have to tell you, after playing blues for two years with nothing else, I was a little freaked out by the scales of the folksy bluegrass stuff. Same with the harp. I will indeed become a fiddle master for these fine folks. One of the people in the audience said that we should all get together and play at the Fountains, the senior community up the street. Before she got out of the room I through my coffee on her in disgust.

Nope, I have better billings than a nursing home planned. It wasn't long ago that I stood on the stage at the fox while Charlie Daniels played a couple songs. He and I had hit it off after a conversation at a pre-gig party in one of the suites at the Fox Theater. I had access to the side stage where I got my own show. That sombitch was a Long Haired Country Boy indeed. I was also with Dave Mason who was in town for KSHE's 20th birthday party. My bro John Bell had hooked us up with some backstage passes and I put on my best Kramer attire for the gig. John, well, he kind of screwed up. He got busted in the limo making out with some groupie and got thrown out of the after party later. Johns brother was Dave's manager and the entire night was on him.

Kevin Cronin, Jimmie Ray Vaughn, and a couple others were hanging with us too at the down at the Landing. Prior to getting the boot, we were having a pretty good time, but that is not the story.

I have never been able to hold much water. I think my mom saw to it that about one beer is the limit and don't crack the seal if there are no restrooms in sight. This was that case with Dave Mason. I was back stage looking for a bathroom and feeling quite uncomfortable. I couldn't find a john and I was getting to the point when I was going to bail on the party and go out with the lay people to use the head in general admission. Just then I see this girl come out of a sound room area and I snuck in where nobody could see. She was a back-up singer for the Fabulous Thunderbirds and hadn't missed too many meals. Can't remember her name but she kept me standing there for 15 minutes while I faded to yellow.

Once inside the bathroom I heard others come in the room behind me and begin scuffling around. When finished I opened the door to see Dave Mason and another guitarist tuning up "Only You Know that I Know" before concluding their warm up with "Feeling Alright". I was the only one in the room, and Dave, whom I had gotten to know both he and his wife quite well that night, tossed his chin up and smiled-- like I now had a piece of greatness? It would not have been appropriate to clap or say anything, I didn't have to. They left the room behind me and I walked them out to the stage. Nope, no nursing home for me.

Really diggin the new teeth.

My wife said she preferred my teeth before the procedure. I had a coupon.

Purpose Driven 8-track

I don't listen to the radio anymore. Not for music anyway. Listening to music on the radio has almost become a thing of the past. It's all talk now. Back in the days it was all we had--radio and eight track tapes. The eight track tape system was about a POS, wadinit?. But it gave us our favorite tunes easily dispensed through the newest technology of---hell, I don't even think Sony had come out with anything yet. I had a case the size of a large toolbox filled with the bulky plastic things. I had a Craig tape player, with Jenson Triaxials mounted in boxes with a bunch of power boosting Foghat, Bad Company and REO Speedwagon out the windows of...whatever car that was equipped at the time.

It was 1978 or 1979 and things were not all that pretty. What I remember the most is what we were wearing. John Travolta saved his image with Pulp Fiction after two violent wrong doings in the style arena. Saturday Night Fever anyone? WTF? How many of you had plaid bell bottom pants with cuffs and polyester shirts unbuttoned below your chest? (insert Grandmaster Geezer here)

Men were getting permanents for chrisake! I should have framed my platform shoes in a shadowbox to remind myself to jump off a cliff if they ever come back in style. A buddy of mine said he saw a pair of shoes like the ones I had in a not-so-acceptable video at a swap meet the other day. I used to wear them to church. That is just wrong.

Travolta revolted us in Urban Cowboy directly following up the Bee Gee era; his ability to change popular culture. Again, who would have ever thought we would all ride a mechanical bull at least once in our lives? I rode those things weekly and life was not complete until I had a collection of cowboy hats. One for summer, a shitkicken straw hat with a big feather thing on the front, (this was for the Lynard Skynard hooping and hollarin style), lots of denim, these were fighting times. I got punched in the face a couple times wearing that hat. I had a 10X Beaver hat too, pretty as a new suit, for the winter and the girls. It cost about a hundred bucks in 70's money. I had a spray for it too, for the rain. I didn't want to tell anyone how much I spent on it. I also had a pin made that had my name on it. Hat pins for beaver cowboy hats were the shi-at back then.

I also blame Bert Reynolds for some of this. Smoky and The Bandit (1) provided me with reason to purchase a Pontiac Trans AM. Friend and fast car enthusiast John Manning one-uped me constantly with his nice car savvy, so when Bandit came out, I jumped at the chance to buy one of those turbo models. I paraded that car all over California, Texas and everywhere else I went while trying to make my way. After moving back to St. Louis in 1986 my baby got stolen by one of my dishwashers from a parking lot at Union Station Houlihans, where I worked. It was the end of an era. Little did I know that, 25 years later, the landing spot for my pristine memento of the late seventies would end up being where my daughter would attend college. What was formerly the Mid-Town housing projects of the 70's and 80's is now home to what St. Louis University has annexed. After a brief chase with the police, my car, in an eerie attempt to predict the future, shut one door and opened another. "Slow Ride" anyone?

A Tough Man's Spiritial Paradox

I had dinner at Annie Guns last night and what a pleasure that was. First because the food and service exemplify all that is right in a restaurant. The staff at there are incredible stewards of the business and the food is always creative and prepared with impeccable care by Chef Lou Rook III. Second and most importantly,and without remorse, I am ecstatic for not having to pay for it. Thanks to my neighbors for sneaking the C card out while I was at the loo, or maybe my hand was just a little to late to reach. My 40 dollar strip steak was wonderful, like a sausage in fresh casing it sat in my stomach until the 7 AM opening of the elimination window. (Thank you Coach Hammer for the term "elimination".)

I mentioned early on to my hosts that I was needing to get to sleep at a decent hour, because I was invited to a bible study at 7:00 AM in St. Charles and I wanted to be fresh. It would be my first. Having never attended a bible study I remarked that "I am likely the token agnostic of the group"--"of which the pivoting will surely come"...during the study. I blurted this out in between slurps of a California Pinot Grigio.

A pause and then a full silence fell upon the table. And it occurred to me that my neighbors were Catholic and since, in my opinion, most organized religion folks seem to box and label in regard to their understanding of things. Touting yourself as an agnostic (humor based or not) dropped their jaw like a baby oil covered bowling ball.

And I know they were Catholic because I remember them coming in to Lone Wolf covered in ash one Wednesday afternoon, and, instead of saying "uh..guys..dirt-on-your-face", I said nothing--and was immediately taken back to my parochial school days at Sacred Heart Elementary Catholic School in Columbia Mo, where I got all freaked out going to confession a couple times and then, upon completion of (my perception of the experience) my mom asking the question: "don't you just feel better?"

Why yes, I did indeed feel better after getting the heck out of there. It always freaked me out some of the traditions of the Catholic Church and I have had a bit of an issue with this sort of thing for quite some time, traditions found in all kinds of faith based things, ever since. Not my fault, it is just the way it is with me.

Later in life, when I was able to make decisions for myself, which was quite possibly a little earlier than necessary due to circumstances relating to my lack of support for moral agenda, I felt religion and/or spirituality of any kind, or any outward proclamation of the sort for that matter, to be a weakness. I can't deny the fact that when it came down to it, the entire concept of spirituality seemed a little uncool. There was too much....--that which someone could be sold, convinced, brainwashed. It was like Amway, A.L. Williams, Relive, NSA Water filter multi-level marketing of the lord. People like this really get under my skin and it started early on. Later in life I was equally turned off because, like my mother, in an attempt to provide my kid with some form of spiritual influence, the clergy continually had their hand out, the whispers of pledge fulfillment, offerings, fund raisers, guilt...guilt...guilt.

Hey, it was not that I haven't had an "understanding" of something (no personification) greater than I guiding me through certain uncertainties, especially through the years most complicated by indulgence and through the tough times growing up. I always thought that I was chosen to do something great. I am not totally clear on what that is yet, but I still believe it. I am also convinced that doing something great has a lot to do with helping my fellow man out a bit, the planet, the world we live in. I am guided by the need to put this first, me second. In fact, I am interested in learning a bit more about the spiritual connection with God (personified as a human being or not) in order to study the successful processes that I have seen in others achieving something great for the betterment of our condition. So there you have it.

I find it interesting writing about this. I am apprehensive knowing that somebody will read this and take the same pause or equivalent. That..."is he sure he really means that" pause that, should his day come soon he will surely be in big trouble in because he did not conform.

Well, I am grateful there is concern, however, I am not much of a traditionalist and I need to craft out my own understanding while making my way in the world as whom I have become. I prefer my God to have a bit of empathy over the fact that I don't plan on tossing myself in the creek in the name of anything other than the refreshing goodness for which it stands. I suck at some of the stuff in life that, according some, puts me at risk. Fear...fear...fear...

I don't mean to question the traditions and ideologies of the masses for my own benefit. After all, I was the one asked to come and play a part and I genuinely feel that my cards were on the table in regard to my "level of spirituality" prior to agreeing to joining the bible study. I take comfort in this as I embark on the knowledge quest. There is something about turning over the fight to somebody else. There is somewhat of an immediate cure to the unknown if you look at it that way. Though I do see it as an intellectual dud. More on this later.

Can I get an amen?

"The truth is you're the weak. And I'm the tyranny of evil men. But I'm tryin', Ringo. I'm tryin' real hard to be a shepherd".
Jules Winnfield played by Samuel L. Jackson in Pulp Fiction.

Diggin deep at Berryman

"...I am not sure the depth to which I can go but usually there is gas in the tank at the end, about enough to dance to the cooler..."

The amount of pain that I can handle before succumbing to "it", that "I quit" or the "damn, I am going to talk myself in to a mechanical" or some other underlying reason for quiting, when everyone else is trotting to the finish...that is what I am talking about. I am not sure anyone else knows how deep they can go either, unless pushed for what ever reason to the point of death or exhaustion. What we all need is the occasional circumstance that requires a need to survive, we need this basis, benchmark etc. That is why we have sport, us humans. Exhaustion being subjective of course.

That is why I like the O-sport thing, the mountain biking, trail running, hiking, climbing, adventure stuff. Not that I am all that remarkable, but I feel it necessary to push until I fully understand how far I can go. Just when you think you have maxed it out, there are reminders that I have barely scratched the surface. I have a lot of work to do and it is indeed seasonal, the fitness required to achieve good results. In the wild the only results is survival and I think I can hold my own on multiple dicipines, running, rafting, kayak, riding thing if need be. There are no limits to the pain, only that which is felt on any particular day and for whatever particular reason and with whatever overcoming factor that we choose to draw upon. Case in point, the Berryman last Saturday. This one is for you Paul. I did suck, but you knew this was going to happen. I guess I finally broke the seal.

Friggin Geezer went off rather quickly and I knew that I would suffer. He is pissed at me because I have not many road miles in my legs and he thinks I have been working too much and not staying focused. True that, but I stayed with him on the climbs for a mile and adapted the fast spin so fashioned by the old guy. He spins at a higher rpm than most and (at 60 years old) pretty well puts the hammer down on anyone. Skuck was behind me and and the roots were not his friend for a short time. This time of year Skuck gets a little more empowered to dance the roots and rocks and I have a harder time staying in front of him on the downhills because by late August he has been to Colorado or some other place where his skill building kicks in. On the climbs he usually overtakes me, first because he is about 45 pounds lighter, second because after he warms up he is pretty much a machine and I won't chase him. Skuk chased Paul for the entire day.

Skuck is having a good year and I suppose I have again fallen short of commitment to achieve his status. I linger around the tail end of my class, occasionally moving up at some obscure race or later in the season when everyone else is either burned out or injured. I peak in October for the most part. And that ain't no big deal. Due to the pain of Saturdays ride, I should be able to achieve a thing or too, however.

The twosome pulled away from me by the time we got to the campground about 10 miles in to Berryman. Instead of heading out on the 14 miles back to Brazil Creek, we decide to head down to Hazzle Creek, the opposite direction on the Ozark Trail on a point to point. What a wonderful system. The trail was clear, open and fast all the way to...where ever the hell we went. We never made it to the creek, we assumed was 10 more miles in. I think we went 5 or 7 miles and then came back to steal some water off of a house on the road with an old yellow dog. Then headed back to the Berryman. (begin whining)

This is where I started with the problems. I suppose we were just about 20 miles in and I was toast. WTF? The rest of the trail, as rocky and as rooted as it was, surely would offer up the normal amount of pain. Berryman always does this anyway. I didn't really see those guys until Paul flatted and I pulled around just to keep things going. By the time we got to the spring, I was a twisted sister of whining pudding. It was there that it hit me. I will not be beaten. I needed some fried chicken and the Hen House promised an all you can eat special for 9 bucks in Bourbon.

So digging deep was what I did. Out of food and bonking hard, I found myself alone on the Barryman with the occasional check in from Skuck. Paul had already gone skinny dipping in the creek when I came through cussing at the horses for trashing out the end of the trail, I wanted my 4 piece. I literally barely made it and hadn't felt that way before. I hadn't seen that side of pain in quite a while. I don't really know how many miles we went. We were out for 5 1/2 hours and, except for the flats (3) in our group. We pretty much rode the whole time. I didn't stop except to cramp up on the last climb and I could have walked on my hands faster than the slow grind--all I could do.

I will be returning soon to give it another go. Geezer didn't have to say much about it--he just took my chicken leg and ordered up a piece of blackberry pie to go.

The Blues

In 1983 I walked in to a bar called the Gin Mill on Goellner Road in Houston Texas with some friends from work. It was a blues joint with not a whole lot to make it remarkable other than the PA system on a black stage and a bartender with boobs a little perkier than they should have been at 50ish. A waxy carpet covered the floor that got swept and mopped instead of vacuumed because the pile had gotten sticky and then jet-smooth-as-vinyl from the years of spills and dance steamrolled into what was then the current state. It smelled like beer. Me and my group had just gotten off work from where we worked, Bennigan's, my job assignment for the year from S&A Restaurant Company. The Bennigan's was a couple streets over on Bissonett and highway 59.

The area where I lived had grown up rather quickly during the oil boom of the early 80's, this after the auto boom in the 70's that declined eventually and sent the auto workers to Texas to work on oil rigs. Strip malls shot up everywhere. Then suddenly, as if the lights switched off, people left, leaving entire neighborhoods foreclosed upon. There were a ton of workers out on the street with no jobs. Crime was bad. I had the T-tops from my 1980 Turbo Trans Am stolen twice in a month...T-tops!

The bad economy in Houston had something to do with the Savings and Loan crisis. Not too off center from the over lending that took place lately, but it was a little more regionalized as to the havoc. I didn't follow that stuff too much, it was not my concern. My world was working at Bennigan's 80 hours a week for a pittance, chasing the cocktail servers whom I was forbidden to socialize with and dealing with lack of sleep and hangover most of the time. It was such an awful way to carve out a living in a declined economy for a corporate restaurant chain soon to close a bunch of stores in the area. I was miserable and the future was bleak.

The entire culture was rotten. The city was lawless. I was doing my laundry one night in my apartment complex and went down to toss my clothes in the dryer. I held the door open for a gentlemen with his arms full and he smiled while brushing by, out the door into the darkness. When I reached in to the washer where my clothes had been, it was empty. The dude had stolen my wet clothes and looked me in the eye as I held the door open for him.

I left town eventually and moved to Kansas City to bet on football for a couple months and seek out the local music scene (Kiki and the Bon Ton Band anyone?) I thought I would fall back, re-group, and get ready for what was next. I had made it out of Houston in one piece without the benefit of license plates, they too were stolen from my parking space at the apartment complex. I found a job with Houlihan's and ended up in St. Louis, eventually marrying my wife, having a child and moving to white picket fence America, safe!

Houston was what did it for me. I got a taste of the blues and it has stayed with me since. In fact, I can't play anything else. I was banging on my new Dobro that Fenton James sold me for damn near nothin the other day. All that came out was some pretty serious Chicago blues licks, a smattering of Delta Blues from Tab Benoit, and some Rockabilly stuff from Southern Culture on the Skids, the Blasters, etc., I happen to play this stuff with a blues lick. My wife gets pissed because its "all I ever play anymore".

It was Joey Long who invited me up on stage when I motioned to him with my harmonica while standing next to the bar at the Gin Mill. I hadn't really played with a blues band yet, done some country out in Kansas in a bar for a while, that twangy swingin stuff, even played with Mellisa Etheridge one night at Cooters and didn't realize it until 20 years later, not sure she was even gay back then. I had tapes of Ozark Mountain Daredevils in my car and would play along while driving the roads to and from the sleepy Kansas town of Mcpherson to the college town of Manhattan Kansas. I, kaff...attempted college there for a while. There was plenty of time to play and nobody to see me sucking the harp on those country roads in my car.

Joey sat in his wheel chair next to Robby Campbell who wrote the song "Hello Texas" and got a Grammy nomination. Joey announced this each night and played the song three or four times. It was all they had really, that song and the Gin Mill. Robby was the bass player, Joey was the lead and there was a drummer named Luke. The story has it that Joey had gotten stabbed in the leg with an ice pick by one of his estranged wife's. He had a tough time healing from the infection that ensued. He showed up each night regardless; Joey Long and the Texas Brothers. I was to be the occasional harp player when asked and Stormy Monday was the song I learned to play first.

The blues is a place, with smells and images and stories seasoned with despair. I can't really get the Gin Mill nor my time in Texas out of my head. I remember asking Molly of Miss Molly and the Passions: "Why do you stay here, it is so depressing?" She looked at me and said: "Is there any other place?"

I seek out the time to play now more than ever, and calling upon my time spent in Houston brings out something from deep inside. There is an influence, an energy that's called upon--when I see Joey and the pathetic little bar (now a male review club)--the people moving around, dancing, fighting, getting the most that can be mustered out of the culture where they reside. Yep, the vignette is pretty much captured forever somewhere in my soul.

Can I right?

Quickly, and without the benefit of re-write....

I will return soon with a huge bundle of dung on the pontificating scene. The summer always takes away my urge to write and from time to time, I feel a little overexposed due to the multitude of events that we cover. So (during the summer) the blog is used solely for the purpose of reporting race results and pictures as it relates to the vibrant community that I have become a part of.

Overexposed as it relates to the stuff that our business is involved in what also happens to be the day-to-day me--that which has sinuous relationships to the kindergarten-12 market, the higher education stuff, the branding therein...active lifestyle stuff, "O" Sports, Dirty Sports, Restaurants, Senior Living, name it, we have a connector and a project out there that puts me on the billboard somehow. But not in the literal sense. The concept of bill boarding manifests itself differently now, there are no real billboards. There are, however, a collection of non-traditional electronic media endeavors that create imagery as to the culture of said brands.

In my world, there are audiences to cultivate, cultures to...cultivate, tribe members to recruit and motivate for the purpose of selling...something, someday, probably food related things, or services requiring hospitality stuff. Bald Guy and I have subscribed to the "building of tribes" for quite some time, likely prior to the book Tribes by Seth Godin.

Pfoodman.com started as a blog almost 12 years ago and has now become the lead brand for our holding company by default and for no other reason other than me exposing myself to the world and to those lurking, seeking, studying. Most likely because of the viral and epidemic process that we have been spreading since its conception--that and a whole lot of free food.

I thank Seth Godin for adequately describing the phenom that has been taking place for quite some time in the "unconventional" marketing arena. And folks, if you haven't figured it out yet- get with the picture, begin now promoting you electronically, just for the hell of it. You are a brand, regardless of what you do or what you will do. In order to justify your position, any position in this world, you need exposure. Go out and promote yourself and tell people what your opinion is.

Seth's blog has some remarkable similarities to other "hipper than normal" business and organizational cultures. I recommend everyone take a dip into his pool of thought and come out a little bit more acquainted in to what will soon be the "conventional". This combined with the continued evolution of social networking. Just ask Cheryl Hughey.

I am fired up because I get to spend a week with my partners, a group of kickass associates whom I love. We will use our skills this week to set a course to the unknown--that which is sure to make for good storytelling and topic for network content seekers.

Its about the pictures

Castlewood Race

It's not like I don't train there. I do, a lot. The course was fast and ready for a hammering. I actually felt good taking my time to fit in with a couple single speeders. Chad was there too, Jim Krewit Jimmy V. I was waiting to get to the top of Grotpeter to shred it a bit. It would be my downfall, the climbing since I have lost a bit of cardio by not riding for a week or so. The dirt crits have sapped my energy from an interest level and I have backed off my fervor a bit for riding. Oh well, it always comes back. I made the crest of the hill and began bombing Rollercoaster and eventually Ranger station when, at the bottom, there was the sound psssssst. There is always that inner voice: "keep going, it is the dude behind you".... and it is never correct. I quickly pulled off and slapped a tube in, the new applicator that I bought failed though, and blew up in my hand and ripping a hole in the new tube. I couldn’t believe it. My only option was to run all the way to the car, which I did and I am still hurting from it. The 23 pound bike run/carry works some muscles that I have not used in a while. It took me nearly 25 minutes to get back on the course. From there I hammered the rest of lap one and eventually two and three. The fourth, which wasn't counted, was pretty bad since I had tried to make up time. I cramped, stalled, cussed. I simply sucked and felt burnt out. Today is better though, I figure I will go and do a couple long rides by myself to get my head right. Usually does the trick. At this age, rest and nutrition is key. I have not done either correctly for the past few weeks. I will be back for Spanish Lake. Girl, yesIwill, girl.

Great day though, thanks to Bobby and the DRJ.

Week #5 Short Track Results

Thanks a bunch to Alpine Shop and Velo Force, Greg Sutter for the course set up this week, Jeff Powell. Pretty spiffy.

Too many people to mention who participated in making this a great series. Everyone deserves a slap on the back for taking part in something special; the culture building of our sport in our community.

You can look to Alpine Shop and Pfoodman/Lone Wolf/Wapiti to co-promote as many as 10 events next year in what we call "O"- Sports" market; short track mtb, paddling, trail running, adventure racing and cross county MTB. So come out, unplug and be fit.

Don't forget about the DRJ race Sunday. This course is the creme. See you all there.

Dirt Crit #5 30-Jul-09

Open A

1 Chris Ploch DRJ 349
2 John Matthews DRJ 357
3 Logan Von Bokel Dent Wizard 345
4 Zak Hafner Mesa 363
5 Bob Arnold DRJ 346
6 Paul Qunidry 366
7 Greg Sandknop 362
8 Scott Olgivie 356
9 Wes Bierman DRJ 350
10 Drew Black Mesa 351
11 Dan Bruns Gateway 352
12 John Peiffer 369
13 Tom Albert 355
14 Rock Wamsley 358
15 Robert Metz DRJ 354
16 Eric Schark 359
17 Craig Hoeflinger 347
18 Dave Smith 365
19 Brian Beyer 367
20 Bob Crow Dog Fish 348
21 Craig Thrasher Velo Force360
22 Ryan Hemsmeyer 368
23 Barry Blumenkemper 364
24 Jay Strothman 353
DNF Justin Bowen 361

Open B

1 Greg Lyeki 73
2 Jeff Powell 77
3 Stu Robson 72
4 Matt Struckman 48
5 David Frei 75
6 Todd Holtman 66
7 Mike Molloy 63
8 Craig Basler ICCC 41
9 Scott Bertelsmeyer 76
10 Rock Wamsley 47
11 Carl Hoffman 60
12 Jeremy Lines 56
13 Dave Smith 50
14 Jeff Sona 65
15 Will Grumke 57
16 Cody Jones 62
17 Adam Rybar 69
18 Matt Gruthoff 51
19 Peat Henry 89
20 Scott Melies 81
21 Ryan Lemmon 86
22 Eric Schuck 90
23 Jay Mervin 84
24 Darin Marlow 74
25 Christine Ford 80
26 Jeremie Meitz 61
27 Jeff Mittler 83
28 Patrick Gibbon 64
29 X 144
30 Paul Krewef 44
31 Andy Prunty 46
32 Mike Hickinbotham 70
33 Grant Grumke 58
34 Loreen Matson 88
35 Timothy Boergeman 52
36 Caleb Laubinger 45
37 Jeff Kuechenmeister 68
38 Rob Ballow 54
39 Lars Valin 87
40 Jim Davis 82
41 Mark Clark 91
42 Gabrielle Renner 59
43 Pete Goodes 79
44 Phil Shunlberg 71
45 Brad Murray 92
46 Loran Carano 49
47 Brett Whitehouse 55
48 Mark Grumke 42
49 Cory Redmond 85
50 X 244
DNF Karen Holtman 67
DNF Chad Hiatt 78
DNF Lee Van Norman 43
DNF John Peiffer 53

Open C

1 Jax Powell 398
2 Kevin Bonney 250
3 Caleb Laubinger 379
4 Stephen Venters 246
5 Mike Geiger 388
6 Alex Powell 397
7 Mike Slade 251
8 Mike Hickinbotham 392
9 Jeffrey Evans 252
10 Christian Chellis 254
11 Andy Prunty 380
12 Cody Jones 62
13 Jason Erflinger 385
14 Michael Hickinbotham 393
15 Curtis Denham 391
16 Zack Tangenan 230
17 Carrie Sona 389
18 Bobby Mudd 228
19 David Conley 240
20 Tyler Redmond 226
21 Justin Siess 248
22 Mark Krausch 223
23 Matthew Bathon 241
24 Zack Krouper 386
25 Mary Piper 247
26 Joe Stryjewski 378
27 Jean Matthews 381
28 Traci Berry 383
29 Jason Roberts 375
30 Britt Whisenaind 229
31 John Valenti 225
32 Andy Vitale 249
33 Russell Errett 253
34 Catherine Ebarling 377
35 Dessa Paris 384
36 Craig Hafner 395
37 Scott Rieger 242
38 Sammi Powell 396
39 Maggie Miller 224
40 Garrett Roberts 376
41 Jeanne Renner 387
42 Jeff Freshman 394
43 Wendy Davis 245
44 Zak Alec Spielman 382
45 Casey Carter 390
46 Bart Berger 243
47 Laura Range 222
48 Mike Tiebar/Justin Aullnow...399
49 Ana Pizarro 400
50 Nick Mille 227
51 Frank Vehenzuela 244

Short Track Dirt Crit Race #4 7/23/2009

Dirt Crit #4 23-Jul-09

Open A

1 Chris Ploch DRJ 295
2 John Matthews DRJ 170
3 Logan Von Bokel Dent Wizzard 307
4 Scott Olgivie 310
5 Zach Hafner Mesa 306
6 Greg Sandknop Segal 309
7 Tom Albert DRJ 215
8 Wes Bienman DRJ 206
9 Paul Krewet 302
10 Drew Black Mesa 308
11 Craig Hoeflinger 299
12 John Peiffer Ghisallo305
13 David Smith 311
14 Ralph Pfremmer Velo Force300
15 Robert Metz DRJ 212
DNF Jeff Yielding Dogfish 296
DNF Bob Crow Dogfish 203
DNF Craig Basler 298
DNF Justin Bowen 297
DNF Greg Hardison 304


Open B

1 Greg Lyeki 26
2 Zdenek Palecok 23
3 David Smith 13
4 Craig Thrasher 4
5 Craig Basler 32
6 Peter Goode 30
7 Dave Neis 37
8 Adam Rybar 22
9 Mike Malloy 29
10 Will Grumke 9
11 Brian Busken 14
12 Matt Grothoff 4
13 Cody Jones 28
14 Lee Van Norman 7
15 Carl Hoffman 27
16 Brian Roggeveen 18
17 Tom Blackman 3
18 Rock Wamsley 20
19 Pete Henry 25
20 Jeff Klohn 15
21 Ryan Lemmon 17
22 Mike Tieber 35
23 Ross Blonton 38
24 Mike Hickenbothom 36
25 Scott Melies 31
26 Darin Merlow 21
27 Mark Hasler 144
28 Marc Pauly 24
29 Roberto Barrios 34
30 John Reimbold 39
31 Jeff Knechesnmeister 11
32 Grant Grumke 10
33 Mark Clark 6
34 Gabrielle Renner 40
35 Frank Valenzuela 12
36 Loran Cavano 16
37 Mark Grumke 8
DNF Tom Lauria 2
DNF Jiri Doksasky 5
DNF Cory Redmond 33


Open C

1 Caleb Lanbinger 326
2 Evan Steiner 329
3 Kevin Bonney 313
4 Mike Mickenbotham 324
5 Jim Davis 339
6 Christian Chellis 330
7 Loreen Matson 341
8 Stefan Venters 344
9 Jeffrey Livans 320
10 Curtis Denham 316
11 Michael Mickenbotham 325
12 Mike Tieber 35
13 Peter Miquelon 335
14 Bobby Mudd 327
15 Ryan Gibbs 323
16 Jeff Brueggeman 328
17 Greg Schwarz 334
18 Justin Siess 340
19 Joe Steyjewski 314
20 Karen Holtman 343
21 Susan Klohn 317
22 Tyler Redmond 321
23 David Conley 318
24 Mary Piper 331
25 Traci Berry 312
26 Cory Redmond 33
27 John Valenti 333
28 Jean Matthews 338
29 Craig Hafner 319
30 Jackie Dowell 336
31 Britt Whisenand 342
32 Chris Goetfort 332
33 Suzanne Renner 337
34 Laura Range 315
DNF Kelly McGuire 322

Hungry for some Kaspar Goodness

Tom Blackman's Day went bad...

Dirt Crit #3 results 16-Lul-09

Dirt Crit #3 16-Jul-09

Open A

201 Chris Ploch DRJ 1
205 Greg Sandknop Segal 2
206 Wes Bienman DRJ 3
202 Logan Von Bokel Dent Wizzard 4
204 Zach Hafner Mesa 5
207 Bob Arnold DRJ 6
218 Drew Black Mesa 7
215 Tom Albert DRJ 8
216 John Peiffer Ghisallo 9
196 Scott Olgivie 10
173 Jeff Yielding Dogfish 11
209 Craig Hoeflinger 12
211 Jim Krewet DRJ 13
212 Robert Metz DRJ 14
217 Craig Thrasher Velo Force 15
208 Kent Jones ICCC 16
203 Bob Crow DogFish 17
210 Mike Teiber Ballwin Cycles 18
219 James Nelson BigShark 19
220 The Dr. 20
221 Rich Kisselofff 21
213 Barry Blueribbonkemper 22



Open B

165 Justin Bowen 1
160 Stu Robson 2
221 Rich Kisseloff 3
153 Jeff Sona 4
176 Pete Goode 5
184 Zdenek Palecek 6
149 Greg Hadison 7
163 Dave Neis 8
155 Tom Lauria 9
169 Mike Malloy 10
183 Ethan Johnson 11
147 Matt Grothoff 12
158 Rich Pierce 13
141 Brian Thompson 14
151 Will Grumke 15
Cody Jones 16
152 Duff Yokum 17
142 Jeff Yielding 18
152 Adam Ryber 19
166 Ryan Lemmon 20
164 Mike Bobelaik 21
171 Mike Hickenbothom 22
281 23
177 Marc Pauly 24
174 Scott Melies 25
175 Christine Ford 26
159 Lee Van Norman 27
145 Shawn Turnball 28
161 John Reimbold 29
180 Brian Roggeveen 30
178 Jeff Kloha 31
170 Patrick Gibbon 32
167 Roberto Burros 33
172 Mike Hoover 34
148 Mike Bufka 35
280 36
156 Andy Hodge 37
150 Grant Grumke 38
179 Loran Cavano 39
144 Gabrielle Renner 40
118 Carrie Sona 41
168 Mike White 42
157 James Walters 43
154 Ben Lake 44
143 Mark Grumke 45
173 John McCoughlin 46
181 John Merli 47
146 Tom Blackman DNF
182 Rob Ballon DNF


Open C

264 Caleb Lanbinger 1
286 Kevin Bonney 2
265 Andy Prunty 3
285 Stephen Venters 4
287 Evon Steiner 5
269 Mike Hickenbothom 6
7
288 Stefan Adams 8
278 Jim Davis 9
268 Jake Parr 10
289 Andy Vitale 11
275 Curtis Denham 12
270 Michael Hickenbothom 13
263 Bobby Mudd 14
274 Susan Kloha 15
260 Joe Stryjesuski 16
276 Justin Siess 17
262 David Conley 18
19
289 Matthew Bathon 20
271 Tyler Rodmond 21
290 Austin Schreiber 22
259 Traci Berry 23
279 Wendy Davis 24
258 Zack Kroupen 25
273 Lisa Quisenbery 26
291 Johnathan Vollmer 27
256 Peter Carleton 28
282 Sammi Powell 29
257 Garrett Roberts 30
266 Craig Hafner 31
277 Suzanne Renner 32
267 Ana Pizarro 33
283 Scott Rieger DNF

Race Results July 7th, 2009 Short Track Dirt Crits

A Race July 7th, 2009
Bib Name License Sponsor Finish
171 Chris Ploch 163562 DRC 1
169 Bob Arnold 195092 DRJ 2
188 Paul Quindry Gateway 3
173 Wes Bierman 221886 DRJ 4
196 Scott Olgive 176998 UA 5
190 Mecunthy 176213 UA 6
180 Zach Haffner 228059 Mesa 7
177 Greg Sandknop 287356 Team Seagal 8
191 Jeff Yeilding 204197 Dogfish 9
198 Drew Black Mesa 10
193 Ron Bridal 1 day Dogfish 11
194 Jim Krewet 245383 DRJ 12
189 Matt Struckmann 222433 Big Shark 13
186 Ryan Hemsmeyer 73571 Big Shark 14
195 Kent Jones 18203 ICCC 15
197 Craig Thrasher 1 day Velo Force 16
192 Bob Crow 200216 Dogfish 17
178 Robert Metz 245964 DRJ 18
187 James Neslson 207452 Big Shark 19
200 Andrew Ringwald UA 20
174 Logan Vovbockel 226879 Dent Wizard DNF
168 Ralph Pfremmer 108615 Velo Force DNF
172 Eric Shuck 1 day Velo Force DNF

B Race July 7th, 2009
Bib Name License Sponsor Finish
200 Justin Bowan UA 1
231 Jeff Powell Ballwin Cycles 2
194 Craig Hoeflinger UA 3
199 Jeff Soma UA 4
163 Pete Goode 143223 UA 5
162 Scott Bartelsmeyer 285867 UA 6
144 Unknown 7
178 Duff Yokum 8
177 Tom Lauria 18024 Velo Force 9
239 Lars Valin UA 10
191 Adam Rybar UA 11
192 Jeremy Linesb 221919 UA 12
199 Matt Grottoff 13
186 Ethan Johnson 41414 14
190 Jay Marvin 102659 UA 15
193 Scott Melies 164197 ICCC 16
183 Ryan Lemmon Mesa 17
179 Chris Nitzche Seagal 18
196 Mike Hickenbothom 296876 UA 19
182 Kevin Bonney Mesa 20
198 Ben Tiefenbrum UA 21
181 Will Grumpke 23
174 Shaun Turnbull 1 day Dogfish 24
233 Jeff Kloha Ghissalo 25
173 Jeff Yielding 1 day Dogfish 26
237 Carl Hoffman 260247 UA 27
125 Jake Wilson UA 28
180 Grant Grumpke 29
169 Phil Shoalberg BigShark 30
236 Mike Hoover Momentum 31
132 Mickey Silger UA 32
195 Jiri Deksasky UA 33
141 Jeff Kueckmeister 34
187 Lauren Caveno The Hub 35
184 Mike Bufka 36
238 Cristel Santiago Ghisallo 36
189 Eric Thomas 37
188 Gabriella Bonner 39
176 Mike Bobelak 4030 40
197 Mark Grumpke UA 41
175 Cory Redmond 286340 Fulcrum Coaching 42
136 Jeremie Mitz Gateway DNF
153 Stephanie MCCreary 286554 DNF
235 Ross Blanton UA DNF

C Race July 7th, 2009
Bib Name License Sponsor Finish
121 Caleb Lanbinger 1
113 Jax Powell 2
133 Stu Robson 3
131 Stephen Venters 4
107 Jim Davis 5
136 Mike Slade 6
110 Rob Ballou 258422 GORC 7
196 Hickembothem 8
115 Curtis Denham GORC 9
111 Jason Erfling 10
185 Richard Grabbe 11
104 Robert Mudd 12
118 Carrie Sona 13
120 Ryan Gibbs 14
106 Jake Parr 15
132 Greg Scharz 16
117 Becky Cato Velo Force 17
109 Joe Stryjewski 18
119 Andy Vitale 19
112 Mike Hickembothem 20
114 Susan Kloha Ghisallo 21
101 Tyler Redman 1 day 22
102 Traci Berry 1 day Team Revolution 23
238 Cristel Santiago 24
108 Wendy Davis 25
105 David Conley Lone Wolf 26
128 Loreen Mattson 1 Day 27
129 Britt Whisana 28
103 Garret Roberts 29
122 Craig Hafner 30
124 Lise Quisenberry 31
135 Scott Rieger 32
116 Jason Crawford 33
123 Casey Carter 34
127 Katherine Hrubes 35
126 JD Peiffer 36
134 Matthew Bathon DNF
130 Peter Henry X

Results of Alpine Shop Short Track Dirt Crit Series by Velo Force #1

Well, it was a bit tough scoring but I think we have basis. Please contact me at this email address ralph@pfoodman.com to dispute our craziness. Sorry about the spelling, Dave Ploch was in a bit of a rush with over 100 racers for our first kick ass Thursday night Short Track Race!!!

Bravo to all that came out. We will do our best to create additional pageantry for all. Wow! That is all I can say. Big thanks to Alpine Shop, Big Shark and the help with the scoring stuff, Buddy, Dave Ploch, Jeff Powell, Dave Conley, GT guy (forgot name) Thrash, Skuck, Tracy and Chris, Craig, Tom, Matt, James, Coach Hammer and company, Kevie Kev...wife and kid...Butthead and all the other roadies with kids...Kaspar!...

Alpine Shop Short Track Dirt Crit
by Velo Force
Results A Race Thursday 7-02-2009

Place Name Team Bib

1 Chris Ploch DRJ 171
2 Josh "Butthead" Johnson Bigshark 175
3 Bob Arnold DRJ 169
4 John Mathews DRJ 170
5 Greg Sandknop Seagal 177
6 Wes Bierman DRJ 173
7 Doug Davis Gateway 179
8 Zak Hafner Mesa 180
9 Paul Quindry Gateway 188
10 John Peiffer Ghisallo 181
11 Jeff Yielding Dogfish 166
12 Drew Black Mesa 183
13 Eric Shuck Velo Force 172
14 Ralph Pfremmer Velo Force 168
15 James Nelson Bigshark 187
16 Jim Krewit DRJ 176
17 Ryan Hermsmeyer Bigshark 186
18 Rich Pierce ICCC 184
19 Robert Metz DRJ 178
20 Kent Jones ICCC 167
21 Matt Stuckman Bigshark 189
22 Logan Von Bokel Mesa 174
DNF David Nies Bike Surgeon 182
DNF Craig Thrasher Velo Force 185
DNS Dan McCarthy Unattached 190

Alpine Shop Short Track Dirt Crit
by Velo Force
Results B Race Thursday 7-02-2009

Place Name Team Bib

1 Jeff Powell Ballwin Cycles 171
2 Justin Bouwen Unattached 154
3 Todd Holtman Ghisallo 145
4 Craig Hoeflinger unattached 155
5 Craig Thrasher Velo Force 172
6 Mike Molloy Ballwin Cycles 167
7 Jeremie Meitz Gateway 136
8 Greg Hardison unattached 150
9 Dave Neis Bike Surgeon 170
10 Greg Lyeki unattached 157
11 Bob Crow Dogfish 134
12 Duff Yokum unattached 143
13 Pete Goode unattached 163
14 Will Grumke unattached 152
15 Lindel Miller unattached 151
16 Matt Gruothoff Seagal 133
17 Jeff Soma unnattached 156
18 Jay Marvin unattached 137
19 Ross Blanton unattached 160
20 Barry Blueribbonkemper unattached 149
21 Mickey Silgen unattached 138
22 Scott Bertelsmeyer Bigshark 162
23 Lars Vahin unattached 166
24 Brett Heuring Dogfish 164
25 Mark Hasler ICCC 144
26 Ryan Lemmon Mesa 139
27 Leif Vahin unattached 165
28 Mike Hickenbothom unattached 140
29 Roberto Barros unattached 142
30 Chris Nitzche Seagal 148
31 Jeff Knechenmeister unattached 141
32 Mark Pauly unattached 159
33 Shaun Turnbull Dogfish 132
34 Loreen Mattson unattached 158
35 Cody Jones Ballwin Cycles 168
36 Loren Caveno The Hub 161
37 Karen Holtmann Mesa 146
38 Phil Sholberg Bigshark 169
39 Steven Mccreary unattached 153
DNF Jeff Yielding Dogfish 131
DNF John Reimbold Heckave 135
DNF Jeremy Lines Bigshark 147

Alpine Shop Short Track Dirt Crit
by Velo Force
Results C Race Thursday 7-02-2009

Place Name Team Bib

1 Jax Powell Ballwin Cyclels 986
2 Caleb Lambinger unattached 985
3 Kevin Bonney unattached 987
4 Andy Prunty Ghisallo 984
5 Ben Tiefenbrun Dogfish 974
6 Pete Henry unattached 973
7 Jiri Doksensky unattached 992
8 Mike Hickenbothom unattached 140
9 Cutis Denhan GORC 978
10 Rob Ballou unattached 971
11 Geoff Birch unattached 990
12 Peter Miquelon Wapiti 964
13 Grant Grumke unattached 980
14 Jason Erfling unattached 966
15 Bruce Molink unattached 993
16 Jim Davis unattached 970
17 Gabriella Renner unattached 972
18 Traci Berry Team Rrevolution 963
19 Joe Stryjewski unattached 967
20 Austin Schreiber unattached 983
21 David Conley Lone Wolf 962
22 Jason Roberts unattached 979
23 Jonathan Vollmer unattached 969
24 Scott Riger unattached 991
25 Britt Whisenand Team Revolution 982
26 Andy Vitale unattached 988
27 Tyler Redmond unattached 968
28 Garrett Roberts unattached 976
29 Brad Gift unattached 981
30 Casey Carter Mesa 977
31 Cory Redmond Fulcrum 965
32 Kelly McGuire unattached 975
33 Ella Rothgangle unattached 989
DNF Steven Nease unattached 961

Old Crit

Alpine Shop Sponsors Short Track Series!

6-22-09
We are on the countdown for the series to begin. The heat is on. This is a great way to adjust your core to the Missouri racing. Then toss it in the creek for a cool down while Kaspar cooks a dog, brat or burger. Yes, Steve Kaspar will be hosting the "every Thursday event". Possibly lead out on his vintage Schwinn for a parade lap.

6-20-09
Race Dates: July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30

Fun, Low Pressure Off-Road Racing Every Thursday Night!

ABOUT THE SERIES:

Races will be held every Thursday at Castlewood State Park with the start/finish line being in the field by the horse turnaround. It’s a great way to stay in shape while escaping the torrid heat of a typical summer afternoon.

Races will be geared towards all levels. All racers are encouraged to race in the group they feel most comfortable in. Women are encouraged to participate. This is a great way to gain racing experience.

REGISTRATION:
Registration will open at 5:30 PM for all racers at the start/finish line.

RACE TIMES:
The “A” Race (Cat 1 Racers and Expert wannabes) will be @ 6:00 PM - 45 minutes + 2 laps

The “B” Race (Cat 2 Racers and Sport wannabes) will be @ 7:00 PM - 25 minutes + 2 laps

The “C” Race (Cat 3 Racers and Juniors) will also be @ 7:30 PM - 15 minutes + 2 laps

RACE FEES: $20 for the first race, $10 for successive races or $50 for all 5 races!
PRIZES (each race):
· Awards for top 3 in each category (Cash for A race: 1st = $40, 2nd = $25, 3rd = $10).
· Food and drink following every race.

PRIZES:
· Awards for series winners (3 deep) given at party after last race
· Cash for A race: 1s t= $100, 2nd = $75, 3rd = $50

DIRECTIONS:
From the South on I-44 or I-55: Take the Hwy. 141 exit and travel north on Hwy. 141 to Big Bend Road. Turn left onto Big Bend
Road and travel west to Ries Road. Go left on Ries to T at Kiefer Creek Road; turn left on Kiefer Creek into park.
From I-270: Take the Dougherty Ferry road exit and travel west on Dougherty Ferry to Big Bend Road. Turn right onto Big Bend
Road and travel west to Ries Road. Go left on Ries to T at Kiefer Creek Road; turn left on Kiefer Creek into park.
From the North on U.S. Hwy. 40/61: Take the Clarkson exit (near Chesterfield Mall) and travel south. Clarkson crosses Manchester
Road and becomes Kiefer Creek Road which leads into the state park.
When you get there: Enter the park and continue along road, under RR bridge to first parking lot. 20 MPH speed limit in the park!

All racers must have a USAC MTB license, one day licenses available for $5.00.

Held Under USAC Permit – All USAC Rules Apply -Helmets are required.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact ralph@pfoodman.com or check the “Mountain Bike Racing”
forum at www.STLBiking.com for latest updates.

St. Joe Reckon

I am not so glad we did a tempo mtb ride on Saturday at the Wood. I thought I would punish Skuck a bit for the ass whoopin I got at Rhett's, even though I am happy with my result of 11th. I pretty much left him gasping for air, feeling fresh as a daisy after a Friday off. I am thinking Rhett's really kicked my ass, btw. There was some talent showd this year and I must have been out of my league. I took second last year but, as you might have guessed, nobody showed up. Regardless, I got a hellova workout and the candle is burning a little brighter now because of it. We got some good training in this week and I continue to get a little stronger. So Saturday I put the hammer down with some bursts and recoveries, thinking Sundays Reckon at St. Joe would be a casual thing. Right.

So, arriving at the St. Joe trail head with the Geezer, Big Bad Mike and Skuk in the Hemi equipped minivan, it came as no suprize that D-wayne was already on the trail doing multiple 8 mile laps. Just as we were going, Andy Gibbs and another guy showed up, we decided to head out together, kind of.

Geezer got lost in the first 15 minutes. Not sure if he did it on purpose seeking motorized sports and all from his background. We chased D-wayne for the entire lap of newly developed trail and singletrack well worn by the high reving motorcycles before us. The commentary was mixed. I liked the course, very Missouri like and a little bit of everything. There were some agravating climbs and false flats that drained my energy and, me thinking Big Bad Mike was a push over was a big mistake. The dude mashes like Mitch and I will say it now that he is going to be a player. Skuk got a little squeamish at first but settled into the rhythm on the second lap just about the time when my pads wore down to the springs and I lost my front break. I was tired anyway.

This trail is going to suck the life out of anyone who has not pre-ridden it. Grumpke has done a good job using a cool park, lots of turns, grinding climbs and tight singletrack.

Wild Canid Center Event

Jack Hanna and Betty White were on hand Tuesday for the Wild Canid Centers gala at the Kemp Auto museum. Since we like our wolves (and choose not to roast them), the missus wanted to do something special for them. So cater guys Chris Lupo and Chef Dan Joyce and staff prepared and served the special dinner on behalf of Lone Wolf Coffee Company's support of this good cause. A good time was had by all.

Betty White, 87, was authentic in her cause to help the center, naming (purchasing the naming) of a baby wolf and naming him "Robert Redford". Jack Hanna showed up with a busload of animals including a cheetah, an awful big snake, and some other critters that he showed "Johnny Carson Style" on stage with Betty. This guy is one of a kind and as nice as can be.

If you haven't thought about your giving for the year, consider the Wild Canid Center. They are needing to raise money to move to another location due to Washington University requesting them to move from their land at Tyson. Land has been purchased and funds are needed for the continued success of this operation.

Rhett's Run was tough!

I don't care how fit I think I am. Rhett's run (marathon class) always makes me feel sluggish and unfit. At least the last three laps of the six lap race made me feel that way. I should have gotten 7 laps, and pulled back enough to keep from going another one during lap 5 while I was literally praying for a mechanical, strategically, I was a hurtin rooster.

We started fast, not unlike any other race. The adrenalin gets going and all of the 25 or 27 racers went off hard and funneled in to the snotty mud (it rained just before the start) simply to get bogged down with a series of stops and starts, intervals, slinky like waves of thrust on tight single track. You really had to watch yourself and I knew that it wouldn't be long before I would see some pretty significant crashes. The first being Chad Brixey, an esteemed rider whom I have mixed it up with several times in the past. He is a seasoned rider and fast. Eric was in there with us, about 10 of us working the kinks out carefully during the "I got more game than you" hour that takes place every race. We had made it though the first lap and started the decent from the chat on the second when Chad's rear wheel washed out in the grass at a cool 20 mph decent. It was superhuman, his catch, sprawling safely, sliding a good 20-30 feet un-injured with dignity intact. I ran through the deep grass to avoid running him over, as did a couple others. Fun stuff. I was hoping he would get up and work his way forward but I never saw him again until later, standing with D-wayne with a torn sidewall. There were others who met with similar circumstances. Not sure who else bailed but there were plenty.

I was trying to stay on pace with the Grandmaster Geezer and Eric, who was behind me for the first three laps. We all train together and they typically stay ahead towards the end. I knew that Eric would hold back while the conditions were muddy. It dried out and soon he made his move and dropped me like a teenage stepsister. He would have had it anyway but I tried to keep him back there as long as I could to keep him charging hard. I will catch his fitness level in the next few weeks, as I usually do. My 5th lap was more like a crawl and filled with self doubt and pain. This plus on the fourth lap when the cat one and two's were unleashed on the trail. It was pretty tough standing and waiting for them to pass, losing a lot of rhythm while those with fresh legs and less laps to finish, took the right of way from the marathon class. I simply got caught in the wrong place on the course when they started the race. The horsepower displayed at the start of an expert race when you have been grinding for a couple hours is belittling.

It didn't matter it was a good race and I am pretty sure I was in the top 10 or just over. There were tons of DNF's, this is not an option for me and I was happy I finished this tough venue again.

"Coach" Benjamin Wade to speak at Lone Wolf

Coach is in town and has spent the last few days hanging at the Wolf and over at Lindenwood University speaking at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes luncheon.

I am honered to know him and seek to enhance my own life through his Warrior Spirit.

The Blues

So cornbread tosses me a CD and says: "Hey Ralph, you think you can write about music? it says so on your blog" (which, if I might add, seems to be disappearing in to the abyss with the Twitter thing and other methods of communication, though I might be wrong).

I wanted to have said: "hey man, that would be cool, let me comment on that piece of shit CD by Elvis Costello that literally put me to sleep in the first track and kept me there for a solid 45 minutes until I pulled out of slumber right before taking out a Blockbuster Video Store at 2:00 PM Christsake. I will not write about CD's and have already indicated my knowledge of the industry.

We did get our act together on a set lately that includes a couple of (what some might consider) cliche pieces from the Blues Brothers and Chuck Berry (not the pervert years). I really don't care, because from now on I am known as "Jimmyleg" and I can now craft out my persona accordingly. This from a 2nd grade leg gyrations learned from some hip teacher back in the day.

All I can say is that Jimmyleg is real and is coming to a blues house near you as soon as we can get our friggin lead guitar playa back. Ifyouknowhatimtalkingbout.

Wapiti

Well, the new site is up and it is pretty killer. Wapiti Adventures is off and running with trips planned for this year and an open conduit for next year. It is exciting, and our mission to engage and change the world through O-Sports is underway.

Check out the site and watch the video:

BB's, Stlblues.net and Cornbread

May 17th was fast approaching and our band, who has been in the process of sorting things out, including coming up with a name and, most importantly, the time to practice as a group, wasn't looking like it was up for the task. We lost our drummer in April and last week Kevin, our Lead Guitar needed some "him" time.

We were the St. Louis Kingpins and supposed to be the opener for the Soulard Blues Band at BB's the STLBlues.net Cancer benefit, put on by our boy Peter Cohen, (aka) Cornbread. Now, Cornbread is pretty well known in the underground, grassroots community of St. Louis Blues. He has told me stories of receiving tons of CD's from all over the country that he listens to and reviews and posts them on his site. I took for granted, I am sure, that it was just a hobby and one that wasn't quite so "involved" as hobbies go.


This is not the case with Cornbread and his partners, who have embarked on a journey, a viral marketing process that engages the way musicians and fans communicate; how to find the blues. Visit stlblues.net if you get a chance. It is a very comprehensive site, devoted to the blues with an ongoing calendar that is comprehensive. As I get "all-up-in" to that culture, while still learning to play guitar and crafting out my own style, singing and playing the harp, it will be important to take note of a couple of things in regard to the community.

First and foremost, let it be known that blues fans come in all shapes and sizes, and the history of who's who, or better said, who used to play where and with who, is sacred knowledge amongst the group. I say this because it didn't take me long to put my foot in my mouth.

We had been at BB's for a couple hours and had gotten there early to get a good table to watch Chef Mike, one of our band members (keyboard player), playing in our forfeited spot under the band name, Park the Karma. They were really good and I was indeed correct in assuming that, since we lost our lead guitar player and drummer, it was the right thing to do: bag the inaugural St Louis Kingpins event.

And I was thinking while sitting there watching, listening--if I would have gotten tripped up while on stage, I could have simply blurted out stuff about being an elite cyclist or something, and that I can ride really fast, and that this blues thing is all really just an experiment, and that if y'all throw shit at me, I will leave on my 4000.00 Cannondale like, really fast.

So the bands went on for a couple hours, Cornbread knew virtually every musician and every musician wanted to meet him because he is the one who does all the reviews in the city and other. I met the lead singer of the Soulard Blues Band, asked him how and the hell he remembers all the words. He says, the key is knowing the story. You got to get the message, so you can feel it, sing it, be it, the way the artist wanted it to be, when sung. Word, I didn't get his name but he told me that he is coming out west for coffee soon. A black guy in cowboy boots, we are now friends.

I was wanting to get out of there because it was getting dark and I selfishly yearned to get back home to the comfort of West County, where there are less chances of people asking for money. While standing out front of what is surely St. Louis's premiere blues entertainment venue, BB's.

I noticed this guy, around my age, short and plump, dressed up in one of those vintage southern Alabama shirts that looks like Mayberry. He had on a straw hat and looked like he come right off the set of "Brother Where Out Thou". He was standing around like I was, so I struck up a conversation with him. I told him that my boy Cornbread over there is a baddass blues CD reviewer, the best that ever existed and that, (and here is where you hit me) if the CD's were DVD's, he would listen to them on priority and that every CD should accompany a DVD, as part of the marketing, blah, blah, blah...typical Pfoodman necktalk. Turns out the dude was no other than Tom "Papa" Ray, the owner of Vintage Vinyl down in the Loop. The man. He shut me down pretty good and I got a serious learnin from this southern boy, who was really quite charming in his knowledge and oratorical articulations (George Clooney demure). Great guy, very knowledgeable, a true St. Louis icon.

From Cornbread himself:

Yesterday BB's had a decent crowd. Ralph, Dan and I were there, had a Bud, ate some wings & sweet potatoe fries and took in 4-5 bands. The crowd was less than we hoped. Mike and Park The Karma really well. Ralph and I are each getting some coaching from guys in Soulard Blues Band (vocals and bass). Dan kept talking about the old guys that were playing. I was asked for rolling papers by some guy walking by, Ralph offended Papa Ray then hit a tree..... All-in-all it was a great afternoon!

So even though we didn't play, I made a couple friends, got down with the culture of the blues in St. Louis, which is a very serious thing. I just returned from Austin and it is a very serious thing there as well. Who knows where the journey will go from here? The main thing is that there are open arms in each community as it relates to music and the love of music. And that, even if my opinion is shit, I can still make some meaningful acquaintances.

Look What's Coming in July

Check back for updates...

ADD

"I have been thinking about attention deficit disorder, like, most of the day, continually"

I spoke recently at a Rotary meeting in St. Charles, and, as usual, had no idea what the hell I would be saying until I arrived, not until I met and spoke with the people to whom I would be speaking. I do this to challenge myself but also because those last minute perceptions are what matter the most. I like to speak and unfold a message like a napkin as I go, I have a cache of experiences that pretty much cover the gamut of anything I want to talk about. This I learned to do by trial and error. Butchering a speaking engagement or two along the way. Now I find it very satisfying when I nail it, not really having any formal training other than just getting up and doing it.

While explaining my journey in business to the group, I ended up spewing the fact that, even though I have never formerly been diagnosed with ADD, it is likely that I am or was a sufferer of ADHD Pi,(the inattentive type of ADD without all the hyper stuff). I figured this to be the case in my teens, twenties and thirties, and with the help of some good people with a lot of patience, including my wife, kid, co-workers, friends and yes...adversaries, I have been crafted in to what I have become. I use ADD now to my advantage and it gives me a competitive edge, I am thankful. I eventually learned to channel my perpetually wandering state into a process of comparison detail and pattern making. This is what the mind of an ADD person does if they get a handle on it, or at least what my mind does.

I also knew early on that if I wanted to maintain some perception of normalcy amongst others, I had to continually center myself, taking a perpetual inventory often and when nobody else was around. I still meditate, write, read and search for themes that spark something in my memory bank, something to compare or study in contrast with what the day doles out. At night, while asleep, lying in bed, I rewind and search through the things that I don't immediately understand and/or chose to pass over, exercising a file recall process with categories and labels for the days events in either positive or negative feelings--Hunches that give me a 6th sense, intuition. It is intuition that I use to make the litany of spontaneous decisions daily. The older I get, the more experience and the more efficient my categorizing and labeling becomes And, since life to me is a path with continuous forks in the road, I have become quite good at it. I can juggle a lot of balls. The more experience the more balls in the air.

Often people ask: "when will one ball too many send them all to the floor?"

I had a conversation with a guy last night who, like me, (suffers) a bit from ADD. I don't find it to be suffering, and don't consider it an affliction by any sense of the word. I am me and that is what I know. I have never been diagnosed with anything other than what my contemporaries think of me. Which would be characterized by words like: Maverick, aggressive, intuitive, versatile, aloof. I know that I have (had) a lot of the symptoms written in books and papers, and I know that I have figured out a way to deal with it. I was asked if I had ever been medicated, taken anything for it through the years. Well, I did grow up in the 80's in a college town...what more could I say?

I got some help from my 5th grade teacher, Mrs. White. She had somewhat of an unconventional mission to teach me to read better than I was testing. While everyone in class was in an elevated reading class, I was stuck in Open Highways, the lowest level of reading in the grade. We worked through a bunch of techniques one on one, she spent hours trying to help me read faster, understand the phonics, the sentence structures, all the above. I improved, but not because she cured me of my inability to consume the information. It was because I figured out that, if I were to overcome my reading issue, only an unconventional approach to solving the problem was the trick. I was given license in the 5th grade by Mrs. White to feel free to embark on my way of thinking, my way of overcoming adverse situations, because it is about me and not the group. And the fact that I was supported by a teacher who used an unconventional approach to teaching at the time...unconventional was the way for me in everything from that point forward. She, while not necessarily understanding what the problem was, planted the seed, letting me know that I would simply have to think differently about things in order to "get" things. I improved in my reading, but still struggle to finish any book on any topic.

Often these people are highly imaginative and intuitive. They have a "feel" for things, a way of seeing right into the heart of matters while others have to reason their way along methodically. This is the person who can't explain how he thought of the solution, or where the idea for the story came from, or why suddenly he produced such a painting, or how he knew the shortcut to the answer, but all he can say is he just knew it, he could feel it. This is the man or woman who makes million-dollar deals in a catnap and pulls them off the next day. This is the child who, having been reprimanded for blurting something out, is then praised for having blurted out something brilliant. These are the people who learn and know and do and go by touch and feel.

Ha! Life is funny.

Austin

Austin Texas is not in Texas. So says just about everyone I have met there. There is a culture different from that which one would think is the "damn proud of my heritage attitude" of most Texans. It is a good place with style, unlike Dallas, Houston, even San Antonio with its fabricated river walk of corporate hotel and restaurant. Austin is different from the rest of the state, independent of the state in many ways, even though the state capital sits boldly in the middle of downtown.

I was there on business meeting some folks on the active living front. Austin is all about that, active living and entrepreneurship is the best way I can explain. Small start up businesses are springing up everywhere. I strolled the warehouse district to get a feel for what is real and what is not, as well as other areas of the city, to find out what the culture there truly possesses. I noticed some things that were really on the fringe. The use of the old buildings, the architecture that defines the area--this was cool. The loading docks are all left exposed, so to navigate from one building to the next took you up and down stairs, connectors with surfaces that change, creating an interesting way for business owners to merchandise.

We went to Mellow Johnnie's near an area soon to be developed and enhanced by additional big building stuff. There is mixed use apartments towering high above the skyline, condos, expensive ones, with retail below, mixed in with the old. The whole place is really quite splendid with the eclectic mix of old and new. The attitude is hip. Lots of fixie retro stinky bikes ridden by the locals, for those with impeccable style. I, like a tourist, purchased a couple MJ jerseys, one to display at the Wolf and one for swag at the Dirt Crit races this summer.

I am going back in two weeks. if anyone wants to go with. Going, to just hang out in the center of town and get in to the active lifestyle a bit, ride bikes, drink coffee, listen to music. You can ride out of town in to single track I am told. The locals also told me of a couple private land owner places where the single track is golden. I am taking up trail running and since this place is famous for ultra marathon freaks, I plan on working my way in to the fold and find out what this place is all about.

Maybe I will bring a video camera and film it, start a reality show seeking out the best Active Living Cities in the Country, maybe that is what I am supposed to do. Maybe I have already started this whole thing and I haven't quite gotten warmed up yet. Regardless, Austin is a fun town and certainly inspiring for those who want to check out of Midwestern delirium. I plan on getting a firm dose of this town, and seek to capture the culture in the journey, then spread the word, ifyouknow.....

Bike Racing Back Up

A most excellent picture of burnin at the bluff 08. If that ain't enough...


Enough of the pre-season writers quagma. I am sick of whining for now. I feel the fitness coming and it will be soon that I can actually finish ahead of Skuck and not far off of Thrashers wheel. And, by the way, he is riding most wonderfully. Both of them.

So the new guy, Bert. The ICCC loner who obviously trains about 6 hours a day with a smile on his face that can only compete with you-know-who. I take great pride in alerting the public to watch out for this guy, who I predict will win races (if he sandbags in sport).

Also at the Ranch ride Tuesday, George on his 69er pushing some home brewed slime mixture. I glanced over and saw Thrasher and Skuck enthralled in conversation, figuring out viscosity and density of matter......

Albert brought his dog and a cage for his dog. I thought this was quite nice, a little strange, but nice that, in order to get a ride in, he would pack up the little booger in the car, set up a makeshift kennel with blankets, food and water, and probably a stuffed animal, all while he went out on the sweet single track.

The GrandmasterGeezer was there, always good to see Paul. I am exploiting both he and Kaspar on Friday, taking a group of guys on the Two Fairy's ride Friday, hosting and flexing their muscles. Paul says comeback might be in order. My aim with Kaspar is to get him out of circle riding, ifyouknowhatimtalkinbout. These two should have stories to tell of yesteryear. I bet both of them still have kits from before I finished high school.

And how about Bobby, still sporting a black eye from some brawl he got in while in holdover at the city workhouse. Apparently he got in to it with a cop after getting all up in Ryan, the "full of piss and vinegar" trail steward from GORC at Castlewood. Word, if I find myself in any way shape or form answering to this kid on my call to run a race, there will be a serious problem. Ryan, do not meddle where you are not needed. We know how to make the calls on trail suitability without you providing undue influence. Make adjustments in your energy level towards this sort of thing and all will be cool. No tongue and cheek here.

Anyways, have a good week of riding. We are now getting ready for Rhett's Run in Columbia. Looking to have quite a group coming down there. I have heard from a few people in regard to the state championship, hearing that this race might be NORBA sanctioned. Can anyone settle the score on this?

Pigs

Rather than write about the swine flu media hype, that which we all know will lead towards a slew of commercials advertising swine flu remedies, shots, etc. Brilliant! A boost for the economy by way of "scare media" and the lack of anything else controversial to report about. But hey, if it kick starts the pharmaceutical biz, so be it, I have some stock that needs to recover. I figure there will be lots of this stuff coming about. A puppet master of media controversy making sure stuff like this gets the attention of the masses. It sure makes the secondary schools flex their "cover your ass" muscles. Has anyone gotten a position statement from their school district yet? Same with the other "disclaimer" oriented need be's. I heard this morning that Egypt is slaughtering all the pigs in the country. Do they have pigs?

I just thumbed through my copy of Fortune Small Business. I am not sure why I receive this each week, or maybe its monthly, I don't really know. It simply appears in (my) bathroom and I read it, placed there with love from my wife. It is the reading material of the morning window. Word.

I don't like this magazine and read it because it gives me contrasting opinion on how big business and small business differ yet have an evolving process of conforming destiny. It's put together pretty well and shows up on time (I presume) and in good condition. The reason I (like) don't like it is because the subject matter always takes the unconditional high path of big business theory, even though small business is in the title and small business is where opportunity meets conventional and unconventional principals of entrepreneurship. It's almost like the editors simply apply traditional business theory to small business, then look down upon them (the entrepreneurs) and say: "Hey, you need to conform or find yourself in litigation, the wrong position, in unjustified markets or worse, find yourself in...(thumbing through)...a broken business model".

There are lots of articles to be written about the broken business model.

Do entrepreneurs really aspire to have the culture of big business practice take over--the autopilot of "RED's", (Reasonable Efforts of Defense found in policy manuals produced by legal departments) the "just so there is no confusion" dialog spliced into the 75 page employment manual?

Do I really think they are missing the mark? Well no. Not really. Any rational business owner says to them self: "Yep, I need to be doing that. We need to be doing sensitivity training, protect the workplace, promote, respect...file catalog...report...pay...conform...respond...accrue". Fortune Small Business will capture the next article nicely....How to raise capital through VC.

As important as it is, and as necessary as all that stuff is in today's business world in order to stay out of trouble. It is an absolute downer to use that side of my brain--the side that has to spend its time conforming to legal precedent, government restrictions and administrative requirements. This is what they don't tell you in school but tell you in Fortune Small Business, that you have a nut to crack before you can launch that business. You have to outsource a bunch of your (lack of ability) to sort through the fog. You need to consider this in your business plan, the mounds of legal and conditional process. And then just wait and see what happens when you hire a bunch of employees. You need big business!

I don't let that get to me for the most part. I figure my job is to use my talent to advance my business and the rest will fall in line. I have to keep moving, in order to make the money necessary to keep up with what will continue to lay claim to our ability to move through the system. So from now on, I am two part creative development process and one part advocate for less government and regulated process defined by big business. I will attempt in the next few years to re-define the way small business is considered, in relationship to the political, legal and moral standard. I say go to the ceiling with what I am able to appropriately dole out in regard to the RED's. But shut my business down and lets see who really loses.

It won't be Fortune Small Business, they will simply write another testiment. The employees will lose.