Schwie’s Pad

Today I rode in the Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride, a 104 mile expedition across the southern burbs of the Twin Cities. “The Team” I rode with was composed of a 5-time Northfield teacher of the year recipient, a Harvard soccer All-American, a Wayzata hockey ringer, and a freak with a bionic knee (yours truly). During all rest breaks, “The Team” could be found huddled together discussing strategy of “sticking together” with an “all for one, one for all” mantra that would make a great like Bud Grant beam with pride. After each meeting, Northfield wonderboy Ben Danielson and west-side Ward Schwie bolted out of the rest areas like bats out of hell, leaving the rest of “The Team” peering through the dust. Only the times when Keren Gudeman devoured a Snickers bar at the rest stop did she emerge leading “The Team” (this occurred once). Things appeared to work out though, as we all finished and returned home in one piece (sans Keren’s brutal fall on the hill before reaching lovely Lonsdale). Like clockwork, the Bianchi performed admirably and my bionic knee once again stepped to the plate.

Tina and I witnessed her sixth ultrasound test this morning. Everything appears to be fine with the pregnancy and “The Russian” was able to read the monitor and determine we are having a boy! Stryker is due September 3. In the mean time, I’ve designated myself as his e-guardian presiding over his email account. Feel free to drop us a note.

Woohoo! I saw Doctor Chris Meyer today and he was satisfied with my strength to give me clearance to begin attending soccer practices again! Even better, he said I could return to game-action on May 21st. To celebrate, I biked from Eden Prairie to Minneapolis for the Vandal’s first practice of the year. We scrimmaged and I had a hat trick. Sweet. But, I must preface, there was a bounty placed on anyone’s head who took me out. Maybe I took advantage of my handicap OK. Next up is the Iron Man this weekend. My Dad has tuned up Benji’s italian racing bike, so hitting 102+ miles should be no problem! Bianchi. Campione D’Italia.