The Workbench/Bike Shop Progression

The workbench is now complete, with the rest of the basement shop nearing completion as well. Here is the pictorial:

Step 1: Build the frame for the top and bottom.
Step 2: Bolt the legs onto the frames.

Step 3: Bolt on the side and back bracing and attach the countertop and bottom shelving.

Step 4: Attach the pegboard and truing stand.

Step 5: Apply a couple coats of polyurethane and then put all the tools on it.

Here's a side view.

A view of the whole shop. We got a dehumidifier too since it gets super humid here in the summers. Check it out, I can watch DVD's while working on bikes. :)

Really the only thing that I have left to do for the bike shop is to put some hooks above the black cabinet (storage for the power tools!) for all the wheels and tires on the ground there.

The view of the other side of the shop. Sadly, nothing has been done with the IF frame yet.

And that's that. :)

Off to the Championship Game

Team Gray took on Team Orange tonight, with the winner getting the chance to advance to the championship game next Sunday. It was a back and forth game thru the first 2 periods, and we entered the 3rd period tied at 4. Heather was in the stands to witness a crazy finish to the game. Orange scored with only 5 min left to go up 5-4, and they were getting cocky thinking that they won the game. It only took us 30sec to tie it back up, but then they quickly scored again to regain the lead. That's when Team Gray took over, scoring 2 goals in less than a minute. Orange pulled their goalie with a minute and a half left, but they couldn't get the equalizer, so Team Gray took the win, 7-6. Five goals scored in around 3.5 minutes. Fun times. Team Gray is now headed to the championship game against Team Blue next Sunday. Be there. :)

It was a gorgeous weekend here, with highs in the upper 70s. Too bad these weekends always seem to go by so quickly. If you haven't heard yet, head on over to Heather's blog to read about a new addition to our household. :)

No more Snow

Our latest snowfall only lasted a few days, and this weekend the temps were in the 50s/60s, so the snow all disappeared. The roads were clear as well, so Heather and I went out for a little ride and she rode her Equinox tri bike for the first time. We'll have to do a couple of minor adjustments, but other than that she liked it.

I'm finalizing my race calendar for the coming season now, and it looks like it will be a fun season. Lots of mountain and cross races, and as many road races as I can get in around here. Then there's Chequamegon (Simmons and I got our applications accepted again!), 24hr Afton team, and 24-9 National Champs. Fun fun.

Last night a short-handed Team Gray took to the ice once again, as only 9 skaters showed up. It worked out alright though, as that enabled us to have 2 forward lines and 3 defensemen rotate. In the end, the lack of players didn't hurt us, as we handed Team White a good old-fashioned ass kicking, 11-1.

I enjoyed all the extra playing time, and ended the night with 3 goals and 1 assist. That win means that if we beat Team Orange next week, we will advance to the championship game.

STL and My Wood

The trip to St Louis was fun despite the Sioux losing to BC on Thurs. The Sioux didn't play their best game, but at least the hated BC Eagles didn't win the national title. That honor belonged to the MSU Spartans, their first title since 1986. I guess there's always next year for the Sioux.

I saw the Arch, took a look around Busch Stadium, played some hockey, went to the zoo, got lost in the ghetto of St Louis, and had a grand ole time. The weekend wasn't a complete loss for Sioux fans, as UND forward Ryan Duncan won the Hobey Baker for the best collegiate hockey player.

I was an idiot and forgot to bring my camera places, but I did remember to bring it with to the zoo. Here's some penguins.
Here's a pile of wood and galvanized bolts in my basement. They will soon be transformed into a bike workbench.

In other news, the weather forecast for the area says that we are going to get 6-10 inches of snow in the next 2 days. What the hell?

Ouch.

Team Blue defeated an under-manned Team Gray last night, 4-1, in the first game of the playoffs. We had the better of the play in the 1st and 3rd periods, but they scored all 4 of their goals in the 2nd. We still have a chance to play for the championship if we win our next playoff game.

Speaking of hockey, I will be leaving on Wednesday for St Louis to watch the Sioux in the Frozen Four. The Sioux take on Boston College on Thursday night.
Heather and I finished with the office this weekend. It's all painted and put together now...looks pretty good. I also bought all the wood for my workbench project. I went with pine. Good stuff.