My Week that Was - November 1

King kong looms over The Shoe Box.10/25/25 dwm

My plans for a Saturday morning ride were washed out before I finished breakfast. There wasn't a lot of rain, but riding in rain when it's only in the mid-40s is my definition of miserable.

Jumping from the bike, I gathered some of the clutter from my home office to donate so others could enjoy the items I finished using. 

Instead of riding, I drove to Black Earth for a replacement pair of running shoes. I like the unique shoe store and their fine customer service. After narrowing my selection to two, I decided to get a second pair of Brooks running shoes (photo below).

Leaving town I stopped to put air in the tires after seeing the low tire-pressure warning light. Overnight lows have been in the 20s around here. If it's been cold where you live and you park outside, there is a good chance your tires might be low, too.

The Brooks Revel 8. 10/25/2025 dwm

 You might be able to hear me now if I pass you on one of Madison's bike paths. I picked up a brass bell for my bike at Wheel & Sprocket. The incentive was a $10 discount offer from the shop based in Milwaukee for doing the Ride Across Wisconsin. 

 Atkin's in Verona is my bike shop, but I like the way Wheel & Sprocket is laid out and appreciate the store for sponsoring races and the Wisconsin Bike Federation.

 Errands out of the way, I headed home to watch football, relax, and write future posts. 

Sunday was a nicer day, temps in the low 60s and bright sunshine, so after church and doing a few things at home, I got on the bike planning my 31st ride to Waunakee. 

I was only a few miles down the road when I passed a man standing next to his vehicle who made a friendly comment about my bike. I slowed to a stop and talked to him a few minutes. 

The ice age trail. 10/26/2025 dwm

He said he was running for Governor in next year's election. That's not something you expect
when you're talking to a random person on the street. He told me I could remember his name with his slogan, "Don't fret, vote for Brett!" 

One thing he wants to do when elected is move ahead on planned bike paths and supporting bikes and other ideas that reduce using carbon fuels. All this in less than five minutes, and  I was riding again.

When I returned home, I looked him up, and he wasn't lying, Brett Hulsey is 66, a former state representative, running as a Democrat. I'm not sure if he has a chance to get elected, but he is sure something different!

A spectacular tree on the ride. 10/26/25 dwm

 Leaving the candidate on the side of the street, I made my way to Gammon Road, following it to Middleton where I joined the Pheasant Branch Conservancy trail as it follows and crosses Pheasant Branch creek. Then I followed the path along Century Avenue until reaching the upper Mendota trail which I followed to Woodland Road that took me into Waunakee where I had lunch.

 I followed County Q from Waunakee to Middleton, then the Pheasant Branch trail until it ended near the shopping district that's home to Costco. From there, it was 10 miles home.

 The last ride clocked in at 40 miles, driving up the total for 2025 to 1,618 miles, an average of 52 miles. The day was so nice, it was a proper end the season with a new high for mileage.

 The Packers won a big game Sunday night over the Steelers. There were a lot of stories about former Packer quarterback Aaron Rodgers on the other side of the field facing his successor, Jordan Love.

Green Bay won the game with a strong performance in the second half and because the defense held Pittsburgh to field goals instead  of touchdowns. It was a big win, but for it to stick, the Packers need to keep stacking wins. They get another opportunity tomorrow when Carolina comes to Titletown. 

Tuesday night got a little exciting when my wife headed to the hospital to meet her clients. She returned 25-and-a-half hours later with a second birth under her belt. 

Wednesday my sister celebrated a milestone birthday, which naturally made me think about what I ate that evening. Mom and Dad were at the hospital waiting for her to arrive while I was at our next-door neighbor's house. They were more than neighbors, they were friends. That evening, for the first time I had squirrel for dinner (there were hunters in the family). I liked it! In order to make that meal more memorable, I've not eaten squirrel since. I mentioned that in her birthday card, but I don't think she was impressed. Happy Birthday!

Thursday was the annual Freecycle at Oakwood. Residents and staff get the opportunity to drop off items they can't (or don't want to) use anymore, while other residents and employees look for items that will fill a need in their life at no charge. I found a water bottle, which will come in handy either at the gym or during next year's rides. 

It was another busy week at work, although Friday delivered treats as Thrive team members circulated around campus handing out candy and snacks.  I also caught up with a fundraising colleague over lunch. It's something we do twice a year now, it's a good opportunity to talk "shop," share ideas, and generally catch up.

I'm ready for the weekend, I hope you enjoy your days off. Thanks for reading! One more thing, don't forget to set your clock back one hour before you go to sleep, otherwise you'll be early for church!