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Eight Photos of a Praying Mantis

This little guy stopped by my backyard today. He (or she,) was kind enough to stay still while I grabbed some pics. I lost him a few times, as his wings are the exact same color as the leaves with identical grain and texture.

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Bike MS Colorado ‘08

The BikeMS ride is one of the largest organized charity rides in the U.S., with events held annually from coast to coast to raise money and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis. In 2006 I rode in the MS150 on the 175 mile route to Colorado Springs, then to the Royal Gorge Bridge on day two.

The 2008 route, held June 28 and 29, took us from Front Range Community College in Westminster to Fort Collins via the foothills of Northern Colorado, then a return on day two.

I’m happy to say that our team of 55 members, raised $30,000 for Multiple Sclerosis research and awareness!

Along with rider teams both large and small, the Colorado tour is made possible thanks to the coordination of the MS Society’s Colorado Chapter, plus hundreds of volunteers who donate their time in order to help find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis.

This year, day one’s route traversed the foothills and towns of Northern Colorado before an intense climb up to Horsetooth Reservoir. After an exhilarating decent into Fort Collins riders relaxed on the grounds of Colorado State University enjoying food, fun, and camaraderie.

The second day started with an early morning climb back into the foothills, then into the Boulder Valley before returning to Westminster.

The Colorado weather was perfect with cool mornings and afternoons in the 80s. Hundreds of volunteers manned the rest stops keeping riders fueled and hydrated, mechanics and support vehicles roamed the route seeing that wheels ran smooth, and local police departments ensured the safety of all.

This was a wonderful opportunity to showcase community commitment, make new friends, and work hard for a great cause.

Everyone that rode and volunteered this year deserves the highest praise and recognition for their efforts.

See you next year!

Event info at Bikemscolorado.com and more photos below

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Marken . Netherlands

Marken is a small fishing village on an island about 23 kilometers northeast of Amsterdam. It’s part of the North Holland area called “Waterland,” and connected to the mainland by a 4 km long dike.

It’s an easy day trip by bike, but if you’re riding a single speed made for the city you can expect a bit of work if the winds pick up.

I rode from my apartment in the Jordaan neighborhood down to the Central Station and along the modern waterfront.

Getting a bit lost along the way I passed through the small neighborhood of Zeeburg and over two large bridges (with separate bike paths,) which connects North Holland.

After crossing under the A10 motorway I was officially in the country and followed the signs north while studying farmhouses sitting amid long trenches of water. I stopped for a coffee at the town of Durgerdam (above photo) then proceeded up through Uitdam and on to Kruisbaakweg, the road which sits atop the dike.

Being mid March there wasn’t much activity in Marken except for a local wedding party, but after exploring the nooks and crannies of the town, as well as the small museum and modern library, I settled down for a burger and a couple Amstels at the one open restaurant.

The extremely narrow streets, small houses, and cobblestone walkways reminded me of the island from “The Prisoner.” Thankfully I was allowed to bike home without being consumed by a giant white sphere.

Be seeing you!

More Marken and Waterland photos