Almanzo Time!

Artwork from Almanzo blog - Chris Skogen

Oh Almanzo. If there was anyone at anytime that could say they "Lived Audaciously" it was Almanzo Wilder. You may know him as Mr. Laura Ingalls Wilder from the Little House books that were required reading for any girl under the age of 10 (and required re-reading for any girl over 10). Yes I still read my tattered, torn and well loved books. Don't judge me. You're just jealous.

What some people don't know is that he and Laura lived for awhile in the Spring Valley, MN area and he has inspired a bicycle race by the same name.

The Almanzo 100, a free, self-supporting dirt road bike race that winds you through 100 miles of some on Minnesota's most beautiful country side.

Artwork from Almanzo blog - Chris Skogen

Yeah I said 100 miles. These riders, much like Almanzo himself, are bad ass. And if you are thinking to yourself, "100 miles? I dunno... I kinda like a challenge". Don't
worry! new this year is the Royal 162, and it is sure to kick your tuckis. (Royal is Almanzo's oldest brother for those of you not in the know.)

Last year was my first time volunteering, and it was a blast! What amazed, (inspired? dare I say renewed my faith in humanity) was that among these 450+ riders that descended upon Spring Valley is that they were there to ride. Just ride. There weren't bad attitudes, ego trips or drama, they were there to ride and have a great race.

Among a group made up of so many different types of bike riders:  the die-hard-spandex-wearing-axle-grease in their-veins bikers, the ones who showed up in cargo shorts and crocs dreadlocks sticking out from under their helmets, and the ones who told me "I'm hoping to make it to the checkpoint, if not look for me in the ditch would ya?" there was a camaraderie that they were in it together and help each other out along the way. 

Bad ass volunteer shirts. Hell yeah crush gravel!
Even get a VIP lanyard. I know. I'm a big deal.

I'm volunteering again tomorrow morning and I've even sucked my dad into volunteering with me. I just had to tell him there was a free t-shirt in it for him and he was there!

So if you are in the Spring Valley area Saturday, check things out! The all city garage sales are on, pancake breakfast, the Almanzo Market Craft Fair. And don't forget the Spring Valley Awesome A&W Drive In!

And if you happen to be driving around and see a sea of spandex, don't worry, they come in peace. They are just here to crush gravel.

More information check out the Official Almanzo Blog
See you next year?

GARAGE SALE!!!!

 OMG! It's almost here. The weekend I look forward to all year. I would even be so bold as to say "The best weekend of the year". I know. Bold words.

100. Mile. Garage. Sale.

Sweet Bippy, just typing it makes me tingly and trying to haggle with blue highlighter in front of me. "How about a quarter?" No answer. "OK How about 50 cents?" I think the blue highlighter is playing hardball.


My love of the 100 Miler even got me interviewed for an article in RW Magazine. I'm kinda big deal like that.

As a garage sale aficionado, may I offer some tips to the newbies?

The best way to go, is either with a rough idea of what you are looking for or no plan what so ever. If you get caught up looking for that "one thing" you are going to miss a lot of stuff to buy so then you can wind up holding your own garage sale the next year.

My best find during the 100 mile was a solid wood bookcase, I believe it is made out of walnut and gorgeous. The man I bought it from had made it and even let me haggle him down $5 off the price. I was so happy we had decided to borrow my dad's suburban that day! It is in my bedroom now and every time I see it, I remember that trip and smile.
I've found old cameras, books, housewares and I am always looking for something interesting for my mom's Mother's Day present. She loves it, and likes hearing about where I bought, loves it even more if I've haggled down the price!

And speaking of haggling, have I mentioned the phrase "Haggle like an Arab Trader"? (Wait, is that even PC?)

C2 finding a nice place to hang out.
Not sure about any tequila encouragement.

I have no shame. I will haggle with the best of them, but (!!) I always haggle fairly and offer what either I am willing to pay or what I believe the item is worth. A good rule of thumb in haggling is never be afraid to walk away from what you want. AND NO HAGGLING AT CHURCH SALES!! That's bad garage sale karma.


And for you garage sale holders, may I just mention: If you notice lots of people trying to haggle down your prices, you've probably marked things too high. Never hold a garage sale to make money. Hold a garage sale to get rid of your extra stuff and making money is just the side benefit. We tend to stay away from the sales that look like a permanent business out of someone's garage or building. We've been to a few where they wanted $5 for a shirt, $10 for worn out jeans. That's ridiculous. Price it fairly and you'll watch it fly out the garage door.

My group of friends are awesome, we have the best time laughing at each other, and hitting the sales. This year is a first, not only are we going on Friday, but also on Saturday. We may even get out of Lake City for the first time in 4 years. Oh boy, it's gonna get wild!

I hope I have trained enough for this. I have more $1s then an ugly stripper and more quarters then a bus stop bum. I think I'm ready.

BRING IT!!!