Madison’s Computer Guy

The 25th Anniversary Bike MS/Best Dam Bike Ride 2008 was near perfect this year. The weather was cooperative especially on Sunday with the unexpected cloud cover and the nearby rain that missed us. Saturday was enjoyable as the relative humidity remained comfortable, but it was toasty in the sun.

The bus ride from Alliant Energy Center to Waukesha County Technical College (left at 5:30 a.m. Saturday morning) is always a bit uncomfortable for me. I remarked to Brian Raemisch sitting next to me that I remember last year (my first year) at this time I was a bit nervous–I didn’t know if I could complete the ride. I had never ridden a bike that far in one day let alone two days in a row. This year I had a new (and very different) bike and my greatest fear was not being able to get pedaling fast enough at the start to keep from wobbling left and right and creating a massive pile-up of bikes. I simply have not had a lot of pedal time on the Cinnamon Girl.

We arrived at WCTC and the nervousness popped up again as I could not find my bike. I walked the grassy area where they had unloaded the Sonic Streamer bikes and mine was not present. After 5 or so trips around the bike pile, I looked over and saw my ride being carefully brought down from the truck. Whew! Loaded up the rear bag and went over for the team photo. I then filled my CamelBak with H2O and up to the front of the start line I headed to wipe out a bunch of bikers because I was a newbie “bent” rider

Wendy Machi, from Team Wendy (she’s a 25-year MS survivor) and her husband each gave an inspirational speech to the crowd of first-wave starters. I was still sweating the start and impending pile-up that would be captured on film. Then, Sara Olah came over and gave me a hug. We wished each other a good ride, I sat back in my seat, and I was calm. They released us hounds and I sprang forward without incident. Thanks, Sara

The ride pace was pretty swift for the first couple of hours as the terrain was fairly flat or downhill in many instances. One negative note: Too many bikers were riding more than two abreast! The Waukesha County Sheriff received a fair amount of complaints and they threatened to shut the ride down. That’s a shame. I saw a lot of unsafe biking this year and even got into a minor accident as a line of bikers came up on my left, one rider veered too far to the right and forced me off the road into the gravel, slightly injuring my right knee. Many bikers complain about how angry vehicle drivers get at them. Well, follow the rules and maybe more respect may develop!

It was really cool seeing other recumbent riders along with some nifty trikes. I received some excellent tips from several recumbent veterans on how to handle my bike and not injure myself or others. Thanks, guys. I can tell you that crossing the finish line at UW - Whitewater and not having to pull a bike out of my sore, chaffed butt is a celebration in itself! My quadriceps felt like somebody had beat them with a bat, but my booty was fine

Steve Jansen and I crossed the day 1 finish line together, stowed our bikes in the tennis court, and then hit Wells West dorms to sign up for a massage. Note: If you desire a massage, sign up right away after crossing the finish line or you’ll probably not receive one due to the high demand.

We showered up and then hit the Sonic Streamers private tent for snacks and Shandies. You’ll never know how awesome beer mixed with lemonade tastes after 75 miles of biking in hot August weather. After you rest for a bit, you notice that your stomach wants large quantities of food. Being a top tier team we had food catered that was available near our tent. That was meal number 1. We then hit the cafeteria for meal number 2. If you can stay awake until 10:00 p.m., you can eat another meal consisting of tons o’ pizza if you desire. I went to bed before then.

The Saturday night celebration is always humbling. Yes, it’s a time to party with your fellow 1,600+ riders, but it’s also a time to recognize special individuals and teams as well as recognize all the people it takes to make this event happen. Let me tell you…the volunteers for this event are simply awesome. I thanked them whenever I could. They would always say, “Don’t thank us. You’re doing all the hard work”.

The one moment that always chokes me up is when all the people in the crowd who have MS take to the stage. I’ll say the same thing as I did last year: This is when you realize who you are riding for and why. You temporarily forget the fun, laughter, ice-cold beer in your hand, and your trivial aches and pains. In your face are the people that “are doing all the hard work”! They suffer, don’t complain, many participate in the event despite the agony, and they remain hopeful for a cure. This is where the honor belongs.

Sunday after breakfast you head to the tennis courts and try to get comfortable with the fact that you have to get on this thing again and pedal another 75 miles. I was happy to get going early and avoid some of the heat/humidity. My legs felt like lumbering logs for about 30 minutes then it was back to settling into a good pace and not wiping out

There is some excellent scenery on both days, but Sunday I saw many quintessential Wisconsin farms that looked like they rose up out of a post card. The smells of wet hay drying in the morning sun, people in the small towns cheering you on as you entered, and the great volunteers at the rest stops making sure you had plenty of food and drink to keep you peddling to the finish. I also had some good conversations with fellow riders as I slowed my pace up after tweaking my knee and relaxed a bit.

The McFarland rest stop had a 50s theme with volunteers dressing the part and the Grease soundtrack jamming. Two things were notable here: The superb homemade banana-chocolate chip bread and the woman referred to as “The Jug Lady” or just plain “Jugs”. She has two plastic cylinders either filled with ice water or just frozen solid. Whatever the case, she will rub these “jugs” on your back, neck, legs, wherever and it feels FANTASTIC after riding in the heat. She also volunteered her “jugs” on Saturday as well. By the way, she’s heard all the jokes and 13-year-old humor referring to her jugs. I added a bit, naturally

The path into Madison this year was a bit distressing. They brought us in from the east and through downtown. Let me just say this was not a bright idea and particularly sucked if you were on a recumbent, tandem, or trike. I saw many opportunities for accidents to occur as well as witnessing several biker-to-biker accidents and one really close call at a busy intersection with NO TRAFFIC POLICE. Whoever made this route decision is not a biker.

I approached the finish line at the Alliant Energy Center and slowed up so I could follow Mike and Sara Olah towards victory. They have a tandem recumbent this year that looks pretty sweet. If you have a high-speed Internet connection you can see us three cross the finish line. Thanks to Jennifer (my wife) for taking such a perfect video and being there at the finish line to welcome me home. It means a lot to me to see you at the end, dear.

The bike was stowed in my truck, I retrieved my luggage, and Jennifer and I spent an hour or more mingling and eating with fellow Sonic Streamers and other riders. I want to mention a new friend I made this year. Her name is Stella and she’s a volunteer nurse with the event and herself an MS battler. Thanks for being there to patch us up! In my best Marlon Brando with my right hand raised in the air, “Stellaaaaaa!”

Thank you:

• Ken - for taking care of our team
• Karen - For the finish line Shandy
• Mike and Sara - for your inspirational Web site
• Art, Brian, and Steve for making the event so much fun
• TDS Telecom for generously supporting my ride
• Nathan Kanous III for recumbent enlightenment
• The Hostel Shoppe in Stevens Point, WI for my fine Volae Club
• All the folks who donated to fund/find a cure
• The volunteers along the route that kept us alive and safe
• Leinenkugel Brewing
• The folks who cared for and transported our bikes
• Jennifer for supporting my effort in many ways and getting up slightly after 4:00 a.m. on Saturday to drive me to the Alliant Energy Center as well as procure food for me after the ride I love you.

I’ve got pictures posted here. Hope you enjoy the memories.

See you next year.
-Dan Lautenschleger, Sonic Streamer

I’ve spent much of today making last minute preparations for the MS 150 Ride/Best Dam Bike Tour which leaves at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday) morning from Waukesha County Technical College on our way to UW Whitewater for day 1. Day 2 is UW Whitewater to Alliant Energy Center in Madison.

So far I’ve raised $2,015 to fight MS and will be accepting donations into September. Donating online is safe and easy to do. Thank you to all the people that are supporting my ride this year. I know how tough the economy is and spare $$$ for worthy causes are not as easy to come by as in the past for many of us. Your contribution will help those battling MS keep moving as well as fund a cure! You are doing something awesome, indeed!

Well, I’ve cleaned the Cinnamon Girl up, checked her tire pressure, lubed her chain, and made sure she’s mechanically sound. At 4:00 p.m. today I’ll bring her to the Alliant Energy Center where she’ll be transported to Waukesha on a moving van for retrieval in the morning. Our bus leaves for Waukesha at 5:30 a.m. (holy crap) tomorrow morning.

The team is getting excited and so am I. I will try and post pictures this weekend using my iPhone. No matter what, a complete write-up with pictures will follow next week.

It’s gonna be warm, but I know how to stay hydrated and recognize the symptoms of heat-related issues early. There are lots of people on the course to assist with mechanical and/or health emergencies. You reading this, Mom?

I dedicate this year’s ride to Sara, Scott, Karen, Bill, Mary, and Al. They are why I Ride.

Special thanks to TDS Telecom, my official corporate sponsor.

All my best!!!!!!!
-Dan (I still have no bike name)

A small group of Sonic Streamers headed out this morning from Waunakee, WI headed for Mazomanie, WI and back. It was a moderately hilly ride of 47 miles and really an enjoyable way to spend Saturday morning. I threw my chain going up a hill when I shifted the wrong way and then quickly shifted back under load and freaked out the drivetrain. All was fixed soon as I walked to the top of the hill to some laughs from my teammates and got the chain squared away I attribute the foul-up to a sugar crash after eating a chocolate chip cookie and part of a cinnamon role in Mazo. The Whistle Stop Cafe rocks, by the way.

Folks, there are a flood of emotions as I write this while reflecting on my experience last year doing this ride. I can’t say enough about my team and how much I enjoy their company whether riding or just talking. There are members of our team who have MS and despite the difficulties they endure while riding, you only see smiles not complaints. I certainly have no reason to bitch about the pain I’m feeling after riding today.

I’ve raised close to $1,500 which is a thousand shy of my goal this year and our team is close to $60,000 with a goal of $150,000. I understand the economy in general and gas prices specifically have chipped away at the “extra money” we’re used to having available for worthy causes. If you do have the means this year to help fight MS or know of anyone who’d like to squash MS, please visit or share this link.

I have a challenge for you: Go to this site, read what Mike and Sara have to say about their experience with MS and just TRY not to support their efforts. It will be tough, my friends.

Only 15 days until the MS 150 Best Dam Bike Ride! I still have plenty of miles to get in with my new recumbent. I’m just now feeling comfortable on the bike after about 50 or so miles of riding it. There are definitely some different muscles used to pedal a recumbent than an upright bike and the hills are a bit harder. I’m told with conditioning, the hills will seem less daunting. For the record, this is a FUN bike to cruise with. No more butt, hand, or back pain. I installed a set of SPD pedals and now clip in with a nominal level of confidence.

If you would like to support my ride by donating to the National MS Society, click here and thank you very much. It takes a lot of resources to fight this disease and your financial support is key to funding research. 

Took a vacation day from work this week and headed to the Hostel Shoppe in Stevens Point. They have a fine selection of recumbent bikes and I wanted to try out several models and see if a “bent” was in my future. Well, it was and is!

I refer to the bike as my Cinnamon Girl as the color is cinnamon red and looks fantastic in the sun. My iPhone picture does not do it justice.

Yee haa! It’s time for the 2008 Bike MS: Best Dam Bike Ride!

August 2-3 my team (Sonic Streamers) and I will bike from Waukesha, WI to Madison, WI (150 miles) to raise funds and fight Multiple Sclerosis (MS). I begin training this weekend as well as (hopefully) entertaining and informing my supporters via regular blog entries.

My very first supporter this year is TDS Telecom, Inc. via corporate sponsorship. I’m very pleased they understand how important it is to defeat MS. Thanks, TDS, for your generous donation that will propel research and provide answers and solutions to those who suffer from this disease. I’m proud that the TDS logo will adorn our almost 150 team jerseys too!

My personal goal is to raise at least $2,500 this year.
Our team goal is to meet or exceed $150,000!

If you’d like to support my efforts to defeat MS this year, please head to my bike site and click on the “Donate” link under the picture of myself and fellow teammate Leigh Mills. Together we can defeat this disease!

Just got a new soldering station from Edsyn for use in building one of KD1JV’s ATS-3B kits which makes extensive use of SMT parts. I built the 3A version for my Elmer W9UX using the Cash Olsen hot air method which worked well. Guess I need some punishment now as I go “old school”

No excuse not to build my CW skills up now!

72/73 DE AB9ME

Here’s a Continuing Medical Education (CME) site a co-worker and myself produced using Drupal, the open source content management system. The target audience is hospitalists who want to be engaged in a performance improvement project addressing antimicrobial resistance problems in their hospital.

This was our first experience using Drupal and we were under a time as well as an “artistic” constraint given that existing marketing materials and artwork dictated the look and feel. Craig (co-worker) did a fine job considering what he had to work with and, as I said, we’re both Drupal newbs.

Previous to our research team asking us for IT assistance, compiled material in Word format was used to create a giant ass (over 30Mb) PDF file. This solution had a few shortcomings that needed to be addressed including:

• It was, well, giant-assed and took a long time to open despite having a high-speed Internet connection via your browser.
• Navigation was a bit kludgy as it often will be in a PDF file.
• Contents were not fully searchable.
• It just wasn’t the ideal media to present complex information in a way that was accessible by the masses.

I’m pretty critical of all the IT projects I’m involved with and would change many things if we had the resources to really do a first-rate portal for this important information. The navigation would be different and much more interactive content included, to name a couple.

What would be really sweet in terms of a Point of Care (PoC) solution is for the site’s important tools to be written as iPhone applications, or at least the site tuned for maximum benefit on a mobile device.

Always nice to see a local television station feature a story about some cool software you’ve designed and built for a customer. I’m pleased to see folks benefiting from Chris’ system as well!

This was an interesting VB.NET application to design and code. It contains some really wicked calculations allowing users to see the exact month they’ll be debt-free after easily inputting their financial data (expenses and debt details) and then following the unique plan to accelerate their debt reduction.