Home 2009 Upgrades
Posted by mike | Filed under news
Last month we decided for the first project of 2009 to rip out all of the carpet upstairs (minus the bedrooms and bath), rip out the entry way flooring, all of the stairs, and put in 3/4″ Brazilian teak solid hardwood. While we were at it, we also decided to repaint, replace all of the old oak stained trim, doors, and closets. It’s been pretty crazy for the last couple of weeks. Hit the read more link to see some pics of the progress of the project. This spring we also plan to start on replacing the deck in the backyard.
The Little RSX-S That Could
Posted by mike | Filed under automotive, news
Being such an avid road racing fan for several years, I’ve found it very difficult to figure out how I can participate and start to learn the principles of road racing.
The first and foremost thing I knew I needed was a car that would be capable of autocross and track events; one that would probably be able to outdrive me at first but something I could grow into and could upgrade if I wanted to. This past fall I found an ’06 Acura RSX Type-S for a good deal that was in nearly new condition. I flew out to Philadelphia to purchase the car and drove it back to MN. I was able to sell the old TL…family sedan, about the farthest away from a track car as you could get and now I was ready, at least I had the hammer…I just needed the nails and other required items.
I was able to find a Zamp RZ-5 race helmet that was on closeout for a steal; almost over $300 off retail. It’s painted in Ferrari colors and looks really sharp…yeah, I don’t have a Ferrari but I LOVE them and I can dream right?! It’s my intention to get the helmet signed by Jamie Melo and Mika Salo at the ALMS race out at Road America this summer. Both of those drivers race for Risi Competizione in the ALMS GT2 class. The helmet meets all standards needed for road racing including SA2005 and FIA approvals. It also has posts needed for a HANS device.
So, what’s left. Well, if you’ve ever driven a car capable of cornering well, you know that it’s difficult to stay planted in the seat. I’m usually either laying on the door or sitting in the console and have a stranglehold on the steering wheel for leverage. This is not an optimal situation. To alleviate this problem I needed a 4 point harness. I was able to find one at Soloracer.com that would bolt right into my car with a minimal amount of modification or effort. It’s made by a company called Schroth who also makes the HANS devices for all of the different race series, so they are a very reputable company.
What’s left? I need to get my race tires/rims fixed up and purchase some DOT4+ rated brake fluids so that my brakes won’t catch fire or smolder. 
I also need a set of rotors and brake pads that are geared for a more industrial/race setup. Drilled rotors and ceramic race pads are probably what I’ll have to get eventually. I don’t think I’ll need this for the first few days of instruction but if I decide to get more serious I’ll probably have to drop some dime on these items.
BIR has road racing class/track instruction for entry level drivers at a very reasonable rate. The catch is that it’s really only affordable if you bring your own vehicle. $250 with your vehicle or $800+ to rent a spec Ford racer from the race school. Either way it’s not that expensive considering most other full day programs around the US are $1500+ and do not include plane tickets, meals, or anything else that would be required.
With my brother living up in Brainerd, this summer is shaping up to be one of the best on record for the “fun factor”. Free golf and road racing, what could be better?
History Made – Inauguration 2009
Posted by mike | Filed under family, friends, news
Yesterday, on the 20th of January 2009, the world saw history on the soil of the United States. Our 44th president was inaugurated in a wonderful swearing in ceremony.
I couldn’t help but feel optimistic, full of pride, and proud to be an American yesterday when i woke up for i knew what was in store and for the changes that would occur in our country for years to come. I feel that there has not been this kind of enthusiasm and excitement in US politics since JFK. There were over 2 million people that stood outside in freezing cold DC temps to witness the inauguration, that is amazing.
I hope you all are as excited as i am for positive changes and strong leadership in the US for the next few years, regardless of your party affiliation, it’s an exciting time for America. It will be a very challenging but fruitful future for the US should we execute well on our objectives. I also believe slowly we will begin to repair our world image and demonstrate the kind of quality decisions, exceptional attitudes, and vibrant economy the US is capable of.
Barack, lead us strong and true….
Surgery Update
Posted by mike | Filed under family, news
I had to go into surgery yesterday for what’s known as a bilateral sportsman hernias. Yeah, fabulous description huh? It turns out that i tore my abdomen wall in 3 spots on the right side and a single larger tear on the left side. They remedy this by stitching up the torn muscle and also applying a mesh patch behind and in front of the abdomen wall where the injury occured. These patches essentially allow the skin and muscle to grow through them to create a stronger abdominal lining than the areas without (once all healed of course). Yesterday was good as the novacane that they injected int he surgery area was long lasting and didn’t start wearing off until last night. I’m now trying to only take the Percocet narcotic that was proscribed when needed…the stuff really whacks me up. Over the next couple of days there will be plenty of pain, bed rest, ingestion of drugs, and of course sleep. Should be back int he full swing of things in 2 weeks though, so it’s not a very long recovery time. I can start running again in 3 weeks! 
If you are interested in learning more about this crappy problem, you can read everything you would ever care to know about it here: Sports Hernia
