Michael Fransen's Blog

Finished!! Rode my bike from the Twin Cities to Duluth!!

mjfransen — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 20:28:54 +0000

And my reward was taking a shower in this nasty building.

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In Barnum having lunch. 33 miles to go. Awesome ride so far.

mjfransen — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:53:52 +0000

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In North Branch, having some lunch. 41 miles done.

mjfransen — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 16:46:57 +0000

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Getting ready to ride out.

mjfransen — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 12:51:44 +0000

National Sports Center in Blane, MN

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Angry Mother

mjfransen — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:56:26 +0000

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New Oil Pastel

mjfransen — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 15:43:53 +0000

Found this in Stillwater yesterday. I love it because it makes me think of riding my bike.

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Ice Bar at the Feight House

mjfransen — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 15:37:58 +0000

This box is actually a bar, but not any ordinary bar. It is -5 degrees inside and everything is made out of ice. When you enter you are given a parka. Can someone explain this to me? I don’t understand the benefit except that your beer would remain very cold.

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Lunch at the Freight House in Stillwater

mjfransen — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:32:31 +0000

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Interesting Take on Charities and Capitalism

mjfransen — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 21:33:57 +0000

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Help Me Pick!!

mjfransen — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 02:24:15 +0000

On Monday, September 7th, I will be registering for The Alaska Ride. This is another AIDS ride that takes place in August of 2010. Over the past 5 years, I have participated in 6 rides and have raised close to $10,000. I decided to challenge myself a little bit more next year and do an out-of-state ride. To do this ride, I will need to raise $3,200. The great thing about this ride though is that I get to choose a beneficiary. I am thrilled about this because I can pick an organization that is in Minnesota that serves our friends, co-workers and family. I would not be able to do this ride if it wasn’t for all the generous people that donate money to these fine organization. With that being said, I think it is only appropriate that I allow you to participate in the selection process. I have picked five fantastic organizations that do so much. Below I have provide information about these organizations and a link to there website. Please review these organizations and make a selection. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at michael.fransen@me.com.

Camp Heartland - One Heartland has an impressive track record of service to at-risk youth. Annually they serve nearly 700 U.S. children living with HIV/AIDS, significant mental health diagnoses, and other life challenges through summer camp, weekend camp experiences, and life enhancement programming. Thus far the organization has provided more than 7,000 camp experiences to children impacted by HIV/AIDS. Website
RAAN (Rural AIDS Action Network) - RAAN was established in 1992 to fill the gaps in service available to people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH/A) by linking medical service providers, social service providers, and compassionate community members to PLWH/A and their families. RAAN envisions rural communities where persons living with or affected by HIV/AIDS live dignified lives and receive appropriate and compassionate medical care, and where citizens understand the realities of transmission and prevention. Website
MAP (Minnesota AIDS Project) – The Minnesota AIDS Project envisions a world free of AIDS. Our mission is to lead Minnesota’s fight to stop HIV through advocacy, education and service. Founded in 1983, the Minnesota AIDS Project (MAP) is a statewide, nonprofit agency committed to enhancing the lives of people living with HIV, prevention education for those at risk for HIV, and advocating for the rights of all affected by HIV. From community outreach and legal consultation to emergency financial assistance, MAP is a leader in the fight against HIV. Website
Clare Housing – Clare Housing provides compassionate care to people who are no longer able to live safely on their own at six homes in the Twin Cities: Clare House in Saint Paul; and Agape Home, Agape Dos, Damiano House, Grace House I and Grace House II in Minneapolis. Website
The Aliveness Project – The mission of The Aliveness Project is to encourage self-empowerment and provide direct services for persons living with HIV/AIDS. Since 1985, The Aliveness Project has been a community resource and active leader in the HIV community in Minnesota. What started out as a small group of people gathering to share potluck meals has grown into a membership organization that now serves one out of four Minnesotans living with HIV/AIDS! Website