fiddlin' while rome burns

lost in the clarity

2011-06-21T15:24:00.000-07:00

I got no teef! I am getting used to the gap in my smile, the feeling of it that is. I have to say, when I catch myself in the mirror, I do look a bit...um, well, you know, like a guy missing some teeth. Even though I know it's me and it's not from meth use, or bad dental hygiene, it still conjures up a certain preconceived notion. Good thing I don't have to look at me all that often.

I've been on a high protein, high calcium, mostly liquid diet for over two weeks; I can count on one hand the number of solid meals, if noodles and eggs can be considered solid. Pumping with twice my DV of protein I feel like I should be lifting things or riding a great deal, but I'm prevented doing anything that may up my BPM in order to keep bone grafting in place and growing. In addition to this limited diet, I've been dosing with prescriptions, rinses and vitamins. Toss in the fact that I've been required to be completely sedentary two weeks (6 to go), and I'm feeling a bit different than my norm. This little prison aside, I've come to a few conclusions: I'm pretty sure gluten is no good for anybody (reputably causes inflammation), regardless of whether or not you have an allergy, which is too bad cause I love a bit of crusty bread, I also love a good brew and miss it a great deal, but don't feel the ache in my heart that I thought I would with its departure due to conflicts with meds. With certain things, I like the thought of it and the romantic sensations it brings, be it coffee, a good beer or a terrific meal. However, the craving that I normally feel to engage in those sensations is drastically diminished. I don't know if this depravity has given me some sort of clarity or I am just that bored. Nevertheless, I can say that my mind has rarely felt better, which is good and bad. The dull headache that seems ever present is strangely missing (absence of gluten I theorize), but I have for a long time been that guy who creatively fed off his own melancholy caused in part by this constant headache.

I'm not really sure where I am going with this, but it is strange and also enlightening to be still making discoveries this late in the game about oneself. Also, something I've long known, but was either unwilling try or thought I knew better, were the effects of diet on the brain. I've read a bit about depression, ADD and the effects of food choices on these, but figured as long as I kept things all-natural or organic and stuck to a primarily vegetarian diet I'd be as healthy as I could be. Well, surprise, there is more to picking the natural option. Being forced onto a different diet has opened a few doors for when this little operation concludes, but you can bet when I reach for the bread or brew I will think twice. Armed with the knowledge that it's gonna make me feel shitty if I choose it will make it easier...and knowing is half the battle.

filling in the spaces

2011-06-09T08:26:00.000-07:00

While looking through the blog of years passed for a specific picture, I began to read. I do this from time to time, for many reasons. But reading entries from my tour this morning, it occurred to me that I never wrote about some things. Entire days and details of exactly where I was were missing. Lost some days in the fog of fatigue I suspect. Still, I found it hard to follow, and I was there. With this in mind, I've begun to add to and edit some postings. Here's the first, from the day I left Laramie and arrived in Ft. Collins: http://hollowsupplanter.blogspot.com/2009/10/to-be-continued.html

turning normal

2011-06-03T13:35:00.000-07:00

I'm slowly turning into a normal person, whereby my motivations for moving around is to keep my jelly roll from growing beyond redemption or keep the brain entertained. The satisfaction I usually take with my work has eased as well. This has been helped a bit by taking some more time off to relieve the shop of some payroll burden and to give me space to think, but I haven't come to any conclusions. You'd wonder, could someone ever tire of leisurely sipping ones coffee in the morning and bending one's time to whatever one minds? Eventually, yes. Most of the recent projects that have lifted my spirits seemed to have run into insurmountable road blocks. All of which have served to entirely sap the wind from my sails. I don't know what that means...and I've been laboring to figure it out. The real question is laid out: What next?

And now I've discovered an ant problem, so that's the first task for now I guess. However, I'd like life to throw me a more concrete answer.

pelican v

2011-04-12T08:41:00.000-07:00

Unease drew me into the hills. A bit of a breeze, sunshine and snow melting on the tops. A minor need for a minor adventure. I'll admit, I'm a home body 90% of the time, relishing in good brew, food and a comfy warm imagination. However, inevitably when the last adventure ends the feeling of satisfaction fades nearly simultaneously with the arrival of a bored brain. Extra motivation can be cultivated from not currently knowing what or when the next one might be, the baseline can't be allowed to drop too low. The long humps on the bike can serve to fulfill the need for adventure, but only for a day or two. Unawares at the time, I was blown the 15 miles to the climb, which ended up being a snowy 3-mile push instead of a bicep numbing tug. A bit tired from pushing and feet clogged with mud, the sunshine finally broke upon my shoulders from the over the trees as the road leveled out. Using a faint map with hand-written notes, I mistakenly turned down a supremely challenging rubble strewn double-track. It looked as though there had been traffic, but only purpose built off-roaders or four-wheelers I supposed. Piloting my front wheel over loose boulders I kicked up a rusty Marlin rifle in the trail, I stopped to take a look at it, its chamber stuck open, the barrel severely rusted and the stock worn. A bit further down the trail which began to look like a dry stone river bed and less like a 4x4 trail at all for the lack of any distinct tracks, I saw some shooting glasses. I thought I might eventually find a body for all the cat poo and discarded sportsman's regalia. Instead, the trail vanished into a lawn which turned out to be an empty reservoir. The small stream that I'm sure once fed its water, cut lazily down the center and clove deeply through the dam on the far side. Some bushwhacking and I found a road nearby that terminated into private range land. Swerving around the gate and the "violators will be prosecuted" sign, I at last found the road I had intended to ride. Rutted and powdery it descended for a few miles down toward the pavement and the pan-flatness of the basin. Coasting from out of the shadow of the hills, I emerged into a headwind that slowly drained me to the point of feeling ill during the 25 mile paved ride home. A flicker of shadows danced in the corner of my eye. Obscured by the sun, a pelican v rose and fell, dove and rolled. I chased them, but it held no distraction from my fading. For all their maneuvering in the wind, they couldn't gain ground. I rode away as they finally resolved to tack their course against the wind and not attack it straight on as I had no choice but to do. If I could have pedaled as the crow flies I would have, straight back to town and out of the wind. Instead, I put my head down and pushed the cranks. I lost my love for cycling yesterday, but it was my fault for only bringing a couple bottles of water. Today, I'm just a bit sore, and the love has returned.

tiskets and taskets

2011-04-11T12:33:00.000-07:00

One for the pile of stock bikes I wish to build over the next months. I may have a recipient in mind for this bike. Angles of a cross bike, BB drop of a road bike for a bit of auto-pilot for the 3-5am push, and massive tire clearance (up to 44): the "B-ROAD".

It comes with a free can of Manwich.

i'm back

2011-04-08T15:09:00.000-07:00

I tried the Facebook thing, rather begrudgingly and hypocritically I admit, but in turned into not the time-suck I was warned, since I'm no lurker nor care to spy on old flames or people I used to know. I check it like I do email, a quick glance, separate the important from the trash and continue with my day. The shortcoming of stepping away from the blog is that I am a windy, circular thinking typist. I waste words like Americans waste gas and this is not a conducive habit for the character limiting Social Network. Any road, back I come. I find, in the past at least, writing about stuff publicly lent a bit of accountability to the tasks I've set forth for myself. Also, I feel interesting things upon the wind that I'll want to document in image and word for myself and that statement is nothing to rely upon without returning to some sort pressure, albeit weak, to update the ol' blog.

I will be building more bikes in the coming months. Especially with Jim's bike done (pictures and words to come) I will have more time, and more importantly less pressure to get them done. I've a few other projects to sort first, but my plan after is to build a half dozen stock sized bikes and have local artists do the paint. Also, working on a recyclery here in Salem with a friend of mine, a labor of love that will need publicity.

Here's to the return to the exercise of the daily expungement of happenings and ideas, so, hello again.

"i was in the pool!"

2010-12-17T16:37:00.000-08:00

I really don't mind the short comings of my fitness. I accept that. It was windy today, and cold, and my tire/tube/wheel set up squeezes all the fun out of road cycling. They make my bike feel like a loaded touring bike riding through pudding. I accept that as well. This is my penance for being so weak.

However, I cannot accept any longer cycling gear made with no room for ye ol package. Everything is wrapped so tightly under layers of insulation and wind stopper fabrics that there is nothing for jimmy to do but run indoors and explore his beginnings before my body decided to become a boy. Each time I come in from a cold ride (normal summertime layers of Lycra are bad enough) I have to remind myself that I am in fact a grown man and they did in fact drop years ago. Usually a warm shower coaxes some of my pride to return, but it is not without its lingering effects. Where I wonder is the supportive fleece lined pouch with sleeve for an optional hand warmer integrated into winter tights? Surely someone has to make something like this. I'm beginning to think this recurring trauma can't be good long term for my gentleman's area.

what the ffff...

2010-06-18T23:11:00.001-07:00

...ive day update. Trail-side fix for dropping chains on McKenzie River. Thought I'd document before the real fix...seemed to do the job semi-fine, that is reducing my once a 100 yard chain drop to once a 7 mile. Yay sticky!

Tonight got a Rorschach Wheat Wine, but rather than the obligatory brandy snifter, got a full pint via the flighty blue haired kid that predictably fails to get any beer order right. I never mind the mishaps, but this time it truly bears fruit. A pint of 11% APV sometimes proves the correct medicine. All this after getting a 6-pack of Fat Weasel from a fellow appreciator of fine ales.

Ensuing fun.

We win!

frame...finally

2010-06-06T18:52:00.000-07:00

About to lose the jig I borrowed from Brian, kicked my perfectionism out the way with a dose of anxiety. I've been losing sleep over worry...it seems just getting things done sometimes reveals the truth of it all, nothing so bad. Had to use my imagination with tools and materials lying around to find solutions to those worries. Anyway, here are pics of the progress of Troy's coupled touring 29er.

jess and i compared penises

2010-05-09T19:15:00.000-07:00

While attaching some handles to a couple tankards I made, Jess fashioned a penis. Upon my chuckles she challenged me to do better. I feel I succeeded, but I am curious as to why our perspectives are so different. Perhaps I am lacking in some way that I am not aware...my ego is degraded.

To regain some clarity I went for a ride. Could clearly see Mt St. Helens to the North.

Road to nowhere.

pics

2010-05-01T20:04:00.001-07:00

Starting the garden.

JIG progress.

faux lugs and shop pics

2010-04-26T21:41:00.001-07:00

Busch league frame building. No pretense. No superior proclamations. Just tubes, an idiot with a hack and file, torch and brazing rod.

Faux lugs for the road bike. She'll be a tank, but a good winter ride.

part 1

2010-04-12T13:49:00.001-07:00

Should allow me to do up to a 45 degree seat angle. Why? Hell if I know. Just want to build anything I could dream up.

san antone

2010-03-30T12:26:00.001-07:00

For some reason I began to crave the smell of black powder, the feel of rawhide and the company of an unscrupulous woman, so I bought a hat.

Wedding.

Where the wedding occurred, one of the many buildings of this Hollywood veil of a southwest themed venue.

In search of authentic Mexican food led us to this place. Not bad, but still coated in swathes of Tex-Mex. I began to think that perhaps the influence of soupy beans has spread across the border and now even the Mexicans think it is authentic. This place was still pretty good, and reasonable, and the people were nice.

El Mercado, stumbled across some traditional dance.

Stumbled across some traditional immigration protest.

Stumbled across some authentic Ghandi, his grandson at least.

Stumbled across an airport and decided to wait like authentic tourists while Jess serenades me.

What do I think of Texas in my short exposure? Big, too damn big, sprawling. Even the shits are big, cuz they're dry and take days to come out, prolly due also to the Texas sized portions of meat you're fed. Too much concrete, too many American dreams humping big houses and driving big cars down even bigger freeways through unending cities. Even the countryside is a city. Don't think I need to go back.

happy drink-too-much-for-a-saint-you-don't -know-and-yet-looking-for-an-excuse-to-binge-and-be-stupid day

2010-03-17T19:57:00.000-07:00

Road ride up Mary's Peak today with Guinness to top it off before the descent.

The shop beginning to develop tools, this is early in the first trimester, so nothing is yet assembled into anything recognizable, but soon you'll see the pulmonary cells start to beat and hint at the heart to come.

Note the artsy black and white, yeah I got soul...and a beard too.

metaculous fab

2010-03-08T16:26:00.000-08:00

Chris Berry begins the machining! Ooh, ooh, ooh. Soon my growing supply of tubes and parts with have new lives as complete machinorganisms.

no news...good news?

2010-03-02T19:12:00.000-08:00

Not much to report in Northwesterland. Jess is nearing graduation...crazy, nearly three years seemed much shorter...to me anyway. Butsa I suppose I got to entertain myself whilest she beavered away in the books.

Still waiting on jig parts. May take a few of them into my own hands.

Biding my time, learnting some new things, continuing to try not to be too lazy, while being lazy. It's a battle. That's American I suppose.

Road riding again, regularly. Got to test a new Scott CR1 Team coupla times. Quite possibly the most comfortable carbon bike I've ridden. Going to make myself a plush steel bike, got some ideas for tubing for compliance. That's all eventual, due to above waiting for parts.

Imagining finishing the tour cross country from Ft. Collins eastward. Maybe sooner than later. If we become homeless or Jess has to move elsewhere due to job, I may hit the road.

proverb a la inebriationist

2010-02-20T18:45:00.000-08:00

"He who fails to sup all of life past his bitter lips, will die a starved man."

The "He" I chose, not for sexist reasons (of course women could and should sup as much life if not more than men - being their duty to take back a larger portion of said life due to the history of experience that has been denied them as a result of being relegated to second class citizen or minority status). Furthermore, being a member of the majority, I feel it is only the majority which I am allowed criticize.

The only addition I can make is to throw in a "starv-ed" pronunciation, but only if you feel comfortable in a tunic. If you add a "huzzah", however, I will punch you.

cake!

2010-02-17T19:12:00.002-08:00

Had some left over cake Jess brought home. Sugar high, headache, man-I-wish-I-hadna, but I did. Haven't ridden in days, only concern is the growing waste-line, not the dwindling fitness so much. Life is refocusing elsewhere, but still don't want to get too far off the mark in case I want to retake up the cause...which I will soon I'm sure.

Rode the 29er on the trails at Shellburg Falls early in the week with Troy and a cream-puffer and endurance singlespeeder named Doug and his two dogs, Tazo and Hank. 1x9 I've decided is good enough for lotsa stuff, but fully rigid is getting old, really slows ya down on the fast technical descents. Sorta shakes your eyeballs out, so the trail turns blurry and upside down, just end up holding on and hoping I remain pointed where I want to go. Looking forward to a suspension fork on the next build. Thinking an All-Mountain 29er with Hammerschmidt, and of course a light-weight cross country w/carbon fork...and a 29er touring bike...and, and, and...

Still anticipating the jig and bike queue is growing, wanta build! Patience, waited two years for the perfect storm, what's a few more months. Hopefully not that long, damn.

Jess for me B-day got me a studio pass at the local ceramics hippie hangout. And by hippie I mean, for Salem means, slightly grubby, but groomed crusty old slow talking libertarians, with liberal art tendencies. Throwing pootery. Pots and weirdness, clay and terra-cotta, getting back into the swing, odd remembering so easily after nearly 15 years.

Wolfman was a crap movie, despite its potential with a killer cast, so's a lot of things me suppose. In spite of all the goods, often gives birth to bads.

Reading Dante's Inferno...beautiful and more strange and creative than expected, also reading Hagakure, and Confessions of an Economic Hitman, and Bicycle Diaries, and Frankenstein, and, and, and, ADD...can't stay focused too long before I add to the pile. So, mood plays a big part in what I make way upon each day.

Trite updates, but theres they is.

zen

2010-02-14T20:42:00.001-08:00

Stop buying unnecessary things.
Toss half your stuff, learn contentedness.
Reduce half again.

List 4 essential things in your life,
stop doing non-essential things.
Do these essentials first each day, clear distractions
focus on each moment.

Let go of attachment to doing, having more.
Fall in love with less.

"The secret to happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less."

~ Socrates

no pics

2010-02-10T08:14:00.001-08:00

I find pics really spruce up a post, but I've none. So to those few left who check this, updates are thus: making pottery, jig parts being machined, riding every now and again, running a bit, drinking home brew, Logitech force feedback enhances Dirt, adding folks to the "wants a custom bike" list and eat, sleep, poop, pee, pet lizard.

aluminium

2010-01-25T18:47:00.001-08:00

Went to the local metal scrap yard and bought myself a plate of 1/2 inch aluminium...32x20inches of it to be exact. On to the machining portion of jig construction, where I hand off to my good friend Berry. Hopefully by month-end I'll have jig in hand, so to speak. And then silliness ensues.

32

2010-01-19T21:13:00.000-08:00

Ho hum. Had a good day, but does it seem necessary to award yourself for surviving yet another year. Perhaps it is worth celebration if you're one for the news. However, not to be a guy that loses perspective on his size and effect, I think not. I won't out do a rock star, but burning fast is I suppose preferable to sitting on the couch in a warm glow, albeit it is the latter that I truly do most often for I can't see the point in being foolish. Still envious of those that do, but content with reading about them or even hanging out a time or two. Nevertheless, lifting my Double Dog to the start of one more and the slow accomplishment of a list of life goals. Goodnight.

i got gas

2010-01-18T20:32:00.001-08:00

He'Brew, the beer with Chutzpah. L'Chaim!

Another arrival of 80/20, so close I can taste it, sorta like sucking on a penny.

Home brew turned out okay, don't know if it was the beer, but headache? Needs to age a bit longer. Maybe my dissatisfaction is due to the boxed recipe formula. Found a website where I can get loads of interesting things from around the globe. Perhaps better ingredients, better beer, papa...

great documentary about money

2010-01-15T15:22:00.000-08:00

Get comfy, it's a long one, but awesome.

dwindling

2010-01-13T19:44:00.000-08:00

So upon arriving home from my tour-induced prolonged absence Jess had, among other things, procured some 18 year single malt as a congratulations of sorts. Unnecessary, but not unappreciated. Well, as with the winter and my 31st year, it is nearing its end...well more the 31st year, still a few months of winter. I think I have just enough of the golden elixir...restraint exercised of course.

News, aside from my fast approaching 32nd, soon above the shop Santiam shall be a humble frame builder filing away and melting metal. It is, forgoing our 60 year overdo earthquake, certain, and maybe almost as dangerous to the public. A couple hundred bucks will fashion the empty dusty beams to a suitable shop space. Got a couple orders cooking, just need things to fall into place quickly...only cause I lack patience.

Unannounced my travel companions from aforementioned tour showed up at the shop last week. Knew they would be returning, but not when. Soon over cups or glasses of some such will chat.

Have I mentioned my addiction to a program called Top Gear. It started over a sick week. Try it, Streetfire or You Tube or Netflix (season 10 only - where I started). Evil show...evil.

And a quote for the day, serendipitous from Jess' daily tear-away calendar for all the dreams a boy has only to find himself older and still fishing for them:

"If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost. That is where they should be. Now put foundations under them." ~Thoreau

sick and anxious

2010-01-08T19:39:00.000-08:00

Haven't touched a bike for recreation in a month. And honestly don't feel all that bad about it. Holidays melted into food poisoning which had me vomiting for 12 hours and giving way to uncontrollable liquid diarrhea for three days punctuated by three accidents requiring wardrobe changes, one in the bed that needed more than just new drawers...after all that a sinus infection. What a great start to the new year! Still, here's a pic from the day before all that and one from today.

A snow shoe on top of Mary's Peak.

An acquisition of aluminum and steel. The suspense is killing me!

Got shop space picked out, a torch in hand, insurance clearance...now for the homemade tooling to come to fruition...the mothership is circling and soon will reveal itself to more than just the toothless drawlers.

update

2010-01-07T21:07:00.001-08:00

Update.

merry december 25th-teen-teen

2009-12-25T09:06:00.000-08:00

exquisite

2009-12-23T21:38:00.001-08:00

So this gent asked me to locate a local limited brew, Deschutes Abyss. I obliged and in return he sent me this T-shirt and some choice homebrew. Nice, most of mine usually tastes like leftover keg mixed with mopwater, well, I'm over critical...anywho I'm appreciative.

bread is raisin'

2009-12-15T16:07:00.001-08:00

And beer is brewin'; Winter is here. Babka prepping for the oven and in the carboy an imperial Red, or so I call it - a Red Ale with a high initial Specific Gravity (loads of malt to start, very dense), should have some stank on it when finished, around 8-9%.

once thought I could power my life by bike

2009-12-11T10:14:00.001-08:00

However, this looks like it would take a bit more than a few hours spinning to charge the family battery.

the real reason i'm selling my bike

2009-12-08T22:27:00.000-08:00

Getting into this and going to Switzerland.

how very unamerican

2009-12-06T21:11:00.000-08:00

So, going against trend, I am selling something that I don't "need" (although it made me whimper a bit) in order to get something I do need or more direly desire. Parting out the Tracer (frame, fork and wheelset) for sale. You see I have this thing rankling me since, well for years now, and conditions in the petri dish are ideal. In furtherance of following folly, I am finally making roads to the frame building, that is handling the financial hurdle, hence the above sacrifice. How far it will go is at the moment immaterial. It's an itch I must scratch. I have no grandiose ideas as yet to make a living doing this, so expectations are low. Initial plan is building frames for price of materials and paint, funding the continuance of experience. I've a few on the list already, though I don't use it as a measure of demand, since custom bikes hardly go for as little. Who wants one? Keep an eye out come 2010 for the Mothership. Carpet bombing is the key yeah?

damnit!

2009-11-30T19:39:00.000-08:00

Keep forgetting to do things. Turmoil. Stuff may happen, but don't wanna mention...yet, some good, some bad - such is the future often times.

Been riding fairly regularly, more so than before and today I was foggy in the head partly I think due to endorphin overload...or perhaps I'm more out of shape than I thought or it could be the 24lb road bike with 10lb wheels...damn it's a lot of work to hold on to even the tail of the group at times. The point I guess. Still, I'm ready for something easier and a bit lighter, but got a lot of winter to go.

I heard once that monkeys presented with two options: photos of elders in the troop or food. Most chose the photos. This thought enters my mind while flipping channels on the tube. Now, I just gotta have a Zhu Zhu!

happy thanksgiving

2009-11-26T22:59:00.001-08:00

Walmart has everything!

again today

2009-11-20T18:00:00.000-08:00

Another 20 miles in Dallas today, in the drizzle and piss of Oregon Fall. Not so motivating to get out in it, but ever so fun when you do. Trails were boggy in spots, covered in wind blow in others, but good nonetheless. We are we are finally making a map, with aid of GPS, which was the purpose of today's ride. I rode the 'ol 29er and wrecked once...it was a good day.

modern life

2009-11-19T21:54:00.000-08:00

The transition back into regular life has been surprisingly seamless. Modern life is so filled with enticing distractions, though not always noted as unhealthy, some I think are stifling at the very least. I will confess that I give into these things. Simplest life was achieved on the road, though not real life as it is, not as I normally live it anyway. Normal life was probably the most distilled when I lived in my friends' basement for the month while homeless living out my days at the DOT before moving to Oregon. It was modern life, but on an air mattress with a box full of clothes, a bike and a computer - simple modern "necessities". Never did I miss TV, stuff, video games, etc. I had friends, a world outside, food, beer...a job, sadly (two at the time, one that layered my bed thickly with green, the other bolstering my soul). I've lately lost the knack of examining my life. Perhaps some are lucky enough to get it right without having to ponder, but being the needless reflector and wannabe philosopher, I can't help it, also the fact that I refuse to add ADD meds to my morning repertoire. However, lately I come up dry. I just don't feel any deep emotional flow that comes when I want to write about my trivialities. I hoped that I would gain some growth from this trip, but stoicism wasn't it. Although, there is some sort of appeal about distancing myself with worrying about why and simply accepting fate, but losing attachment to that meek, worrisome inner self is curious, cause I know he's still in there. What's he up to?

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice!

ya'll mad at me right?

2009-11-14T14:25:00.001-08:00

i've been waiting for this, haven't you?

2009-11-12T12:43:00.001-08:00

procrastinate, prostrate, prostate

2009-11-09T16:39:00.000-08:00

One or all of the above. Still have not written a word about my little vision quest, which ended over a month ago now. Hardly remember it. I recall the details, but the fact that it happened is a fog. Something that at the time seemed so pivotal to me, something that deserves devoted thought I've glossed over because I think what I needed I got out there. Normally I try to glean something from nothing as is my day to day, but that thing that I did encompassed something more personal, and I got branded with it before I got home. I still will write something as not to lose this memory, but it may not come straight away.

In other news: I've been trying to hold on to/build upon the base I earned whilst out on the tour. To which end, since I'm not a normal routine scheduled sort of chap and I loath the idea of regulating my diet to achieve a goal (life is too short after all and one more beer or slice of pie always sounds good), I have installed on my road bike some rather large volume, or large as I could fit, Schawlbe Marathon Pluses and thorn resistant tubes on some new Mavic Open Sport rims w/105 hubs. With my road bike pushing 24 1/2 pounds, 1/4 of gross displacement being wheels and rotational mass, it is a bit more work when I put in a long solo ride or push the pace with the road group. Both endeavors are proving doable, but acceleration is laborious and coasting doesn't happen, pedal full time to keep up. Hopefully when Spring rolls around I will be in pretty decent shape, provided I stick with it. With no goals or need for such fitness pressing, it's hard to stay motivated, but I'm toying with the idea of racing a bit...so maybe that will help.

do you remember me?

2009-11-04T21:26:00.001-08:00

Don't you think,

we should be closer?

how much?

2009-11-03T13:11:00.000-08:00

Veloforma/Planet X/Pedal Force same frame? Hugely different price.

Hmmm. Sorta brings up loads of questions.

tour pics

2009-10-29T21:39:00.001-07:00

Lazy. Will add captions later.

i will not join facebook sam i am

2009-10-26T18:23:00.000-07:00

It seems like all those brothers and sisters who used to post regularly with creative zeal about personal happenings have all gone away; that is to say, left me here, alone at the party with a keg of beer...bastards! I will wait, patiently until they return, because they will. Once the luster of the new thing gets old and boring. Maybe blogger won't play your favorite song for all to enjoy each time they visit your page. Maybe it doesn't need to be your friend before you can look in. Maybe blogger requires bravery upon the author to put out there what they wish and be damned the consequences. Maybe blogger doesn't easily facilitate gossip or voyeurism. You all will return when you wish to begin living lives and honestly journaling for those of like mind to read or take inspiration from, rather than creating an experience, a facade, an online avatar. Pry if you must, yourself away from Facebook, MySpace, Twitter (I realize the hypocrisy in the last, though I used it out of necessity, due to my phone being only a phone, not a palmpreipodlaptopexpressberrynuvepoopoo) and simplify...whilst coming back to me, cause I don't wanna leave.

I will not eat green eggs and ham.

Rant over.

finally jim's bike...pics

2009-10-25T21:31:00.000-07:00

Finished this a long time ago, months in fact, but today at last I got a few pictures. So here's what the Right Hand Ride "Beta" looks like.

The bike weighs just under 21 lbs for very mediocre components.

Pink wrap job happened in my absence.

Double tap road shifter provided by SRAM for front der.

A little flourish by me. Angular chainstay bridge. No reason, just cause I could.

Nuther shot of the Double tap.

Full frontal.

And the side.

Low bottom bracket. Considering dropping it another centimeter. Have wet dream plans for the front, including fork and possible custom machined neatness. Stiffer tube set, shorter and asymmetric chain stays, ideas abound for the Alpha model of Right Hand Ride coming in the New year, fingers crossed.

Stiff mulling the tour. Words are coming.

wonder what happened at the ballyhoo

2009-10-22T20:05:00.001-07:00

Pics here.

home again

2009-10-21T13:19:00.000-07:00

Odd being here, but in a good way. Somehow it all seems new. Words cannot describe seeing my lady again. Like a first date, we hardly knew what to do other than hug and stare. We'd talked nearly every day since I left, but there really is a person on the other end...odd.

Got a coupla days off before heading back to work. Time to reflect, get used to my surroundings and rest my legs, which still ache from Saturday's ride. Out come a few words regarding that adventure. Left knee is puffy now, but not painful. Legs are okay, but when moving from sedentary to motion they remind me they're shredded. Sort of like after I climbed Rainier. I never have been a fast, skillful or strong athlete, but resolve I usually carry in buckets, equally blended with beat downs I dish myself to make any ridiculous endeavor more a personal one than a physical one. Somehow when it gets the worst I can shut down what my body is telling me and it becomes me against that little bastard inside. Not always the best thing as I am finding out after riding 245 miles across Iowa. Near the end, with only 30 miles to go, we rested and I thought of throwing in the towel for moment, but that passed. I kept thinking when would I be in this position again to do this. My legs could manage a dozen pedals strokes seated during the last hours, then I'd have to stand and pedal to give them some rest. They weren't sore at the time, just slowing considerably. Alternating I would move forward in this way. Now rest and reflection on the past month plus.

Excellent seeing everyone. My pal Andy and his better half Gina put me up like the champs they are, for the better part of a week. Seeing them is always a treat, my family away from family. Paul J, Matt and Nick always remind me of things I dearly miss and why Iowa will always hold a good chunk of my heart - few people exist like they. Cheers, truly. Skunk and those therein are as an idealized world, if only all people and places could be the same.

Experiencing some euphoria if you can't tell.

Didn't get to hook up with Kiel and Emily as I'd hoped, while I was back, but I am sure as I can be that they'll one day turn up again. They seem too mobile to not end up on my doorstep at some time. Can't say enough good about them.

More to come to be sure. Need to organize some thoughts, also obvious I think.

gonna hurt...alot

2009-10-16T15:24:00.000-07:00

Certainly not in this sort of shape anymore, but I want a kick in the pants to get started again. Eyeing the Dirty Kanza...must deliver retribution...must exorcise daemons. This is the route, but we are planning from the north. Leave tonight, start tomorrow A.M., finish Sunday A.M. Feelings of "what the hell am I doing" creeping in, but still doing it anyway.

Graid V2 Final from the south
Find more Bike Rides in Allerton, Iowa

posting from ipod touch...tedious

2009-10-13T18:13:00.001-07:00

Decided to GRAID Saturday with Paul and company. Seems a fitting end. Hope I can muster the strength to ride with giants. 240+ miles across Iowa from northern to southern border in a day via gravel. Should be good regardless if I call for mommy, and she's offered to pick me up if I begin to cry.

to be continued???

2009-10-12T08:28:00.000-07:00

Threw in the towel in Ft. Collins. The ride from Laramie was windy to say the least, but once I hit the Colorado border the wind switched from cross-wise head-on to a slight tail wind. When I say "slight", I stopped to pee once and decided to let the wind push me from a dead stop. Not once did I touch the pedals and with the wind at my back and a 100lb rig I hit 18mph easily. The ride into Ft. Collins was a race to New Belgium. I can't help my love of beer and ending there kept my legs spinning. I arrived in front of the brewery and laid out on the small grass under a tree in front of the tasting room. After plying myself with more than my share of allowed tasters (they have a soft spot for cycling and rewarded me thus) I plopped down behind the brewery to watch a cyclo-cross race and cook some noodles. That night I hooked up with Andrew Carney and crashed at his place. He offered for me to stay as long as I wished, but he was heading out to 24hr Nationals the day after. I decided to move on and try to camp outside of town on the way to Brady. After another stop at New Belgium and a few pints of demotivator later, I decided to hang around, do some laundry and, with the guidance of one of the tasting room guys, headed out of town west on a bike path along the Poudre River, fishing for an out of sight to poach camp. Whilst noodling along I was passed by a girl on a bike who slowed up and began to inquire about my trip. When I asked her about a place to camp, she offered me a spot in her yard. Glad with my luck I followed and as we talked she said she'd let me sleep inside, but she was catching a plane that evening and frankly she didn't know me. Understandable. I mentioned I'd stayed with a friend the night before and when it came out it was Andrew Carney, she exploded and said of course I could crash at her place and make myself at home. Andrew is dating her room-mate. Weird. So, serendipity? I couldn't say no. She was extremely nice and I got a warm little cottage to myself with a view of the foothills as the snow began to fall along with the temperature. At that moment, with a warm cup of coffee in my hand and a copy of Frankenstein that they had on their shelf, glad I wasn't camping.

My oldest friend Andy arrived the next evening and we headed up Poudre Canyon and camped. The following morning had coffee with his cousins and hit up New Belgium again (see a theme?) before heading to the Ballyhoo.

Made the Ballyhoo Friday afternoon. Sadly it dumped 6-10 inches of snow that night. Despite that fact it was one of the most enjoyable weekends of riding ever, or non-riding actually. The only riding honestly that I did was in the initial hours of the storm late in the night Friday, a quick shunt from the warmth of the campfire to the john 100 yards away...it being too cold to walk especially in sandals. Still, I think the Ballyhoo was a success, if the aim was to unite like minded folks for some healthy two wheelled, beer drinking, campfire appreciating fellowship. Blue skies prevailed around noon Saturday and we enjoyed good weather to round out the 12+ hours of sustained campfire time. Thanks to all still who put things on, especially Matt Gersib who really made things homie. And to a few new friends Fuller and Wes who offered not only refreshment to share, but also lots of food, which I, we, came unprepared.

I'm in Ames now crashing with said friend, Huevos. I plan a bit of a retrospective when I return to the comfort of my home surroundings. That should give me plenty of time between now and then to relflect and digest, especially with the aid of the best coffee on earth at Stomping Grounds. Meanwhile it will be a great week reconnecting with folks.

laramie...nearly finished

2009-10-05T13:59:00.001-07:00

Hanging out today in Laramie. Got hooked up with a feller that knows a guy that I know back in Salem. Worked out nice, being drained from nearly 350 miles in 4 days, and punching my way into a terrible headwind yesterday I called for help. Serendipitous (a word I've picked up into my regular vocabulary due to its liberal use by my recent travel companions - I left a day ahead of them in Jackson) was the fact that this feller was driving back from having just climbed Devil's Tower, and nearly on my same route. It took me nearly 4 hours to go 25 miles, and it hurt (especially on top of previous days riding). The morale lifted tremendously knowing that he was on his way, not so helpful was the flat that I sustained at the top of a hill in the howling wind shortly thereafter. I dropped $40 on slime tubes in Boise after my goathead experience in Idaho, but two flats I sustained since then, both rear - one brass screw (on my way to Victor and Teton Pass) and one piece of glass (outside Rock River, WY), neither of which provoked the appropriate response from my fancy slimed tubes. Curses don't exist. Anyhow, Eric is incredibly nice and cool with me waiting out the weather at his place here, seems we've a lot in common, so should be a decent stay. Then I head to Ft. Collins where I have two choices: either wait until late Thursday night for my pal Andy to arrive and we spend most of Friday in Ft. Collins before heading to the Ballyhoo or I crash a night and head out to a few 100+ mile days to get to Brady. Tell you what, the second holds little appeal. And in the whole spirit of touring, that I still have a hard time grasping, it should be about the travel, the destination and goals be damned. We'll see if I can be okay with that. The idea of rolling into the Ballyhoo on my own steam also holds loads of appeal. In the end I'll be with friends and that should be enough for my ego to take a back seat.

what day is it?

2009-10-03T08:02:00.000-07:00

Been out of phone, text any sort of range for days. So here's an update.

One blessing and also curse of this whole thing is that I'm never quite sure what date, day, time it is or how much time I have. Feeling the pinch from encroaching storms I rode out of Jackson with the intention of getting securely ahead of snow storms. I'm prepared to ride and camp in it, but the high empty places are still not so inviting to the idea of a bivouac.

Day 1 out of Jackson I got into a snow storm, but continued to head up Togwotee Pass as needs must - no choice you see (approx 90 miles). I stopped at a Gas Station/Store/RV Park as is the norm around here, these little islands and former KOAs, for some hot cocoa and to warm up. I called up the district office with Wyo DOT to get an update on the construction on the pass. A week earlier, we had bumped into a mother and her two kids heading west across Idaho on a tour from Maine that began in June. They'd informed us of a pilot car ride over the pass, and the conditions of said pass being one lane and muddy and rocky as hell. The district office informed me that construction had stopped due to the storm and both lanes were open with no pilot car. Well, shit, options being nil, I took off. About 10 miles away from the pass a gentleman pulls over just down the road in a red Scottsdale pickup. I saw him shifting around and I thought this is it, getting shot today. Normally I wouldn't worry, but being in a bit of a spot and only moments before had a soda can flung at me I was feeling a bit cautious. As I rolled up, his window rolled down. "You want a ride?" Well, I don't know. His face numb, bottom row of teeth missing and looking a bit dead in the eyes. "Gonna be a real fuckin mess up there today." Alright. He helped me toss in my bike and I hopped in the passenger side. "Look out there I spilled a beer, so just sit on that jacket." It was then as we took off that I noticed the six pack between his legs. Too late now. Despite my worries, we ambled along the road carefully. I found out he was an off duty construction worker on the pass project. This made me feel better some how even with the beer. He offered me one, but it seemed unappealing given the circumstances. I guess I thought that at least one of us ought to be sober. He made a comment later, "Well, not drunk yet," he looked down and took stock of his beer," only had, what, only on my third." I suspected this wasn't true. I was later informed by a girl running the Longhorn RV in Dubois that drinking and driving is quite normal around here, being that you could drive all day in parts and never see another car, so really it's only a risk to yourself. I could see the logic, however, he had me in the car, so I don't think having that knowledge beforehand would have helped. When we finally hit the construction it was a mess and I was glad for the ride. I had been tempted to push on my own, but this would have been dangerous with the conditions and number of cars. Drunk Mike began to complain about his wipers being new and not working well. He reached out the window to snap one and get the clinging snow to shake loose, but when he did so it broke off and went tumbling onto the hood of the truck. He seemed unperturbed at this, simply pulled over to retrieve it and when we continued on, took to periodically reaching out and wiping the window clean. So there we were at 9800 feet, snowy rode, and Drunk Mike with broken wiper in one hand and beer in the other. Not too long after that we came upon a truck in a ditch while another was attempting to pull it out with a chain. This truck in the ditch was the very same truck full of young punk cowboys that threw the can at me. Karma in action I guess. When I told Mike about this, he said "Maybe they had too many cans." A rather peculiar response, but later he defended my insult by saying "Why didn't you call those fuckers out." I replied, "I'm sure just by seeing me they were shitting themselves. People are real tough in their cars, but when you roll up at a stop sign, it's interesting to see them shrink." After stopping to make sure everyone was okay, we rolled on for a bit until "Gotta piss." Then while stopped, draping his thermometer out, Mike made the assessment that it was cold. Soon after we arrived at Lava Mountain Lodge where he had his camper parked while working on the project. He offered me to stay and come in for a bowl of chili, but I was anxious to get to Dubois. It was a chilly downhill pedal, but I arrived a bit early and in better shape thanks to Drunk Mike.

Day 2 I got pushed by a nice northwesterly wind, so I took full advantage (approx 115 miles). I blew into Riverton only about 4 hours after setting off, including a stop in Kinnear. So after a late lunch I pushed on to get as far as possible. Probably not the best idea to leave sub 5000 feet in Riverton and into the the snowy expanse to the south and back up over 6500 feet, but I had what else to do. After running out of water and stopping to boil up some snow on the side of the road, I topped out on the pass to find an even more foreboding landscape. Nothing but snow and no shelter for miles. I knew on my map that there was a rest area at the next intersection, so I made in good faith for it. The light was fading to darkness and I was in survival mode. I finally arrived at the rest area only to find it closed. Gone were my hopes of warming up inside and preparing my dinner out of the wind. Then I noticed a trailer of temporary restrooms, one women's, one men's and one huge unisex handicapped. And too my delight it was heated, so in I went and nested for a bit. I changed into dry woollies for sleeping, hung my riding gear up to dry and prepared dinner. After that I was good to camp outside. I laid out my bed roll alongside the brick wall of a shelter, somewhat out of the wind. It was pretty comfortable, though late in the night I slipped on the emergency blanket and opened a few hand warmers.

Day 3 I prepared breakfast much the same as dinner the night before and got dressed and ready in the warm bathroom (90 miles). I ran into an insistent cleaning lady, but nonetheless things went smoothly. I rode into the first town about 20 miles away, called Jeffery City. Who's Jeffery? I stopped into the only place for hot cocoa. After a few curious parties inquired about my trip I settled into sipping my cocoa. Sitting next to me was the proprietor of a place I was intrigued by as I came into town. I saw one of many dilapidated buildings, with a spray painted sign "Monk King Bird Pottery". How could a place like this exist in such a remote town. Art? Here? Come to later find out, perhaps this is the only place a man like this could exist. We chatted, he showed me his art, he bought my cocoa and offer elk and beans before I went or a place to crash. When I asked about the name he replied "It's a cross between a Monk a Bird...and a sort of King." Byron. And I guess he's a bit of an enigma to passing tourers. The remainder of the patrons, 3 of them, were absorbed in online poker via 3 serious looking laptops. They were positioned by the only window in the place, so to me they were but grim silhouettes. One old woman, whose cigarette dangled limply from her lips would offer a one or two word bit of advice about my travels and the weather, never to look up or regard me. As if she were some oracle laboring to rip the wind from my sails and have me tarry there for a lifetime. Her companions echoed her warnings in similar anti-verbosity, with yeps, or uh huhs, or weathers a turnin' sorts of phrases. Perhaps time does pass too quickly to make futile the achievement of anything while engrossed in your game at the bar.

Today, from Rawlins, I'm off for either Medicine Bow or Laramie (my legs are a bit tired, so 100 miles today holds little appeal). Then Ft. Collins. I'm going to arrive sooner than I thought, so I may push on to Brady and actually complete the mission I started, but just ending it all seems nice too. To tell the truth I'm tired, and big days with little interesting to keep you motivated is demoralizing. May take a couple days in Ft. Collins and wait for my ride. Dunno. Feels like failure in a way.

And Chris Berry better find a good hiding place, he's going to get a kiss. Upon his suggestion of a knee brace for my ailment I stumbled across a strap made for just my problem. I've had no need for medication since Jackson. Still sore, but manageable.

milkin the continental

2009-09-28T06:54:00.000-07:00

It's been 4 days since Boise, I think (time being confused). I never planned on posting at all on this trip, but access to a computer periodically is too tempting. Not much to say about central Idaho, the people we bumped into along the way were all incredibly nice, but the landscape was so foreboding and bleak, that it sapped the brain. I won't go back. Each town we stayed in got oddly a bit larger as we went eastward, I suppose the pull from Boise growing less with each mile, I know I'd move there; towns went from 300 odd people, to 500, to 1000, then Idaho Falls.

I rode with Kiel and Emily until Swan Valley yesterday, an eden on earth, and then we parted ways. Being alone, I got what else to do but ride. I was warned that my route was a pretty much steady 7% grade the better part of half the way to Victor about 21 miles away. It was an extreme exaggeration. Steady though it was, it never felt steep, maybe the end bit. Then I descended into the valley on the west side of the Tetons, they were just visible above the foothills. Victor seemed a nice place, but I didn't feel compelled to stay. I stopped briefly at their food market, bumped into a couple of cyclists who ride for Fitzgerald's (bike shop of my contact in Jackson, thanks to a guy I work with from Wyoming) and they encouraged my hitting the pass and assured me it would be perfectly safe, now that the sun was going down. They offered me a place to stay if I decided against it, but I had what to do? So on I went.

It was about 10 miles to the 8500 foot pass, 5 of which I knew would be testing my resolve to no end. I pictured myself crying, kicking my bike and cursing on the roadside halfway up the mountain. Part way up I decided to move bear spray and the Gerber machete I was coerced into buying to the top of my front pannier for easy access. Not that I was all that worried, I just imagined in a panic with lion biting on my neck and me politely asking him to hold up while I dig in my bags for weapons with which to defend myself. I also spotted an automatic weigh station, with a glowing digital readout, so I had to stop, being curious - 260 pounds I was, 160 of which was me. The very fact of my obesity, made this topping a pass with a 1x9 29er all the more absurd, which only motivated me more.

After hours of climbing and ignoring all the signs I saw flashing lights and a couple light poles ahead. Just before I reached them, in a flash of my headlight that swayed as I stood mashing I read "Steep grades ahead - 10% next 5 miles" No curse could wrap up neatly what I felt, though I let out an F bomb. I then realized it was a warning to trucks of the descent pending. I passed over the top last nacht around 8:30, a few minutes after I read the sign, and immediately broke out into a sob. I don't know why, but I stood there and had a good cry. I wasn't in pain, scared, sad or happy...maybe those last two and everything else. I may have left something out there. So I called my lady for a chat.

Now in Jackson I am taking full advantage of a decent free breakfast and awaiting my companions to arrive today.

another perspective

2009-09-22T22:57:00.000-07:00

New friends Kiel and Emily are blogging their tour as well: kissthemidwest.

Leaving town tomorrow the three of us via a shunt from a bike shop guy to Mountain Home. Only route to avoid Interstate out of Boise was gravel, one of our three isn't equipped for touring gravel comfortably, so a nice fella from Idaho Mountain Touring that Kiel fished up at the concert tonight will be driving us from the shop tomorrow morning. After that, a long stint of simple camping and remoteness awaits I think.

my own privates...boise

2009-09-21T16:18:00.000-07:00

No, not exploits of my transition into a gigolo. I met up with a couple who stopped through the shop a week ago on their way from the coast to Cedar Rapids. The girl originally from there and a graduate of Iowa State, hadn't been home in a while, so they decided to ride. I fixed their bike ills and mentioned my own journey, our planned routes nearly identical as far as Wyoming. They taking a more leisurely pace as compared with my limited time we thought that a meeting down the road might be a certainty, so they took my number. Well, today the 3 of us met up for coffee downtown Boise. They got here a day earlier than I and intended to recoup a bit before resuming. I was certainly planning the same, a day at least since I'm better than a day ahead of schedule. It looks like I'll be staying tomorrow as well. You see it's Kyle's birthday and one of their favorite acts is in town and after the preliminary notice I was given, and my following waffling on what to do (should I stay or continue on as planned), they had already bought me a ticket figuring I would join them. My knee was delighted at another day of rest, last night it throbbed away crying like an infant. So tomorrow night will be Michael Franti and Spearhead at an old penitentiary. Boise is a pretty spiffy town.

Today I had ice cream. Been dreaming of it for a few days now. Saw a Ben and Jerry's, so I had ta. Did some laundry. Got Slime tubes and Spin Skins today; I double flatted yesterday, tires looked like salted nut rolls for the number of goatheads. Slept in a bed with gnome sheets and needles in the mattress. I miss my girl.

reality check from high desert

2009-09-18T19:26:00.000-07:00

Everything was going more or less to plan. I was hitting my mileage goals with minimal difficulty, whilst enjoying the scenery. Yesterday I stopped in a one horse town called Brothers; that is to say, a town with a cafe/store/post-office/saloon/lavatory/jail. I settled for a coke and some kettle chips for my lunch rather than whatever mysterious thing was bubbling away in the fryer out back. When I asked about the next stop, whether there were any services, the lady looked at me as though I'd asked how much for her daughter. I added stores, cafes, gas station? She scoffed and said they had a cafe that had some other supplies, but not much. Which made me take stock of where I was, to her credit they had 3 horses. Still, I thought this next town must be a real shit-hole. I thanked her and took my pop outside. To my surprise there was a rest area just down the road, so I scooted on over for a lie in the grass behind the restrooms.

After leaving Brothers, I experienced the most tremendous tailwind, with which I took full advantage. I cruised around 20mph for the better part of the distance to Hamilton (shit-hole). Their cafe was nicer, but in truth she was right, all they had were Skittles. I had myself a ham-sandwhich (that's right ham) for supper so I could set-up camp whenever and wherever without worry of preparing dinner. I was told of some BLM land about 12 miles down the road under Glass Butte (I think she said Glass). After a mile or two my left knee really started angering me. Pain like TI2 and TI3, without my own bed at the end of the day I started pampering it a bit and spent the next 10 miles pedaling with my right foot while dangling my left leg. The patella inflamation game again, not serious, but seriously painful with each up down of the leg. Finally, I camped. Beautiful field of yellow sage and rolling bluffs in the distance. Could hear coyotes calling at dusk. Cold, damn cold especially just before dawn.

I rolled out this morning to warm up and after an hour on the road, stopped to cook up breakfast and take some advil. Continued on after the requisite ablutions and excretions, but not too long my progress slowed to under 10mph and motions became painful with the knee. I stopped again for an additional dose of advil and lie in the shade of my bike to wait for some effect. Just then, a nice old lady stopped to check on me. There was the typical, no I'm okays, are you sures, yes I'll be fine...which eventually lead me to ask, you heading to Burns. Yep. Nice lady, retired nurse from Utah. She got a call from her daughter while on our way and had the pleasure to talk to her and assure her that I was no murderer. Honestly, both very nice, just a daughter's concern for her aged mother. So here I am in Burns. Got the last 40 miles in a truck and I may stay an extra day to recoup, dunno. Truth be told, I'm torn. This is a bike tour, not a test of endurance. I need not push myself to injury, only to experience the journey. I hope things heal up with the extra time I've had and I can be back on the road tomorrow, but never can tell. Meanwhile, I'm getting fat in Burns. Maybe I'll have to end this tour at New Belgium instead...may prove a better ending.

4,3,2,1

2009-09-15T08:29:00.001-07:00

Today I depart. 90lb bike, clicking ankle, sore lower back, an increasing fat to muscle ratio, many doubts, many worries, many excitements. What the hell. Here goes nothin.

somehow

2009-09-05T22:52:00.000-07:00

I manage to get wound up about some new fangled unnecessary technological "convenience", because I scoff about it for months then find some use for it...albeit for my entertainment only. Well I signed up for twitter, which you'll find off to your right, to post roadside droppings along my route. Figured I'll be out there for some days and the thought of some ethereal connection with my real world compatriots I supposed may provide some comfort for me in the broad expanse and perhaps some vicarious experience for them whilst they click away in their dreary cubicles, are busy beavering away in study or laboring skillfully away in the manufacture or repair of some device. I undress, er digress...on or off with the show...er sleep. Good night.

here tis the plan

2009-08-27T21:11:00.000-07:00

Though, unlike Hannibal, sometimes a plan doesn't come together...er best laid plans...whatever, I always liked Murdoch, so the idea really will be to not get lost too badly, too hurt and hit mileage goals whilst still enjoying meself...or is that the essence of adventure...ramble. I really wanted super light, think GDR race sort of thing, but damned if time of year has me thinking of the worst, so the 29er is becoming a bus and heavier than I wanted...eh well. I shove off September 15th and plan to arrive on time. Should plod out 60ish mile average per day. I thought of biting off more per day and shortening my trip, but my lack of real fitness and this being a bit of a voyage into the unknown, I set a milder pace, which lessened my stress considerably. I have one planned pitstop in Ft. Collins for beer; other than that, I'll take it as it comes. If anyone still listens to this guy out here, I'm comin! Ballyhoo!

Salem, OR to Brady, NE w/sections of GDR
Find more Bike Rides in Salem, Oregon

mom came to visit

2009-08-26T07:41:00.000-07:00

Equals 5 days off, sweet. Also nice is the excuse to play tourist, something Jess and I don't do much of living here. We spent a few days before Jess returned to school visiting gardens in Silverton and Portland, eating good food, and paddling the Siletz bay. We were followed by a seal for a bit of the trip out into the bay. One would pop up no closer than a 50 foot radius from the boats, give a few sniffs, look around and then submerge again. When we returned we were greeted again by the little glistening grey head bobbing in and out of the water.

Jess and I exploring a snaking channel through the wetland.

Also, whilst hiking at Opal Creek ran into a few familiar folks, also Jim Henry, so, in addition to stopping at Mill City for gas which turned into a meeting with Chris and Deb at the Laboratory, my Madre got to meet bike builder and buildee. She didn't get to see said creation, but still a bit more enlightened about my little life here, which is nice. Mr Henry and friends were racing PIR the following night and I nearly went after dropping my Mom off at the airport, but getting home to a few errands and a bit of rest beckoned. It would have been nice to see the bike I built race, next time.

no foolin' with ya super loob

2009-08-12T23:10:00.000-07:00

Nah, nah, you just don't get it man...being at one with the bike. You can't possibly understand what it means to ride if you don't ride fixed...poetry...soul.

truly setting in

2009-08-11T21:55:00.000-07:00

Today there were discussions of the schedule with me being gone at work. Maps strewn over the floor with additions of Wyoming and Idaho gazetteers. Bike half loaded in trials to assess room and work bugs out of newly assembled touring setup. Crosseyed and wondering what the fuck I am doing, and the beer ain't helping. Less and less outs I find. Life, it seems, is going to make this happen if I am ready or not. Scared shitless, but it's just pushing pedals in the end isn't it. Everything else would happen in a given day anyway...eat, sleep, shit - where is the only variable.

My biggest anxiety was getting over the Tetons, it will likely prove the least of my worries. In an effort to avoid riding up to Missoula and then back south I opted for pushing through Idaho. Shortage of routes through the Sawtooth Mountains and other rural bleakalities, I may find myself riding a bit more highway than I'd like. Very little direct east west, I plan to contact local shops and feel out routing options.

pride

2009-08-02T19:36:00.000-07:00

I'm burning holes in this one of late:

Put up your feet, smoke a bowl, drink a beer, generally do whatever it is that you need to do to relax and let the world roll by. Turn the light down low and spin this one up. Check out the "To Willie" tribute to Mr Nelson album as well. Neither will go wrong.

metamucil

2009-08-01T12:14:00.000-07:00

Been a bit backed up in the head, thankfully my body is more regular. Life has its unexpected moments, emotional walls, unsentimental and emotionally disconnected fill in the blank. I am left with few decisions that are meaningful among dozens of fruitless ones. In the end, often times the hardest decisions are the ones we take for ourselves, because few understand or see past their own judgements.

A few days ago after months of waffling, I started setting up the 29er for a journey to Nebraska. I ordered my bivy and a few other essentials today. I've a bit of work to do yet on the bike. I originally thought of going singlespeed. One day I might, and superlight. As of now I am planning on taking it easy and keeping an eye on the horizon. I've ridden for many a mile singlespeed, however when considering a 1500 mile trip, riding day after day, loaded, and into elevations which I can scarcely grasp, I decided to go with a 1x9 (32x11-34) set up. I feel like I'm giving up a bit, but I may be glad 15 days into it that I can granny up a hill rather than stand and mash with 30lbs of gear. Another important consideration is the lack of piles of food at the end of each day and no possibility of taking consecutive days off to recuperate on the couch is helping to feed the notion of going easy. Don't get me wrong, it will still be loads of work, especially since I've lately been down to one ride a week. Will ramp up again now that I've given in to the idea. One saving grace is that the rides have been longish XC or road rides, after which I feel pretty good, especially the next day. Right now I'm planning on a 60-80 mile per day average on the trip, so an easy pace. Loads of worries about food, route etc. The very fact that I'm worried, scared in fact about the ride makes me NEED to go. Afterall, there may never be a tomorrow. And if all else fails, I know at the very least that Nebraska is east of here.

helens

2009-07-19T21:58:00.001-07:00

Drove up to the mountain after work. Got tent up around 12:30, then it was beans and beers.

Stumbled across someone's dinner and the following poo. Really fresh, still glistening and buzzing with flies.

Natural log bridges.

what?! where've you been?!

2009-07-13T20:28:00.000-07:00

To Iowa for a week around the 4th, twas nice to see folks. Stayed with some friends, good time. Lookin' forward to the next trip to the midwest.

Rode MacKenzie River yesterday. Group of 15, one broke pedals about 3 miles in (Troy and I opted to ride back to the car for spares), another broke rear derailleur about 7 miles in, fixed up a full-sus singlespeed didn't work so well (he later opted out for the road back to the car), burned the last bit to catch those furthest along (got those red corpuscles multiplying) and it felt good. 32 miles in the bag.

Tomorrow night head up to Mount St. Helens to camp and ride trails Wednesday. Should be good.

Jim's bike is done, but won't get put together until late this week as schedules conflict. Excited.

75 miles today

2009-06-24T18:57:00.000-07:00

And that son of a bitchin wind was back, 25mph of additional burn to my outta shape legs. Already recovered though, so I got that going for me which...which is good.

the first lsd in a while

2009-06-20T17:09:00.001-07:00

Forgot about the LSD ride. But with me entertaining the notion of riding my muffin-topped pudgy self to the Big Wheel Ballyhoo, I thought it time for riding with purpose. Enter here the first Long Slow Distance in a great while. My main goal over the next couple months is to reawaken all those slow twitch muscles who've been in semi-retirement. Also, I need refine the metabolism to get immediately down to the business of getting energy from what I eat. Lately I get reminders a week after, "oh that's right I had carrots Sunday". Perhaps this is just getting older and my body telling me so. Hopefully not. I'd like to think I'm in control, even if it has to be will alone. However, even that is in short supply. 52 miles is all today on the bike. Fighting wind all but 15 miles of it sapped me a little. A good sort of feeling. It's a start anyway.

papa don't take no mess

2009-06-10T12:19:00.000-07:00

I even scrubbed out the little coffee spills and bike-borne grease spots. She be pure as the driven standard issue apartment beige.

And 40+ miles of the McKenzie River Monday...mmmm. Sorry for the slow trail video, riding one handed and all - only for sampling's sake anyway. Jeez judger. Didn't know I sniffed that much. Damn, how annoying.

thanks to a dude called sally from lincoln

2009-05-30T20:36:00.000-07:00

I'm coveting a really expensive Raleigh. Odd to say, but it was one of the most beautiful carbon bikes I'd seen yet, and yes it was a Raleigh. Being known for good value inexpensive bikes, Raleigh would hardly be a choice for me to throw down a wad of cash for. However, as it seems all carbon is coming from the same continent, it hardly matters what badge it has. Diamondback has been turning heads with its mountain bikes recently (chiefly the Goat and knucklebox), so it only seems fitting that Raleigh should make a splash on the road front. I've been promised a test, so we'll see. I'm excited though. The new carbon Raleigh comes BB30 ready, tapered head tube and has some of the fattest chain stays I've ever seen. It also has the most substantial downtube/seattube/bb junction, and despite that apparent girth it balances it with elegant curves and lines tying the bike together. Here are some pics I unearthed of the High Modulus beauty. The model I saw came SRAM RED with deep carbom SRAM wheels. It was a sight to behold, and a shade over 14lbs.

Okay, so I'll not likely throw down for overseas anything, my convictions being stronger normally than my earthly desires, but this my friends will be a test...I may fail at heart, so I'll have to rely on my pennilessness to keep it in check.

a great big memorial dump

2009-05-27T18:41:00.000-07:00

Went to the coast for a coupla days with me lady, a couple shop rats and company. Few words, so here's the pics...ooo! ooo! ooo! and a video er two! Neat!

Thems whales out there that these spectacled eyes saw. Couple of humps, black and spouting, probably greys.

A remnant of the once illegality of this trail. A few other features remain, but the trail is legit and the most fun I've had on two wheels in the Northwest yet. Cape Perpetua. Go there. It ain't long, but it was tickling my brain in orgasmic ways that had me wishing I was alone. Honestly, some rides happen, not often, but some just come so close to perfection in one way or another that remind you just why you ride. This was one of those. Been a while since the brain felt that good. Truly euphoric.

Sample the lushness.

The hills are alive with the sound of chain slap.

Our first oceanic sunset, very nice. Me lady by my side, a cold sea wind up my legs and a warm mead in my belly...hard to beat.

Contemplating the notion that all life on Earth owes to that little yellow ball. Lets have a think. Although, I look more worried than ponderous.

And just back from the beach in the riparian next to a stream, our camp.

nearly there eh?

2009-05-16T22:30:00.000-07:00

After much headache I've poo'd out a bike frame. It's been an organic process. It's not quite finished - missing brake and chain stay bridges and cable routing. Excited to proceed. Only good things to come. Scout reminds me of Ralph and of other things.

random dump

2009-05-13T19:19:00.001-07:00

Burro'd the Santiandem for a little ride with me lady to our favorite local viniculturalists at Ankeny Vineyard Sabado.

A fine day for a pedal. Jess admitted to letting me do about 90% of the duties of powering the bike the 34 miles. Fine with me since I'm clambering to keep hold of any fitness.

Today some of the shop kids and one Polish nut named Jan from the Willamette cycling team went up Mary's Peak - she be the tallest hill in the coastal range of Oregon don't ya know. He's in slightly better shape than me, so he played the rabbit to my hound whether he knew it or not. Spectacular ride despite the polar conditions at the summit.

Tale of Pops'and'Waters to come soon. For now I'm tanked; pedaling my bike 32 pounds with the heavy duty wheel set and the resistance of tacky 2.7 Maxxis Minions (great downhill, but a workout uphill - the goal) over 2000 feet took its toll. I'm feeling a bit deficient in fueling efficiency. Got one of these to help me out...

Had one of these too the other day, derned good and perhaps a good Gaelic name for a steel'd.

what the hell do you use your sink for?

2009-05-06T20:17:00.000-07:00

Defluxin' Jim's bike. Talked to shop owners and they're cool with me setting up a little work area in a corner of the basement. No need to commute 30 miles to Mill City, but first need a bit of my own equipment. Also, get to show my product at the shop, complete with build kits and sell. Sweet. A lot in the pipe, summoning patience is the first order of business.

the counselor hammers trans-iowa into submission

2009-05-03T20:04:00.000-07:00

Rewards reaped at last from the uncaring jaws of Iowa remoteness.
Pic stolen from Cornbread.

nice

2009-05-02T08:54:00.001-07:00

h1n1

2009-04-29T20:33:00.000-07:00

Rode to Dallas to trails. Had a nap on a log. Rode home. Ate. Drank...um, drinking brews. Horizontal on the couch. 50ish miles in the sack. No reason. Who needs a reason? Nice day. Trails were tacky. Let go of the brakes and flow. I guess those is reasons enough.

swine flu!

2009-04-27T21:11:00.000-07:00

SARS! WEST NILE! AVIAN FLU! OH MY!

Sometimes I wish I could backhand the media for their irresponsible sensationalizing and inciting hysteria. Unless you're an infant, infirmed, or have immunodeficiencies...stop it! It's just news, and bad news sells and they'll shove it down your throat until you're freaking out as well...bastards.

Rode my bike to Mill City today to work on the project. 75 miles, I'm pooped, but the jig is set up and ready for the mitering.

Nice little ride home and bypassed Highway 22, which I chose on the ride out this morning due to the direct route, but what a busy, wretched, shit strewn stretch of pavement.

WOOHOO!

And waiting for me when I arrived at the nest, my 80/20 extrusion for fork jig and other fun things.

suffering from a cycling allergy

2009-04-22T20:40:00.000-07:00

I don't know if other bike wrenches suffer from this, but after fussing with department store bikes and talking my mouth dry helping folks purchase all forms of cyclasms for 40hrs a week, the frequency with which I get out and ride is becoming less. Throw on top of that the fact that every moment of free time is soaked with thoughts of jig designs, parts searching, Jim's bike and other frame building nonsense and I get tired. Not unfulfilled, just tired. Want to run, enjoy the porch life, hike...generally any uncomplicated activity. Well, with Jim's bike design pretty well wrapped up and the only thing I need do now is put torch to brass I went out and unwound.

The ol beggar was deed mind, but oh ever such a smashing blue stripe.

"This is Mrs. Bencours, one of my patients. She thinks she's a sheep."

Hmmm.

A few hours riding without food and only one water bottle equals a low tank and a mind bent a little squirrelly.

BRING ON THE BOOSH!!!!!!!!

fin...finally

2009-04-18T12:21:00.000-07:00

Damned if I didn't get anxious and build it up next day. Probably not such a good idea, paint wasn't completely set, got a little squish around brake caliper bolts. Eh, experience will develop. Another bit of neat news. A guy came into the shop the other day and we got to talking. Apparently he used to work with Ben Serotta in the early days and did all the lug carving and prep. Toss on top the claim that he did all the lugs for the '84 Lemond, Vails Olympic team bikes and used to wear the cutouts on a chain around his neck. Well, sometimes you have to take things with a grain of salt, but I did ask him "So if I want some fancy carved lugs for my next build I can call you?" he says "absolutely, I'd love to get my hands on some files again". Well, might give that one a try. Can't beat some history like that going into a bike (if it proves to be true).

rothair

2009-04-15T20:38:00.000-07:00

One day I'll do an entire bike with Sharpie.

Last coat of clear tonight. Hopefully I'll get to put him back together tomorrow. Ah suck I forgot to take pictures of the fork, it got the same treatment, albeit with a bit more whimsy.

too many puppies

2009-04-14T06:57:00.001-07:00

Couldn't sleep last night, so around 3:30 I gave up. Spent the rest of the night sifting through Mcmaster Carr, Bosch and the like for bits and pieces to assemble some form of this:

And other such jiggery. Funny the stale sour bellied early hours seem ages ago now, but through them I've concocted a plan, a sinister extrusion that hangs heavy with me now, a plan to fixture up this house!

(nod to Alex for sending me forth onto unfamiliar enginerdery o' so many months ago, should finally pay dividends now - man they got everything)

bikecad

2009-04-12T10:57:00.000-07:00

Picked up BikCAD and a few remaining supplies, so now am ready to tackle the big build. I'm building a custom bike for a local para-racer Jim Henry. I've been coming up with ideas for his bikes over the past year and now have the opportunity to put them to use on a custom build. It will be fun and agonizing at the same time I'm sure, but working with my friend Chris ought to make things easier since I'll be able to bounce ideas off his experience. He's excited for me and this project and needless to say I am as well.

The offer still stands, as I posted a long time ago. More appropriate now that I have shop space, but I'll work for the price of materials for any friends who have ideas for a bike for themselves. Not a master frame builder as yet, so I can't charge like I am. A custom steel bike for around $200 (without paint) is a pretty good deal. Already have another and I've ideas of my own, so don't expect things quickly, but there's a will and desire nevertheless.

Met a Santiam Alumnus who is a mechanical designer and building his own full-sus prototypes and near production, nice guy and enthusiastic...could there be steel full-sus cross country bikes in the future?...hmmm...see how daydreams can quickly get out of hand and ahead of themselves.

collide a clause, unremitting can you cram

2009-04-08T18:56:00.000-07:00

PAINT!

A short trip down the street from the shop to the Art Department, led to this mischief. I decided to paint my 29er frame meselth. Was going to paint pen the whole thing with random doodles, but being a bit disappointed with the color selection stumbled then upon pin-striping tape...it all came back to me then. This idea was the original before I even went to UBI, so it only seemed fitting that it should happen this way. It's not the result of my dreams, but hell, it's my first paint job. Developing the proper tools will be the key now to getting the quality out of the brain storms this job stirred up.

I had considered the headache of trying to be really anal about the banding for a moment, but decided for an organic look. I stuck to a pattern, but didn't fuss too much with regularity.

On the beer front: Fooond this beaoootay at my friendly neighborhood grocery store. "They" really can't fit enough of those bundled blooms in a brew for me. 102 IBUs 4me, still not enough. I'll have to pick up another bottle. Num num num.

excerpt from the decision

2009-04-03T21:46:00.000-07:00

As Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes poignantly said, “It is revolting to have no better reason for a rule of law than that so it was laid down in the time of Henry IV. It is still more revolting if the grounds upon which it was laid down have vanished long since, and the rule simply persists from blind imitation of the past.” Oliver Wendell Holmes, Justice, Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, The Path of the Law, address dedicating new hall at Boston University School of Law (January 8, 1897), in 10 Harv. L. Rev. 457, 469 (1897). This concept is evident in our past cases.

In the first reported case of the Supreme Court of the Territory of Iowa, In re Ralph, 1 Morris 1 (Iowa 1839), we refused to treat a human being as property to enforce a contract for slavery and held our laws must extend equal protection to persons of all races and conditions. 1 Morris at 9. This decision was seventeen years before the United States Supreme Court infamously decided Dred Scott v. Sandford, 60 U.S. (19 How.) 393, 15 L. Ed. 691 (1856), which upheld the rights of a slave owner to treat a person as property. Similarly, in Clark v. Board of Directors, 24 Iowa 266 (1868), and Coger v. North West. Union Packet Co., 37 Iowa 145 (1873), we struck blows to the concept of segregation long before the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education, 347 U.S. 483, 74 S. Ct. 686, 98 L. Ed. 873 (1954).

Iowa was also the first state in the nation to admit a woman to the practice of law, doing so in 1869. Admission of Women to the Bar, 1 Chicago Law Times 76, 76 (1887). Her admission occurred three years before the United States Supreme Court affirmed the State of Illinois’ decision to deny women admission to the practice of law, see Bradwell v. 18 Illinois, 83 U.S. (16 Wall.) 130, 139, 21 L. Ed. 442, 445 (1873), and twentyfive years before the United States Supreme Court affirmed the refusal of the Commonwealth of Virginia to admit women into the practice of law, see Ex parte Lockwood, 154 U.S. 116, 118, 14 S. Ct. 1082, 1083, 38 L. Ed. 929, 930 (1894). In each of those instances, our state approached a fork in the road toward fulfillment of our constitution’s ideals and reaffirmed the “absolute equality of all” persons before the law as “the very foundation principle of our government.”4 See Coger, 37 Iowa at 153.

So, today, this court again faces an important issue that hinges on our definition of equal protection. This issue comes to us with the same importance as our landmark cases of the past. The same-sex-marriage debate waged in this case is part of a strong national dialogue5 centered on a fundamental, deep-seated, traditional institution that has excluded, by state action, a particular class of Iowans. This class of people asks a simple and direct question: How can a state premised on the constitutional principle of equal protection justify exclusion of a class of Iowans from civil marriage?

The rest here.

way to go iowa!

2009-04-03T07:35:00.000-07:00

Iowa high court strikes down same-sex marriage ban

peace train sounding louder...

hour without power

2009-03-30T21:47:00.000-07:00

In observance of the Earth Hour, Jess and I opened a bottle of Cycles Pinot Noir, lit some bees wax and positioned our flotillas. I don't really care for Battleship that much, but I won...YES! Then we decided to write a story, each adding once sentence. Here's the result (my contributions are in italics):

Dorothy leapt up from the table, dropping her grape jelly sandwich and dashing over the pitcher of lemonade.

"Egads!" she shrieked, "What was that?"

Something had smashed open the wooden screen door and was scrambling and rolling then across the floor towards her in a tumult of feathers and blood.

"Don't touch my fucking sandwich you beast!" Dorothy screamed as she cautiously bent over to pick up her grape jelly sandwich.

Just then, Jimmy strode proudly through the door holding axe in one hand and grinning at the feathered head in the other.

"Gimme that axe you silly boy," Dorothy snipped as she pulled the axe out of Jimmy's hand and began to approach the beast.

With one smooth stroke she brought the gleaming blade down and, with a mighty THWACK!, clove the bird in two mid-scamper.

"What a fucking bloody mess!" Dorothy yelled in a proper British accent.

"Way to go Sis," Jimmy exclaimed at her, quickly ending his entertainment, "I'm not going to clean that up."

Dorothy woke up, gasping, sweat dripping from her forehead.

"Honey, are you okay?" asked Iris sitting up in the bed next to her.

Dorothy looked up, expecting to see her loving Nana, but instead found herself gazing upon scaly black skin with yellow spots.

Remembering her place, she wiped the sleep from her eyes with pressed fists and looked over the stretching back of a giant lizard and the prehistoric land beyond.

The giant lizard looked familiar...was it...could it be?...it was! The giant lizard was her precious pet Uromastyx Gus...but how did he get so big when just yesterday she was cradling him in the palm of her hand?

Her brother Jimmy had warned her about feeding Gus after midnight, but could that have caused his exponential growth?

It may also have been due to the marshmallows, pizza and beer Jimmy had been sneaking Gus every evening since 2004.

Or perhaps it was the mutagen that had been spritzed over his greens by that bladed figure they call Shredder.

Dorothy turned on the television to see April in her hot little number, reporting the news!

Damned ADHD! What am I thinking? Back to reality and all that bat guano.

Cory snapped out of it and returned to his normal thoughts of porn...

All shapes and sizes of boobies swooped from the heavens; some winged, some suspended from balloons and some streaked across the sky on kites. Oooo! He screamed in reverent exultation at the pulchritude of boob...itude.

Sad...what boys think of...as Jess sat pondering the world and other such intellectual quandaries.

Then a small piece of spackle fell from an aged and brittle ceiling and pierced her expanding head, causing it to deflate and in its shadow another ice age began.

It continued degrading from there....and our hour without power turned into 3. It was a good night and when the wine ran out we still had home brew.

a-funting, a-thraking and a-wornapping

2009-03-26T17:09:00.000-07:00

No much a doin'. Had a Nearly Nasty Burrito washed down with a Calapooia Santiamber Wednesday afore hiking up Mary's Peak with my lady who's experiencing a bit of Spring break this week. Near the half way point of our little walk we found snow deepening and my urge to poo growing. Stupid bowels seem to know when I have no options. Didn't pack my normal tackle and the bean-gas from aforementioned burrito set a rather alarming pace to things. Started looking for handfuls of snow, but decided to push on to the top. What we found was a full on snow storm howling over her scalp. Thankfully, the door to the pit toilet on the peak was not blocked by the 5 foot drift surrounding the building, rather it was propped open and the remains of a campfire positioned prominently in the center of the floor. YES! Two whole rolls of semi-unmolested paper. One hitch in the plan was one toilet roll was covered in a mysterious yellow liquid and the other was riddled with bullet holes (typical rural Oregon), I chose the holy roll. After shedding a few moist wrappings of myself and said paper, all was well. Jess was cold and wet, but we made it home for brownies.

Shop space set up and ready. Building a custom frame for my friend Jim Henry who was a Paralympian (twice), one hell of a cyclist and guy. He is likely getting a fancy Shimano Di2 group por nada. He's got a friend who knows a guy on the inside looking for candidates just like Jim. He just needs a bike built for his needs. I got a set of tubes and a desire to build, so I'm doing it for free. Needless to say he's excited at the notion of finally having a bike that fits. I'm excited too, for the experience, the challenge and the fact that I know he'll sing my praises even if I do fall a bit short due to my naivete.

Gonna have to buy BikeCAD:

Not much else new. Same old, sputtering on. Eating, sleeping, drinking, working and occasionally cycling, hiking or running...but mainly working on being happy and loving life.

tracing black rocks

2009-03-12T21:11:00.000-07:00

Twas such a beautiful day, but I knew I wouldn't hear then end of it if I didn't make the trek up to Black Rock. To tell the truth I wanted to nest on the porch instead. However, with the new bike just sitting there...well, that wouldn't be fair to it either, so out we went...if only for a little while. Long enough to get dirty and get a geriatric amount of exercise. Well, the initial response from this bike...WOW! With the stout wheelset I have for freeriding and the subsequent big tacky tires pushing the bike over 30lbs I had my doubts about going uphill. I couldn't have been more surprised, the bike rode uphill like my Rush, feeling light and nimble, but still plush. And when I got to the top, extended the fork to the full 140mm, turned off both fork and shock platforms, and slammed the seat for the downhill, it was glued. It reminded me of the Scott Genius, but without the dangerously low BB, which caused me to bang pedals. With the frame and fork set for cross country and with the lighter wheelset I don't think it will disappoint. The bike felt stout but not heavy or a handful to maneuver. You point it and it goes, even uphill to my delight.

A few vids:

Funny thing, this above rock garden was attempted twice by our shop BMX gentleman Street John. He tapped the front brake on a rock, which caused the front wheel to slip out from under him, sending him over the bars and down the mountain off a few rather large rock ledges. He returned undeterred to repeat it, but successfully. He's an amazing rider on 20" wheels, brakeless. Even more astounding is how he's taken to mountain biking. He's been on a 26" bike a half dozen times maybe. He's the first guy in the next vid. He admits he likes to nose in when landing on his bmx, but gets a little foreign feedback when landing status quo on a full-sus.

american bike porn

2009-03-11T18:34:00.000-07:00

It's adjustable from 5.5" to 6" in the rear.

4" or 5.5" in the front via the flight dick control.

German enginerding, 143grams of big bearing, anodized candy (King's 1.5 is 250grams).

Very important to me. I think these days folks are beginning to see just how important it truly is. Support it or quit bitching.

Ooo, teaser.

There she is.

Ready to gobble trail. About 2 months ago I parted out the Diamondback Mission frame I had on loan (saving the burly wheelset) and sold the Cannondale Rush. I got the fork for this build a couple weeks back, and was just waiting on the frame to arrive. Screaming 6 year olds had nothing on me yesterday when I discovered the box sitting in the back door of the shop via the brown santa. With the parts from the Rush and new fork here it is complete, and tipping the scales at 28.5lbs (in this photo set with the 5.5" rear and 100mm front, squat). I think I could drop a 1.5 lbs, but it would take about a grand, so not tempting. Besides it's not a cross racer, just a cross dresser or, if you like, a swiss army knife. If I want to get serious about racing I'll build up a Cory-brand steel hardtail. And no, I didn't plan the color scheme, just sorta worked out that way (well, once the build started the red cables and white pedals were thrust my way by well intentioned co-workers - but the Eggbeaters will go back on for cross country, I'm not that "Northwest" yet). Perhaps I'll get it dirty tomorrow.

weak

2009-03-07T17:02:00.000-08:00

Felt like garbage and outdoors looked like garbage, but got shoved out the door anyway to deal with anxiousness. 45 miles in 2.5hrs...stupid (1700+ft of climbing though). Feel now like I could have brewed a cold. Maybe not, could all be due to the sugary doughnut that I washed down with a pot of coffee after a night of "sharing" a bottle of wine with my lady. Mild complaints to say the least. I got out, so that's a plus.

So the other day I munched up the hill to my house in the big ring, I noted a first, but after later thinking, I strode over to the bike and confirmed my suspicions: a compact crankset. It's amazing what three less teeth in the big ring feels like...like you can really get on top of the gears, I may have to upgrade, er, downgrade in the future. Plus, smaller cassette in the rear in addition to smaller rings up front could only mean a drop in weight as well.

shop space

2009-03-06T18:40:00.000-08:00

I met this fella named Chris about 2 weeks ago from Mill City. Today I finally drove out to visit. He has a fantastic shop and the ingenuity and experience to make good use of it. I brought my notes and info from the UBI class, but he had most of it already. His background is in fabrication, so to get to know his subject intimately is in his nature. Since I first spoke to him and, unbeknownst to me, gave him confidence to pursue building his own frame, he'd been making jigs and dyes for the project. He offered a small corner of the shop for me to set up and use for brazing. He's in his shop most everyday, being semi-retired, so when I've time I have a shop to work in. Can't beat that. All this is just a "pay it forward" from this 55 year old and all I have to do is bring my own crayons. He also offered to learn me a bit of his TIG skill (when I showed up he'd been dusting the cobwebs off of his skills - nicely welding .5 to .5 impressively); now that the class I took is over a year old I need all the practice I can get. Still, I'll help him out any way I can, because for me, a burgeoning good relationship can't be one sided to succeed. To top it off, he's got a wood burning stove and a Ralph (my favorite pal, gone years now) look a-like named Scout who doesn't bark, just "talks".

i hate roadies

2009-03-04T21:21:00.001-08:00

3 hours and 60 miles of fun in the sun, and spittle, and rain, and finally hail. Most of the ride was in good weather, though I could see the latter offenders lurking in the coastal range. It were a bit windy to top it off, but I think it relented a tad on my way in. Perhaps the bike with all its fancy carbon and gadgetry worked magic on me and made me a better rider. Ha! The muffin top nicely corseted underneath my jersey by the bib-shorts belies my need for fancy and light at the moment, but still...maybe the bike did do something for me. After all, I can't toss aside all that French thorough-inbreding so quickly, they sure feel like they know what they are about. In all fairness, I had a huge lunch, with cheesecake and coffee to finish with, so my tank was well topped off with caffeine, fat and sugar. Nonetheless, it is definitely a snappy bike and at 5lbs lighter than the Burley (she's just a shade over 21lbs) it only makes sense it would be more efficient. In comparison to the steel I ride it surely didn't feel as substantial, more likely it was fears of the rider throwing a leg over a 17lb bike that was cause for unnerving, seems too frail to hold up. It proved itself in the end however, the more I got used to it. The bike didn't seem mushy over bumps, it is light, but not at the cost of feeling whippy, nor did it sound dead hollow or fragile in response to thwacks from the pavement through its wheels like other monocoques I've heard. It was no nonsense prancing over the pavement. Noted, was the big ring up the hill to my apartment, never done that before. Is there one in my future? Dunno, but I don't plan to poo poo carbon just yet. Both carbon bikes I've had the privilege of testing, many years betwixt now (Synapse before, now Time's Edge Pulse - both Dura-Ace), were good experiences. If it happens it will be a long while.

Orchards and vineyards, never gets old.

Mmm, hops, er future home of.

In other news: went with me lady to some do for Law Review. Got all dolled up, a rarity for both of us, but me especially never. She even took me out to buy new clothes, more since I didn't have any posh rags. Here's a close up with me bunnet and lady. What ya don't see are my fancy Italian shoes, "a bargain at half the price", which is what I got em at.

a time has come

2009-03-03T20:31:00.000-08:00

Our KHS rep, and a Time rep as well, was good enough to bring me a sample. Tuesday was to be the day, but instead I traded a day with a coworker in need. However, weather permitting, tomorrow will be the blessed event - much looked forward to, especially since saddle time was limited to teasingly short commutes last night and today. Unless Zeus's femoral blood washes in biblical deluges from the edges of the sky tomorrow, I will ride the carbon beauty sitting in my living room. The color scheme rather conveniently matches the Mob kit and my helmet...a sign?

In other news: I'm growing impatient. Not in the whiney baby entitled sort of way, but in the childhood Christmas morning sort of way...or that earliest of dates in middle school when kissing a girl became a sure thing. Oh buddy, I'm excited and anxious, the Tracer is in the post, on the way, being packaged, on the truck, I don't know, but it's close and I keep feeling the tug to stop by the shop each day I don't work to see, if by some small chance it has arrived. Good to know the love of bikes isn't tarnished working in a shop for nearly a year.

Tell ya what has grown increasingly tarnished, if by some miracle it could get worse, is my hatred for department store bikes. Conversely, for some users of said bikes, my sympathy and appreciation for the life and death gravity that they hold in their anchored weight and unsafely spec'd hands, it has grown bounds. As it is for some folks, these bikes are all that is and ever was. A stark life meaning some of us rarely get the opportunity to understand.

Odd that those last two paragraphs should go together: one privileged, one not so, but the difference between only lie in the flip of two chance decisions. Shouldn't forget that. We're all closer to the bottom than we realize.

And...done.

and today...

2009-02-26T12:57:00.000-08:00

earlier this morning.

Gonna be tough to get out on the bike today...supposed to turn to rain, but as I look out the window now the sun is out and the sky is spotless. Mushy. Perhaps today will be for running.

The jury is in: part of my ailment be ADHD. After getting my tests back, it appears I am in the 95th percentile of dreamers; meaning 5 out 100 speak my language. No surprise that a couple of my oldest friends have it. Been easier to deal with myself since the notion entered my head.

Interesting thing during dream and reality late in the night, I was asleep, holding a tiny jack-rabbit the size of a grape in the palm of my hand, it kept leaping from my grasp and I would juggle to catch it. Inevitably it would land on the floor, sounding much like a small metal bearing. All the while a large prawn cuddled and sniffed at my neck. The cuddling caused a tickle in my dream, startling me awake to find my whole body shaking...the bed as well, seeming to emanate from my neck. I stood up to find no vibration in the floor, as I thought perhaps a neighbor's washing machine might be spinning away. I lay back down, felt my neck which was sore from the spasm and I put my hand on my chest, the vibration was there, but easing. I was hot...but when I awoke again with the alarm all was well and I felt very rested. Odd.

bucket full of blood

2009-02-25T18:39:00.000-08:00

Got out for a ride Saturday, about 3 1/2 hours. To my surprise we were riding east to intercept a road race in progress. Riding the race loop backwards we caught a half-asleep Evan Plews in a solo breakaway in the Cat 1-2 race that would hold out until the end, when he would win by over a minute. Returned home in good spirits, albeit a bit dry not getting through 1 bottle of water for the duration of the ride. Still, onward...

Today the penance resumes on my first day off since Saturday. A similar 3 1/2 hours and 60 miles of just riding, and tearing some of my former endurance back from the black claws of sofadom, bit by bit by pedal stroke. Amidst black and blue skies like swiss cheese showering unrelated weather through the holes, changing from one moment to the next - one raining, another shining, but winds forever howling mercilessly out of the west- I rode. I shouldn't say "penance", but my catholic upbringing and my nature seems to invite forms of flagellation, if truly not then the spirit is certainly governed in such ways. All that said, steaming up through the muck like the value of fertilizer amid acrid shit, I did enjoy myself. My normal solo road rides have become boring through their repetition: always south and to the west, south and to the west, back and to the left, back and to the left. We'll today I meandered, and in the spirit of the meander I just thought, "I'll go that way" and I went. Nary a horse nor pigmy goat of the local livestock population was left out of earshot of my asthma-induced "mucosian" repertoire as I encircled the anus of the great capitol county Marion. My gutteral singsong was heard in all the yokelvilles of surrounding valley. My legs now vibrate with that satisfaction of being beaten beyond their fitness, but will hopefully reemerge, with continual applications of similar bouts, stronger. And that's good news.

In other good news: Through chance meeting, and overly drawn out discussion exposing shared passions - boiling it down...I met a chap...an older fella who's nature is humble, the appropriateness of that trait being revealed gradually as I learn more about him and his industrious and creative nature which he speaks of quietly in a, well, humble manner. His background is in fabrication, making jigs, one-offs, and reproduction of machinery. He's got 30-some odd years of experience and is anxious to share. To go along, he's got a shop and has been making tools for his bike build - a 29er. To which end he bought one for the parts and to have a frame on which to ride to determine preferences and to take measurements. He's interested in scraping my brains for what little I know of bike building and/or bikes in general and to that end has coaxed me to visit. We'll see what happens, eh. Here's a link to his website: humblebees.com

a proper adventure outfit

2009-02-19T11:37:00.002-08:00

We got a visit from the Norco rep Monday, always a treat, and he produced a catalog from a Dutch company they import. Needless to say, I was interested. Apparently these guys have been building bikes like this for nearly 30 years, so not newbies hopping on the latest trend. I particularly like this one, because it reminds me of an early safety bicycle I once saw in an Adventure Cycling article. His name escapes me, but in the late 1800s this fella, a photographer, set off around the world on his bike and it was serialized in the outdoor journal of the time. He was last heard from in Persia somewhere and was never found. His bike, fully loaded was better than 100 pounds and needed teams of porters at times. Perhaps I'll pick one up for my journey across the US, if and when that happens.

back up in yo ass with the resurrection

2009-02-18T18:30:00.000-08:00

Got a call at the shop about a week back, "Hey man this is Evan. Have you ever done a 24hr race?"
"Yes," I replied, "my first ever mountain bike race."
"Do you have any advice? I'm going to go race 24hrs of Old Pueblo."
"Umm, well, I dunno. It was a while ago. Sorry."

After which, I started to dig for any info I might have. I was even tempted to research the race and give him my opinion. But who am I? Who does he think I am? I've spent long periods in the saddle, but my race resume is about as thin as they come. Evan Plews is a local pro endurance mountain bike racer and friend of the shop. He races for Scott USA, one of our lines. His loyalty to the shop is such that he limits himself to seek sponsorship from the products we carry. I think Santiam has helped him a lot over the years, so it speaks volumes for his character. Odd thing is, with the career that he's made for himself, he seems to still have to scrounge for sponsors and only gets comped by Scott for a couple races a year. All the rest come out of his pocket. So, Old Pueblo was his first 24hr race and he won, beating Tinker by a lap. He consistently gets on the podium with the elite, but is a down to earth, soft spoken guy. It would seem a no brainer for a company to pay this guy to race, if nothing else to see their bikes on the podiums with Eatough, Tinker and Tostado. I think this race had special meaning for him, being sponsored by Kona. I think they showed interest in him at one time late last year, but...sweet revenge.

Earlier this winter he asked me when we were going to go for a singlespeed ride, but I avoided it. He assured me not a hard breath would be taken before the new year. But what's easy spinning for him would be mind swimming, spittle ridden bar tugs for me. Knowing what I know about the guy I'd probably still be out in the hills somewhere trying to get home or trying to nurse from a badger. Perhaps if I transform the jelly that is me, back to a year ago I might hit him up for a ride. Maybe this Fall, when he's back to recovery. It would make me better for sure. Baby steps, my body seems to complain more as of late.

is portland, is not portland

2009-02-14T19:22:00.001-08:00

One of these days I'll need to speak on my feelings of that town. Or now perhaps. You know what really grinds my gears? Portland has a very unique and vibrant culture. But I can't help feel a mix of High School clicks and Hot Topic whenever exposed to the exclusive Portland cycling "sub-culture". Ride your bike and do it with your own style. If not, just save us a lot of headaches dealing with your superficiality and yourself a lot of time wondering who you are and just go straight to the mall. You know you want to hang out there anyway.

Throw in Showers Pass marketing themselves as a Portland business (read the fine print on the back of the tag and you'll begin to wonder about that premium price tag), and mistrust among the booming "scene"...everyone's out to make a buck is the bottom line eventually with every good thing. So goes my souring view of Chris King, simply due to their proximity to epicenter of this movement, not anything they're doing.