Life Bikin'

Friday Afternoon Grab Bag

2009-12-11T14:22:00.000-06:00

I’ll have what he’s having.

Math explained, finally.

Ride On.

Today’s Topic – Cleaning The Bilge

2009-12-10T05:55:00.001-06:00

Winter is clean up time. Cleaning up the bikes that won’t get ridden much over the winter months and also cleaning up the blog thing. I think I’ve got some dead links in the blog roll and also some blogs listed that you can still get to, but there’s no posting going on. It’s time to fix that. No one wants to click to a dead link or a blog that doesn’t get posted to.

Tuesday night, blizzard and all, I made my way to Augustana Junior College for that crazy MinusCar fellow's, in conjunction with the Sioux Falls Green Project, showing of the movie “No Impact Man.” See the trailer HERE.

Fifty (50) others braved the weather as well. It was quite a though provoking movie. If you get a chance, I recommend it.

Lastly, the Cross Check has undergone a bit of a transformation. I put a rack on the back, had Mary bars with a taller stem put on the front, and am about to put the studded tyres on as well. Oh, I took the clipless pedals off and put some platforms on, too. I’m now winter ready. Pictures likely next week.

Ride On.

Today’s Topic – Editorial Cartoon

2009-12-09T05:55:00.002-06:00

If you remember, last week FAST (Falls Area SingleTrack) coupled with our local Parks and Recreation Department to present our game plan for a unused City park. A handful of neighborhood dwellers were not in support.

Fortunately, Briman was in attendance. Using his super-duper cartooning skilz, he created this gem:

If this doesn’t hit the nail on it’s proverbial head, nothing does.

Ride On.

Today’s Topic – Weekend Update

2009-12-07T05:55:00.002-06:00

It seems wherever I went this past weekend I ran into someone who wanted to talk singletrack. The buzz is buzzing and it’s a good thing. Based on conversations with rollers and others I’m cautiously optimistic our singletrack project is going to happen.

During a break in the weekend action I was browsing through some bikey blogs. The fellas over at Kenwood Racing Ink were serving up some good times via the following YouTube video:

This past weekend also got me to thinking about winter bike builds. A single speed dirt bomber sure would be nice. I was perusing around the internets and settled on some components that would build up a Surly 1 x 1 very nicely. It’s looking like a nice January project.

In other noise, that crazy MinusCar fellow is showing a movie this coming Tuesday night.

It’s free and open to the public. Attendance is highly recommended.

Ride On.

In Case You Were Wondering

2009-12-06T05:55:00.000-06:00

Ride On.

Friday Afternoon Grab Bag

2009-12-04T14:22:00.000-06:00

Lego Matrix.

Pretty cool Halloween costume.

Ride On.

Today’s Topic – Groaners, And SingleTrack Etc.

2009-12-04T05:55:00.000-06:00

OK, here they come:

The PGA announced today Tiger Woods was been named "Playa" of the Year

A Woods spokesperson responded to the honor by indicating Woods is considering a name change. In keeping with the large cat family:

Instead of being "Tiger" he is now considering a name change to "Chee-tah" or perhaps "Lie-n"

---------------

Question: What's the difference between an SUV and a golf ball?

Answer: Tiger Woods can successfully drive a golf ball over 300 yards!

OK, enough of that.

This past Wednesday evening we had the neighborhood meeting for the singletrack project we’ve been working on. The room was packed. The old fogies of the neighborhood were not amused. They don’t want anything to ever happen in “their” park ever. Cripes, they were even opposed to the neighborhood garden that’s been there for years!

If you’re from my neck of the woods, or, are here sometimes and would like some singletrack to ride, please shoot me an email. The address is on my profile page. I have an easy way you could lend a hand.

Anyway, back to the meeting….There were many in attendance that were very much for the project. I appreciated the comment by the somewhat older realtor lady, who lives in the affected neighborhood, who was tickled that something was going to be done with the park and her property value was likely to go up because of it.

This is not a done deal yet. Rollers need to step up and be counted. We need those interested in such a venue to say so. The more who speak in favor, the more likely we’ll get this bird off the ground. As aforementioned, if you’re for it, from here or visit here often (enough), shoot me an email. Your help could make all the difference.

Ride On.

Make Sure You're Sober When You Watch This

2009-12-03T19:44:00.001-06:00

Ride On.

Today's Topic - Spendy Gift Ideas

2009-12-01T05:55:00.001-06:00

Not sure what to get the bikey type in your life for this x-mus season? Fear not! Just click HERE.

Ride On.

Friday Afternoon Grab Bag

2009-11-27T14:22:00.000-06:00

X-mas robots.

Good night, Keith Moon.

Ride On.

Today's Topic - Holiday Food

2009-11-25T05:55:00.002-06:00

So, certain holidays are upon us and other are coming up. Each has specific foods associated and some have overlapper foods. For example, pumpkin pie. Do you really know where pumpkin pie comes from? You might be surprised.

Not what you expected is it? Just keep this visual in your mind when old Aunt Sara asks you if you'd like pumpkin pie for desert tomorrow.

Happy frickin' Thanksgiving.

Ride On.

Today’s Topic – No Baby, But, Singletrack

2009-11-24T05:55:00.002-06:00

I am somewhat happy to report that I’ve not pissed gravel yet. I am optimistic I won’t. It seems, or it is my hope and / or opinion, kidney stone Buck has dissolved, exiting under the radar. I’m continuing to hydrate well consuming at least one (1) gallon of water, in the form of water or coffee, per day. Beer is a bonus.

This past weekend we had a singletrack announcement meeting. We are very nearly all systems go. At the meeting that crazy Minuscar fellow gave a history of our involvement with the park and the City and touched on websites. I gave an update of our pending club formation, IMBA affiliation, corporation formation, and the related.

I also talked about trail building. It looks like we’ll have an expert trail builder here on the kick off date next spring. He’ll review my layout and design and also conduct a trail building school for the volunteers. This is a great development.

Messing with the trail layout, forming a corporation, filing for non-profit status are all things that will keep me engaged over the next winter months. I’m thankful for that. If I have nothing to do, I get bored and anxious. We can’t have that.

So, the day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday to some of you, I’ll be tromping around the park taking notes, making squiggly lines on a map, and enjoying this nice fall weather. If you’re in my neck of the woods, having nothing to do that day, and are in need of some park tromping, shoot me an email and we can meet up.

Lastly, our City has put up a page on the official website about the singletrack project. You can see it HERE. Please note, the links found on that page are somewhat representative of the final trail layout. Final design / layout will likely resemble what you see. Those visuals are a fair representation of our intentions only.

Ride On.

Friday Afternoon Grab Bag

2009-11-20T14:22:00.000-06:00

Frogger, train style.

Creepy bubbles.

Ride On.

Today's Topic - Sad Truth

2009-11-18T05:55:00.000-06:00

Why anyone would want to spend a large portion of their paycheck to own something that begins depreciating the moment you buy it, costs lots to run, costs lots to insure, indirectly causes deterioration of health, contributes to planet melt, and causes stress is beyond me.

Ride On.

Today’s Topic – Nope, Not Yet

2009-11-16T17:05:00.000-06:00

I have not pissed gravel yet so Buck has not shown up. I did a follow up visit with the doctor on Friday, though. It was productive in the fact that she gave me an increased dosage and quantity of Vicodin.

I have found, that after taking one (1) of these, waiting the requisite amount of time, and then consuming a glass of red wine, makes time feel like if you took a 45 RPM vinyl record and suddenly switched the turntable to 33 RPM. Things really, really slow down.

Aside from that, I’m really not in any pain. So, I’m working on singletrack stuff. There are a few things left to hammer out before the meeting on Friday, the meeting with the Parks and Recs the following week, and the neighborhood meeting the week after that. There’s never a dull moment. Unless I want one (1). In which case I can always take a Vicodin and drink some red wine.

Looking ahead to singletrack stuff and actually having some to ride on, I’m thinking of building up a single speed mountain bike over the winter. I gots to has one (1)! Yeah, I’m thinking Surly 1 x 1. I’ll build up some wheels and then get the rest of the parts, etc. and put it together.

It’s not even winter yet and I can’t wait for spring. Geesh, this could be a long season, regardless of how severe or not it really is. The cooler mornings have different riders scrambling for different things. Some have now dusted off their trainers. I have got my full wool on. I don’t mind the cold. I layer up and ride.

Ride On.

Friday Afternoon Grab Bag

2009-11-13T14:22:00.000-06:00

Moments.

Killers on the roam.

Ride On.

Today’s Topic – In The E.R. Stoned

2009-11-12T05:55:00.005-06:00

So, there I was, finishing my lunch yesterday, when suddenly I started to feel a pain. The pain was in my lower left side of my back. It slowly increased to the point I could barely stand or walk. I started to get hot and dizzy. It was time for an emergency room visit.

A co-worker hauled my ass to the hospital. I was admitted and the two (2) nurses took turns trying to get an I.V. going. Once that was going the drugs started flowing. One (1) dose of something and the pain reduced quite a bit. One (1) dose of morphine and life was very, very good.

I was wheeled into a room where they scanned my CAT. Back to the original room I went. The doctor came in and announced I was going to give birth, through my pecker, to a three millimeter (3 mm) kidney stone. Nice.

I was given a prescription for some pain pills and sent on my way with instructions to drink lots of fluids. So, I am. So far, I’ve not given birth to the stone. Oh boy, I can hardly wait. When it gets here, I think I’ll name it Buck.

Ride On.

Today’s Topic – Getting There

2009-11-10T05:55:00.001-06:00

The City Parks and Recs types met with the City Parks and Recs Board and suggested letting FAST build some singletrack in a City Park would be a good thing. The Board agreed. Now comes Neighbourhood Meeting Time.

It’s good policy to hold neighbourhood meetings if something is going to change or potentially affect people is some way. So, FAST (Falls Area SingleTrack) will be holding a neighbourhood meeting in conjunction with the City.

A presentation has been prepared. Visual aids have been prepared. We’re damn prepared!

I don’t think there will be digging yet this year. But, if things stay on track, there will be digging as soon as the ground will allow it next year. Time to get those trail locations nailed down a bit more.

First (1st) we had “Bike Friendly City” status and now it looks like we’ll be getting some singletrack within City limits. It’s been a good year for biking in my fair city.

Ride On.

Friday Afternoon Grab Bag

2009-11-06T14:22:00.001-06:00

Glub glub.

A Reason to Bike from Brighter Planet on Vimeo.

Typical SUV driver

Ride On.

Words To Live By

2009-11-06T05:55:00.001-06:00

And, everyone needs one of THESE.

Ride On.

Today’s Topic – Restaurant Reviews And DIY Medical

2009-11-04T05:55:00.000-06:00

This past weekend I had the opportunity to go to two (2) fairly new eating establishments in my fair city. I offer my bike related review of each.

On Saturday I was able to check out Jacky’s. Jacky’s is a Mexican food joint. They do have Mexican Coke. I THINK Mexican Coke is made with cane sugar instead of corn syrup, but don’t quote me on that one (1). It did taste good. The menu has a nice variety. The establishment doesn’t have too much in the ways of ambiance, but the food was very good. It is on a bike friendly street. Final verdict – Jacky’s is recommended.

The second (2nd) establishment I had the opportunity to check out was Senor Weiner. This is a hotdog joint. It offers dogs, polish sausages, and brats. Other choices include buns and toppings. The base price was two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) and the “special” toppings were an extra fifty cents ($0.50) each. Toppings included cheeses, chilies, onions, peppers, and other crap. There was not nearly enough seating in this place due to City regulations. It was pretty plain-Jane. This place fits exactly the “you get what you pay for” cliché. You don’t pay much and you don’t get much. The food didn’t taste that good, it was slow and therefore not hot, and there’s not enough seating. It’s on forty-worst (41st) St and not in a particularly good biking spot, though you can get there if you try. Final verdict – Senor Weiner is not recommended.

In other noise, I’ve had some shoulder area pain lately. It hurts when I bend my arm in a certain way. Through conversations and research I have self diagnosed myself with either a slight rotator cuff tear or tendonitis in that area. The funny thing is I don’t remember a specific incident that caused the problem. Weird.

I have decided I’m going to ice it periodically to reduce inflammation. I’m also going to mind what I do such that I’ll try not to aggravate the injury. I’ll do this for the month of November. In the month of December I’m going to do some rotator cuff specific strengthening exercises. My hope is I can fix this thing without needing real medical attention. Worst case is it doesn’t get better and I’ll go in to have it looked at.

It’s not a full blown tear or separation. At least I’m pretty sure of this. It only hurts when I move my arm in a particular way. This is my do-it-yourself diagnosis and treatment plan. The thought of being told I need to wear a sling, or worse, have surgery and be out of commission for upwards of one (1) year, is pretty unbearable to me. I’m not ignoring the problem, I’m doing what I’ve researched to fix it.

Hey, it’s my body and I’ll do what I want to with it. Most doctors I’ve visited don’t “get it” and I’d rather not consult them unless absolutely necessary.

Ride On.

I Wonder If This Is Any Good

2009-11-02T05:55:00.000-06:00

I was wandering around the internets when I came upon this movie trailer. I think I'd like to see the whole movie.

Ride On.

Friday Afternoon Grab Bag

2009-10-30T14:22:00.000-05:00

High five fiesta.

Social unrest.

Yellow Cake from Nick Cross on Vimeo.

Ride On.

Today’s Topic – Waiting

2009-10-30T05:55:00.000-05:00

With fall here, and apparently the monsoon season, I find myself already wishing for spring. Yeah, of course I still ride to work and back everyday. But still, bike camping has ground to a halt and next year’s travel plans have got me wishing – already.

I’m eye-balling the Fruita Fat Tire Festival in April. This is six (6) months away! What’s a roller to do? I plan to do at least part of the Tour de Kota. But that’s in June. Roam 2010 – Faces to the Falls is at then end of July.

I suppose I’ll do some winter maintenance on the fleet. I might even grow the fleet by a (1) bike or two (2). We’ll see. Winter’s the time for such things. After all, there’s not much else going on.

Ride On.

Today’s Topic – Movie Thing

2009-10-27T05:55:00.000-05:00

I think this is how it must be in every independent bike shop. Right?

Ride On.