cleaning out the camera

baby with a full belly


digging in dirt


blooming chives


hardy mint that survived the winter


morning glory thicket


the boys


little small but the right price


egg shaped rings

Bike to Work

Today's the official day according to the League of American Bicyclists. I'm sure Hallmark will make a card one of these years as they're fans of made up holidays. I did my part and road even though the weather is less then ideal. Wind vest for the first mile till the skies opened and then the rain jacket was called up for duty. In all honesty though, I didn't have a choice in the matter as my cars in the shop for inspection. Taking away the 'crutch' helped by putting my mind as ease as I was able to skip the mental debate of drive/ride and wondering how uncomfortable I could get in the wet 50's. It wasn't bad at all as the sauna effect of the jacket kept me plenty warm even with exposed knees.

Every now and again I get the idea of selling my car and being a one vehicle household but the fact that the Civics paid for and low maintenance keeps it parked out front of our house. Getting to work wouldn't be a problem except for a few days in winter but the occasional mt bike trips/races on the weekend would leave the Mrs. stranded at home with the peanut while I'm out frolicking on my bike. I'm sure we could make it work though. The cars a decade old and going strong so most likely this decision won't need to be made till it starts showing its age though the idea of ditching it is tempting.

I've been called a glutton for punishment before so forcing myself to commute everyday regardless of weather is right up my alley. And I didn't rack up over 1,600 miles so far this year commuting to work if I didn't enjoy it. It gets addicting in a way.



And if you havn't found your way to the Yehuda Moon comic I highly reccomend it.

Crush the Commonwealth 2008

Philadelphia to Pittsburgh as quick as you can on Bike Route 'S'.
Going off this Friday, 5am, from the Liberty Bell in Philly.
400 miles of hills, farmland, back roads, and rail trail.


Yours truly from last years cold, rainy start. Hobo touring at its finest.

2006 was Philly to the Burgh - made it in about 60 hours; 42x17 fixed.
2007 was the Burgh to Philly - made it in about 48 hours; 42x18 fixed.
2008 - sitting this one out.
2009 - if it happens I'll be rolling with gears to see what's possible.

Last year's ride report here, here, and here.

I'm guessing the 48 hour record will fall though I'm not sure by how much. We pushed like hell last year riding straight through the second night. It's easy to look back and second guess your decisions but unless you're there at the moment speculation isn't worth a shit. Whoever breaks 48 will do their fare share of suffering for sure.

Randoneuring, fast touring, racing - call it what you will, it's a good time all the same. All 'serious' cyclists should tour at least once in their life to experience the freedom of self propulsion with all the gear you need to survive. Just like commuting, it makes the bike a tool rather then just a toy. Utility = fun.

Good luck everyone! Hope the wind and weather are favorable!

playing with the camera on a tuesday night

have trailer, need patience

she needs to do a bit of growing before we roll as is.

gotta look into accessories for the wee ones.

car seat idea is no good as the opening is too narrow.

fine piece of equipment though.  Chariot Carrier makes nice stuff.

Mommy's Day

angela retired the vegan preggars blog and started up a new one.

she's kinda busy but intends on typing more in the future.

Saints and Sinners

I climbed a mountain and found Jesus.  I followed a river and found a man shitting.

Interesting bookends for todays spin up and around on Mt Penn.  Between the rocks and trees I figured Friday's rain wouldn't faze the trails and I was right.  Left the house under heavy skies though the sun fully broke through on the return leg.  Usual ride through the city arriving at the gated fireroad within 20 minutes.



Up I went fighting sluggish legs and poor nutrition from the previous two days. Rear tire slipped now and again leaving me hovered in a trackstand as the upward grunt got tougher. The steeper fixed gearing while handy pointing down hurts going up. Hop off and hoof some steeps then back on cleaning the climb up to Skyline Drive. Enter Jesus. Or more likely one of his fans. Baby blue robe, full beard, bible in hand, contemplative yet crazed look in his eye, standing by the model airplane field. No picture as I wasn't sure how he'd take to me digitally capturing his likeness. After silently passing by I looked back to see him heading down the same trail as me. Kept the motor reved putting distance between me and a sermon.

No real agenda to todays ride though after a bit of MTBR chatter on the PA boards I heard of new trails cut in areas I though I knew. Pieced together a route connecting new, old, and fairly familiar. Problem was a bunch of these are one directional and geared towards the freeride crowd. Did the best I could though uphill flow is hard to find. Couple of good rock hops keeping the feet off the ground but jumps and gaps called for walking. Rolled on in search for more.





Found a couple of new to me connectors and some work in progress that shows promise twisting tightly through the trees. Couple of out and back searching missions, rolled some familiar fun, and then pointed for home. Back towards the fire tower and down the ridge trail paralleling Skyline drive. Cleaned the whole thing keeping the pedals out of danger and my person off the rocks; the moments of fixed doubt fade after sections like this. Didn't see Jesus as I passed the air fields again and backtracked back down to pavement.



Caught a good draft off of homie on a phone for a while but he turned off leaving me to fight the wind solo. I solidered on crossing the Schuylkill but turning off following the Thun Rail Trail for a bit of variety. Closer to home and cutting though Angelica Park I see a bike parked ahead on a seldom used trail. As I approach shitting dude is barely off the trail and cleaning up but still has his pants over his knees and soiled cloth in hand. Busted and he knew it. Happened too quick to assault him with a witty remark. Home a couple of minutes later and recounting my tales to Angela of his holiness and the shitter. Interesting views from the saddle today.

The Eighth of May in the year of our Lord Two Thousand and Eight

Today was her due date.
She was a bit impatient.
Sleep has been good the last few nights.
Don't want to jinx it but getting up refreshed is nice.
Getting a little pudgy since she loves to nurse.
Visited my work yesterday and won everyone over.
Cute
As
Hell.

Portaging

Looking into getting something to strap the peanut into for cyclorific adventures.



Chariot Carrier Cougar 1 on sale at REI. Little cheaper then a Burley, like the looks better too. That rear trunk compartment will come in handy for farmers market runs. Single seater since we're certainly not having another one any time soon. 20" wheels and a bit of suspension to keep the jostling to a minimum. They also make some accessories for wee little ones but I'm thinking strapping the car seat in there might be just as easy. Gotta keep it mild for a while but would still like to get her out there enjoying a ride.

Gonna be a good American and keep the economy rolling by spending our extra tax return on this rather then 'waste' it by paying down debt. Not that we have much at all (house, one car payment, credit card only used for online purchases) but the fact that theres worry about the money being saved or spent on monthly expenses is pretty fucked up. It's a shame that living within your means makes you the odd man out these days. I'm sure halting the gas tax for the summer will make all things better though. The world we live in is based on cheap oil, period; 18 cents per gallon means nothing. This whole idea is just catering to the 'freedom fries' crowd of dimwits who unknowingly vote themselves further into hardship.

With Angela staying home with Evey and me riding into work it's been 2+ weeks since either car has been fueled. We didn't set ourselves up for failure by living far from work or shopping out in the 'country' of subdivisions. Bitching about your self imposed hardship is quite ironic.

On a related note of self sufficient propulsion, I've been thinking about picking up a new bag for commuting. The one shoulder holding all the weight mess bag scenario gets old. The porteur rack on the crosscheck is handy for heavy loads but the ease of grabbing a bag a going is tough to beat. That and the Pacer has my attention currently so a bag is called for.



Chrome Ranchero looks pretty nice. 1480 cu in of cargo and waterproof lining for rainy commutes. They also make a roll top bag similar to a dry-bag that perks the attention but might be more then whats really needed. I'm a sucker for bags.

returning to the routine

the little stinker must have known today was my first day back after two weeks of paternal leave. all day sunday she slept waking momentarily to nurse and get her diaper changed; other then that she was out cold. nighttime rolls around and i'm heading off to bed too late as usual. angela finishes up what we hope is the last booby session before sleep and the peanut falls asleep in her lap after getting her fill. angela moves to her the co-sleeper right next to our bed and she starts stirring before beginning her impression of a dying cat. this little girls got lungs.

i nod of from 11:30 to about 1 when the nurse to sleep routine stops working. back and forth between the sleeper and angela's lap and we're both fading fast. 1 to 4 is a blur of angela leaving the room with her, then me leaving the room, then both of us in her room where she finally but fitfully dozes off in my arms while angela is refueling with cereal in anticipation of seeing the sunrise. cautiously i place her back in the sleeper where she lets out a few more grunts/whimpers but thankfully she doesn't wake.

angela's snoring before me as i see the clock hit 4:30. 30 minutes later and i'm lunging out of bed slamming my clock to save the ladies from the sonic barrage of the alarm. reset for 5:30 and pass out as my head hits the pillow. damn that was quick, up again but for good this time. light filters through the blinds and it's looking like a nice day. stick with the plan to ride into work and suit up accordingly.

npr, espresso, cereal, wool, sidis, mess bag, helmet, go.

the pacer knows the way to work as we follow the usual route and take in the new look of spring with brightening skies. blinkies cautiously flash as passing traffic has a new meaning to me and alertness isn't left on autopilot. no issues, nice ride, warming sun.

desk is still the cluttered mess i unknowingly left with past ripe fruit waiting my return. thankfully my coffee mug is empty and not teaming with new life. post it notes of work to be done are out of date and marginally jar my memory. bit of catch up but no fires to put out which is for the best as my mind is still thinking of home. anxious to see the peanut tonight...