before sunrise

an early start under a waning moon
quiet roadway solitude
birds just starting to wake
lights still ablaze
the normal workday routine

country road cruising

country road cruising
Originally uploaded by fxdwhl

.
not a bad way to head home
.

today's agenda

1. work
2. leave early
3. take the long way home

so sleepy

so sleepy
Originally uploaded by fxdwhl

abbey cat moved in last weekend
she's adjusting very well
sweet and perpetually shedding too
did i mention she's quite vocal

just a quick spin

just a quick spin
Originally uploaded by fxdwhl

weekend mileage has to get serious soon

last night

last night
Originally uploaded by fxdwhl

there was no bitter rain
there was no stinging sleet
there was no accumulating snow
it was just a pleasant ride to work
for being the first week of spring
it sure hasn't felt like it

three dollar drafts

a new routine
for wednesday nights
after rock climbing
has been found.

before another round of rain and snow

before another round of rain and snow
Originally uploaded by fxdwhl

drying out

the rain sure did fall this morning.
head down and cocked to the side
to hide my eyes from wind drven rain
kind of morning.
dry clothes never felt so good.

three changes

three changes
Originally uploaded by fxdwhl

.
1. fatter tires
2. slightly lower handlebars
3. a silent front cantilever brake

that number 3 is a vast improvement
.

||||

you cut into the park
an old asphalt road no longer open to traffic
around the gate
pass an oblivious runner
at speed unweighting the wheels over potholes
turn onto the gravel trail
it's loose and drifting ensues
relax
into the field
gravel ends abruptly
replaced by standing water and mud
wheels sink in over the rims
on the gas pushing the pedals
keep those rpm's up
steady cadence keeps the slick tires from slipping
hit dryer ground and surge ahead
gaining speed for the next bog
...
these little sections of dirt
make the commute all the more interesting

it rained today

it rained today
Originally uploaded by fxdwhl

out in the wind

out in the wind
Originally uploaded by fxdwhl

can you follow the two rules of membership?

so i sold the surly pacer today.
the buyer asks if i know of tarik?
why of course i answer.
do you want a pin he asks?
sure, i'll take one.
did you buy them from tarik?
no, kent peterson.
oh yeah, i saw he was selling them.
it's a small world of bike blog nerds i say.

and just like that i became a member.
maybe you should join too.

now with the ability to coast

for the first time
in about seven years
the crosscheck is set up
with a freewheel and rear brake
cuurently thinking ahead to ctc
done it fixed twice before
but not again
time to give coasting a chance

seventeen teeth

seventeen teeth
Originally uploaded by fxdwhl

all stripped down

guess my roadie days are over
the pacer is soon bound for craigslist
one speeds from here on out
(edit: SOLD)

enjoying the sun

enjoying the sun
Originally uploaded by fxdwhl

a black ice morning

certainly can't stand up
sitting is only marginally better
climbing and descending
treated with caution
an off camber road is noticeable
cold front passing thru
gusty crosswinds don't help
temps right at freezing
listen to your tires
the hiss of water
the silence of ice
note the difference

a sunday

five hours at work


wrenching in the garage


playing in the rain

a sign of spring

a steady stream of birds
numbering in the thousands
flying overhead
during the ride home last night.

how i spent my lunch break