Get a Grip on Your Galactic Mule

August 22, 2017

Dear Fellow Thespians,

Greetings from the midwestern stage.  Here the mushrooms have taken center stage as evidenced by these photos I snapped this eve.

Old Bastard for scale

But I and many others did not need our powerful fungal allies to wage a war upon the day to day grind as we bravely set out some mobile lawn furniture, drank some beers, and watched a glowing ball of some sort being batted around near the stage most nobly occupied by Galactic and Gov’t Mule last Friday (8/18/17) at Sumtur Amphitheater.  

This show was the best show I have witnessed, possibly EVER!  Galactic knows how to keep a funky, flowing groove.  They also find some great musicians to tour with.  This tour featured Shamarr Allen on some kind of electronically enhanced cornet a Blackhawk pocket trumpet and the lovely Erica Falls on vocals.  Warren Haynes of G Mule was personable and low key, with evocative vocals and fiery solo-power.  G M played some refreshingly straight ahead power rock, but also included a Bob Marley cover (Lively Up Yourself) mixed and or mashed up with some other rock groove instrumental.  Other memorable numbers from Mule included Rocking Horse, Painted Silver Light, Mule, and the Allman’s Soulshine,  Although Badly Drawn Boy and/or Regina Spektor remains my favorite artist on recordings, Mule is now my favorite live show.  I don’t really consider myself a fan of jam bands, but Mule didn’t overjam things up and they always rocked.  I think the fact that there were only 4 of them helped.

Before this show, I wasn’t very familiar with either band.  I had only heard them due to the fantastic 1998 H.O.R.D.E. CD I may have previously mentioned. 

I also recently saw one Stephen Earle play at an indoor venue.  The sound was subpar and too loud for this too old guy and I didn't really like the set list, grouch, grump, etc.  I may try to focus my concert going energy to the outdoor variety from this time forth.

I also made it down to Indian Cave State Park where I saw a few bicyclers and most parts, with the minor exception of the cloud-obscured totality, of a solar eclipse.  

Now that I am back in civilization, I am happily screen-gazing and typing away.  Have I mentioned anything about bikes yet?  No!?  While let me fix that!

My wrists have been sore lately.  Not since high school have I felt this ache.  After doing some deep visual thinking, I self-diagnosed myself with improper bicycle handlebar angle gripping on my new WYR.  I had it too erect for too long.  Why didn't you tell me!?  

Wasn't it obvious?

So I drank a nice glass of wine, lowered my angle to one that is compatible with the natural position of a straight and stable hand/wrist position, and popped a few glucosomine-condroiton pills to relax and restore my wrists to their natural supple spryness.  Ahhhhhhh.

Tomorrow is the exciting membership drive event for ModeShift Omaha!  

I heard that the Corporate Cycling Challenge was as awesome as usual.

So let’s all keep those wrists loose and ride into the beautiful, sun-adorned future!

Hold on loosely, but don’t let go!

Warmest handshakes and hearty regards from your true BSO.

Circle of the Tacos

July 22, 2017

Good eventide to you, feckless sojourner.  How are you and your friends, families, bicycles, etc.?  What?  How nice/dare they!  Please send a post card to elucidate at your earliest convenience.  

One unusual event that I experienced recently was going out on the Thursday night taco ride this past week.  This was the second time I went this year, but it was the #1 best taco ride of the year so far!  My friend Jim Bob was in town.  He was looking sleek and speedy, so I hopped aboard my fairly sleek and speedy new road bike that I won, fair and square, from the wonderful folks at Wear Yellow Nebraska.  I have recently made a few additional minor adjustments to the WYR bike - flipping the stem for a bit higher handlebar, and tilting the handlebar back towards me for a higher grip when I grab the bull by the middle part of the horns.  I also added a well-worn, comfy ol' saddle.  

So we hopped aboard our speedy steeds 

and sped off towards Margie-ville.  We speedily arrived.  As has happened a few times previously, I did not have a bottle opener of any sort, so I had to pop the cap off using a handy metal post, which did not work perfectly, but did allow me to drink my delicious and fulfilling beer with no noticeable glass shards or slivers.  

JB and I made it all the way to Tobey Jack’s place for some tacos and a pitcher of Fat Tire.  There was also a real live musician who introduced himself as Mike By-the-way.  

He also plays in a band called Cirkle of Fifths, which may have one or more members from the infamous band called the Circle of Jerks.  Mike was great.  He did some loops, hot solos, Bob Marley, and Neil Young.  Great stuff Mike!  Thanks for cycling with me Jim Bob.  Hope to see you again real soon.

August 5, 2017

Well what is new with you?  Yes.  Yes!  I know!  Here are some things that I’ve been experiencing that are quite similar to what you have been doing:  

I had to do some actual work the other day.  It was hot and muggy so I bought and quickly guzzled 2 bottles of Powerade (they were 2 for the price of 1 and I was thirsty!).  I felt a kind of semi-caffeinated buzz the rest of the day as well as a heightened sense of memory and self-satisfaction with my guitar playing.  I was temporarily very enthusiastic about getting a few gigs as a folk singer.  It might have been all the high fructose corn syrup or the medium-chain triglycerides, or maybe just a kind of natural high from working outside during the day, but it was kind of exciting and a bit scary.

Also, my Wear Yellow Ride has been transporting me faithfully to and from my day job.  It’s kind of fun because it is fast and quick around the corners.  Although these are things I mistrust due to the fact that I think my slow predictability helps drivers see me and react appropriately, I find it hard to resist their persistent seductiveness.  

It's been worn in a bit and feels a bit less strange.  

I know it's hard to tell due to my inept photography, but the sticker/ WYR lettering's now a bit jumbled.

It is also now great weather for mountain bicycling.  Maybe I'll get Shifty out for some trail riding soon.  Here are some fun things coming up -  

1. Mode Shift Omaha is great and they are now accepting memberships to get some funds and get even more shit done (August 23).
2. The Corporate Cycling Challenge is also rapidly approaching (August 20).
3. One of those Pint-a-gon rides would be great, if you can find the time (August 19).

If you do all 3 I will applaud your audacity and, if you send me a self-addressed stamped envelope and signed proof of your attendance, make/send you a neat cap or shirt, but not both.

Best wishes to you and your mother.  Keep the circle of faith.

Your faithishly circular servant,

BSO