Has your uncle ever talked you into doing something that you have later wondered about?
Armed robbery? Some kind of illegal substance? Maybe going on the annual Bicycle Ride Across Nebraska? Yes! Mine too! So I will see you out on the highways and byways of our fairly husky Nebraska.
I don't think it will be as uncomfortable a jaunt as, say, a covered wagon. But it probably won't be quite as comfortable as cruising from Wyoming to Iowa would be on this mobile loveseat.
Or this extremely wide work pickup truck.
Ever thought of using something a little less bulky for your traffic monitoring activities Good Man?
Much like this pickup truck that has chosen to temporarily reside in an area not specifically designed for it, hundreds of us bicyclers will be flocking across the roads of Nebraska from June 3-9. Should be a fun time. What this means is that I will be unable to access the computer world wide bloggingville for quite some time. It will be tougher for me than you, I'm sure. I will try to be strong. Thank you for your indifference concern.
Here's all the stuff I've thrown onto the floor in preparation for packing up for the longish trip.
The only things I'm missing are my first aid kit and my camera's owner manual. So if I get some really gnarly road rash I won't be able to properly irrigate and dress my wounds, nor present to you a panoramic view of the carnage. Hmmm. I'm not sure which is worse. Actually I am sure that the woundedness is worse, but I have recently had a dream of taking a panoramic photo that I don't have to make panoramic by taping it together at slightly uneven sutures. Speaking of uneven sutures, I may just have to slap some Seam Grip on any wounds I or others nearby happen to incur. I think this might be the wounded cycling equivalent of using JB Weld to fix your exhaust manifold. Wish me luck, and I will be sure to give you a nauseatingly detailed recap of my ordeal adventure if when I return!
An astute friend of mine has informed me that our own ho-humble berg of Umoho (aka Omaha) has been elevated to the lofty status of #36 in Bicycling magazine's top 50 bicycling cities in the US list! Bravo Umohoans! We are moving on up! Last year we were #42 or #43 or so, which I think is still pretty good, since there are lots of cities in the US meeting Bicycling magazine's criteria of 100,000+ populations, geographically dispersed (i.e., not just every city with populations between 100,000 and whatever size San Francisco is in California). Based on the expository paragraph included in the list, Omaha seems to specialize primarily in recreational bicycling opportunities. Touche con accento, oh wise purveyors of bicycling information and news. Touchecon accento y itlaliacs tambien.
While #42 in 2011 wasn't bad for Omaha, the rest of our state hasn't done quite as well. Nebraska received a less than stellar #43 in the League of American Bicyclists bicycle-friendly states list. Well, that's not great. But many of us Nebraskiiers will not sit still for this type of rep. Approximately 600 of us will sit and pedal our spandex-clad asses across our beloved Cornplex in the upcoming event known as the Bicycle Ride Across Nebraska. I personally hope to spread serious amounts of goodwill and interest in bicycle-oriented actions by demonstrating that men in spandex are also willing to share their emotions with the sensitive people of small to medium sized towns of our prairie home. Yes, I am sure that many Nebraskans would like to have a good, heart to heart talk with a potentially inebriated man in spandex or a skirt about their feelings towards roads, transportation, families, pets and vegetable gardens. I am on my way, fellow Nebraskans! Meet me at your local watering hole. Or just pull over at the nearest BRAN rest stop. I'll be the one bitching about a lack of vegetarian options. Hell, we might even make #50 #41 by next year! Two wheels 2 power!
Quite a day for a venture out into the countryside, eh chaps and chappettes? Indeed. Indeed! We started off to the northwest where we were quickly embroiled in some teenage relationship-related sightings. First was a question, "Prom?" painted on the road. Then a further, longer-term query, "Will you be my girlfriend?" replete with some endearing artwork. You may take my word on these painted questions, but I was too busy trying to keep up with the carelessly powerfully-pedaling Rich to take any photos. Then we came across a partially folded, weathered adult magazine on the side of the road. Could this be related to the questions boldly inscribed across our country thoroughfare? If so, I am guessing the answer to these two questions was a double "no." Better luck next time.
As we continued our carefree meandering through the tranquil countryside, we came across a party readying to disembark upon a pleasant voyage upon the Elkhorn River.
By this time we were parched, and fortunately we came across the hamlet of Waterloo, which was hosting a motorized bicycling event.
We refilled our bottles, ate some light provisions before ambling about for a quick look-see of the environs.
This seemed like a good destination for a future outing, Rich and I agreed heartily. We smiled about amiably, I, like a doltish squire, he, like a confident country earl. Must this damned serfdom linger in my blood eternally!? "Forsooth, nay!?" says I, confusedly.
On our return trip, we happened upon a sheltered glade within the quiet settlement of Elk City, where I became inexplicably fascinated with this building.
Rich informed me that it was an old school, which would be an invigorating renovation project for some entrepreneurial soul. Hmmm. Pain in the arse, methinks.
After returning to my home, I quickly retired to my computing machine to check on the results of the Giro d'Italia. It appears that the Giro is over, and the winner was a Canadian bicyclist known as Ryder Hesjedal. I don't know what his real name is, but that's a pretty cool bicycling name. I am informed that he is the first Canadian to win a Grand Tour. I guess Svein Tuft's victory at the 2007 U.S. Open Cycling Championships was not a precursor of impending grandness.
Damn. I was so sure about you, Svein. Maybe you should've made up a cool-ass bicycling name.
Hey booty shakers. And the rest. My booty hasn't been too active lately, as I've experienced a preview of what is likely to come after being inducted into the 4-0 years old club. Sometimes I person can get to feeling like this Corsica looks.
That car makes me feel a little better about how the Old Bastard's held up these past 20 years. As can happen at times like this, I have been experiencing minor joint pain and shortages of essential minerals. I have been trying to take it easy and eat lots of shellfish, so I should be fine (or maybe nauseous) shortly. And to top it off, I got pooped on by a bird today.
Pretty good shot, bird butt. Pretty gooot. But as they say incessantly around these parts, "It's better to be shit on by a bird than shit out by a bear." (Pronounced "baaar!" with excited fear). I have noticed that bird poop tends to be very purple this time of year. Much like these succulent mulberries,
Just the succulent ones are purple
which I devoured with the clumsy eagerness of a hungry baaar! After being shit on, I stopped at the grocery store to purchase some beer. I told the cashier that my wife says it's good luck to be shit on by a bird, but that I suspected she was just trying to make people feel better. The cashier responded that, "No, it's not good luck. It happens to my sister all the time. It's just dumb luck."
So now that I am home in my comfortable home, let's see what's going on via the safety of the miracle we refer to as the "world-wide web." I don't think I need to check the standings to state that J. "el Punto" Rodriguez Oliver is still obnoxiously leading the Giro d'Italia. Showy Spaniard. Whew. That foray into professional cycling news has got me winded just thinking about the speeds, distances, etc.
Lots of people bicycling around these days. Possibly getting ready for a 3 to 4-day weekend. Bastards. I hope a baarr bird poops on them! Good luck! And don't forget to eat your shellfish and mulberries!
Here is a story about a man who loves his 33 lb, steel frame, single-speed bicycle so much that he wanted to take it to the top of Everest. I can definitely relate to this man, because I love the Old Bastard so much that I occasionally hose him off. Take that, you heavy bastard! The only way OB's getting to the top of any high peaks is if he gets melted down and turned into 12 ice axes with which I will equip our scout troupe for the expedition. It makes a person wonder, though. What makes any of us tick?
It depends on a variety of factors, I suppose. One of the things that causes me to twitch tick is getting out for some traveling. This often involves roads, bicycles, some tunes, and motorized vehicles. Yep. Summer and many of us will be out on some type of road ride/trip. Here is a song about being on the road.
You know who had a pretty good road trip, in the form of winning the time trial at the Tour de California? USian cyclist, David Zabriskie! Yep. He is also the man who started a group known as "Yield to Life." They promote cycling awareness. DZ's got a personal interest in this cause as he's been hit by vehicles while bicycling 3 times. If you donate to the organization might even send you some sweet Y2L socks! Cha-ching!
If you are riding a bicycle on the road, please be aware that a dog may bark at you. Possibly even give chase and attempt some unwanted biting. You can't be too careful. Especially this week, as I have been informed that it is "National Dog Bite Prevention Week."
If you are driving a vehicle on the road, you might also want to look out for dogs and bicycles and especially bicycles being chased by dogs because neither is likely to be thinking rationally. Get your ragin' road trip on safely travelers! Whoo!
Have you ever had a dream that you didn't know you had come true? I hadn't either until I heard the gospel of the high-fat diet, during the recent Wear Yellow Ride. This good news was delivered to me by the unassuming, powerfully pedaling, genial gadfly whom I shall refer to as "Roy", lest he be mobbed by curious would-be disciples in search of more information about this glorious revelation. Similar to the Adkin's diet, this diet teaches that carbs are generally evil and that steak, eggs, and macadamia nuts are the building blocks of a strong-burning, bicycle-propelling engine that won't bonk. Although I am in no condition to undertake a diet of any sort (mentally, that is), if I were to try one, this one seems pretty good. Roy and his wife "Gloria" have been on this type of diet for 12 years now and they love it! He recommended the book Good Calories, Bad Calories for further information. Roy and Gloria will also be participating in the upcoming BRAN adventure, which Roy described as "a hoot," and so I look forward to hearing more about this heretical theory of nutrition during the upcoming sojourn across the flattish lands.
The Wear Yellow Ride was a good one, although the wind was quite forcefully present. The bicyclists were amiable. The route featured a fair variety of roads. Busy ones, peaceful ones, smooth ones, hilly ones and churchy ones.
The classic church/cemetary/country road combo. Bikes with that?
I found myself riding in a group that was somewhat slower than my preferred pace on a climby section with iffy shoulders and so I made a push ahead so that I could ride along without having to pass other bicyclers to make my way in the world.
Sweet freedom! I made it home with some tired legs and a yellow t-shirt. And a few bike photos.
This Salsa Fargo looks like a pretty comfy long rider.
I received my BRAN informational kit in the mail yesterday. There is a booklet with route profiles and local places of potential interest, coupons, etc. I think it looks pretty good and I will let you know more after I give it a more thorough perusal. Speaking of perusing, I have recently been perusing the Independent Fabrication website, which features a number of sweet-ass, domestically produced, hand-made bicycles at fairly reasonable prices. I also discovered that a local bicycle shop, Bike Masters, apparently can facilitate a purchase of an IF bicycle if one were so inclined. I will try to find out some more about this and get right back to you, IF you are interested.
What else is going on around these parts these days? Well, take a look at some signage and maybe you'll find something fun! Karate cheerleading.
Politics. Music.
Here is an upcoming bicycling event that looks to be somewhat physically/logistically challenging.
So chew on some fat and chew the fat with some fellow bicyclers sometime and you may find yourself full of enlightment! Or something.
BS
Whoa! What the heck has been happening!? It's May, that's what! Mulberries starting to ripen.
I call this piece "Cigarette and Mulberries on Cracked Pavement."
Crazy bicycling stuff everywhich way and in between! I have been bicycling about more than usual, although I didn't ride my bicycle to work today (although I did make it to the old clog repair shop to cobble away the day) even though it was apparently Bike to Work Day. Here are some of the highlights from a recent crosstown excursion that I took to enjoy some camaraderie and atmosphere at the Brazenhead Pub and Restaurant. The band was the Dicey Rileys, and they played with poise and aplomb. One of my favorites was "The Banks of the Papio."
Have you ever noticed that sometimes things remind you of other things? Here is a photo.
"Turkey on Plywood"
What does it look like to you? If you answered along the lines of a striped or ridge-backed, long-necked animal of some sort, than I am thinking like you. Pretty weird, eh? Howzabout this one.
Yes! A buried R2-D2 and upside down C3-PO leg! Kind of like the horror of Cloud City, re-revisited! The horror in high definition is so highly horrific! Arrggh!
Some peoples make a living by making things that resemble other things. We call these peoples wizards. Or artificers. Or was it artists? Something like that. Here is a neat concrete bridge support that was painted up to look like a subway!
"Subway Painting on Keystone Trail"
Pretty cool, eh? I love me some community-based art. Murals, too. Happy times, indeed. Let's all get artistic!
What kind of bicycling have you been up to these days? Yes. I am going to participate in a bicycle ride called the "Wear Yellow Ride" tomorrow. In fact, I should probably be resting up for it right now, but I'm just too damn excited! I went on it last year, and had a great time, but I got a flat and missed out on the post-ride revelry. Luckily the pancake man still made me some cakes, so I didn't have to have a temper tantrum. That was close. Hopefully this time I'll get back in time for some socializing to go along with my hotcakes. What name do you prefer for your flapjacks? I love me some 'cakes. Cakes and community art.
And camping. I set up a tent in my basement last night in anticipation of doin' some camping.
Where will I be camping? you may be asking yourself? No? Well, I will tell you anyway. I will be camping during my participation in the annual Bicycle Ride Across Nebraska on June 3-9. Maybe some other places too. Maybe I'll try my hand at some community art. And eat alot of griddlecakes.
I went to visit the friendly folks at The Bike Way today. They do bike fittings that seem to be popular. I got plenty of friendly help. And they even gave me a free bike box to pack Shifty in for our trip out to Minatare, Nebraska where we will begin our return trip back here to Homaha for BRAN. Last time I got me a bike box, I paid like $20 for it in Seattle. And that was 1991!? What the f@#k!? Homaha, you're alright by me. Let's eat cakes! And throw in some mulberries. What? No mulberries. That's alright. Here, I've got some in my jersey pockets. Mmmmmmm.
It is now that time of year for many of us bicyclers to gear up for some type of "bicycle social." These events are also known as "charity rides." I'm going on one next Saturday called the "Wear Yellow Ride" and it starts at 7:00 a.m. at the Strategic Air Command (SAC) museum! That is great, but now I will have to come up with a plan on how to spend the rest of my day. I'm sure the ingredients will include beer and couch. Here are some other options:
Invite me over to your house to watch the Giro d'Italia and/or Tour de California.
Plant some zucchini and/or cucumbers
Attend an ice cream social and/or pizza party
I have high hopes that the top fund raiser will be launched with a glider attached to his bicycle over towards the Platte River with some type of helmet camera and some sweet tunes on an MP-3 player.
I hope that my list was helpful, but I'm guessing otherwise. Do you know what is helpful? Developing a keen awareness of one's surroundings while enjoying your local multi-use trail. I can spot these suburban animals out on the prowl because we are one and the same. We live in a world where each second is crucial. We are aware of smells, vehicles, other suburban mildlife, the exact time when that cool keyboard solo starts on our walkmen MP-43 player, and even very loud sights and noises. I was thankful that I was wearing yellow, and a very loud version of it, at that, today. A girl in a car said, "I like your shirt." Her delivery was such that it was either a serious comment or a notably non-sarcastic-sounding form of sarcasm. These are the things that I will remember for days to come. Communication. Relating. to. other. lifeforms (as Cap'n Kirk would say).
But enough about the mild kingdom. What have you been up to lately? That's nice. I am getting ready for some lengthy enjoyment of BRAN June 3-9. Yes it is the End of the World Tour, and I am gradually getting myself amped up for this excursion. Here is the map. If you are signed up for it then you can count on some crazy nights out on the small town. Probably some sun, wind and bike talk, too. I am looking forward to finding out more details shortly. Are you taking the bus? Me too! It'll be like going to bicycle camp! Ding ding!
Speaking of bells, I think I should order another couple of them for the various bicycles around here. Maybe a chain, too. Nothing like a bell and chain to put one in one's place (out on the open road, that is!). Ride free, you animals! Okay, now let's go home. Shwew!
Bicycles continue to be in the news here in Omaha. There was an editorial in the local newspaper that referred to a "battle" between cars and bicycles for the roads of our fair to middling city. Although I believe that pretty much any press is good press, I will also partake in the grand tradition of arguing about bicycles and things bicycle-related. Yes, controversy and bicycles go together like birds and bees. On the other hand, bicycles battle cars like birds battle wind turbines. That is, bicyclists generally try to avoid being hit by motorists, in the same way that birds don't intend to fly into huge blades unnaturally perched atop their lofty perches. I may be overly sensitive to the use of the word "battle" since by nature I avoid any type of conflict in the same way that birds avoid being petted by excited toddlers and/or slapped around by wind turbines. I also try to avoid adrenaline and any form of agression while bicycle commuting. I have recently been made aware that there is a new motion picture featuring bicycling called Premium Rush. The title alone makes me nervous.
If I ever make a video of my bicycle commuting I plan to christen it "No Rush." I am also in no rush to make a video of my bicycle commuting since it is even less exciting to think about making a video of my commute than it is to actually commute. And that's how I like it. Uneventful. I did read a book about bicycle messengers in Chicago, but the printed word isn't quite as visceral as these popular "moving picture shows." The book was called The Immortal Class, and it was pretty good. I took a nice walk in the park after reading it, and fell asleep right away when I got home.
I was out for a stroll when I encountered the inimitable JR. He seemed to be a bit weary of the media attention, but he did grant my request for a quick photo op, with the understanding that the photo wouldn't be published nationally.
No danger in that JR. JR has been banned from piloting 4-wheeled crafts of locomotion, and has recently upgraded from a 2-wheeler to a 3-wheeler. Pretty classy vehicle there JR. Let's roll! Onwards towards battle! With the help of the trikes we shall emerge victorious!
As a break from my usual anti-useful, seldom coherent ramblings, I have concocted (albeit quite hastily) a table based on my measurements of most of the fairly local multi use trails as depicted upon the Activate Omaha trail map. This is also a big departure from my usual love of lists. Let's see how this goes.
Trail
Mileage (approximate)
Keystone/Bellevue Loop (combined)
27
Big Papio
9
West Papio (Halleck Park section/south)
5.5
West Papio (Huntington Park section/north)
6.5
Omaha Riverfront (north section)
7.5
Omaha Riverfront (south section)
4.7
144th Street
5.5
Highway 50 (to Springfield)
5
Zorinsky Lake
6.5
Chalco Hill/Wehrspahn Lake
6
Walnut Creek Lake (and associated trails)
4.5
Happy Hollow
2.5
Adams Park
2
Sorenson Parkway
1.3
Field Club
2
Standing Bear Lake
4.5
Ralston Trail
2
Not too bad. I forgot to measure the Big Papio, but I can tell you that it's big. (BS note - there, I had to go upstairs to get that map back. I hope you appreciate it! ) So I guess that makes about 102 miles. Suck on that wikipedia!
Now that that's out of the way, I've got a serious series of questions for you: Do you like bicycles? Fashion? An excuse to get out of work early on Friday? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then here is an event that you might enjoy. Yes, it is actually a bicycle fashion show! This Friday! (Just noticed I was a week off on this, it apparently occurred today (18/5/2012)! I am anticipating a call soon to model my unforgettable yellow jersey (I know you've tried, but you can't, can you?!).
I am actually predicting clothes that don't really look like bicycle-oriented clothes, I may actually have to show up just to find out!
Glad we got this all out on the table. Bon jus, sil vous plais!
Are you occasionally annoyed by the things around you? Do you feel restricted in your movements? If you answered "yes" to both of these questions, then there is a chance that you are part of something we call "society." It is kind of hard to explain, but it's basically everything humans put together when they live in groups. Society has its pros and cons. Pros are really good at things. Cons can seem nice but are often dangerous. Other people figure into society. Some of us are different from others of us in some ways. As a society, we determine what is important and what isn't.
Society also has scapegoats and people that are generally disliked and/or ignored. If you are angry or annoyed about something then perhaps you should find a scapegoat. Some people have scapegoats that drive large vehicles. We call these types of goats "truckers." Some people prefer to transform parents into scapegoats, generally a billyscapegoat and a nannyscapegoat, but sometimes its 2 of the same type of goat. Other people occasionally choose unobtrusive, yet often brightly colored, sweaty, glistening beings called "bicycle propellers" or, more commonly, "bicyclists." Lawyers. Grrrr. The possibilities are numerous. My scapegoat, now that George W. has mountain biked off into the sunset, is Justin Beiber.
If you need a scapegoat, I might suggest a guy named Bob Mionske, author of Bicycling and the Law. A bicycle-riding ambulance chaser! GRRRR! Even typing that sentence has irritated me. It is actually a book full of good anecdotes and historic legal interactions between bicycles and motor vehicles.
Having a scapegoat can be fun, much like having a real goat. A real goat might butt your foot when you hold your foot out towards it! How fun is that!? They can also keep your lawn short so that you never have to mow! And I can't help but smile after I yell, "Damn you Beiber!" If you don't want to leave your home to find one, maybe you can always order an e-scapegoat from the comfort (and hopefully ergonomically designed) computing area! Mmmmahhh, Mmmaahahaha (goatish laughter) ! Sometimes scapegoating can become sad and dangerous, however. Here is an example of a concerted effort to stop what might be considered by some to be a form of scapegoating.
If Clint Eastwood catches you abusing an elder, you will be receiving a bottle of whoop-ass that is aged to perfection. If you cut down a tree, you may have to deal with the wrath of the Lorax and/or Lorsaw. And if you run down a bicyclist with a motorized vehicle you may have to deal with some type of law, possibly, depending on what part of the world you are in. So there! Here is a recent tragedy that will result in uncertain consequences. Martin Cordes was tragically injured by a motorist in North Platte, Nebraska. He is the man who has given Nebraska cyclists some legal, albeit somewhat vaguely defined, protection from motorists. We all owe him a debt of gratitude.
Bicycle riders in various parts of the world have been banding together in solidarity to gain some recognition for the plight of the self-propelled 2-wheelers. On July 19, we Nebraska bicyclers will soon have a law on the books that requires a 3-foot minimum passing distance. Before the passing law was passed, I didn't really think the law would be a big deal as far as my day-to-day bicycling was concerned. But I do actually more than just a passing increase in my sense of security while bicycling since the bill was passed.
Sometimes motorists become annoyed with bicyclists and yell things at them. One motorist offered some unintelligible advice to me on my way home yesterday. I think it ended with "star" or "car." Maybe, "You ain't no motherfreaking star!" (due to my bright yellow shirt?) or "Get yourself a freaking car!"? I'm really not sure. Please feel free to clarify via e-mail.
As frustrating as bicycle/motorist interaction can be, I hope that we can all try to keep some cool heads on our sweaty shoulders. At least an irritated motorist yelling at me acknowledges an awareness that I am on the road. The most dangerous situations are obviously the ones in which we don't see each other! Look at me! I'm the sweaty star of my own ongoing show! Of course the only one generally paying any attention is me, and hopefully all the motorists in the vicinity! Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, BS
And that means cool breezes for motorists. And a likelihood of sweaty body parts to go along with the breeze (if you're moving quickly enough) for bicyclers. I bicycled my sweaty ass (aka the Old Bastard) and my hairy buttocks over to Westside High School Warrior-land to meet up with some other bicyclists for a convoy over to the much anticipated Heyday on May Day event.
It is always nice to meet some fellow bicyclists, and this group was quite garrulous and cheery. Our fearless leader Chris guided us surely towards our destination. Kirk was the oddball on some kind of high end road bicycle, but he obligingly brought up the rear in a safety-oriented jersey. Nine of us set out and eventually arrived at 25th and Harney, where we beheld a good-sized group of citizens engaged in a hubbub of activities.
Although I didn't catch much of the presentation, city representatives spoke about the Transportation Master Plan and fielded questions from the audience.
A pedestrian voiced concerns about a lack of perambulation-friendly pavement near the Old Mill area and Oakview Mall. When the presentationing wound down I made it over to this upscale food bus (Bomb Digs)
where I purchased an "Eric Tostrada" that was as tasty as it's name was cutesy. Other items on the menu included "Flauta Control" and "Porchetta Sandwich." While I was eating, a talkative fellow named Troy engaged me in a wide-ranging conversation about addiction, cancer, music and bicycles. After some digesting I bid farewell to Troy, and got up to check out some of the many booths set up for participants.
I filled out 2 surveys and had one filled out for me, hopefully based on my verbal responses. I rated things from 1 to 5 and from 5 to 1. I filled in a blank for 6 (snowplowing). The sense of self-importance bordered on dizzying (or maybe I was a tad dehydrated). I met Carlos Morales, our city's intrepid Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator. He was affable, informative, and even supplied me with one of his business cards and invited me to contact him with any questions/concerns! I am pretty stoked about this, and I intend to eventually provide him with some intelligible (if not intelligent) questions concerning multi-use paths, traffic and other daily concerns. I even got in a handshake and introduced myself before he was accosted by another attendee.
Next stop was a booth featuring some funky nutcase helmets with slick graphics. This booth was manned by the owner of Ferguson Cycles (2602 Leavenworth), the gregarious Mr. George Ferguson himself!
Whhaa?! Another bike shop!? Give me that baby!?
I was impressed/baffled by the fledgling presence of yet another bicycle shop here in a city who's bike shop population has increased by 33-100 percent in the last 5 years (yeah, I know it's a pretty wide range, but I don't feel like calculating, especially since I haven't yet figured up the total number of miles in our bicycle-oriented paved trails in the metropolitan area. I'll be sure to get back to you with some numbers shortly after I get our legislators' cupcakes in the mail). Hopefully you will all thrive, since I love me a good bike shop, mmmm-hmmmm! The well-spoken Ferguson explained that his shop featured classically-styled bicycles from a few boutique brands, a select few refurbished used bikes, and that he would even refurbish your bicycle if you really want him to (preferably over the winter, and obviously an expensive and time-consuming undertaking). If I strike it rich by my newfound interest in the stock market, then perhaps I will get the Old Bastard restored to newish condition (could you please take some thickness off the inside of those tubes to lighten him up a bit, govna?).
The folks at omahabydesign seemed a little hesitant to acknowledge my presence, possibly due to my shockingly prominent nipples and my brightly-dyed jersey (did I match those adjectives and nouns up correctly? Well, I guess it works either way...) I filled out their survey too, but the questions were pretty tough. I don't think I studied enough for that one.
Two musicians who normally specialize in electronic instruments played an acoustic set that was peppy and yet thoughtful. They seemed to play mostly instrumental originals. I didn't catch a name for this duo, but I would suggest "Catbird." Ron Burgundy and this flutist could compete in a Crossroads-like flute showdown at our next big bicycle rally.
Speaking of large bicycle rallies, I stopped by the MS Bike booth, where I learned that the MS ride this year occurs in September (8&9, I believe). I hope to be present for this enjoyable annual event at a cooler time of year than normal. This year the ride is likely to start and end both days at Bellevue University.
After a nice chat with Chris (my former leader and temporary mentor), who supplied me with some unsolicited directions, I was off into the cool evening streets for some crepuscular cycling. I had some good times, and even rode past the delicious-smelling Kellogg's plant on F Street (highly recommended for its low traffic flow, too).
Hercules and Xena cycles! Aiiieeiii-aaiieee-aiiieeee-aaiieee-aiiieee!
