Get pumped for Octobre de futbol!

October 5, 2019

Hello again!  What is happening in your neck o’ the woods? Here in the OMA, I am on my own at the homestead with a delightful seasonal beer and a mildly celebratory mood.  

The Huskers managed a hard-fought victory against the respectable Wildcats of the Northwest in a sport we refer to here as el futbol de Estados Unidos y Canada Solamente.  As you may be reminded of by my pobre espanol con tilda, it is Hispanic Heritage month, and also Breast Cancer Awareness month, among others.  So I am hoping there are many notable and/or enjoyable things you are currently experiencing too.

One thing I noticed the other day was that something looked different on my usual commute.  

Well, it’s been a bit soggy around here lately. I also think this area may have been over-irrigated, resulting in shallow, weak roots.  

I also decided to treat my trusty old winter bicycling jacket with some unidentified, but possibly PFC-free, chemicals.  

Ye trusty olde jacket is an Illuminite jacket that is so damn good that I am wondering why they made it so good because I may never have to buy another one because it’s so damn tough!  In other product-related news, I am sorry to say that the Bontrager Flare-R I obtained a while back (fall 2017) did not completely hold up over the past couple of years of regular use. It still works, but it will only work on the flashiest of its 5 or 6 modes.  That is fine with me, since that’s the one that I use the most, but I am guessing there might be some other users out there who have different (i.e., higher) standards than I.  

I have recently noticed that ye Olde Bastarde is having a few extra quirks.  For example, even after replacing the drive train there’s an occasional chain skip.  Although I am sure it’s some problem that I introduced myself whilst replacing the components, I can’t help but think that maybe an awesome, sweet, new, affordable single-speed bicycle with plenty of clearance for some sturdy, reliable tyres might be pretty fricking great.  But, on the other hand, me and OB have some pretty deep roots that keep us up and get us around obstacles on the trail.  Maybe I’ll just order a bigger chain ring next time to keep the chain further away from the crank splines to minimize resistance. When it comes to old bikes, in my experience there’s usually a solution, although it isn’t always easy and frequently a bit humbling.  But life and el futbol de Estados Unidos y Canada Solamente, amongst other sports, can be that way too, right!?  

Buenos noches y Octobre (con upsidowno exclamaciones marco)!

-El BSO (& el Bastarde con accentes)

Tranquilly dreaming the dirty dream

October 1, 2016

Hello, and welcome to October.  It started a few hours ago.  It feels nice, eh?  I have decided that I shall purchase a new rear taillight.  My decision was made easier by the fact that I had some sweet commuter checks to spend.  I went to the only local bike shop that accepts the commuter checks.  They had this light that I like quite a bit so far (oops, didn't read this review first, looks like it may not flare so well in wet, wintery conditions, but maybe my fenders will protect them...).  I also have to finish complaining about my Serfas triangle light – although it's a great light for its short battery life, my new, expensive batteries didn’t last any longer than the first, pre-purchase-installed batteries.  I have heard that I should buy my next batteries in bulk, on-line.  I may do so, but I will be looking for a better, rechargeable helmet taillight soon, commuter checks in hand!

Many bicyclers seem to be out and about, enjoying the nice, non-sweaty bicycling temperatures.  The camaraderie is intoxicating.  Speaking of intoxicating camaraderie, the B is for Bikes musical/performance event is coming up next weekend.  Although I was considering my usual participation, I did not beat the bell to class, as is my won't (i.e., they got all the 111 participants they needed before I submitted my resume avec accentes, SCREEEECHHHH!!).

 

October 11, 2016

Like birds migrating, so, too, are the days of our lives.  B is for Bikes is over, and they are allegedly putting together a grand video representation of this event.  Hear ye, hear ye!  The bold Nebraska has triumphed in this year’s National Bike Challenge.  Congratulations!  If you are like me, you are likely wanking with joy just recalling the gradually fading pleasure of our collective accomplishment.  Suck it Wisconsin!  Also, Lincoln has made it on to the storied Bicycling magazine's list of the 50 greatest bicycling cities in the US of A.  #44, high-caliber bicycling, folks!

Well, it is now one of my favorite times of year to bicycle because I don’t really have to sweat much.  I intend to get some quality mountainous bicycle-style riding in soon.  I feel this will allow me to keep what is left of my “edge”/wedge.  This is an important, if perhaps illusory, mental construct for me.  It is easy to be lulled into a sense of routine and complacency whilst pleasantly gallivanting back and forth to one’s place of work at the adhesive ratings institute; however, constant vigilance is our great goal and responsibility if we are to bicycle safely and happily hither and yon.  

https://www.quora.com/What-does-constant-vigilance-mean

To this end, I like to get out and test my reflexes by nervously jerking the handybar this-a-way and that-a-way and hitting/crashing off some sweet jumps.  Hopefully I’ll be able to make it out to Omaha’s crown jewel of mountain/dirt-bicycling (fanfare exclaiming) – Tranquility Park!

So here’s to tranquilly dreaming!  Let’s hit the dirt!  Paydirt, that is!  Suck it Wisconsin!