Independently Muggy and Restless

July 2, 2020

Sincerest salutations from the summery midwestern part of US.

I hope that you are doing well.  It seems like a lot of people are getting outside to public lakes and other public recreational venues to enjoy the summery weather.  Possibly also because there aren’t as many options as there used to be for summer fun.  

Snot Jr. and I had a nice time out on our inflatable 2-person kayak, Floatie, on Zorinsky Lake a weekend or so ago.  We went over to the west side where we saw a couple of basking reptiles but did not get quite close enough for a good photo

and got away from some of the grumpy fishermen in a 16-foot Lund (or similar) who were being territorial near the aqua underpass (i.e., bridge?).  I have no idea where I might have gotten this complex/neurosis, but I tend to bristle just a bit when someone in a larger, motorized vehicle comments on the legality of the actions of someone in a smaller, human-powered vehicle. If I don’t physically bump into your ridiculous-for-the-midwest aqua-vehicle or have a stereo cranked with my sweet paddling playlist, then I don’t feel your commentary is warranted.  Well, I guess maybe many of us are more irritable than usual these days.  This place is like a tinderbox and a lot of people are setting off some fireworks and/or smoking something.  

In the meantime, I have been riding my bicycle at slightly different times than usual.  I noticed a few things that I might not have noticed during my former usual bicycling schedule.  Here is a communal swallow colony nesting site under the overpass I frequently ride under.  

I’d never even noticed them over there before!

Also, here’s some commentary about the weather we’ve been experiencing lately.

And the mulberries are plentiful and delicious and there weren’t any other foragers out there to compete with.  

Yum!

Well, the headset fix on ye Olde Bastarde lasted quite awhile (approximately 12.5 months), but now the upper adjustable cup is cracked and the grease is kind of oozing out.  

So I will see if I can track down a replacement part.  It looks like Universal Cycle has a $12 (+$6.50) threaded headset that might work. If that doesn’t work, I think my next option may be getting new headset cups pressed into place, which involves using a couple tools that I do not have (a headset cup remover and a headset cup press). So I guess I might just take that down to ye olde bike shop and politely request that they take care of it.  

Here is an exciting story about a Harvard University ornithology professor who is bicycling across the U.S. and who is also acting as a kind of diplomat/spokesperson for the Black Lives Matter movement.  He appears to be riding a Surley (possibly a Long Haul Trucker?) and you can even follow his journey on his Twitter account:  @ScottVEdwards1

Awesome! 

Well, that bring us to the close of this edition of BSO.  Wishing you and your friend(s) a happy Independence Day and/or weekend/weekday.

Love,

BSO

  

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)

Thanks, Migrants, and Mourning

November 35, 2018

Greetings to you and also to your nearest relative/friend/other.  Here we are and it’s already November!?  Well that was quick!  

What have you been up to? Yowza!  I missed you.  

I previously enjoyed some late summer/early fall activities, including

1) seeing some fellow bicyclers in shorts

2)  seeing some Canadians on their way back south

3)  taking some time out of my commute to enjoy some trail art

I have also been enjoying a great many family-oriented activities lately, with a dash of yard/housework.

During a trip to school for a Halloween-themed activity I witnessed a conversation that may be sadly typical.  

Dad:  Get in the van!

3^rdgrader: Loud complaining groan  You said we could walk home!  You promised!

Kindergartner:  I wanna walk!

Dad:  No time!

Walking doesn’t seem to be much of a priority.  Even around the time of our most walking-oriented of holidays, Halloween.

On the other foot, the attentive among you may have noted that a group of individuals, primarily from Central American countries, are walking north, seeking asylum.  Although we have standard protocols/responsibilities in place to deal with these types of things, it is apparently somewhat unusual and/or controversial to some of USians.  Well, if you think things are controversial now, what if they were all astride bicycles!?  They would be here sooner, for one thing!  Also, I occasionally hear rumours that we bicyclers may not be popular with some non-bicyclers!?  So that would make things even more interesting/dramatic!  

Also, now that it is November, it is incumbent upon us to compare/contrast the arrival of these migrants with the Pilgrim migrants back around the original Thanksgiving.  Perhaps the Pilgrims were made welcome because they brought with them muskets and fermentation?  Now that the current migrants have no known advanced technologies, they are now longer welcome hereabouts.  Also, I think many Native Americans would prefer that the Wampanoags had not been quite so welcoming.  So there’s some USian history to put in your cornucopia to smoke up for Thanksgiving!

So happy Thanksgiving/Day of Mourning, and let’s welcome the next wave of bicyclers to the promised land!

-BSO

ABCs for you and the road

August 29, 2018

Greetings from the cooling heartlands.  I hope you are enjoying the waning of summer as much as I.  The cooler weather gives me vigor and verve which I am normally completely lacking.  What is going on?  Yah! Let’s do some more of that!  

Hereabouts I have experienced some amazing events.  

a)  I espied the Google Streetviewmobile whilst out for a bicycle ride!  Here ‘tis in all it’s tall splendour!:  

I think it might have got me in its shot on the street corner, I’ll be sure to update you as soon as I look into that.  Hmm.  The image at that intersection is from last year, so I may be visible in the near future!

b)  Snot Jr. started kindergarten at the institution of primary education.  Thank you educators and good luck!  This is, for many parents, a bittersweet time.  I was drawn to this stretch of concrete that I often pass.  

It reminds me of the Shel Silverstein poem “Where the Sidewalk Ends.”  In my context, the sidewalk is a part of a child’s life when you are near him and able to supervise and influence him to a great degree.  Once he is in kindergarten, the peer influence increases exponentially and parents are able to relax, brush off their hands, and say, “Well, at least we tried!” and leave everything up to the institution and the randomness of human-related interactions, which will churn out a variety of individuals with various attitudes towards motivation, society, culture, bicycles, etc.  

c)  I made it out to another Taco Ride with my brother, which was very nice.  

We had a chance to kick back, have a few beers and converse about our disparate lives and values.

Well there you have the list with the minimum of 3 items securely in place.  What more do you want from me!?!?!?  

Well, there is still possibly some time to get in a nice organized/sanctioned group bicycling effort of some sort.  Here are some options:

Pint-a-gon 9/29, starting at Liquid Sunshine at 10 a.m. and hitting up some tasty looking breweries: http://nebraskabrewingco.com/event/pint-a-gon-tap-room-ride-9-29-18/

Another Pint-a-gon starting at Infusion Brewery at 10 a.m. on October 6.  

I have not been on a Pint-a-gon, but my dad said he had a fun time when he went (and he even won some beer!).

Also:

3^rdAnnual Metro Brew Tour starting at 10 a.m. on September 1- http://www.cyclenebraska.com/nebraska-cycling-calendar/metro-brew-tour-3

September 8, 7 a.m. in Plattsmouth = Ogre http://www.cyclenebraska.com/nebraska-cycling-calendar/ogre  gravel ride

Just like one of my favorite composers and least favorite vocalists, Nivek Ogre.  Plus there’s a shorter distance (50 miles/88 [?]kilometers) for the like of me! However, I am not ready for this, so I would have to do some serious training between now and then, and we both know that is not likely to occur.

Well it has been great catching back up!  I hope you have a great Labour Day weekend or other type of festive event!  Hope to see you soon and say hi to your family!

Love, 

BSO

Mushy headed

September 12, 2017

I have a cold, so please don’t get too close.  Having a cold sucks, but it also gives me some time to plead sickness and retreat from my usual familial responsibilities.  For example, I managed to use some rudimentary computer skills to create this image of a bicycler with a mushroom and/or mushroom cloud hat/head.  

I call it “Mushed.”

As we all know, bicycles are the best.  But sometimes it’s nice to do other things too.  Like paddle around in an inflatable kayak for example.  I took Snot Jr. aboard and paddled around Zorinsky Lake this past weekend.  We saw many humans out enjoying some bicycling or running.  Also a few fellow kayakers.  

photo credit:  Snot Jr. 

We even saw this reptile basking upon a rock. 

It has recently gotten cooler outside, which feels pretty great.  I have felt faster, stronger, with more endurance and less sweat.  This would be a good time to do some kind of epic bicycling.  Hmmm.  Let’s see what others might be up to…

Ah ha!  Here's an example of what someone can do when they are actually using their time for productive purposes!  It's a webpage dedicated to bicycling in Omaha, featuring a link to a new 2017 interactive bike map!  The bike map seems well thought out and useful.  It also appears that the League of American Bicyclists has bestowed upon Omaha a bronze rating in their Bicycle Friendly Community program.

And here is a webpage I've not visited before that has a lot of great ride information.

So there you have it.  Now I'll get back to lying around, resting, listening to soothing music, and drinking plenty of tea during my sick day.  Hope you feel better soon!

_BSO 

White leg fever

February 17, 2017

Hello (dis)respected citizen.  How are you feeling about all of this?  Oh?  Hmmm.  I hadn’t really thought about it that way, but I can understand how you would feel that way.  Good to know.  Yes.

Well I have recently felt very encouraged about bicycling in my home of Om-aha!  Here are two reasons I am so exultant:

And here is a third:

 

There is a bicycler in this image!  Is it you?!

Yes, it appears that some anonymous benefactor(s), possible employed by the city governance, has made my bicycling easier by removing snow and/or soil from some of my favorite multi-use trails! 

“Caloo-callay! “(as some would say) I chortled.

Oh, and also

“Thank you.”

Say whatever you like about climate change, it is increasing the opportunities for many of us fair-weather-loving wheelmen and women to bicycle here in the previously temperate zone.  I know it's a bummer in many ways, but why be an Eeyore!?!  Maybe if you’d do more bicycling and less worrying you would feel better!

Why it was just today that I saw more bicyclers out and about than I have this entire cock-burning year!  5! 

1. 1.     Fellow commuter on a geared road bicycle at Chatty Corner where we discussed the weather (naturally).  I said that yes it would be as warm or warmer than they said, and I was right!
2. 2.     A guy on a mountainous-style bicycle with a floodlight mounted to one of his fork tines/blades. 
3. 3.     and 4.   Enthusiastic and gregarious young men with skateboards strapped to their backs on a couple of mtbs.  The first one waved and said hi!  Camaraderie is keen!
4. 5.  A woman in bright colors out for what I presume was a recreational foray onto some of our fairly good city’s multi-use paths (can you spot her in [crappy] photo # 3?)

These 5 bicyclers obviously are representative of the entire population of bicyclists in the city, so please use this information to plan our future accordingly.  2/5ths of all cyclists also prefer their 4-wheeled vehicles to be self-powered!

It was so warm out that I've been able to increase my visibility by wearing shorts that allow my reflective skin to keep me safe.  

I hear that Omaha Pedalers is preparing to sponsor a bicycle-related film event.  And also that the Wear Yellow kickoff party will occur soon. 

The film is entitled Half the Road and is about (professional) women bicyclers and takes place at Aksarben Cinema on February 22.  The Wear Yellow Kickoff party is February 23 at Crave at Midtown Crossing.  So next week could be the best fire cocking week yet!

Well I hope you have a great weekend!  Why not start it off by mowing your lawn, like this gentleman!?  

Yes this was today!

Here is a musical tribute to reflective skin.  

Let’s ride!

Pumpkins to Turkeys and back again!

November 17, 2016

Hello and welcome back.

Where have you been?  Get out!  Me too!!  It was great and awful! 

Here in the Om of aha(!) it is dark by 5:30 all of a sudden!?  Not sure what the deal is with that, but I have been using the trusty Nite Rider mini leg-of-newt 750 to stir up the pot a bit!   Cackle cackle my pretties!!

Ectually, I am gradually beginning to realize that Helloween is over now and I may as well get ready to gobble up some gobbler next week.  Historically I have gone out for some pedaling on Thanksgiving Eve with Greg and the irrepressible Team Amnesia.  Last time we did that, however, we were chastised for not going out with them any other time of year.  So that, coupled with the fact that I don’t usually go outside my comfort zone/home, makes it a bit unlikely I’ll continue the tradition unless one of my comrades in wheels gets me off my ass / motivates me.

There is also Cranksgiving on Saturday the 19^th.  I’d like to go, but if I do it’ll have to be with Snot Jr. in our trusty bike trailer, which he would probably like, but I am not sure I want to load up the trailer in the back of the car to get all the way downtown and I’m not riding with Snot Jr. all the way across town (although in a perfect world I certainly would).    

So now that the dark days are upon us here are the two three main lights I am using these days. 

1. Niterider Mini-Newt 750
2. Bontrager Flash Flare R
3. Planet Bike Beamer 3

They are great!  And I used the PBB3 to power one of our jack-o-lanterns for several all-night frights.  It lasted the whole time and still had some juice left.  That may have been due to these sweet batteries.

And after Thanksgiving we can all meet up and check out this fun band (Gogol Bordello that is)!

Speaking of music, I’ve been thinking a lot about good ol’ Al Jourgensen and his variousfun bands.  I think it’s due to the impending change in the dominant party in our country’s executive and legislative branches.  AJ and his buds were always at their best providing a soundtrack to the GOP 's regime’s reigns.  Here’s a look back at one of their early classics that I’ve only recently come into contact with.

Al is also apparently fond of bicycling, although I haven’t been able to find any photographic proof of his statement back in 2012 saying that he was riding 20 miles a day.

I don’t know about you, but I feel that the streets get busier and more frightening from Thanksgiving to MLK Jr’s birthday.  Due to this notion, I am hoping to get drivers on my side by sporting a reflective “Claus Jr.” on the back of my red jacket and maybe a Santa’s hat to zip-tie to my helmet.  I’ll let you know how that turns out.

Here we go!  Happy turkey gobbling!