Scatching the itch

Here's the weather for today:

















Yuk. It's wet, cold, windy, and dark. The days don't get much shorter than this one. Glad that I got in another ride on Monday. Looped down through Myrtle Edwards Park, past the OSP, stopped in Pioneer Square at Zeitgeist Coffee for a quick espresso before climbing the hill, going through the Tunnel, and then returning via Leschi and the Arboretum.

Stopped at Montlake Bicycle Shop, ostensibly to look at a Cannondale commuter. While it's still an idea, what caught my eye was a 2007 Bianchi Volpe that was retrofitted as a commuter, with bullet shifters mounted on a standard upright handlebar. Right size, and everything! I test rode it, and while the ride was smooth, and it was interesting to ride upright after so long on a road bike, I was able to come to some conclusions, at least for now. And, the ride back home on the Lemond provided the contrast and frame of reference for that decision.

First, the Lemond does not need to be replaced. It's light, handles well, fits me just fine. Good to go for at least the 2008 season. For now, no need for a commuter. If I want a beater, I'll get one for $150 from Recycled Cycles, who have an ample supply. Those can be loaded with fenders and racks and would suit the purpose well.

If I'm going to get a new ride, I'm going to buy exactly what I want, which means the steel-frame Davidson with the custom-sized frame from EBB. That means I can specify the size, components, features and even the color. I'd rather save the $$$ for that purchase when the time comes, perhaps as a double-nickel birthday present for myself.

Consider the itch to be scratched!

50 miles to go to clear the 3K mark for the year. Let's hope it dries out enough in the next two weeks.

Cupholders and Safety

Courtesy of Kent's Bike Blog....

Malcolm Gladwell wrote about SUVs and safety for the New Yorker.

Big difference between perceived safety and the real thing....

December ride

35 miles today, down on Leschi, I-90 bike tunnel, stadiums, up the waterfront, around Magnolia, across the Locks and then up to North Ballard, Green Lake and home. Typical December weather, showers, wet pavement and with a 25+ kt wind from the south that blew me around on the Magnolia Bluff, a little hairy with the downhill run and the breeze causing that front wheel to move on its own accord!

2935 miles to date this year, with a goal of 3000 by December 31 well in sight. 2 or 3 more rides in the next two weeks should do it.

Patriot

It's an ad, but it's inspirational.

Randy Pausch Video

Carnegie Mellon professor Randy Pausch, diagnosed with terminal cancer, has some words to live by that ring particularly true.

Here's the intro from Business Week...

And, here's the 2-hour You Tube link...

This is so worth it.....

New bike? The internal conflict....

So, it's the day after Thanksgiving, crisp, cold, clear, and time to burn off some of the calories. Haven't been to the gym in almost a week, given my schedule and the time off, and don't want to totally neglect the Cycle U regimen, but it's a good morning for a spin.

So, down the BGT, and around Magnolia, to waterfront, and my half-way break at Uptown Espresso. Then, the thought crystalizes....why not stop by Elliott Bay Bicycles, and just do a 'look-see?'

Danger! Peligro! Aposna!

Yes, there's Bill D, and Bob F, and I talk with Bob, and the words pop out, "What would it take to get me on a new steel Davidson?" Answer......a lot more $$$ than I can afford! But, I'm going to investigate this, see how practical it is, as well as how much I really want the new ride....so, the question now is more complicated....no new bike for the coming year? Bianchi Volpe? or?????

To be continued......

Veterans' Day in Nashville

Walked out of the League Conference to grab some lunch, across the street from the Ryman Auditorium, the Birth of Bluegrass, and worked down to Broadway, where the country music is piped onto the street 24/7, just to remind you where you are and why Nashville is what it is..


But, it's November 12, and the Veterans' Day parade is on.....tanks rumble down the street, firing blanks....the crowd goes wild. This is how the military coup will be greeted in this town...



Following the few remaining soldiers who are not in Iraq, there was a Confederate Contingent that was wildly popular...

Next in the line up was a smaller group of Union soldiers, with Abe Lincoln waving bravely to the crowd. Honest Abe walked briskly, just in case...

Much more warmly received were the babes in the Santa's helper outfits, reminding us that the Holiday Shopping Season was just around the corner...

But, the biggest cheers were for the Nashville Special Weapons and Tactics team.....

I decided that I had enough, and went back into the League Conference for a discussion on virtual reality, seemingly more real than what had been on the street......