Chain Ring Cowboy

One thing I am sure of, I've had my fill of sweets and good food these past this holiday season. As I sit up here in the computer room, my brain is wondering what's in the kitchen for me to eat. Should it be something like ham and tamales, pumpkin pie, or imported exotic candies? One of the nice things about hosting a supper is that, you get to keep the left overs if there are any. The pumpkin pie Aunt Pat made is long gone, some cake left, a store bought pie waiting, and then there is all the "real food" to dig into. Life is good. For now I don't want to see or think about a scale. I will work on the weight issue later. What are new year resolutions for anyway. Steph made the beautiful Ginger Bread House in addition to the Cranberry Cake,(real yummy)and the muy sabroso Posole, which you can't see because we ate it all up. Perhaps the house will be next,but it is such a work of art. My Marcy stations herself at the foot of the tree to make sure that everyone g

Yesterday I had a great ride to work,then back to the apartment at lunch time. A quick change of clothes, try to make sure I didn't forget to put everything I think I needed for the stay in El Paso, and off I went back to work. With the Andrew's blessing I left early, went to the school and got an early send off from there too. So there I was off on the 600 mile trip to Far West Texas, home of homes, earlier than I had originally planned. Nowadays one can drive the interstate across Texas at 80 mph, 84 if you stretch it, but beyond that you will get pulled over. When darkness comes though, you have to slow it down to 65. I was pushing the envelope at 74 mph around 8:45 pm when the state trooper pulled me over. His radar and my speedometer are calibrated the same. I know this because he told me how fast I was going. I appreciate that he didn't lie and kick it up 1 mph or I would be holding an expensive citation. Instead I got a warning. The last 150 miles of the trip was eas

Just one more thing about the ring that was taken day before yesterday. I kept that ring put away and rarely looked at it. But last Thursday I took it out of the little felt covered box and rolled it around between my fore finger and thumb just checking it out. A thought occurred to me to have Marcy take it home with her so she could wear it if she wanted or keep it with all the rest of her jewelery. Then when she was here for the weekend the thought crossed my mind and thought about talking it over with her. But I didn't, just because other things were being talked about, it just left my mind. As I look back I can't help but to think that the universe was sending a gentle message. " Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything " It has always been easy to thank God for the g

The best news of all is that I rode a bicycle 10 miles to work today. Wow what a fabulous thing to be able to do. Able to do. I drove to the apartment at lunch yesterday to get the bike, and take it back to work. So that way I would get my 20 miles in, which I haven't done for quite some time now. I raised the garage door, drive in. After parking before walking into the apartment through the laundry room I squeezed the tires to see if they needed pumping up before I left for the office. All good. When I went in the apartment seemed cooler than it should be, a bit drafty actually. I noticed that I forgot to open the Venetian blinds to give the plants sunlight, so I walked over to give them at least an afternoon's worth of vitamin D. That's when I noticed broken glass all over the carpet, and the outside screen laying out in the lawn. I knew at that point I was the victim of a break-in. Sure enough the closet door was open with the light on. I never leave the closet open and

Fog and drizzle this morning is supposed to go away about midday, but I chose not to ride in the muck today because of Christmas lunch. And my sweetheart is coming to town this evening, so added preparation time for her arrival will be increased if I drive. Then I run across this video and think that a little fog and drizzle isn't much of a deterent after all. Do you remember the panniers I made out of kitty litter boxes a couple of years ago? I think there is a picture of them someplace back in the archives. I learned that the litter boxes had a short vibration life, that is, the plastic would become brittle and crack apart after a few miles of bouncing down the road. But below is a clip of some creative people trying to make good use of plastic shopping bags. Check it out.

I hope I remember how to ride when that day comes. If I do remember how to ride when that day comes, I bet it will be a lot of fun. I remember having to take breaks in the past, then having such a good feeling when I get back on the machine. In the last year every time I am in El Paso parts and can see Anderson Mountain to the east in the distance, it gives me a comfortable old feeling. I am not sure I know exactly what it's supposed to feel like when folks say "like going back home" but when I see that mountain and when I get back on the bike after a spell of not riding, that feeling comes to my mind. The weather is nice here in Austin today, cool but nice. The fact that I have a part time job after my regular job on Thursday is what prevents me from riding today. Tomorrow my Marcy is coming for the weekend and getting into the spirit of that precedes the Christmas spirit.

I'm shy one camera due to the fact that I left it in the back pack after last Sunday's flight back to Austin. I missed an opportunity yesterday to take a picture of a seasoned ole guy on his unique setup. His attire and general look made me think he was an antique professor, but I will never know. And even if I did have my camera and if it were working right, a picture would have told one story, but probably not THE story. Anyway, I've gotten to where I want to give you a picture or video clip to look at to go along with the words that land on the page. Riding seems so foriegn to me today. I haven't been on a bicycle on almost an entire week. A sad looking emoticon goes here. Marcy will be here this Friday and getting ready to visit children, grandchildren, and great grandchild makes happy. An happy looking emoticon goes here.

With dense fog in some areas and drizzling rain I figured this would be a good day to not ride. Then with traffic on the interstate at a near standstill I thought maybe I should have ridden after all, the arrival time would be about the same. Then with watching all the tricky moves motorists were making to get a couple of cars ahead in the line, I thought well, it's a good day to not get run over, so it was a good day not to ride. Then when I was talking to Marcy outside, our daily good morning chat, Jon P rides up on his single speed cool ride and parks his bike right where mine is supposed to be, I decided It would have been a good day to ride. So back and forth I go. Maybe I should drive to the apartment at lunch and ride back, that way I can get both driving time and riding time in.

This morning's weather is drizzly and foggy. It was hard for me to get out of bed this morning and I don't know why. I got plenty of sleep and there is plenty of time to ride to the apartment after work and get ready for the plane ride to El Paso. But when the lady on the radio came on telling the weather, I was a bit relieved that there was an excuse for me not to ride today. And I wonder what is up with that, because I really don't need and excuse......... or do I? Just another video clip. Here is a happy group, al related in one fashon or another

Definition: The leading edge is a line connecting the forward-most points of a wing's profile. In other words, it's the front edge of the wing. When an aircraft is moving forward, the leading edge is that part of the wing that first contacts the air. During a tailslide, from an aerodynamic point-of-view, the trailing edge becomes the leading edge and vice-versa. The term leading edge is mostly used in aerodynamic contexts, but I like to use it in cycling too. Like the nose, it's the forward-most point for the upper part of the body, the fingers for the mid section and toes-ies for the lower. When the temps are cooler, those edges can tell you about it. After my ride to work and when I sit down to the keyboard to type, it's fun to see how my fingers don't want to work so well. Then after a while they do. Like right now, I stop for just a second to feel my fingers. It's funny to me how one set of fingers, say those on my left hand, which are still cold, feel the o

Check This Out.

I know a guy who when his son was born he was the first one to hold him in his arms. And then when the son died some years later he held him in his arms again. The guy held his son many times in his arms and many guys do that. But not many take it from beginning to end. The flesh of the son was a part of the guy and the soul of the son was a part of the guy. A whale of a guy. When I think of the church with people in attendance but not so many that the echo effect is dampened, and I think of the guy's father rising and clapping with love, courage, and support, I get all busted up inside. A man's man.

My two rides in El Paso last week sitting here in a huddle. the little two wheeler did get some miles in. A very nice machine. The Impala provided for group rides and gave Marcy's car a break from shuttling the family all around town. I just realized that my bike and car are about the same color My great grandson Seth letting me hold him. Marcy and Seth playing. Sister and brother-in-law having an important meeting. Dear Mom and Dad, Thanks for hosting such a nice Thanksgiving celebration. The family, the food, the day was a wonderful time. Let's do it again next year.

Today marks a milestone of sorts for me. Over the weekend I put together my Burly "Fox Hollow" bike that has the compact drive. That hand welded steel frame is a beautiful machine. This morning I road the 375 loop in El Paso. In the cool morning air and higher elevation than I am used to, 30 miles was a pretty good workout for me. Half way through the first leg, I saw a shiny red pepper just laying there on the side of the shoulder. It looked like art work. I hope it's there tomorrow. I hope I ride the loop again tomorrow. I'me still thinking about the wedding day/night. Marcy, Me, Dad, and Bux

No riding again today. I've got the car packed and ready to make the drive to El Paso so I can spend the week with Marcy, the kids, parents, siblings, and other visitors. A lot of us are coming in from other parts of the country. I hope to get by Burly Fox Hollow bike put together so I can get some riding in during the week. The higher altitude will be a fun challenge. I have been waiting patiently to attack Trans Mountain Pass, maybe next week that will happen. See my fingers crossed? When I lose my balance, can I have a tricycle? Jon P sent me some links yesterday that just opened up more of this terrific bicycle blogging world, because one great site leads to another and then another etc. Jon said these are some of the sites his dad reads up in Chicago or someplace up there where those folks understand what cold weather really is. I've linked a couple of these site on the right hand sidebar but want to mention them here as well. I don't know anything about mechanic-ing

Today I did not ride my bike, I rode my wheel chair. Here at work,we are having our Thanksgiving lunch, and I brought Gussie's Tamales in a large CrockPot, plus I have my second job tonight. There is a strong wind out of the north so I am missing that. Someone said a car is just another wheel chair. I thought about that on my way in this morning. I had plenty of time to think about it because the traffic was moving about 2 mph but the signs said 65. I pray that I don't atrophy. On the West Mall The University of Texas West Mall is a buzz of activity at high noon on most days. Two riders saw each other and immediately took up a lively conversation. I thought that was cool and if that would have happened back when people road horses, the horses would have probably touch noses or had some sort of greeting. I kept waiting for the bikes to do that. Put The Stone Back Some 30 years ago I went deer hunting with some friends right on the Texas/New Mexico line. The area is what I call

PALS A nice sunshiny day in downtown El Paso, two pals cruising. When Riding Felt Free. Or, My Dad Got Tied UP There was time long ago, or was it not that long ago when life had more freedom. When locking the front door was not a necessity. When little children could ride the bus downtown in a group to watch a movie at the theater without a chaperon. Just a group of kids. There was never a thought that anything bad would happen, and you know what? Nothing bad happened. Seat belts weren't even in cars back then and I could ride next to my dad. When I was small enough, I could stand next to him, lean on his right shoulder and feel his arm as it shifted through three gears on the steering column stick shifter. One Saturday morning when I was about 8 years old, we went to town to visit my grandfather at his full service Standard Oil gas station. Grandpa Jim would always give me a nickle from the cash register and let me get a bottle of coca cola from the chest style coke box, the kind

In the last few posts, I've reported on my rides in to work. They have been very pleasant. It gets boring talking about how nice it is to ride, because I keep saying the same thing over and over. But riding in is so enjoyable and riding back at the end of the work day is equally enjoyable. Even when I have a negative experience. Maybe everyone has enjoyable commutes, regardless the form of transportation, but they just don't feel the need to talk about it. It is taken for granted. Actually, there is noting special about riding a bike to work, you don't see people with car commuting blogs, do you? Bicycle riding will, hopefully play a big part of the rest of my days. Life for all of us brings kaleidoscopic changes, with some periods being faster than others. This period of my life the kaleidoscope is moving and changing very fast with brilliant and exciting colors. I will be moving back to my home town to live with my family. I am so ready to settle down and be with my wife

The ride in was nice but the light rain surprised me half way through the commute. The temps being in the upper middle 60's wasn't a concern but not making things like my phone, camera and wallet was. But all is well, it was a light rain and nothing got too wet. Quite refreshing actually. Don't Leave Home Without A Camera Another wonderful and fast weekend has gone by. Marcy, Matthew and I went to watch April at the higher level volleyball tryouts. It was a blast, April is a good volleyball player. What an exciting sport. You Go Girl. The weekend had a special bonus by getting to see Monica, Christy, Kayla, David, Seth and Abraham when we went over to visit my parents for a bit Sunday afternoon. (A picture belings here) Of all times for me not to have the camera, that was not a good one. From Wrath To Hiding Friday on my way back to the apartment, I encountered this lady coming out of one of the side streets onto Congress Avenue, a road that I travel virtually its entire

Riding in this morning with the breeze was a breeze. South winds from the gulf coast make traveling north easy as well as bring in warm temperatures. Ripened acorns are now gathering on the ground and pop when they get run over. Some years there are not many acorns but because of this summer's plentiful rain, they are abundant. The deer in the countryside will have plenty to eat. I like the way they sound under my tires. Today this workplace will be nice and quiet. Hopefully anyway. We are running on a "skeleton crew" basis because of Veteran's Day, which is this Sunday, but our fair commissioner allowed some of us to enjoy it today. He is a veteran himself having served in the marines in Viet Nam. He cares about other vets and is a good commissioner. I am covering for my area so my wonderful bike gets to park inside today inside my workmates cubicle. How fun is that? One of the ladies that works here feeds pigeons, dove and grackles each morning and she isn't her

Another great ride in to the work place this morning. Today I ride back to the apartment at lunch to get the auto because of my night job. I choose not to ride home from that part of the city late at night. Typically when I get inside the garage during a normal day's routine, I sit on a three legged stool to remove my shoes. As soon as my shoes are off I sit there and look around with the garage door still up. I can see and hear the traffic outside and see my bike leaning against the wall. That bike just brought me through 10 miles of grinding city traffic, provided a great forum for thinking, and exercising. So there I just sit, thanking my bike thanking my God and just feeling so grateful for this life I've been given. I've heard over the years that when we get those endorphins flowing, we get a happy high. I suppose that is a great part of why I feel the way I do at the end of each day's commute, but who gave me those endorphins? How Bazaar At last Sunday's Chris

The ride in this morning was another meditative 10 miler. These days it will be long sleeve weather. I never cease to appreciate my bike and the ability to move great distances on my own physical power. I heard about an accident that was stopping traffic at Slaughter Lane and the Interstate North access road. That's an artery where the majority of the suburban folks living south need to come through. It's where I need to come through also, but I don't get caught in a parking lot. I think on days like this, I actually arrive to work in less time than an automobile commuter. We're having a ball And we are looking at you Corbin took a little snooze, I was on watch. Last night Corbin and I got to hang around together watching sports on TV and talking about the latest news. The good news is that we agreed on most things and those couple that we didn't we were able to talk it out. Oh, and something to note, I changed a diaper for the first time in, say, some 20 years.

The cold from predicted for today wasn't really cold, 62°, but the wind was blowing hard toward the south. As I rode into this gusty blow, I noticed bus riders and other pedestrian type of folks wearing their big jackets and hoods. Trudging into this breeze added about 12 minutes to my commute. The leg workout was good and I only hope that the wind is still blowing (and in the same direction) when I start for the apartment at quitting time. I am looking for the payback. I would like to ride home like Pee Wee Herman with my feet propped up onto the handle bars being pushed by the wind and saying Heyhey. I Have The Wedding Pictures I finally got smart and sprung for the digital version of the wedding pictures. There are a lot of them which makes choosing favorites difficult. As time rocks on, I will be posting some of mine and Marcy's favorites. I am thinking that we are a great looking couple, how about you? Elegant Dancers, My Mom And Dad I am thinking these two make a great lo

Faith is Bee-utiful I'd like to say that my great granddaughter looks just like me, but I know that I am not really that cute. Isn't this little person just adorable. 36 Months When the expiration date on a car battery comes it is pretty much on the money. Marcy's car won't start this morning and needs a jump. One thing we don't have that we should have is jumper cables. That will be taken care of this weekend. It bothers me that I am not there to help my wife when this sort of situation comes up. I know she is a big girl and has had to deal with these type things before I came along, but that doesn't change the way I feel.

My ride in this morning was nice and cool with a bit of a breeze in my face. When I ride to the apartment later on I hope the breeze is still in the same direction. As I write this, my sweetheart is getting ready to drop the children off at school and get herself to work. My time is an hour later so I've got a head start on her. I wonder what she's laughing at? Gorilla I ran into my son-in-law the other day at Wal*Mart while I was looking for some good glue to repair my bicycle lock with. He told me to get some Gorilla Glue. He was right, that stuff is good glue. Thanks Jeff. Happy Travelers Yesterday during my noon walk about I saw the guy and the dog, you know from day before yesterday's pic. I got the back view of them and spoke of them possibly be travelers, and having anywhere on the planet as their permanent address. Well that part was right, the traveling. Jimmie and Maggie are their names. They rode all the way from Fort Something in Colorado, thinking about going t

This Boy Can Sing This link was sent by Dannette, take a look at it. Pretty awesome. Thanks Danette. Still A Good Show Last night I watched Nova, about 13 people that trained 40 weeks to do the Boston Marathon. Most of the women in this group were substantially overweight in the beginning, some of the men too. Of the 13, 12 actually made it to the start line, one had to get out due to injury. They were all medically monitored very thouroughly. There was a lot of information coming out of the show that would help all of us to be encouraged to live a life style that included plenty of exercise. The women for the most part did not lose the weight, but got remarkably healthier. Diet is very important for maintaining weight even for those who exercise a lot. The damage that running does is why I am not a runner any longer. I spent years tearing down my knees, achillies tendons, back and the rest. Riding a bike is more fun, easier on the body, and makes you just as healthy as running does. B

Feeling a bit artzy, I decided to take a picture of all the pigeons when they first fly off in a group. You know, like when they are foraging and someone walks by and they flutter instantly up and about, like the survival instinct they've learned when they think they are in danger of a predator pouncing on them? There I was, set up, ready for a few more birds to gather, waiting for someone to walk by so as to cause a stir. With camera in hand, Roosevelt Leaks walks by and causes the best flutter one could hope for, I shoot, press the button at what I think is the perfect timing. When the picture showed up on the LCD screen, there was not a bird in sight. Only the bike. The camera has such a slow reaction to the the shutter button. Make that our camera, make that Marcy's camera. I bought it for her as a gift, but look whose using it. That's kind of like the husband who says, look dear you really need this new fishing rod. But back to the camera, I'm learning that bargain

Pebbles Hills Road Warrior While heading to my parents house after church we saw this inspiring traveler clipping along pretty quickly until he had to stop at the traffic signal like the rest of us. Notice that he uses his hands to pedal the bike which tells me that he has no use of his legs, which tells me that he is going to still get around the best that he can, which tells me that the next time I see him I hope I am on my bike so I can ride up next to him and say, "hey, you are totally awesome". Parents Lookin Soo Good My mom and dad recently went on a cruise. This picture was taken on the boat, but I wonder just where on the earth they were at that time. They were celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. How cool is that? This grand couple raised 8 children who are now scattered out all over the world. Way to go mom and dad, your love has spread far and wide. Trick Or Threat, the candy is neat Here is My Marcy, the one on the right, showing her friend. Jack is going t

Today is the the plane part of my commuting. I get on the Southwest at 5:50 today and get home at 6:15, or there abouts. That would be starting at: 30°08'52.9" latitude by: 97°47'32.32" longitude and ending at: 31°46'23.57" by: 106°17'35.76" Lat, lon, give or take a couple of seconds. All I have to do now is stay busy for the rest of the day so the time will get here quicker. Looks Kinda Comfortable Looking down on this pretty white saddle looks like it would be good for a cruise to the ACL Festival, or or to the Shady Hollow, but I wouldn't want to ride far on it. It makes the bike look tricked out though. Picture Collection Time I need to go to Mom and Dad's house to get the pictures of their cruise because I want one or two on the right side of this site. Cousin Bob is going town, maybe I can get a picture of him too. He is actually going to be performing in Oddessa. I don't know exactly what his performance is about but he goes by

Austin is cool when it comes to events on Town Lake. Here are hundreds of bikes parked at the last Austin City Limits Music Fest this year. There was not enough room to park all the bikes, these are just those that got there early enough to park close to the action. A trusting soul goes into the bank without locking his bike Spoke Master Eric is dialing in another wheel

The season is at its best for getting outside and doing things, like riding a bike, walking, and golfing. I am sitting in the very large box. It holds a lot of things and people. It is one city block wide and long and stands 11 stories high. This box is a comfortable place to have to come to each day considering I have to be someplace each day. But today I would like to be about on my bike riding free. When the first cold blast comes from the north and makes the outdoors cold, I will have the big warm box to come sit in during the day and will be glad I sit in a big huge box each day. Cool Ride The guy who climbed off this bike and hurriedly got off, locked it and ran like he was late to class must have borrowed his girlfriend's ride. Whatever it takes I always say. (Click on pic to enlarge) Green Power She said we should go green. I've been thinking about that. Why haven't I done it already? In your Wal*Mart, or Target, or Walgreen's, or anyplace that sells things, hav