Saturday, October 27, 2007
In California
Landed at Peachy's around 1800, had to overeat the fine vittles prepared by Peachy & Jean Mahoney, now heading for bed. Long day, so I'll post more tomorrow. G'night
Friday, October 26, 2007
DONE!!!
Well, finally, I've got my paper and I'm free. Getting closer to fine. Feeling kind of limp and oily, like a dishrag, only it's 5 weight shock oil and not extra virgin olive. Got my folder at the mustering-out proceedings and haven't checked to see whether the paper was blank. Won't know till the mail hits Westbrook. (Andre, don't throw away anything but junk mail!)
Thank you, Rhonda, for the congratulatory" TOUR de WRENCH " txt. It arrived right on time during the ceremonies. One happy highlight for our finish was that Trent was re-hired (despite lack of seniority) at his old job. The boss had thought he was goofing off when he terminated him due to one store closing; but when he was informed that Trent was at UBI, his response was, "Get him back!" Joshua got two job interviews in Vancouver for Monday morning and won't have to go back to Calgary for the winter. Kiwi Chris has two more weeks in frame building and then it's back to Auckland. The rest of us will be cast to the winds, most to land where we originated. A few will be looking for jobs along the way.
Shan, your congratulatory call arrived in the middle of the final. When the phone started vibrating and playing "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly", it drew a lot of snickers. I was startled, but I'm sure that the mark it caused on the answer sheet was the right answer. The test was 45Q in 45 min. Not bad when you know the answers, as did most of the kids who thrash full suspension mountain bikes, and live, breathe and eat rear triangles, swing arm radii, spring compression rates and viscosity indices, not to mention elastomer hysteresis. I knew where to look stuff up because I spent several hours with the books and notes last night, but my searching for the right page sounded like a windblown newspaper being thrashed to oblivion in a Manhattan alleyway.
Putting in my last shift at the Ashland Stardux. I actually have been recognized as a "regular" here and it will be kind of sad to leave. I actually regret leaving Ashland, as I haven't really explored it and scoped out all the intriguing stores and restaurants. I'm debating treating myself to a sit-down dinner, and even a glass of wine to celebrate. The other option is to go to Safeway, buy a roast chicken, a baguette and a bottle of Cabernet; then back to the"barracks" and pig out on it to the total disgust of my wound-too-tight roommate. Stay tuned for the next episode of "As the Wrench Turns", and the answer to Gloxys quandary.
Thank you, Rhonda, for the congratulatory" TOUR de WRENCH " txt. It arrived right on time during the ceremonies. One happy highlight for our finish was that Trent was re-hired (despite lack of seniority) at his old job. The boss had thought he was goofing off when he terminated him due to one store closing; but when he was informed that Trent was at UBI, his response was, "Get him back!" Joshua got two job interviews in Vancouver for Monday morning and won't have to go back to Calgary for the winter. Kiwi Chris has two more weeks in frame building and then it's back to Auckland. The rest of us will be cast to the winds, most to land where we originated. A few will be looking for jobs along the way.
Shan, your congratulatory call arrived in the middle of the final. When the phone started vibrating and playing "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly", it drew a lot of snickers. I was startled, but I'm sure that the mark it caused on the answer sheet was the right answer. The test was 45Q in 45 min. Not bad when you know the answers, as did most of the kids who thrash full suspension mountain bikes, and live, breathe and eat rear triangles, swing arm radii, spring compression rates and viscosity indices, not to mention elastomer hysteresis. I knew where to look stuff up because I spent several hours with the books and notes last night, but my searching for the right page sounded like a windblown newspaper being thrashed to oblivion in a Manhattan alleyway.
Putting in my last shift at the Ashland Stardux. I actually have been recognized as a "regular" here and it will be kind of sad to leave. I actually regret leaving Ashland, as I haven't really explored it and scoped out all the intriguing stores and restaurants. I'm debating treating myself to a sit-down dinner, and even a glass of wine to celebrate. The other option is to go to Safeway, buy a roast chicken, a baguette and a bottle of Cabernet; then back to the"barracks" and pig out on it to the total disgust of my wound-too-tight roommate. Stay tuned for the next episode of "As the Wrench Turns", and the answer to Gloxys quandary.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Wk 4, D3, P1-6, File B 1-4
Six pages of notes four recorded lectures, I don't know how many handwashings due to draining and refilling forks with suspension oil. Makes one really long for the old straight framed mtn. bikes. But then when you consider back injuries... I did learn some stuff about tuning the suspension on the Schwinn which helps in the absence of owners' manuals. The material isn't hard to grasp once you can visualize what is going on INSIDE the fork. Animated flow diagrams would be a great help, but would add to the bottom line.
DylKris, thanks for the packet of information and the Alcatraz cup. I hope it is not a harbinger of things to come. I saw where you circled Ramona St. I am sorely tempted to cycle in there if I can find a relatively secure spot within a reasonable round-trip distance. I don't remember many hills in the 'hood, but then I haven't been there since 1955. I'll have to go to Google Earth to see the topos, if the lousy T-Mobile service can hold up. I've been knocked off three times today.
For those of you keeping an eye open for a Kitchen Buddha for me; "Ho Tai" (I'm told) is a generic name for a pot-bellied, smiling Buddha. I was told to ask for a "Kitchen Buddha"
Joe, What are the fires doing in your neighborhood? I see they have gone near the Simi Valley, but am not that savvy about the geography there.
Phred and John: I'm hoping to spend a couple of days and nights camping in the desert. I'm told that you can go out on federal land and camp anywhere without being in a regulated campground. Izzatso, and if so, do you know of any such areas near Mesa?
SJ&JG, I finally found a different, non-touronic postcard. On it's way tomorrow.
Peachy & Mahones, I'm drooling already, anticipating the pagkain. Geneva sends her regards to all.
Off on my last soy milk/pita run to the local Safeway-2 to go!!
DylKris, thanks for the packet of information and the Alcatraz cup. I hope it is not a harbinger of things to come. I saw where you circled Ramona St. I am sorely tempted to cycle in there if I can find a relatively secure spot within a reasonable round-trip distance. I don't remember many hills in the 'hood, but then I haven't been there since 1955. I'll have to go to Google Earth to see the topos, if the lousy T-Mobile service can hold up. I've been knocked off three times today.
For those of you keeping an eye open for a Kitchen Buddha for me; "Ho Tai" (I'm told) is a generic name for a pot-bellied, smiling Buddha. I was told to ask for a "Kitchen Buddha"
Joe, What are the fires doing in your neighborhood? I see they have gone near the Simi Valley, but am not that savvy about the geography there.
Phred and John: I'm hoping to spend a couple of days and nights camping in the desert. I'm told that you can go out on federal land and camp anywhere without being in a regulated campground. Izzatso, and if so, do you know of any such areas near Mesa?
SJ&JG, I finally found a different, non-touronic postcard. On it's way tomorrow.
Peachy & Mahones, I'm drooling already, anticipating the pagkain. Geneva sends her regards to all.
Off on my last soy milk/pita run to the local Safeway-2 to go!!
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Tuesday down
Well, I've used the adjective "brutal" referring to the pace of the second course. I'll not repeat miself while talking about the wheel-building certification. How about "SATANIC"? It was quite intense, but the big problem I had with one of my wheels. We were given five hours to build two "acceptable" wheels. Naturally, since the school's name is on the certification paperwork, acceptable has a different meaning than it would to the casual rider such as I. And rightly so.
Anyway, I got near the end of my second wheel and was wondering why the spokes were getting shorter. This was a front wheel and all the spokes are supposed to be of equal length. With three left to lace into the rim, I realized that I had four holes to fill. Backtracking to the starting point, I found that the third or fourth spoke had become trapped (and hidden) by the lower (other side) spokes. I had to undo and unlace ten spokes and then start again. Needless to say, it blew my concentration, confidence and constitution. By lunch break I was more than an hour behind the body of the class, and going into the afternoon, I was resigned to doing as much as I could, just to have the wheels nearly done when I pack them up. I knew I wouldn't get certified.
Well, by the grace of God, the encouragement and help of the instructors and my dogged determination to make as much out of the big bucks I spent to do this, I finished. That's not to say that I'm certified. I won't know that until the grades arrive in Westbrook, via snail courier. I still don't know the result of last Friday's final. Todays final of 30 questions in thirty minutes was rigorous, but I'm relatively sure I got a good grade.
Who knows what mephistophelean rigors await us with the Suspension Certification curriculum. We have two and a half days of it. Whoopeeeee!
No pics today. I rushed from class to my roadie and blew off some steam. It was great-averaged 19.4 miles/hr. over a ten mile course. Turned early due to the failing light and managed to beat the terrible hill at the end of the ride without gasping for breath and drooling all over myself. A first! I think my lungs are getting acclimated.
Moon is almost full here. Probably will be in its glory tomorrow night. I've heard it said that the moon is brightest when viewed from a mountain which meets the sea. I'm on a mountain; the sea is far, far away. I miss it.
Had my dessert at Starbux; an espresso brownie and a decaf. Now home to cook the black beans and tomatoes over quinoa. Buenas Noches!
Anyway, I got near the end of my second wheel and was wondering why the spokes were getting shorter. This was a front wheel and all the spokes are supposed to be of equal length. With three left to lace into the rim, I realized that I had four holes to fill. Backtracking to the starting point, I found that the third or fourth spoke had become trapped (and hidden) by the lower (other side) spokes. I had to undo and unlace ten spokes and then start again. Needless to say, it blew my concentration, confidence and constitution. By lunch break I was more than an hour behind the body of the class, and going into the afternoon, I was resigned to doing as much as I could, just to have the wheels nearly done when I pack them up. I knew I wouldn't get certified.
Well, by the grace of God, the encouragement and help of the instructors and my dogged determination to make as much out of the big bucks I spent to do this, I finished. That's not to say that I'm certified. I won't know that until the grades arrive in Westbrook, via snail courier. I still don't know the result of last Friday's final. Todays final of 30 questions in thirty minutes was rigorous, but I'm relatively sure I got a good grade.
Who knows what mephistophelean rigors await us with the Suspension Certification curriculum. We have two and a half days of it. Whoopeeeee!
No pics today. I rushed from class to my roadie and blew off some steam. It was great-averaged 19.4 miles/hr. over a ten mile course. Turned early due to the failing light and managed to beat the terrible hill at the end of the ride without gasping for breath and drooling all over myself. A first! I think my lungs are getting acclimated.
Moon is almost full here. Probably will be in its glory tomorrow night. I've heard it said that the moon is brightest when viewed from a mountain which meets the sea. I'm on a mountain; the sea is far, far away. I miss it.
Had my dessert at Starbux; an espresso brownie and a decaf. Now home to cook the black beans and tomatoes over quinoa. Buenas Noches!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Sunday, a day of rest.
Cold fog greeted us today, but around 1030 two of us took off at 49 degrees for a long one. Went back to Jacksonville and headed through it into some "hills". 60+, tobacco-shredded sea-level lungs couldn't keep up with 23ish on a titanium bike, but I never stopped for a break. Did have to thrash in Granny gear for a half a mile, but...
On the other side, after he took off pedalling downhill, he rode past where we were supposed to turn apparently not seeing me waving frantically. I wasn't doing to chase him downhill for several miles just to tell him that we had to go back up. So I waited. He didn't show back up in half an hour, so I continued. Confucious say, "Not good to leave man with map." I had a good ride and got to ride at my pace, finishing 60 miles about an hour before dark. Speedy came in about fifteen minutes, and probably several miles later.
No new roommates in the Annex. Mr. wound-too-tight-whine-about-everything-knows-more-than-anyone-else lives in the other room. I don't talk to him unless absolutely necessary, so he goes over and makes himself unwelcome in the other room. They have started to lock the door on him 'cause he's such a pain. His twin left Saturday, so things are improved in the annex.
Five more days!!!!
On the other side, after he took off pedalling downhill, he rode past where we were supposed to turn apparently not seeing me waving frantically. I wasn't doing to chase him downhill for several miles just to tell him that we had to go back up. So I waited. He didn't show back up in half an hour, so I continued. Confucious say, "Not good to leave man with map." I had a good ride and got to ride at my pace, finishing 60 miles about an hour before dark. Speedy came in about fifteen minutes, and probably several miles later.
No new roommates in the Annex. Mr. wound-too-tight-whine-about-everything-knows-more-than-anyone-else lives in the other room. I don't talk to him unless absolutely necessary, so he goes over and makes himself unwelcome in the other room. They have started to lock the door on him 'cause he's such a pain. His twin left Saturday, so things are improved in the annex.
Five more days!!!!
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Last Saturday in Ashland
Sounds like the title of a movie. Plot involves a down-and-out homeless former go-go dancer who robs a Starbucks with her disappeared partner's chainsaw and makes off with a basket of espresso brownies to feed her new beau's caffeine habit. No good? well, how about the opening lines of my third novel:
She died quietly, in the embrace of Iowa cornfields which had been washed that pinkish-khaki hue you find only in old British suntan uniforms. The corn flowers stretching to the horizon shimmered in the breeze which had brought a gentle September rain. Her only requiem, the monotonous swish, swish, swish… of the wiper blades may have covered her last soft sound. Perhaps she had uttered something, a whispered, “Goodbye.” but he had heard nothing.
It wasn’t until he turned to ask her if she needed another pain pill, that he discovered she was gone. One look into her vacant stare was all he needed; he had seen that glazed emptiness once before. He wondered what she might have said, and he wondered what he would have said in return.
It was then that he decided to turn around. Yes, he would return to Maine, he would find his duty weapon, and he would kill her husband.
She died quietly, in the embrace of Iowa cornfields which had been washed that pinkish-khaki hue you find only in old British suntan uniforms. The corn flowers stretching to the horizon shimmered in the breeze which had brought a gentle September rain. Her only requiem, the monotonous swish, swish, swish… of the wiper blades may have covered her last soft sound. Perhaps she had uttered something, a whispered, “Goodbye.” but he had heard nothing.
It wasn’t until he turned to ask her if she needed another pain pill, that he discovered she was gone. One look into her vacant stare was all he needed; he had seen that glazed emptiness once before. He wondered what she might have said, and he wondered what he would have said in return.
It was then that he decided to turn around. Yes, he would return to Maine, he would find his duty weapon, and he would kill her husband.
You may ask, "What happened to the first two?" I'll tell you. Here in Anatevka we always start with the third. The first we give up on and the second goes to the tsar. Actually my first attempt started with my own thoughts as I was drowning in Flagstaff Lake. I gave up on that because I lost the disc on which it was written, and I didn't feel like I was drowning anymore. It was pretty good, if I do say so...
Anyway, today was really chilly. It snowed in the foothills and drizzled/misted on us in the valley. I went to the post office and UPS to mail two packages of surplus (cold weather) clothing and textbooks I hope I won't need on the rest of the trip. $57+ for two wine-case sized boxes. Some of the stuff could have been put in the Salvation Army bin, but one never knows when the next depression will hit. I decided to not wander through the stores and get a head start on Christmas shopping because I don't want to schlep the stuff and I can't don't want to support the postal "service". You can all send letters of protest to the Postmaster General and decry the fact that you all get lumps of coal and not cool, hip, locally made, organic, silk screened on woven yak-hair T-shirts protesting W's reign.
Tomorrow is supposed to be really bright and clear so I am going for a long long ride to ponder the questions being forced upon me by the universe. I have the answers, I just have to make myself comfortable with them.
Happy Trails!
Friday, October 19, 2007
Two down, one to go.
Course two is over. I have my "paper" but I'm not free yet-one more (harder) course to do. My exam results will be mailed to my home address, per Oregon State law. If I flunked, I'll find out about the second day when the administrator comes into the classroom and asks me to pack my books and step out. It will be dejavu to the Army days when two armed MPs came into the bomb-building plant where I worked and arrested me because I had a peace symbol on my cigarette lighter. Boy, am I glad I gave up smoking, but that's all another story.
The exam was an eye-opener. It was open book, notes, reference tome or whatever. A few times I flipped through my notebook to look up an answer, and found drool-stained pages and heiroglyphics. Took me back to the days of Economic Geography 203.
All is not lost, though. I can go to my new digital WAV recorder and extract the lectures, match them up with the numbered and dated pages and identify the lectures during which I was forced to nap. All I need is to replace the batteries, read the instructions, find someone to translate the instructions, buy voice recognition/transcription software, read the instructions for that, get translations and load it into this machine after reading the directions, falling asleep and looking for a translator. Andre, What are you doing this winter?
Dylan has alluded to the fact that he might buy some spandex and get out on a roadie next year. I don't know about N.H. but spandex isn't mandatory here. I wear mismatched colors, and mountain/road clothing sometimes covered by an old police-days sweater (with insignia removed, of course) and I am among the more conservatively dressed. Ashland's sartorial state aside, I think we should be looking for a "deal" or "project" bike for him, or anyone else interested. I have a couple hanging off the bannister already, and need to keep my hands in the mechanics while I'm not working at Ernies or looking for the perfect homebase.
I'm going to try to develop an itinerary for the blog, but at this point the only date carved in stone is 10/27. I will be departing Ashland sometime before noon, I hope, and doing the drive to Sacramento; heading for Peachy's. Once there, I hope to have a hard-wire internet connection, so if any of you creditors are watching this blog and tracking my movements: I WILL SEND YOU SOME MONEY THEN!!!!!!
Have a great weekend, all, and I'll be posting provided T-mobile cooperates. I've been knocked off their "Hotspot" service at least twice this afternoon, so I'm in doubt whether I'll get my $40.00 worth of service. It's only money, Right?!?!?!
The exam was an eye-opener. It was open book, notes, reference tome or whatever. A few times I flipped through my notebook to look up an answer, and found drool-stained pages and heiroglyphics. Took me back to the days of Economic Geography 203.
All is not lost, though. I can go to my new digital WAV recorder and extract the lectures, match them up with the numbered and dated pages and identify the lectures during which I was forced to nap. All I need is to replace the batteries, read the instructions, find someone to translate the instructions, buy voice recognition/transcription software, read the instructions for that, get translations and load it into this machine after reading the directions, falling asleep and looking for a translator. Andre, What are you doing this winter?
Dylan has alluded to the fact that he might buy some spandex and get out on a roadie next year. I don't know about N.H. but spandex isn't mandatory here. I wear mismatched colors, and mountain/road clothing sometimes covered by an old police-days sweater (with insignia removed, of course) and I am among the more conservatively dressed. Ashland's sartorial state aside, I think we should be looking for a "deal" or "project" bike for him, or anyone else interested. I have a couple hanging off the bannister already, and need to keep my hands in the mechanics while I'm not working at Ernies or looking for the perfect homebase.
I'm going to try to develop an itinerary for the blog, but at this point the only date carved in stone is 10/27. I will be departing Ashland sometime before noon, I hope, and doing the drive to Sacramento; heading for Peachy's. Once there, I hope to have a hard-wire internet connection, so if any of you creditors are watching this blog and tracking my movements: I WILL SEND YOU SOME MONEY THEN!!!!!!
Have a great weekend, all, and I'll be posting provided T-mobile cooperates. I've been knocked off their "Hotspot" service at least twice this afternoon, so I'm in doubt whether I'll get my $40.00 worth of service. It's only money, Right?!?!?!
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Taking a chance...
...on connectivity. Am doing this in the barracks, sliding in the back door of someone else's wireless system. I expect to get this post done and find that it won't post. Anyway...
Late night in the shop tonight and then I followed Danny to the Medford airport so he could turn in his rent-a-car and save $800. Went shopping while in the "city" and think I have everything to take me through departure day except for mongoose food, and maybe pita bread.
Tomorrow is the long practical test and then Friday is a day about ergonomic measuring, shop operations and the written final. Out around 1500, and hope the weather is good enough to ride.
I have to do at least 100 miles over the weekend to keep to my schedule. It stinks that the days are getting shorter and anything but a local ride winds up in the dark and cold. We now have snow on the hills that I climbed Saturday-time to pack up and follow the weather. Reminds me of the song, "Urge For Going".
Speaking of which, I've got to go. G'night
Late night in the shop tonight and then I followed Danny to the Medford airport so he could turn in his rent-a-car and save $800. Went shopping while in the "city" and think I have everything to take me through departure day except for mongoose food, and maybe pita bread.
Tomorrow is the long practical test and then Friday is a day about ergonomic measuring, shop operations and the written final. Out around 1500, and hope the weather is good enough to ride.
I have to do at least 100 miles over the weekend to keep to my schedule. It stinks that the days are getting shorter and anything but a local ride winds up in the dark and cold. We now have snow on the hills that I climbed Saturday-time to pack up and follow the weather. Reminds me of the song, "Urge For Going".
Speaking of which, I've got to go. G'night
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Long Day
Logged an hour and a half of "overtime" working on a couple of bikes that were really inb poor shape. Got it done, rushed to apt and cooked black beans brown rice and gray sausage. Then off to Starbux for a decaf coffee and an espresso brownie which will negate the former. They closed at 9:00 and I'm on the street again.
Standing under an overhang, out of the cold drfizzle, feeling like Sal Paradise after he got kicked out of the Harrisburg train station. That from Kerouac's "On The Road" for which I must thank Andre. Great book, and I'm sorry I waited so long to read it. Kind of fits in with the cold drizzle, lukewarm decaf, for which I didn't pay because it was the end of the pot, and the gruel I had for chow. Mot complaining-it tasted great (forgot to mention the spinach/olive oil/balsamic salad), and was certainly healthy-it just looked like hell.
Anyway, that's today. Tomorrow is more of the same and another 7:00 pm night. I hope to be able to use that time to practice wheel-lacing for the advanced course next week.
In the meantime, Joe, my partner from the first week is touring Tahoe, Reno and making his way to Sacramento to use up the old touring bike before I find him a new, higher=end one. Vicarious extravagance-I love it!
Buenas Noches!
Standing under an overhang, out of the cold drfizzle, feeling like Sal Paradise after he got kicked out of the Harrisburg train station. That from Kerouac's "On The Road" for which I must thank Andre. Great book, and I'm sorry I waited so long to read it. Kind of fits in with the cold drizzle, lukewarm decaf, for which I didn't pay because it was the end of the pot, and the gruel I had for chow. Mot complaining-it tasted great (forgot to mention the spinach/olive oil/balsamic salad), and was certainly healthy-it just looked like hell.
Anyway, that's today. Tomorrow is more of the same and another 7:00 pm night. I hope to be able to use that time to practice wheel-lacing for the advanced course next week.
In the meantime, Joe, my partner from the first week is touring Tahoe, Reno and making his way to Sacramento to use up the old touring bike before I find him a new, higher=end one. Vicarious extravagance-I love it!
Buenas Noches!
Monday, October 15, 2007
Internet Service
Well, I finally have reliable internet service. I just have to get to a Starbucks and buy a cuppa something and a fistful of something else and I can use my $40 T-Mobile service. If I use it every day, I will have spent less than using the other dump which changed its rates and procedure daily. Beginning to feel like a real yuppie, hanging out at Starbucks.
John M.:
I got your voice mail this morning. I must have been in the shower (late, just to disgust one roommate) and didn't hear it ring. Glad you are onto the blog now. My ETA in Mesa will be aroung the first weekend in Nov., unless I stay a couple of days in Venice Beach. But then that depends on how much cycling I do on the Coastal Highway on the way there. My buddy Joe has to buy a new touring bike, and we'll have to do a shakedown ride on it. I'll keep you posted.
Rhonda, the card I sent when I first got here came back today. I stuck two of the wrong stamps on it so it never got past Medford. It's outgoing tomorrow.
Photos are of the area around Jacksonville and Phoenix which neighbor Ashland. The colors are just hitting peak and it's really beautiful. I should say "was"; rain, fog and drizzle all day today along with a drop in temperature. I wouldn't be surprised to see white mountains/hills the next time I can see them.
Today we covered BRAKES; coasters, drums, cantilevers, linear pulls, single pivot, dual pivot, mechanical disc and fluid disc. I was so tired of bikes that I walked intown to connect.
Hasta Luego! G.
John M.:
I got your voice mail this morning. I must have been in the shower (late, just to disgust one roommate) and didn't hear it ring. Glad you are onto the blog now. My ETA in Mesa will be aroung the first weekend in Nov., unless I stay a couple of days in Venice Beach. But then that depends on how much cycling I do on the Coastal Highway on the way there. My buddy Joe has to buy a new touring bike, and we'll have to do a shakedown ride on it. I'll keep you posted.
Rhonda, the card I sent when I first got here came back today. I stuck two of the wrong stamps on it so it never got past Medford. It's outgoing tomorrow.
Photos are of the area around Jacksonville and Phoenix which neighbor Ashland. The colors are just hitting peak and it's really beautiful. I should say "was"; rain, fog and drizzle all day today along with a drop in temperature. I wouldn't be surprised to see white mountains/hills the next time I can see them.
Today we covered BRAKES; coasters, drums, cantilevers, linear pulls, single pivot, dual pivot, mechanical disc and fluid disc. I was so tired of bikes that I walked intown to connect.
Hasta Luego! G.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Yesterday & Today
Did I write anything yesterday? It was so long ago, I've forgotten. After class, I jumped on roadie and went off to Medford for a combined grocery run and blow-off-steam ride. The big store had specials on, which is a bad thing, since I had a ruck half full of sweater and raingear. Roast chickens $4.99, Greek Pita (garlic intense) .79, \half-a-kielbasa sized chicken, basil, tomato sausage 4/2.49. I browsed so long that it was dark when I started back. I soon learned how woefully inadequate my bike light is on a greenway trail where there is no ambient light. Add to that damp pavement and fallen leaves and it gets sketchy. Broke out the headlamp which I'd stuck in ruck just for chuckles. It helped get me home at faster than 2mph.
Started the day looking for a post office at which to buy postcard stamps. Can you believe the P.O.'s out here are closed on Saturday? I went to the only two in town, and the Safeway people only sold books of regular stamps. Pissed off a few people by telling them that in MY country, the post offices are open. When asked, I proudly answered New England. If Jordan comments about the beat-up card, tell her it rode about ten miles around Ashland looking for a stamp.
Today's ride was great! Getting to the top was brutal. I pushed a 30 lb. bike up most of the White Rabbit Trail-took hours, it seems, and then rode down in only a few minutes. Managed to pass a couple of cars which were concerned about curves. Dyl, you would have loved it. Some of the singletrack had hundred-foot drops through tall pines which had no lower branches to slow errant peddlers. Views were fantastic, and the camera just couldn't do them justice.
One photo is of Danny, a classmate from Pittsburgh, about 23, who also walked/pushed up some (less) of the trail.
Tomorrow, I'll stick to the black road and break 3,500 miles. Going to Jacksonville, which is supposed to be an "untouched" town, and consequently has the highest real estate prices in Oregon.
Started the day looking for a post office at which to buy postcard stamps. Can you believe the P.O.'s out here are closed on Saturday? I went to the only two in town, and the Safeway people only sold books of regular stamps. Pissed off a few people by telling them that in MY country, the post offices are open. When asked, I proudly answered New England. If Jordan comments about the beat-up card, tell her it rode about ten miles around Ashland looking for a stamp.
Today's ride was great! Getting to the top was brutal. I pushed a 30 lb. bike up most of the White Rabbit Trail-took hours, it seems, and then rode down in only a few minutes. Managed to pass a couple of cars which were concerned about curves. Dyl, you would have loved it. Some of the singletrack had hundred-foot drops through tall pines which had no lower branches to slow errant peddlers. Views were fantastic, and the camera just couldn't do them justice.
One photo is of Danny, a classmate from Pittsburgh, about 23, who also walked/pushed up some (less) of the trail.
Tomorrow, I'll stick to the black road and break 3,500 miles. Going to Jacksonville, which is supposed to be an "untouched" town, and consequently has the highest real estate prices in Oregon.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Aspersions cast upon my culinary talents!
And those from one who supped graciously in the wilds of Flagstaff thanks to my tireless efforts to provide a gastronomic apogee to life's mundane fare! Bones! You owe me. Let's see. I'll have to forsake my diet and make you pay me off with a serving of Simone's sausage gravy on bisquits.
Dyl, I did notice a lot of tool pimping and catalog flogging. In any case, the prices are quite reasonable, better than any I've been able to find elsewhere-especially since I pay no shipping. That is there is no cost until I have to drag them home or mail other culch to make room in the car.
Shan, I didn't get out to the post office to buy stamps, so JG won't get a card for a few. I shall buy some by Saturday, for sure, and then the dry spell will end.
Today we started getting into the numbers, and my hands started sweating. We were given several formulae for gear and chainline and whatever-the-hell-else they expect us to know. I did pick up on the golden phrase, "You might need this in the future." so I used up half a highlighter on the page.
Stayed after regular hours for the 2 hour free-time session and laced up another wheel to practice for the final exam in the next course-I'm that much ahead and on the ball. Now that I'm done straining my rotator cuff while patting myself on the back; I'm going back to the barracks and bang my head on the floor to wake up and read tomorrow's material. I'll sleep when I'm dead.
Dyl, I did notice a lot of tool pimping and catalog flogging. In any case, the prices are quite reasonable, better than any I've been able to find elsewhere-especially since I pay no shipping. That is there is no cost until I have to drag them home or mail other culch to make room in the car.
Shan, I didn't get out to the post office to buy stamps, so JG won't get a card for a few. I shall buy some by Saturday, for sure, and then the dry spell will end.
Today we started getting into the numbers, and my hands started sweating. We were given several formulae for gear and chainline and whatever-the-hell-else they expect us to know. I did pick up on the golden phrase, "You might need this in the future." so I used up half a highlighter on the page.
Stayed after regular hours for the 2 hour free-time session and laced up another wheel to practice for the final exam in the next course-I'm that much ahead and on the ball. Now that I'm done straining my rotator cuff while patting myself on the back; I'm going back to the barracks and bang my head on the floor to wake up and read tomorrow's material. I'll sleep when I'm dead.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Yesterday
It didn't happen. School was pretty intense. We worked on building wheels from scratch for nine 1/2 hours. It is a constant process of adding parts (spokes, nipples), truing radially, laterally and dishing, then adding layers of tension to the spokes, then re-truing & checking and adding more tension, ad nauseum until your fingers scream and your eyes can't focus. At least my (older) fingers and eyes do. I got mine done and started tearing them apart, which has to be done slowly, but without the truing/dishing operations; so that the rim doesn't collapse due to uneven forces. One guy in the class is so upset about not doing it as fast as he thinks he should, that I'm afeared he'd go postal and slaughjter us all with a pedal wrench. Think of that. You'd all know one of the victims of America's first school-wrenching.
Anyway, this course is much more in-depth than the last, and I'm a little concerned about the "advanced" course which has a five hour final exam which consists of building a "perfect" set of wheels. We have the option of buying the wheels we build, and coincidentally, I am learning how .mediocre my existing road wheels are. I will probably opt to build road tires from upgraded components and since they are going to be blood-stained, I'll have to buy them. I am slowly running out of room in car and trailer. I got my tool order sorted through last night and could hardly stuff them into my toolbox, let alone carry it down to the car. Then it clung to the iron bannister due to the force of TWO cow magnets.
No new photos in the last couple of days, but I'll go through and try to find something interesting. Then it's back to the barracks in the drizzle, and cook something filling. I have a great recipe for Pita, peanut butter, yogurt and spinach with a little curry powder if anyone is interested. It tastes like...well quite similar to...more-or-less, oh, try it and you'll never go back to vienna sausage and oatmeal.
Anyway, this course is much more in-depth than the last, and I'm a little concerned about the "advanced" course which has a five hour final exam which consists of building a "perfect" set of wheels. We have the option of buying the wheels we build, and coincidentally, I am learning how .mediocre my existing road wheels are. I will probably opt to build road tires from upgraded components and since they are going to be blood-stained, I'll have to buy them. I am slowly running out of room in car and trailer. I got my tool order sorted through last night and could hardly stuff them into my toolbox, let alone carry it down to the car. Then it clung to the iron bannister due to the force of TWO cow magnets.
No new photos in the last couple of days, but I'll go through and try to find something interesting. Then it's back to the barracks in the drizzle, and cook something filling. I have a great recipe for Pita, peanut butter, yogurt and spinach with a little curry powder if anyone is interested. It tastes like...well quite similar to...more-or-less, oh, try it and you'll never go back to vienna sausage and oatmeal.
Monday, October 8, 2007
connectivity
this post is being typed single-handed, in an outdoor hallway, smattered with bugs, standing up, holding my bike headlight aND THE 'PUTER WITH THE LEFT HAND, with no power source and supper still raw. things are not ideal, and that's the end of my whine.
I will try to answer e-mails when i get out of late-night class tomorrow at 1900 (my time). sorry about any delay, but...Love to all
I will try to answer e-mails when i get out of late-night class tomorrow at 1900 (my time). sorry about any delay, but...Love to all
Sunday, October 7, 2007
New Digs
Yesterday I moved to the Old Folks Home, the "annex" where they bunk the more mature (as Murray the manager) put it, the women and the socially incompatible. I don't fit one category. Anyway, I spent the mornin g moving, finding lost items and re-arranging. the guy I'm sharing the livingroom with is a neatnick, and that's ok. There will be a woman moving into the single bedroom, which she'll share with my one of bikes.
In the afternoon, I finally got some pain relief from naproxen which Shan told me about. Thanx! Then I rode 15 miles to Medford, had a cup of coffee and discovered my first flat. Fixed it, and headed off to the mosquito-infested swamp where I had my second flat. Used my spare tube, my CO2 and almost all the sunlight alloted to me.
Took a couple of shots, one of the Bear Creek Greenway between Ashland and Medford and the other of the view I have out of the front window of the annex. The other window is painted black.
Going up to Crater Lake today to try and ride the Rim Road. More about that adventure when I get back.
In the afternoon, I finally got some pain relief from naproxen which Shan told me about. Thanx! Then I rode 15 miles to Medford, had a cup of coffee and discovered my first flat. Fixed it, and headed off to the mosquito-infested swamp where I had my second flat. Used my spare tube, my CO2 and almost all the sunlight alloted to me.
Took a couple of shots, one of the Bear Creek Greenway between Ashland and Medford and the other of the view I have out of the front window of the annex. The other window is painted black.
Going up to Crater Lake today to try and ride the Rim Road. More about that adventure when I get back.
Friday, October 5, 2007
One down three to go
Finished up the first week, "got my paper and I was free..." Isn't that the way the Indigo Girls' song goes? Had a good week, learned a lot, and practiced a lot. Now that I am a "graduate" I can get into the graduate's section of the website and find all sorts of esoteric info that would otherwise take a lot of searching to locate, i.e. the torque specs on a 1957 Camapagnolo bottom bracket assembly. I also cruised the "help wanted" column and found a recent posting looking for a mechanic in Tucson, AZ. Bones & Simone, can I park my trailer in your yard?
After class, Joe and I went shopping for lack of something better to do. I was looking for a used clothing store to try and find some duds so that I wouldn't have to wash my jeans every other night. Found a NAPA store which sells used coveralls, and got a set of orange ones. Love that Orange, and I am going to customize them tomorrow by stenciling "Maine State Prison" on the back. That should get some respect from the instructors.
Then we went on a search-and-acquire mission for a bivvy sack. Joe was looking for a lightweight tent for his upcoming bike touring and I suggested a bivvy. He'd never heard of one so we tried a couple of outfitters. The second one had a very helpful young lady who offered to build the thing right there in the showroom so Joe could see it. So while she struggled with something she'd never assembled previously, and Joe looked on helplessly, I cruised the "end-of-season" deals, not wanting to poke a pole through some very expensive fabric. This was it- I'd started building the wish-list inventory that Joe was going to acquire with my "guidance". It wasn't long before I was startled to hear moaning and groaning from the other side of the showroom, and was surprised to find him thrashing around inside the bivvy, looking like a caterpillar learning to break-dance. The salesgirl was quite discreet in suggesting that maybe what Joe really wanted was a tent. So, I paid for the had-to-have (orange) shirt I found and we left bivvyless. After an unsuccessful attempt at guiding him to a tofu joint (Joe finally got his meat and potatoes meal) I dropped him off at his motel with plans to meet in Venice Beach in November to continue shopping.
So, It is back to the barracks for the night, a painkiller left over from the rotator cuff cutting and see what tomorrow brings. Probably Crater Lake if the snow isn't too bad up there.
After class, Joe and I went shopping for lack of something better to do. I was looking for a used clothing store to try and find some duds so that I wouldn't have to wash my jeans every other night. Found a NAPA store which sells used coveralls, and got a set of orange ones. Love that Orange, and I am going to customize them tomorrow by stenciling "Maine State Prison" on the back. That should get some respect from the instructors.
Then we went on a search-and-acquire mission for a bivvy sack. Joe was looking for a lightweight tent for his upcoming bike touring and I suggested a bivvy. He'd never heard of one so we tried a couple of outfitters. The second one had a very helpful young lady who offered to build the thing right there in the showroom so Joe could see it. So while she struggled with something she'd never assembled previously, and Joe looked on helplessly, I cruised the "end-of-season" deals, not wanting to poke a pole through some very expensive fabric. This was it- I'd started building the wish-list inventory that Joe was going to acquire with my "guidance". It wasn't long before I was startled to hear moaning and groaning from the other side of the showroom, and was surprised to find him thrashing around inside the bivvy, looking like a caterpillar learning to break-dance. The salesgirl was quite discreet in suggesting that maybe what Joe really wanted was a tent. So, I paid for the had-to-have (orange) shirt I found and we left bivvyless. After an unsuccessful attempt at guiding him to a tofu joint (Joe finally got his meat and potatoes meal) I dropped him off at his motel with plans to meet in Venice Beach in November to continue shopping.
So, It is back to the barracks for the night, a painkiller left over from the rotator cuff cutting and see what tomorrow brings. Probably Crater Lake if the snow isn't too bad up there.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Midweek Action
Last night one of the guys came in (late) so mellow that he tripped over our resident fall-asleep-on-the-couch guy, fell and broke his foot. He was so anaesthetized that he didn't know it was broken until breakfast. He diagnosed it properly because he is a doctor. On crutches now-good thing he didn't bring a bike. Is there any other reason to not imbibe?
My back is still sprung; the longest it has ever stayed bad except for the MTB accident in '93. Thinking over all the incidents, I realized that 2/3 of my bad bike accidents happened while riding with Dylan. Is that indicative of his riding style? Can't lay it on him, both (in fact all 3) incidents were due to my own recklessness or carelessness. Eating Vitamin I like peanuts and wearing the brace & have tried field-expedient traction, but that wears on the rotator cuff issue.
Tonight was work-late night and I replaced the component in my road bike that got damaged during hands-on session. Replacement part was an upgrade so I should be able to add 20 mph to my average speed-Yeah!
Am posting a couple of photos taken in the classroom, and a shot of the hostel kitchen area. The proprietor approached me this afternoon and told me that I could move into the annex this weekend as he was getting in a new batch of students. I guess I will. It will be quieter, there is no tv and only two other people will occupy the area. I mentioned it to the guy from PA and the guy from Hawaii. They are taking the same class as me next week, and they are neat and non-rowdy, despite their youth.
Joe is my workbench partner who will depart on Friday. He's from Venice Beach, CA and has invited me to visit on my way to AZ. Joe is going to be buying a new touring bike and needs my input to help him spend his money-Yahoo! He had a slew of touring maps with him and I've selected the Big Sur area to do some riding despite the fact that there are some rather large hills on the route. I figured that it would also serve as a pilgrimage to the former haunts of the likes of Joan Baez and Hunter S. Thompson.
My back is still sprung; the longest it has ever stayed bad except for the MTB accident in '93. Thinking over all the incidents, I realized that 2/3 of my bad bike accidents happened while riding with Dylan. Is that indicative of his riding style? Can't lay it on him, both (in fact all 3) incidents were due to my own recklessness or carelessness. Eating Vitamin I like peanuts and wearing the brace & have tried field-expedient traction, but that wears on the rotator cuff issue.
Tonight was work-late night and I replaced the component in my road bike that got damaged during hands-on session. Replacement part was an upgrade so I should be able to add 20 mph to my average speed-Yeah!
Am posting a couple of photos taken in the classroom, and a shot of the hostel kitchen area. The proprietor approached me this afternoon and told me that I could move into the annex this weekend as he was getting in a new batch of students. I guess I will. It will be quieter, there is no tv and only two other people will occupy the area. I mentioned it to the guy from PA and the guy from Hawaii. They are taking the same class as me next week, and they are neat and non-rowdy, despite their youth.
Joe is my workbench partner who will depart on Friday. He's from Venice Beach, CA and has invited me to visit on my way to AZ. Joe is going to be buying a new touring bike and needs my input to help him spend his money-Yahoo! He had a slew of touring maps with him and I've selected the Big Sur area to do some riding despite the fact that there are some rather large hills on the route. I figured that it would also serve as a pilgrimage to the former haunts of the likes of Joan Baez and Hunter S. Thompson.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Cow Magnet
Today's futile effort was to try and locate a farm supply store which sells "cow magnets' These are very strong torpedo-shaped magnets without the fins. They are about three inches long, and as big around as an average grape. The idea is to get a cow to swallow it and it will attract and hold any ferrous scraps the cow may have eaten (such as barbed wire, spurs and belt buckles off slow cowpokes?) and then keep the items from going further into the other two or three stomachs. My question was: what happens next? Do you make them swallow a bigger magnet on a rope and then pull out the smaller one; do they go to their graves with the magnet, and who gets to poke through the deceased to recycle the magnets. (Oregon is very big on recycling). I can't imagine sending one in the other way...
I'll let you know what I learn tomorrow.
I'll let you know what I learn tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Day 2
I've learned how to service/maintain the bottom bracket of 3 different kinds, and also learned what not to do while working on my own bike. Had to run out after class and try to catch an open store to buy a replacement cartridge, since I shattered part of mine and needed to upgrade anyway. So far, I've found cause to buy new tires, new cartridge and a replacement chain (better grade) to be used when the current one stretches. God, I love this school! It gives good reason and justification for procuring eye candy and upgrading parts/components. If I could find someone to support me, I would become a professional student. I'm already tentatively thinking of taking a frame-building class in the not-too-distant future. This way, I can build a bike of my own particular perversion, to my own specific body size, using components which strike my fancy; in the process learning drafting, some CAD, welding and ergonomic measuring. All that for a mere..........well, never mind. But, I'd have a real nice custom "1-of" bike.
Monday, October 1, 2007
First Day
Shannon didn't send me flowers as I did for her in 1976, but she did call me and urge me to stay awake and pay attention. Point well taken and I did manage to remain conscious-even after lunch.
It was all stuff I had already learned and done, but the whys and howcomes were presented, and were all very helpful. We also were presented with a couple of catalogues from local companies which give students and graduates substantial deals on tools and parts, as well as schwag. Damn! There goes all the money I'm saving by eating cheap (though healthy). Tonight, I was mean to the other occupants. I cooked my toasted-garlic-browned-chicken-and-garbanzos in tomato sauce dish. At least they got to savor the bouquet while munching their ramenses and subways. I will probably be invited to a blanket party tonight.
No photos of/from school yet, so I'll throw in some from the trip.
It was all stuff I had already learned and done, but the whys and howcomes were presented, and were all very helpful. We also were presented with a couple of catalogues from local companies which give students and graduates substantial deals on tools and parts, as well as schwag. Damn! There goes all the money I'm saving by eating cheap (though healthy). Tonight, I was mean to the other occupants. I cooked my toasted-garlic-browned-chicken-and-garbanzos in tomato sauce dish. At least they got to savor the bouquet while munching their ramenses and subways. I will probably be invited to a blanket party tonight.
No photos of/from school yet, so I'll throw in some from the trip.
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