Mountain Bikes, Bass Guitar, and other stuff I like

Singlespeed bike was fubar yesterday so went for long ride at Blanket's on the geared bike. That bike is such a beater. I've had that bike for almost 3 years so it's been some miles.  While I was out there I had this thought: On a geared bike, I feel like the bike   is the machine.  On a singlespeed bike, I feel like I   am the machine. I don't have to mess with gears or worry about if I'm in the right gear.  I love the way how performance is all up to me.  Like Lisa Randall says, "The singlespeed bike doesn't care if you're having a bad day." I am currently running a 32-20 ratio which is just about right for hilly cross-country.  Earlier this year, my LBS decided to put on a 32-18 setup right before a race up in hilly Tennessee. 18 is great on flats but murder on hills, at least until I get stronger.  I may switch back to an 18 before the race at Lake Hartwell at end of September because it's relatively flat over there in East Georgia.

Just home from Raleigh,NC and I can tell you, there really is nothing like darkening your own doorstep.  It is so inexplicably sweet to be home after 3 weeks away.  For those curious, I was up there writing a technical manual and getting in some biking on the side. Or was it the other way around? Speaking of, there is plenty of biking to be had up there and lots of greenspace.  Raleigh has a great outdoorsy vibe and is pretty laid back.  Only problem is there's not much elevation or climbing to speak of on the trails, which was disappointing.  I had to ride a long way to get a decent workout but I needed that kind of riding because I normally grind it out on hilly singletrack which really takes a toll and need to incorporate "easier" road rides.  The trails were plenty technical and challenging but nothing to put me in 80% max heart rate for too long.  Got to work on some of my bike handling skills though with plenty of drops and log jumps.  Favor...

This hurt, a lot.

The greatest video game you'll ever play is with your heart pounding in the woods.  I'm talking about riding a bike through rugged terrain through a forest. Yes, mountain biking.  Preferably with hills for both punishment and reward, downs and ups. This sport beats an Xbox any day. Believe me I know.  I used to be sedentary and play Xbox all the time. Take today for example: I had poor sleep and had a lousy day at work and a crummy attitude in general by the end of the day.  One person looked at me and asked "Are you lost?" In a philosophical sense perhaps.  It was a smarmy question but one that made me think. I could've not gone riding and stayed in the apartment and moped but I knew better.  This is nothing new. I know how good it is to be done with a grueling ride. It's my medicine.    It was an absolute beating that I desperately needed.  I'm telling you folks, this is good therapy.  It was such a grueling ride with seemingly un...

It's hot here in Raleigh and I'm stuck in a windowless tiny office writing a technical manual. Actually I'm not writing much of anything. Sometimes the well dries up. I had a pretty bad crash last night on 286. Came through the other side of a creek crossing and front wheel washed out in some loose rocks. I may have applied to much front brake inexplicably.  Really trying to lay off the brakes more and more. Anyway, left elbow and knee are banged up and plenty of road rash. As they say, that's racing. There is a race Saturday here that I thought about entering on a lark but now I may not.

I am in Raleigh,NC working on a technical manual. It's surprising that my boss even let me take a leave of absence considering how things are going back home, what with people leaving left and right.  Today is my 3rd day and I'm starting to get used to the area and work climate somewhat.  My 1st day was a bit of culture shock at the massive IBM building at RTP, where a lot of research and development happens.  As my dad says, I'm in tall cotton and yes, it is overwhelming. At lunch on the 1st day, I found myself sitting at a table with 3 men, one from Russia, the other from Australia, and the other from South Africa! We had BBQ from Danny's, pretty decent. I am also seemingly surrounded by British accents and may be talking in one soon out of osmosis! Speaking of overwhelming, the task at hand of writing 3 chapters in a 5 chapter book dealing with Features on Demand, a licensing key that offers system upgrades versus having to buy an extra piece of hardware.  And...