Empty Stomach on Coffee

With winter beginning to settle in, bike riding has slowed. I was able to conquer Rum Village in South Bend last week though. It's a bit more challenging than anything ridden previously. As such, I plan to use this location to build some skills since it is relatively close, isn't overly long and offers a good mix of terrain. Here's a fun piece of construction along the path:



Then there is this gem of a commercial. If only the RV/Man. Housing industry in Elkhart were so damn honest.



Speaking of commercials, my butt stayed in last night to catch up on some TV viewing. Or, if you prefer the truth, I found less money in my checking account than previously thought and no friends wanted my poor-ass as company last night. In either event, I had a hard time choosing which clip to post from the episodes of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia I watched- The DENNIS System, Product Ideas, Dee's Place... I settled on this one:




Finally, in my first attempt to post a music link, I give you The Fucking Eagles. (Click it for a QuickTime player, right click/Save As to download.)

About A Beer

I was screwing around last evening with this site that allows a user to write a script and make a video. The end result is a bogus annimation about getting a beer with friends.

Truth In Labeling

Many of the household cleaners we take for granted are quite harsh and can actually cause health problems. You should look up more info on that. Personally, I try and use as many products as I can that only include natural ingredients, are biodegradable and have not been tested on animals. That said, please enjoy this woman's WTF moment.

Tuesdays Are Depressing

So go out and get your self a new chair.

Change of Plan

In my search for a new bike, I had considered many brands and finally settled on the Sette in the previous post. Or so I thought.

In one last search of local bike shops I came across a Jamis Dakar. In 2008 it retailed close to $2k. The same new bike was being sold at a fraction of that cost this year since, well, it's almost two years old. They made me a deal and that was it. For everything it has on it as well as the brand's reputation, it would have been difficult to pass up.



Yesterday found me on the trails at North Liberty (Potato Creek State Park). The trails are listed in most mountain biking forums and reviews as "beginner". However, almost every reviewer commented on the fun of the trail and some "not-so beginner" sections. My experience was on par with the reviews. It was a fun ride with plenty of switchbacks, climbs, fun fast decents, a mix of tight and open wooded areas and a couple of rock sections. I found it very well designed.

As far as the new bike- I'm loving a full suspension with good geometry! I rolled through the 6.8 mile course once to get a feel for things, took a break and hit it again. The second time was much better. I even passed a few people. To my credit, though, I managed to get passed in the last mile by a guy wearing boat shoes on clip-less pedals. My legs gave out completely and fatigue had set in from not eating all morning/afternoon. I'm an idiot. But the bike is fabulous!

Indecisiveness Reigns

Roadie or Off Road? Back and forth, back and forth... The decision is final- Both. But the road bike might have to wait a few more months for the weather to get nice.

The itch for off road has hit and hit hard. The discovery of three decent trail systems nearby as well as riding six models of mountain bike last weekend has about sealed the deal. These trails, not to mention my vacation condo in Raleigh (thanks Matt) and the area around Asheville may have a new northern friend.

Due to considerable help from a friend in Colorado who's experience is far, far greater than my own, I have been able to shop for bikes with greater confidence. Long story short, FS XC MTB will be shipping soon with some financial juggling. See here:




Mavic wheels, hydraulic discs, SRAM X7 round out the basics not seen. Find me on a trail and/or hospital bed near you.