Friday Afternoon Grab Bag

Panama Cannel Action


Golden Girls




Ride On.

Today’s Topic – Driving Tax

Reading the Wall Street Journal yesterday I came upon THIS article discussing a congressionally appointed commission’s report suggesting drivers be taxed more.

It starts out by stating:

WASHINGTON -- The government should make it a lot more expensive for Americans to drive and should install devices in cars that levy a fee for every mile traveled, according to a report being released Thursday by a congressionally chartered commission.

This would be in lieu of raising the gas tax – sort of. The government is seeking more funds for land based transportation because of a huge shortfall in funds to build and fix roads. The commission recommends raising the gas tax an additional ten (10) cents per gallon in the short term, tying it to inflation to be raised more, and then shifting away from that strategy and going to per mile driven tax in about 2020.

At first thought a person might think, “What’s the difference? Those who drive more use more gas and therefore pay more in taxes.” Well, that is correct. However, the implications I’m reading into this are it would encourage drivers to drive much more fuel efficient vehicles.

This, in turn, would (hopefully) drive U.S. auto manufacturers to produce more fuel efficient vehicles to satisfy the new demand and this would (theoretically) help to reduce carbon emissions from vehicles.

In addition, I’m hoping it will prompt even more people to give up, or greatly reduce, their vehicle usage and start using the bicycle to commute to and from work and run the myriad of errands that are within two (2) miles of their homes.

And if THAT should happen, look for health care costs to start to decline as Americans become healthier with this increased level of exercise.

See? The bicycle does go a long way to solve many problems. AND, it so damn fun to do!


Ride On.

Today’s Topic – Good News And Bad News

And the bad news isn’t even that bad.

It seems some of the FAST (Falls Area SingleTrack) boys meet with the City powers-that-be and discussed the Leaders Park singletrack project. Mostly, the results were favorable, as I understand it.

I wasn’t able to attend so I’m anxiously awaiting a meeting with the boys to hear all the particulars.

The bad news, if you want to call it that, is we might not get official approval to start moving dirt, etc, for six (6) months. Maybe sooner, maybe later.

The best news is FAST’s idea to do this was pretty well received. I’m optimistic we can still drive our agenda forward by continuing to dialog with the City and doing everything we can to make everything we need the City to do very minimal, and therefore, quicker rather than longer.


Ride On.

Today’s Topic – High Speed Rail

While listening to Morning Edition on National Public radio yesterday, I happened to listen in on a story regarding high speed rail proposed for portions of the U.S.

From the online NPR story:

Among the winners in the $787 billion stimulus package that President Obama signed into law last week are backers of high-speed rail. The legislation included $8 billion for fast trains in the U.S. — the most ever allocated for rail at one time.

This map



shows the initial, possible, high speed rail lines.

How sweet would this be? The trains they are talking about are similar to the ones in France and Japan that travel in the neighborhood of 170 MPH. The example given in the story discusses a trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles. The distance is approximately 415 miles and the trip would take just over 2 ½ hours. The proposed cost is $55 one-way.

So what does this all mean? It means less expensive travel. A train can move far more people more economically than airplanes for the distances proposed. One line is being considered from Minneapolis to Chicago. Can you imagine? I’m assuming bikes will be welcome on the trains (much easier than they are on airplanes). A roller could ride to the train station in Minneapolis, board the train with his or her bike, high speed train it to Chicago, and then bike around Chicago. Sweet!

Man, this would be super cool and I’d be all for it. It would help the U.S. catch up to other countries in practical transportation, and, more importantly, create lots ‘o jobs building the track (and associated infrastructure) and systems required to run the trains.

I might even shoot an email to my congressional delegation suggesting they get up to speed with high speed rail and push some legislation through promptly. Perhaps read the full story and then please consider doing the same.


Ride On.

Today’s Topic – It’s Quiz Day!

As in The Big Lebowski quiz.



Go to THIS link to do the quiz. My score? Ten (10) out of twelve (12), or, eighty-three percent (83%).


Ride On.

Today’s Topic – Weekend Recap

It was a productive weekend. It started Saturday with the FAST (Falls Area SingleTrack) open house. Many came wanting to learn more about what we’ve been up to and many signed up to help build trail if and when we have City approval.

Speaking of City approval, a large portion of the group will be giving the draft version of the proposal to some key City friendlys to get there take on what we’ve been doing. After we’ve gathered their input we’ll modify the proposal as necessary and then make the official proposal to the City soon thereafter.

Sunday was Swap Meet Day. I had seventeen (17) tables sold and don’t think I could have fitted in another if I’d had another taker. Several rollers brought bikes for the bike corral. Once the public showed up, and they did, it was a very full room. I had over one-hundred (100) paid admissions to the event. I saw table renters making sales. I sold some tee-shirts. I sold a bike.

For the first year for this event I feel pretty satisfied. Big props to the two (2) dudes that drove (at least) six (6) hours from the Black Hills to Sioux Falls to set up their stuff at their table. I knew they were coming but expected them to come Saturday, stay over night, and drive back Sunday. Not these guys. They drove all night, attend the event, and headed back.

The biggest props to the volunteers who helped my put this on. Cycle SD, Hooterville Mayor, Joyce, and Thom all lent a hand. Thanks, dudes (and chick), I couldn’t have done it without you.

Next up, I’m not sure what’s next up. FAST will keep me busy as we push our agenda. I’d like to get started building trail. But, the ground’s not ready and we don’t have approval – yet. Where the hell is spring? Everyone’s sick of winter and ready.



Ride On.

Friday Afternoon Grab Bag

Devices For Self


Plate Tectonics At Work



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Today’s Topic – OK, Now I’m Nervous

When I set up Thee Swap Meet I wasn’t really sure about anything regarding it. How many tables to start? Will anyone show up? I elected to get a meeting room at the Holiday Inn and it worked out I could fit fifteen (15) tables in comfortably and have room left for a “bike corral.”



Initially I was worried I wouldn’t sell any tables but I was hoping to reach at least ten (10). As of press time I have seventeen (17) tables sold and two (2) more pending.

Being somewhat of an engineering nerd I drew things out to scale using CAD. I can probably get nineteen (19) tables in total with still having room for the bike corral. It took some juggling but I made it work such that the traffic (more about traffic later) can flow and see stuff while fitting in a maximum of nineteen (19) tables.

I am relieved I sold some (all?) of the tables. Now I’m worried about if anyone will show up to buy stuff. I think there will be – but I’ll be nervous about this until 2:00 PM on Sunday.

I’m hoping for a packed house on Sunday. I have bigger plans for next year. I’d like to go to a two (2) day event. Sunday would be the Swap Meet but Saturday would have other fun and exciting bike activities. First things first, getting through this year.

“Whiskey River take my mind…..”



Ride On.

Today’s Topic – Commuter Bikes

I was over at Urban Velo recently and saw THIS post regarding commuter bikes. That’s a pretty good list of bikes.

It made me think about my commuter bike. I roll a Surly Cross Check built up as a single speed. I put moustache bars on it, fenders, and geared it 48 : 18 giving it about 72 gear inches. That seems to be about perfect for around here.

This bike is the one I ride almost every day. It has the first wheel set I ever built on it. I must say, those wheels have performed exceptionally well. Surly hubs, DT Swiss spokes laced to Velocity Synergy rims. Since this was the often used bike I opted for 36 spokes per wheel.

I put a Brooks B-17 saddle on it and a Banjo Brothers handle bar bag on the saddle. The handle bar bag works will to carry a spare tube, a Surly Jethro Tule, a CO2 pump, a multi-tool, and tire levers.

Due to my storage space, or lack there of, some of my bikes are in storage off site. It’s a damn shame this bike will go into storage once the studded tyres come off. However, I am looking forward to having the Big Dummy back.



Ride On.

Today’s Topic – Even The High Must Lay Low

The rumours of my death are greatly exaggerated. I’ve just been busy.

This past weekend was spent in Minneapolis kind of under the radar. I couldn’t get there in time for the Hiawatha Cyclery ride and had many things to do. I elected to not announce my trip to those I’d normally try to visit with. Sorry, boys. I’ll be back soon –ish completely above the radar.

The Swap Meet I’m ram-rodding this coming Sunday is taking quite a bit of time. However, I’m ready. I have a couple of things to pick up tomorrow including some of the bikes I want to sell and then I’m set.

When I did a layout for the tables I figured I could get fifteen (15) in there OK. To date it appears I have sixteen (16) sold and am still getting email inquiries. Getting this interest beats the alternative. I’ll deal with the over-crowding issue with creative table placements and body oil.

For those who are interested, the Swap Meet runs this Sunday February 22nd beginning at 9:30 AM and ending at 2:00 PM. Admission is $5 and is being held at the Holiday Inn City Centre in Sioux Falls. If you would like to rent a table the cost is $35 and I’m letting table renters in as early as 8:00 AM to set up their shit.

I’m giving away the proceeds to FAST (Falls Area SingleTrack) to help with their quest to get some singletrack built within City limits.

In other noise, I have a few details to hammer out and then I’ll likely have an announcement for another bike thing here for this spring. Stay tuned. Same Bat time, same Bat channel.



Ride On.

Today's Topic - Plus 80 Years

Eighty (80) years in the future. What will it be?




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Friday Afternoon Grab Bag

Tractor Percussion


If You’re Handcuffed Together, Stay To The Same Side Of The Pole



Ride On.

Today’s Topic – She’s Not Faking It

Watch what happens when you ride your bike, you’re a woman, and you don’t wear a helmet.



Oh, and there's this (click for big):





Ride On.

Today’s Topic – Swap Meet Update

As the date for the price increase to rent a table at the Swap Meet approaches, there are only a few tables left to rent. Indications are this should be well attended by the general public. I’m hoping to write a fat check to FAST (Falls Area SingleTrack).



If you’d like a table, get to me ASAP. If you’re going to be in my neck of the woods on February 22nd, the doors open at 9:30 AM to the general public (8:00 AM if you have a table) at the Holiday Inn City Centre.



Ride On.

Today’s Topic – Recovery From Oral

If you remember, last Friday I got some oral. Surgery that is. It seems my gums were (are?) receding and they needed to be fixed. For those not in the know, the gum fixer types take a skin graft from the roof of your mouth and sew it on your gums.

The Dr guy told me the roof of my mouth would feel like it does when you eat pizza that is too hot and you burn it. It does and it sucks. To protect the roof of my mouth and the graft they mixed up some stuff resembling silly putty and put it on. It hardened up and did the job. The roof of my mouth one could, and did, come off after twenty-four (24) hours and the skin graft one could, and did, come off after three (3) days.

Now the roof of my mouth does feel like I burned it on too hot pizza and the silly putty thing on the graft side made a little sore on the inside of my cheek. I’m not much into Tylenol or Advil or the like. I prefer more primitive, and effective, methods of pain relief – whiskey.

In the evenings an after diner whiskey on the rocks is just the ticket. The cold liquid coupled with the soothing effects of the alcohol are perfect. But during the day what’s a dude to do? I know, I know, many of you say – drink whiskey! Valuing my job, I’m doing otherwise – example, I’m doing nothing about it. Well, sort of. I find if I dab a q-tip in whiskey and swab it in strategic places, things feel better.

I was going to take pictures of this whole ordeal and post them. Then, I thought, I’ll bet you want to see pictures of the inside of my mouth about as bad as I want to see pictures of the inside of your bung hole. So, I’ll not subject you to any pictures. Not that it looks bad, it doesn’t, really, but still.



Ride On.

Today’s Topic – Music and Chainmaille

I was over at HTATBL today where Stevil Knevil posted the high rez version of Red Fang’s video “Prehistoric Dog,” which, by the way, kicks ass. Here it is for your listening and viewing enjoyment.



After having viewed said video (again) it occurred to me I had a bookmark to a site that sells chainmaille! I didn’t see any club cut biking jerseys, but I’m sure someone industrious could buy some chainmaille and crank some out.



Ride On.

Today’s Topic – Weekend Update

I was off work on Friday getting some oral – oral surgery that is. Finally. This thing has been rescheduled several times. Friday we got ‘er done. As I arrived I remembered THIS post regarding the drug infused kid. I don’t know what the little fellow got for drugs but I guessed at nitrous oxide.

I went in and asked for and received nitrous oxide. My reaction was far less than the little dude in the YouTube. This was even after I had the Dr kick it up a little. Oh well, I tried.

The rest of the weekend was spent reading and re-reading the pretty much final draft of FAST’s proposal to the City regarding our singletrack build. I had minor changes and emailed them off.

The Swap Meet is fast approaching. I have volunteers to help a bit, several tables rented out, and things are looking good. Rumour has it the BiLLyS are coming from Nebraska. Though I think the swap meet is secondary. Knowing those guys they’re coming up to go to Monk’s and if they can drag their asses out of bed on Sunday they’ll be at the swap meet. Note to self – don’t try to keep up with the BiLLyS on Saturday night. I HAVE to be at the swap meet early Sunday.



Ride On.

Friday Afternoon Grab Bag

Sleepwalking?


Good One!



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From Days Gone By

Ride On.

It didn't take long for someone to remix this. Now, with metal!



David After The Dentist (BadEmpire mix) from josh ayala on Vimeo.




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Drug Infused Kid

I saw this over on Boing Boing. Evidently the little dude just got out of the dentist's office for some major work. I don't think he's doing psychedelics at this young age. Anyway, it's fricking hilarious!!!




Ride On.

Today’s Topic – Numbers

I recently changed email providers. In doing so I sent out an email to everyone in my address book giving them the heads up. One (1) person seemingly took objection to my new address.

My new address has the number 69 in it. My (rhetorical) question to you is – what comes to mind when you think of the number 69? The person taking objection immediately jumped to the conclusion this had to be a sexual reference. The person was, of course, referring to the “sixty nine position.”

I replied back that though that possibility could exist, might this person accept the possibility “69” actual refers to my jersey number from my football playing days? As of press time I’ve not heard back if the person might accept other possibilities or if the person is “sure” this can only have sexual connotations.



All of this brings up the question of why people are so quick to judge? I consulted Thee Answerbag and THIS was my answer. Draw your own conclusions.



Ride On.

Today’s Topic - Weekend Recap

Friday, during the day, I picked up these



items from a local merchant. I will be selling them for $15 starting February 22, 2009 at the Swap Meet. If you’d like one but can’t attend the Swap Meet, I’m selling them for $15, cash and carry, or $20 if I need to ship it to you. Email me after February 22nd to order.

Saturday brought unseasonably warm temperatures – like 50 degrees F – which could not be fully enjoyed because I was stuck in an important meeting regarding singletrack. The group met at Monk’s House of Ale Repute starting at noon and disbanded about 2:40 PM. Much was discussed including the open house we’d like you to attend.

FAST (Falls Area SingleTrack) is soliciting volunteers to help move dirt after we’ve been approved by the City and the weather conditions permit. Read the poster (click for big)



and plan on attending our open house. We’ll fill you in on all the details at that time.

Sunday brought not quite as warm temperatures, but nice none-the-less. FAST (most of us) met at Leaders Park for a group photo. Three (3) of us stuck around and walked the lines I’ve drawn on the map. Low and behold what I drew will nicely resemble the actual trail to be built. It turns out I sort of know what I’m doing! Who knew?!?

In reality, the park is going to give quite a bit more than many of us originally thought. It will be a tough build, but, once it’s done, it will be a fun ride. We’re hoping for a ton of volunteers. We’ve seen the potential and can’t wait to put some rubber where are trail building tools will go.

In other noise, I’ve completed my income tax return and am getting a fat refund – as usual. I’ve already got plans for that cash. It’s going to be fun!


Ride On.