The heaviest bike

I am moving

2009-10-27T13:55:00.002-05:00

The new blog is here. Still working on it but it's coming along.

I plan on buying my own domain but until then, the link above will work. I'm not deleting this blog, but I won't be updating it anymore.

music and start date.

2009-09-29T11:27:00.003-05:00

I've set a June 1, 2010 as a start date for the trip. I'm also thinking about using Crazy Guy on a Bike to journal. Eh, but still not sure.

Video of the band I play with (bass player) from a recent gig:

Got an offer on my house

2009-09-18T12:44:00.002-05:00

and accepted it. Right now I am waiting for the FHA inspection and termite inspection on Monday, Sept 21, which happens to be my birthday. Best present ever if everything works out. Closing date is October 7th. Once I am out of the house, I’ve decided to wait until Spring (May or June) to take off. Better weather for a transam and gives me time to save more money and do a few shake down trips. First thing’s first: Must. Sell. House.

family home movie (early 1970s)

2009-07-20T10:06:00.001-05:00

family home movie (early 1970s) in order of appearance: me (striped shirt), stephan (blue shirt), kirti (red shirt), roger (dallas cowboy's sweatshirt), my mom (70s hair on the porch)

vithalani home movie - early 1970s from eric vithalani on Vimeo.

30 miles on the thorn & now watching the tour

2009-07-07T19:02:00.001-05:00

Saving turtles from certain death while out on bike ride.

2009-06-20T11:19:00.000-05:00

Puerto Rico, still no sale and Velomads

2009-05-20T20:33:00.010-05:00

In other news, I just returned from holiday in Puerto Rico. Pictures and a slightly silly time lapse video below. Please click on the photo to view it in a larger size.

Still no sale on my house, but just received a very nice email of encouragement from Richard and Stani who have been cycling around the world for the last 4 years. Check out their blog here.

Three months...

2009-03-01T20:14:00.001-05:00

...have gone by and I thought I should update the three people who might be looking at this and the others who google words that might lead you here. No change.

Well, not entirely true. I’ve picked up a new front rack and panniers. The rack: Tubus Ergo
Front panniers and handlebar bag are ortlieb—same as the rear panniers and rack bag. I’m a big fan of their products. And again I went to Wayne at the The Touring Store. While ordering the bag, he invited me to drop by once I make it to Colorado. Who knows, I just might do it.

As far as the house, I had a meeting with the realtor and we’ve decided to drop the price. It’s important for me to have, not only the money to travel for a while, but also to have enough to put a nice down payment on a house wherever I decide to settle. I’ve owned the house since 1994 and built up equity, so dropping it a little isn’t freaking me out. Plus, I have to compete with the all of the foreclosures popping up.

So, as spring nears, I am getting a little anxious and excited and want to get The Heaviest Bike Version 2.0 circus on the road.

It’s been a long time since posting anything.

2008-11-29T22:11:00.000-05:00

Not sure if anyone looks at this anymore. Anyway, an update:
Still trying to sell my house. After a couple of months trying the “For Sale by Owner” route, I decided it best to get a realtor. Not a lot of activity. As the realtor said, “you picked the worst time, ever, to try to sell a house.” But I have hope that it will sell by spring ’09 and hopefully take off across the US shortly after.

In other news, been working two jobs, doing AutoCAD at my dad’s engineering firm and teaching part-time at a local college. The classes I’ve been teaching include: Introduction to Literature, 20th Century World Literature, Composition, Career Development and Introduction to Ethics.
So basically, it’s a waiting game. I can’t do anything until the house sells. And so I wait and work and play a little music and ride my bikes as much as I can.

Quiet 4th of July Weekend

2008-07-06T19:17:00.002-05:00

But I would bike 500 miles

2008-06-30T09:34:00.002-05:00

And I would bike 500 more
Just to be the man who biked 1,000 miles
To fall down at your door

I hit the 1,000 mile mark for commuting by bicycle for this year, which is also the distance between where I live now and St. Louis, Mo, the city where I was born. Coincidence?!?

Cycling 1,000 miles at 13.5 mph is the equivalent of burning approximately 46,000 calories, which is about 85 Big Macs from McDonalds and the same average speed as a Beluga whale.

In other news, I made news that is fit to print or at least post online. From the Sun Journal’s online cycling column, Man on a Bike.
I don’t want to post the entire piece here so just click this link.

Family on Bikes

2008-06-26T13:08:00.005-05:00

This is simply amazing.The Vogel family has embarked on a 2 1/2 year bicycle trip traversing the Pan-American Highway. They left Prudhoe Bay, Alaska on June 8, 2008 and will end up in Ushuaia, Argentina. And yes, I said family: Mom, Dad, ten-year-old twin boys, and a dog. I couldn’t imagine my family ever doing anything like this when I was ten. We just packed up the station wagon and trailer and went to Myrtle Beach, SC for a couple of weeks. This family is a true inspiration. Check out their website for all of the hows, whens, wheres, etc. and keep checking it; it’s sure to be an interesting, fantastic journey to keep up with.

The picture below is from their previous 9,300 mile bike trip around the U.S.
Click here to look at their journal from the previous trip

NC Blueberry Festival Criteium. Burgaw, NC

2008-06-21T13:32:00.005-05:00

Put on by Cape Fear Cyclists.
I wasn't able to stay for all of the races, but here are some photos from the first two. I like the last two pictures better than the others, but thought I'd put'em up anyway

What's Been Goin' On

2008-06-17T18:31:00.006-05:00

1. Finishing the unfinished upstairs, which will add 600 SF to my house and other general remodeling so it’s a little more appealing. I’m still shooting for spring ’09 to leave for my extended bike trip. Version 2.0. S0, someone please buy my house.

2. Possibly picking up some English classes at a Tech. College that isn’t 30 miles away like the one that I had been teaching at, and I’d be able to ride my bike to it.

3. I’ve dropped 7 pounds. Need to drop about 5 or 7 more.

4. Making Maus (the cat who is temporarily living with me) crazy with the new laser pen I picked up. Youtube video to come.

5. Been watching Euro Cup 2008. I’m pulling for Germany. Me mum is from Germany, which makes me half German. Perhaps that’s where the cycling obsession comes from too.

6. Hannah’s half brother and sister left to go back to their dad on Guam. Long story, short: they moved here 9 months ago from Thailand while their father moved to Guam. Here are some pictures from their last weekend here and some photos of the ridiculous view from Hannah’s condo.

Aaron, Kanasta, Me

Right after Hannah threw him into the water.

The aforementioned ridiculous view.

Driver Crashes into a Bicycle Race

2008-06-03T10:04:00.004-05:00

MONTERREY, Mexico (AP) -- A car plowed into a weekend bike race along a highway near the U.S.-Mexico border, killing one and injuring 10 others, police said.
From cnn.com

And some photos from the recent Critical Mass in Wilmington, NC:

One year. One bike. One trip around the continental United States

2008-05-27T17:29:00.003-05:00

About a month or so ago, I ran across Robert’s website: Bike 360 I saw that he would be passing through Wilmington on his bike trip around the country. He’s literally cycling around the country—left Houston, rode the Southern states, up the East coast (with a break to go to Bonaroo), along the Northern border and then down the West coast. I’m tired just thinking about it. Anyway, I dropped him a message and offered my house while he was here. He took me up on it, arrived last Friday, hung out for the night and was back on the road the next morning. He’s a really great guy and I’m looking forward to keeping up with ride. Please check out his site Bike 360 it’s well written and entertaining plus he’s got some good photos.

Negotiating the hall.

The load.

Heading out Saturday morning.

Me mum had a birthday. And there was a dinner.

2008-05-18T20:10:00.003-05:00

Appletini + straw =

Spirit fingers.

Then two Eastern European peasant girls showed up

and brought gifts.

The peasant girls Mary Mackin'.

And one from today's ride.

Chile’s Chaitén Volcano

2008-05-12T12:19:00.007-05:00

This is too wild not to blog about or at the least post the photos. Chile’s Chaitén volcano has been shooting electrically charged plumes of ash and smoke.

Pics from ohgizmo and National Geographic

Thorn Sherpa (again), Keen Cycling Sandals and a Nice May Day

2008-05-10T18:42:00.005-05:00

Went for a 28 mile ride today on the Thorn Sherpa. Took some pictures. Tested out my new Keen SPD cycling sandals and new pedals. The sandals are great. Early this morning I dropped a couch on my foot, crushed my big toe, ripped my toenail and even with that, the Keens were comfortable and perfect. The toe’s feeling better. I would put up a picture of it but I don’t want to gross anyone out.

I've added Planet Bike Cascadia fenders (mudguards), Tubus Logo rear rack and Shimano M-324 peadals.

I challenged this guy to a race. He won.

Keen Cycling Sandals. Love these things. They deserve an entry all to themselves but I'm too lazy. I ended up wearing them to a wedding today. Seriously.

Nice scenery.

Wilmigton's riverfront. USS North Carolina

Flowers (I have no idea what kind) from the Farmer's Market.

Stopped by Longleaf Bicycles.

Abandoned rail line. Maybe one day trains will occupy the space again.

My New House Guest

2008-05-06T20:54:00.004-05:00

Maus

Pictures & Video from the April Critical Mass ride in Wilmington, NC

2008-05-02T09:05:00.009-05:00

A big thanks to the folks over at Sir bikes a lot for the photos and video. They've uploaded a longer video there, check'em out. Here's the short version:

The gathering of the tribe.
And they're off. Yours truly sporting my Thorn Sherpa, white helmet with matching white shirt. I know, I'm a fashionista. There were people holding signs at intersections thanking the motorists for waiting. Well, we are in the South, aren't we? Nice Hummer, dude. Fun for the whole family. Nice views. Nice people. And the gas prices have only risen since this CM ride.
No problems, officer, we're just out for a bicycle ride. Have a good day. This friendly passenger gave us the "you're number one" sign with his hand. Nothing like riding off into the sunset with 70 like minded people.

April Critical Mass

2008-04-23T10:28:00.002-05:00

2008-04-18T14:35:00.000-05:00

Bigotry and Christian Bullies are Alive and Well In America

2008-04-08T12:54:00.006-05:00

In Reedsburg, WI, it is tradition that elementary school kids start off Spring with something called Wacky Week. Wacky Week consists of kids dressing up in costumes—one day it’s girls in poodle skirts and boys in hippy outfits and another day it’s dress up like a senior citizen or the opposite gender. Seems innocent enough, yes? Welp, the crazy right wing Christian bullies at Voice of Christian Youth America are forcing the school to stop the kids from dressing up like the opposite gender. Why, you may ask? Umm…because these people are insane. Because they take an innocent activity, put their paranoid spin on it and they say that it offends them. Because they want to force their morality and lifestyle on people like the Nazis. Well, you Christian bullies and hypocrites offend me, but hey, I'm not about to strong arm a bible study class full of children to get them to believe in what I do.
Link to article and video of the story.

Stop Text Messaging and Driving

2008-04-02T08:41:00.004-05:00

I don't want to end up hurt like this professor at UNCG or dead like Patrick Sims

Thorn Sherpa:

2008-04-01T19:58:00.008-05:00

Thorn Sherpa:

The specs as of today:

Thorn Sherpa Frame – 560 S
Shimano XT Cassette 11-34
Shimano XT Crankset 22-32-44
Shimano XT Front/Rear Derailleur
Shimano XT Hubs 36-hole
Shimano Dura Ace Bar-end Shifters
Sram 991 Chain
Marathon HS 368 26x1.5 Tires
Sun Rhyno Lite Rims
Swiss DT Spokes
Nitto Noodle Handlebar
Cannondale Stem
Avid Shorty 6 Brakes
Cane Creek SCR-5 Aero Brake Levers
FSA Headset
Thorn Seat post
Brooks Champion Flyer Special Saddle
Shimano PD-M324 SPD
Planet Bike Cascadia
Tubus Logo Rear Rack
Tubus Ergo Low Rider Front Rack (not pictured)

My 2 year old nephew, Teagan

2008-03-29T16:41:00.000-05:00

The talent runs deep in our family.

The Unbelievable Friday Five.

2008-03-28T12:53:00.002-05:00

Unbelievable...
that an Indian woman accused of being a witch was tied to a tree and beaten by a mob, with television footage of the incident aired in India on Friday.

that someone can get a tenure track postion in a university’s English Dept. without ever teaching an English class or publishing a word.

that gas prices are pushing $4 a gallon and the media are pitting Obama and Clinton against each other like a Micheal Vick dog fight.

that an 11-year-old girl died after her parents prayed for healing rather than seek medical help for a treatable form of diabetes.

that the US still won’t boycott the China Olyimpics.

Walmart is Cancer

2008-03-28T10:47:00.004-05:00

Here's a nice little video showing Walmart's spread throughout the US.

Stop shopping at Walmart. It's bad for you, your state, your country and your world. Stop it. Stop it now.

House of Blues - Myrtle Beach, SC 03/22/08

2008-03-25T14:28:00.003-05:00

Sai - Guitar/Percussion/Vocals, Me - Bass/Percussion/Vocals, Dan - Percussion, Jim - Sax, Sunny - Didgeridoo/Percussion

Few more pictures of the Thorn Sherpa

2008-03-25T08:24:00.002-05:00

Little by little. Piece by piece.

Strange Tandem Bike from Thorn

2008-03-24T13:08:00.002-05:00

I'd have to face foward or I'd lose my luch.

Today Sucks

2008-03-19T10:52:00.008-05:00

I got Dingo in 1994 from the local pound. When I saw her, I reached into her cage and she immediately darted under the stainless steel table. Her little head peeked out and she growled like the biggest five pound puppy ever. I grabbed her by the back of the next and decided that she was the puppy for me. Fourteen years later, I can say she has been a wonder dog. My shadow. When I’d throw a Frisbee and Aussie (The Australian Shepard pictured below who died about a year ago) would run, jump and catch it, Dingo stayed by my side. “You’re crazy if you think I’m running after that thing,” I sure she thought. Dingo was the smart one. She knew she’d still get a treat even if she didn’t run after a ball or a disc. She figured out that if my arm hung over the side of the bed or chair that rubbing against it would get me to pet her. And there is a lot more. Over the past year, she's been living with my parents because I thought I'd be traveling right now. I took her to the Vet. today for the last time. She will be missed. A lot.

Dingo

Meat and Aussie.

The Roof of the World is Burning: Free Tibet.

2008-03-18T08:26:00.006-05:00

I’m not sure why I’ve had such a strong connection with the plight of the Tibetan people over the years. Maybe because it’s the lack of help that my government is willing to give. Of course, Tibet has nothing for the US (read: oil) so why would we get involved and help? Oh, perhaps we should get involved because it is a fact that the Chinese government has committed genocide, murdered millions of monks, nuns and laypeople, destroyed Buddhist artifacts and temples over the last 50 years.

I say there should be a multi-country boycott on the Beijing Olympics and the US should lead and just maybe, the rest of the world would realize that we all aren't a bunch of morons like our current leader. It's time to step up, US government officals, and show the world that we aren't as bad as they think we are.

The latest news:

A video from AlJazeera

DHARAMSHALA, India (AFP) — The Dalai Lama vowed Tuesday he would resign as leader of Tibet's exiles if violence back home worsened, just hours before his aides said 19 people were killed in new demonstrations.

The Buddhist leader, speaking in the Indian city where his exiled government is based, insisted he was opposed to the violence that erupted in Tibet last week, which saw Chinese shops and banks torched and smashed.
Click here for the rest of the article.

The image above can be found at ashwinibhatia.com

Video From the 2008 Wing Fling

2008-03-16T19:36:00.003-05:00

During our setup.

Worth the Drive

Wing Fling 2008

2008-03-15T20:11:00.013-05:00

Getting the stage set and plenty of beer for the bands.

The calm before the storm.

It's not a party without porta-johns.

It's not a party without people and line went on and on.

And they came.

The boys from Green Shack killing it.

My nephew, Travis, making the family proud.

Labeling Deloris also kills.

Sai getting his pre-game strut on and Dan on his iphone, as always.

Sai (left), Dan (middle), Me. Waiting.

The wait's over.

Sai's wondering if this crowd makes his ass look big.

When on stage, the more the merrier.

Rawkin'

Sai Collins

Dan Maggio

Sunny Cordilleras

It was a good day.

Thank you and good night.

Free Tibet

2008-03-10T09:51:00.004-05:00

A person can be jailed in China for possessing an image of the Tibetan flag or a picture of His Holiness the Dali Lama, as seen here. In 1999, I was lucky enough to see the Dali Lama speak in Central Park, NYC.

Article from Thaindian News
Dharmasala, March 10 (IANS) Over 100 Tibetan refugees, including Buddhist monks and activists, began a march from here to Tibet Monday, the 49th anniversary of Tibet’s uprising against the Chinese rule of the peninsular region. The marchers, who are protesting Chinese rule in Tibet, included representatives of five Tibetan NGOs based in India and about 70 monks, attired in their traditional robes.

As the protestors set off, thousands of Tibetan refugees gathered in this hill town in Himachal Pradesh to see them off. Sergia Delia, a member of the Italian Parliament, flagged off the protest march.

The marchers are likely to reach Delhi in the next 20-25 days, said a spokesman of one of the participating NGOs.

“The marchers could then take any route across the 4,000-km-long Indo-Tibet border to enter Tibet,” the spokesman said.

India is home to some 100,000 Tibetans, many of whom fled their homeland along with their spiritual leader the Dalai Lama in 1959 after an abortive uprising against Chinese rule. The Dalai Lama, head of six million Tibetans, has a government-in-exile based in Dharamsala.

Oklahoma State Rep. Sally Kern Is Insane

2008-03-10T09:40:00.006-05:00

As a matter of fact, studies show that no society that has totally embraced homosexuality has lasted more than, you know, a few decades. So it’s the death knell for this country. I honestly think it’s the biggest threat our nation has, even more so than terrorism or Islam, which I think is a big threat.
Transcripts can be read here.
Listen:

2008 Budweiser Wing Fling Is Offically SOLD OUT!

2008-03-07T16:29:00.002-05:00

If you read this post then you know that the band I play in is playing the 12th Annual Budweiser Wing Fling here in Wilmington. And now you know that is it sold out. All 5500 tickets gone. It's going to be a good time. I'll be sure to post pictures.

The musical line is as followed:
11am-11:45am - DJ Complete (Austin)
12:30pm-1:15pm - Green Shack
1:45pm-2:30pm - Labeling Deloris
3pm-3:45pm - Sai Collins and the Getaway Drivers (The band that I play in)

Bookstore Cat

2008-03-06T08:48:00.006-05:00

Possibly the most well read cat in all of France--definitely Paris and without a doubt the Tea and Tattered Pages bookstore.

Thorn Sherpa

2008-03-01T15:21:00.003-05:00

Yay! My Thorn Sherpa frame arrived today. It only took 8 days to get here from SJS Cycles in Somerset, England. The frame is beautiful and I'm still gathering the components. The wheels I had built are Sun Rhyno Lite rims with Shimano XT hubs (9speed), DT Swiss spokes and together with the frame, it's starting to become a very nice expedition/touring bike. More updates will follow.

Link to the latest incarnation of the bike.

Don't Believe in Fire

2008-02-29T19:33:00.003-05:00

The second song, Don't Believe in Fire, on the player is from the radio show this morning. Sai on vocals and guitar, Sunny on didgeridoo, Jim on sax and I'm playing the cajon.

The first song, Worth the Drive, was recorded at a show we had a couple of years ago.

My Apologies.

2008-02-29T10:31:00.000-05:00

If anyone actually tuned in to hear us play music on the radio, I’m sorry. I had the radio station wrong because I was told the wrong station. Oops. Anyway, we played to an estimated 60,000 people, promoted upcoming gigs—Wing Fling on March 15th and the House of Blues, Myrtle Beach, SC on March 22nd. Good times. If I can figure out a way to post the song that we did, I will do just that once Sai emails me the track. Again, sorry about the mix up.

On the radio and a Happy Leap Year to All.

2008-02-27T10:58:00.005-05:00

Sai Collins (vocals/guitar) , Jim Durham (saxophone) and I (bass/percussion) will be playing live on Surf 98.3 FM to help promote the 2008 Wing Fling and to celebrate Leap Year. Ok, the second part of that isn’t true, but happy Leap year anyway. We will be on air this Friday, 2/29/08, around 9:30am EST. If you’re not local, you can listen via internet stream.
Click here for internet stream

Gas Prices

2008-02-24T23:40:00.002-05:00

Sign of the times. I snapped this picture while on a bike ride this weekend.

Maus

2008-02-23T21:59:00.003-05:00

I did a test video with my new camera. Took a long time to upload. Quality isn't too bad, I guess. This is Hannah's cat, Maus.

12th Annual Budweiser Wing Fling

2008-02-22T14:38:00.005-05:00

12th Annual Budweiser Wing Fling

Location: Hugh MacRae Park, Wilmington, North Carolina
Date: Saturday, March 15th, 2008
Time: 12p-4p, gates will open at 11:30am
Bands:
DJ Complete
Green Shack
Labeling Deloris
Sai Collins and the Getaway Drivers (a.k.a. the band that I play in)
Tickets can be purchased online only this year. NO tickets will be available the day of the event, on campus or at the radio station.
Buy tickets here

And remember, the money raised benefit various UNCW Scholarship Funds so buy your ticket - it's for a great cause!

No glass bottles, no pets. Everyone will be ID'd before entering.
More info on the official Wing Fling MySpace.

Participating restaurants:
Cape Fear Chef's
Anntony's Caribbean Cafe
Wrightsville Grille
Jerry Allens Sports Bar and Grill
Hamburger Joe's
Fox and Hound Pub and Grille
Fibber McGee's
The Pilot House
Elijah's
Pine Valley Market
Sweet & Savory Cafe
The Reel Cafe

Time for a new camera (pun intended)

2008-02-21T21:39:00.004-05:00

My new camera finally arrived today after a lot of frustration with customer no-service at Butterflyphoto.com. I won't go into it, but I will never buy anything from them again. Anyway, I got the new Canon G9. It's amazing. I had a digital Canon Rebel XT with a 3 different lenses, one being a 300mm telephoto. Needless to say, it was a lot to haul around whether it be on the bike or just running up to the beach to snap some shots. In short, I am very pleased with the G9. It's pretty versatile in that it's both very user friendly and can be set to your liking if you know the ins and outs of taking photos. Click here to read about the details at dpreview.

Selective Bashing?

2008-02-20T12:32:00.005-05:00

Dem. canidate, Barack Obama’s wife, Michelle, has been getting a lot of shit over the last few days because of this quote:

What we have learned over this year is that hope is making a comeback. It is making a comeback. And let me tell you something — for the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country. And not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change. And I have been desperate to see our country moving in that direction and just not feeling so alone in my frustration and disappointment. I’ve seen people who are hungry to be unified around some basic common issues, and it’s made me proud.

People (Tv, radio, co-workers, etc.) can’t believe that she’d say something like that and they question whether or not she’s EVER been proud of her country. Not even ending the Cold War without firing a shot? Not even spreading democarcy throughout the world? Not even, not even…and of course, the true, blue Americans out there are stepping up, taking the reins, declaring that they are proud Americans and always have been. Rep. canidate John McCain’s wife, Cindy, responded with: I just wanted to make the statement that I have and always will be proud of my country.

So, according to Cindy McCain's statement that she has ALWAYS been proud of the country means that she is proud of slavery, oppression of women, the Tuskegee study of untreated syphilis in African-American males, the raping, murdering and pillaging of American Indians, ect. So does that make her a racist? A bigot? An idiot? Maybe...

Something that resembles a Critical Mass ride is afoot.

2008-02-18T10:30:00.007-05:00

It seems that there is a group of people trying to start up a Critical Mass ride here in the Wrightsville Beach/Wilmington area. People have tried this before and the last attempt was a couple of years ago. From what I remember, the first ride drew 25-30 people: adults, kids, hipsters, commuters, roadies, mountain bikers and others. It was a good time and a nice feeling riding with that many people on some of Wilmington’s busiest streets. But as time passed, 4 months or so, the numbers spiraled down to a mere handful of cyclists. So, like I said, there is another attempt to breathe life into the concept. The details:

Meet at the Wrightsville Beach Harris Teeter parking lot. February 29, ride starts at 5:30pm. Everyone is welcome. Ride whatever bike you want. This is not a roadie ride or a club ride or anything, just a bunch of folks who want to ride their bikes.

This will be a regular event on the last Friday of every month.

Spread the word.

Wilmington CM ride of yesteryear. Can you find me?

Still thinking

2008-02-13T23:31:00.001-05:00

Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter wants to meet with National Football Commissioner, Roger Goodell, about the New England Patriots video tapping a practice of the St. Louis Rams the day before the two teams met in the Super Bowl a few years ago.

Again, why not let the NFL regulate itself?

Wait, didn’t a beagle just win the Westminster Dog Show for the first time EVER, something about that sounds a little fishy to me. I think we need a congressional hearing.

Thinking about

2008-02-13T19:12:00.005-05:00

living in America again.

The federal government is investigating baseball. I said, baseball. Our government has nothing better to do, apparently. Baseball. Here's a novel idea: let baseball regulate itself and not waste the tax payer's money.

Thinking out loud

2008-02-13T14:11:00.003-05:00

about living in America.

Here in North Carolina, a criminal is appointed an attorney if he or she can’t afford one. If the criminal is found guilty he or she has to pay cost of the attorney back to the state. Found innocent, he or she doesn’t have to pay anything.

If someone has a pain in their chest and can’t afford health insurance, he or she has to pay to visit a doctor. If he or she finds out that they have a non-terminal condition and requires a lot of treatment, they have to pay for the long term treatment. If he or she finds out that everything is fine, after some testing, they have to pay for it.

Sheldon Brown: 1944-2008

2008-02-05T18:37:00.000-05:00

If you have ever googled for information about bicycles, you’ve probably clicked on Sheldon Brown’s website. I know I have. If you haven’t, Sheldon was considered a technical guru in terms of bicycles and an Internet legend within the world cycling community. Sadly, he suffered a heart attack on 2/3/08 and died at the age of 63. He leaves a wealth of information for others to benefit. When I was in the process of building my last touring bike, Sheldon was gracious enough to entertain my questions about brakes and brake pads. His help was greatly appreciated. He is survived by his wife Harriet Fell and children Tova and George. My thoughts are with his family.

Kids in a normaly kidless world

2008-02-02T19:51:00.000-05:00

I'm sitting with these two for the weekend while Hannah and every other writer this side of the Mississippi is in NYC for AWP.

Why does Superman die from crystals?
How can we hear Hannah's voice on the phone?
Stories?
Can I have a real lion?
Do lions eat people?
If Smokey (a cat down the street) and Maus (Hannah's cat) lived in the same house, would they be married?
Stories?
What's a walnut?
Stories?
Do Killer Whales eat people?
Can we watch a dvd?
I got a check mark, can I have a book?
Stories?
Do I have to eat the brown part of the apple?
Kanasta won't leave Bee (a ladybug stuffed animal) alone.
Aaron pulled my boot and my ankle is hurt.
My apple has a brown part too, do I have to eat it?
Stories?
I think I saw a shooting star.
I know I need to stop lying, but I just don't know why I do it.
I think I saw a shooting star too, but I'm not sure.
What's the devil?
Stories.
Do you have the Hippo song?
Can I pet that dog?
Stories?

And that was the first hour.

Maus

Taylor, Kifer, History and Heros

2008-02-01T13:46:00.000-05:00

Below is an essay penned by the late Ken Kifer about about Major Taylor, the fasted man on a bicycle during the late 1800s.

A note about Ken Kifer:
Ken Kifer died on September 14, 2003. He was hit by a drunk driver while cycling near his home in Scottsboro, Alabama. He was 57. The driver was charged with murder and convicted. He’s now serving 20 years. Click here for more here about Ken and bike pages.

An oversight on my part when I first published this post:
Click here for more information on Major Taylor The Major Taylor Association gladly takes donations and sells posters and books. Check'em out.

A Forgotten Hero
By Ken Kifer

About twenty years ago, I was browsing in a college library, looking for something interesting to read, when by chance I discovered Major Taylor's autobiography, next to a book on weightlifting.

I have never been much of a fan of bicycle racing; however, I was intrigued by this story of a sports hero I had never heard of before, who raced back in the golden age of cycling at the turn of the century, and I read his book completely absorbed. It was his personality, his struggle, and his open and unpolished writing style that made me his admirer, rather than his victories on the track.

In our involvement in cycling, Taylor and I did not have much in common. I go on long, slow rides to enjoy the beauty of nature; Taylor's cycling consisted of short, vicious, high-speed battles that seldom lasted much over four minutes; nowhere does Taylor even mention the pleasure of cycling outdoors.

On the other hand, as a cyclist and as a person, I have experienced undeserved attacks caused by ethnocentric intolerance just because I did not conform to the majority. Taylor happened to be born with a black skin and could never hope to satisfy people who chose to draw the color line. Yet, he had the tenacity to fight the battle again and again without hating his rivals, no matter how unfair they were to him.

Although Taylor was arguably the fastest rider in the United States from roughly 1897 to 1900, his greatest struggle was with "that monster prejudice." Time after time, he was refused entry into races, and he wasn't permitted to race in the South, which hurt his overall standings every year. He was not allowed to join the League of American Wheelman, the dominant cycling organization of his day, simply because of his color. He was turned away at hotels and restaurants, even on the evenings before major races. He was fined on numerous occasions for not racing when he had been the victim and not the cause of the problem. He faced a number of attempts to get him disqualified both because of his race and because of problems arising out of prejudices against him. He was sometimes fearful of other cyclists, and not without reason, as they sometimes threatened his life. He was personally attacked by the other racers, both before, after, and during the races, being choked insensible on one occasion and deliberately rammed at high speeds on another. During the race itself, it was more common than not for the other racers to all conspire against him, often trying to seriously hurt him, and otherwise trying to block him from winning. Even when he had won a race, the judge would often find the white man to be the victor when the race had been very close and, in the event of a tie, Taylor would lose. After the race, it was a rare occasion to have his opponents congratulate him. After Taylor's racing career was over, he found doors shut against him, for instance, being denied the opportunity to get a college degree.

One very telling although not important incident, told by biographer Andrew Ritchie, shows how uniform the prejudice was against Taylor. While in one city in Europe, Taylor found that he was not being given his favorite room, number 13, and he made attempts to correct the situation, only to discover that Room 13 was a janitor's closet. His attachment to the number was so strong by that time that he though about having the room fixed up for him. Now, why would Taylor be obsessed with the number 13 when it is regarded as an unlucky number in the United States? Very simply, Taylor had been assigned that number for so many races and so many rooms that he had overcome his prejudice against it and considered it to be his lucky number.

Taylor learned how to live with prejudice without letting it destroy him. He said he was proud of being a Negro. He did not hate white people in return, although he said that he had "no great admiration for White people as a whole, because I am satisfied that they have no great admiration for me or my group as a whole." On the other hand, he freely pointed out that his success in life would have been impossible without the support of white friends, especially Birdie Munger, who asked for nothing in return.

Major Taylor had four great weapons at his command in his numerous track competitions. First, the very fact that he was tricked and attacked again and again made him strong and absolutely determined to win. The others were racing for the money; Taylor was racing to prove that he was the equal of any man.

Second, Taylor used his brains and was considered to be a great tactician in a race. Time after time, he outsmarted his enemies, pretending he was tired when he was not, pretending to attack when he wanted them to attack first, having his subordinate mark the position where he would begin his sprint when he intended no such thing, attacking whenever his opponent would begin to climb the bank to prepare an attack against him, and deliberately allowing his opponents to get him "in the pocket," so they would relax, and so he could strike without warning.

Third, Taylor was a trick rider and could sometimes perform "impossible" feats to get into a better position or out of a jam. For instance, when racing against Edmond Jacquelin in France, the two men circled the track as slowly as possible to try to get the advantageous rearmost position. Finally, they were both standing still, and then Taylor began to pedal his bike backwards! Edmond laughed, accepted the front position, and was beaten in the sprint. Taylor used another great trick to get out of pockets. In this position, he would have one elbow on the edge of the track with one man ahead and one man on his other elbow. Taylor would deliberately strike his tire against the wheel of the rider in front of him, normally a suicidal move. The rider in front would jerk violently, the rider to the side would veer to avoid crashing, and Taylor would shoot through the opening.

Taylor's fourth great advantage was decisive: No one could beat him in a sprint. Time and again, Taylor would be the last man in the home stretch, and the others would be pushing for all they were worth, when suddenly Taylor would rocket by them, not only passing the whole field, but passing the lead rider by several lengths as well. Because of Taylor's terrific ability to shoot pass the other racers at the very last second, he was a great crowd pleaser and a great ticket attraction. It was for this reason that he was allowed to compete, in spite of the great hostility against him.

There was a sad end to Taylor's life, as told by Andrew Ritchie. Taylor died during the depression from heart failure at the age of 53, an impoverished and forgotten man. I cannot help but see his early death as a victory for prejudice and intolerance. A reasonable diet and a daily bicycle trip could have prevented his death. God have mercy on a society that will let such talent die rather than use it. Taylor should have been a spokesperson for tolerance and clean living, someone to encourage children to persevere. Hopefully, our society will continue to become more tolerant of differences and more sensitive to ability in the future.

An update to the post below

2008-01-30T19:54:00.000-05:00

from the same WPD officer.

I have spoken with the investigating officer and found that the cyclist is going to survive. There was a time yesterday when the doctors were not sure how bad the head injury was and felt it was life threatening. His name is Scott 39 years old, did not recognize the last name and can't remember it. The officers who responded to the scene, immediately called myself and [another officer] because they described him as an obvious serious cyclist. They are saying he will be in the hospital for at least a few days but I do not know the long term diagnosis.
This is an opportunity to talk out about the law that some states have passed requiring motorists to pass at least 5 feet over from a cyclist. The reason I bring this up is because the officer who took the report has over 10 years experience on the Department and only works crash investigation. When he talked to me he said he was having a hard time deciding what to charge the driver with. Is it "illegal passing", which the way our law is written, does not really apply (believe it or not) or is it "failure to reduce speed to avoid a collision"? Essentially that charge is when a driver runs into the back of another driver and does not stop in time. The point I am getting at is that our State laws do not neccesarily address this type of accident where a cyclists is in the right with a vehicle travelling in the same direction. Other vehicle laws would apply for other types of crashes such as failure to yield when a car turns in front of a cyclist.
Anyway that is my two cents worth.

I still haven't seen any news on the local media about this, but there is a story about a church selling pumpkins! And thank goodness for that!

This is an email

2008-01-30T09:36:00.000-05:00

from the Cape Fear Cyclists listserv. Dated: 1/29/08. A cyclist and Wilmington Police Officer wrote it:

"I don't know what kind of news coverage there will be on this but a cyclist was hit on Market Street this afternoon. It took place in the 6700 block of Market Street. The officer who responded says that he was wearing a helmet and was on the right side of the road just inside the white line. A large box truck came by and struck him in the head, knocking him off his bike. He was rushed to New Hanover [Hospital] with a head injury. The officer told me it was pretty serious.

He was doing what so many of us do on a daily basis. Riding the right way and obeying the traffic laws. The other driver is being charged in the accident but that does not make the injuries any better. Be safe out there."

There hasn't been a word from the local media about this and, to me, that speaks volumes about what people think about alternative modes of transportation and more specifically, about how people think about cyclists.

Sleeveface

2008-01-28T15:47:00.000-05:00

How clever.

Click here. Hundreds more.

House of Blues - Myrtle Beach, SC

2008-01-25T10:03:00.001-05:00

Saturday Feb. 9th @ 10pm, I'll be playing with the band. Be there. Or don't.

Here's a short, poor quality video of us opening for Sister Hazel @ the House of Blues that someone took from the side stage. That's me at stage left

For the overly paranoid

2008-01-23T09:31:00.000-05:00

about terrorism and suspicious activity around the globe, here is a wonderful website that pin points events using google maps and actual news outlets.

Click here to raise your personal terror level to "Holy shit, we're all going to die!"

The map refreshes itself every 5 minutes. A few examples of the terrorism and suspicious activity as I type this:

1. ARKANSAS - Bomb threat made at Toys R Us; officials evacuate building
2. SERBIA - Kosovo terror group issues fresh threats
3. NEW YORK - Bomb-making factory found in Brooklyn apartment of Columbia professor
5. AUSTRALIA - Passenger jets targetted by laser gang
6. THAILAND - Bomb blast injures 8 soldiers in Thai South

Kanasta and her creative process

2008-01-21T13:41:00.000-05:00

The artist hard at work:

The artist pushing the limits:

The masterpiece:
A portrait of me.

A perfect likeness:

Undecided about who to vote for?

2008-01-20T14:07:00.000-05:00

Click here to take a quiz and see which candidates are most aligned with your views and opinions.
My candidates, according to the quiz:
1. Giuliani
2. Kucinich
3. Obama

Not sure if this is the way I'd vote, but just as I thought, Giuliani is more of a Democrat than a Republican.

House For Sale

2008-01-14T22:17:00.000-05:00

The sooner I sell it, the sooner I can start my trip.

Asking price $169,500

Year Built - 1992
Lot Size - .1435 AC
Floors – 2
Sq. Footage – 1,400 +/- (upstairs is unfinished 400+/- SF)
Bedrooms – 2
Bathrooms – 2 full
Parking – Off street concrete driveway/2+ car
Lot Size - .1435 AC
Fenced backyard – Yes
Flooring – Ceramic Tile
Vinyl Siding – Yes

Other:
Central A/C
Central heat
Family room
Dining room attached to the kitchen
Dishwasher
Refrigerator
Stove/Oven
Microwave
Attic (unfinished room)
Washer/Dyer
Deck/Patio

View Larger Map

Coastal NC

2008-01-11T14:37:00.000-05:00

Mangos, 100 miles and Rich & Shawna Might be Pirates

2008-01-11T10:01:00.000-05:00

I hit the 100-mile mark on my way into work. 11 days into 2008. Actually, once I got to work it turned out to be 103.47 miles.

*The numbers as it stands:
Distance: 103.47 or the approximate distance from Portland, OR to Olympia, WA
Average Speed: 13.83 or the average speed of an Alaskan Salmon
Calories: 4,870 or 37 mangos

*Not including the ride home from work today.

As far as the declaration of dropping some pounds I made sometime around Thanksgiving, I haven’t weighed myself in a few weeks, but from looking in the mirror and judging from the way my clothes fit, I have lost a few lbs. I'm still going to the gym a couple times a week and biking to work. Seems to be paying off.

I also want to point people in the direction of my friends, Rich & Shawna’s, blog: Veganic Verses

We don't eat meat, and in certain company that freaks people out...or makes them curious. Even after 20 years of eating this way, we still get the occasional question: "What do you guys eat?!" The Veganic Verses is our answer. This is a mere sampling of the scrumptious bounty we enjoy, and could also serve as a resource for anyone interested in trying vegan cuisine themselves.

Using language like 'bounty', they might be pirates too. So, even if you eat meat, check out their recipes, it's a great way to switch up your dinner routine. And if your resolution was to start eating less meat or no meat, click on over.

's up, lil' man?

2008-01-09T11:03:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, at the community college where I teach part-time, I was looking for a particular person to get some information. I went to her office and was told that she was helping with registration in the cafeteria. Yes, registration is still held on campus, not online and in a cafeteria. I go to the cafeteria. I had never met the woman I was looking for, so I walk up to the registration window and before I could get a word out, a guy sitting in a chair, on the other side looked up at me and says, ’s up, lil’ man? I was so taken by the greeting, it didn’t really click what he had said, so I asked for the woman that I had mentioned before without responding to him.

’s up, lil man? He said. ‘s up. Lil’ man.

1. I’m in my mid-30s--ok, late 30s. Little man is something you call a six year old on the basketball court after he heaves the ball in the air and it hits the bottom of the net. Nice try, lil’ man.

2. I’m an instructor. I tell my students to call me Eric or Mr. Vithalani or Mr. V but not to call me “hey you” or “hey asshole” and now I have to include “lil’ man.”

3. If I were a student, it seems unprofessional to call me “lil’ man.” “s up,little man? You be wantin’ some classes up in this bitch. I can turn you on, yo. I gots some Englishes. You wants some Maths, I gots some o’ dat too. You let me know. You my Lil’ man.

4. Maybe hitting the gym and the 22 mile round trip bike commute to my other job is paying off. ‘s up, lil’ man?

From last night's gig

2008-01-06T07:35:00.000-05:00

Sai Collins - guitar and singing
Me - Cajon (the box)
Sonny - Flute (slightly not in key) and djembe
Random guy leaning against the wall - djembe

I about threw up

2008-01-05T18:20:00.001-05:00

when I saw this picture:

And then I got mad as hell. And then I debated whether or nor to post it. And then I figured people should see it. I saw it on cyclist Tony Ashworth's world tour journal. Tony is in China right now and that is where the photo was taken. Does it really surprise me that it's from China?!!?!?!
The specific entry is here.

There is so much wrong with China that I'd need to make up an entire new internet to list everything. How about we all STOP buying crap Made in China to start with....

Keen's Commuter Cycling Sandal

2008-01-03T20:56:00.002-05:00

May 10, 2008 Edit: Since posting this I have picked up a pair of Keen's cycling sandal. I love them. They are comfortable, light weight, walkable and by far my favorite cycling shoe I've owned to date. Feel free to ask me questions about them. A couple of pics:

Keen, the outdoor/trail shoe company, has made a cycling/trail sandal that is now available at REI. The shoe retails for $115 and is SPD compatible. Seems like it could be a good touring shoe with all of the vents and coverage over the toes. I doubt the price will drop anytime soon because the cycling season starts in the spring. Another good feature, according to Keen’s website, is that they are “treated with ÆGIS Microbe Shield®, antimicrobial technology that helps prevent odor.” This is a good thing because I can’t wear Teva type sandals because the sweat from my feet make them stink really, really bad. I might have to get a pair once it warms up around here.

Huckabee is a Scab

2008-01-03T09:47:00.000-05:00

So last night, Letterman and Leno were back on the air after two months of no shows because of the writer’s strike. I watched Letterman. He was on point. Funny as ever and sporting a beard that Robin Williams likened to Civil War reenactment. I say keep the beard, Dave. Apparently, Letterman’s production company, World Wide Pants, made a deal with the Writer’s Union. No problem there. He’s able to have writers working for him and guests that support the writer’s without having worry of being know as an asshole Scab. Leno on the other hand, did not. Leno is not allowed to have union writers working for him and is not allowed to have Hollywood type guests. Anyway, my point: Presidential candidate Mike “I kill tiny birds with guns” Huckabee was Leno’s guest last night. So, at some point during the strike Huckabee said, "I support the writers, by the way, unequivocally, absolutely. They’re dead right on this one. And they ought to get royalties off the residuals and the long-term contracts." In typical political fashion, he goes back on his word to gain some political stride as the Iowa caucus in upon us. From what I heard on NPR this morning, as Huckabee crossed the picket line striking writers held signs reading, "Huckabee is a Scab."

It just occured to me

2008-01-01T17:42:00.000-05:00

that I haven't put up pictures of my latest bike, the Surly Cross Check. A very windy 10.35 miles on it today to see a movie with H and the kids. Umm...my guess is that The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep will not be getting any Oscars. And Happy New Year!

Of course, the love glove.

2007-12-24T11:45:00.000-05:00

This is must be a really hot item for the season because it's sold out. The makers of the glove claim it to be "the most romantic, cosiest gloves ever invented." If I'm ever seen with such a thing around my hand, call the police because I have been either brainwashed by some sort of cuddly, hand holding cult or my brain has been replaced by an alien being. Seriously, do people really use/wear/enjoy these types of things?!?! What's the etiquette when approaching a pole? Or other people? Or a cyclist?

Still need an idea...

2007-12-21T15:12:00.000-05:00

...about what to get me for xmas? <---If you're wondering, I'm the one that took the Christ out of Christmas. Anyway, only a few days left and here's what you, yes you, can get me.

Lovely, yes? It's the Thorn Exp touring/expedition bike and I won't be mad if I recieve the bike after xmas. How to order, you ask. Right here.

It's quiz time

2007-12-18T13:54:00.000-05:00

Do you know your geography? Take the travel IQ quiz. I thought I'd do a lot better. :(
My scores:
Level 6
191366 pts.
Travel IQ 94

Click Here To Take The Quiz

2nd time playing:
level 8
269939 pts
IQ 101

Are we there yet?!?!?

2007-12-18T09:39:00.000-05:00

How much longer!?!?! For fark's sake, isn't Christmas over yet? Come on father time, speed this train wreck up. It's ONLY been 3 months of continuous Christmas music that I'm forced to listen to at work. Please. Stop. The. Christmas. Music. I'm. Freakin'. Dying. Over. Here. The govt. should make the terrorists listen to this Christmas crap as much as I have to. THAT, my friend, is torture.

From Ours To Yours

2007-12-13T13:40:00.000-05:00

Seasons Greetings!

XOXOXOXOXO
Oprah, Barack, Lil' Britney and me.

I feel a little guilty

2007-12-10T20:58:00.000-05:00

for posting this after reading about the ice storm in the middle of the country. It was 56F this morning when I biked to work and somewhere around 70 when I rode home this afternoon. 21 mile commute. It felt good. The rest of the week = highs in the mid-70s.

The Sunday 15

2007-12-09T19:47:00.000-05:00

1. Miles on the bike today – 14
2. Flat tires today – 1
3. Frame pumps owned at the moment – 0
4. CO2 inflate cartridges – 1
5. Empty CO2 cartridges – 1
6. Phone calls for a ride home – 2
7. Miles ridden home in a car – 7
8. Essays graded – 36
9. Essays not graded – 22
10. Loads of laundry today – 2
11. MPG for the Prius for the first week – 42
12. Dollars spent on gas since I got the Prius – 0
13. Classes left to teach this semester – 1
14. Fame pump plan on buying tomorrow – 1
15. Doors hung this weekend – 1

Incase anyone was wondering

2007-12-06T16:17:00.000-05:00

And so it begins

2007-12-06T15:48:00.000-05:00

piece by piece.
My plan was to order the frame (Thorn Sherpa) first and then buy the parts that I needed as I found good deals. The Sherpa is the business, as the Brits say. BUT. Buying the car below ate into my frame budget. I might need to wait on my tax return to buy it and hopefully the US dollar, British Pound exchange rate will be a little better. So, I ordered the first two parts (11-34 cassette & rear derailleur) for my new expedition/touring bike build. My intent is to go full Shimano XT. Lovely, aren't they?

Ecotone

2007-12-05T09:59:00.000-05:00

The literary journal of my former MFA program. Submit. Buy issues. Donate.

Ecotone is a literary journal of place that seeks to publish creative work about the environment and the natural world while avoiding the hushed tones and clichés of much of so-called nature writing. In the natural world an ecotone is a landscape where two separate ecosytems overlap, a place of danger and opportunity for animals. As we try to reimagine a new literature of place, our journal embraces literary ecotones, writing that breaks across genres and seeks out edges. These edges—between science and literature, the urban and rural, the personal and biological—are places that are alive and electric, as well as new and dangerous.

Ecotone's blog which is also linked to the right.

Also a party to celebrate the publication of the fifth edition of Ecotone will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8 at the WHQR Studio Gallery, 254 North Front Street in Wilmington. Ecotone is the national literary journal published by the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Department of Creative Writing. The event will feature a talk by Jill McCorkle, Ecotone contributor, North Carolina native and author of multiple books including Carolina Moon and Crash Diet. The night will continue with a silent auction to benefit the journal, as well as beverages and hors d’oeuvres. Admission will be $10 and will benefit the magazine.

Hi. My name is Eric

2007-12-03T20:41:00.000-05:00

and I just bought a 2008 Toyota Prius that looks like this:

I have to admit, I hate cars. I hate everything about them. I hate the way they look, smell, sound, taste, feel and I hate the money that's dumped into them and the gas that I have to put in them and the way they are everywhere and and and I just hate them. BUT unfortunately, I have to have one. It's a 30 miles one way drive to the school I'm teaching at, and that's a bit too far to bike. I can and have biked that far, but it comes down to the time involved to do that, which I don't have. So, the 1992 Celica that I had was on it's last legs. Let me put it this way, when I was at the Toyota dealer today, someone walked my the Celica and asked if there was a bomb ticking under the hood--clack clack clack clack. It was a good car, 145,000+ miles on it and with the roof racks I moved mattresses, beds, tables, surfboards, bicycles and pretty much everything I own with it. So, I did it. I bought a new car. And now I am the freaked out owner of a 2008 Toyota Prius. The car is a little scary. The newness. The crazy hybrid technology. The status of having an environmentally friendly car. The car payment. The scary thought that I will become a hybrid car snob the way Mac users are snobs about their computers. Yes, I have a Mac--holy crap....

School of Life, bicycle gangs and Queen

2007-11-30T15:50:00.000-05:00

When I was a kid, I lived in Huntington, WV. Easy on the incest jokes. My family and I lived in little neighborhood with rolling hills, a 7-11, two grocery stores one elementary school, and of course I had friends from said ‘hood. One friend, Dave Elmore, who was a year older than I was, lived a street over. He’d come over and we’d lip sync to Queen’s We Will Rock You/We are the Champions. He’d also swim in our pool, and we had a bicycle gang with other kids in the ‘hood. For some reason, our gang mantra was something like: we turn our hats at midnight. Don’t ask. Because I don’t remember. We also played little league baseball and basketball together. Today, it was brought to my attention (I haven’t talked to him in like 100 years) that he is down in Roatan, Honduras; he has started a non-profit last year called SOL (School of Life) International Foundation. Their mission: SOL (School of Life) International Foundation is working to initiate and support community-based programs designed to promote education and increase the quality of life in developing areas.
Check out their website. Help if you can.
Click here for a recent article on Dave.

View Larger Map

I'm thankful that

2007-11-21T12:38:00.000-05:00

the Creation Museum has finally made it clear. I've always wondered what happened to the dinosaurs. This brilliant piece of religious Americana is located somewhere in Kentucky, which apparently was created some 6000 years ago.
Here are a few pictures from the museum.
Click on the image to enlarge.

Biblical History is the key to understanding dinosaurs!

How did the dinosaurs fit on Noah’s ark?

What happened to them after the flood?

But what happened to them!?!?!?!

Eve feeding a carrot to a squirrel. OMG! WATCH OUT, EVE! DINOSAUR!

The Hall of Torment

See the rest of the photos HERE.

Lhasa to Kathmandu by Bicycle

2007-11-15T16:33:00.000-05:00

5 min. video by Brad Davies of Australia. Lhasa, Tibet to Kathmandu, Nepal by Bicycle, October 2007 Amazing scenery including Everest. If this doesn't get your adventurous spirit out of park, I don't know what will.

By the Numbers

2007-11-14T09:18:00.000-05:00

*I’m 6’0”
*38 years old
*185 lbs.
*BMI is 25.1 (25.0 is overweight for someone my height, age, weight and frame)
*I need 2500 calories per day to maintain the 185 lbs. This is with exercising 3 to 4 times a week.
*I need 2000 calories per day to lose 1.5 lbs. per week.
*1.5 lbs. per week times 12 weeks, 6 days (90 days) = 20 lbs.
*185 lbs. minus 20lbs. = 165lbs = the ideal weight for me.

I’ll be using Fit Day to help keep track of my calorie intake. I hit the gym after work today. My goal is to lose the 20 lbs. in about 90 days, but I want to get back in shape. This is all part of the plan to travel again by bicycle. I’ll start commuting to work by bike next week.

Update:
Calories taken in today according to Fit Day = 1135. I have a feeling it's more that b/c of my inputting that data. Which is fine b/c I think I need more than that to function. I did 35 mins. on the elliptical machine at the gym burning 350 calories. I was surprised how good I felt during the workout.

Bike Vs. Hummer

2007-11-12T12:42:00.000-05:00

This is the reason why cyclists should ride with traffic and not on the sidewalk

Cyclist vs. mountain

Check Out This Shat

2007-11-07T16:38:00.001-05:00

William Shatner sings Elton John's Rocketman at 1978 Sci-Fi Awards show.

Seattle Has It Right

2007-11-07T15:10:00.000-05:00

Average gas price in the US is 3.051 today. More people are obese in this country than ever. Oil is at an all time high lurking around $100 a barrel because of greed. What better time to ride a bicycle when you can?

Seattle City Council approves bicycle expansion plan

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS (November 6, 2007)

SEATTLE -- The Seattle City Council has approved a 10-year plan for 118 miles of new bike lanes and 19 miles of bike trails.

Mayor Greg Nickels hopes the number of bicycle commuters will triple -- from 6,000 to 18,000. It's now about two percent of the workers.

The plan approved Monday would establish a 450-mile network of lanes and trails for bicycle riders.

The city has budgeted $27 million for cycling projects. Completing the plan will cost $240 million.
(Seattle P-I, Times)

They're Baaaaack

2007-11-07T09:17:00.000-05:00

The boys over at 77 Santas are back at it. This is the second year they are saturating the interwebs with “Christmas and holiday music during November and December.” Admittly, I hate the holidays and everything that goes along with them. Every year, from the day after Halloween until a little after Valentines day, I would rather pull out my toe nails with pliers than take part in the festivities. BUT. I have to say, last year JV and PC made it a little more bearable. I look forward to seeing/hearing what they have for us this year.

Deals and Steals

2007-11-05T10:06:00.001-05:00

Here are a few cool websites that feature one outdoorish item at a time. These sites are designed for the cheap people who like to get outside -- camping, clothes, wetsuits, board bags, camp stoves, shoes, snowboards, and pretty much anything else you can think of. Gear Engine keeps it's deal up for 3 mins. and then switches to another. Gotta be on the ball for that one. Steep and Cheap keeps their deals going until they sell out. Same concept at Whiskey Militia but they are more in the realm of board sports and board sports culture.

Free Legal Music Downloads

2007-11-02T12:45:00.000-05:00

Check out Spiral Frog.
The catch: you are subjected to some advertising while the music is downloading. I see no problem with that; I'll just walk away from the computer for a bit. I plan on testing it out tonight.

Update:
Spiral Frog is for PCs only. If you have a Mac, like I do, your out of luck. So, if someone with a PC wants to give it a try and report back, please do. I'll test it out on Monday from work...shhh, don't tell.

Because today is Halloween.

2007-10-31T09:45:00.000-05:00

Zombie Personal Ad

Today's recommended reading:
The Zen of Zombie: Better Living Through the Undead

Scary Video of the Day

Some timely movie making. Starring me. Boo!

2007-10-27T18:28:00.000-05:00

I want to "ride" my bicycle

2007-10-26T14:09:00.000-05:00

From Telegraph.co.uk

Man who had sex with bike in court
By Richard Alleyne
Last Updated: 1:21pm BST 26/10/2007

A man has been placed on the sex offenders’ register after being caught trying to have sex with a bicycle.

Robert Stewart was discovered in his room by two cleaners at the Aberley House Hostel in Ayr, south west Scotland, in October last year.

On Wednesday Mr Stewart admitted to sexual breach of the peace in Ayr Sheriff Court, where depute fiscal Gail Davidson described how he had been found by the hostel workers.

She said: "They knocked on the door several times and there was no reply.

"They used a master key to unlock the door and they then observed the accused wearing only a white T-shirt, naked from the waist down.

"The accused was holding the bike and moving his hips back and forth as if to simulate sex."

Both witnesses, who were extremely shocked, notified the hotel manager, who in turn alerted the police.

Mr Stewart was placed on the sex offenders’ register but his sentence was deferred until next month.

He is not the first man to be convicted of a sexual offence involving an inanimate object, however.

Karl Watkins, an electrician, was jailed for having sex with pavements in Redditch, Worcs, in 1993.

Unrelated photo, but I can understand his point.

Time To Change

2007-10-26T10:05:00.000-05:00

Yes, at times I get my inspiration from bad '70s TV. Who doesn't, right? Below is a video of The Brady Bunch kids rawkin' their hit, Time To Change. You may be asking yourself, "self, what does this have to do with anything?" Well its time to change, then its time to change...sha na na na na na na sha na na na na na. Who couldn't be inspired by that, right? I've been on the bike for all of 10 miles or so since June. I have membership at the Y and have been all of 10 times since earlier this summer. My eating habits are that of a 13 year old: pizza, kit kats, french fries and so on. I'm not a 13 year old; I'm getting older. I've gained quite a bit of LBs too. And if I want to travel in the future, I need to be in better shape. So, this is my declaration: I'm going to move towards a healthier life style. Eat better. Exercise daily. Start commuting to work by bike (I use to do this 4-5 times a week). Going to bed at a decent hour. Stop the bad habits that I have picked up/revisited over the past 5 months. In the past, when I've tried to this, it has always started out fine and then a month or two down the road, I kind of give it up. So, I will post my progress here in hopes of keeping me motivated. Thanks, Bradys.

A Late Poem

2007-10-26T00:05:00.000-05:00

You Look Outside

You look outside.
Already it is five o'clock.
The world is disappearing.
Across the city, yellow leaves are dropping
from the trees--
lamps going out slowly--
In the Diamond district,
store owners undress
the windows. They unclasp necklaces
from the headless mannequins.
You look outside.
Already it is evening.
On the table, the books lie open
to where you stopped reading
about the Magellanic clouds.
The sky is violet against the iron railing.
In the river, cars drift
upside down with their lights on.

~~Malena Morling

Halloween costume ideas

2007-10-22T10:28:00.000-05:00

for your dog(s).

Last night's gig

2007-10-21T18:26:00.000-05:00

So the 4 people that read this blog might remember that I mentioned that the band I play with was to open up for Tim Reynolds at a local club. Well, that was last night and it was a blast. I was a little worried that there wouldn’t be much of a crowd early. We played from 9:30 ‘til 10:30. To my surprise, there were quite a lot of people for our set. The gig was great. Tim joined us onstage for a song. He was stage right to me and during the song; all I could do was watch him play. The guy is an alien when it comes to playing the guitar. I’m sure I hit some bad notes, but oh well. I kept thinking: holy shit. That’s Tom Reynolds standing next to me. One degree of separation from Dave Mathews. Anyway, two different people recorded the show and we are going to talk to Tim and make sure it’s cool with him that we release the song that he played on. We plan to get it mixed down and out on CD and iTunes, as an EP, as soon as we can.

For those of you who are in Wilmington, we are playing the Bud Light Chili Cook Off next Saturday, October 27 @ McRae Park . I think we go on around noon. Plenty of time for beer and chili after the set.