Brace yourself

Originally, I felt like I was Roy Munson, what with my huge splint and swollen hand...

So I've been "Munsoned"...first the bulky original splint and now I'm more like  Ernie McCracken (Bill Murray in "kingpin") with a sweet wrist brace for the next 4 weeks...at least I can wear sweaters again...

Now I am more like Ernie McCracken (sans hair) with a much sweeter wrist brace...

Year Ending

This weekend has been both chill and hectic. It's an awesome time as it's my 2 days with Jake. Saturday opened up with him flying up to the door and raring to build Legos. I obliged of course and we spent 2 hours constructing some more planes and trucks for his army. I am amazed each time with his creativity and skill. We work very well together on Legos, rummaging through the bins, the crushing sound of Lego's swishing as Jake calls out/requests a "flat 2-er", or a "fat 4-er"... I search for him and he searches for me and in the end he gets a sweet armada!

Saturday around noon, we joined Curtis, Sean Whalling from Soulcraft and Jake's bud (and Curtis' neighbor) Jeffrey on a trip to Sacramento to attend a benefit/raffle for frame builder Steve Rex who was recently pretty badly hurt on a ride (broken femur and shoulder). Steve builds incredible frames and has a bike shop in Sac. It was really amazing to see the level of support Steve garnered...they offered $10 raffle tickets, had hoped to pull in $2500, and when all was said and done, $30,000 was donated to his medical bills/family...it brought tears to a lot of people's eyes...Jake was totally stoked as his raffle ticket number was called-he won a pair of Voler leg warmers!

Saturday night, Jake wanted to stay up "all night" so we tried. Let's see more lego'ing, kick back and watch Clone Wars, sip some hot cocoa and marshmallows and spend 2 hours reading an incredible book from my childhood, "Where the Red Fern Grows". Surprisingly, Jake made it to midnight!

Sunday brought a later wake-up and rain. We settled into Legos (surprise) and the headed ou to First Squeeze for some breakfast. From there it was marathon time...Hit the Loose Caboose for some "Racing Orange" Spray paint to start a 1964 Ford Stock car model Curtis and Mitzi gave Jake for Christmas.

 Let's see, picked up a new pair of sweet black and white checkered slip on Vans for Jake-mo...

...did some christmas shopping for cousins Kaya and Kaleb, some grocery shopping, then back home for...Lego Building!

Papa and YaYa stopped by so we did Mexican food with them and then back home to finish the Lego fleet, shoot some digi-pics of it, hit up bath-time and a little more reading before shut-eye time.

Whew!

As a single Dad, it's bittersweet, I see my son only 40% of the time (soon to be 50%), so when he's here, it's all I can do to cram as much time doing "stuff" as possible---the other days of the week, no matter how "fun" I try to make them, just aren't the same...anyway, I am super-excited to give him my gifts, as there are some incredible surprises coming!

I tried...

So like every 4-5 years my parents get a new whip...and since the economy is in the shitter and car dealers are serving up sweet deals, my dad called yesterday to say he was heading out to look at new cars today.

I jumped at the opportunity to run interference, this was gonna be the year they didn't get a Corolla...You see they've had 5 Corollas in  a row. Five. Corollas are nice enough, but damn, try a new flavor...

You gotta understand this goes back a loooooong way. Like 1984. 

Trade in Ford Fairmont on maybe a new thing called a mini-van. My brother and I were hyped on the Toyota mini-van, we took one home overnight. No-go. My mom did not like how you basically sat on bumper.

Plan B-Alfa Romeo Milano...I tried...hard...

No go...we got a brown 1984 Plymouth Voyager...

One loss.

Time passes and Corollas start coming and going.

5 years ago we set out in earnest. No Corolla. I thought I had my dad into a new Beetle. He had history with VW. Bought new bugs in 1954, 1967, 1972, 1974. We spent time at VW. he seemed sold. Went home, told my mom a Bug was in the cards...Rejected.

They went out the next day without us and came home with...a Corolla.

Today. Headed out with them in that Corolla. But I did my time online night before. Outlined, reviewed options...Honda Civic, Honda Fit, VW Jetta TDI, Subaru Imprezza, Mazda 3 sedan...had all of them on screen when I was picked up...to Toyota dealer we went.

Drive over I mentioned VW...."nah" said my dad.

At dealer they made bee line for 09 Corollas. I had no chance.

"Peep the Rav4"...I said

My mom liked it, walked back to Corolla.

My dad, at 73 was unflappable. He was getting a Corolla. All that needed to be decided was arguing with my mom on interior and exterior color.

DAMN!

Sensing my personal loss (like it's really a loss!--it's not my car, my dad is a grown man deserving of whatever he wants...and more), I settled into making sure they got a cool(er) Corolla...pointed toward Dark Grey XLE with sat radio, bluetooth, moon roof, alloys, CD changer, power everything ... They took the bait! 

Although my mom was totally against the steering wheel stereo/phone controls..."too dangerous"... they seemed to agree and like it.

4 hours later, Corolla 6 joined the family.

No big loss, I have my own life to lead...goal is set... my used Mini or maybe Nissan Qube is like 6 months away...

I am screwed

Yep. Totally.

6 weeks to recover.

Serious pain meds, the shit hollywood types get addicted to...kinda freaky.

All from a ride with my son and my friend.

W  oh  W...

Thanks a million to all who offered their thoughts, but most importantly to my mom, dad, Curtis, Karlie and most definitely, Jake.

Seeing how important being on my bike has been this past year, it's a little freaky to not have that "crutch" for 6 weeks, but I'll make it...

JRA

Nice work today. 

Totally broke my wrist (third time same wrist) on a "family ride" with Jake today...that will teach me to try and get my wheels off the ground!

Off to ortho tomorrow or so to get re-set and cast...

Freakin' great...

Thanks goes out to Jake, Karlie, Curtis & Mitzi and my Mom and Dad for helping me out today...

Onward

Caught up in my self again, I haven't totally learned or changed...Damn. 

Nowhere to go but forward... wish it was easier... Challenges, to be really worth it though, never are easy... at least that's how I feel.

Easy Enough

Image ripped from DC

I live in California. I'm not super religious. I consider myself pretty middle of the road.

Crazy to me that so much fuss is being made over two people getting married. 

Who does it hurt?

I mean really.

Funny thing I know plenty of gay couples that have their shit together WAY more than straight couples--my previous relationship included.

It always amazes me when religion mixes with politics and law in this country. Aren't they (religion/church and state) suppose to be separate? Pretty sure it says something about it in some important document we all are suppose to honor in this country.

Funny how the world works sometimes

Ketchup

Busy times.

November has been interesting to say the least!

Went to California Academy of Sciences--met up with Otto, Vander and Rich....good times, too cool. Membership is going to get well used...

Bowling party time at Napa bowl. Jake should be a Little Lebowski Urban Achiever...

Jake and I had more singletrack adventures at Alston...

Coming up:

Appetite Seminar Thanksgiving Day on Mt. Tam

10-120 miler with G-Sharp day after Turkey settles

Cross Racing in December 6

New adventures rekindled after 13 years...

Hang on!

2008 is flying by like nobody's business-Christmas is around the corner and things are looking good...


My Flickr always has way more pics, so go there for all the shenanigans...

Gnome Homes

Jake and I did a little mountain bike ride at Alston, he rocked all the climbs and really showed me what he had on some singletrack he'd never ridden before.

What a trooper!

We stopped at the Gnome Homes and peeped the scene...then Jake built a sweet little Kingsnake home and we rode home.

The end.

1972–2008

Today I turned 36.

I have learned a lot in my time on the planet.

I've done some good...

I've done some bad...

I've made great friends, and lost great friends along the way...

I've been married, and am now getting divorced—something I never "planned for" or envisioned in my early days of visualizing what my life would include...

I've become a father to a wonderful being. I learned that I made mistakes when he was really  young, things I will never overlook again...the future and all my love is his...

I went to school, learned some things...

I 've worked at really cool jobs, places that shaped me more than I can imagine...

I've learned hard lessons-family doesn't mean friendship, true love is a not easily found or kept without real work from both sides, jobs will come and go, bones will break...bonds will break...

I'm learning daily...that life will go on.

I have a lot more to learn, to do, to give, to feel, to experience...for this I am greatful.

I hope that in the next 36 years I can grow even more. Forgive even more. Love even more.

My 73 year old Dad is my inspiration.

My 6 year old son is my dedication.

I will provide the motivation.

Punkins, Mud and Such

Funkiest Halloween in my life...
Somehow, being the dad on a "non-dad" day eliminated me from seeing Jake trick or treat this year. He was about a block away at my relatives house though...cool.
Sweet Fighter Pilot outfit looked real good on him and I hear he had a great time.

Next year.

Raced cross on Saturday.Pouring rain. Hard as hell...
Inches deep mud on 3/4 of course
Treacherous bridges
Real fun.

Image courtesy of Luce Goods, funked up in PS by me...

On the real side... Jake and friends are the only thing keeping me in Napa...

Thanks

A little bit of thanks-some specific, some general...

A big thank you goes out to Steve Tam...I needed new STI shifters for the CX bike after my 13 year old Shimano 600 front took a dive. In exchange for some design work, my bike was saved from low-end bits by your sweet Dura Ace STI's. Shimano is the only way for me and I totally dig doing you a design solid for gear!

Now for a general thanks to Craigslist. I was tripping on how much I have bought and sold on CL--what an incredibly useful site. I know Andrew and I are battling it out on there daily it seems to see who can find the best deal on whatever, but damn, how nice is it to be able to offload your old stuff, or pick up something you need.

CL has helped me land a 4 year long job at a company I wish I still worked for (if only you were closer)...I've sold tons of bikes and bike parts, digital cameras, lawn-mowers, baby beds and more.

Just yesterday, I purchased a sweet leather couch in excellent condition to replace my former couch that went with my ex-wife. I love the fact that all of this can go on, kinda a "stuff" recycling. I am a firm believer in why buy new when you can recycle something that is perfectly good.

Anyway, that's my cheesy CL thanks and my heartfelt friend thanks.

LIttle Things

Lately I have been kinda bugging out on how the smallest of things can sweep me sad, smiling, memorable-nostalgia. Most all of it stems from my failed marriage and the fragments that are left behind. BUt all of it leaves me with such a mixed bag of emotions, I had to write about for no other reason than to hold onto them a little longer-something I (me) can go back to down the road and re-reflect on...

What kinds of things? Let's see...

The other day I turned on the wall furnace and was swept back to the first cold days in this house. I am a total novice when it comes to common sense, she led me (many, many , many times) through the proper steps to safelty re-light the damn thing. At the time (and even now), I find my self thinking back to when that went down...

Cleaning the damn bathroom of all places! Something about the smell of the shower cleaner transported me to how it used to smell when we'd be cleaning. Again, I just never could do the bathroom just right, so her territory was marked by various cleaning agents' smells. Now there I was spraying it on and about to cry. Damn...

Music is so obvious, it's almost not worth mentioning. I have a new appreciation/love for Dire Straits, Ben Harper and Jack Johnson. So many days spent listening or hearing these and so many others. Dire Straits seemed to always be on at our first apartment on Franklin-I worked down the street and would walk in to hear Mark Knopfler...Ben Harper was pulling into the driveway last summer and listening to him live, then attending his concert. We were so far apart at the time, but I was on the salvation tip (way too late) and the passion which Ben infused into his songs still sticks with me to this day...

There's the stuff I will never see or do again, things like fly into Grand Rapids airport in the winter. I remember that place so vividly, always grey, super cold, yet totally welcoming. I really love Cari's family, they're great people and I will truly miss their company during the holidays. The wandering around in comfortable clothes, hanging out in the kitchen at Bumpa Bills or in the front room at Grandpa Roughley's. The grey-ness, the flat-ness of MIchigan were easy to target as bad, but in all actuality, I am really gonna miss the place and the drives, the winter, the beautiful green summer...

I'm sure that this is far from over-it never will be. I was part of something that failed, something I personally never wanted to happen, yet something I also allowed to happen through my own (many) mistakes. I can't totally grasp that concept-failure at something I wanted. But I guess I didn't want it bad enough to really make it work. Or something like that. Until I die, I'll be forever reminded of what we had, what I hoped we'd have and shaken to a memory by the littlest of things...a rain shower, camping equipment, questions, goals, mountains...life.

What has come out of all of this is a return to a life I knew before. Me-solo. I have a wonderful son whom I would give my life, my world for....and for that I am happy to return to "Start" again...I have regrets. I've made many mistakes. I'm far from perfect. I have a lot to learn. But I wouldn't trade my life,both its mistakes and successes for anything.

SS and Blue Angels

Saturday was cool and crisp outside---also incredibly windy--perfect chance to hit Annadel and do a little SS'ing. Picked up Dave Pruitt (who hadn't been there in 10 years) and we headed over. Incredible ride. Met up with a SSWC helper named Chris and the three of us put in about 20 miles of prime singletrack adventure.

Felt totally woozy on descent down Lawndale, guess my bowl of oatmeal wasn't enough. Gourmet Taco Shop in Sonoma cured that.

Sunday was a long day in SF with Jake and my parents. Weird getting back on the ferry boat after a year away. For someplace that I spent almost every day for 4 years, I was a bit nostalgic. Another perfect day in SF, totally clear, warm and fun. Dragged my mom through Embarcadero and Old Levi's area in attempt to see skyscrapers. Made it to Pier 39 to have an over-priced lunch at a restaurant overlooking bay and then off to see seals (Jake was completely enamored with them). Blue Angels took second place to seals and hunt for a restroom Jake would actually use. We luckily made it on boat (last people on) and headed back to Napa-Dude.

It's nice to actually spend time with my mom and dad, and always a pleasure (one I long for more and more) to be with my son.

Pics to Flickr sooner or later (most were shot by Jake)...

I repeat

People are funny.

It's pretty amazing to see reality re-written so that you are not included, a part of or even there.

Funny.


I mean petty.

BMX and Cross

This weekend was a big time affair-Jake had his BMX party with his buds on Sunday and I raced my first  cross race in like 7 years (second ever) on Saturday.

Good times were had by all!

Cross is wicked rough for me. Sunday morning found my legs and butt feeling like toast. Funny how adding a little running to your bike ride can hurt so much. I accomplished my goal of finishing and not in last place...

Sunday was the big day-Jake's B-Day at the BMX track. 

He was totally stoked to get going on it. Called me on Saturday to say he wanted to do a big ride on Sunday! 

It was incredibly cool to see him and his buds have such an incredible time at the track. No major accidents, some surprising air was caught by some and everyone had a great time. 

His mom pulled the whole affair together and it was flawless. His biggest smile came when they handed him a trophy for the event. He didn't stop talking about it all night long, and it sits next to him in bed as I type...

I love my boy!

Tons of pics on Flickr...

Ahhh...

Poorly drawn cartoon helps my simple mind.

Not perfect.

Not totally clear.

But at least approaching 20/50 instead of 20/1000...

A primer on the mortgage crisis

*link stolen from Doucheblog

Brother, can you spare $700 Billion?

Now I am far from the smartest pea in the pod, but I am totally tripping at the $700 Billion (some say it will reach $1.5 TRILLION) dollars we are going to pay all of these failed investment and banking firms.

Say what???

Kirby-you and I agree on some things, and your comment on my post below did not fall on deaf ears. I don't fully agree or understand the bank lending racist card. But I can grasp greed and lack of morals. Everyone is subject to it on some level-whether big or small. Now, MY  OPINION, is the majority of banks, lenders, mortgage folks and investors KNEW shit was not right and KNEW it was a get in and out scheme. I'm no market analyst, but I do know that it runs in cycles just as much as I know people on ALL levels were lacking ANY common sense...

I know because I was right in there.

Folks telling me, "Just do stated income-you'll be able to get a house", or "You need a house", or "Real Estate will keep going up-we live in a desireable area".

Their fault?

Nope.

Mine.

I accept MY responsibility (or lack there-of). But many, many folks on BOTH sides of the equation we are now staring down-do not.

I mean, come on...could you have afforded the house before? Did you know, really, what the cost was? Will you have a job, or if not, will you still be able to pay your mortgage?

What's scaring me the most is it all seems as simple (and also uneducated) as a 5 year old's mentality to just "get more money out of the ATM". The whole, "My bad, now can I have a do-over?"

So we are going to pay these folks that screwed up royally (Frannie, Freddie, Chase, WAMU, et. al)-these people that already MADE money on the ordeal--I am talking about the executives and folks in charge-who not only had to know (based on all that schoolin' and degrees)-yet also gave themselves bonuses and perks and retirements packages in the millions???  How is it that they are NOT going to be charged, just like Enron? Shit goes both left and right my friend. (And don't even get me started on republicans and their agenda to invade everyone's personal life-see wire tapping and freedom of speech/censureship of current administration,  cut taxes while spending 800x more, and generally leading us into an Orwellian/religious based state.)

Here's one for you republicans---

How do you cut revenue (taxes), spend more than ever imagined (that  includes those whopping $3000 or so tax rebate checks we received in the past 2 years), and not have a deficit?...Somebody smarter than me-please explain.

I don't see much in the way of helping the other end out. And I'm not talking about folks that put no money down, refinanced to buy SUVs and Flat screens, or got into a house they KNEW they could never afford.

 I'm talking about folks that put money down (one way or another), have made their payments. Not refinanced to buy toys. 

Granted I have no idea how to make it work. We were just as foolish to buy a house for $400,000 when 2 years prior it was $200,000. 

I just wish someone with a big ol' brain could show me how the common, middle class sap is gonna be helped out.

Cause I'm that middle class sap, and I don't want to be paying for all this...forever.

I'm rambling like a crazy coot, but this whole thing stinks on so many levels, I can't even begin to sort it out. For my part, I'm sticking to what I know I have some control over, I'll keep paying my bills as long as I have a job and most importantly I'll keep my focus on me, my son and our health...

Pretty Bird

Wednesdays are generally time for the Wednesday Worlds™ our own version of the Special Olympics road ride up and down Mt. Veeder. But the last two have been re-designated Parakeet™ explorations.

The Parakeet™ is a ride we are looking to put together that utilizes dirt roads and trails in areas we wish were legal while at the same time allowing for a healthy dose of exploration, fun and adventure.

Last night was quite nice.

Lakoya Road to our friends Jen's house. Home-made iced tea and cookies await. Oh yeah and an incredible view! She was kind enough to sketch out our route (alomost exactly as we had previewed/Planned on Google Earth) and, with the sun setting, we were off.

One word wouldn't suffice, but here goes...INCREDIBLE.

We mosey'd up some fireroady/double track as it got progressively darker. In the middle we were skirting a ridge overlooking both Sonoma AND Napa Valley. As it got totally dark 2 out of 3 riders switched on the appropriate lights (sorry guys, I will remember my real light next time) and we continued. Soon it was down, down, down. Followed by a little bush whacking and voila a dirt road leading us right to Cavedale road!

A stop at the firestation and some hearty congratulations and admiration of not only the ride, but where we were and how we did it.

As it was almost 8:45 we headed down Trinity and toward Veeder to climb home.

Totally surreal experience as we climbed all of Veeder in total darkness. Leaving the lights off and climbing by memory and a very (very) faint yellow line in middle of the road. I was getting worked as we climbed way faster (it seemed) than ever. What kept me going was not wanting to be last and all alone on Veeder in total darkness (I mean it was just last week Curtis and I saw a mountain lion out there).

Andrew utilized his supreme night vision skills to lead us as well as identify a skunk running in front of us.

Lights were again used for the descent as we returned home around 9:30.

The smile from the adventure hasn't faded yet...The Parakeet™ is taking shape!

**photos courtesy of A. Brooks

Sweet

Balsa Wood Glider Building...

BB Gun Target Shooting...

Dinner and Pie with PaPa and Yaya...

Helping me rake and clean up yard...

Riding bikes from college to downtown, ice cream at Ben & Jerry's, and riding back to college...

Checking out bearded dragons at Petco...

Glider flying at park...

Soapy mohawks during bath-time...

Reading about beardies and desert geckos--which one to get?---before bed-time...

Watching you sleep peacefully...

What an incredible time with my son...2 full weekend days of pure joy...

I have some pics to follow--most are in my memories.

Following Up on that Political Ass

OK, quickly...

My previous post, represented a portion of my frustration with the media today. The stories I have been seeing and reading, in multiple outlets both right and left leaning had Paulin and Co. reaching for new levels of muck-racking and BS slinging. The aforemetioned article came along when I hit the max I could stomach from the campaign. Do I stand for EVERYTHING it speaks of? No.

A little background might be necessary:

I am a white male

I am a single father

I make just enough to provide for myself and my son, savings currently are not an option

I work hard, I take pride in my work

I don't own stocks or bonds, have much of an IRA or money for that matter

I am responsible for myself-both my mistakes AND my successes

I recognize more clearly as I have been getting older that personal responsibility is NOT something a lot of folks in my country have or accept. It's way too easy to place the fault/blame/cause on someone else than to see it was YOU that made the choice (good or bad) and it is YOUR responsibility to handle it.

I am happy to live in the USA, at least we can (currently) continue to have these discussions, disagreements, alternative views and personal expressions. 

I spend most of my time outdoors-cycling mostly, although hiking and kayaking happen too. Main thing, I respect the outdoors, nature and the environment. Not enough to burn SUV's or Ski resorts, but enough to know that it is MY responsibility to do MORE to maintain them and their freedom/wild-ness/access. That includes recycling more, re-using more, being more mindful of my impact on the planet. That is MY impact. And that will be ever-evolving. I'm not perfect, but I am (daily, weekly, monthly) trying to do more, no matter how small. No preaching, but I will defend what I hold close and that is outdoors and my time in them (and my Jake's time in them).

I do not think one party is really that much "better" than the other. However, I will not stoop to immature name-calling, partisan BS, succumbing to media frenzy, close-minded, "that's how my parents voted-so will I"... I am not so naive that I think Dem or Rep. is going to solve the countries problems. Nor do I think either party really gives a rat's ass about me (middle class). I wasn't impressed with the current administration EVER. As a matter of fact, the last election really being the first  (sadly) I paid ANY attention to or voted in, pretty much destroyed my confidence in the system. It was devastating to see our current president win- on so many levels, that I made a pact to myself to learn more about the process and candidates and be more involved "next time". Well, I have-somewhat. Not sure I could ever REALLY get the whole, complete, true, un-adulterated version from EITHER party. But I make my decisions based on MY personal beliefs, needs and ideals---NOT (not ever) what a media outlet or 6 o'clock news story dictates.

I am in the rather large portion of America who impulsively (and in hind-sight--.isn't that always the case!?--regret allowing my impulses, family and societal pressures push me to purchasing it in the first place. But I do understand no-one forced me into it, and given that knowledge, understand it is MY responsibility-both to succeed or fail in its ownership) purchased a house for WAY too much on loan terms that pretty much guarantee that I will not own it anytime soon or ever. I pay a bank rent and hope that shit doesn't go too bad in terms of interest rates and such. I know that the "powers that be"-banks, mortgage brokers, lenders, knew shit wrong, but still raked suckers like me in hand over fist--it's the "American Way" dollars are almighty--while they could. Again, only in hind-sight could I even see what a mess I was entering and how folks with money would keep it and folks without, well they'll continue that way.

Where the hell am I going with this?

Reading my good friend's and my sisters reply to my previous post has me wondering if I am on the same planet. 

To blindly say as my sister says, "I wish more people could hear them instead of the negativity we get fed through the media in articles like these liberal hate pieces that do nothing to inform anyone of what either candidate stands for or what their character contains."

"Liberal Hate Pieces"--have you listened to YOUR candidates banter lately? I mean come on. That's what led me to the story in the first place. And that's what I took away from the piece as well--how one side can say all the shit they want and not substantiate it, and have it accepted as gospel-while the other is vilified? 

Think please. For yourself.

Anyway, that's kinda the point of all of this for me. We all are thinking for ourselves. I'm not one to say my thoughts/beliefs/ideals are any better than yours or his or hers. But I am entitled to them as much as you are to yours. That's the great thing about our country and the thing that makes me proud to be an American. We can agree to disagree and no one will die over it. 

The more folks (myself included) think—and I mean REALLY Think about what you stand for, why and how it affects not only yourself, but everyone/thing around you—the better off we will be as a country. 

time get political all over your ass

I'm done sitting back listening to the BS sound-bites and muck-raking done by...you guessed it..the Republican Party.

Stevil at Bummer Life had this link, and since some of my 6 readers might not know of the sweet site or Swobo for that matter, I am propagating the piece...

White Privilege

...I mean really. Before you jump on the band-wagon, shouldn't you know where it's going?

Here Kitty, Kitty

Curtis and I did some good exploring on cross bikes last night ... Partrick to dirt to Hess/Redwood and instead of heading into Hess we went right and followed a ton of jeep trails until we were about 1/2 mile away from Hess (to the right). Then more trails until we descended onto Redwood road, close to the bottom (of the Hess portion). A lot more to follow/find/make.

Headed up Redwood to meet with Pruitt. Waited around at top until 8PM, it was fully dark, headed down Veeder a bit, Curtis was cold (vest only), so I suggested hitting up recycling bins for newspaper to stuff under the vest and my wind breaker. As we cruised in near dark (only small lights) I heard something to the right. Deer?

We stopped at a recycling can, tore up some cardboard Swaddlers Diaper packaging and I heard more bush stomping and saw something in dark about 60' from us, crossing the road.

Swaddlers Box helps keep you warm

Used Curtis anemic light first, saw shape.

Switched to mine, saw mountain lion.

Sorta looked like Pete Puma, didn't stick around to see how many lumps he wanted...

Didn't really freak out until it was heading up hill on right side of road and then hearing Curtis worriedly say, "OK, let's go!" Did I mention that "Go" was directly toward the cat?

Funny seeing two grown men race to "survive". Descent down was semi-fast with Curtis passing me once further down the hill and saying "Did you hear that?...Something was running alongside of us back there..." Didn't hear it. Kept moving. Faster.

Got home a lot warmer thanks to the Swaddlers packaging.

Good times.

Sweet rides and sayonaras

Jake rocks it pro-style at Alston on his new Kona Mtn Bike

Quick post...

My Sweet new Surly Cross-Check came in from Surly (what an incredible and unknown gift for helping with SSWC)...swapped parts from trusty Cannondale XS800 and have put a few rides on Surly (Veeder, Partrick and commute to work)...really nice ride! Pics soon.

Meanwhile, my sell-a-thon has worked really well. Craigslist came through just fine as I sold the XS800 and Jake's basically mint-condition (blame it on over-excited Dad rushing into bike purchase) Redline Micro-Mini recently. 

Trusty Cannondale and Jake's mint Redline are off to new owners...

The Redline sold to make room for his sweet new Kona Shred 2-0. What an incredible little bike-20" wheels, shocks, Hayes Disc brakes....Luuuuckeeee! We were very fortunate to have some trmendous help from Curtis in procuring this sweet rig (Jake's bud Jeffrey was also the recipient of the same whip)...

Jake has done INCREDIBLY well on the shifting and disc brake operation. He and I spent 2 hours at Brown's Valley School trying it out and then today at Alston with his bud Jeffrey on a maiden dirt trip. It is so awesome to see his face light up as he rides!

I'm looking forward to my first long weekend with him in a while next weekend, I wonder what kind of adventures we will embark upon!

Is it really September?

I am totally trippin'--I can not believe it is already September. I mean, I used to think time was going fast, but this year, well there has been a lot of major things going down, but damn--September???

What's been going on? Most major bit the last month(s) was SSWC08.

The event we have been working on for almost a year, the gathering of 400 single-speed bike racers/riders/freaks/friends—it's done. Went off better than anything I have ever been a part of. Maybe it was the long time-line. Maybe the lack of formality. I dunno. I do remember sweating the details A LOT more for cross races we put on at King in Redding-and those were pulling like 30-50 riders, MAX!

There's plenty been written about the event, see our blog SSWC08 for more words and pictures than you can shake a stick at. 

Like I said, it was awesome-I met so many great folks-old friends (Kirby and Jason came from North Carolina, Grady and Johnoss up from Ess Eff, Squiggles  got out of Reddin' for a day, Steve Tam, Jack Fraser from Portland (if only for a minute), Mike DeSalvo made it down, and my new buds from Yerup--Olle, Boe, Patric and Co., heaps of riders from Cali and beyond---incredibly awesome-even for a somewhat jaded old-bike industry guy.

We did incredible rides each day before our event, each time seeing more people appear-raising my heart-rate, but also truly exciting. 60 people at Annadel, 70+ at Tamarancho, 100 for the ride over the GG Bridge to Kirby Cove...damn fine. Rocked Napa Bowl like they could never have expected and ate Michael and crew out of food at Azzurro 3 nights in a row...

The event went off spectacularly-the run around the corral, the extra loop I talked the team into adding, the spectators, the beer and the outfits! Even Jason, Mr. Serious Racer, rocked the tighty whiteys for 3 laps! (Who would have ever thought the underwear pics would be the favorite of male fetishists all over Flickr!). I did not race, no way, but I did heckle the shit out of folks. All in good nature of course, but so fun! Got to take the winner to the Tattoo parlor to see Carl and Rachel (newbies to ink) get their Scarlet Letters.

I was taken completely by surprise at the raffle, when Curtis and Co. called me onstage and gave me a certificate for any Surly frame I wanted-for volunteering! 

Curtis, Mitzi, Jefé, Sean, Andrew and everyone---I would have done it all for nothing. That shit was too cool for words. I just can't stop smiling and thinking how we did it...we freakin' did it right! Thanks so much for letting me be a part of the madness. What's next? Wildcat in Napa? Parakeet? CX in Napa?...

Then it was over.

From my end, it is somewhat bittersweet. Or as Mitzi called it-post-partem depression--the "baby" was born, now what do we do? 

Mostly back to business as usual, daily life, mortgages, relationships...funny thing, I like being driven by goals, large projects, so maybe I need to take the time to work on something(s) even bigger.

One I can think of that is highest priority-my son. I have some great plans for that one. One thing that my situation has afforded me, in it's deepest darkness, is clarity. He is the most important thing and I have a lot to do in that regard.

We got a 6th birthday coming up...a new big-boy bike on the way (with disc brakes AND a shock!)...new adventures to plan, a future to really start saving for and being a part of...

Freaking September! I  still can't believe it is 2008!

People are funny

Here I am at almost 36 years old and every day I think I have caught on or caught up, someone comes along and helps me realize...people are funny.

Sometimes funny good.

Sometimes funny bad.

But always funny.

Late Summer Update

Things are moving incredibly quickly around here. A little more than 2 weeks until SSWC08...it's down to the wire on a lot, but we're gonna pull it off. That's been keeping my mind busy and more at ease (amazingly)...

Ummm what's been going on...

Bike Film Festival
Headed down a few weekends ago to SF and caught the Bike Film Festival. Brian Vernor had a short showing from his ride across Africa which was cool to see. So was this amazing 5' tall woman on her fixed gear. The tricks she pulled off on stage had to be seen to be believed. Afterward we wandered around the mission and caught the "Gold Sprints". A totally different bike culture than I am used to, but fun none-the-less. Plus it's always good to hit the city, really opens my eyes to the "non-stop" living style I used to want, but now only enjoy very occasionally. But it is nice to have Indian food at 9Pm and see folks out and about!

Jake and Peter leading me up Westwood Hills

Jake mugging with one of 3 baby "blues" he caught

Westwood Hills Hikes with Jake and Peter
We've been heading out on longer hikes and walks with Peter in Westwood hills and beyond. Lizard hunting and working with Peter to get him more comfy walking with Jake and I. Sure is nice to have hills and open space right out our front door!

Frisky Blue Belly we caught on Reptile Club Hike

Reptile Club Hike
Jake and I have been slated to lead the Reptile Club on a hike in Timberhill over in Brown's Valley for about 4 months. We almost missed our date! Thankfully we didn't and ended up spending almost 3 hours hiking with our crew from the Nature Club. Met a couple new folks and caught more lizards than anyone out there! Many "blues" (blue-bellies), a big ol' Alligator Lizard, a praying Mantis and a crawdad! Jake is a super trooper, pointing out lizards, hiking with no complaints for a long time and truly loving the "hunt". We're gonna get more hikes together to lead it was a blast!



dad's 73rd Birthday
Happy 73 Birthday dad! We headed over to Papa and YaYa's to join in my dad's 73rd birthday celebration. My dad is truly an inspiration. He still cycles 15-20 miles EVERYDAY, takes tremendous care of his family and gardens like you would not believe. If I could be 1/4 the dad he was it would be great.



Backyard Garden
This year I again planted a garden, had the following growing:
Corn, 2 types of tomatoes, red peppers, green peppers, Jalapeño Peppers, Another hot pepper I am forgetting the name of, Yellow Basil, Lemon Balm, Snap Peas, Green Beans, strawberries, pumpkins, cantaloupe, garlic, onions, Japanese cucumber...
Anyway, everything is coming in really well and I recently enjoyed munching on cucumber, some tomatoes and a hot pepper (not all at once). Jake pics the strawberries as soon as they are ready. It is really cool to grow the stuff. Next year I am heading more in earnest to do it right (fully organic, no un-natural pesticides or fertilizers) and increase my crop!

Ventana was stellar. The X0-1 was on the life "wish-list". The trade was perfect.

Bridgestone X0-1
My Ventana has been languishing on Craigslist for 3 weeks. Seriously flaky low-ballers seem attracted to it. My frustration with trying to not sell it for nothing was quelled when Andrew helped broker a deal with another friend of ours Mike Dunn. Mike had a near mint 1992 Bridgestone X0-1, a bike I have always desired, for sale. Andrew let him know about my Ventana frame and next thing I know, Mike is offering to trade me straight across for the X0. Ummmm, ahhhhh, Of course! So now he has my trusty Ventana and I have Bridgestone and everyone is happy as pie.

That's it for now, more to follow as time permits...

Anniversary

Broken. Crashed. Wrecked...Fixed, repaired and healing...What a year.

Funny how time flies.

One year has passed since I crashed my bike and jacked up my shoulder.

One year later, where am I?

To say I am doing completely well with the entire past year and it's occurrences would be far from the truth. I have good days, sometimes weeks. And I have rough ones. Not a day goes by that I don't find something, sometimes as small as hanging up a shirt, that reminds me in so many emotions (both good and bad) of not only where I was, but where I am.

My reconciliation with her is no where near happening. I admit, I struggle very heavily with that. Someone I was around for practically every day for 5 years, I knew so little. Someone I can hardly bring myself to say "OK" to without being overwhelmed with emotion. Sometimes it feels more possible than others. My "clarity" seems to over-power my pride, my ego, my loss. I can see the acceptance in "not working out together". But my past, myself- get in the way a lot more and the water becomes clouded with "why's", "how could she" and more. 

So my time with and around her for now is silent.

I have somehow traded members of my family in the exchange as well. Again, I made and will make mistakes, but this time is different. I can't pinpoint the reason(s), and I can't bring myself to apologize for things that don't require apology. I admit it is not easy, given all that is happening. I have no hard feelings, harbor no unfair expectations. There is no "mine" and "her's" when it comes to family-I will never be a person to require those around me to make that choice. I would never want to alienate anyone from "family"—no matter how much I hurt. 

I know now more than ever we don't necessarily make "best friends", but I will always be friendly.  And family.

 My heart goes out to you guys. I wish you the best as you are about to embark on an entirely new and exciting path...

My focus is as simple as my profile--my son and my self. Jake is an amazing human being that keeps opening my eyes to the world everytime I am around him. For him, I am there. For me, I will continue to learn, to live to be the best dad and human I can. There is so much that we (I) take (or took) for granted. So many mistakes made. This year has opened my eyes to those things and so much more. 

It is because of this past year I am more than I was. And only a part of what I continue to grow into...

Pink

Almost 9 months of waiting, saving, selling bike parts and waiting has come to a beautiful end. I replaced my faithful Ventana (after selling it piece by piece along with a bunch of other stuff) with a Retrotec. And it's pink! I dorked out and did about 20 color schemes, but in the end, I am very happy with simple panels and black logos.

A tremendous amount of thanks to Curtis for letting me be involved in the process, cut tubes, and loiter in the background while this bike came together. 

Thanks to both Curtis and Steve for parts help too---couldn't have built it without you.

True test is how I ride it...been off SS for a bit (since County line??!!!). One thing is for sure, I am looking forward to pushing something easier than the 32:16 I have been using for the past 7 years!

Here's a quick pic, more to come after I get big camera back.

Peter

One more new post for tonight. 

A quick introduction to my new canine friend, Peter.

Funny thing, I wasn't looking for a dog (but then again have I ever really known what I was looking for?), much less one that looked almost like ol' Kona, but somethings work in crazy ways.

Last Tuesday I was in SF taking a class for work and afterwards I headed to Bernal Heights to visit with my good friend Grady. We got to talking and he was lamenting the fact he was gonna have to put his new rescue pup (Peter) up for adoption because he just didn't have the time to devote to Peter. We took a walk up to the top of Bernal Hill and I kept thinking  and saying how cool Peter was (is). I blurted out, "It would be cool if you could bring him to Napa. Kinda a trial for week. See how he and I do. More importantly, how he and Jake do."

Grady was way into it and the plan was hatched. So last Saturday Grady and his wife drove up with Peter and our journey began.

Peter's a funny guy-he has to be everywhere I am. He's a little guy-about 2/3 Kona's size and sports the coolest spotted tongue I have ever seen. He listens pretty well for 7 month old pup and gets along with Jake famously. He loves his chew toys (Grady cautioned me of chewing, so we're keeping an eye on anything that might get his attention) and burying bones in the yard.

He and I (and Jake too) have been having some great walks up in Westwood Hills. It's an added bonus that I have another living thing in the house when Jake isn't here.

Anyway-I am sure there will be many more adventures-it's all totally new to me as this truly is my first dog, but I am confident we'll work out just fine.

Ventana is for sale

Well, the time has come for me to let go of one of my most prized bikes-the Ventana El Toro SS.

With the divorce, the Retrotec and the simple reality that I need to keep it up with bike-in: bike-out, I humbly submit my baby to a new owner.

Here's the blurb from CL. I doubt there are buyers that look here, but what the hell--one more chance to document the bike...

I am selling my faithful Ventana El Toro SS.
I am the original owner-bike is very well maintained-no dents, crack. A few paint chips from riding, but nothing extreme.

Sale includes frame, cranks and BB.

Cranks are Truvativ Stylo SS, 180mm and will come with 32 and 34T chainrings. BB is Shimano.

Frame specs:
Seat Tube: C-C 16.5", C-T=18"
TT: Effective is 22.5"
Headtube is 1-1/8" (headset NOT included)
Seattube is 27.2
V-Brake only
Easton Elite 60 Tubeset

I purchased the bike unused from my former boss. It was custom built using lighter tubes and builds to be about a 20-21lb bike without going crazy on lightweight bits (it was 21lb with a King SS wheelset and Fox fork for me).

Very unique paint-it is a translucent yellow/green with what look like cracks in the clear coat. They are meant to be there according to boss and the only instances of paint chipping is from riding (I have included pic of worst one for reference).

Anyway-I wouldn't be selling this bike if I didn't have to, but a new one is on the way, so I must transfer this great bike to someone new.

$500 obo.

Smokey and the Balloon

Cali is on fire and we are again under smokey skies. 

It is pretty crazy to not see blue sky for a week at a time. It's even hard to see the hills a few miles away during the day. 

Pretty crazy though, as I was getting ready for work around 7AM the other day, I looked out my window and was not only able to look directly at the orange sky and sun, but saw a determined hot air balloon enjoying significantly unhealthy air quality. I could just see some tourist saying, "I'll be damned if I am not going up in a Hot Air Balloon on my trip to Napa Valley!"

Guess I am not so smart either-I keep riding in the smoke too.

Looking forward to seeing blue sky again...

Sweet

Back in the day, 1985, 86 to be exact, I was totally enthralled with the Porsche 959 and other Group B Rally racing cars of the time. A. Brooks just re-kindled that flame with images of the other sweet vehicle at the time the Ford RS200.

Google leads to memories I never got to see in action...

Rothmans 959---Sweet.

Fine collection-Audi, Lancia and Peugot 205 (which I still have my model from).

Wonder

Gonna keep it going here.

Last Sunday Jake and I headed to the local park to try and fly a glider we picked up at Salvation Army.

That was fun.

What was incredible to me as a dad was watching my son be a boy.

He chased dragonflies around the entire park with an energy that had to be seen to be believed.

He's incredible.

The  spark of life Jake brings to the world, watching him grow and learn and live...it keeps my heart beating.

I never knew it could be so fun to read old science fiction books we bought at the library book sale (Tom Swift Jr. from 1952!). How invigorating it can be to try to remember and share another story from "when I was a kid". How we can work together to build some of the most amazing Lego creations I have ever seen.

It calms my restless, somewhat selfish heart.

He is everything to me.

Sixty on a Wednesday

Enough of the sad and drama posts-my life isn't all that bad. It was only  8 months ago I was commuting daily to SF for work. What does that mean? Well add 3 hours to my work day. Or actually-more realistically-subtract three hours from my family day. The job was great. The people I worked with were incredible. The commute killed.

FF--->> to 7/2/08.

I work in town.

I can see my son for almost 3 hours after work (On Monday and Tuesday currently).

My job is really cool.

I can get a 60 mile road ride in on a Wednesday, like I did today.

18 mile commute to and from work.

40+ mile road ride with 3000' of climbing after work with great friends.

Nice. 

Real nice.

Oh yeah and I went kayaking last Thursday after work. Listened to a band while floating on the river.  Paddled home in the dark under an almost full moon.

Guess it all isn't so bad.

Just need to know how to look at it.

I'm gonna go get my eyes checked.

Tuesday

How is it that such a seemingly innocuous day could become so dreaded, so despised as a Tuesday? 

It doesn't happen because of the name or place on the calendar. 

Nothing really tied to a specific date.

Why then?

For me, Tuesday pushes in my face all of my failures, all of my fears, all of my frustrations, insecurities, anger, sadness and regret. 

Tuesday mean no questions from my son. No staying up too late to read. No more drawings or dinners reciting another "story about when I was a kid..."

Tuesday is that forced smile I get at the door. The "how are you" that is as hollow as hell. 

Tuesday comes too quickly and hurts for too long. 

Tuesday reminds me that she left not just for her co-worker long ago, but "me" even before that.

Tuesday beckons me back to an empty, silent house. No longer a home. More like a shell waiting for what will be decided by a mediator by a process and not by a family. 

Tuesday is hell.

Wednesday is one step closer to Sunday...

I never knew 2.5 days could mean so much. I'll never take so many things for granted...

Dog gone

Well, my time with Kona is up as she now lives with Cari's new partner up on Redwood Road.

She was the first dog that was really in my life, and despite a kinda rough beginning (with me getting adjusted to a new puppy that ate and dug everything I seemed to be concerned about), I truly grew to love the yellow dog...

The past few weeks were something of a bonding time for her and I-going so far as to let her sleep on the bed nightly with me. It was comforting to know she was in the house and generally around.

Much like many things that were seemingly going to be a larger part of my life, she is gone and I will miss her.

Later Kona Bear.

Fathers Day

Today was pretty sweet, I saw Jake whom I no longer see most of the week and we spent some quality time together. MOrning was skink hunting on Veeder and then a trip back down the hill to home.

We were heading to lunch with my dad and family so we hooked up the Kidz Tandem Ward was letting me borrow. After a little seatpost modification, we were off. What can I say but WOW! It was so cool cruising with Jake toward downtown. We really had a blast and cousin Kaleb loved seeing us ride.

After lunch we messed around on the new river front while Kaleb chased us, then it was time to mosey to the library to check hours and when the next book sale was.

Jake had a blast riding and we'll be out on it again next weekend as we are helping with the Napa Downtown Grand Prix--a bike race benefitting his school.

I have to say, being Jake's dad is a life saver--makes everything else happening in my world (both good, bad, chosen or not) pale in comparison.

Happy Fathers day Dad, David (soon to be), Stephan,  Stevo, Kirby, Peter, Johnoss, Otto, Bumpa Bill, Grandpa Roughley...hope you all had a great one.