Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Minds in Motion demise

Rode the MIM on Saturday, June 20th. What a friggin disappointment. Everything was a watered down version of years past. No media coverage, roadies throwing their precious "energy pack" trash all over the place, a freakin juggler as entertainment. Watched Harvey blow his cool with S&S Cycles, Blue Heron Bikes, and generally stomp around like a pissed off mother. What a dick. I think next year I'll save the day for a nice joy ride and forego the debacle I witnessed this year. I dont even have a photo to post. What a waste of time.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Back in the saddle, a new normal.



Great ride last night with the group. Mid to North to Mid to South to Mid. End at the Bodega . Rain at 10:30pm, home by 10:47pm. Riding home through the night, headlamp shining against raindrops, tires hissing along the wet pavement. The trees created a green tunnel like effect. Late in the evening, raining, tired of trying to keep face riding with the young pups, dogs waiting at home and I really didn't feel like ending the ride. But all good things must come to an end. Glad for friends, bikes, and Wisconsin weather. Oh, and I found this sign today at one of our institutions of higher learning. Really progressive. KV for the day: "Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward."

Thursday, June 11, 2009

The passing of the storm, the flight of a dove


Went on my first Wednesday night ride in over a year last night. Turned off my cell phone, there would be no emergency. Relaxed my mind, nothing was urgent. Looked at the faces of friends, listened to their stories. Reconnected.
Had a good ride, moved at a fast pace. Felt the threading of the needle with traffic, the mojo was good. Bike was alive and the wind urged me forward. As we mashed up the Cass Street bridge towards Pettibone Park, the sun was setting behind the bluffs, low clouds. Two riders in front of me, cadence clicking as ten riders fall into unspoken rhythm towards the top. The summit reached, left shoulder protected from the onrush of traffic by steel and concrete, the right shoulder feels a presence, a voice, "our pain is over, ride and live".
In memory of my beautiful wife, friend, and riding partner Lisa Kay Selph. Born 9-26-62, relieved of her pain on Tuesday 6-09-09 at 8:42am. Her last ride, 2 years ago, after 8 years of fighting the cancer. Still smiling and strong. My girl.

Friday, June 5, 2009

More and more means less


Interesting that as more people choose to ride, commute, shop, and generally live by bike, the incidence of car/bike collisions decreases. Familiarity I suppose. I cant tell you how many times I have had a car stop in the opposing lane with no stop sign and attempt to wave me across. I am at the stop sign, they have the right of way. They think they are doing a good thing I'm sure, but in point of fact they are creating a hazard. All any bicyclist really wants is to be seen as an equal. Same road, same rules.
Photo of the party, parking is in the garage. Bikes Limited, Blue Heron crews made an appearance. Had some mighty good conversations about tubing, stems, crank arm length. You know, the usual geek out that happens when 15 or so bikers get together. It was a wonderful event.
Getting ready for a multiple overnighter, maybe a Reedsburg to Trempeleau kinda deal. Good time of year, not too many bugs or Chicagoans.
KV for the day - "If you can do a half-assed job of anything, you're a one-eyed man in a kingdom of the blind."

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

The good in La Crosse


So I'm coming home from work, a little early, and here is Momma herding her flock home. I rolled past and then had the thought. You know, the nagging thought that you just went pass something that mattered, and you should stop and take it in. So I did.
I watched as the crossing guard blew his whistle, and the Mother checked both ways even so. The children filed out onto the crosswalk, one child always managing to be behind everyone. Mom looks back, child goes forward. They are almost across the walk when the first car in line starts honking. Cigarette in hand, radio blaring overly produced Nashville detritus, bad dye job hair head older woman glaring angrily and gritting her teeth in tense anger. Mad because some toddler is taking too long. Hope she gets a blood disease and dies. Whatta bitch. As soon as the crossing guard drops the sign, she roars off in the car, screeching tires and muttering curses. The crossing guard got a look on his face that made me wonder what the look was all about. I asked. He told me that the lady comes by every day, always in a hurry, always foul and ill tempered.
So there before me was this cool little play on life, spirituality, and wisdom. The mother, always protecting and guiding. Cool headed and patient. Buddha, protecting from afar, watching without comment. There for the same repeat of events every school day, watching growth and learning by some, and blind self concern by others. Is it better to see life as a landscape or a macro? Or do you carry a few lenses with you? KV for the day "Those who believe in telekinetics, raise my hand."