Friday, October 31, 2008

Thursday, October 30, 2008

I'm Really Pumped for The Election....

Its winding down. Just a few days left. I have put my heart into this campaign. It means so much to me to for Senator Obama to be elected as the President of the United States. The question is not about is he a "terrorist" or a "muslim." The questions we need to ask ourselves is who can do the most for our country? Sen. Obama has proven his passion for the common people. He has shown his voting record. He has shown his diplomatic strength. He has shown us his plan. Sen. Obama's tax plan is for the majority of America. 95% of Americans will benefit more from Sen. Obama's tax plan than from John McCain's. I don't want to bash Sen. McCain anymore. He has done many great things in our countries past. But our country needs some fresh air. If you are concerned about the issues, research the truths. Don't just listen to TV ads or radio talk shows. Our country is hurting. We need to make a change from the administration of the previous eight years. We need change we can believe in.

If you didn't get to see Sen. Obama's plan for the nation last night, check it out.






Wednesday, October 29, 2008

35 Degrees in Georgia!?! And I'm Riding The Bike To Work!?!

I'm bundled up and heading out for a 12 mile ride to work. I'm going to do a little exploring at the Ocmulgee Indian Mounds on the way there. I plan on giving myself about an hour and 15 minutes. I may even stop for some coffee. This is going to be a cold ride. I'm not used to 35 degree weather in Georgia.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Go Phillies!!

This song is out of Rocky. There is no better reference to Philadelphia than from Rocky. This performance I found by no way lives up to the ass kicking potential that Rocky has but its still funny as hell.

Watch the entire video. There is more to it then the old commercial.

Monday, October 27, 2008

My Children (The Bikes)


So the wife and I were discussing if we should do a Christmas card this year. She said we should do one with the cat in it. I said thats fine as long as the bikes are in it as well. I said, "They are like children to me." She laughed, and I said "We have several adopted children from Taiwan."

Rode the Bike to Work Today....

So I overcame the obstacles of getting out of bed and hopping on the bike to commute to work. The temps were great in the high 40's on the morning commute and in the 50's for the evening commute. The ride was great. I rode 11.5 each way for a total of 23 miles round trip. I enjoyed the ride so much that I think I will do it again this week.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Found a picture of me on the podium....


Here's a picture I found on the Linder family's blog. This was from the Georgia Single Speed Championship race. I place 3rd in the 20-34 men's time trial event. This was a great event. Full of Single Speed mountain bikes from all over the Southeast. Notice my fabricated cutoff redneck jersey? My typical jersey was nasty and I took an old button down plaid shirt and cut the sleeves off.

I haven't really gone to church much since Christina and I moved to Macon, GA two and half years ago. It just seems we can't find a church here that is matches our beliefs. Also, I have been pretty tied up with mountain bike racing season and other various bike events lately. Hopefully we'll continue our search again soon. Maybe we'll find a church that matches our beliefs (community, love and respect for each other). So for this Sunday morning, I went out for a quick ride and I am now sitting back enjoying a cup of joe and some bluegrass gospel music. The album is called Gloryland. I got it a few years ago from my mother-in-law. I listen to it almost every Sunday. Its just old school mountain gospel. It reminds me a lot of those Sunday trips to church with my grandparents when I was a little kid. Those memories were great.

Sunday Morning MTB Rides....

Got up at the butt crack of dawn this morning and went for a mountain bike ride at the Macon Pig Trails. Its a great feeling riding early during the fall. The temps were cool and a lot of dew on the ground. The feel of the morning dew splashing against your face will wake you up pretty quick. I love it. So I only did a 7 mile lap but it was a nice way to start my morning.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Lovin' Some Bela Fleck.......


Its a beautiful Fall Saturday here in Macon, Ga and I am loving it. I have been riding the bike(s) all day long and decided to take a quick brake for some food and music. For the past 30 minutes, I have been listening to Bela Fleck and the Flecktones. I haven't listened to these guys in years. As I always say, if you haven't heard em' check em' out.

Update on Scott Hodge....

I made a blog post recently about Scott Hodge who was hurt pretty bad in a motorcycle wreck last week. Blessings be, he is doing much better. This guy has been a lamp post for the cycling community and we all appreciate everything he has done for us in the past. I have listed a few links below about this guy.


If you would like to donate, you are welcome to do so through paypal:




Hodge has also been featured this week on Dirt Rag Magazine's website:











You can also track the status of Scott Hodge's health on his own blog:
http://velomech.livejournal.com/

Friday, October 24, 2008

Another reminder of the mountain bike festival coming up:

Be There May 2nd 2009

Flavor of the Week


Abita's Purple Haze is our flavor of the week. Purple Haze is a crisp, American style wheat beer with raspberry puree added after filtration. Therefore, you may see raspberry pulp in the beer. The raspberries provide the lager with a subtle purple coloration and haze, a fruity aroma, and a tartly sweet taste. Its good if your wanting something a little fruitier. Its well recommended and can be found pretty much anywhere.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Talked to a buddy of mine...

So a friend of mine gave me a call and advised me to check out a band called "King Khan and the Shrines." I was pretty amazed with what I heard. If you haven't heard them, check out their video below.


Also, click on the picture below to visit their MySpace page.

I'm on a bluegrass kick today.....

The Avett Brothers - Die, Die, Die


I like these guys. They have a more modern and progressive sound than most bluegrass bands.

One of my favorite endorsements yet, Ralph Stanley for Obama....

Picked these guys up today....


One of the guys at the local bike shop in town had a set of Jandd Large Mountain Panniers for sale. He only wanted like $50 for the pair. They are barely even used. I put them on my commuter bike (which I am going to use for some light touring) and off I went to the grocery store. I was able to put four paper grocery bags worth of food in these panniers and still have a little room left over. The best part is that they are expandable if you need more volume. I am very happy with this purchase.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

The wife has been cooking for me.....

Life has been great lately. My wife and I have been together for a little over three years. For the past three years, I have always been the one to do all the cooking. Lately, I have been catered to by my lovely wife. I must say, her cooking has been awesome. When I got home from work this evening, she had dinner on the table ready to eat. Now thats the life. Its always nice to come home to dinner after a long day at work. She fixed a dish called "Rustic Stuffed Potatoes." I wish I had my camera to take a picture. It looks almost as good as it tastes.

So here is the recipe for the dish she made:

"Rustic Stuffed Potatoes"
4 medium red potatoes (about 6 ounces each)
1/2 cup of "spicy" bbq sauce
2 to 3 teaspoons cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
Light amount of olive oil to coat the pan
12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
2 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions

Pierce the potatoes in several places with a fork. Microwave on high for 10 minutes, or until tender when pierced to the center with a fork, turning once.
Meanwhile, in a small measuring cup or bowl, stir together the bbq sauce, vinegar and cayenne.
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the skillet from the heat and lightly coat the skillet with olive oil. Cook the chicken for 2 minutes, or until no longer pink on the outside, stirring constantly. Increase the heat to high. Add the bbq sauce mixture; cook for 1 1/2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the chicken is no longer pink in the center, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
Cut the potatoes in half; fluff with a fork. Place 2 potato halves on each plate. Lightly butter each half of the potatoes. Sprinkle with cheese. Spoon the chicken mixture over the potatoes. Sprinkle with the green onions.

This stuff is great. Each serving has about 275 calories. Try it and you will be impressed.

Great Music to Relax To....

The Budos Band - Origin of Man

Halloween is approaching....

With Halloween approaching, the streets of downtown Macon, GA get invaded with dancing zombies.

Speaking of out west...

So my last post I expressed interest in going to Portland. One place that I have been to thats out west is Jackson Hole in Wyoming. That place is amazing. The town of Jackson has an awesome mellow vibe where cowboys and hippies come together for some Snake River brew. The wife and I took our honeymoon to Jackson Hole and miss it everyday!

Portland, Oregon seems to be a cool place....

I would love to visit Portland one day. No one ever talks bad about Portland. I have even met a guy who was homeless and on the streets in Portland and he said the city was great. Maybe I'll head out west one day and check out Portland.

Loretta Lynn & Jack White - Portland Oregon

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Statements from Former Gen. Colin Powel......

Obama "is a Christian," Powell said. "He has always been a Christian. But the really right answer is, 'What if he is?' Is there something wrong with being Muslim in this country? The answer is no. That is not America." He added: "I am troubled that within the (Republican) Party we have these kinds of expressions" suggesting that Obama is a Muslim, and that if he is, he likely associates with terrorists.

Reflecting on my youth

So the wife and I were sitting at home tonight after dinner watching the meaningless tube. We hardly watch TV anymore. Occasionally we watch the news or a sitcom. We were talking about shows we used to watch and both agreed we loved to watch "Captain Planet" when we were kids. Thanks to YouTube, I was able to watch the first episode of "Captain Planet." So I thought I would share it with everyone:

Episode 1, Part 1


Episode 1, Part 2


Episode 1, Part 3

Commuting By Bike

So I have commuted to work by bike a couple of times. Its not the easiest route to get to my work. Its not too far either. My commute on the bike only consists of about 18 miles round trip but the roads I take aren't very bike friendly. For that matter, no road in Georgia seems to be very bike friendly. The biggest battle I really have is not the route. Its actually gathering myself together to actually take the time to do the bike commute. You see, a bike commute is more than just riding to work. There is a lot more mental preparedness that you have to take. Getting up earlier and actually committing yourself to riding to work is harder than you might think. Well, I actually came across an article on the "Commute By Bike" website that gave some insight into making your commute easier. Check it out and maybe you too will overcome any mental obstacles of commuting to work by bike.

Here is an old picture of me returning home from a commute during a tornado watch. The sirens had actually gone off during my ride home. The wife took the picture to show how crazy I was. :)

On The Way To Work.....

So I started my day off with some tunes from John Coltrane. Coltrane had a short career but most definitely an amazing one. Coltrane has played with the greatest jazz musicians such as Dizzie Gilespie, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker and Red Garland. So today I listened to a little NPR and felt the need for some jazz. So my commute to work consisted of listening to John Coltrane's "A Love Supreme."

Monday, October 20, 2008

Dauset Was Great




This past Saturday, a group of us headed to Dauset Trails in Jackson, GA for a send off party for a friend heading to Iraq. It was some good times with good folks and good beer.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Bad Brains - I Against I

Richard Hell & The Voidoids - Blank Generation

Obama Bike


This bike is being auctioned off for the Barack Obama Victory Fund. Check it out on Ebay

Protect Your Junk!!


This stuff is too funny!! I am quite curious about switching to this chamois cream. For those of you who aren't into cycling, its cream that keeps you from getting some nasty bumps on your ass.

Returning the Shout Out

For the past year, I have been reading a blog posted by a guy from DC. Its full of a lot of cool random stuff that just pertains to living each day and being happy with what you got. Thats what I try to do with my life as well. This guy from DC shoots a lot of pictures around the metro DC area of cyclists. It brings insight into life by detailing how simple things can be. Most of the people he takes pictures of are smiling. A lot of these folks are enjoying simple transportation year round. So if you enjoy stuff like this, check out http://www.gwadzilla.blogspot.com

This is Great!!

Check out No Brakes in ATL


If your into any bike that only has one speed, check out the guys at No Brakes in ATL. The cater to the fixed gear/single speed minded folks. Its a great shop ran by great guys. They also host/sponsor many of the alleycat races in Atlanta. http://www.nobrakesatl.com

Lance in Street Clothes

Only the Best!

Speaking off BBQ in the previous post, Fresh Air BBQ in Jackson and Macon, Georgia is the best. Click on the picture to visit their website.

Can't Wait to See It

The weekend was filled with bikes, beer and BBQ. I didn't have anytime to go see W. yet.

Save Arrowhead Trails

I posted a flyer for the Middle Georgia Mountain Bike Festival which is being held at Dauset Nature Trails in Jackson, GA. The festival is a fundraiser to rebuild Arrowhead Mountain Bike Trails. The morning of Mother's Day, we lost our best trail in Middle Georgia to a tornado. This trail was used for many events and fun rides. If you are interested in donating to the rebuild, you can visit OMBA's Website.

A little glimpse of what we had before the tornado:

Flavor of the Week

This week's beer is dedicated to Sam Adams Oktoberfest. There are many great Oktoberfest beers out there right now. Sam Adams has always produced a great beer that is easy to find at your local grocer's beer aisle.

I'm honestly not the best person to explain the detailed flavors of a beer. I know what I like and what I don't. My main point in the flavor of the week is to recommend a beer. If you can still find the Oktoberfest brew, pick up a six pack and enjoy.

Colin Powell Endorses Obama!!

On the side of politics: Colin Powell officially endorses Barack Obama for President of the United States. This is monumental for Senator Obama. Former Secretary of State Powell's endorsement shows that Senator Obama is able to break party lines and unify both parties. Former Gen. Powell also made a strong point against Senator McCain regarding his attacks on Senator Obama. Watch the video below to hear Colin Powell's endorsement.

Middle Georgia Mountain Bike Festival

Click on the flyer picture to see full details

The Dodos

A friend of mine let me listen to some stuff from these guys. They aren't bad. Here is a video of their song "Fools." Enjoy your Sunday!!

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Wish I Could Have Gone...

So last night, Robert Pollard and the Boston Spaceships played at the Earl in Atlanta, GA. I have always loved Pollard's former band, Guided by Voices. His new stuff is quite similar and still great.

Today's Playlist


Happy 82nd Birthday Chuck!!

Inspiring

Friday, October 17, 2008

Help Scott Out

I just read this on Namrita O'dea's blog. Scott Hodge is a dear friend to the Southeastern Bike Community. Help him out if you can.

_____________________________________________________________________
In case you haven't heard, Scott Hodge from Addictive Cycles had a bad motorcycle crash yesterday ...

Hodge is still in ICU at Atlanta Medical center but may be discharged in the next few days. He must be signed out by the Thoracic Surgeon and the other doctors as well before he can go home. Scott suffered the following injuries from the motorcycle crash: C6 vertebrae fracture (holding and should heal on its' own), C7 fractured in half but is not separating (he will have to wear a compression collar to keep it immobilized). If the C7 begins to separate they will have to do immediate surgery.


C5 is also fractured and causing the most pain but it will heal on it's own. Healing time for the fractures is estimated at 3 to 6 months (if he follows the doctors directions). And we all know Hodge, that will be tough. His lungs are bruised which has made breathing a little difficult, 1 broken rib and his hip is sore and bruised from hitting the pavement.

In an effort to help (because Scott was uninsured), please donate below to help with his medical bills. Scott has been there to help all of us at one time or another and I hope we can be there for him. He is a great guy and he has wonderful and caring friends!

THANK YOU FOR ALL THE DONATIONS SO FAR!!!

__________________________________

Click HERE if you wish to donate money to help with his medical bills:

Dauset Trails


So its 10:39pm on a Friday night. I am pretty pumped about heading up to Dauset Trails tomorrow for Jim Fink's last ride before heading out to the big sandbox overseas. Its gonna be a day of beer, burgers and bikes. Lookin' forward to it.

Such a positive message....

New Twin Six Jersey


I got this jersey in the mail this week. It fits and feels great!!

"Baby's On Fire"

Too Much Junk Food.....


I haven't been riding much lately between work, shorter days, wife's concussion and just being lazy. With that said, I have been eating junk food as well. Gotta get back on track.

Joe The Plumber

So Mr. Joe the Plumber has become a huge icon for the American Blue Collar. Well, is his two man operation really worth $250,000? Not at all. Is Joe even licensed to be a plumber? No and neither is the company he works for. Joe isn't even an apprenticed plumber. This Joe the Plumber that everyone is making a big deal about doesn't even pay his current taxes that he has said are at a reasonable rate. I think this guy has been made a big deal and just like all of McCain's focuses, its became an embarrassment.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

I Want!!

Industry 9's new road wheels. Would these look good with red hubs and black spokes?

Yes We Can

The election is coming up soon. Every four years, this moment excites me. This is the chance for us as Americans to stand up and vote. Beyond popular belief, you do have a choice of who to vote for. You do not have to vote Democrat or Republican. There are many third parties as well. I encourage our nation to stand up and vote.

As many of you know, I support Barack Obama. He has strength, diplomacy, charisma, faith, honor and hope. I hope our nation sees the same in him. He will stand up for the common American. He will protect and defend our country. I believe this without a doubt.

Enjoy your vote this November!!

If I Was President

Monday, October 13, 2008

Tunes of the Evening.....


So I haven't really posted much lately on the blog. So I am sitting out on the back deck enjoying the cool fall evening here in Macon, Georgia. These fall nights are great!! You see, in Georgia, it is hot as balls all summer long. So when fall finally comes around, it feels like a reward for enduring those sultry summer days. So to enjoy the night, I am relaxing with a bottle of Franziskaner Weissbier and listening to some Ryan Adams. Mr. Adams surely understands the heat of summer as he is from Jacksonville, Florida. The great sounds of "Jacksonville City Lights" are playing through my head. If you haven't checked out Ryan Adams, you should do so. Just don't get him mistaken as Bryan Adams. Ryan Adams is much better and he is American!!

Flavor of the Week


Franziskaner Weissbier: Franziskaner is a white/wheat beer brewed in Munich Germany. Franziskaner is made by the Spaten Brewery. Franziskaner received its named due to the brewery’s close proximity to a Franciscan monestary, and its bottles feature a rendering of one of the monks. Its not too bad. Has a pretty smooth flavor.

Hard Hit to the Head.....

So, this past week I built my wife up a sweet little Surly Cross Check as a single speed for now. On Thursday Oct. 9th, it was our 3 year anniversary of when we first met. So last Thursday, I spent all day at Bike Tech of Macon building up the bike. It worked out great!! I got the bike done in time to give to my wife once she got done with class.

So I loaded our bikes up on the car and we headed down to the river walk. After a few minutes of getting her used to the new brakes and handlebars, she was off like a champ. We rode for about an hour or so. We made a pit stop or two, watched some rugby and even watched some cows in a pasture while heading down to the Macon Water Works. She rode the new bike really well. She became comfortable riding it faster and faster. As the night came upon us, we finished the ride back at the car. She was so happy with the new bike.

So on Saturday, she and I decided to try to get a quick ride in. This time we decided to ride out from the house and ride around the local neighborhood. She was riding fine. I wanted her to lead since I had the blinky light on my bike. We were riding at about 10-12 mph when a sharp 90 degree turn came up. I cautioned her but I don't think she heard me. She tried to turn but her instincts were not up to speed. I yelled for her to brake but it was too late. All of a sudden, my poor wife was heading straight for the curb in the middle of the turn. I saw it all happen. She screamed that she was going to wreck and then that was it. She went over the bars and flew about 5 feet through the air. She landed straight on her head.

I quickly just abandoned my bike and let it roll into someones yard and started running to where she had fallen. She was all twisted up and lying in the grass with no response. I panicked! Some neighbors ran out of their house and I yelled for them to call the ambulance. It was the scariest feeling seeing the one you love the most just lying on the ground, lifeless. Luckily she landed in a police officer's yard and he came out to assist. Thats when I saw blood pooling up behind her head. I didn't know what to think.

Within minutes, the paramedics were on site and a few minutes after that, she came too. Thats when I knew things would be at least better. It was such a relief seeing her open her eyes and yell my name. They loaded her into the ambulance and off to the hospital we went. She was put in a trauma center where they took cat scans and such. Thankfully, everything was ok. She just had a bad concussion to the head. The nurse stitched her head gash and she was released after 3 1/2 hours.

I can't express how thankful I am that she is ok. I also am thankful she was wearing a helmet. Without that helmet, I don't think she would be here today. She is doing better as I am typing this. Currently she doesn't have anymore pain than just a headache. She has already made mention of getting back on the bike. I think we will wait a few more days till she gets well rested.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Flavor of the Week


So I've been sick this past week and haven't really done much riding. I've done even less drinking. I did pick up a six pack of Blue Moon's seasonal Pumpkin Spice Brew. It wasn't too bad. I actually kind of like Blue Moon's beers because they are quite refreshing. The wife seems to like them a little as well. So my "Flavor of the Week" is going to Blue Moon's Pumpkin Spice brew.