NAHBS

The North American Handmade Bicycle Show staged in Portland, Oregon was rejuvenating. I don't think I have been this stoked on any bike show; except for maybe, my first bike show in Philly in 1995(that was when I had a Yo Eddy that was my roadbike, commuter, cyclecross, cruiser, fixie etc. etc. etc. and I would miss lunch to buy parts). Yeah, for you young'ins there actually use 2 b a bike show on the eastcoast and there use 2 b a show in Chicago, as well. That was when Bobke still raced bikes for real and Paula was every mountain biker's dream.
Anyway, as I sat here drinking a bottle of wine and listening to Jane's Addiction going down memory lane. (the song was "sex and violence") and I thought O.J. really should have died.
I really didn't have much to say about the show because I realized what made me fall in love with the whole artistry of the industry was still alive and well. Even if the things that were underground and counter culture are mainstream now. The quirky, individualizm of the industry and the culture still allows me to believe that cycling could have saved Jack Kerouac on the road 2 enlightenment. Rock on freaks.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Happy Valentine's Day to all, especially my Babycakes.

These hearts were found in Washington state on our trip to the great northwest last week.

idiot

I am a frustrated idiot. I am commiting to NOT trying to reason with drunks. Let me tell you, if you ever think you drink too much, go bartend and then on your day off go out drinkin w/ some friends. Bartenders develop a curse. The curse is the ability to be able to tell when everyone around you is drunk even if you've been drinkin yourself. This ability will curve your desire to drink because you are fully aware of how assinine, argumentitive, stubborn and visionary everyone is. If I have to listen to one more, "Let me tell you what would solve the whole worlds problems", conversation, or watch someones drunken bravado and/or behavior get them in trouble, or have to apologize, or be overly passionate about nonsense, or what they might think is a philosophical conversation I might slit my wrists with a PBR can.
What is wrong with a little moderation? I mean damn, if you got a guy like me sayin that to you, you might need to go to a meeting, or get a pamphlet, or find a higher power, or something. When in doubt if you are drunk in public your best bet is to be quiet.

gloating

Here I am enjoying a few moment of being right. Yes, you heard me right. Thats me being in the "know". If it were not for the internet I would never be right about anything with my beautiful wife. "I wouldn't necessarily be wrong, just mistaken" to quote Babycakes. Well, in this peticular instance we looked it up on the internet and you guessed it, I had backup. I actually got her to say I was right. I got so excited I don't even remember what I was right about.

taco night antics

This is what happens when things slow down a little in the winter. You can surf the hallway on your stocking feet, have great fun with a tazer.

Independent Fabrication

Two days after my surgery on my choppers I went out for a fixie ride. Damn, I wish the scene around here was more happening. It's either road bike bougeoisie, or cruiser hell here. I'm not sure how far I went, but I got this loop that's probably about twenty somethin and it just feels good, there is about a thirty somethin option if it's not too late. With lights we could do what we want, it just includes Shore Drive and the racoons have scared me a few times. Anyway, I can do it on my own; I am a solomn kind at times, but if it could be a Wednesday ride and afterwards include the Wednesday Taco Night that would be a great tradition. It's going on with, or without you. Let me know so I can cook more. Bring beer. Whoever wants to ride let me know what time works, otherwise 7:30 for tacos, let me know.

Drink It In

Fine Belgian beverage never hurt anybody. Well, maybe it did, but you only live once.

Hot Sauce

December was a weird month to say the least. Thanks to everyone for their kind words.

I was down to the last few bottles and had to pump out a batch before surgery for some wisdom teeth and a little bone graft on Monday. Fun stuff. So, Friday rolled around and I had to acquire some manual labor. We did one hundred and two bottles in record time and had some fun. I've got to remember to recognize when I'm having fun to notice it at the time. Or, is that just "Being" in the moment?

YOGA

Babycakes and I joined Wareing's Gym and after about ten years of me saying I oughta try yoga I finally did. We been practicing at home as well. It is much more strenuous than I thought and will make you sore at first. After about 3, or 4 weeks I dig it and I feel much better if I do it after a run, or ride. It reduces the soreness from more strenuous efforts and increases your flexability. It also makes me not want to punch people as much.

Pacifica

Speedy's is center stage at Pacifica of Little Bar Bistro.

The Double batch is ready

The aging process is complete and just keeps gettin' smoother like an aging wine. If any of you guys are on myspace check out "www.myspace.com/speedyshotsauce" on myspace. And if you need hotsauce just email me @ rooster790cc@yahoo.com, or speedyshotsauce@gmail.com. Thanks 2 everyone who has bought it locally and not so local. Thanks to the other bloggers and friends that have givin the sauce great reviews.

Wrench in the Gears

Check out Spearman's blog. Homebrewery extraordinairness. Rob of Luckyblacksocks came over 4 sum taco's and a taste of the new batch of Speedy's. Babycakes went and checked the mail and low and behold gifts from above. Arlington, Va. 2b exact, a sweet new pint glass. Thanks 2 Icon o. Classt

The end of the trail

For going 2 bed around 3:30 and rising around 8:00 and being hungover I felt great. Anytime before noon for Babycakes and I is early. She is not much of a drinker, but a very hard worker. I think we both felt surprisingly well. Maybe its just nature and the lack of baggage that helps. Live when? NOW; Live where? HERE. Always just trying 2B.

The journey

The trail was a little arduous because of the leaves, but there were only a few stumbles and no injuries. There was about a ten degree difference between the bottem and the top. It was very cloudy, but it cleared when we were at the top. Didn't see much as far as wild life. I mean like one squirrel(a rat better dressed).

McAfee's Knob

The rewards speak for themselves.