Got a great ride in on the World's Fastest feeling Single Speed today. I rode everything at Granite basin, some of it twice. 3:18, and I was asking for more at the end. I feel great on the bike right now. Unsure why. Interestingly, I needed about 20 minutes to re-adapt to riding rigid from my last two suspension rides, then I was golden.
I was feeling my Wheaties, so I even climbed Clark Springs which I never do. This bike is so stinking light. It hardly bothers you to throw it over a shoulder for the hike a bike sections.
I'm a little sore now, but not bad; mainly feet and hands.
The Jones bars did not change my life. My basic opinion is save your money, and definitely buy Mary bars instead. The position is comfortable, and identical to the Mary's. I noticed no Ti magic metal damping of the rigid buzz. I would say the other alternate hand positions are relatively useless and rather over rated unless you are on the road or a long smooth section. I got my hands in the power/control position and left them there for the duration. If you want to get rid of vibration, I noticed a much bigger difference when riding carbon riser bars compared to the Jones.
Basically, Jones = Mary + $$$
The $250 Ventana fork rides identically to the $65 Zion fork. So you pay the typical dollar per gram of weight loss. Again, I think carbon may make a difference here. The Ventana fork is off and on its way back to Ed. Now the bike is 1/2 lb heavier. For not being a weight weenie, I found it hard to add weight back to the ride. If I ever buy the Ventana fork, you know it is for looks.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Happy Feet, Sad Ocean
Just finishing watching Happy Feet on video. Really a clever, pleasurable movie. Purchased for the kiddos, but with a much deeper enviromental ethic.
If you have not read the most recent issue of National Geographic (it has a dead fish in a net on the cover), you must make the time to read the cover article. A very disturbing and wake up call article for me.
Sadly, we clever humans, charged with managing the earth and its resources have apparently nearly succeeded in fishing the ocean out. Our greed, incredible ingenuity, and lack of ability to see future consequences to present actions is amazing. We each make poor choices individually, but as a group, without redemption, these bad choices are devastating. Beyond the fishing out of the oceans, there is the social injustice of richer countries taking fish protein sources from poorer countries. It makes me sick.
I believe in redemption, and also in our power to do good. There is hope for the earth if we just give it a rest. There is hope if we will treat those around the earth as our own.
Read the article. You will view seafood differently. Particularly if you are a sushi lover.
I browsed online, and found this great multimedia presentation that puts things in great perspective, especially the social side.
Also found a guide on what sorts of fish are sustainable, so order wisely.
Hope you enjoy. I wanted to be an oceanographer as a kid, and the health of our oceans remains critical.
28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." Gen 1:27-28
If you have not read the most recent issue of National Geographic (it has a dead fish in a net on the cover), you must make the time to read the cover article. A very disturbing and wake up call article for me.
Sadly, we clever humans, charged with managing the earth and its resources have apparently nearly succeeded in fishing the ocean out. Our greed, incredible ingenuity, and lack of ability to see future consequences to present actions is amazing. We each make poor choices individually, but as a group, without redemption, these bad choices are devastating. Beyond the fishing out of the oceans, there is the social injustice of richer countries taking fish protein sources from poorer countries. It makes me sick.
I believe in redemption, and also in our power to do good. There is hope for the earth if we just give it a rest. There is hope if we will treat those around the earth as our own.
Read the article. You will view seafood differently. Particularly if you are a sushi lover.
I browsed online, and found this great multimedia presentation that puts things in great perspective, especially the social side.
Also found a guide on what sorts of fish are sustainable, so order wisely.
Hope you enjoy. I wanted to be an oceanographer as a kid, and the health of our oceans remains critical.
28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." Gen 1:27-28
This is our mandate, "rule over" means to be a righteous steward, not rape the earth. We will give an account to the Almighty for how we carry it out.
I Am Speed
Not really.It sure feels like it on this bike though. This is with the loaner El Tenedor and Jones bars on.
I have never been much of a weight weenie, but man is this thing light, and there is something really sexy about riding a very light, very strong machine.
I had to get the Jones bars up significantly higher on the steerer than the Mary's to get the relationship right. Went to a 90mm Thomson X4 stem as that is what I had, and Jeff recommends using a 31.8 clamp with shims to protect the bars. This is 10mm longer than the On-One stem it replaced.
The bars must do something for me since I was able to hop sideways up the stairs behind the bike for the first time ever (twice:)), and I've been attempting that for some time.
Hopefully they will be tried in battle tomorrow. I have a 70mm stem I could try, but I'm sure that will be too tight.
Monday, March 26, 2007
B-17
Cheapest model Brooks B-17 mounted and ridden 1/2 hour on the commuter with zero soreness. I like it so far and it goes well with the overall utility (and heft) of the bike.
Problem: The dang thing will not go very far back on the rails, so my zero offest Thomson is a no go. I need an offset post....way offset for the first time since I can remember. No way I could ride a Brooks on the MTB's since I already struggle to get the saddle back enough on the steeper angled 29"ers. (Would have worked killer on the Salty, however.) I don't remember being warned about this aspect of Brooks lore.
Paid Curiak for the WB fork today...ouch!
Oh by the way, the Jones Bars arrived today, paid for them as well....double ouch!
Of course, I saw this ad about 5 minutes before Ed called to let me know the Jones Bars were in....triple ouch. Integrity can hurt the pocketbook sometimes, but as it says in the good book: (Psalm 15)
LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?
2007 Marzocchi Z 1 RC2 ETA fork, nearly new, uncut steerer $400
Rockshox Reba about a 6 months worth of ride time by me...not much. Could use an oil change $300.
Beat up Shimano and Time pedals (make me an offer).
If you are interested in a Saltamontes frame or Brujamontes frame, let me know. Both are perfectly functional and very beat up.
Problem: The dang thing will not go very far back on the rails, so my zero offest Thomson is a no go. I need an offset post....way offset for the first time since I can remember. No way I could ride a Brooks on the MTB's since I already struggle to get the saddle back enough on the steeper angled 29"ers. (Would have worked killer on the Salty, however.) I don't remember being warned about this aspect of Brooks lore.
Paid Curiak for the WB fork today...ouch!
Oh by the way, the Jones Bars arrived today, paid for them as well....double ouch!
Of course, I saw this ad about 5 minutes before Ed called to let me know the Jones Bars were in....triple ouch. Integrity can hurt the pocketbook sometimes, but as it says in the good book: (Psalm 15)
LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?
2 He whose walk is blameless
and who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from his heart
3 and has no slander on his tongue,
who does his neighbor no wrong
and casts no slur on his fellowman,
4 who despises a vile man
but honors those who fear the LORD,
who keeps his oath
even when it hurts,
5 who lends his money without usury
and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things
will never be shaken.
(It did hurt).
Stuff for sale:2007 Marzocchi Z 1 RC2 ETA fork, nearly new, uncut steerer $400
Rockshox Reba about a 6 months worth of ride time by me...not much. Could use an oil change $300.
Beat up Shimano and Time pedals (make me an offer).
If you are interested in a Saltamontes frame or Brujamontes frame, let me know. Both are perfectly functional and very beat up.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
F 135 Ride Two
I did the “Big Loop” this am. about two hours of steep climbing to the top of Smith Ravine followed by an hour of single track descending (397 to 305).
Bike Changes:
I replaced the 80 mm X 7 degree rise stem with a 50 X 0, and mounted the 50 about 20 mm lower on the steerer (all the way down). This put the bars about an inch closer and an inch lower than before. I wanted to see if I could still climb with this stem. And climb I did with no problems. I think I will stay in this position for a while. Low and close, but with enough room to move around.
Fork:
This thing is a magic carpet ride. This fork has revived my love of the Curtlo, which at one time, I had feared was all a big mistake. So nice to have plush, deep travel at both ends. I would say the rear still outclasses the front, but now only barely.
The steering accuracy is superb. It goes where you point it with no annoying flex in stressful conditions. A ride like this is too mild for this much travel (I do it rigid sometimes), but man is it fun to just glide down the trail.
In all fairness, some of the credit for the ride has to go to the Nevegal up front. I was digging in to corners I previously washed out badly on with the Exi’s. It really took running the Neves to bring out the flex of the Reba. The Exi’s didn’t hook up enough to flex the thing. Increased traction started to show the weakness of the chassis (I still am a Reba fan though).
Mechanicals:
I lost a chain ring bolt on the middle and had to small ring the last 1/2 hr.
Nearly got killed when the front Nevegal blew off the TK 7.1 rim on one of the intermediate descents on the climb. I was hauling, and the tube tried to wrap around the fork. I was able to come to a very sketchy stop, deflate the tube, and tuck everything back together, but my confidence is a little shot. I don’t know what caused this. I didn’t go off anything unusual, and Tire pressures were in the 25-30 range. This descent is not particularly technical.
On arriving home I noticed a 20 mm side wall tear on the same tire, so I guess I need to trash it even though it is relatively new.
I’ve never had a tire blow off before, and let me tell you, it weirds you out, especially on the front during a descent. i was very lucky not to go flying OTB.
Maybe I should stick to rigid.
Bike Changes:
I replaced the 80 mm X 7 degree rise stem with a 50 X 0, and mounted the 50 about 20 mm lower on the steerer (all the way down). This put the bars about an inch closer and an inch lower than before. I wanted to see if I could still climb with this stem. And climb I did with no problems. I think I will stay in this position for a while. Low and close, but with enough room to move around.
Fork:
This thing is a magic carpet ride. This fork has revived my love of the Curtlo, which at one time, I had feared was all a big mistake. So nice to have plush, deep travel at both ends. I would say the rear still outclasses the front, but now only barely.
The steering accuracy is superb. It goes where you point it with no annoying flex in stressful conditions. A ride like this is too mild for this much travel (I do it rigid sometimes), but man is it fun to just glide down the trail.
In all fairness, some of the credit for the ride has to go to the Nevegal up front. I was digging in to corners I previously washed out badly on with the Exi’s. It really took running the Neves to bring out the flex of the Reba. The Exi’s didn’t hook up enough to flex the thing. Increased traction started to show the weakness of the chassis (I still am a Reba fan though).
Mechanicals:
I lost a chain ring bolt on the middle and had to small ring the last 1/2 hr.
Nearly got killed when the front Nevegal blew off the TK 7.1 rim on one of the intermediate descents on the climb. I was hauling, and the tube tried to wrap around the fork. I was able to come to a very sketchy stop, deflate the tube, and tuck everything back together, but my confidence is a little shot. I don’t know what caused this. I didn’t go off anything unusual, and Tire pressures were in the 25-30 range. This descent is not particularly technical.
On arriving home I noticed a 20 mm side wall tear on the same tire, so I guess I need to trash it even though it is relatively new.
I’ve never had a tire blow off before, and let me tell you, it weirds you out, especially on the front during a descent. i was very lucky not to go flying OTB.
Maybe I should stick to rigid.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Josh update
Josh began the first of five Tomo-therapy (360 degree radiation) today. He will be in Phoenix with family until they are completed next Wednesday.
This is the only further treatment available to him, and is unlikely to stop the tumor, hopefully it will slow progress so he gets more time with family.
I'm still praying God will surprise me, however. Excerpt from his parent's email update below:
I will personally vouch for the last one. He and family look great despite the time bomb in his head.
In Josh's words: "We just have today." And I would add from my friend John: "We also have forever. Life is not short."
I do not know if we will be riding again as Josh has noticed his balance on the bike starting to be affected.
This is the only further treatment available to him, and is unlikely to stop the tumor, hopefully it will slow progress so he gets more time with family.
I'm still praying God will surprise me, however. Excerpt from his parent's email update below:
v Sadie has taken up writing poetry, a children’s book and prayers filled with love for God, Josh, Kylee and Bethany. She says that this has been so helpful to express all that is going on inside of her and to release the pressure that was building up.
v Josh and Sadie’s communication about all of the new developments on their walks and talks help to bring new peace and joy to their relationship with each other, with Kylee and Bethany and with God.
v Peace and joy in living each day to the fullest in Christ are the treasures they are opening and enjoying.
v They are all very thankful for the love and prayers that everyone is surrounding them with from all around the world.
v They continue to pursue a healthy lifestyle physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually that includes nutrition, exercising and serving the Lord as they prepare for the future.
v One of the Cancer Treatment Center of America’s goals is one or ours as well: To give the person and family with cancer help and resources that will empower them to make their own decisions. The Lord is their Good Shepherd and He is leading them in their decisions each step of the way.
v If you were to see this precious young family walking along the street pushing their baby stroller up or down our mountain you would probably think, “What a healthy and happy young family.” Thank you for your prayers!!!!!
I will personally vouch for the last one. He and family look great despite the time bomb in his head.
In Josh's words: "We just have today." And I would add from my friend John: "We also have forever. Life is not short."
I do not know if we will be riding again as Josh has noticed his balance on the bike starting to be affected.
Fluid 135 Ride 1
I was able to get a good beating in on the WB F 135 fork today attached to the Curtlo, which from now on shall be referred to as "The Tractor."
I took Little Granite Trail (37) to its end, turned left on 39, turned left on 38 back to 37 and out.
For those that don't know, this is a 20 minute steep climb (barely ss able by me at 32:21), 1 minute descent, 5 minute climb, 3 minute steep, very techy descent at moderate speed, followed by about 20 minutes of flowy trail to trail 39.
As always, the Tractor climbed right up, over the water bars, etc. An extra inch of fork height made no difference at all. The first steep descent made is abundantly clear that running the fork without any air preload was a bad idea. It simply dove way into travel under braking and stayed there. I added about 10 psi, and that seemed to control it. Lesson learned. Use the coil to soak up the little chatter, add air to control dive, and bottom out. Sag is not really a good measure of how to set the fork up, it needs to be ridden. After adding air, all I can say is that the front end seemed very quiet compared to the Reba. No drama, just went where I pointed it without fussing, soaked stuff up nicely. Some stiction, but still early in break in so forgivable.
Again, quiet is the word I would use; not sure why.
Interestingly, I have noticed that the problem I had with not being able to get the front end up with the other Fluid 130 is now totally gone. I can manual off a wheelie drop/water bar at will, with no hesitation. It must have something to do with how the fork rebounds, and I depend on that rebound to lift the front. I also had no problem with the Reba BTW.
Trail 39 is one of the most difficult technical trails around these bits. Not fun technical, just survive type technical. I am happy to get through it without crashing (which I did twice today(how can you go OTB on a bike with a 46" wheelbase?)). Luckily, it is so overgrown, cactus ridden, rocky, rutty, and tight, that speeds remain low, so the crashes are more semi-controlled falls off the bike (hopefully not into a cactus). The fork handled this section fine. Steered where I wanted it, didn't dive too much, gave me the BB clearance I love for this sort of work. It has no bad habits at low speed techy stuff, which is the one skill I do have on a bike. In this sort of situation, Maverick's claim that torsional stiffness in unimportant to a MTB fork is proven to be total rubbish. Going slow over rocks and obstacles puts lots of stress on steering, especially in torsion. No bad habits on the WB.
On 38 I have the option of the less techy smooth moto trail climb, or the uber techy hike a bike climb. Of course, being on the Tractor, I took the tech option. I am still amazed at what I can get up with this bike. It is honestly ridiculous.
Finally, the downhill to the car. Five solid minutes of steep, smoothish trail interrupted by water bars to hop/drop.
Sold.
The fork performed in a freaking amazing fashion on this descent, and I honestly beat the crap out of it, bashing into logs, whatever. The only time I have had a better time on this descent was on a bike too small for me with 170mm of travel. The Tractor is XC-ish compared to that bike, but that is how I ride. I was going as fast as I should ever go in relative safety. I don't need or want more.
So, the initial impression is favorable. It performs as advertised. I hope this thing performs in the long haul, and doesn't break my heart....again.
I also feel very affirmed in some of the design choices I made on the Tractor: Too long head tube...perfect. Too long Chainstays...check. Funny looking frame with loads of stand over....I used all of it multiple times. Too long top tube.....here I really think I did mess up. I think it would be better at least an inch shorter. Oh well, it is a learning process, and I have learned that I like smaller bikes given the choice.
I took Little Granite Trail (37) to its end, turned left on 39, turned left on 38 back to 37 and out.
For those that don't know, this is a 20 minute steep climb (barely ss able by me at 32:21), 1 minute descent, 5 minute climb, 3 minute steep, very techy descent at moderate speed, followed by about 20 minutes of flowy trail to trail 39.
As always, the Tractor climbed right up, over the water bars, etc. An extra inch of fork height made no difference at all. The first steep descent made is abundantly clear that running the fork without any air preload was a bad idea. It simply dove way into travel under braking and stayed there. I added about 10 psi, and that seemed to control it. Lesson learned. Use the coil to soak up the little chatter, add air to control dive, and bottom out. Sag is not really a good measure of how to set the fork up, it needs to be ridden. After adding air, all I can say is that the front end seemed very quiet compared to the Reba. No drama, just went where I pointed it without fussing, soaked stuff up nicely. Some stiction, but still early in break in so forgivable.
Again, quiet is the word I would use; not sure why.
Interestingly, I have noticed that the problem I had with not being able to get the front end up with the other Fluid 130 is now totally gone. I can manual off a wheelie drop/water bar at will, with no hesitation. It must have something to do with how the fork rebounds, and I depend on that rebound to lift the front. I also had no problem with the Reba BTW.
Trail 39 is one of the most difficult technical trails around these bits. Not fun technical, just survive type technical. I am happy to get through it without crashing (which I did twice today(how can you go OTB on a bike with a 46" wheelbase?)). Luckily, it is so overgrown, cactus ridden, rocky, rutty, and tight, that speeds remain low, so the crashes are more semi-controlled falls off the bike (hopefully not into a cactus). The fork handled this section fine. Steered where I wanted it, didn't dive too much, gave me the BB clearance I love for this sort of work. It has no bad habits at low speed techy stuff, which is the one skill I do have on a bike. In this sort of situation, Maverick's claim that torsional stiffness in unimportant to a MTB fork is proven to be total rubbish. Going slow over rocks and obstacles puts lots of stress on steering, especially in torsion. No bad habits on the WB.
On 38 I have the option of the less techy smooth moto trail climb, or the uber techy hike a bike climb. Of course, being on the Tractor, I took the tech option. I am still amazed at what I can get up with this bike. It is honestly ridiculous.
Finally, the downhill to the car. Five solid minutes of steep, smoothish trail interrupted by water bars to hop/drop.
Sold.
The fork performed in a freaking amazing fashion on this descent, and I honestly beat the crap out of it, bashing into logs, whatever. The only time I have had a better time on this descent was on a bike too small for me with 170mm of travel. The Tractor is XC-ish compared to that bike, but that is how I ride. I was going as fast as I should ever go in relative safety. I don't need or want more.
So, the initial impression is favorable. It performs as advertised. I hope this thing performs in the long haul, and doesn't break my heart....again.
I also feel very affirmed in some of the design choices I made on the Tractor: Too long head tube...perfect. Too long Chainstays...check. Funny looking frame with loads of stand over....I used all of it multiple times. Too long top tube.....here I really think I did mess up. I think it would be better at least an inch shorter. Oh well, it is a learning process, and I have learned that I like smaller bikes given the choice.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Forks Galore
I currently have two demo forks installed on bikes in the garage.
Installed the Ventana rigid "El Tenedor" on the Comandante at Ed's insistence. More nicely built, and 150 gms lighter than the Zion fork, but otherwise, not a lot different. I'm vain enough to want a matching fork in the future, however. We'll see about ride quality. Doubt it will be much different, but who knows.
Also in the mail today, my demo White Bros Fluid 130 coil fork. This is the "new and improved" 130. I hope so, because the prior air 130 I had sucked pretty bad. I installed it tonight, and early impressions are good. Light, stiff (like the air), and very plush (unlike the air). Nice to have the Curtlo back, but it feels like I have flat tires after all the rigid riding lately. I really missed the extra travel and stiffness of the WB compared to the Reba.
If this fork works out, I will see little need to keep the little wheeled Brujamontes.
I'm torn over what to ride tomorrow, but think I will go with the squish bike over the "standard" test loop.
Installed the Ventana rigid "El Tenedor" on the Comandante at Ed's insistence. More nicely built, and 150 gms lighter than the Zion fork, but otherwise, not a lot different. I'm vain enough to want a matching fork in the future, however. We'll see about ride quality. Doubt it will be much different, but who knows.
Also in the mail today, my demo White Bros Fluid 130 coil fork. This is the "new and improved" 130. I hope so, because the prior air 130 I had sucked pretty bad. I installed it tonight, and early impressions are good. Light, stiff (like the air), and very plush (unlike the air). Nice to have the Curtlo back, but it feels like I have flat tires after all the rigid riding lately. I really missed the extra travel and stiffness of the WB compared to the Reba.
If this fork works out, I will see little need to keep the little wheeled Brujamontes.
I'm torn over what to ride tomorrow, but think I will go with the squish bike over the "standard" test loop.
Hauling
There is nothing quite so invigorating as hauling the mail on skinnyish tires, down a false flat with a tail wind........
And nothing quite as depressing as the opposite direction.
It all has to do with perceived ground speed vs perceived effort.
In one direction you are Tour de France material.
The other way, you are a sorry fool who has no business being on a bicycle.
The commute from the hospital to surgery center blew by in 18 minutes, which is indeed hauling for a ride which I allow 30 minutes. We'll see how it feels going home.
Red sky in the morning, commuter take warning!
And nothing quite as depressing as the opposite direction.
It all has to do with perceived ground speed vs perceived effort.
In one direction you are Tour de France material.
The other way, you are a sorry fool who has no business being on a bicycle.
The commute from the hospital to surgery center blew by in 18 minutes, which is indeed hauling for a ride which I allow 30 minutes. We'll see how it feels going home.
Red sky in the morning, commuter take warning!
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Rigid Baby
Spent 3 hours going up 305 to the top of Smith Ravine. A good solid climb and fast descent.
Took the rigid El Comandante Set up nearly identically to the Zion. Same fork, and tires, different wheelset. This is the same ride I demo'd the Zion rigid on last week, just went about 45 minutes further. Not expecting much except a rougher ride.
The difference was dramatic. The El Comandante is simply a better frame in all respects for my riding style. All the flex I was feeling with the Zion in retrospect was coming from the frame. All the nervousness under heavy braking and hard cornering was gone. What was left was sheer exhilaration. Great ride, and I am spent.
No doubt about it, the Comandante will remain my main trail SS ride. Don't know what to do about the Zion. Loaner? Fixed? Commuter? It has clearly been established that it is the back up bike at this point.
Conclusions: The price difference does buy you something. Probably not as much as you would think as they are both fine bikes. If you never stress the Zion at high speeds, or under hard cornering, it might be the preferred ride due to its comfort (flex). As speeds (and forces) increase, the Ventana clearly comes into its own, and is the better frame.
So if you want to ride slowly and carefully, ride the Zion, and save $600. If you go hard and want ultimately reliable handling Ventana all the way.
I would compare the Ventana's steering feel to some of the finer German cars I have had a chance to drive. You dial in where you want to go, and it does it. Very precise, very predictable, very gratifying, no slop. You can put the bike anywhere on the trail you want it to go.
Good work Sherwood.
Took the rigid El Comandante Set up nearly identically to the Zion. Same fork, and tires, different wheelset. This is the same ride I demo'd the Zion rigid on last week, just went about 45 minutes further. Not expecting much except a rougher ride.
The difference was dramatic. The El Comandante is simply a better frame in all respects for my riding style. All the flex I was feeling with the Zion in retrospect was coming from the frame. All the nervousness under heavy braking and hard cornering was gone. What was left was sheer exhilaration. Great ride, and I am spent.
No doubt about it, the Comandante will remain my main trail SS ride. Don't know what to do about the Zion. Loaner? Fixed? Commuter? It has clearly been established that it is the back up bike at this point.
Conclusions: The price difference does buy you something. Probably not as much as you would think as they are both fine bikes. If you never stress the Zion at high speeds, or under hard cornering, it might be the preferred ride due to its comfort (flex). As speeds (and forces) increase, the Ventana clearly comes into its own, and is the better frame.
So if you want to ride slowly and carefully, ride the Zion, and save $600. If you go hard and want ultimately reliable handling Ventana all the way.
I would compare the Ventana's steering feel to some of the finer German cars I have had a chance to drive. You dial in where you want to go, and it does it. Very precise, very predictable, very gratifying, no slop. You can put the bike anywhere on the trail you want it to go.
Good work Sherwood.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Friday, March 16, 2007
Oops!
Just realized I had the comments turned off on the Niger thread. Don't know how I did that. Fixed now.
Sorry folks.
Nothing to report here. Looking forward to the weekend after two busy weeks for me.
Sorry folks.
Nothing to report here. Looking forward to the weekend after two busy weeks for me.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Da Brusa' and Da Crusa'
Very, very different rides despite all their commonalities.
Each one is set up perfectly for me. With the longer fork on the Zion, the resting HTA and bb height on both bikes is identical. The saddle is a little higher on the Zion due to the shorter cranks (5mm). The bars are relatively higher, but sag into the perfect position.
I hate to say this but: while I may not build the prettiest bikes in the world, they are dang near the best fitting, most functional rides out there....for me.
With 12mm of extra clearance, I have forked the Zion. Had to lower the bars a bit.
This requires the Ventana race (for Chris King Headset), mated to the Cane Creek S3+ headset.
Just bouncing around the driveway, felt very flexy and uncertain after spending the time on the rigid. We'll see.
On another note. Listened to the ipod on the long commute yesterday. This was my first time ever listening to such a device while doing some semblence of exercise.
Wow. I never thought my U2+Newsboys playlist could get me humming like that on a bike. Listened to a great brain science lecture on the way home. I need to find the link for it because it was facinating. All about the self recognition, and how brain function makes up the person/self, and refuting of the greek idea of soul/body dualism.
Here is the link. Skip about the first ten minutes until the scientist (John Medina) speaks. really great stuff.
The main page has lots of lectures. If they are anywhere as good as this one, I want to listen to them all. In my spare time of course.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Commute
I have to say that I love riding a bike to and from work. Especially so with the great weather we've had lately.
Pedaling in at a brisk pace, seeing my shadow pedal along with me just sort of makes me happy.
Felt strong this afternoon, must have had a little tail wind. Attacked the last hill on the way home and knocked a full 10 seconds off my best time to the top of the climb (1:35). Must have been a little tail wind, and had a nice run through the final corner before the climb. A 1-2 minute interval up hill like that can be quite painful, and I don't always have the motivation to hit it hard.
Should get a couple flattish 45 minutes ride on the Peavine tomorrow.
I've also decided I want to run the Whiskey Row 1/2 marathon, so I better get to running.
Pedaling in at a brisk pace, seeing my shadow pedal along with me just sort of makes me happy.
Felt strong this afternoon, must have had a little tail wind. Attacked the last hill on the way home and knocked a full 10 seconds off my best time to the top of the climb (1:35). Must have been a little tail wind, and had a nice run through the final corner before the climb. A 1-2 minute interval up hill like that can be quite painful, and I don't always have the motivation to hit it hard.
Should get a couple flattish 45 minutes ride on the Peavine tomorrow.
I've also decided I want to run the Whiskey Row 1/2 marathon, so I better get to running.
Niger Update
This just in from my friend John. He is back safe, and I thought excerpts from his email worth posting (with his permission). The surgeon stuff is a little technical, but I think interesting:
"Jana and I returned last night after 45 hours of travel, safe and sound.
Thank you for your prayers. God is GOOD, and there is much for which to give thanks.
First of all for safety in travel. The last bush taxi out of Niger was probably the most eventful one in terms of wondering if we really would return! Thankfully there are still donkeys which are alive, an old Mercedes is still rolling somewhere over there, and the tires on our little Peugeot taxi didn’t blow as we almost rolled over twice. Sliding sideways down the side of a road having almost taken out a donkey or two and the other car was a bit on the exciting side. Being able to smell burned rubber was proof that our senses were still intact. Thanks for praying for our safety!
Secondly for wisdom in surgery. There is at least one lady who still alive because of the grace of God’s timing. She ruptured her uterus in the process of giving birth, and came into the hospital literally bleeding to death. I was asked to see her to do a D&C for a retained placenta since I was already in the hospital operating, but as soon as I looked I saw her swelling with blood as she bled internally. A short bit later I had her open and the main vessels tied off, but she continued to bleed from small vessels which are impossible to control. Instead of just closing her up to die (as was done in a similar situation by a physician earlier in the year) I remembered a technique described to me by an older Obstetrician just two days before I left for Niger. I used the same technique (modified slightly) and closed her. That surgery was followed by another D&C for a completely retained placenta and the mother was also bleeding to death. When I completed that and was heading home (4:30 am) I checked and the first lady was still alive. Amazingly a few hours later she was doing so well she was asking to eat! And 48 hours later she was ready to start walking as I left to return to the US.
The reason I was in the hospital was because the doctor on-call that night (an ophthalmologist) had been performing a C-section to deliver a baby when 5 trauma patients showed up in the ER. He asked me to come help take care of them. While I was getting ready to sew up the first one, he called from the OR a few feet away and asked me for help since he couldn’t get the baby out and the mother was bleeding profusely. That woman had given birth to the first twin over 12 hours earlier and had come to the hospital when the second twin wouldn’t come. So I threw on an OR gown and a pair of gloves and opened her uterus further to get the baby out (which was dead) and close the uterus to stop the bleeding. Even though the baby was dead I told the assistant to suction out its nose and mouth before I handed him over to the nurse. While closing, the nurse poked her head back in the OR to say the boy was alive and doing well. I don’t know what damage may have occurred to his brain because of probable lack of oxygen, but am praying that for whatever purpose God may have for his life, that God will be glorified.
The on-call doc went home because he was tired, and I continued sewing up the Trauma patients…and… was just finishing the last one when the woman with the ruptured uterus came in.
God’s timing is impeccable. I was telling myself there must be a reason why I was up at 1:30 am sewing patients scalps closed and praying about my attitude regarding whole issue just before the events of that early morning unfolded. After a couple hours of sleep I was back up again to operate and cover call for another 36 hours.
Thank you for praying. God is the one who gives us strength. He is the one who provides wisdom in every situation, and He is the one who receives the praise for what HE orchestrates in order to thwart the effects of sin on this world. Most days were long (12-16 hours), some longer, and the work intense at times. Most days entailed more work than what the average surgeon performs in an entire week here in the U.S. The challenges of operating and working with people in three languages, of which I really only speak one, were tough if not entertaining. And there was joy in relating with believers who are facing similar challenges, yet finding God’s grace sufficient to meet every one of them.
If you have ever been part of a winning team, or part of a project that demanded intense, prolonged effort to achieve a goal, a championship, or accomplish something together… you know there is something shared by those who are a part of it which goes deeper than can be expressed in words. In the same way I feel I experienced the opportunity to “come off the bench” for a few minutes (days) and share in the challenge of an effort to see Christ proclaimed in a land which is desperate for Life.
I am always challenged when I work in Niger. Not just from the physical standpoint of endurance, heat, and the harsh conditions… but primarily in my attitude and relationship to people who face circumstances and realities that seem so distant from my every day life. When Jesus talks about people being helpless and harassed like sheep without a shepherd, I think of Niger.
Masses of people who live from day to day in hopeless existence imbued with a fatalistic outlook on life so ingrained it is hard to fathom. They hurt, they feel pain, they often don’t like their circumstances…yet they have no hope of changing without the hope that comes from knowing Christ.
For some, they have resigned themselves to “fate”. Others seek escape through various diversions. Still others seek meaning through trying to scrape together enough money, power, wives, or bear enough children to demonstrate that they are “worth something”. When all along the One person who gives meaning to life, gives healing, gives LIFE, is right there with open arms. But how can they know without someone telling them? And how can someone tell them without being there? And how does that person get there? And, in the case of Galmi, stay there long enough to communicate that message of hope and show them love?
Over and over again I was reminded that the gifts that God has given me to address people’s physical needs are only temporary. I seek to prolong their life so that they have the opportunity to come to know God, and for those who know Him to have more time to share His love to those around them. But the primary goal is to see God glorified, to honor Him with the “clay” of our lives, and to know the joy of relating with the One who created us for His glory. If God is not glorified through our lives than it is all for naught.
The time in Galmi was brief. There were a lot of operations performed, and yes, some people’s lives on this earth were prolonged. But my greatest hope is that there will be those who come to know Jesus through the witness of believers seeking to share God’s love through their lives. Please pray that those patients who came through the hospital would come to know the One True God. And please continue to pray for those who work at Galmi. Pray for the staff who do not yet know Jesus, that they would come to know Him. And for the believers that do – that their lives will reflect the love of God who loves each one of those patients, each person in Niger, and each one of us, more than we can imagine.
I could tell you a lot more stories, at least a dozen or more for each day I was there. Stories of triumph, laughter, joy, and praise… along with stories of frustration, sorrow, and at times disgust at the ugliness of sin. Life is full at Galmi – from both ends of the spectrum. I count it a privilege to have been able to serve there briefly as a bridge between surgeons coming and going. I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to see God at work so clearly in people’s lives. I know it is in great part due to your prayers for Jana and me. I returned healthy (and in one piece) and returned to work today eager to see where God is leading next.
Thank you, again, for your prayers of support. I knew many times these past couple of weeks that the strength and wisdom I experienced did not come from my natural abilities, but were a gift from God. Operating on more than 60 patients in six days, as well as seeing over 50 patients in the outpatient department gave me a new perspective on “work”. Only 10-12 of those operations were scheduled. But the main thing is that each one of those patients had the opportunity to hear about Jesus – and for that it was well worth it. Thank you for upholding me in your prayers.
I could write for a few more pages, but I’ll stop here.
Enjoy this day!
In Him, gratefully,
John"
Wow. There is plenty there to chew on. One thing stands out to me:
The contrast and similarities between John's email and Dave's post of a few days ago. Specifically where Dave says this (not used with permission, hopes it's okay (since it is sorta public):
"I've been an atheist since I was a child, and take Nietzsche at his word that individual action in the face of the absurd is the only path away from Nihilism. What Thoreau, contemporaneous great soul, called "quiet desperation." And that in the end is what I fear, at the end of the day an engagement that will have seemed half-hearted. So, I run away from home and play tricks on myself."
In many ways, John's time in Niger is ultimately "action in the face of the absurd." If you take God out of the equation, there is no way his presence there made a hoot of difference in the long run other than avoiding "quiet desperation" in John's life. It is like throwing starfish back into the ocean at low tide. John sees it totally differently, however, and I loved the paragraph:
"Over and over again I was reminded that the gifts that God has given me to address people’s physical needs are only temporary. I seek to prolong their life so that they have the opportunity to come to know God, and for those who know Him to have more time to share His love to those around them. But the primary goal is to see God glorified, to honor Him with the “clay” of our lives, and to know the joy of relating with the One who created us for His glory. If God is not glorified through our lives than it is all for naught."
And in my opinion he is totally right. We have been given a short time to live. We can live for ourselves. We can live for the glory of God. The type of life you choose to live will largely depend on your view of God (or not). Both lives, lived properly, will require struggle and sacrifice to live them fully. Perhaps Nietsche and Christ are not so far apart...except for the whole existence of God thing.
Both Dave's and John's lives are fully consistent with their beliefs about what is the order of the universe and reality (one atheist, one theist). That is something I can truly respect, even if I disagree with a particular viewpoint about what the make-up of reality is. To live consistent with your beliefs is to live honestly. Anything else is hypocrisy.
May I do so well. I (and I think John as well, or Josh for that matter) fear the same thing Dave does: a wasted life, a "half-hearted" life. Our admittedly Christian view of what composes a wasted life is different from Dave's, but the goal is the same.
In my opinion, too many believers of today are not living consistent with what they supposedly believe, don't take the time to be educated about what they supposedly believe, and are afraid of the sacrifice that the Christian belief system will ask of them if decide to follow Christ. John is not one of those believers. It is easy to criticize from my lofty position, but where the rubber meets the road is: Do I live according to what I believe? God help me.
Sorry to drag you into this Dave, hope you don't mind, but I truly respect the life you are trying to lead.
"Jana and I returned last night after 45 hours of travel, safe and sound.
Thank you for your prayers. God is GOOD, and there is much for which to give thanks.
First of all for safety in travel. The last bush taxi out of Niger was probably the most eventful one in terms of wondering if we really would return! Thankfully there are still donkeys which are alive, an old Mercedes is still rolling somewhere over there, and the tires on our little Peugeot taxi didn’t blow as we almost rolled over twice. Sliding sideways down the side of a road having almost taken out a donkey or two and the other car was a bit on the exciting side. Being able to smell burned rubber was proof that our senses were still intact. Thanks for praying for our safety!
Secondly for wisdom in surgery. There is at least one lady who still alive because of the grace of God’s timing. She ruptured her uterus in the process of giving birth, and came into the hospital literally bleeding to death. I was asked to see her to do a D&C for a retained placenta since I was already in the hospital operating, but as soon as I looked I saw her swelling with blood as she bled internally. A short bit later I had her open and the main vessels tied off, but she continued to bleed from small vessels which are impossible to control. Instead of just closing her up to die (as was done in a similar situation by a physician earlier in the year) I remembered a technique described to me by an older Obstetrician just two days before I left for Niger. I used the same technique (modified slightly) and closed her. That surgery was followed by another D&C for a completely retained placenta and the mother was also bleeding to death. When I completed that and was heading home (4:30 am) I checked and the first lady was still alive. Amazingly a few hours later she was doing so well she was asking to eat! And 48 hours later she was ready to start walking as I left to return to the US.
The reason I was in the hospital was because the doctor on-call that night (an ophthalmologist) had been performing a C-section to deliver a baby when 5 trauma patients showed up in the ER. He asked me to come help take care of them. While I was getting ready to sew up the first one, he called from the OR a few feet away and asked me for help since he couldn’t get the baby out and the mother was bleeding profusely. That woman had given birth to the first twin over 12 hours earlier and had come to the hospital when the second twin wouldn’t come. So I threw on an OR gown and a pair of gloves and opened her uterus further to get the baby out (which was dead) and close the uterus to stop the bleeding. Even though the baby was dead I told the assistant to suction out its nose and mouth before I handed him over to the nurse. While closing, the nurse poked her head back in the OR to say the boy was alive and doing well. I don’t know what damage may have occurred to his brain because of probable lack of oxygen, but am praying that for whatever purpose God may have for his life, that God will be glorified.
The on-call doc went home because he was tired, and I continued sewing up the Trauma patients…and… was just finishing the last one when the woman with the ruptured uterus came in.
God’s timing is impeccable. I was telling myself there must be a reason why I was up at 1:30 am sewing patients scalps closed and praying about my attitude regarding whole issue just before the events of that early morning unfolded. After a couple hours of sleep I was back up again to operate and cover call for another 36 hours.
Thank you for praying. God is the one who gives us strength. He is the one who provides wisdom in every situation, and He is the one who receives the praise for what HE orchestrates in order to thwart the effects of sin on this world. Most days were long (12-16 hours), some longer, and the work intense at times. Most days entailed more work than what the average surgeon performs in an entire week here in the U.S. The challenges of operating and working with people in three languages, of which I really only speak one, were tough if not entertaining. And there was joy in relating with believers who are facing similar challenges, yet finding God’s grace sufficient to meet every one of them.
If you have ever been part of a winning team, or part of a project that demanded intense, prolonged effort to achieve a goal, a championship, or accomplish something together… you know there is something shared by those who are a part of it which goes deeper than can be expressed in words. In the same way I feel I experienced the opportunity to “come off the bench” for a few minutes (days) and share in the challenge of an effort to see Christ proclaimed in a land which is desperate for Life.
I am always challenged when I work in Niger. Not just from the physical standpoint of endurance, heat, and the harsh conditions… but primarily in my attitude and relationship to people who face circumstances and realities that seem so distant from my every day life. When Jesus talks about people being helpless and harassed like sheep without a shepherd, I think of Niger.
Masses of people who live from day to day in hopeless existence imbued with a fatalistic outlook on life so ingrained it is hard to fathom. They hurt, they feel pain, they often don’t like their circumstances…yet they have no hope of changing without the hope that comes from knowing Christ.
For some, they have resigned themselves to “fate”. Others seek escape through various diversions. Still others seek meaning through trying to scrape together enough money, power, wives, or bear enough children to demonstrate that they are “worth something”. When all along the One person who gives meaning to life, gives healing, gives LIFE, is right there with open arms. But how can they know without someone telling them? And how can someone tell them without being there? And how does that person get there? And, in the case of Galmi, stay there long enough to communicate that message of hope and show them love?
Over and over again I was reminded that the gifts that God has given me to address people’s physical needs are only temporary. I seek to prolong their life so that they have the opportunity to come to know God, and for those who know Him to have more time to share His love to those around them. But the primary goal is to see God glorified, to honor Him with the “clay” of our lives, and to know the joy of relating with the One who created us for His glory. If God is not glorified through our lives than it is all for naught.
The time in Galmi was brief. There were a lot of operations performed, and yes, some people’s lives on this earth were prolonged. But my greatest hope is that there will be those who come to know Jesus through the witness of believers seeking to share God’s love through their lives. Please pray that those patients who came through the hospital would come to know the One True God. And please continue to pray for those who work at Galmi. Pray for the staff who do not yet know Jesus, that they would come to know Him. And for the believers that do – that their lives will reflect the love of God who loves each one of those patients, each person in Niger, and each one of us, more than we can imagine.
I could tell you a lot more stories, at least a dozen or more for each day I was there. Stories of triumph, laughter, joy, and praise… along with stories of frustration, sorrow, and at times disgust at the ugliness of sin. Life is full at Galmi – from both ends of the spectrum. I count it a privilege to have been able to serve there briefly as a bridge between surgeons coming and going. I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to see God at work so clearly in people’s lives. I know it is in great part due to your prayers for Jana and me. I returned healthy (and in one piece) and returned to work today eager to see where God is leading next.
Thank you, again, for your prayers of support. I knew many times these past couple of weeks that the strength and wisdom I experienced did not come from my natural abilities, but were a gift from God. Operating on more than 60 patients in six days, as well as seeing over 50 patients in the outpatient department gave me a new perspective on “work”. Only 10-12 of those operations were scheduled. But the main thing is that each one of those patients had the opportunity to hear about Jesus – and for that it was well worth it. Thank you for upholding me in your prayers.
I could write for a few more pages, but I’ll stop here.
Enjoy this day!
In Him, gratefully,
John"
Wow. There is plenty there to chew on. One thing stands out to me:
The contrast and similarities between John's email and Dave's post of a few days ago. Specifically where Dave says this (not used with permission, hopes it's okay (since it is sorta public):
"I've been an atheist since I was a child, and take Nietzsche at his word that individual action in the face of the absurd is the only path away from Nihilism. What Thoreau, contemporaneous great soul, called "quiet desperation." And that in the end is what I fear, at the end of the day an engagement that will have seemed half-hearted. So, I run away from home and play tricks on myself."
In many ways, John's time in Niger is ultimately "action in the face of the absurd." If you take God out of the equation, there is no way his presence there made a hoot of difference in the long run other than avoiding "quiet desperation" in John's life. It is like throwing starfish back into the ocean at low tide. John sees it totally differently, however, and I loved the paragraph:
"Over and over again I was reminded that the gifts that God has given me to address people’s physical needs are only temporary. I seek to prolong their life so that they have the opportunity to come to know God, and for those who know Him to have more time to share His love to those around them. But the primary goal is to see God glorified, to honor Him with the “clay” of our lives, and to know the joy of relating with the One who created us for His glory. If God is not glorified through our lives than it is all for naught."
And in my opinion he is totally right. We have been given a short time to live. We can live for ourselves. We can live for the glory of God. The type of life you choose to live will largely depend on your view of God (or not). Both lives, lived properly, will require struggle and sacrifice to live them fully. Perhaps Nietsche and Christ are not so far apart...except for the whole existence of God thing.
Both Dave's and John's lives are fully consistent with their beliefs about what is the order of the universe and reality (one atheist, one theist). That is something I can truly respect, even if I disagree with a particular viewpoint about what the make-up of reality is. To live consistent with your beliefs is to live honestly. Anything else is hypocrisy.
May I do so well. I (and I think John as well, or Josh for that matter) fear the same thing Dave does: a wasted life, a "half-hearted" life. Our admittedly Christian view of what composes a wasted life is different from Dave's, but the goal is the same.
In my opinion, too many believers of today are not living consistent with what they supposedly believe, don't take the time to be educated about what they supposedly believe, and are afraid of the sacrifice that the Christian belief system will ask of them if decide to follow Christ. John is not one of those believers. It is easy to criticize from my lofty position, but where the rubber meets the road is: Do I live according to what I believe? God help me.
Sorry to drag you into this Dave, hope you don't mind, but I truly respect the life you are trying to lead.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Pioneer Park
Pioneer park is under valued by the hardish core (includes self) Prescott riding set. It is honestly a complete hoot to ride there.
All the trails are faster and more fun on a cyclocross bike, but the fun factor is still quite high with a MTB. Preferably rigid. Best of all, I can access the trail system at three different points from the house, the furthest of which is 10 minutes ride.
No time for a proper beating, so I went there for the 1:15 I had to ride on the newly rigid Ventana. Very fun. I was able to finally sample the newish single track that is hidden within the park. Not bad, but I really hope they expand it in the future. This comes the closest to the type of riding we did in Kentucky. Narrow, tight turns, short loops. Lather, rinse, repeat. It wasn't unusual to ride the same lap in KY 4-5 times on an outing since some of the very fun ones were only 15-20 minutes. Of course, everyone is racing everyone else to add to the fun. I definitely miss that sort of fun, no stress riding. Everything out here has to be so epic or technical or physically brutal. Those aspects of riding have their merit, it's good to test your limits, but they are no more fun to me (maybe less so) than chasing my friend (or enemy), balls out on an "easy" swoopy trail like Desert Classic.
I see real MTB potential to Pioneer Park if more trails like the Legacy can be built. Especially loop type trails. I also think there should be some sort of run what you brung type race in the evenings there once per week. Probably too much to ask, but it would be fun. Figure out a loop, meet at a certain time, and go for it. It could be a sponsored race series, but that is too difficult. The problem is that the trails are multi use and pedestrians/dogs/non-fast bikers could be a hazard (or at risk). Maybe a big cross race once per year? The terrain is ideal for it.
On to the bike. The Ventana is stiff and tight and you feel it immediately. It will not allow for high tire pressures, at all. I dropped them from 24 (on my probably inaccurate pump) within 5 minutes of riding to probably into the low 20s. At those pressures, it is fine. Not really much worse than the Zion. The thing just begs to fly on these types of trails, but unfortunately, 32 X 21 is just way too low geared for Pioneer, so I spent a lot of time learning to spin.
I like it. I think the Ventana will the the stiff, haul-ass bike for going out and hammering Granite Basin, Pioneer, etc. I will need to gear down I think to 32 X 20. Still to low for Pioneer, but I need some flexibility.
This leaves the Zion. It will get the suspension fork. Clearance will be provided by the +5 Cane Creek headset (already in), and a +7 Ventana Race which I have on good authority will mate up will with the Cane Creek even though it is designed for a King Headset. The poplock Reba will barely clear with 12mm of additional height. That's just poor design, folks. On the plus side, it will slack the HA around 1/2 degree which should help the front stabilize at speed which is this bike's weak point. The Zion also gets the mountain climbing 32 X 22 gearing for the long SS epics. I hope I don't break the head tube off this thing with all that fork and extra length for clearance. That would suck indeed.
That's the plan......for now.
Still awaiting the White Bros 130mm coil demo fork for the Curtlo? Not sure if I will want to ride suspension any more by that time. I'm sure I'll come around. It's just a phase right?
A mind will wander.... probably too much of a tightwad to go there, yet.
All the trails are faster and more fun on a cyclocross bike, but the fun factor is still quite high with a MTB. Preferably rigid. Best of all, I can access the trail system at three different points from the house, the furthest of which is 10 minutes ride.
No time for a proper beating, so I went there for the 1:15 I had to ride on the newly rigid Ventana. Very fun. I was able to finally sample the newish single track that is hidden within the park. Not bad, but I really hope they expand it in the future. This comes the closest to the type of riding we did in Kentucky. Narrow, tight turns, short loops. Lather, rinse, repeat. It wasn't unusual to ride the same lap in KY 4-5 times on an outing since some of the very fun ones were only 15-20 minutes. Of course, everyone is racing everyone else to add to the fun. I definitely miss that sort of fun, no stress riding. Everything out here has to be so epic or technical or physically brutal. Those aspects of riding have their merit, it's good to test your limits, but they are no more fun to me (maybe less so) than chasing my friend (or enemy), balls out on an "easy" swoopy trail like Desert Classic.
I see real MTB potential to Pioneer Park if more trails like the Legacy can be built. Especially loop type trails. I also think there should be some sort of run what you brung type race in the evenings there once per week. Probably too much to ask, but it would be fun. Figure out a loop, meet at a certain time, and go for it. It could be a sponsored race series, but that is too difficult. The problem is that the trails are multi use and pedestrians/dogs/non-fast bikers could be a hazard (or at risk). Maybe a big cross race once per year? The terrain is ideal for it.
On to the bike. The Ventana is stiff and tight and you feel it immediately. It will not allow for high tire pressures, at all. I dropped them from 24 (on my probably inaccurate pump) within 5 minutes of riding to probably into the low 20s. At those pressures, it is fine. Not really much worse than the Zion. The thing just begs to fly on these types of trails, but unfortunately, 32 X 21 is just way too low geared for Pioneer, so I spent a lot of time learning to spin.
I like it. I think the Ventana will the the stiff, haul-ass bike for going out and hammering Granite Basin, Pioneer, etc. I will need to gear down I think to 32 X 20. Still to low for Pioneer, but I need some flexibility.
This leaves the Zion. It will get the suspension fork. Clearance will be provided by the +5 Cane Creek headset (already in), and a +7 Ventana Race which I have on good authority will mate up will with the Cane Creek even though it is designed for a King Headset. The poplock Reba will barely clear with 12mm of additional height. That's just poor design, folks. On the plus side, it will slack the HA around 1/2 degree which should help the front stabilize at speed which is this bike's weak point. The Zion also gets the mountain climbing 32 X 22 gearing for the long SS epics. I hope I don't break the head tube off this thing with all that fork and extra length for clearance. That would suck indeed.
That's the plan......for now.
Still awaiting the White Bros 130mm coil demo fork for the Curtlo? Not sure if I will want to ride suspension any more by that time. I'm sure I'll come around. It's just a phase right?
A mind will wander.... probably too much of a tightwad to go there, yet.
Friday, March 9, 2007
Let the beatings begin!
Not as light as I expected.We'll see. Maybe the Ventana would be a nice fixie
Thursday, March 8, 2007
The Trivial
The ER has been kind to me this week, and I found time this afternoon to get a good 305 to Smith Ravine ride in before the coming working weekend.
I had not been on 305 since I last rode it a few months ago with Dan and Dave. It's just farther than I want to drive with my limited ride time. Today will go down as the first day of spring for me. I was warm and sweating in shorts and short sleeves (plus pads). I hope it stays.
I took the full rigid Zion again. Perfect for the trail IMO. I was glad to see that my climbing ability is no worse than a few months ago, and probably a little better than the last time out there. Granite Basin riding has not gotten me as out of shape as I thought. The rigid bike is light, and simply rolls up the hill. Made it from the parking lot to the top of 305 in 52.5 minutes. Faster than usual for me and I wasn't really pushing it. I felt good, so I pushed up Smith Ravine until just past the large Juniper tree. Turned around 1:16 into the ride 5 minutes past the tree. Lots of woodpeckers in the dead trees on Smith.
Techy thoughts:
1. I found the downside of a flexy, comfortable, rigid steel bike....frame/fork flex. Definitely felt it coming down Smith Ravine. Fast bumpy terrain with heavy braking for sharp corners brings it out. It's not necessarily a bad thing, just weirds me out a little. The El Comandante descends with more authority in this area due to the slightly slacker headtube and way, way stiffer frame. It is a more confidence inducing ride at speed at the loss of a little comfort. I actually think the Zion behaves better at speed now with the rigid fork on it, but it is no match for the Ventana. When I had the Reba on the Zion, with the suspension flexing, and the frame flexing, it was a little bit of a handful at high speeds and heavy braking (same conditions). The rigid fork definitely makes it less squirrelly. No problem really, just ride slower and all is well.
2. Rigid forks allow for instant weight transfer. This characteristic is really fun. I can make the front end light in an instant when I need it to be. I can also weight it heavily for braking/cornering if need be. I am having to relearn how to brake. With suspension, I would ease into it until I got things settled into the travel, then hit the brakes hard. Rigid, you can basically weight the front, and slam on the brakes (provided the surface is smooth). I am no where near using the front brake to it's full effectiveness. The lack of brake dive messing with the geometry is also refreshing. One less variable for the brain to figure out.
Of course instant weight transfer has its down side. The rear locks up more readily, and is less effective. If you do the weight transfer wrong in a rough part of trail, you might find a rock transferring a lot of weight for you, instantly, in the wrong direction, slamming you into an obstacle, or bouncing you into the air when you want to be stopping or turning.
Fun stuff.
3. I think this bike is perfectly set up for me. I love the Mary bars, the Oury grips, the fit. The front Nevegal is simply an outstanding tire. The Ignitor let me down on the rear climbing a few times, but will do until I wear it out. I need to re-learn how to climb anyway. Explain to me why a little bitty Ignitor rides softer than a great big Exi?
4. The Bontrager wheels from the Rig are impressive given their low budget nature. I notice no flaws compared to some of my nicer wheelsets except that I miss the fast engagement of the Kings while SSing. What I most appreciate about them is how quiet the freehub is. I literally never hear the thing clicking. The clicks are quieter than the noise of the tires on the ground, and certainly quieter than the gear noise while pedaling. This bike is quite stealthy.
5. Zion vs El Comandante? I really don't know. I seem to like which ever one I'm riding at the time, a lot. I think I will set them up a little differently. Suspension fork for El Comandante (although Sherwood recommends rigid), lower gearing for more epic rides in rougher terrain. Full rigid and higher gearing for the Zion? Unfortunately, the Zion is now 32 X 22 and El Comandante is 32 X 21 and I am too lazy to change them over. For now. Maybe I need to try the rigid fork on the Ventana. I'm afraid of a beating, however. If I liked it though, it could become the uber-light bling rigid bike, and the Zion could be the "trail" SS, or be sold or demoted (promoted?) to SS commuter (or fixie???) Hmmmmmm. I don't see myself ever getting rid of the Ventana simply because I got a killer deal on it and it is gorgeous.
I had not been on 305 since I last rode it a few months ago with Dan and Dave. It's just farther than I want to drive with my limited ride time. Today will go down as the first day of spring for me. I was warm and sweating in shorts and short sleeves (plus pads). I hope it stays.
I took the full rigid Zion again. Perfect for the trail IMO. I was glad to see that my climbing ability is no worse than a few months ago, and probably a little better than the last time out there. Granite Basin riding has not gotten me as out of shape as I thought. The rigid bike is light, and simply rolls up the hill. Made it from the parking lot to the top of 305 in 52.5 minutes. Faster than usual for me and I wasn't really pushing it. I felt good, so I pushed up Smith Ravine until just past the large Juniper tree. Turned around 1:16 into the ride 5 minutes past the tree. Lots of woodpeckers in the dead trees on Smith.
Techy thoughts:
1. I found the downside of a flexy, comfortable, rigid steel bike....frame/fork flex. Definitely felt it coming down Smith Ravine. Fast bumpy terrain with heavy braking for sharp corners brings it out. It's not necessarily a bad thing, just weirds me out a little. The El Comandante descends with more authority in this area due to the slightly slacker headtube and way, way stiffer frame. It is a more confidence inducing ride at speed at the loss of a little comfort. I actually think the Zion behaves better at speed now with the rigid fork on it, but it is no match for the Ventana. When I had the Reba on the Zion, with the suspension flexing, and the frame flexing, it was a little bit of a handful at high speeds and heavy braking (same conditions). The rigid fork definitely makes it less squirrelly. No problem really, just ride slower and all is well.
2. Rigid forks allow for instant weight transfer. This characteristic is really fun. I can make the front end light in an instant when I need it to be. I can also weight it heavily for braking/cornering if need be. I am having to relearn how to brake. With suspension, I would ease into it until I got things settled into the travel, then hit the brakes hard. Rigid, you can basically weight the front, and slam on the brakes (provided the surface is smooth). I am no where near using the front brake to it's full effectiveness. The lack of brake dive messing with the geometry is also refreshing. One less variable for the brain to figure out.
Of course instant weight transfer has its down side. The rear locks up more readily, and is less effective. If you do the weight transfer wrong in a rough part of trail, you might find a rock transferring a lot of weight for you, instantly, in the wrong direction, slamming you into an obstacle, or bouncing you into the air when you want to be stopping or turning.
Fun stuff.
3. I think this bike is perfectly set up for me. I love the Mary bars, the Oury grips, the fit. The front Nevegal is simply an outstanding tire. The Ignitor let me down on the rear climbing a few times, but will do until I wear it out. I need to re-learn how to climb anyway. Explain to me why a little bitty Ignitor rides softer than a great big Exi?
4. The Bontrager wheels from the Rig are impressive given their low budget nature. I notice no flaws compared to some of my nicer wheelsets except that I miss the fast engagement of the Kings while SSing. What I most appreciate about them is how quiet the freehub is. I literally never hear the thing clicking. The clicks are quieter than the noise of the tires on the ground, and certainly quieter than the gear noise while pedaling. This bike is quite stealthy.
5. Zion vs El Comandante? I really don't know. I seem to like which ever one I'm riding at the time, a lot. I think I will set them up a little differently. Suspension fork for El Comandante (although Sherwood recommends rigid), lower gearing for more epic rides in rougher terrain. Full rigid and higher gearing for the Zion? Unfortunately, the Zion is now 32 X 22 and El Comandante is 32 X 21 and I am too lazy to change them over. For now. Maybe I need to try the rigid fork on the Ventana. I'm afraid of a beating, however. If I liked it though, it could become the uber-light bling rigid bike, and the Zion could be the "trail" SS, or be sold or demoted (promoted?) to SS commuter (or fixie???) Hmmmmmm. I don't see myself ever getting rid of the Ventana simply because I got a killer deal on it and it is gorgeous.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Josh Interview
Here is a link to my interview with Josh. We are about 5 minutes into things and our portion lasts about 10 minutes.
Josh Interview
This is us with fancy headset microphones the day of the interview.
Josh Interview
This is us with fancy headset microphones the day of the interview.
Do my bars make me look tall?
I don't care what it looks like. This position is nearly perfect for me when riding drops. I can hold the position indefinitely and comfortably (if not aerodynamically).
The 2 size too small Cross Check seems to fit me well. Who'd a thunk I could ride a bike with a 22.4" TT.
Fenders are a new addition, and proved their worth a week or two ago in a few rides home in the rain. (I had always sort of poo-poo'd them for Arizona.) I was astonished at how dry I was. Well worth their weight and aerodynamic deficiencies for the 95% of the time I don't need them. Basically I don't notice them at all when I don't need them (except for the occasional toe overlap during track stands), and I greatly appreciate their presence when I do need them.
I also must admit that the skinny-ish tires have been better for the most part than the large things I used to lug around. Fast, light, reasonably durable. Can still ride stairs in a pinch, but don't make a habit of it. They cut about 7 minutes off a 55 minute commute when I go long.
Monday, March 5, 2007
Niger
Just received an email from my great friend John Francis. He is working for two weeks doing surgery in Niger which is about the poorest country in Africa. This is probalby his fifth or sixth visit to this hospital, and he has been going there throughout his training. This is his third visit as a full fledged (but young) surgeon.
Excerpts from his email with my comments below:
Walked back through the ER on the way home and noted Jeanie, a doctor who worked in Nepal and in geriatrics in the US for many, many years - admitting a teenager with meningitis. The gal was seizing just before we arrived. She was going to do a spinal tap, but the lady kept squirming in her semi-conscious state. ... She wasn't used to doing taps (which I suspected but didn't want to say so), so I let her try first. She had the right spot, just not in far enough.
I put it in and we collected a cloudy (infected) sample for the lab. She thanked me for coming by and assisting. It's always easier when someone is around who has done it before. Probably why so few people become missionaries, or do anything like that at all. It is uncomfortable to do things, or attempt things, when you've not seen it in years or don't have someone to show you the way.
There are no "old" missionaries here to show anyone the way. There are no "old" doctors here. They lost a complete generation of "missionary" doctors when Ceton, Davies, and Townesend left.
Excerpts from his email with my comments below:
Walked back through the ER on the way home and noted Jeanie, a doctor who worked in Nepal and in geriatrics in the US for many, many years - admitting a teenager with meningitis. The gal was seizing just before we arrived. She was going to do a spinal tap, but the lady kept squirming in her semi-conscious state. ... She wasn't used to doing taps (which I suspected but didn't want to say so), so I let her try first. She had the right spot, just not in far enough.
I put it in and we collected a cloudy (infected) sample for the lab. She thanked me for coming by and assisting. It's always easier when someone is around who has done it before. Probably why so few people become missionaries, or do anything like that at all. It is uncomfortable to do things, or attempt things, when you've not seen it in years or don't have someone to show you the way.
There are no "old" missionaries here to show anyone the way. There are no "old" doctors here. They lost a complete generation of "missionary" doctors when Ceton, Davies, and Townesend left.
I feel like a fish out of water here so many times and in many, many circumstances. Yet, when I look around me, I find that no one else seems to know what to do either - and in some cases I'm the only one who recalls there was something that other's could do in the past. I may not recall it perfectly, but at least I know something was done. Scary.
So as we walked out I passed through the Surgery end of things to make sure there were no problems. A lady, admitted by another doctor last night, with a small leg infection had died during the three hours between my rounds and coming back from church.
I had seen her briefly, noted she had a mild "burn" on her leg which they were treating. Felt her leg, noted a little edema, and told them to continue her medicine. No fevers, mild pain. NO evidence of sepsis. Dead in less than two hours after I saw her.
I have no idea why.
There was no sign of anything that would have killed her - even a severe leg infection would have looked worse than when I examined her. She just gave birth to twins two weeks ago, and the only thing I can think of is that she had a blood clot in her leg which broke loose and killed her after I left.
I had seen her briefly, noted she had a mild "burn" on her leg which they were treating. Felt her leg, noted a little edema, and told them to continue her medicine. No fevers, mild pain. NO evidence of sepsis. Dead in less than two hours after I saw her.
I have no idea why.
There was no sign of anything that would have killed her - even a severe leg infection would have looked worse than when I examined her. She just gave birth to twins two weeks ago, and the only thing I can think of is that she had a blood clot in her leg which broke loose and killed her after I left.
It should be the absolutely smartest, most competent, and caring of physicians who come here to work. And they should stay! Even with all my training and background I figure I have less than a 1/10 of what I need to know to even come close to even being partly helpful. I am not joking.
It is frustrating that what these people need are human beings who know God, know how to communicate, know medicine inside and out, can examine and care for the worst of the worst patients on a daily basis, and have the wisdom to work with people to effect change in their lives, and relationships, and communities.
It really bothers me that the poorest of the world have to put up with the likes of me while the "best" doctors in the world sit at home sipping their tea and saying "I could never do that... it's beyond my 'comfort' level". I don't think it is their "medicine comfort level" quite frankly. I rather think they are scared of finding out just how wholly inadequate and inept they really are while hiding behind their degrees, nice houses, academical accolades, and "professional" life!
It is frustrating that what these people need are human beings who know God, know how to communicate, know medicine inside and out, can examine and care for the worst of the worst patients on a daily basis, and have the wisdom to work with people to effect change in their lives, and relationships, and communities.
It really bothers me that the poorest of the world have to put up with the likes of me while the "best" doctors in the world sit at home sipping their tea and saying "I could never do that... it's beyond my 'comfort' level". I don't think it is their "medicine comfort level" quite frankly. I rather think they are scared of finding out just how wholly inadequate and inept they really are while hiding behind their degrees, nice houses, academical accolades, and "professional" life!
Why should a lady die because I walk by without catching what was going on? Yes, there are the people I can help, have helped, and there are those who are grateful that they are going home today and would have died two days ago. Yes there IS good occuring. Yes I am helping some people. But it is so much less than what could be done! People are suffering, and those who are best able to help them are sitting around playing with life!
What happens in eternity? Proverbs 24:10-12
10If you falter in times of trouble,
how small is your strength!
What happens in eternity? Proverbs 24:10-12
10If you falter in times of trouble,
how small is your strength!
11 Rescue those being led away to death;
hold back those staggering toward slaughter.
12 If you say, "But we knew nothing about this,"
does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who guards your life know it?
Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?
I'm glad I can help a little here right now. But they really need someone in this country who knows what they are doing, knows the people, knows God, and can work with the strength of ten people, even a hundred. I don't know men like that. Honestly, I don't. I just take on one patient at a time, and death still beats me.
God is God. That I know well.
And people are people. We are all clay, whether we like it or not. And I recognize the "clay" part pretty well.
Very grateful to know men like Adolph and Ceton. Men who have given their hearts and the clay of their lives to serve the poor here. It seems foolish to me to even consider working here, even for two weeks.
They need incredible surgeons, physicians, nurses, evangelist, teachers, builders, architects, acountants... people who are gifted well above their peers. It is very humbling to work here, especially when you realize how inadequate you really are.
John is a talented surgeon. He is caring and tells it like it is. If he is overwhelmed, anyone would be, gifted or not.
That email strikes me straight to the heart. Why should I be sitting here, wasting the strongest years of my life in biking and enjoying myself; in a place where my skills are for the most part redundant while there are folks literally dying for the lack of what I can do? Because I haven't felt the "call?"
What more call do we need? Just knowing the problem makes you responsible.
I can only trust that I have sought the Lord whole-heartedly, and this is where I have been placed...for now. I don't understand it, I didn't expect it, but I am certainly enjoying it, and feel blessed beyond belief.
Could I still feel blessed working my tail off in a stinking third world hospital, feeling like a drop in the ocean? I would hope so, but you never know until you have been tested do you?
Heavy stuff on the blog today, eh?
They need incredible surgeons, physicians, nurses, evangelist, teachers, builders, architects, acountants... people who are gifted well above their peers. It is very humbling to work here, especially when you realize how inadequate you really are.
John is a talented surgeon. He is caring and tells it like it is. If he is overwhelmed, anyone would be, gifted or not.
That email strikes me straight to the heart. Why should I be sitting here, wasting the strongest years of my life in biking and enjoying myself; in a place where my skills are for the most part redundant while there are folks literally dying for the lack of what I can do? Because I haven't felt the "call?"
What more call do we need? Just knowing the problem makes you responsible.
I can only trust that I have sought the Lord whole-heartedly, and this is where I have been placed...for now. I don't understand it, I didn't expect it, but I am certainly enjoying it, and feel blessed beyond belief.
Could I still feel blessed working my tail off in a stinking third world hospital, feeling like a drop in the ocean? I would hope so, but you never know until you have been tested do you?
Heavy stuff on the blog today, eh?
Josh
Not much riding this week. I'm on call Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, Saturday Sunday. This means work, work, and more work. And oh, by the way, no riding to work as well.
Hopefully I'll ride Tues and Thurs.
I've decided to write about anything on this blog, bike related or not, so here we go.
Yesterday was a joyous, stressful and emotionally draining day. I had to interview my friend Josh in front of our church family of about 2000 folks. Three services of 700 people each. We told his story and how he's dealing with things. See below:
Josh is 31, has two young daughters, a beautiful wife, and has cancer. Bad brain Cancer. Anaplastic (grade III) Astrocytoma to be specific. The books say it can't be cured. So, despite surgery in 10/2005, followed by chemo and radiation, all we (I say we as in modern medicine, I am not involved in his care) have accomplished is lengthening his life for an unspecified period of time, usually less than 2-3 years. Unless miraculously cured, these tumors always come back fatally.
I met Josh 4 months after his surgery at the Heights. He was chasing his kids and mine around the playground growling at them like a monster. I liked him immediately. The scar on his head was obvious, and since I'm a surgeon and interested in scars, we talked about it. Well we sort of talked because the tumor and surgery had affected Josh's speech area and he has trouble getting words out. His speech has impreved since then, but is still very halting. He grew up in Japan speaking fluent Japanese. That in pretty much all gone.
Turns out Josh and family live about 3/4 mile away in our neighborhood, so we got together as families and have deepened our friendship over the last year.
Part of our friendship actually revolved around bikes. Josh couldn't drive after the surgery due to seizure risk, and needed some transportation for around town. Since I have usually had an over abundance of bikes in the garage the last few years, I set him up with a Titus Locomoto I was parting out as a commuter. Found enough parts to get him going and off he went.
At first Josh was unsure if he would be even able to ride a bike again after the surgery. As it is, however, it was like riding a bike, and he had no issues at all. I still remember the first trial ride at Pioneer park, he on the much too big for him Curtlo, and me on the SS. It was really a big step in his recovery because I think he felt for the first time that he was not an invalid, just couldn't talk too well. Sort of like, "if I can ride a bike, how bad can I really be."
We started running a bit together as well. As his fitness improved, he started to drop me while riding hills as all shorter, wiry guys tend to do eventually.
I needed to part out the Titus, and he wanted to try a rigid SS bike for all around. He was mainly riding for transortation, and only rarely going off road so the Titus didn't suit him well. He also wanted to pay his own way. I let him trial the SS Monkey and he liked the big wheels. As Providence would have it, Dan decided to sell one of his Monkeys around the time Josh needed it, so money changed hands and Josh couldn't be happier. 32 X 18 all the time. (Dan gave him a good deal too).
Here is Josh demoing my Monkey and "driving through" the pharmacy.
Here is the Josh Monkey built by Fixedgeardan. It feels fast and is aesthetically pleasing, like all of Dan's bikes.
Josh takes a day at a time. One thing that sustains him, are the Words of Jesus in Matt: 6:33-34:
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
He said this verse was a great comfort to him in dealing with life long before the cancer diagnosis, but is more precious now.
Josh says he could have died already, multiple times, so each day is a gift. If he has a bad attitude that day, that is essentially a lost day of life for him. If he has a good attitude, that is a good day.
As I think about his attitude, and the words above, I can only come to the same conclusion. I am not promised 30 more years, or indeed even another hour or day. This leads me to conclude that you have to decide what you are living for and live by that in the moment you have right now.
As I have thought and prayed over this, I keep coming back to 1 Cor 10:31:
"So whether you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God"
I've been in the medical business a while, and I have never seen a miraculous cure. I've never wanted to see one more than now.
Do I believe God can cure this cancer..absolutely. Do I believe God loves Josh..absolutely. I hope he will be cured and that we can look forward to years of riding together as our kids grow up together, but I lack his faith.
So we have each day, every day.
Hopefully I'll ride Tues and Thurs.
I've decided to write about anything on this blog, bike related or not, so here we go.
Yesterday was a joyous, stressful and emotionally draining day. I had to interview my friend Josh in front of our church family of about 2000 folks. Three services of 700 people each. We told his story and how he's dealing with things. See below:
Josh is 31, has two young daughters, a beautiful wife, and has cancer. Bad brain Cancer. Anaplastic (grade III) Astrocytoma to be specific. The books say it can't be cured. So, despite surgery in 10/2005, followed by chemo and radiation, all we (I say we as in modern medicine, I am not involved in his care) have accomplished is lengthening his life for an unspecified period of time, usually less than 2-3 years. Unless miraculously cured, these tumors always come back fatally.
I met Josh 4 months after his surgery at the Heights. He was chasing his kids and mine around the playground growling at them like a monster. I liked him immediately. The scar on his head was obvious, and since I'm a surgeon and interested in scars, we talked about it. Well we sort of talked because the tumor and surgery had affected Josh's speech area and he has trouble getting words out. His speech has impreved since then, but is still very halting. He grew up in Japan speaking fluent Japanese. That in pretty much all gone.
Turns out Josh and family live about 3/4 mile away in our neighborhood, so we got together as families and have deepened our friendship over the last year.
Part of our friendship actually revolved around bikes. Josh couldn't drive after the surgery due to seizure risk, and needed some transportation for around town. Since I have usually had an over abundance of bikes in the garage the last few years, I set him up with a Titus Locomoto I was parting out as a commuter. Found enough parts to get him going and off he went.
At first Josh was unsure if he would be even able to ride a bike again after the surgery. As it is, however, it was like riding a bike, and he had no issues at all. I still remember the first trial ride at Pioneer park, he on the much too big for him Curtlo, and me on the SS. It was really a big step in his recovery because I think he felt for the first time that he was not an invalid, just couldn't talk too well. Sort of like, "if I can ride a bike, how bad can I really be."
We started running a bit together as well. As his fitness improved, he started to drop me while riding hills as all shorter, wiry guys tend to do eventually.
I needed to part out the Titus, and he wanted to try a rigid SS bike for all around. He was mainly riding for transortation, and only rarely going off road so the Titus didn't suit him well. He also wanted to pay his own way. I let him trial the SS Monkey and he liked the big wheels. As Providence would have it, Dan decided to sell one of his Monkeys around the time Josh needed it, so money changed hands and Josh couldn't be happier. 32 X 18 all the time. (Dan gave him a good deal too).
Here is Josh demoing my Monkey and "driving through" the pharmacy.
Here is the Josh Monkey built by Fixedgeardan. It feels fast and is aesthetically pleasing, like all of Dan's bikes.
Josh takes a day at a time. One thing that sustains him, are the Words of Jesus in Matt: 6:33-34:
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
He said this verse was a great comfort to him in dealing with life long before the cancer diagnosis, but is more precious now.
Josh says he could have died already, multiple times, so each day is a gift. If he has a bad attitude that day, that is essentially a lost day of life for him. If he has a good attitude, that is a good day.
As I think about his attitude, and the words above, I can only come to the same conclusion. I am not promised 30 more years, or indeed even another hour or day. This leads me to conclude that you have to decide what you are living for and live by that in the moment you have right now.
As I have thought and prayed over this, I keep coming back to 1 Cor 10:31:
"So whether you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God"
I've been in the medical business a while, and I have never seen a miraculous cure. I've never wanted to see one more than now.
Do I believe God can cure this cancer..absolutely. Do I believe God loves Josh..absolutely. I hope he will be cured and that we can look forward to years of riding together as our kids grow up together, but I lack his faith.
So we have each day, every day.
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Regression?
I rode the Zion today. Good 2 hours all over Granite Basin. A good taste of the local terrain.
This is the first full rigid bike I have ridden in over a year, and probably the first time I have enjoyed riding rigid in the past five years.
I really liked it. It cornered great, climbed great, lofted over obstacles. Comfort was fine. Much better than I expected, or have previously experienced on a rigid bike (this includes a Schwinn high Sierra, Giant Yukon, and Surly Karate Monkey). The Monkey wasn't bad, but the Zion is way better in the teeth chattering comfort arena.
A little history: When I started riding mountain bikes as a teenager in the 80's, rigid was what we had, and it was good, very good. I took the 90's off to learn the skills that now support my family. When I returned to biking in 2000, I was still riding a late 80's machine. I scoffed at all the riders I saw with "shocks" or "suspension"..."crutches for those who can't ride" I said in my arrogance.
Unfortunately, as I rode more, I found myself getting more and more beat up, with more and more sore spots. I decided the time was right for a new bike and went whole hog, gears, full suspension, etc...and it was good. I scoffed at those who did not appreciate the major advantage in comfort and control that suspension offered.
I tried single speed for a while on the Giant Yukon built like a lead pipe. It was simply too rough riding, and beat me up too bad. I liked the SS thing, but the lack of suspension was killing me. I gave it up. "SS is stupid retro-grouch stuff" I opined. "Might as well hike."
Then I tried Dan's Big wheeled Karate Monkey SS, and it blew my mind. Fully rigid. One gear. How can this be so nice? I bought one to experiment. "These 29 inch wheels are the best thing since sliced bread." "I'm never going back to the little wheels." Slowly I replaced the stable of little wheeled bikes.
29"er FS...check
29"er hardtail SS...check
29"er commuter...check
The Monkey started to annoy me with the drop-out design, I had the chance to sell it and try the Zion (at the time the lowest priced frame on the market), so I went for it, fully thinking the Zion would turn into the SS commuter that the Monkey was. I figured I'd gear it for off road for a while and see what happened. As it has happened, I love it off road...with a suspension fork. The fork needed to go back to the FS bike, so I plopped the rigid fork onto the Zion and tried riding it today with the above results. I am really questioning my need for any suspension on the SS bike at this point.
So, I am finding that the $65 fork on the $250 frame is turning out to be one of the funnest bikes I own.
I am also finding I am a lot more open minded these days about what makes a great ride. The more I learn, the less dogmatic I become. I'm even trying out a little wheeled bike!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)