Bicycles

Early in this blog's life, there was an abundance of information about bicycles. In recent months however, that has not been the case as much. So I (David) thought it fitting to devote an entire entry to the subject, lest people begin to think we are all about local politics (which couldn't be further from the truth).

I snapped the above image of a new 3D map they have at work. I had spent a fair amount of time staring at it through the 3D glasses, analyzing my commute (now you know what security guards do when you're sleeping). From my analysis, I learned that of all the contours in the Twin Cities proper, I'd be hard pressed to find a commuting route with more variations in elevation. The only thing that seemed to compare was if I were to commute to the peak of the West side neighborhood (a few blocks West of where Heather used to work). Despite the fondness I've developed for the single speed over the last year, there is a chance I may create “winter bike # 10” so as to give me more gear options for the winter. I even have a frame for such a project; one I picked up on craigslist a few weeks ago.

Speaking of craigslist, I posted my first craigslist ad yesterday. So far I've had 4 people interested in the bike, but in offering it to them in the order in which they responded, no one has actually come for it yet. I had dug up the bike as I was going through piles of bike bits that I don't need anymore. I also unearthed components for a restoration project in that process. Over the last few years I've slowly been working on restoring an old Raleigh roadster which, though not a “DL-1”, is sure to draw interest wherever it gets ridden. Last week, while the weather was still warm, I finally got around to finishing its paint job. Now it is just a matter of cleaning, lubing, and spoke replacement (assuming I can find spokes for 28” wheels). I also found, buried on the bottom of a Summit Ale box marked 'Sturmey Archer', a bell that had gone missing; thought stolen.

The bell, an authentic British antique was a gift from Mom and Peter, after their return from a visit to Scotland. I had originally put it on my beloved Raleigh Sports. But I had switched it over to one of the His and Hers Raleigh Supurbes that Heather and I rode to Peter's 70th birthday party. Shortly after that, and until the other day, the bell had gone missing. After a thorough search of the basement of L'Chaim Kosher Deli (my old workshop), I was unable to find the bell, and horrifyingly began to suspect others with access to the shop (the same people who paid me to repair their bikes with organic grape juice - which is more expensive than good wine). Well now, after all the time being buried, I can finally be rid of the suspicions. And, of course, I can put the bell on the latest Raleigh project. Perhaps I'll lend that project to Peter for his 80th birthday's naked-motorcycle-riding reenactment.

Speaking of motorcycles, I found this great deal on craigslist. Unfortunately, due to insurance reasons, I have to put my dreams of motorcycle ownership aside. But that's ok, because motorcycles don't fit well into an exclusively bicycle oriented blog entry anyway.

Reiteration

The votes for the Dayton's Bluff Community Council were cast. Everyone won. Well, not quite. There was a tie in subdistrict D, but the candidates talked it over and decided that each would only serve one year of the term.

While at the annual meeting, I (David) spoke with city council member Cathy Lantry and reminded her that as she moves forward with development plans for the brewery, to remember the possibility of re-drilling the well that once had free access for the public. No promises were made, but things look optimistic.

Also, my salad was a hit at the potluck. Thanks to Grandma Ruthie, Joyce, and Mom for the dressing recipe.

The new number one

With Heather being exceptionally busy as of late, I (David) suspect that it is my responsibility to create the obligatory “MARTIN WON!” post. That's right. And this wasn't even an exhibition or Busch League race. This is his first Winston... I mean, Nextel... win this year. After Johnson's “mistake” last week that took Martin (the pole sitter) out of the Talladega race, this win was just what Martin needed to make him a points contender again (from 4th to 10th to 7th in a two week span). With the several of the upcoming races being tracks that Martin does well on, we wouldn't be shocked if Martin actually won the cup.

Also, since Andy doesn't have a blog, I suppose I'm also obligated to say that his boy Kenseth is also doing well (another Roush racer).

Scary Factoid: I did this post completely without the use of internet research.

Anarchy for the SP

Screw the mayoral race! This is my (David's) kind of election. Note: Scroll down for the Chicken Green Chile Quiche recipe.

From the dark room...

The photos from the 7th annual Nordic Roots Festival have been developed scanned and uploaded. Now our Flickr photos have not one, but two Melodica players.

Adopted roots

Many points of interest have occurred since the last entry. As I (David) begin this entry, I suspect that it is going to take me a while to cram all the events into one read. I also suspect that there may be some portions of this entry that some readers would like to skip over. Therefore, even though this will be written chronologically, I will break things up be certain subjects and title them appropriately so that people with specific interests can move on. With that said...

Second Hand Ska Kings
On Thursday, the SHSK and I parted company. Things turned out well for everyone involved. For me, there are different musical avenues that I've been seeking to pursue, and for the band, well, they no longer have to put up with my white bread sense of rhythm. My “artistic license” of the ska upbeat never really sat well with the rest of the band. The new projects on the horizon hold much promise. Friends I've been plotting with for some time may soon be brought together for some creative projects.

Bike Rides
Three round trips to the Cedar Cultural Center were made this weekend. All of them were done with pneumatics. No flats. I should really learn how to put by worries to rest with simply carrying a patch kit and a wrench. I had considered attending the Saturday Night ride, but the concert let out too late to attend. Seeing as how my attendance would have likely been a social visit anyway, I took care of that aspect of things by simply standing in line at the Cedar and saying hello to Wilbur, Christian, and Richard (and some cyclist who recognized me) as they rode by.

7th Annual Nordic Roots Festival
Best NRF ever! The preceding claim might not necessarily be the absolute truth, but seeing as how the trend over the previous two years had been for the festival to get progressively worse, this year's party was just the kick in the ass that was needed for me to commit to being a pass holder for all future festivals. I have vague recollections of feeling as enthused as I do now after attending the first, second, and fourth festivals. But that was so long ago that I had all but forgotten how much fun it could potentially be.

On top of seeing all the many great bands, I spent many hours hanging out with the friends whom I only see once per year. Who knew a fan’s dedication could get recognized in gratuity; Will was thanked by the MC for being in same front row center seat for the last seven years. Despite our lack of familiarity with each other outside of the festival, we always manage to have a great time while waiting for the doors of the Cedar to open. This year's non-festival-event-highlight (AKA 'entertainment while waiting in line') was watching the intoxicated thug, who had been harassing concert goers, knock himself out during a stumbling contest against his invisible nemesis.

Garmarna
The highlight of the festival though was Garmarna (of course). Typically when I've seen great Swede bands (such as Vasen) more than a half dozen times, their act can begin to lose its luster. With Garmarna however, things could never be dull. Even if I've heard it all before (which, seeing as how one of their “new” songs was one I made a bootleg of several years ago, was essentially the case) it is their familiarity which makes them so enduring... That; combined with their inclusive camaraderie.

I took quite a few photos at the show, as well as throughout the festival. But since I was pushing my film speed, the developer said that they wouldn't be ready until at least Friday. So I'll make sure to try to pick them up and scan them this weekend. In the mean time, you can try this link from a digital user. Earlier this morning the link wasn't working but given the chance that there are some good photos on there, I've linked it in hopes that it'll work soon.