...as the old joke goes. And if the American population's intelligence was normally distributed, then I'd have to agree. However, working with the public every day makes me wonder: just how stupid is average?
Don't get me wrong, I love my job. But people... people can really suck. I need to go for a ride.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Grand Canyon 2006 (Part 1)
In honor of Spring Break this week, I'd like to commemorate what I did last year: Hiking, camping and traveling in and about the Grand Canyon (GC) area.
The previous December I got into a car accident that caused some whiplash. So I carefully spent the following months getting into shape for this hike. That went well until the last two weeks where I came down with a nasty chest cold. I was not quite over the cold when we went. The night before we hiked into the GC I spent an hour coughing. The next night was more of the same. We decided to hike out after the first day. Upon reaching the rim, I spent at least another hour coughing - at times severely.
Afterwards, we visited Monument Valley and Four Corners. My brother drove out to San Antonio to pick me up, then to Flagstaff, Arizona. We drove back the same way.
The hike didn't go as planned, but you can't control the weather. Three days of snow fell before we tried to hike in. We changed our itinerary since our original trailhead was impassible. We ended up hiking down through a lot of snow, though the return trip was slightly muddy from the snow melting. I had a great time, but I want to go back when it's not freezing cold and I'm in better health.
Unfortunately, just a few days after my return from the GC, I had the front wheel of my XT wash out on me in a turn and the resulting fall cracked my tibia. All the conditioning I had gained from the preparation for this hike slowly went away and I've since gained a *few* pounds. Finding the time and energy for exercise has been difficult, though I may be able to work something out before long (thanks to the job switch).
Pictures in subsequent posts.
The previous December I got into a car accident that caused some whiplash. So I carefully spent the following months getting into shape for this hike. That went well until the last two weeks where I came down with a nasty chest cold. I was not quite over the cold when we went. The night before we hiked into the GC I spent an hour coughing. The next night was more of the same. We decided to hike out after the first day. Upon reaching the rim, I spent at least another hour coughing - at times severely.
Afterwards, we visited Monument Valley and Four Corners. My brother drove out to San Antonio to pick me up, then to Flagstaff, Arizona. We drove back the same way.
The hike didn't go as planned, but you can't control the weather. Three days of snow fell before we tried to hike in. We changed our itinerary since our original trailhead was impassible. We ended up hiking down through a lot of snow, though the return trip was slightly muddy from the snow melting. I had a great time, but I want to go back when it's not freezing cold and I'm in better health.
Unfortunately, just a few days after my return from the GC, I had the front wheel of my XT wash out on me in a turn and the resulting fall cracked my tibia. All the conditioning I had gained from the preparation for this hike slowly went away and I've since gained a *few* pounds. Finding the time and energy for exercise has been difficult, though I may be able to work something out before long (thanks to the job switch).
Pictures in subsequent posts.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Wild Hogs
I just finished watching "Wild Hogs" (Official Link) starring Tim Allen, John Travolta, Martin Lawrence, William H. Macy and the beautiful Marisa Tomei.
In a nutshell, this was a funny movie. It was long enough to have a plot, but too short to have a sore side from hard laughing.
The movie presents the premise that folks in places like Daytona and Sturgis have long known: most bikers are average guys, often professionals, that happen to ride motorcycles. This I attest to and agree with. That these guys stumbled into trouble with a biker gang... explains why this movie is a comedy. In all but very rare circumstances would a biker gang act quite like this one did. The worst attention I ever get from the 'rebel' cruiser-riding guys is a few stares or the occasional bird (a derogatory hand gesture). Most hardcore "lifestyle" riders that have a problem with "posers" just ignore the riders they don't care for.
Only once did I really feel uneasy on my Japanese bike: Myrtle Beach. I had seen plenty of sneers my direction. I had also seen pictures of these guys gathering around a bonfire started on a Japanese bike. Why doesn't anyone ever burn Harleys? But these guys are definitely fringe elements that time and distance readily cure.
I asked myself if the movie really portrayed bikers in a true light of any kind. Biker gangs? Probably not. Biker brotherhood? Pretty close. It showed that riding is hard on the body - and so is camping. You meet a lot of different - and I do mean different - people when you ride. And if you think that a splattered bug won't take out half your faceshield - think again. Big juicy bugs come out of nowhere and can practically blind you without any warning. And yeah, it's funny since it scares the daylights out of you when you hear this loud SMACK! and you suddenly can't see out of half your helmet!
I admit that I am most grateful to all the people that have welcomed me when I ride. Even when I'm 'strung out from the road.' Thank you to all the people that have been accommodating, if not understanding when I wander in to a restaurant or gas station in my "space gear" and bug splattered helmet and I just want a drink and to be left alone.
At the very end of the movie, a "real" rider explains that he rides alone because he knows what riding is about (and those he rode with had forgotten). He also recommends that you ride without a watch. Interestingly, I do both, though I never really thought about it that much.
Riding that way really allows you to connect with the world when you ride, putting behind you all those commonplace worries of day-to-day living. Letting go of all that trivial junk lets you experience real freedom. I felt refreshed seeing that in this movie. I definitely enjoyed seeing riders portrayed in a lighter light, too.
So, yeah. I'd say it's not too far off the mark after all. And it's good that we can laugh at ourselves sometimes as well, stereotypes and all!
In a nutshell, this was a funny movie. It was long enough to have a plot, but too short to have a sore side from hard laughing.
The movie presents the premise that folks in places like Daytona and Sturgis have long known: most bikers are average guys, often professionals, that happen to ride motorcycles. This I attest to and agree with. That these guys stumbled into trouble with a biker gang... explains why this movie is a comedy. In all but very rare circumstances would a biker gang act quite like this one did. The worst attention I ever get from the 'rebel' cruiser-riding guys is a few stares or the occasional bird (a derogatory hand gesture). Most hardcore "lifestyle" riders that have a problem with "posers" just ignore the riders they don't care for.
Only once did I really feel uneasy on my Japanese bike: Myrtle Beach. I had seen plenty of sneers my direction. I had also seen pictures of these guys gathering around a bonfire started on a Japanese bike. Why doesn't anyone ever burn Harleys? But these guys are definitely fringe elements that time and distance readily cure.
I asked myself if the movie really portrayed bikers in a true light of any kind. Biker gangs? Probably not. Biker brotherhood? Pretty close. It showed that riding is hard on the body - and so is camping. You meet a lot of different - and I do mean different - people when you ride. And if you think that a splattered bug won't take out half your faceshield - think again. Big juicy bugs come out of nowhere and can practically blind you without any warning. And yeah, it's funny since it scares the daylights out of you when you hear this loud SMACK! and you suddenly can't see out of half your helmet!
I admit that I am most grateful to all the people that have welcomed me when I ride. Even when I'm 'strung out from the road.' Thank you to all the people that have been accommodating, if not understanding when I wander in to a restaurant or gas station in my "space gear" and bug splattered helmet and I just want a drink and to be left alone.
At the very end of the movie, a "real" rider explains that he rides alone because he knows what riding is about (and those he rode with had forgotten). He also recommends that you ride without a watch. Interestingly, I do both, though I never really thought about it that much.
Riding that way really allows you to connect with the world when you ride, putting behind you all those commonplace worries of day-to-day living. Letting go of all that trivial junk lets you experience real freedom. I felt refreshed seeing that in this movie. I definitely enjoyed seeing riders portrayed in a lighter light, too.
So, yeah. I'd say it's not too far off the mark after all. And it's good that we can laugh at ourselves sometimes as well, stereotypes and all!
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Women Riders to Admire
I love riding. I wish I could share the joy and freedom of riding with my wife, whom I love dearly. However, she will have nothing to do with it. I patiently offer her the opportunity to ride with me, but never demand it. I hope that one day she will come around.
But in the meantime, I have come across women I have never met that I consider noteworthy if not downright admirable.
The first person I'd like to share is Tami. She started riding a restored 30 year old Yamaha last December and shared her story of learning to ride on ADVrider. She never gave up, had a great attitude and 'got it,' meaning, she understands why riding is so enjoyable. She also has great people to ride with and learn from (including a significant other). She doesn't know me as I'm merely a lost-in-the haystack lurker at ADVrider, but I applaud her anyway.
Tami's picture from ADVrider.
The second person I want to mention is Lois, a Brit who's taken a liking to world travel. She has a book coming out soon about her travels from Alaska to South America on a Yamaha XT225. From the type of trip she made to the bike of choice, Lois has guts, grit and determination - and flair (if we are to believe her story about getting past the Mexican protesters to reach the Guatemalan border). She had such a great time traveling the Americas, she decided to do Africa on a Yamaha TTR250 next! (She is already compiling stories from that adventure.)
Her website, Lois on the Loose, is engrossing and enjoyable; I spent quite a long time browsing through her ride reports, preparations, and picture galleries. She's definitely a rider to keep watch for!
Lois working on a bike. (Picture from her website).
The final person I wanted to acknowledge today is Helen, of HelenTwoWheels. Helen is a lifestyle rider who turned her passion into a business. She rides everywhere, even after an unnerving accident in 2003. She smartly observed the luggage troubles of today's riders, smartly diagnosed what needed to be done, packaged it and sold it. She makes soft luggage the way it should have been all along - smart! I admire her love of riding, her dedication to improving the sport with superior products, and finding a way to make her passion (riding) support her.
From Helen's website.
But in the meantime, I have come across women I have never met that I consider noteworthy if not downright admirable.
The first person I'd like to share is Tami. She started riding a restored 30 year old Yamaha last December and shared her story of learning to ride on ADVrider. She never gave up, had a great attitude and 'got it,' meaning, she understands why riding is so enjoyable. She also has great people to ride with and learn from (including a significant other). She doesn't know me as I'm merely a lost-in-the haystack lurker at ADVrider, but I applaud her anyway.
Tami's picture from ADVrider.
The second person I want to mention is Lois, a Brit who's taken a liking to world travel. She has a book coming out soon about her travels from Alaska to South America on a Yamaha XT225. From the type of trip she made to the bike of choice, Lois has guts, grit and determination - and flair (if we are to believe her story about getting past the Mexican protesters to reach the Guatemalan border). She had such a great time traveling the Americas, she decided to do Africa on a Yamaha TTR250 next! (She is already compiling stories from that adventure.)
Her website, Lois on the Loose, is engrossing and enjoyable; I spent quite a long time browsing through her ride reports, preparations, and picture galleries. She's definitely a rider to keep watch for!
Lois working on a bike. (Picture from her website).
The final person I wanted to acknowledge today is Helen, of HelenTwoWheels. Helen is a lifestyle rider who turned her passion into a business. She rides everywhere, even after an unnerving accident in 2003. She smartly observed the luggage troubles of today's riders, smartly diagnosed what needed to be done, packaged it and sold it. She makes soft luggage the way it should have been all along - smart! I admire her love of riding, her dedication to improving the sport with superior products, and finding a way to make her passion (riding) support her.
From Helen's website.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Lost Maples (Part 2)
This has been a long week. A sunburn and muscle soreness come from a great weekend, but do little to inspire during the week!
The first three pictures show where I camped. A previous visitor started a ground fire and the earth there still hasn't recovered. Despite a natural rockiness, I found a fairly smooth place to pitch my tent.
Some views along the way:
I stopped and took pictures of this same "waterfall" two years ago; the conditions weren't so dry then:
March, 2007
April, 2005
The first three pictures show where I camped. A previous visitor started a ground fire and the earth there still hasn't recovered. Despite a natural rockiness, I found a fairly smooth place to pitch my tent.
Some views along the way:
I stopped and took pictures of this same "waterfall" two years ago; the conditions weren't so dry then:
March, 2007
April, 2005Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Lost Maples (Part 1)
When you come back to work after the weekend with a sunburn and a few sore muscles, chances are pretty good you had a great time.
For me, this happened after an overnight hike-camp at Lost Maples Texas State Park. The overnight temperatures were reported to have dipped into the upper 20's. But the hiking was excellent, and I managed to snap a few pics on the hike out Monday.
I really needed to get away from everyone and everything, and this worked very well. Only one other person camped in Sunday night, and supposedly she stayed on the exact opposite side of the park. I didn't see a single person Monday until I arrived at the park HQ.
Of note: sleeping in nearly complete silence really demonstrates how loud our own thoughts have become in order to drown out the world around us.
For me, this happened after an overnight hike-camp at Lost Maples Texas State Park. The overnight temperatures were reported to have dipped into the upper 20's. But the hiking was excellent, and I managed to snap a few pics on the hike out Monday.
I really needed to get away from everyone and everything, and this worked very well. Only one other person camped in Sunday night, and supposedly she stayed on the exact opposite side of the park. I didn't see a single person Monday until I arrived at the park HQ.
Of note: sleeping in nearly complete silence really demonstrates how loud our own thoughts have become in order to drown out the world around us.
Friday, March 2, 2007
FJR Oil
I had mentioned earlier that I had been an avid user of Motul, a French oil. That will end shortly. Even though I've used their semi-synthetic oil since 2003, I'm going to throw in the towel. When the shop's cost (now) is more that I used to pay for it at retail, even with an employee discount, it is just not economically sound. I'll soon switch to another semi-synthetic oil my shop carries.
I was paying around $6 per quart when I loaded up on the stuff (I have a gallon left). It's now running between $9 and $10 per quart at retail with a minimal markup. Contrast that with the semi-synthetic oil I buy for my truck which costs around $4 per quart at WalMart (when it is in stock, that is...)
It's also quite nice that I found a Purolator Pure One filter at Pep Boys that fits the FJR perfectly, and even when it's not on sale retails below dealer cost of a factory oil filter. One of the mechanics noticed my blue oil filter, saying that it was "pretty cool." If having a superior filter at a lower cost is pretty cool, then I can handle that.
I was paying around $6 per quart when I loaded up on the stuff (I have a gallon left). It's now running between $9 and $10 per quart at retail with a minimal markup. Contrast that with the semi-synthetic oil I buy for my truck which costs around $4 per quart at WalMart (when it is in stock, that is...)
It's also quite nice that I found a Purolator Pure One filter at Pep Boys that fits the FJR perfectly, and even when it's not on sale retails below dealer cost of a factory oil filter. One of the mechanics noticed my blue oil filter, saying that it was "pretty cool." If having a superior filter at a lower cost is pretty cool, then I can handle that.
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