In the comments after my last post, Scott (Herringbone) mentioned wood bridges. We don't have many of those down here, but they never fail to capture my interest. In contrast to the old one-laner shown in my last post, today's bridge is modern, wide, and includes a steel truss. I like to slow down when I ride across this one.
I was finally able to get the tire properly seated in the rim on the MAP, and enjoyed a couple of hours out on the geared bike this morning. So it was another day, another bike, and another bridge.
Love the last shot. Nice lines. Contrast of new,shiny guardrail and old,rusty truss. Of course,your sweet bike.
ReplyDeleteThis post has made me think about the weathering process's of the two different materials. Steel and wood. Deteriorating. Breaking down. Maybe. But accentuated and given character.
What time of day were you riding when these photos were taken? Judging by the shadows of your bike and the bridge it looks like near noon.
ReplyDeleteI see from the Accuweather site that Sanger, TX has been virtually as hot as Tucson in the last month. I personally have a hard time keeping up my riding activities here during July and August. (I'm not an early riser because of some sleep issues).
Scott, your comments reminded me of this post (that I enjoyed hugely)...
ReplyDeletehttp://yakbicycle.blogspot.com/2012/09/papakid-ride.html
...in case you haven't already seen it.
Pimadude, I don't know if you saw the handlebar bag shadow in the second photo. It's actually pretty far out in front of the bike. Photo time was probably around 9am. I'm fortunate to normally get away around 6-7 during the summer and try to be home before lunch.
Chris,
ReplyDeleteI also wanted to comment on your MAP bicycle. It's really a nice looking bike, and I'm sure the integrated component ensemble works well.
I've put together a "randonneur" style bike over a period, which began as one of the original Rivendell Road Standard bikes. It's a nice bike (here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/37964304@N05/7346058358/sizes/h/in/set-72157625889961383/ ).
What I'm missing out on is the more recent trend to wider tires, which Jan Heine has promoted (along with Grant Petersen). The Road Standard doesn't accommodate anything wider than a 32mm tire, and that's without fenders (my bike presently has Panaracer Pasela 700cx28 tires mounted with the Honjo fenders).
It's still a nice ride, and I enjoy riding on paved roads. There are relatively few actual dirt roads, and even fewer gravel roads, around the immediate Tucson area, although there's an abundant amount of single track mountain bikie trails.
I always enjoy your posts. I'm laid up with a back injury… no riding for two months. I can dream a little thanks to you!
ReplyDeletePimadude, oh yeah, I've admired that bike on the Rivendell (or some other) flickr group before. Very classy. Although my MAP wasn't built just for me, it is meeting my needs. Compared to my A. Homer Hilsen, I enjoy the more lighter, more flexible frame for lighter loads. That Hilsen sure was a great camping bike...
ReplyDeletecross thread, I'm very sorry to hear of the back injury. Two months off the bike would make me no fun to live with. I'll be praying for a rapid recovery, and hoping that your cycling dreams will speed the healing process.
Another bike? How many bikes do you have, Mr. Pondero??
ReplyDeleteShe doesn't know how many bikes I have? Perfect!
ReplyDeleteMaybe I can slip a new one in without a fuss.