Bicycle Bloggers Meet-Up

Based on such positive experiences I've had meeting DFW bicycle bloggers (such as Chandra, Steve, Myles, and Paul) in person, I figured I'd expand my social horizons a bit further. When my plans were set to attend a conference in Louisville, Kentucky, I contacted David and Tim to see if we might meet for coffee. Even with high expectations, they both surprised me.

We agreed to meet at a coffee shop across the street from the Performing Arts Center (where David works), which was a 3-minute walk from the conference hotel. To accommodate my schedule constraints, they both went out of their way to meet me early.

David, Tim, and me

Tim, in the middle of a heinous workload spike, was especially tired. But he got up early on his day off to allow me to meet him.

Knowing of my fondness for his Quickbeam, he rode it to the meeting place. I didn't have much time to inspect it closely, but I am an experienced bicycle gawker. I assure you that I did a fairly complete inventory on the fly, and was quite pleased.

David went out of his way to bring me a bike to ride. He folded it, loaded it up on the rack of his LHT, brought it downtown, unfolded it, and pushed it toward me just in case I have a chance to ride while I'm in town.

The visit was far too short. I just wanted to buy these guys a coffee and say thanks for all the encouragement as internet friends, and yet they honored me. When the clock said that I had to report to duty at the conference, I stuffed my right pants leg into my sock, and pedaled away.

Sharing the experience with guys like this is what I often think about when I'm out there alone on the north Texas prairie. I hope they can come to Texas someday. I have a favor to return.

S24O Kit Evolution

Steve commented on my last post about my most recent S24O. He asked about my what my kit has evolved to include, and what it has evolved to not include. It hasn't really changed much, but I'll attempt to provide a brief overview. If anyone would like more details, just let me know.

In above photo, you can see that my camping bike is my Rivendell A. Homer Hilsen. It includes front and rear racks so I can pack all the luxuries that make my overnighters comfortable. The front rack holds my sleeping bag. The rear rack holds small panniers, and supports the largish saddlebag.

If I were a better planner, I probably would be a "bag matcher". But since I'm not, I just do the best I can at organizing a somewhat tidy load.

The next photo shows things that are not clothes and food. Clothes and food are variable, so I won't spend much time on them unless asked. I'll simply say that for my short camping trips, I'd rather be hungry than cold. So I tend to overpack warm woolies in cold weather, and "make do" with sparse/simple food. I am, however, beginning to think in terms of trying more extravagant meals (especially in warmer months since I can replace rainfly and warm clothes with food without wondering were things will go).

The top row (front left to right) are sleeping bag, tent, tent poles, rainfly, and pillow. As mentioned above, the sleeping bag straps to the front rack, but all other top row items are stuffed into my largish saddlebag. The tent isn't exactly "in" the bag, but is under the top flap, and buckled within the leather straps.

The next row down includes windbreaker, tool roll inside homemade windscreen, stove/fuel/matches/coffee, and cheap Walmart mess kit. Mrs. Pondero picked up the mess kit for me. I thought it looked a bit fragile and wouldn't last, but so far, I'm happy with it.

The bottom row has bungie cord for sleeping bag, coffee maker, water bottle, fancy coffee cup, tent stakes, large and small battery powered camp lights, and sleeping pad. The two bottom row items usually are carried in the panniers with various clothing items stuffed strategically to minimize rattles. My food ends up at the top of panniers and/or saddlebag.

Camera, wallet, and cell phone fit in the small pouch that attaches to the exterior of the saddlebag.

It is probably apparent that I am no minimalist. Camp is usually only about an hour and a half away, so I don't obsess over another few pounds. In fact, I often will bring a book.

Regarding "evolution", the main thing is that I've decided that I prefer the alcohol stove to the Kelly Kettle I was using earlier. The Kelly Kettle is bulkier, heavier, and requires more attention during use. I've also been using my Bialetti coffee maker lately, instead of my REI press/insulated mug combo. The press works fine, and I will probably use both in the future, depending on mood. One item I don't have, but might add soon, is some minimal first aid kit. Up until now, I've depended on my cell phone and the gracious Mrs. Pondero if I need medical attention. But after camping with Chandra, who was better prepared, in the fall, I'm rethinking that.

So there's the overview. Nothing really complex or high-tech, just reasonable comfort for one night outdoors. However, having racks and bag options does make it easy to carry the primary comforts of home. And that kind of convenience does require something of a financial commitment. Even so, I'm confident it could be done simpler and cheaper by someone more resourceful.

Fall-in-to-Place S24O

shady spot on a gravel road

This weekend was not a target. For the last three weeks, I've just been trying to make it through each day. I couldn't plan ahead for the work that was choking the life out of me, much less for any leisure time. But sometimes things just fall in to place.

just arrived at the campsite

Michael and I happened to be able to get Friday afternoon off. We both had our reasons, but each needed to get outdoors and clear our minds. Since circumstances allowed, and the weather couldn't be better, we pulled together a last minute campout.

barn swallow excavation crew in action

By mid afternoon, we had arrived, oriented ourselves to our surroundings, and set out for a walk. We ambled toward the lake shore to enjoy the sunshine and the cool breeze. We sat on a picnic table and watched a large number of barn swallows. At first their flight seemed chaotic, but we soon noticed a circular pattern. Then the "pile" of barn swallows at the water's edge.

excavation pits

We moved closer to get a better look. Apparently, they swoop down in huge numbers, scoop up moist soil, and use it to build their nests. Judging from the location of the excavated areas, it seemed they were selecting soil with a "just right" moisture content.

barn swallow handiwork

Then we made our way to another point in their circular pattern, and we could see the construction in progress. Their skillful aerobatics is matched by their clever construction.

evening fire

It was an unseasonably cool evening, but ideal for camping. Michael and I were joined for dinner by another friend who had his own reasons for spending a little time in the woods. We discussed lofty topics, tossed sticks in the fire, and challenged one another to more noble living.

pre-breakfast campsite

Our friend had to leave us, so Michael and I continued the discussion. We stared at the fire, warmed our hands, and watched the moon rise. When yawns appeared more frequently in our conversation, we retired to our respective tents.

Compared to my winter outings, the night seemed quite short. I slept better than usual, and the sky was light at 6am. It was morning and delightfully brisk. Just right for coffee.

morning fire

Michael found a few glowing embers from last night's fire, and soon brought them back to life.

boiling water

While Michael tended the fire, I prepared the oatmeal...

coffee is ready

...and the coffee.

toasting poptarts

Then we supplemented our more nutritious breakfast with poptarts, toasted the cowboy way.

baggage shadow

Then we both needed to be somewhere else. So we packed our things and headed out. But we were grateful for such a convenient location for these kinds of S24O getaways, and we anticipated the next opportunity. Then we went our separate ways.

rolling green hills

On a cool refreshing morning in mid May, I pedaled my bicycle with a warmed heart, over gently rolling hills speckled with wildflowers. I realized that sometimes fall-in-to-place events can top those that are carefully planned.

From the West Spectacularly

Still working

but I force-fit one more short ride

around the 3-mile loop

as the sun slipped behind the horizon

A thunderstorm was approaching

from the west spectacularly

so the short spin was

absolutely worth the effort

Maybe next week

will allow more opportunities

No Time

With the work load lately, I didn't have time to get out for two and a half hours this morning. On the other hand, I really couldn't afford to not break loose for a bit.

No excess of words today, just photos to remind me that it really happened.

Detangled

His brain was like a birdnested bait casting reel, cluttered and non-functioning. His perception was obscured as if in dense morning fog. After too much multi-tasking, too many deadlines, and complexity overload, it was time to step away. It was time for him to shut down thinking and simply move. It was time get things sorted out.

He started sluggishly. Spinning cranks felt like trying to stir a bowl of too dry oatmeal. It was deliberate effort. It took a few minutes to get his position settled, but he wasn't in a hurry. The pedals moved around at 60 rpm, but he didn't have anywhere to be. He didn't have a route planned, but he didn't feel like thinking. He just slowly noodled along.

Instinctively, he found the gravel. Within minutes, he was apart from traffic and down in the Clear Creek valley. There was a steady crunching sound under his tires. Wind tossed branches seemed to wave at him. Tall grasses bowed low, and wildflowers spotted the landscape with fresh color. His shoulders relaxed.

He stood to climb a succession of rollers. He felt the shift of balance as the machine was leaned from side to side. He breathed long slow breaths, and saw sunbeams, like strobe lights, hit his eyes as he rolled below the trees. It was then he realized the sun was shining. He was surrounding by real, tangible things. The earth is not digital.

Clarity of thought returned. Tangles disappeared in an instant like the untying of a shoelace. His mind was able to process the momentum of rolling on two wheels. He remembered the other plans for the day. His obligations were before him, but they did not overwhelm. Like the traveler on a well-worn pathway, he knew exactly the right direction. And like a well-equipped soldier, he was ready for the challenge. But there was still a little more time.

So he pedaled. The rhythm became smooth and effortless. Body and machine merged like a river confluence to flow across the countryside. "This is delightful," he thought to himself as he noticed the breeze grow stronger, and the clouds rise and darken in the west, "it is springtime." Consternation was displaced with contentment, and tangled thinking became as an arrow.

So he turned for home.

Brood Box Addition

Mrs. Pondero's bees have been active. Though I might think it hazardous to fly sorties in such wind lately, it seems these critters are up to the challenge. Those orange blobs on their legs, are not fashion. They are evidence of another successful mission.

You can compare the rear legs of the arriver with the rear legs of the one departing. Continuous missions indeed, but has there been sufficient progress to suggest a new brood box be added?

That was the question of the day. Here, Mrs. Pondero uses smoke to prepare the bees for inspection.

Once the lid and feeder tray are removed, this is the first view. A box full of frames with so much honeycomb building activity, it literally overflows. They seek to fill the voids.

When one of the frames is removed for inspection, we get a better view of the results of so much activity.

Capped cells at the top of the frame, and work progressing on the others.

Mrs. Pondero wants to find the queen, and make sure she is doing well. She also wants to see if most of the frames are being used, and make a decision about whether to add another brood box. So she removes and inspects each frame.

She removes the superfluous honeycomb.

Even the son-in-law participated. He pulls a frame for inspection, and receives a tip from Mrs. Pondero. I'm getting quite skilled at using the camera's zoom capabilities. After all the inspection is complete, Mrs. Pondero decides to add the new brood box.

Anticipating the good news, we had the new box handy.

Mrs. Pondero uses smoke to encourage bees back into the hive. She doesn't want to harm anyone when placing the new box to the hive.

Careful placement.

Then return the feeding tray, and...

... the lid.

Finally, the tie-down strap is replaced. It has been quite windy out here on the prairie lately.

And at the end of the day, Mrs. Pondero took the superfluous honeycomb and produced a small batch of bee's wax. It was a day which provided hope for a honey sweet future.