Friday, July 31, 2009

pingwire.com


The Pingwire site intrigues me. It describes itself with the following lines of text:
Pingwire is an (almost) live feed of images being posted to twitter with Twitpic, yfrog, and Twitgoo. Evidently, there are people who post photos which may be inappropriate for viewers under 18 years of age.
The compilation of stuff other people find cool enough to send to someone else keeps me checking back.

I have seen scattered nudity, so it's not good for work, but the vast majority of content is ok.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

On the Banks of Plum Creek


Ma and I loaded up the children and drove to Walnut Grove Minnesota for the Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant. The town was overrun with tweenage girls and senior citizens. Claire's read all the books, so this trip was mostly for her.
Here the Children are On the Bank of Plum Creek.


Inspired by the pioneer spirt, Claire and I made a period accurate rope bed for Laura, a rag doll we purchased at the museum. The bed is constructed using wooden pegs and rope. The expression sleep tight is a leftover from a time when people rested more comfortably on tightly strung rope beds.



We have grass drying to make a straw mattress to finish the bed.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Newest Bike in the Family/Link to Bike Snob NYC

Here is the kid touring road bike I've just finished fixing up. I bought it for Harris, but Claire loves it too. It's a 1991 37cm Schwinn Caliente. I paid $35 for the bike, overhauled the hubs and added another $50 or so for tires, tubes and bar tape.

I purchased the bike from a guy named Jeremy at Belfry bikes. He and a couple of others fix up old bikes so they can be ridden once again.

Today, I see some of Jeremy's Belfry bikes received mention in Bike Snob NYC. Bike Snob says the following on Jeremy's Cyberpunk Schwinn - Tricentenial Edition theme bike:

"This could very well be the world's geekiest theme bike.. .. The only thing that would make this bike better would be a second lever that repels girls, but the fact is that it's probably not necessary since the bike itself is sufficiently dorky to ensure the rider's eternal virginity."

I guess no press is bad press, even if it means an end to your genetic legacy.

It's cool to be able link my kids' bike, ala Kevin Bacon, to Bike Snob NYC. The Caliente is beast regardless.

Monday, July 20, 2009

20 Miles of Off Road in the City.

John, Sean and I had a blast mountain biking along the Minnesota River. The raft is a rope ferry for traveling across this little inlet, way more fun than a bridge.

Oxygen debt describes some of the climbs where I resorted to walking gear. The flat part of the ride felt down hill both ways.

What a great weekend of biking. I had three days of solid riding.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Tour to Nerstrand

My neighbor John and I did a spur of the moment tour to Nerstrand Big Wood State Park. 100 miles in 24 hours. We left Friday with a strong tailwind and returned fighting a beastly headwind Saturday.

We were mostly on Highway 3 which has wide shoulders and a fair amount of traffic. "Load Clothes Save Lives"


Here's my 1980's Fuji with the Nob trailer loaded up.

John's 1980's Trek 520 with metal water bottle and vintage pump.
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Steak, eggs and fried potatoes made for an outstanding breakfast.

A campfire lit bike.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Back Yard Movie Night

Four neighborhood families came over to watch Bugs Bunny and Friends tonight. We made popcorn on the grill and enjoyed the near perfect weather. Summer's good.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Good Things Happening In My Neighborhood Tonight.

Photos from the Summit-Criterium. Claire and I went down the hill and watched races for a couple of hours. They are being held each Tuesday for the rest of the month. We'd love to have company.

This woman is intentionally blocking the view. Some people are so rude!


Here are a few general photos from the race. Claire took these shots.



Finally a link to an earlier post on the races.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Here's What's Happening In My Neighborhood

This murder(s)took place just on the other side of the park from my house. I rode by tonight and saw the area full of camera crews.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

C Squared

Since TV signals travel at speed of light, here's what Alien's would be watching in other parts of the galaxy. You'll need to click on the image to enlarge it enough to read. I found this on Dump.com.

Friday, July 3, 2009

We're back from Camping

Harris' fully loaded BMX touring bike served him well on the trip. He loved pedaling fast and then sitting back on the super cushy sleeping bag.


My bike and NOB did equally well. A full sized pillow and other luxuries account for the bulk in the load.


We picked and enjoyed wild blackberries along the trail.


At least one raccoon came in and ripped though our fishing gear and chewed on our bobbers.

Jiffypop before a perfect night of sleeping in the tent.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Bike Camping with Harris.

Harris and I are heading out on a bike camping trip tomorrow. We will drive down to the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail and spend the night in Sakatah Lake State Park after a ride down the trail. I'm planning to bring an ice fishing rod and reel so Harris can try fishing in the lake. I'll post more pictures upon our return.