Wednesday Quote "Nature"

“I just want the world to give nature the opportunity to survive.”
Freddy Mella

I am not sure exactly who Freddy Mella is. Admittedly I didn't spend more than a few minutes looking. Googling Freddy comes up with many cool quotes by him, but nothing to say why so many are quoting him. It really doesnt matter. It's a good quote so it get's the nod for this weeks edition.

This quote goes very well with the above picture. That is one tree's roots growing through the base of another tree. That is tenacity. It appears that nature is surviving and willing to fight to survive.

That tenacity is on both tree's parts. The roots are slowly winding there way to where they believe they should be. The tree keeps growing up, but at the same time starts to envelope the roots. It appears that neither one is allowing the other to change the course that they; or nature intended.

I spotted this tree doing something I have never done. I walked a portion of the trails that I mountain bike the most. Trying to come up with a number of times that I have ridden past this tree/root combo would easily have to be in the hundreds, but I saw it for the first time ever on Saturday.

It was a pleasure to walk these trails and see things from a different perspective. there were many things that I truly saw for the first time. Knowing that I have ridden past such beauty gave me a new appreciation for Fairmount Park. The park is entirely in the city of Philadelphia but there are only portions that let you know that.



As a suburbanite I actually go to the city to mountain bike because they are the best trails close by. For my friends that are city dwellers it is a quick retreat away from the concrete jungle.

Through the bicycle industry and my personal journeys I have had the pleasure of riding a mountain bike in many parts of the world. The trails at Fairmount Park rate as a contender for some of the great trails. It flows well, has enough technical portions to keep it fun and it is accessible. Honestly if you went on vacation and the locals in France, Switzerland, or California took you to these exact trails but in their locales, you would come home raving about how amazing your ride was while on vacation.

Having company on my walk and seeing things through a fresh set of eyes was enlightening as well. I always chuckle at the "You ride your bike over this?" question. It gives people an appreciation of what I like to do, and they point out things that I might have never seen.



The walk also contained a healthy dose of one of my favorite creekside activities. Skipping rocks. I learned that it is quite easy to skip a rock from one side of the Wissahickon creek to the other. It's also pretty easy to shoot a rock up the banks of the other side with a satisfying clatter of rock crashing into rock.



In a previous edition of the rambling I implored you to STOP and look around at your surroundings. I took my own advice and experienced someplace I really enjoy from an entirely different perspective. I enjoyed it and would highly recommend it. This could pertain to many things, my ride, my commute, my view above the top of my keyboard.

Perhaps its time I stopped looking around and started Seeing more.

LITTER

Now if this isn't a reason to drink I dont think I've ever seen one.

I didn't post on Friday. It was time for some hard work and much needed "Behind Bars" time.

The weatherman called for a crappy cold day on Saturday. I am glad I didn't listen to him and went for a nice ride. I'm thinking I would like a job as a weatherman.

People already think I'm a bit sketchy. Plus if I was a weatherman I could be wrong a majority of the time, and easily make over six figures. I would have to put on a tie though. Hmmmm, dont know if thats worth it. But on the plus side I do work without pants on occasionally, Ron Burgundy style. I know he wasnt a weatherman but he did work without pants on.

As an added bonus, I could wear a bow-tie and girls would flock to me just like good old "Hurricane Schwartz" I guess a tie does have an upside.



The ride on Saturday was a great temperature and I really enjoy the Spring days. The green is coming back to the plants and the landscape is so open that you can see things that are hidden in the vegetation of summer. The early season lack of fitness also allows me to take in the sights more than the in season lack of fitness does.



I have always seen a large amount of beer bottles and cans on the side of the roads. While I do not condone drinking and driving, or littering I can understand why the bottles and cans are there. Obviously it is illegal to drink and drive, so people need to get rid of the evidence. They dont want the bottles "evidence" rolling around and spilling in the car.



The disturbing part is that the people drinking and driving want to be on the same roads as cyclists. The roads are less traveled and good for riding, this would make it easier to tilt the can back and not get spotted by passing drivers. Cyclists have a tough enough time with motorists. Dodging inebriated drivers on bucolic backroads is just another.



The trend that I have seen lately is the large amount of Fast-Food bags on the side of the road. This got me thinking, "Why are all of these bag's on the side of the road?" Having time to think while riding courtesy of my spring fitness allowed me to form a hypothesis.



Heres my thought-- The Fast-Food trash is very similar to the Beer trash. It is evidence. It could be that people don't want others to know that they eat Fast-Food.

People could also be eating full meals on the sly. I can picture a person who is being forced to diet stopping for a meal on the way home. They pull into the drivethru and order a value meal. On the way home they turn onto the backroads and eat several hundred possibly thousands of calories. In order to avoid detection they throw the bag and all of the evidence out the window, probably keeping the window open to avoid smelling like those tasty fries.



This person gets home, opens the door and says "Hi Honey I'm home, whats for dinner?" At this point they eat another healthier dinner.

Maybe I think too much when riding but, these are the thoughts that go through my head. It's scary in there, thats why I only let little bit's and piece's out at a time.

Wednesday Quote "Peanuts"

“Life is like a ten speed bicycle. Most of us have gears we never use.”
Charles M. Schulz

Too true Mr. Schulz.



I was always a huge Peanuts fan. But I was all about Snoopy. When we had the big three networks it was a special treat to wait up and see the Charlie Brown specials. Who can forget the Great Pumpkin, Lucy pulling away that football, Charlie Brown crushing on the "Girl with the Red Hair",Linus and that blanket, and the teachers voice. "wah wah wah waaaa". There are far too many other memorable moments.



I dont have to come clean here but I will self incriminate and say one of the prized possessions from my youth is my Snoopy stuffed animal. Just Sayin.

The faithful "Life Behind Bars" (yes there is more than me and my mom, HI MOM!) readers have been sending me some great stuff. Knowing that I like bicycle ads I received this one.

Holy Freakin OUCH!

I am interested to see how the bicycle is used to sell other products. In the above case they choose to linger on the perceived negative aspects of the bicycle.

The dutch take a completely different view on what a bicycle seat can do for, or to you.



If we pop over to the Czech Republic they use a bike to show what a little antiseptic can feel like in an open cut; of course unless you use their brand of Betadine. I have a feeling its still gonna sting.



If you sit on some gum you are going to need new jeans; Right? I have never known of a "gum on bicycle seat" epidemic but it does give this shopping mall a reason to show a womens butt, and we know sex sells.



The Swiss tout the benefits of cycling in these ad's. A warning of sorts, and cycling is the answer. "Stay in shape"





This "Man of steel" "endures the heat, cycling daily from one place to another to carry out his tasks" This helps move ships. In the circles I run in we call this commuting.



There are plenty of car ads that use the bicycle to sell cars. I can understand that because I have always thought that a car is a great way to carry a bicycle.
I will leave those for a post all their own since I have a bunch of them.

I will leave you with these nice shots using a bike to sell "Haute couture" Thats fancy fashionable clothing to me and possibly you.





Until next time try and take Mr. Schulz advise and use a few more of your "gears"

Respect the Big Man J-LO

When you think of J-Lo is this what you think of?

If so you are hanging in the wrong circles.

Because This is the REAL J-LO!



Jeff Lenosky is one hell of a rider and not bad as your own personal barista either. He has the balance to ride the edge of a wet 2X4 and the agility to not spill a hot cuppa coffee down the front of you.



Jeff is one of Giant Bicycle's professional free-riders. J-Lo also happens to be one hell of a big guy. 6'4" over 200 pounds and fit. If homeboy ever offers to take you for a ride GO! You will be in for a great ride, and most likely you will get dropped. He has to have good fitness so when he is doing his shows with the Britney Spears style mic you don't hear him huffin and puffin like, well--me. (If you've ridden with me you know I can huff and puff like the big bad wolf.)

Britney would be proud of that Mic.

Jeff is also currently out of commission. When 6'4" hits terra firma it tends to do so hard. I'd tell you all about it but I stole this off of Jeff's Facebook page and it does a better job than my "whisper down the lane" version.

"A message to all my friends and fans,

I've been very fortunate to have had a long career without any major injuries. A couple weeks ago I leaned the hard way that good luck can't last forever. Monday February 15th was a warm winter day so Aaron Chase and I decided to do some jumping in his backyard. A slight miscalculation resulted in a freak accident leaving me with a broken Tibia and Fibula on my left leg. I had surgery to install a rod in my tibia since the Doctors I consulted with felt it was the best course of treatment. The surgery was a success and now I've begun my long journey back to the bike, I hope to see you all real soon! I'd also like to thank all of my sponsors for their support. Giant Bicycles, Fox Riders Co., Native Eyewear, Teva, Shimano, Bell Helmets, Fox Racing Shox, Maxxis, Clif Bar, Straitline and SkullCandy."

I got an email from Jeff this afternoon that said he is bouncing back. He's been hitting the gym, and even attending a few events. He got his buddy Chris Clark to do some of the shows he had booked and he's been MC'ing for him. My guess is he's probably pretty good at it.

Hopefully Jeff goes from this...



To this...


REAL FRICKIN QUICK

I'm throwing in one more pic just because I think it's cool.



Think good thoughts for Jeff and if he's doing a show near you GO!

Tell him I sent you if you wanna catch five upside your head.

ZAPPA

When I think of Frank Zappa this is the image I get.

How about a Friday Quote?

"Remember, information is not knowledge; knowledge is not wisdom; wisdom is not truth; truth is not beauty; beauty is not love; love is not music; music is the best.” Frank Zappa


I can remember (and probably cant remember some things) listening to Zappa's Joe's Garage (Parts I, II & III) on cassette of course. Lyrics from that album pop into my head at random times.
"It was a 54 with a mashed up door and a cheesy little amp with a sign on the front said Fender Champ" Then the guitar riff blasts. CLASSIC!

I'm not gonna get into it here but if you know it, it's hysterical "The boys in the crew are just waiting for you" The song that goes with this lyric cracks me up to this day. I went to one of the song lyric web-sites and read it through; Still Funny.

If you know Zappa, or maybe if you dont you've probably sung the Catholic Girl chorus. Reading those song lyrics is a riot as well. I believe these days they would call that "Not PC". Of course that is why it is hysterical.

I know its not from the Joes Garage album but "Great Googly Moogly" I cant see a dog pee in the snow without breaking into "Watch out where the huskies go, and don't you eat that yellow snow".

Now you might be wondering how I got off on this rambling tangent. This video clip of Frank Zappa playing music on a bicycle was my motivation. He was Twenty Three years old when this was recorded. Zappa looks so young and proper as opposed to the picture above. This served as a reminder of how gifted a musician he was.

This appearance on the Steve Allen show is great. Steve gives him a sixteen minute segment and my guess is that this was probably a bit edgy for the time. Dave, or Jay wouldnt give someone this much time, and definitely would not let the "interview" be as free-form or unscripted as this.

In my humble opinion this is worth the sixteen minutes to watch. The Video and Audio quality is a bit rough, but hey its from 1963. Turn your volume down a bit and enjoy.

Wednesday Quote "Quinn the Eskimo"

Double Entendre much?


“Like dogs, bicycles are social catalysts that attract a superior category of people” Chip Brown

Perhaps superior is not the right word but very often dogs and bicycles attract the same type of people.

Mutt Dogs have always been my breed of choice. Pure-breds are nice and several of my friends have pure-breds. Take for instance BBB; he has two Lab's and just added Harley to the mix. How could you resist this face, AND he does dishes.



My first dog all on my own was Quinn. Quinn came from the Morris Animal Foundation in Denver Co. He was the best looking dog in the place. Half Chow Chow and Half German Shepherd. He was BIG and FURRY. REAL FURRY. When you ask to meet a dog for the first time at Morris they take you and the dog into a small room and let you get to know each other.



They brought Quinn in he walked straight into the corner furthest from me and proceeded to shake and pee. The poor guy was terrified. I let him stay there for a bit and talked to him, he shook. I talked some more and he shook some more. At this point I made the bold move of standing up from my seat and raising my hand to him. He looked at me cowered and peed. It's a good thing that they had concrete floors.

I asked the handler to take him back, and thought to myself "Beautiful dog but what a shame that he is so poorly trained" I went and looked at other dogs and asked to see two more. They were OK but I couldn't get Quinn (not his name yet) out of my head.

Realizing that he might not be poorly trained but abused came to me slowly. The thought that if I didnt bring this dog home with me, no one would, started to haunt me. It seemed horrible that this beautiful animal would be euthanized because he was terrified.

I met him again in that little room. He shook and peed at least three times as I went over and pet him. I knew what I needed to do. When I turned to the woman and told her I wanted to adopt him she looked at me a bit cross eyed and said "Are you sure?" This was a decision I would never regret.

Next up was what to name him. He looked like a big furry lion or bear. Brainstorming with my compatriots we decided that he looked suited to cold weather. Someone suggested Eskimo. I took it one step further to Quinn the Eskimo. From then on he was The Mighty Quinn.


Cool Version of the Mighty Quinn by Dylan. Another song written by Dylan that was attributed to someone else. Manfred Mann made it a hit.

Quinn traveled coast to coast with me. He swam in the Atlantic and the Pacific. Played in the Rockies, Cascades, and The Pocono's. The parties I attended were not complete without Quinn. He would roam around get pet and drink anyone's beer who set it down at his height. Not proud to say that I saw him lit up more than once.



He was gentle and forgiving. For an animal that spent the first part of his life so horribly abused it was amazing that he could put it all behind him. It seems that a canine's ability to forgive is better than many humans.

That dog saw me through many of the major transitions in my life. Many of my best memories have that furry beast in them. I sit here a little welled up writing about Quinn. He was this "Man's Best Friend" for quite a while.


I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the Holiest day of the year for many. I will double up my quotes for the day and leave you with this one as well.

Happy Saint Patricks Day

"May you always walk in sunshine. May you never want for more. May Irish angels rest their wings right beside your door"

Back to the 80's

Mine was Chrome but I rode the living crap outta that bike. Prolite bars, ProClass rims, Man I was PRO!

I got thrust back into the 80's this weekend. The realization that my youth has been made into a Totally Awesome Musical got me thinking about my Totally Awesome childhood.

I rode my BMX bike everywhere, and dreamed of doing stuff this RAD.



Whats really RAD is that I work with several guys that were in this movie.

Now some complete randomness from the 80's

Fashion advice from Mr. T. And if anyone knows fashion its Mr. T.


"Do you think Bill Blass and Calvin Klein wear clothes with YOUR name on them? Then why should we pay to wear their name?"

Who could forget the Gary Coleman Show? Well I did but thanks to the randomness of YouTube it will be forever burnt into my conciousness.



One of my all time cheesiest Favorites. The Greatest American Hero.
Believe it or not I'm walking on air.



And who could forget the Eighties HUGE stars, and Totally Awesome Music. Mostly it was their hair that was huge but what says that better then KAJAGOOGOO



I am not proud to say I had that lead singers haircut; but I did!

Hand Made Bicycle Show Part Trois (thats french for 3)

If I had that sweater and that dog and that dog sweater...........

I'd be cooler than a Hot Dog on a Stick!



Maybe?

I mean Hot Dog on a Stick is pretty cool, but my vote goes to dog and matching sweater guy.

Alright lets get this rambling rolling.

First up is Llewellyn Bikes out of the "Land Down Under" Mr. Llewellyn builds a beautiful bicycle. His attention to detail is admirable. I wish I had a picture of this particular frame in its entirety that was fit to publish.

When Freddie saw this frame his head "Purt Near" popped clean off his neck. We had to pry him away. Look at a few of these detail's and realize they dont even convey how sweet this frame is. Then you might understand.












That fine chrome isn't chrome at all. Read the sign.



Walking the Aisle I saw this. Yeah Baby Yeah!



How about these bikes from Black Sheep Bikes.

Cool Lines, curvy, if only I had better pics.










The Boys in Blue over at Giant, "My Sponsor" have been up to Shenanagins over on the west coast. Last week was the Official Launch of the Factory Off-Road Team. A ripping fast group of guys and gals.

Check out what they were up to over at Cycling News.

Vital Mtb has some great pictures of the DH boys taken by Jake.

Kurt Sorge is starring in a new flick. Here is the trailer. I found it over on the Giant site. A good spot to bookmark and come back to for Giant news. Feast your eyes and then try and tell me you dont want to go ride. I Dare Ya!




At the risk of getting too caught up in awesomeness I will leave you with this.



Remember "Rubber Side Down"