not to be overly political. ha ha
Official Announcement
The government today announced that it is changing its emblem from an Eagle to a CONDOM because it more accurately reflects the government's political stance. A condom allows for inflation, halts production, destroys the next generation, protects a bunch of pricks, and gives you a sense of security while you're actually being screwed.It just doesn't get more accurate than that!
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Sunday, September 25, 2005
social security????????
My friend mark sent this to me. all I have to say is it is worth the quick read. that and it all makes too much sense in an ironic, very satrical way. The old the rich gettin richer and the rest of us pickin up the tab. here it is:
SOCIAL SECURITY:(This is worth reading. It is short and to the point.)Perhaps we are asking the wrong questions during election years.Our Senators and Congresswomen do not pay into Social Security and, of course, they do not collect from it.You see, Social Security benefits were not suitable for persons of their rare elevation in society.They felt they should have a special plan for themselves!
So, many years ago they voted in their own benefit plan. In more recent years, no congressperson has felt the need to change it. After all, it is a great plan.For all practical purposes their plan works like this:When they retire, they continue to draw the same pay until they die.
Except it may increase from time to time for cost of living adjustments..
For example, former Senator Byrd and Congressman White and their wives may expect to draw $7,800,000.00 (that's Seven Million, Eight-Hundred Thousand Dollars), with their wives drawing $275,000.00 during the last years of their lives.This is calculated on an average life span for each of those two Dignitaries. Younger Dignitaries who retire at an early age, will receive much more during the rest of their lives.Their cost for this excellent plan is $0.00. NADA....ZILCH....
This little perk they voted for themselves is free to them.
You and I pick up the tab for this plan. The funds for this fine retirement plan come directly from the General Funds;
"OUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK"!>From our own Social Security Plan, which you and I pay (or have paid) into,-every payday until we retire (which amount is matched by our employer)-
we can expect to get an average of $1,000 per month after retirement.Or, in other words, we would have to collect our average of $1,000 monthly benefits for 68 years and one (1) month to equal Senator! Bill Bradley's! benefits!
Social Security could be very good if only one small change were made.That change would be to:
Jerk the Golden Fleece Retirement Plan from under the Senators and Congressmen. Put them into the Social Security plan with the rest of us then sit back..... and watch how fast they would fix it.If enough people receive this, maybe a seed of awareness will be planted and maybe good changes will evolve.
Something we should all seriously think about. it just aint right, it just aint right, it just aint right. it just aint right, it just aint right. This crosses political boundaries and should matter to everyone reguardless of who we support the right the left, the good the bad, the rich the poor, all of us who havent been in government, and they should also see the irony in this, of course they want this to stay, just imagine if that money stayed in the system maybe we wouldnt necessarily see Social Securitys demise. that is just obsene in my mind. Keep pedaling as it is the only way to stay sane in this day and age. I think better on the bike, clearer. Time to ride.
SOCIAL SECURITY:(This is worth reading. It is short and to the point.)Perhaps we are asking the wrong questions during election years.Our Senators and Congresswomen do not pay into Social Security and, of course, they do not collect from it.You see, Social Security benefits were not suitable for persons of their rare elevation in society.They felt they should have a special plan for themselves!
So, many years ago they voted in their own benefit plan. In more recent years, no congressperson has felt the need to change it. After all, it is a great plan.For all practical purposes their plan works like this:When they retire, they continue to draw the same pay until they die.
Except it may increase from time to time for cost of living adjustments..
For example, former Senator Byrd and Congressman White and their wives may expect to draw $7,800,000.00 (that's Seven Million, Eight-Hundred Thousand Dollars), with their wives drawing $275,000.00 during the last years of their lives.This is calculated on an average life span for each of those two Dignitaries. Younger Dignitaries who retire at an early age, will receive much more during the rest of their lives.Their cost for this excellent plan is $0.00. NADA....ZILCH....
This little perk they voted for themselves is free to them.
You and I pick up the tab for this plan. The funds for this fine retirement plan come directly from the General Funds;
"OUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK"!>From our own Social Security Plan, which you and I pay (or have paid) into,-every payday until we retire (which amount is matched by our employer)-
we can expect to get an average of $1,000 per month after retirement.Or, in other words, we would have to collect our average of $1,000 monthly benefits for 68 years and one (1) month to equal Senator! Bill Bradley's! benefits!
Social Security could be very good if only one small change were made.That change would be to:
Jerk the Golden Fleece Retirement Plan from under the Senators and Congressmen. Put them into the Social Security plan with the rest of us then sit back..... and watch how fast they would fix it.If enough people receive this, maybe a seed of awareness will be planted and maybe good changes will evolve.
Something we should all seriously think about. it just aint right, it just aint right, it just aint right. it just aint right, it just aint right. This crosses political boundaries and should matter to everyone reguardless of who we support the right the left, the good the bad, the rich the poor, all of us who havent been in government, and they should also see the irony in this, of course they want this to stay, just imagine if that money stayed in the system maybe we wouldnt necessarily see Social Securitys demise. that is just obsene in my mind. Keep pedaling as it is the only way to stay sane in this day and age. I think better on the bike, clearer. Time to ride.
Saturday, September 24, 2005
finally back on line
Well I finally have an internet connection directly in to the house, before we were pirating others networks that were unsecured. I know not the best way, but hey you never know what signals are flying around in the air. Well its sure is glad to be back.
I am currently in training at a local steakhouse, interesting feel to it not to sure I will be there for long time, i am printing up my resume and inquiring about other avenues of employment. It just doesnt quite feel right, too uptight, no ability to let loose, I have yet to see how the clientel is, I am talking about a couple of the managers. two faced, stoic, I am sure you get the point, and to think I have only been there 3 days. Put it this way I have to memorize every ingredient in every sauce, and get quized on it, before I can get on the floor. That is just one of the 5 packets of information that I must know in the next week. Well enough about that.
Sloane and I went riding the other day. Fun, steep, rocky, twisty stuff. see some pics and read sloane write up here. http://s90235461.onlinehome.us/sloane/blog.html I will figure out how to send a hyperlink soon. I am still computer ilterate. those who want vulture socks let me know. REno clan, talk to amanda mcdaniels, she has quite a few pairs, looks like I sent her some extra ones. Bendors talk to wade, he has a bunch too. that way you can save on shipping. So that is my life.
One more short story about being creative in carrying items to work. I have to have pressed shirts, so I folded some cardboard in half and carefully folded the shirt in side, slid this in to my bag and off I went. I have to ride slower on the way to work, I arrived a sweaty mess. Not the best way to show up.
Made a connection with another fixer in the area, looks like they have a group ride on thursdays. Out of the westlake center. good times, I will have to hook up with them, more when I do.
Did I tell you they have really good beer up here?
Wish I was gonna be at Interbike, to meet up with all the enduro freaks. Check out www.jeffkerkove.blogspot.com to see the email a bunch of us riders recieved from him. over and out, time to go dirnk some black goodness.
I am currently in training at a local steakhouse, interesting feel to it not to sure I will be there for long time, i am printing up my resume and inquiring about other avenues of employment. It just doesnt quite feel right, too uptight, no ability to let loose, I have yet to see how the clientel is, I am talking about a couple of the managers. two faced, stoic, I am sure you get the point, and to think I have only been there 3 days. Put it this way I have to memorize every ingredient in every sauce, and get quized on it, before I can get on the floor. That is just one of the 5 packets of information that I must know in the next week. Well enough about that.
Sloane and I went riding the other day. Fun, steep, rocky, twisty stuff. see some pics and read sloane write up here. http://s90235461.onlinehome.us/sloane/blog.html I will figure out how to send a hyperlink soon. I am still computer ilterate. those who want vulture socks let me know. REno clan, talk to amanda mcdaniels, she has quite a few pairs, looks like I sent her some extra ones. Bendors talk to wade, he has a bunch too. that way you can save on shipping. So that is my life.
One more short story about being creative in carrying items to work. I have to have pressed shirts, so I folded some cardboard in half and carefully folded the shirt in side, slid this in to my bag and off I went. I have to ride slower on the way to work, I arrived a sweaty mess. Not the best way to show up.
Made a connection with another fixer in the area, looks like they have a group ride on thursdays. Out of the westlake center. good times, I will have to hook up with them, more when I do.
Did I tell you they have really good beer up here?
Wish I was gonna be at Interbike, to meet up with all the enduro freaks. Check out www.jeffkerkove.blogspot.com to see the email a bunch of us riders recieved from him. over and out, time to go dirnk some black goodness.
Monday, September 19, 2005
What happens when.....
What happens when you take fat, been drinkin too much, used to the desert and the dessert out for a ride in the Washington Wilderness. Well to make a long story short, a sweaty happy man, who you occasionally have to wait for at the top of a climb. Sloane Anderson hatched this plan to go for a ride that he hadn't done in about for years, and he was pretty sure he remembered how to get there and that it was about 2 plus hours away, just over Stevens Pass. Well hearing this I was in. I learned awhile ago not to ever give a definate return time to my girlfriend so with that Sloane and I were off to explore, and explore we did, more in the car than on the bikes, he remembered the trail without fail. After exploring a few roads, laughing about not riding until late in the evening, and deliverence type hillbillys, we happened upon a forest service road that we started down and he knew it was the one. So a 2 hour drive to the trailhead was now at 3 1/2 but we were hot on the trail. With the day starting out as it had we loaded up with lights, we each had only handle bar lights, me only a Vega commuter light, and as much food as we could. Sloane I will never forget the banana placement, that lead to uncontrolable laughter. Just think totally different career choice full of terrible rythmic music.
So the trails were pretty awsome, we started with a fireroad climb, then a singletrack climb that was loose and steep, well lets just say I was forced to do a little hiking. Then rolling, twisting singletrack, then a long singletrack climb which I thought would be a good idea for me to lead so I push and dug deep, only had to walk one 100 foot section. I was sweating like a stuck pig, but I felt holding my own, especially when the terrian went downhill. The trails get a lot of motorcycle traffic so the berms are well established and totall railable? is that a word. So on like this it went, Sloane had remembered it taking about 2 1/2 to three hours, so we had lights like I said and we needed them, we Jedied? again is that a word? the last couple miles of the trail. I had a blast, we saw some other trails in the area that we would have explored, but we did not give ourselves the time to do so. We plan to go back, now that we know the way, camp overnight and do some real exploring and some longer riding. We ended up riding for just under two hours on the trail, with another 15 minuetes on the road to get back to the car. With all the dust on the trail, it was leg drainer, that and I am out of shape like I said before what happens when you take a guy who has spent more time in bed due to mono/overtraining than anywhere else out in to the wilderness for a ride. He has fun, huffs and puffs and sweats like a pig. Nuff said, sloane lets ride soon, I had a great time. thanks
So the trails were pretty awsome, we started with a fireroad climb, then a singletrack climb that was loose and steep, well lets just say I was forced to do a little hiking. Then rolling, twisting singletrack, then a long singletrack climb which I thought would be a good idea for me to lead so I push and dug deep, only had to walk one 100 foot section. I was sweating like a stuck pig, but I felt holding my own, especially when the terrian went downhill. The trails get a lot of motorcycle traffic so the berms are well established and totall railable? is that a word. So on like this it went, Sloane had remembered it taking about 2 1/2 to three hours, so we had lights like I said and we needed them, we Jedied? again is that a word? the last couple miles of the trail. I had a blast, we saw some other trails in the area that we would have explored, but we did not give ourselves the time to do so. We plan to go back, now that we know the way, camp overnight and do some real exploring and some longer riding. We ended up riding for just under two hours on the trail, with another 15 minuetes on the road to get back to the car. With all the dust on the trail, it was leg drainer, that and I am out of shape like I said before what happens when you take a guy who has spent more time in bed due to mono/overtraining than anywhere else out in to the wilderness for a ride. He has fun, huffs and puffs and sweats like a pig. Nuff said, sloane lets ride soon, I had a great time. thanks
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Vulture Socks.....
Help support the small frame builder. thanks to all who have ordered. These babies rock. All cyclists love socks, add these to your collection. questions comments to npellman@hotmail.com thanks again. Today it is beautiful here in Seattle. Sloane and I are going to go rage on some of the trails up near Stevens Pass. More when I return, now I must prepare for my ass to be handed to me, over and over again. Water, and more coffee are in order until he gets here. More later. no time now. Remember support the little guy, in this world of corperations it is really a nice feeling to know and ride with the man building your bikes. Makes it more human, more connected. With Wade you are definatley more than just a customer. the man is passionate and meticulous. Plus if you order a bike, you always have a place to stay in bend and a group of really cool people to hang out with. Thats it for now, coffee, water good.
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Garage sale thoughts and.....
I had to sit outside in my drive way today and play nice and attempt to sell all those things that we accumulate that end up just taking up space, trinkets, odds and ends, gifts new and old. I was struck by the fact that most people that come to these events are looking to spend no money and get a great deal, hummm you might say, but they will bicker over a dollar, they will try to talk you down from 15 dollars for a printer to 2 dollars. Some people seem to be casing you for other things, asking questions about my bikes and all the other boxes yet to be gone through. So here I am with 4 hrs of thoughts from watching random people stop by, some to chat others just seem to be passing the time, whatever the reason we ended up giving away more than we sold, but as far as I am concerned I didnt need it anyway and if someone else can use it, at least it is getting used and most of all I no longer have to house it. We are trying to simplfy a bit, I still have trouble getting rid of any cycling stuff, and am a pack rat at heart so every thing seems to have some sentimental value, but slowly but surely I will release my grip on the material and hang on to what really matters. Danielle just chimed in the biggest sale of the day was a old clock that we got at Cost Plus for 10 dollars, and two camp mattresses that we sold for 5 bucks each, well at least we organized the garage, my work area/hang out bike area is shaping up to be a really great place to hang out. We also paid for lunch with all of our sales. yeah for us.
So
s
So in amungst recycling our old in to anothers new I thought about some products that I really like. Below is a picture of the new wallet i bought, in some ways oh so eigthys, can you say velcro wallet, in other ways very modern,it is made out of scrap cordora left over from making messenger bags at ReLoad Bags here in Seattle. Apparently one of the semstress got the idea because she was sick of seeing the scraps go to waste. Now that is thinking. As you can see the one I picked out was camo, i just love all things camo, sticking to my Vermont roots one might be tempted to say, with the of so not Vermont pink bike. This one ran me about 24 bucks not cheap but they are supposed to be indestructable. They are still getting there website going so the best way to pick one up or just to see others is to google randL, or to check here, www.chikabird.com
Another company that I really like is Hypnotic Designs www.hypnoticdesigns.com I have been using there knickers for quite some time and really like them, they are cut to just the perfect length, they are a small company out of northern california.
One product that I am dying to try is the xtracycle, www.xtracycle.com out of california as well and turn my bike in to an SUB (sport utility bike)
As always, Steve Fassbinder makes some great rain gear and is an amazing cyclist, his email is sfassbinder@hotmail.com he is fresh off a third place finish at the Global Championships in Denver, congrats to steve. I will try to get some pictures of his wares up on the web soon. Think street wear with bike functionality, and as always a little camo to boot, gotta stick with my roots ehhh!!!!
Support our commuity where you can, we cyclists need to support each other when ever and wherever possible. and now.........
watch out what happens when you play with glass, nine stiches, lots of blood, and how do you hold a handle bar with this. I rode trails two days later with a splint on. yikes. The upside was on my last night at work I got to hold my finger like this to whoever asked about it. Good times.
So
s
So in amungst recycling our old in to anothers new I thought about some products that I really like. Below is a picture of the new wallet i bought, in some ways oh so eigthys, can you say velcro wallet, in other ways very modern,it is made out of scrap cordora left over from making messenger bags at ReLoad Bags here in Seattle. Apparently one of the semstress got the idea because she was sick of seeing the scraps go to waste. Now that is thinking. As you can see the one I picked out was camo, i just love all things camo, sticking to my Vermont roots one might be tempted to say, with the of so not Vermont pink bike. This one ran me about 24 bucks not cheap but they are supposed to be indestructable. They are still getting there website going so the best way to pick one up or just to see others is to google randL, or to check here, www.chikabird.com
Another company that I really like is Hypnotic Designs www.hypnoticdesigns.com I have been using there knickers for quite some time and really like them, they are cut to just the perfect length, they are a small company out of northern california.One product that I am dying to try is the xtracycle, www.xtracycle.com out of california as well and turn my bike in to an SUB (sport utility bike)
As always, Steve Fassbinder makes some great rain gear and is an amazing cyclist, his email is sfassbinder@hotmail.com he is fresh off a third place finish at the Global Championships in Denver, congrats to steve. I will try to get some pictures of his wares up on the web soon. Think street wear with bike functionality, and as always a little camo to boot, gotta stick with my roots ehhh!!!!
Support our commuity where you can, we cyclists need to support each other when ever and wherever possible. and now.........
watch out what happens when you play with glass, nine stiches, lots of blood, and how do you hold a handle bar with this. I rode trails two days later with a splint on. yikes. The upside was on my last night at work I got to hold my finger like this to whoever asked about it. Good times.
Friday, September 16, 2005
challenges
I rode around the last couple days on the Steamroller, Ihave her setup with a 49x18 for the road, I have taken some small juants off road, but the rolling terrain here in Seattle it is quite a challange. That is challange #1
Challange #2 is more traffic more obstacles, more stop and go equals more focus.
Challange #3 moved here to Seattle thinking that I had a job lined up thus making, cash flow not an issue, well to say the least they seem to be flaking in a major way, apparently a hand shake to some people is not a commitment or they can easily change their mind with no looking back. Well I hate to say it for them but I plan on getting an answer, and not just walking away by being ignored. Sometime I just need an answer, and think that people need to be more consious of the way they treat others. nuff said.
Challenge #4 Money. need I say more.
Challange #5 too much good beer, again need I say more. There are two things I really love in addition to cycling, coffee and beer. One might say I have found my nirvana? Is that the right use of the word.
Challenge #6 Trail access without driving my car. Might have to get over this one. I can ride to some trails, but the commute to them is quite lenghty. Seattle locals can you help. These are a list of a few of the major challanges that have been brought on by the move.
On a postive note I have been loving riding my bike around the city to check out different areas and to get my bearings. I have found that I get a better feel for a place by riding around. Today I am going to said business to get some answers, always one for some kind of closure/answer. And tommarrow I am going to see one of my favorite bands out of NYC. Madball. www.madballnyhc.com Check it out, be warned though. They have been around for quite sometime, even broke up for awhile. The Vulture, www.vulturecycles.com has a new post, the man is hoping to crack the top ten at the local cross race. From the sounds of it things are looking up business wise for him as well, and Rio his son rocks. Socks orders are rolling. remember questions comments to npellman@hotmail.com the new connection is about a week away. Stay tuned as I have some new ideas on the way. Be sure to check out www.bikeblogs.com lots of good links to all things bike realted.
I have some other things to post but this one is getting lengthy as all my posts lately have and I know attention spans are not always lengthy and if only I could write better. more to come thanks, keep pedaling.
Challange #2 is more traffic more obstacles, more stop and go equals more focus.
Challange #3 moved here to Seattle thinking that I had a job lined up thus making, cash flow not an issue, well to say the least they seem to be flaking in a major way, apparently a hand shake to some people is not a commitment or they can easily change their mind with no looking back. Well I hate to say it for them but I plan on getting an answer, and not just walking away by being ignored. Sometime I just need an answer, and think that people need to be more consious of the way they treat others. nuff said.
Challenge #4 Money. need I say more.
Challange #5 too much good beer, again need I say more. There are two things I really love in addition to cycling, coffee and beer. One might say I have found my nirvana? Is that the right use of the word.
Challenge #6 Trail access without driving my car. Might have to get over this one. I can ride to some trails, but the commute to them is quite lenghty. Seattle locals can you help. These are a list of a few of the major challanges that have been brought on by the move.
On a postive note I have been loving riding my bike around the city to check out different areas and to get my bearings. I have found that I get a better feel for a place by riding around. Today I am going to said business to get some answers, always one for some kind of closure/answer. And tommarrow I am going to see one of my favorite bands out of NYC. Madball. www.madballnyhc.com Check it out, be warned though. They have been around for quite sometime, even broke up for awhile. The Vulture, www.vulturecycles.com has a new post, the man is hoping to crack the top ten at the local cross race. From the sounds of it things are looking up business wise for him as well, and Rio his son rocks. Socks orders are rolling. remember questions comments to npellman@hotmail.com the new connection is about a week away. Stay tuned as I have some new ideas on the way. Be sure to check out www.bikeblogs.com lots of good links to all things bike realted.
I have some other things to post but this one is getting lengthy as all my posts lately have and I know attention spans are not always lengthy and if only I could write better. more to come thanks, keep pedaling.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
what is it about fixed
What is it about fixed gears that is so intriging. Are they the next thing. I see more and more every where I go, chicks on fixed gears, commuters on fixes, what is it. In this world gone mad with technology and the next invention are more people seeing the benefits to living simple and connected. There is something very organic and simple about fixed. They are low maintence, low tech but at the same time require a high degree of skill and attention of the rider. These are not automatic machines, if you get to comfortable you are liable to get in to bad situation.
I have to thank 4 people who have inspired me in the fixed gear transformation. Gonterain, who lives in my home town of Burlington, VT, www.deepseno.blogspot.com be sure to check out his radio show while you are there. He is making a movie about fixed gear riders, be sure to check out the trailer while on the site as well. Matt Chester www.mattchester.com mandatory fixed gear reading. Wade the Vulture, watching him race the local bend cross race on a fixed gear was enough the conversation that night was icing on the cake. www.vulturecycles.com check it out. While hanging out with him he showed me pictures of the ti road fixie he just made, that was out of the world sexy, with an eccentric bb and all, hand polished, wow, was all I could say. When seeking inspiration this man Kent Peterson, is the man, home from the great divide on a single speed, and I would post a link, but they never seem to work, kent can you help me, he has done fixed gear touring etc, the man is a legend to me, or in the process of becoming one. So to all of you thanks you have been much inspiration.
I cant wait to get my new bike from wade, here shortly, and hit the mucky gooy Pac northwest trails in true style. I have taken the Steamroller off road a couple of times but with no front or rear brakes just my legs doing all the work, it is rather freaky, that and the road tires, slicks dont really grab the trails that well. So to say the least I am looking forward to my first true off road fixed gear ride on my new bike. I have been riding on the roads fixed except for a few digretions to gears, for the last year and a half.
In other news. This is day number 6 with out getting in to a car. yeah for me.
I have to thank 4 people who have inspired me in the fixed gear transformation. Gonterain, who lives in my home town of Burlington, VT, www.deepseno.blogspot.com be sure to check out his radio show while you are there. He is making a movie about fixed gear riders, be sure to check out the trailer while on the site as well. Matt Chester www.mattchester.com mandatory fixed gear reading. Wade the Vulture, watching him race the local bend cross race on a fixed gear was enough the conversation that night was icing on the cake. www.vulturecycles.com check it out. While hanging out with him he showed me pictures of the ti road fixie he just made, that was out of the world sexy, with an eccentric bb and all, hand polished, wow, was all I could say. When seeking inspiration this man Kent Peterson, is the man, home from the great divide on a single speed, and I would post a link, but they never seem to work, kent can you help me, he has done fixed gear touring etc, the man is a legend to me, or in the process of becoming one. So to all of you thanks you have been much inspiration.
I cant wait to get my new bike from wade, here shortly, and hit the mucky gooy Pac northwest trails in true style. I have taken the Steamroller off road a couple of times but with no front or rear brakes just my legs doing all the work, it is rather freaky, that and the road tires, slicks dont really grab the trails that well. So to say the least I am looking forward to my first true off road fixed gear ride on my new bike. I have been riding on the roads fixed except for a few digretions to gears, for the last year and a half.
In other news. This is day number 6 with out getting in to a car. yeah for me.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Ghandi once said.....
"There is more to life than increasing its speed."
aint that the truth. It rings true to me, I have consiously been ananlyzing my life and how I live it. Which has been a little disturbing but very healthy. Those faithful readers will know that i have had a lot of time on my hands as of late, not racing, not training, just hanging out.
I have always had a nervous energy, a driving force, and it has been a challange to slow down enough to "smell the roses". Being a fast moving hard headed driven man has had its value, but I have settled in to me more. what I am about to say is not some kind of drop out and dont succeed dont fly high, some kind of loser anthem. Life is a true balancing act between blur and lazy,between doing to much or trying to be too much and not being present and doing too little. To get back to the above comment life doesnt need to be a blur, we need to be aware, and present to be truely alive. If more of us were consious we would certainly be living in a different kind of society. I see the value, and benefits of living simple, leaving a smaller footprint, while at the same time doing those things that really make you shine, that make you heart happy. Oh fuck what kind of hippy I must sound like, it is not so much happy, hippy, peace love and the such it is more realistic, more it just makes sense to shop locally, drink locally, support the craftsman not the huge corportations, be aware of what you are buying and how it is produced. The effect it has on the world, on the community.
So here is what I have found by slowing down and being in the moment more, life actually picks up speed, ironic to say I know. In doing so at the same time it feels slower. ahhh. Is any of this making sense to anyone but me? ahhhhhhhhhh I spend more time thinking about what it all means, it has helped me define, to priortitize. Since I arrived in Seattle I have not driven or ridden in a car. oh how great it feels to not have to get in a car almost every day to go to and from work. Jumping subjects.... GAS is cheaper up here and along the way to here than Reno and california, WTF how can it very so much. I left REno and it was 3.15 I have not seen it above 2.89 here in Seattle. ironic. I talked with my mother and it was 3.30 in vermont. huh?
Ride on, ramble on, blog on.
aint that the truth. It rings true to me, I have consiously been ananlyzing my life and how I live it. Which has been a little disturbing but very healthy. Those faithful readers will know that i have had a lot of time on my hands as of late, not racing, not training, just hanging out.
I have always had a nervous energy, a driving force, and it has been a challange to slow down enough to "smell the roses". Being a fast moving hard headed driven man has had its value, but I have settled in to me more. what I am about to say is not some kind of drop out and dont succeed dont fly high, some kind of loser anthem. Life is a true balancing act between blur and lazy,between doing to much or trying to be too much and not being present and doing too little. To get back to the above comment life doesnt need to be a blur, we need to be aware, and present to be truely alive. If more of us were consious we would certainly be living in a different kind of society. I see the value, and benefits of living simple, leaving a smaller footprint, while at the same time doing those things that really make you shine, that make you heart happy. Oh fuck what kind of hippy I must sound like, it is not so much happy, hippy, peace love and the such it is more realistic, more it just makes sense to shop locally, drink locally, support the craftsman not the huge corportations, be aware of what you are buying and how it is produced. The effect it has on the world, on the community.
So here is what I have found by slowing down and being in the moment more, life actually picks up speed, ironic to say I know. In doing so at the same time it feels slower. ahhh. Is any of this making sense to anyone but me? ahhhhhhhhhh I spend more time thinking about what it all means, it has helped me define, to priortitize. Since I arrived in Seattle I have not driven or ridden in a car. oh how great it feels to not have to get in a car almost every day to go to and from work. Jumping subjects.... GAS is cheaper up here and along the way to here than Reno and california, WTF how can it very so much. I left REno and it was 3.15 I have not seen it above 2.89 here in Seattle. ironic. I talked with my mother and it was 3.30 in vermont. huh?
Ride on, ramble on, blog on.
Monday, September 12, 2005
there in....
There from Sock Guy, we went with 5 inch cuff wool socks and the old skool logo. We have s/m which will fit up to about a mens size 9 and l/xl for all you big feeted people out there. As you can see they look pretty sharp. They will run you 10 bucks a pair, plus shipping and handling. I will try to get a pay pal thing going, and a link from the Vulture cycles site, to streamline the process. For now just email me at npellman@hotmail.com and we will go through my paypal account for the time being until Wade and I get every thing under control. 
Relaxing Vulture Style, you cant see the PBR but its there have no fear. Let me know what you all think. again the email is npellman@hotmail.com Since I just moved and am feeling better and better more blogging should happen. For the time being I am sharing a computer so it may take awhile for me to get back to you all. Have no fear the socks are here and ready for mass consumption. Look for them in a hood near you soon, Hopefully I will be at Interbike helping to spread the word. Rage on, pedal and just dont stop.
updates and random info
Well here I sit in the lovely city of Seattle, looking out my 3rd story window at a grey day, guess I should get ready for more. ha ha. I am excited about the change about doing new and different things and riding new and different trails. I have friends in the area, such as Sloane Anderson, I also have friends of friends that I will shortly be contacting to get shown around, and to get in to the local bike culture. Re Load www.reloadbags.com bags is here, sewing and creating great products, very artsy of all shapes and sizes. I have been enjoying time away from structure and using it to sample the local beer, of which I will never get around to drinking all of. I have a certain place in my heart for IPA's and tend to stay with what I know. The Maritime Brewery is just around the corner, those of you who know the Jolly Roger ale, that is them. Was that even a sentence? Whatever. I never said I was the most articulate. Is that not what this is all about, this meaning the blog, to blowout the random snot that accumulates in the head if we don't clear it. My blog may just become like a snot rocket of the mind, blown out sometimes landing on your shoulder some times by the wayside, take it or leave it that is what it is. getting back to what is going on. I have been feeling better, I acutally rode 60 miles yesterday on the fixed gear. Went out the REDmond to see my good friend Kent, he has gained the weight he lost and is looking as fresh as ever. I am thinking of joining him while he explores a route for the 400 miles of dirt traveling north to south along the cascades, he has used a computer program called Trips and trails I believe that has kind of maped out the route, but much exploration is needed to make sure that it really is doable. Back to the ride, felt pretty good, although today I am definatly feeling yesterdays effort, a litttle more coffee and rest was in order this morning.
The trip up here was a fun one, spent some time in Bend with Wade, who is a dedicated fixed rider at the moment, when I arrived he was racing the local cross race on his fixie and doing quite well. Later on he said he wanted to have a fixed gear bike club and call it "SHOOTING BLANKS BIKE CLUB". get it ha ha. look for it in the future. We ate pizza with his father, grandfather and girlfriend Jessica, and then continued the evening at the DEchutes Brewery, ending my night drinking the nectar of the gods that is called Black Butte Porter, on the cask. Good times. The next day we ate breakfast talked a little more and then I hit the road for SEattle. So you are all probably bored to death right now so I wont ramble on any more right now. Email shoud be sent to npellman@hotmail.com for the time being as the old address is gone and the new one not yet connected.
Although I must chime in one more time about the worlds which seem to be a bit of a joke, no tinker, not chambers, no kerkove,we know what happen there,what happened. Could it be that people really see it for what it is, a marketing ploy. Congrats to all the participated, Dejay was getting after it, and it sounds like it was quite a miserable time. Maybe all this sickness was a blessing in disquise, the weather at a lot of races has been less than stellar.
I must give a shout out to Rich Dillen for being the first single speeder to complete the trans Rockies, and he did it rigid, I wish i could have been there. and congrats to all at the sswc sounds like it was an amazing time, wish I could have been there as well. I still have a long life to live, and being sick has sucked beyond but in the same breath has been a blessing and a learning experience, life has a way of being cruel and kind at the same time. Pedal on my friend, pedal on.
The trip up here was a fun one, spent some time in Bend with Wade, who is a dedicated fixed rider at the moment, when I arrived he was racing the local cross race on his fixie and doing quite well. Later on he said he wanted to have a fixed gear bike club and call it "SHOOTING BLANKS BIKE CLUB". get it ha ha. look for it in the future. We ate pizza with his father, grandfather and girlfriend Jessica, and then continued the evening at the DEchutes Brewery, ending my night drinking the nectar of the gods that is called Black Butte Porter, on the cask. Good times. The next day we ate breakfast talked a little more and then I hit the road for SEattle. So you are all probably bored to death right now so I wont ramble on any more right now. Email shoud be sent to npellman@hotmail.com for the time being as the old address is gone and the new one not yet connected.
Although I must chime in one more time about the worlds which seem to be a bit of a joke, no tinker, not chambers, no kerkove,we know what happen there,what happened. Could it be that people really see it for what it is, a marketing ploy. Congrats to all the participated, Dejay was getting after it, and it sounds like it was quite a miserable time. Maybe all this sickness was a blessing in disquise, the weather at a lot of races has been less than stellar.
I must give a shout out to Rich Dillen for being the first single speeder to complete the trans Rockies, and he did it rigid, I wish i could have been there. and congrats to all at the sswc sounds like it was an amazing time, wish I could have been there as well. I still have a long life to live, and being sick has sucked beyond but in the same breath has been a blessing and a learning experience, life has a way of being cruel and kind at the same time. Pedal on my friend, pedal on.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
I must chime in
I must chime in on the whole 24 hr worlds/jeff kerkove being banned etc. I had already decided after last years Worlds not to return for the following reasons:
1. the high entry fee
2. the hidden costs, for the gondola, for parking, for the awards ceremony, let me say that again Staurt charged for the awards ceremony. WTF
3. the lack of prizing, I got a participants medal and camel pack for second place in the SS category, again WTF
4. the timing, lack of overall results
5.Stuart and his lack of integrity, the man chose that forum to bash another company, I ask is this in the spirit of Mountain Biking?
6. Its lack of media coverage, in past years there was much more coverage. a sign of the times I think, that he had pissed so many people off that they were unwilling to give him support.
I am sure i forgot others but my point was I was not willing to part with my hard earned cash to support this guy. I think that all should read the post on MTBR's site and make there own opinion from the looks of it though most have and are. http://forums.mtbr.com/showthreadphp?t=121068 I predict the demise of the 24 HOA soon, and I would be willing to say the sport will be better because of it.
If you read the thread you will most certainly see what it is I saw that Jeff really said nothing mean or even in my opinion bad he just asked some questions and made some points, I believe that he could have said much more hurtful things had he wanted to, but he is a man of character and even after being banned did not attack 24 HOA at all, he took the high road, one that I fear stuart doesnt even know exists, he is such a snake and a money hungry dirt bag.
I wanted to wear a shirt that had a dollar sign over the word athletes with a big question mark after it and wear it to the awards last year at the worlds , anyone interested, if so let me know and I will get some printed up. Add to that last year half of the mens podium didnt show at the awards, mainly Tinker and Nat Ross, that to me speaks volumes, that and the fact that Nat is helping to put on the Kona Series, means he is not happy with the current situation.
So to Jeff I say thank you for having your integrity to all other racers I say read and make your decision, let your money do the talking, let promoters know that you support them by going to their races. I say it is about time that we rose up and let it be known how we feel. I admit he marketed the Worlds and it work we believed and showed up to race, however that is what it was a marketing tool for him to make money and then by making you qualify he doubled his money, remember it is really only a world class race if we the racers show up and make it that. So stand up and be heard I say, with the amount of other high quality promoters and races out there why give your money to this man?
take the bull by the horns and stand up for what you believe I say.
1. the high entry fee
2. the hidden costs, for the gondola, for parking, for the awards ceremony, let me say that again Staurt charged for the awards ceremony. WTF
3. the lack of prizing, I got a participants medal and camel pack for second place in the SS category, again WTF
4. the timing, lack of overall results
5.Stuart and his lack of integrity, the man chose that forum to bash another company, I ask is this in the spirit of Mountain Biking?
6. Its lack of media coverage, in past years there was much more coverage. a sign of the times I think, that he had pissed so many people off that they were unwilling to give him support.
I am sure i forgot others but my point was I was not willing to part with my hard earned cash to support this guy. I think that all should read the post on MTBR's site and make there own opinion from the looks of it though most have and are. http://forums.mtbr.com/showthreadphp?t=121068 I predict the demise of the 24 HOA soon, and I would be willing to say the sport will be better because of it.
If you read the thread you will most certainly see what it is I saw that Jeff really said nothing mean or even in my opinion bad he just asked some questions and made some points, I believe that he could have said much more hurtful things had he wanted to, but he is a man of character and even after being banned did not attack 24 HOA at all, he took the high road, one that I fear stuart doesnt even know exists, he is such a snake and a money hungry dirt bag.
I wanted to wear a shirt that had a dollar sign over the word athletes with a big question mark after it and wear it to the awards last year at the worlds , anyone interested, if so let me know and I will get some printed up. Add to that last year half of the mens podium didnt show at the awards, mainly Tinker and Nat Ross, that to me speaks volumes, that and the fact that Nat is helping to put on the Kona Series, means he is not happy with the current situation.
So to Jeff I say thank you for having your integrity to all other racers I say read and make your decision, let your money do the talking, let promoters know that you support them by going to their races. I say it is about time that we rose up and let it be known how we feel. I admit he marketed the Worlds and it work we believed and showed up to race, however that is what it was a marketing tool for him to make money and then by making you qualify he doubled his money, remember it is really only a world class race if we the racers show up and make it that. So stand up and be heard I say, with the amount of other high quality promoters and races out there why give your money to this man?
take the bull by the horns and stand up for what you believe I say.
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