A cool and cloudy morning with a moderate NE wind. Local tradition has it that you have to hold your breath whilst passing through the arches, I’ve been doing just that for at least the last 50 years. Bell and clock tower, Sunningell parish church. Exposed timbers White Hart pub in Fyfield. An added bonus … Continue reading "architecture the last few"
Read MoreCategory: Challenge of the month
THREE QUARTERS ARCHITECTURE
Lovely fresh morning, started with arm warmers and gilet neither lasted too long before they had to be stored in the saddle bag. I believe this style is called Quaint Cottage, Appleton. Grasses and buttercups, between Goosey and Denchworth. Arched entrance to the former Gate House of Denchworth Manor, bike leant against the Fox Public … Continue reading "THREE QUARTERS ARCHITECTURE"
Read MoreSHAPES
Five Circles, One Diamond, One Triangle and only One Photo. Five Circles = Two Wheels and Three Chainwheels One Diamond = Diamond Main Frame One Triangle = Rear Triangle
Read MoreApril Umps
Someone D-ump-ed a rather Pl-ump easy chair into the North Fork (Matching sofa is a bonus) Wh-ump and a Th-ump when that came down A cl-ump of Curly Dock? L-umps of asphalt spilled on the street This L-ump is a speed B-ump for cyclists 🙁 Cl-ump-y B-ump in the North Fork creates a small rapids … Continue reading "April Umps"
Read MoreAp-UMP-Ril Challenge

Diamond Back is ready to j-UMP into looking for UMPs There is a b-UMP where the road meets the bridge deck Another b-UMP leaving the bridge deck A st-UMP along 3800N A line of st-UMPS The ditch has become a d-UMP FREEE!! A gently used microwave plus carrying case Slight h-UMP as the road crosses … Continue reading "Ap-UMP-Ril Challenge"
Read MoreToday I’d Like to photograph, lambs, a roof and something for Nancy.
First lambs of the year for me, though they look far from new born. It’s been a while since I’ve photographed a thatched roof, so I thought I’d take one of this recently re-thatched cottage, in East Hanney. Then just round the corner in the same village I came across this (this one’s for Nancy). … Continue reading "Today I’d Like to photograph, lambs, a roof and something for Nancy."
Read MoreWinter Storm Olive — You were Bad
While other areas received Snow and Ice, we stayed in the ‘warm sector’ and got lots of rain. Lots of rain Fortunate for us — not so much so for the ice storm areas in N Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan, or the inundation of snow in Minnesota Centurian about to set off to investigate … Continue reading "Winter Storm Olive — You were Bad"
Read MoreMorning Ride
On the outskirts of Shippon. Close to Besselsleigh. The other side of Besselsleigh. Steventon.
Read MoreWaterfalls and 2022 Cycling Roundup

Hello Cycle365.Lifers, The featured photo shows me at Sorrento Beach, the waves on the ocean are the only natural falling water you’ll see around here this time of year, boy, I wish we could have a huge thunderstorm, this never- ending sunshine I find quite boring. Actually, in winter we have some impressive waterfalls just … Continue reading "Waterfalls and 2022 Cycling Roundup"
Read MoreThey are Everywhere!
Even that is composed of simple machines Most obvious are the wedge shapes to cut thru the atmosphere Levers Wedges Wheel and Axles Pulleys and held together by screws What appear to be inclined planes do not actually function as one Labor Day Weekend is the Sweet Corn Festival No sweet corn packed … Continue reading "They are Everywhere!"
Read MoreSimple Machines

Screws securing bridge rail Reverse side of the screw Black wedge on the red log splitter Inclined Plane on the loader Pulley just below the flag pole finial Several Wheel and Axles Crossing Gate Lever (raising a lowering arm and lamps) Inclined Plane rising to railroad grade Screws attaching base of the standard Track bolts … Continue reading "Simple Machines"
Read MoreImpurfektions
B decal is fracturing 🙁 Fabric Fusion is wonderful stuff, but, yeah, it could be time . . . . . Trash Tote seems to be having issues with its Wheel and Axle Long abandoned TRW plant has a few imperfections to deal with — not the least of which is lack of a roof … Continue reading "Impurfektions"
Read MoreSeptember Challenge(s)
This month’s challenge will again be divided into 2 or 3 topics. Part 1 Simple Machines There are 6 simple machines sometimes acting on their own, or more often combined with others to form complex machines A simple machine incorporated as part of a complex machine is perfectly acceptable Take a photo of the simple … Continue reading "September Challenge(s)"
Read MoreLess that Perfect

Culverts at the Township Yard Long abandoned telephone junction That is just . . . . Disgusting Telephone cable marker shredded by a mower and set back up Gully in a repaired roadside Morning Glories climbing corn stalks Imperfection or not, they are purdy 🙂
Read MoreImperfections
Disturbed road surface where new culverts were installed Tilted road sign and stop sign with bullet holes Weathered and abraded concrete culvert w/brass plate Patina on brass plate WPA Built 1940 Pre-dates me by 7 years Maybe a little Brasso would help 🙂 At 82 years old it comes close to being perfect!
Read MoreAugust Imperfections

Fence at the land fill continues to experience imperfection producing events A once perfect container has become . . . . . . A now imperfect Stop Sign has been modified by Luwian hieroglyphics for those who still read Luwianish Imperfect casting technique results in lures caught in overhead wire Gray skies, but pleasantly cool
Read MoreAugust Challenge Part 3
August Challenge Part 3 This one was suggested by Suzanne some time ago — The topic is Imperfections A fault, blemish, or undesirable feature: defect · fault · flaw · deformity · discoloration · disfigurement · crack · break · scratch · chip · dent · pit · notch · nick · blemish · stain … Continue reading "August Challenge Part 3"
Read MorePatterns in Bricks and Blocks
Offset brick paving east Maple Street At intersections, the pattern becomes herringbone To prevent the bricks creeping as turns are made? North facade of the post office building Detail Flemish pattern in bricks at a school Detail Blocks of Indiana limestone Grooved concrete blocks Concrete block building with Indiana limestone chimney
Read MoreAbstract/Asymmetrical Patterns
Patterns, normally are symmetrical but not always I guess? Having read about the Vitruvian Man it seems proportion is an important issue in design? Question marks because I really don’t have any or much of an idea of what they are talking about. “A perfect human form can fit within a circle and a square” … Continue reading "Abstract/Asymmetrical Patterns"
Read MoreAugust Challenge — Blocks
Finally! The oppressive heat and humidity abated Very pleasant ride to Cheneyville, IL east of Hoopeston At one time quite the booming little place — got a tour of the church and some history from a neighbor who saw us taking a break there — Church photos HERE So, here is the story of the … Continue reading "August Challenge — Blocks"
Read MoreAugust Challenge Part 2
August 10–20 Flags Pennants Banners Windsocks remain active For the second part of the Challenge we are looking for: Patterns in Bricks, Blocks, and Stones Bricks as in pavement, buildings, or other structures Blocks as in as above Stones as in above or any surface or structure consisting of pebbles to boulders Include your bicycle … Continue reading "August Challenge Part 2"
Read MoreFlags and Banners
Chicago Cubs Fan Lives There Flags North End of McFerren Park Flags at Buy Here/Pay Here — No Credit/No Problem — Used Car Sales Banner at Dollar General on Chicago Road aka Dixie Highway Flags at Memorial for residents who lost their lives in Vietnam and Iraq Sort of Unusual Crop Duster making … Continue reading "Flags and Banners"
Read MorePennants
Cycle 365 Pennant Look who’s LHT is in the photo 🙂 Pennants guarding edge of the roof as work is done at the Middle School
Read MoreThe August Challenge is Officially Open
Curves and Creases

Well…sadly.. I’ve gone into journaling winter hibernation mode. My inspiration or Mojo has gone since my return from my month long cycling travels around rainy Queensland. It’s been a bit wet and cold lately with maximums around 15-20 Celsius and minimums around 5-10 Celsius which is coldish for us. Just found out my son has … Continue reading "Curves and Creases"
Read MoreWrinkled Crinkled and Sort of Strange
Folded paper and cardboard Always a treat to find a little snack along the road 😉 Yes, simply recycle along 6th Avenue The township guys appreciate your support of their job security a Lots of bends in the tire marks at the end of 6th Avenue AKA “Dog Pound Road” Monical’s has just got to … Continue reading "Wrinkled Crinkled and Sort of Strange"
Read MoreBends and Dents Mostly Bends

Bent over Stop Sign Nothing new for this one, happens several times a year Dents in a shipping container now used for storage Bends in the spoke at the hub flange QR lever has a bend Rim and tire are a continuous bend Bent and Folded Twisted Tea can Fuzzy Paint Roller Izzat crinkly? — … Continue reading "Bends and Dents Mostly Bends"
Read MoreBeat the heat

We have been having kind of a heat wave on and off. Some days it gets into the 90’s, very hot for these parts, and in between some cooler days. Yesterday was a hot one again so we made sure to leave for our ride in the cool morning hours. It didn’t get uncomfortable on … Continue reading "Beat the heat"
Read MoreVarious Lamps
Throwback to Part 1 — Various lamps around the neighborhood and here and there on various rides. Some are date stamped 6/22, so Helen got me there, I did have prior knowledge 🙂 Variety of Lamps HERE
Read MoreLamps Reflectors Wrinkles Folds and Bends
Following a golf car (cart) down Wilson Avenue Lady driver fosters dogs and cats and gives the dogs rides Blue lamps supporting law enforcement Handcrafted reflector shining in the waning sunlight Wrinkled? Wadded up? Cycling Gloves The denim patches add a certain amount of class dontcha think? Wrinkles or Folds in plastic protecting bags of … Continue reading "Lamps Reflectors Wrinkles Folds and Bends"
Read MoreLights, Some Bends, and Something Strange

The photos (feature photo plus the ones below) are from a ride a couple of days ago, right at the transition of the Challenge from Part 1 to Part 2. The feature photo shows the lights at the local ball field. I happened upon the above sign at the same park, which sounded pretty strange … Continue reading "Lights, Some Bends, and Something Strange"
Read MoreFolds and Bends
When used as nouns, bend means a curve, whereas fold means an act of folding. When used as verbs, bend means to cause (something) to change its shape into a curve, by physical force, chemical action, or any other means, whereas fold means to bend (any thin material, such as paper) over so that it comes … Continue reading "Folds and Bends"
Read MoreJuly Challenge Part 2
July Challenge Part 2 Part 1 of the Challenge remains active This challenge was suggested by Suzanne some time ago. This makes Suzanne your Co-Host for this part of the challenge For Part 2 we are looking for things that are: Wrinkled – Crinkled – Folded – Creased – Dented – or … Continue reading "July Challenge Part 2"
Read MoreReflection/Refraction

Uncertain of the physics involved Lamps illuminating patterns at corrugated plexiglass greenhouse As angle and distance changed, so did the patterns Diamond Back propped against the wall Crawling Monkey? With Flash Riding back home Landscape lights — too zoomed in, and way too unsteady What I really wanted was a photo like the Featured Image … Continue reading "Reflection/Refraction"
Read MoreA Couple of Lamps
Just a couple of lamps from the nearby Retreat Farm.
Read MoreAutomobile Lamps
Mazda tail lights, back up lights, and reflectors as chipmunk eyes robin and retreats to culvert under the drive Parking lights and fog lamps Head Light Tail, and backup lights, and reflector License plate lamp Entry Lamp Code Lamps Door sill lamp Interior Lamps Dashboard Lamps 3rd Brake light lamp Strayed from the challenge — … Continue reading "Automobile Lamps"
Read MoreUpon Reflection . . . .
Cool shaped reflector that fell off a vehicle on 1500E Note little reflector on the Schwinn — many years ago those were used to attach license plates Huffy sports a fender mounted reflector Pedal Reflector Being a reflector can be a rough life Reflective signs Caution: Culvert Reflector and Reflective Logo on Seat Bag Caution: … Continue reading "Upon Reflection . . . ."
Read MoreLights and a Reflector (sort of)
Just a few photos from this afternoon’s ride.
Read MoreRR Lamps/Power Line Lamps
Railroad Crossing Lights Lamps and Reflective Stripes on the Crossing Gate Arms Raleigh Stops, Looks, and Listens regardless of what the warning lights indicate Signal lamps shine through those little round windows to allow the train crew to know the signal is operating properly Fault indicator lamps on power lines Should the line go dead, … Continue reading "RR Lamps/Power Line Lamps"
Read MoreUnusual Challenge
Not all that unusual, but someone is organized with their fireworks along 4000N This one IS unusual: Ragwing Ultralight on west Washington street (assembly is required — anyone seen the engine and prop?)
Read MoreJuly Challenge
A rarely seen modification to a classic globe street lamp Lamps at the (now closed) Casey’s Route 9 east Head lights and Ditch Lights on CSX storming thru town …………………………………………………………………………….. For Bill, Metaverse Muralist came to town Sneak peek . . . for Greg Yes! This is the .0000005 Star accommodation for our lucky winner … Continue reading "July Challenge"
Read MoreErie Canal – One Last Great Outdoors Post

I’m going to try to sneak in one last Great Outdoors post. Hopefully the Czars will allow it, since these photos are actually from a ride I did on June 29th and 30th. I decided earlier this week that I needed a little bit of a getaway road trip, so I headed on over to … Continue reading "Erie Canal – One Last Great Outdoors Post"
Read MoreBlast from the Past?

Not really, was surprised to find hub shiners available today on Amazon How effective the reflector is is open to question since it faces the rim and tire Lamps atop the Benton County wind turbines 9 miles east in Indiana
Read MoreJuly Challenge Commences!!

The Raleigh croons , , , , , ~~~~~~~~~~”I’m leanin’ on the lamp post Starin’ at the street Hopin’ that Bianchi goes by! Oh me! Oh my! I hope that sizzlin’ Bianchi goes by!!”~~~~~~~~~~ It is officially July 1st at 0 degrees longitude so I’m going for it! Lets see LOTS of participation in all … Continue reading "July Challenge Commences!!"
Read MoreThe Great Outdoors Finale
At least for this month’s challenge — the Great Outdoors will always be something to be enjoyed Raleigh takes a road trip to the Middle Fork River Forest Preserve north of Penfield, Illinois Penfield is known nationally as the home of the home of Historic Farm Days The forest preserve is north of Penfield and … Continue reading "The Great Outdoors Finale"
Read MoreJuly Challenge

Hello 365er’s! New Challenge Host here Again, thanks to Bill, Scott, and Greg for leading previous challenges ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Before we begin the monthly challenges — I propose a challenge that will run the entire year That being The Odd, Unusual, or Just Plain Strange Challenge The photo Greg posted recently of the home with all … Continue reading "July Challenge"
Read MoreA Summer Solstice Surprise

No, the surprise isn’t that I’m finally getting around to contributing something here again, though that’s surprising enough. Here we’ve been in England over a week now and I haven’t posted anything about it. And I haven’t even expressed my thanks to Greg for curating the challenge for the last year, or for Rich for … Continue reading "A Summer Solstice Surprise"
Read MoreJune is Fight the Filthy Fly Month

Fierce competitors at one time . . . . . . . . . . The Schwinn and the Raleigh team up to Fight the Filthy Fly Le Tour prefers the entrapment approach, while the Olympian employs the use of a hypersonic swatter Filthy Fly Month info HERE Le Tour’s Catch Olympian has obliterated … Continue reading "June is Fight the Filthy Fly Month"
Read MoreGreat Outdoors: Roadside Grasses and Weeds

Sunday morning ride east of town taking photos of various grasses and weeds along the road Threatening skies cut the tour a bit short No captions since I have no idea what any of them are anyway 🙂 https://richscyclingphotos.blogspot.com/2022/06/great-outdoors-road-side-weeds.html
Read MoreJune 12: National Loving Day

What I am loving right now is SUMMER! We are having warm, sunny, dry days, I am healthy and my bike repaired – what’s not to love. We took a ride this morning before the sun got too hot and were also able to avoid the Sunday cyclists. Today is also Superman Day! Today is … Continue reading "June 12: National Loving Day"
Read MoreToday is National Iced Tea Day
This Iced Tea is for you, Bill (ice not included)
Read MoreHuffy Rolls in the Great Outdoors

Great weather the last few days and the Huffy hasn’t seen any road time recently. A short 4 miler to the RR and back. The wind is back of course, but nice and cool and dry from the Land of 10,000 Lakes and northward. That will change next week with high 90’sF and off the … Continue reading "Huffy Rolls in the Great Outdoors"
Read MoreGreat Outdoors June 4th Ride

CR 3800 N ascending a glacial moraine Also called Detector Road for the ‘hot box’ detector on CSX railroad Used to be able to listen to CSX radio traffic on the scanner until they changed to all digital As a train passed the detector a message would be sent either indicating everything all clear, or … Continue reading "Great Outdoors June 4th Ride"
Read MoreNational Hug Your Cat Day — June 4th

Today is National Hug Your Cat Day As we all know, Dogs have owners; Cats have staff No No No not starting dogs vs cats wars here! We had a beloved collie for years Happy National Hug Day Max Max is/was a semi-feral rescue kitty — an independent bugger, but not much of a hugger … Continue reading "National Hug Your Cat Day — June 4th"
Read MoreJune Challenge(s)
A plethora of possible topics! Decision made, I will concentrate on those that are for the entire month of June With a great deal of thought, concentration, and consternation the decision was made to select The Great Outdoors rather than Potty Training Awareness Month When I saw that listed I thought: “They have to be … Continue reading "June Challenge(s)"
Read MoreBye Bye Birdies
Robin contemplates a bath while sparrow looks on Too much splashing for sparrow An Unidentified Aerial Phenomena appeared in neighbors lawn overnight It may have landed somewhat like a bird? Turns out to be another neighbor’s kids kite — false alarm — sorry I called the Air Force Butcha never know what with Ace Support … Continue reading "Bye Bye Birdies"
Read MoreBirding in Wisconsin and Birding in Minnesota

I was afraid of being pecked to death by those gigantic pink swallows in the picture above. Lucky for me they were friendly pink swallows . . . and FAKE pink swallows. That picture was taken in Milwaukee, WI on the last days of my bike tour. So were the next three. I’m back in … Continue reading "Birding in Wisconsin and Birding in Minnesota"
Read MoreA meet-up in Burgundy

Yeah, yeah, I know I’ve been doing a terrible job at offering up some birds for this month’s challenge. It’s not like I don’t have a few stored up, but I’m just getting behind. It’s not so easy being a vagabond cyclist, don’t you know? Eat, bike, blog, eat, sleep, repeat. It all takes time, … Continue reading "A meet-up in Burgundy"
Read MoreA Few More Birds

Hi folks, I’m sorry I’ve been mostly absent from the Cycle365 Bird Challenge. My excuse is that my bike tour in Wisconsin is keeping me very busy. I have managed to capture a few pictures of birds on my tour though, and it looks like this is the time for me to post them. I’ll … Continue reading "A Few More Birds"
Read MoreRed and Black Birds
Reggie the Red Bird flew in from Illinois State Nice match to the Mazda Reggie Turkey Vultures 3 on the ground 1 in flight
Read MoreSmall and Pretty and Huge and Not so Much
Along 7th street this morning, a flash of yellow crossed above the road and perched in a tree. Sloooooooooooowly stopped the Raleigh, and quietly pulled the camera from my pocket. Adjusted the zoom . . . . . Hold STILL I thought! HOLD STILL! And it did 🙂 Another serendipitous shot from the driveway Turkey … Continue reading "Small and Pretty and Huge and Not so Much"
Read MoreRain and Sun

The picture on top is from today at the Botanical Gardens. But first yesterday. Yesterday was grey with threatening clouds. We decided to ride anyway, in the morning, hoping the rain would wait until noon. We almost made it, but about two kilometers from home the clouds opened up. Janos, the optimist, hadn’t put on … Continue reading "Rain and Sun"
Read MoreGeese and other birds

It feels like summer now with temperatures around 24C/75F. We have been having one-layer days, just a jersey nothing over it! The last time I posted I was freezing. I looked up PEFC and found this: PEFC is the abbreviation for “Program for Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes”. This somewhat unwieldy name hides the world’s … Continue reading "Geese and other birds"
Read MoreRaleigh scores the elusive bird
Ride down to the railroad on a beautiful morning What little breeze there was would be a tailwind back to town Raleigh leans against a signal control station OZA 102.81 is the distance south of the rail yard near Chicago On the way to the railroad we found the bird we were looking for! A … Continue reading "Raleigh scores the elusive bird"
Read MoreI Was Right–Wisconsin Does Have Birds

In addition to that group of vultures, I’ve seen many ducks, geese, pelicans, hawks, bald eagles, great blue herons, redwing blackbirds, swallows, and songbirds. The first two days of my tour have been along the Wisconsin shores of the Mississippi River. That whole stretch is a National Wildlife Refuge, so it only seems natural that … Continue reading "I Was Right–Wisconsin Does Have Birds"
Read MoreRaleigh Goes Birding
With nearly Zero success Ready to roll to the North Fork Lots of trees there, bound to be some birds Sometimes a blue heron will be found here Must be too early — they haven’t migrated back Raleigh points out, there may be no herons in the stream, there is one closer than that 🙂 … Continue reading "Raleigh Goes Birding"
Read MoreHuffy Goes on a Goose Hunt
Which isn’t too terribly hard to do today In the past, seeing a flock of geese flying north or south depending on the season was quite a sight Today. geese remain here year around McFerren Park is one such place to see geese, so Huffy sets out across town to see what might be there … Continue reading "Huffy Goes on a Goose Hunt"
Read MoreBird Stuff

There is a prairie restoration area along the Lock & Dam Road that seems to attract a lot of songbirds and other small birds. The restoration project was paid for by our friends at the Pine Bend Oil Refinery, which is ten miles away. I guess they thought such an environmentally friendly act would either … Continue reading "Bird Stuff"
Read MoreOne for the birds

Finally we’re done with graffiti and ready to move on to the May challenge. I’m sure Greg thought I’d never get with the program and will be forgiving, not noticing that this great white bird shot was taken on the last day in April, not May, on our ride to Chambéry.
Read MoreBirding

Hardly saw any birds on my ride today, the few that flew overhead didn’t alight for me to get their picture. But I knew where to look for bird feeders and bird houses. They were all at the same location which you can see in the featured picture on top. Below are close up shots.
Read MoreClaix collects graffiti too

After all this time I’m still terrible with the French language. I’m still struggling with the basics, like simple pronunciation. So I thought Claix was pronounced to rhyme with checks, and was pleased with the cleverness of my rhyming title for this post, something Greg would undoubtedly be proud of me for. But no, Claix … Continue reading "Claix collects graffiti too"
Read MoreMay Challenge
Feather from a hawk which occasionally appears in the neighborhood Neighbor’s bird feeding apparatus with an umbrella-like Twirl a Squirrel device Presently we are advised not to feed birds due to the presence of Avian Flu — to mitigate communal meeting points Black Birds are scarfing up seed spilled previously Little black speck at the … Continue reading "May Challenge"
Read MoreGigantic Cardinal and Other Birds

Boy oh boy, I sure was glad to see this website was back up this morning. I took a couple of bird pictures yesterday, and without Cycle365 I wouldn’t have known what to do with them. Now I can post them, along with a few more that I took today. First, however, I wanted to … Continue reading "Gigantic Cardinal and Other Birds"
Read MoreThey’ve got an awful lot of Graffiti in Grenoble

What a promising title for a pop song! I did the hard part; now all we need is a composer/lyricist team. This is two days late for the April wall art/graffiti challenge, but under the extenuating circumstances (namely, the lack of a functioning website) I’m confident that our current Challenge Czar will grant a waiver … Continue reading "They’ve got an awful lot of Graffiti in Grenoble"
Read More
First, to clear up some possible confusion, since some of you may have had high school physics or chemistry and already be familiar with valence. We’re talking today about Valence, not Valence. It’s a small city in France on the Rhone river; and being French, it has a French pronunciation. Something like Vahlawnce, maybe. Anyway … Continue reading ""
Read MoreThe May Challenge: Birds, Birdhouses & Birdfeeders

I’m making my monthly trip down to Iowa for my dad’s medical appointments tomorrow. I’ll be there for a couple of days, so I figured I should announce the May Challenge a little early. The title of this page says it all about the subject of the challenge. Since birds exist almost everywhere in the … Continue reading "The May Challenge: Birds, Birdhouses & Birdfeeders"
Read MoreGraffiti Train

I like trains. I’ve always liked trains. I remember how great it was to hang out by the train tracks when I was a grade school kid. I marveled at the size and power of locomotive engines. I thought it was the coolest thing to put a penny on the rails just before the train … Continue reading "Graffiti Train"
Read MoreOn not rising to the challenge

So I’m not doing so hot on this month’s challenge. I totally failed on the four elements, although I did have my eyes open for it. I saw smoke a few times, but apparently it’s not always the case that where there’s smoke there’s fire. I’m finally on track with this graffiti thing though. Here’s … Continue reading "On not rising to the challenge"
Read MoreThree Days of Graffiti

My only excuse for not posting anything until the third day of the Graffiti Challenge is that I had nothing to write about. No stories, no poems, no words of wisdom, no anecdotes, no nothing. I mean, yes nothing. No nothing would mean something. I rode my bike, of course, and I had a few … Continue reading "Three Days of Graffiti"
Read MoreElements Conclusion
AIR is compressible — WATER is not AIR Clouds drift in the AIR over the Diamond Back — made from materials from the EARTH Flag with little AIR movement It has been in full fly for several days, and will be again tomorrow with 40-50mph winds predicted 🙁 WATER in the North Fork EARTH mover … Continue reading "Elements Conclusion"
Read More2nd Last Day of the 4 Elements Challenge

BY THE NUMBERS It was a fine day today–chilly maybe–but fine in every other way. The main way in which it was fine is that I managed to meet 3 different challenges in 90 minutes. FIRST, I maintained my participation in the 30-days of April cycling challenge. That was the easiest one. SECOND, I managed … Continue reading "2nd Last Day of the 4 Elements Challenge"
Read MoreEarth Air Water Fire 2
Piles of soil and aggregate from the EARTH Small exposure of glacial till — Earth Clear AIR courtesy of Canada/Minnesota (and the wind wasn’t blowing its brains out for a change) Not to be confused with Lovely Lago di Garda . . . . . . Lagoon at the Park — WATER With all the … Continue reading "Earth Air Water Fire 2"
Read MoreEarth Water Air and Fire
Daffodils growing out of the Earth Raleigh waits out Water falling from the sky Le Tour receives Air from a Lyzne pump *** Baby bicycle warms in the glow of a Fire *** Pumping up bicycle tires reminds me of working at the service station years ago ….. Tom, who often hung out with … Continue reading "Earth Water Air and Fire"
Read MoreOnce Again, The Winter Bike Faces the Elements

I LIKE winter–that is, when it’s actually winter. Mid-April is not winter. The weather is supposed to be more springlike. It’s supposed to be getting better out there, not worse. March had nicer days than this month. Oh well, yucky weather is no excuse for a tough guy like me to abandon my Thirty Days … Continue reading "Once Again, The Winter Bike Faces the Elements"
Read MoreAir and Water

Zillions of Water Droplets creating Cloud in the Air An entire atmosphere of air, but if air escapes your tube , , , , , Should that air escape — several options (not shown: CO2 inflator air replacement)
Read MoreApril Rhyme Challenge

Last night we had our first decent rain for the year and it was nice hearing the raindrops on the tin roof and feeling the coolness in the air. The featured photo shows tonight’s sunset with a shower heading our way. I’ll be on six weeks of holidays soon and will be spending 4 weeks … Continue reading "April Rhyme Challenge"
Read MoreCaptive Air Is Crucial

It seems so simple and mostly completely out of mind Until it fails — Which is rare Millions upon millions of vehicles depend on it to keep rolling The humble, unsung, heroic valve core Such as my old beloved 3 speed Huffy Uses captive air to keep rolling Here is why there is no more … Continue reading "Captive Air Is Crucial"
Read MoreThat isn’t dull, men . . .

That fiendish Czar, he’s gone too far. I’m not a bard, it’s just too hard! Until this Causse I’m at a loss-a But this grand Cirque drives me berserk. I’ve found my rhyme, and just in time! That isn’t dull, men; it’s a dolmen! There are no men here, just this Menhir!
Read MoreConcluding Rhyme Time
Been a great challenge and looking forward to seeing what Czar Gregory has in store for Part 2 Click HERE for the Final Photos
Read MoreSimple Rhymes
An Owl and a Scowl
A swimming pool behind that fence Doesn’t welcome robins, and so, hence Sits an owl as some defense It never moves and is clearly static Turns out the owl is made of plastic As the Huffy goes rolling by In his view what does he spy? Cleary not meeting Huff’s approval Huffy calls for its … Continue reading "An Owl and a Scowl"
Read MoreA-Rhyme-Pril Challenge
Sun and sky like giant lanterns Produce some interesting driveway patterns Huffy and it tire tread Spent the winter in that shed And while we’re here looking at Huffies . . . . There comes along two dachshund puppies That’s enough to raise one’s ire The way they disposed of an old used tire … Continue reading "A-Rhyme-Pril Challenge"
Read MoreThis Caps It and Maps It
Very old school, But still pretty cool An inner tube two pronged valve core tool Added is a schrader cap Installing them is quite a snap And should the valve begin to leak Just give it a little clockwise tweak Following that you’ll need a nap Then plan your route on a bicycle map … Continue reading "This Caps It and Maps It"
Read MoreRaleigh Dolly
There is the Raleigh There is the Dolly The Raleigh/Dolly
Read MoreNo rhyme or reason

Should this be an April Fool's joke No, that was yesterday, you dumb bloke With this I did not reckon Nature's prank on the second Non-stop snow from the moment that I woke. Now who would have thought this could be That so much snow this month we would see Though already April We must … Continue reading "No rhyme or reason"
Read MoreRhyme Time GB/UA*
No way can Raleigh’s steel legs Compete with colored Easter Eggs Even though the forks look fairly swanky, They just can’t compete with Ukrainian pysanky (photo from the web) GB Great Britan (former home of Raleigh) UA Ukraine (With incredible decorated Easter Eggs)
Read MoreThe last fence in France

Well, probably not the last fence in France, since we’ve still got a few more months ahead of us in this country before hopping the English Channel to the UK. But it is the last fence we’ll see in France in March, and hence the last for this month’s challenge. So we might as well … Continue reading "The last fence in France"
Read MoreGates and Fences Dump

I have gates and fences from four days and just didn’t find the time to post. I guess my energy was going into getting my journal finished from the two-day ride. What will I do when we are on the road for three weeks? HERE‘s the completed journal. Here are some more fences and gates, … Continue reading "Gates and Fences Dump"
Read MoreFence Finale
Its been an interesting and exciting month of challenges, thank you oh Czar Gregory! The weather has been, uh, a little less than conducive to cycling (That the Shirley Temple version of what I’m really thinking 😉 ) So here are the remaining photos, most of which were taken earlier in the month: Gate and … Continue reading "Fence Finale"
Read MoreGot Gates, Got Fences

I’m still alive and kicking, had Covid and am recovered. Time to post for the challenge! We decided to take advantage of the perfect weather and took off for a mini-tour. That was last Friday and Saturday and I am now catching up with pictures and journaling. HERE is the link to my journal on … Continue reading "Got Gates, Got Fences"
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