Well, if even Lednar is going to post a last day of the year ride, I guess I’d better too. First though, I’d like to offer my apology for backing out of active involvement in the community. Somewhere along the middle of our nine month tour of Europe I realized that maintaining that journal every day … Continue reading "Happy New Year from Tucson!"
In the spirit of posting a photo that highlights a daily ride, I offer the picture above. Like many of you, the weather here in Vermont has not been very conducive to lots of riding. It’s frequently been chilly, windy and rainy, although not any snow that has accumulated as yet. Today is looking to … Continue reading "Thanksgiving Survivors"
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"
This is admittedly not a very attractive photo, but February isn’t exactly the most attractive month around here. And after my poor showing in last month’s challenge, it’s time to get back in the game. So in the photo above, you will see a Parking Lot, containing Motor vehicles, and also a Puddle on the … Continue reading "It’s February — Time To Get Back In The Game"
For some reason I thought the chimney challenge would be a snap, imagining that Tucson would be crammed with colorful and interesting chimneys. I’d never actually looked around with that in mind though, and once I did I was in for a deep disappointment. Nearly every home here has some short, blah stub that barely … Continue reading "Chimney, chairs, & cheer"
Actually, those aren’t cholla – they’re some variety of prickly pear – but I like cholla because it starts with ch-, one of the magic digraphs for the month. Also I like it because it allows me to raise an important point, with apologies if it’s already been raised before but I haven’t been reading … Continue reading ""
Are uncannily and triplicated even real words? We’ll see what the reigning Challenge Czar has to say about it. More importantly, have I lost track and used STU already in an Alphabet Quest submission? I hope not, because I think you’ll like this photo of a black stilt, his reflection and his shadow that I … Continue reading "Uncannily Triplicated Stilt"
It’s serendipitous when the dictates of the reigning Challenge Czar coincidentally coincide with my own interests of the moment; such as today, when I’m happy to see that my latest Alphabet Quest entry begins with Q, the hot letter de jour. I’ve had this sequence in mind for awhile, and finally found what I was … Continue reading "Quaint Religious Structure"
I love setting my own rules for how to interpret the alphabet game. My primary self-imposed rule is to describe a photo with three words beginning with consecutive letters of the alphabet. But I’m quite certain that I didn’t stipulate that the three words needed to be in any order. It’s a good thing, too. … Continue reading "Keen Javalina Lineup!"
Such a mortification. My latest solution to the Alphabet Quest felt like a stretch – Sleek Transport Vessel, for the ferry back from Coronado after circling San Diego Bay? I wasn’t that sold on ‘sleek’ for this ferry, but nothing better came to mind. If I hadn’t been focused so much on that, I wouldn’t … Continue reading "Scooter Trips Up!"
(A note from the management: the site isn’t going away, and if it seems to work properly as long as you use the https// access, Tuere’s no imminent need to change anything. We just want to step back from responsibility for repairing what’s broken). We’re in hog heaven, biking up Hog Canyon on one of … Continue reading "Failed Grape Harvest?"
No bicycling here, but I’ve been assured that hikes are now welcomed so this should qualify. We stopped off at Point Lobos on the drive from Petaluma to San Luis Obispo, making our way to Tucson in five easy pieces. Point Lobos is a beautiful place for a walk, with plenty of interest no matter … Continue reading "Neatly Ordered Pelicans"
Today is our last day in Portland for awhile – we’re moving south in the morning – and I was hopeful that I could bet one more challenge entry in before we leave town. I set off in the cold to Kelly Point, confident that I’d find the fencepost I’d imagined would be there. As … Continue reading "Deeply Etched Fencepost"
Portland definitely is struggling through some negatives lately, but if you admire trees it’s still a fine place to hang out. For some reason the great, majestic elm in Overlook Park has become my favorite tree in town. Why this specific tree? No obvious reason I suppose, other than the fact that it stands so … Continue reading "Completely Defoliated Elm"
I have to give the creative Mr. Garceau a lot of credit and respect. Month after month he’s coming up with new ideas that keep us motivated and moving. Doesn’t Ever Fail! Really Strange Though. Absolutely Bonkers Character, I think sometimes. He has one Great Honkin’ Imagination, that’s for sure. So I don’t know if this … Continue reading "Ball-Chasing Dogs"
I can see that this is going to be an addictive challenge. I’m finding myself biking along with a series of letters running through my head trying to think up a plausible combination I might actually see. ABC is easy enough though, as I quickly discovered on my Metric Birthday Ride. We’ll see how hard … Continue reading "Assertive Black Chicken"
I know, I know. I’m a fair weather cyclist, and quite happily so. At 75 (or nearly anyway), I feel entitled to pick my days. We’ve already got one Storm Chaser on the website after all, and who needs another? So, pretty uninteresting weather to report here, but it makes up for it by being … Continue reading "Sauvie Sunday, again"
I headed out first thing today for an early Thanksgiving morning ride down to the river. It was a chilly 22F/-6C as I headed out the door. This area is called Retreat Meadows, which I’ve featured before in winter, populated with ice shanties. No shanties yet, but there was a thin film of ice on … Continue reading "Thanksgiving Morning Ramble"
For us there have been many wonderful benefits from selling our home and going vagabond almost four years ago. One negative though is that there are some excellent rides near home that we used to enjoy often and in all seasons but now may experience only once or twice a year. Sauvie Island is like … Continue reading "Foggy Sauvie Sunday"
After a few days of dense jet-lag induced fog, I’m happy to report that more interesting weather has finally returned. There’ll plenty of more interesting weather ahead in the coming days back here in Portland, but we got a break from the rain today wide enough for a cruise out Marine Drive.
Today was supposed to be the Vaya’s turn for a ride but as you can see, it’s huddled inside sadly looking out the garage door. You might possibly remember a photo that Rich posted yesterday that looked remarkably similar to the one above. That’s because Rich was nice enough to send his weather our way. … Continue reading "And The Rain Headed East"
I woke up Sunday morning feeling extra refreshed from that bonus hour of sleep, so decided it would be a great day for an early morning ride. It was a beautiful clear, sunny morning but cold, with the temperature around 29F/-2C. I decided the best plan was a mostly gravel road ride up on the … Continue reading "Sunday Morning Ride"
I’m so happy because My Beautiful Wife BJ has that famous trike grin back on her face. She has a brand spanking new trike pimped out with electric assist that I find hard to keep up with. She used to have a trike and we loved riding together, but for various reasons she had to … Continue reading "Happiness is … a riding partner back in action"
I’m sure you all remember a few months ago, we had the face challenge. I really enjoyed all the faces that people found, but I never really got into a groove finding my own. I just couldn’t seem to see those faces when I was out and about riding. So today, I was very happy … Continue reading "Better Late Than Never"
Friday was scheduled to be my last day at my son’s house, so I decided before I left to take one more ride on the local rail trail before heading home. Just north of Millerton, NY, I see a couple of touring cyclists approaching me, riding some sort of interesting looking small-wheeled bikes. They look … Continue reading "You Just Never Know Who You Might Run Into"
You may all remember about a year ago, I wrote a post about going to visit my son’s house in New York State to take care of his cat while he was on vacation. That was a pretty unusual getaway. First, of course, there was the pandemic. There were travel restrictions in place between New … Continue reading "New York, New York (State)"
I’ve been following lots of bike journals the last month or so, and it’s been exciting to finally see people getting out and about. It inspired me to want to get away from home for at least a minor adventure, so I decided to head up to northern Vermont for a two day, one night … Continue reading "Two Days on South Hero Island"
Looking for new territory to explore today, I remembered a recent article in the newspaper about a huge mural being painted on a building on the southwest side of town where I seldom ride. Based on that, I decided to pedal in that direction…. Read more at Bill Bikes
Janet has already posted, but I thought you’d like to see how my photos of our day came out. Here we are at lunch overlooking the sea. Here we are doing a test ride of J&J’s Transit Connect because we’re considering buying one. Here we are looking out at the sea after riding on the … Continue reading "Our Day With Jack & Janet"
I did not find as many things as I wanted in last month’s scavenger hunt challenges. Among other thingsI knew that I’d never find a reel mower because (1) what the heck is a reel mower? And (2) who uses those these days? When I looked up reel mower I reelized that Rich meant “push … Continue reading "Some Unfinished Business"
To make up for the squid, next up is something I think you’ll find is fun. Most of us have heard about or even used Little Free Libraries where you can take or leave a book to share. My wife BJ just heard about little free galleries, and that there was one in our town. … Continue reading "Something Arty"
While it’s true that we live by the sea, it doesn’t often smell that way. But for a couple of days recently there was a distinct fishy smell wafting – well not exactly wafting, more like blasting – our way. So I set out to discover the source of this smell. The nearby commercial fishing … Continue reading "Something Fishy"
Enjoyed looking for the things Rich came up with for his scavenger hunts. Here are a few more I managed to find here and there around home. Red flowers (check out the watering can) Purple Arches Footbridge Outdoor art with a decided bikey motif Interesting trees on the edge of a very deep gully
Just so you don’t get the wrong idea, sunny days are rare in my neck of the woods this time of year. We call it Gray May and June Gloom. We’ve only had a handful of sunny days since we moved out here. So below gives you a better idea what it usually looks like. … Continue reading "It’s Not Always Perfect"
A couple of my early posts here show rides around Half Moon Bay, our new home, but now that it is our new home everything is different. I knew the area pretty well for a day-tripper but of course I look at everything with new eyes. I ride the Coastal Trail most days to make … Continue reading "An After-Dinner Ride"
I was more successful getting things for Round 2 on my first try at the scavenger hunt. Another cyclist: Mom and son circling the labyrinth in Quarry Park while waiting for some others to come along. This is the site of the quarry, and the labyrinth is made from leftover rocks. Somewhat granitic. Tire swing: … Continue reading "Round 2"
Now where was I … it was last year some time, wasn’t it, that I last posted. Some things have happened since then. Pandemic, fires, smoke, drought, politics, retirement. And now, almost best of all, we’ve moved out of Silicon Valley and over the hill to Half Moon Bay. We’ve spent a fair amount of … Continue reading "Round 1"
You all are putting me to shame with all the success you’ve been having with the scavenger hunt challenge. I’m feeling like I really need to get to work to get back on track. But this post has nothing at all to do with the challenge. As the title says, this post is about taking … Continue reading "Taking Care of Unfinished Business"
My ace support crew was overseeing an industrial-strength pro cleaning crew at home today. Under the circumstances, my best bet was to get the heck out of Dodge. Read more at Bill Bikes
Fresh as a sweet Sunday morning, according to the late Bert Jansch. I don’t usually ride trails around here under those conditions, because I know they’ll be packed with bikes, joggers, pedestrians, kids, strollers, dogs, and assorted roadblocks. I made an exception on this sweet Sunday morning. Snapped a few photos of some of the … Continue reading "Busy morning"
I have to admit that it gripes me just a bit that Greg rushed to get his post out first and claimed the silo that —> I <— spotted first (regardless of what he claims) as a scavenger hunt trophy. Not exactly playing the good host. On the plus side, I think I’m entitled to … Continue reading "An interesting roadside find"
It was an absolutely beautiful day for riding here today, sunny and calm with temps in the mid-70’s F. Lots of blue skies with a few puffy white clouds. Perfect. I only found one scavenger item today, although I have some thoughts on how to get a few more soon.
Heading out the Greenway as usual, minding my own business. Suddenly heard loud explosion under me. I know that sound. Bike began to wobble. I pulled over. Rear tube blew out explosively, pushing tire off rim. I carried the injured Ogre back to the Big Fish, turned it upside down in the shade, and tended … Continue reading "Bikus Interruptus"
Today the weather forecast called for excellent conditions. And I had some free time, if I promised to return early enough to take part in a post-vaccination social engagement to which ace support crew and I were committed. I promise! I promise! Read more at Bill Bikes
After shuttling to the top of Horseshoe Meadow Road at approximately 10,000 feet in elevation, I conducted a steep blitzkrieg down the mountainside to Lone Pine, roughly 6000 feet below. Given my speed, rough pavement, hairpin turns, and lack of guardrails, the road demanded my full attention. Fortunately, from top to bottom I encountered less … Continue reading "Horseshoe Meadow, part 2"
For the last ride from my base in Lone Pine, I chose Horseshoe Meadow Road. This, I knew, would be a little different from my other rides around here. For one thing, the road was paved. For another, much of the route would be high above the valley floor, with tall trees, cool air, and … Continue reading "Horseshoe Meadow, part 1"
Lone Pine is not exactly a booming metropolis, but I found plenty of interesting sites to photograph as I wandered around town. Read more at Bill Bikes
I continued pedaling along Movie Flat Road, frequently turning up sandy tracks leading into clumps of rocky formations. Looking in any direction revealed spires and arches and jumbles requiring photographs. I wasn’t reeling off many miles, but I was sure expending pixels. Read more at Bill Bikes
Despite the flat tire and rough road (did I mention sand, rocks, gravel, potholes, and washboard?), the climb up to South Pass was easier than expected. I was tempted to keep going down on the far side, into Saline Valley itself, but restrained myself. I remember that side of the pass as being steeper, rougher, … Continue reading "Saline Valley Road, part 2"
Given that 2020 was the plague year (and I trust it won’t be necessary to refer to 2020 as “one of the plague years” or “the first plague year”) I didn’t get out and about for as many bicycling expeditions as usual in my declining retirement years. One of my few destinations last year was the Saline Valley … Continue reading "Saline Valley Road, part 1"
Whenever I approach Lone Pine from the south, I always pass Red Rock State Park, not to be confused with Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area outside of Las Vegas. Today I was making good time driving up Highway 14 to Lone Pine and in no particular hurry, so I decided to stop at the … Continue reading "Red Rock"
I saw an article in the newspaper about brand new murals on the other side of town. Naturally, I had to pedal over to take a look. Read more at Bill Bikes
While we’re displaying previously un-photographed inventory, here’s more. I almost always wear a bike jersey while riding. Among other things, I like having three commodious pockets on my back, not two under my butt. In those pockets I always place the same items, always in the same order. Right pocket: wallet. Middle pocket: phone. Left … Continue reading "Pockets"
Never previously photographed! So I photographed the contents of my trunk bag. Inventory: Emergency rain jacket (extremely light weight). Camera (nestled on jacket). Spare tube. Baggie of trail mix. Gorillapod mini tripod. Two allen wrenches (for emergency adjustment of brakes). Kleenex. Bicycle “business cards.” Need to add sunscreen. Hey! What happened to the US$1,000,000 in … Continue reading "Trunk Bag"
I was knocked flat on by back for almost two weeks by acute sinusitis (self-diagnosis), my first ever experience of such a thing. Whew. Thought I was going to expire, and naturally I figured it was Covid. But I kept reminding myself I never lost my sense of small. Read more at Bill Bikes
After passing the idle snow removal equipment parked on the side of Lassen Peak Highway approximately five miles beyond the locked gate, I figured the end must be nigh. However, even when I reached the untouched wall of snow blocking the road, I didn’t let that stop me. Read more at Bill Bikes
Two years ago I pedaled across Yosemite National Park on Tioga Road after the snow had been cleared but before the road was fully opened for motorized traffic. Lassen Volcanic National Park, farther north in California, offers a similar “open to hiking and biking, closed to vehicles” experience while the main park road is gradually being cleared of … Continue reading "Snow Road, part 1"
Today was a beautiful day weather-wise, with temps close to 70, no wind to speak of, and just a few puffy clouds in the sky. The weather for the next two days calls for cold and rain, with a winter storm watch in place for tomorrow night. So, today was definitely the day to ride. … Continue reading "A Bit More Water"
I try to do this ride at least once each season, usually for the home opener and/or the play-offs. Of course, the Giants don’t get into the play-offs too often these days, so I shouldn’t skip the first game of the season. Read more at Bill Bikes
So, I almost decided not to ride today. The temperatures are pretty comfortable, but that wind that Greg showed us a day or so ago has made it’s way east, strong enough to rattle the windows in the house. But, I decided I should at least do a little ride around the neighborhood. Once out … Continue reading "Peepers"
First of all, I’ll confess that the picture above was actually from a ride two days ago. I feel sorry for the folks that live up that hill and have to battle the mud to get to and from home each day. I did ride today, but just a casual couple of miles through the … Continue reading "It is Spring, Right?"
Spring in Vermont is affectionately(?) known as Mud Season. It’s the time of year when many of our unpaved roads turn into brown soup for a couple of weeks, filled with ruts big enough to swallow small cars (and presumably bicycles as well). It’s tough to find much in the way of Kodachrome-worthy images. In … Continue reading "Mud Season"
A few days ago I saw a headline in the local newspaper: “New Bike Path Connects Forestville to Santa Rosa.” What!?! How could that be? I pay attention to that kind of stuff, and I was completely unfamiliar with any plans for, or work on, such a bike path. Read more at Bill Bikes
Despite serious drought conditions, we endured several consecutive days of damp, drizzly, chilly, gray weather that kept me off two wheels. Not enough precipitation to make a dent in our enormous rain deficit, but enough to make pedaling seem unappealing. Today, on the other hand, the sun reappeared in the sky and the temperature soared … Continue reading "Postcards from Sebastopol"
It seems odd to find a bike route in Utah called simply ‘Utah Hill’. Why this hill specifically, when there are thousands to choose from? Maybe it’s because it’s near the Arizona border and it’s the first ridge you would cross climbing out of the Mojave Basin before they blasted a blasted freeway through the … Continue reading "Utah Hill"
I’m feeling badly about this month’s challenge, and owe an apology to my compatriots to the north and down under. Pretty thoughtless and self centered to declare this Kodochrome month while we’re in Color Country and most folks are still stuck with a pallet of grey, white and brown. Oh well. What’s done is done. … Continue reading "Zion in black and white"
The BLM (Bureau of Land Management) is a major stakeholder in Utah, having responsibility for over 23 million acres of public lands. They divide the state up into five districts: We’re in Color Country for the next ten days, and then will move on to stays in the Paria River, Canyon Country and Green River … Continue reading "In Color Country"
I’m still sticking close to home, but at least I wandered into another county today. I’ve done the ride from Petaluma to Novato several times. Compared to the old death traps along the route, it’s much easier now that all the (relatively) new cycling infrastructure is complete. The expedition offers a good variety of riding. … Continue reading "Petaluma – Novato"
First off, I’ll state the obvious and say that the feature photo above has nothing to do with the cycling I was doing today. It is a nice reminder however, of the much warmer place I was four years ago about this time, Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, Georgia. Jumping back to 2021, January here in … Continue reading "Ah, February"
Suzanne prompted me to search for other hazards. I had almost forgotten this one. Now I’m sure to start having nightmares again. More here, if anyone wants to revisit 2019: http://bike365.org/bike/20190521a/
In keeping with the theme for the month, on the trail today I encountered these dangerous guys armed with chainsaws and other implements of destruction. They looked hazardous, but kindly agreed to pose for a photo.
The big “atmospheric river” of rain clobbered much of California a couple of days ago. Santa Rosa withstood high winds and a few inches of precipitation, but nothing like the deluge farther south which washed out Highway 1 along the Big Sur coast. And, despite the rainstorms, we remain far, far behind our normal rainfall … Continue reading "Dodging raindrops, fights, and traffic"
We decided to try another hike-and-bike expedition today. We drove up to Shiloh Ranch Regional Park. My ace support pulled on her boots to hike the park. I saddled up the Ogre to pedal Chalk Hill Road. Back in two hours, we agreed. Read more at Bill Bikes
I’m somewhat pleased with myself that I’ve been able to get out for a winter ride three out of the first five days of the New Year. Yesterday was a nice sunny day and quite pleasant to ride. Today unfortunately, was damp and cloudy. That first picture below was taken today. As you can see, … Continue reading "My First Polygon"
Is two enough to qualify as a collection? I considered getting my own two thumbs into the picture too, but was too lazy to set up the camera for a timed shot. So, just imagine mine are there too. They’re there because there’s cause to celebrate! But you’ll have to read further here to understand what … Continue reading "A collection of thumbs"
One last submission for the Collection challenge: a file of mailboxes, on Sasabe Road. Sorry there’s no snow crowning them – that would be perfect for the season – but sadly, all we got was this almost hot sunny day. Darn.
I thought I was done with this month’s collection challenge, but this cute little clump of hedgehog cacti was just too adorable to not share. Sorry, no bicycles, but they’re not allowed on the trails of Saguaro National Park. And besides, it seemed like this site was getting overburdened by a blizzard of snow posts … Continue reading "A clump of cacti / a heap of hedgehogs"
Rocky’s interest sure is. She can hardly wait for this month to be over so I’ll quit holding us up at some stupid spot on the road for a photo I can wrap a post around. She requests that someone, anyone, please come up with a theme for next month so we don’t have to … Continue reading "Is your interest in collections Flagging?"
Much of the San Francisco Bay Area went under lockdown / stay-at-home / shelter-in-place orders weeks ago. Santa Rosa and Sonoma County followed suit shortly afterward. As of this morning, the entire Bay Area joins the bulk of the state under strict isolation rules. Nevertheless, I decided it was essential for me to get out … Continue reading "Golden Gate December"
Last winter, we headed south for a few months to escape the worst of the cold weather. We had planned to do the same this year. After much discussion though, Marilyn and I decided that given the pandemic and the dire predictions of what the next few months might bring, we just weren’t up for … Continue reading "Winter Preparations"
I intended to undertake an early ride from our rental cabin on the Klamath River up to our son’s ranch in Montague, then return to the cabin by bike later in the day following familial festivities. However, overnight a thick fog formed in the river valley and the temperature dropped to almost 20° F. When … Continue reading "Klamath"
This doesn’t qualify as a challenge post, since there’s nothing empty about the featured image. Quite the opposite, in fact. I just thought I’d pass on our encounter with a googol of snow geese at a refuge not far from Chico – one of the most memorable bird sightings of our lives. You might especially … Continue reading "A googol of geese"
I’m not sure why this challenge has been harder for me. I leave home on a ride empty-headed with the best intentions, but return empty-handed. All of the photos seem to have something in them – flowers, trees, birds, the usual riffraff that keep hogging the stage – but finally a suitable image showed up. … Continue reading "An empty wharf"
Since 1984 I’ve hiked through Sugarloaf Ridge State Park many, many times. I pedal the park occasionally, but not as often as hiking it, because few trails are designated for bikes, and they tend to be too steep. Today, however, Sugarloaf deserved a visit on two wheels. Read more at Bill Bikes: Sugarloaf, Part 1 … Continue reading "Sugarloaf"
Former NBA star and noted recreational cyclist Bill Walton is hosting his Bike for Humanity “Halloween Ride” on Saturday, 31 October. Riders can ride any distance, any location, while physically distancing. Participation is free, but donations are accepted for charities to benefit firefighters, their families, and fire victims, especially related to this year’s wildfires. More … Continue reading "Bill Walton’s Halloween charity ride"
Those who have followed my rides (and who wouldn’t want to waste a great deal of time doing exactly that?) know I haven’t been out and about exploring new locales as much as usual over the last nine months or so. That’s because of—surprise, surprise—virus, fires, and family obligations. Naturally, I’ve been itching to pedal … Continue reading "Big River"
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. It seems like every locale where I pedal a bicycle in California eventually burns down. From Redding to Venado to Berryessa to Bizz Johnson and more, I’ve lost track of the number of places I’ve pedaled that have subsequently been consumed by fire. Of course, that probably has little to do with me. The … Continue reading "Glass Fire Burn Zone"