busy busy busy busy busy busy busy busy busy...
No post this week.
Sorry!
- M.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
So I guess blog posts...
really happen every 7.5 days or so, as opposed to a set week. Whatever. There really isn't a whole lot to to talk about anyways, as the area has been (and apparently will continue to be) in a perpetual thunderstorm that dumps gallons of rain at a time. That, and I have yet to true the wheel I built a week ago; I am planning on completing that particular project today.
As far as workout regimens go, I haven't been keeping to any, per se. I have not been eating very much though, and drinking at least a litre (English spelling because, dammit, I like it) every day. But get this:
I'm over halfway there.
It's been a month, almost, and I have already closed the gap on my goal by more than half. I've been beating my average by over 2.5 lbs a week! ON TOP OF the set goal!!! If I can keep up half of this pace, by Christmas Eve, I will weigh around 160 lbs.
If any of you need me, I'll be rejoicing here for a good while.
M.
As far as workout regimens go, I haven't been keeping to any, per se. I have not been eating very much though, and drinking at least a litre (English spelling because, dammit, I like it) every day. But get this:
I'm over halfway there.
It's been a month, almost, and I have already closed the gap on my goal by more than half. I've been beating my average by over 2.5 lbs a week! ON TOP OF the set goal!!! If I can keep up half of this pace, by Christmas Eve, I will weigh around 160 lbs.
If any of you need me, I'll be rejoicing here for a good while.
M.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Baltimore...
I'm here! And it's been pretty great thus far. Maybe next week I'll do a post about transitioning, as I've only been here a few days.
Soo biking.
I wouldn't say this is a bike friendly city such as Boston, but I took my first ride yesterday and it wasn't too bad. It was in the middle of a weekday, but still... The other thing is the hills, oh the hills. The gradient isn't impossible, but they last for blocks at a time! And when you have only one gear, and a high one to boot, that suuuuccckks. I meant to buy a scale, but I currently have very little monies.
VERY little monies.
I did something awesome today: I rebuilt my rear wheel using a new spoke pattern! It's called a '3 leading, 3 trailing' pattern, and I saw it the other day here, and decided to try it out today. Well, here it is!
Holy crap, right!?
So now I have to true the wheels horizontally, then vertically, then put the tube and tire back on. Then I have to ride it and hope it holds up: there isn't exactly a consensus that this spoke pattern can withstand the same stresses as your typical 'Cross 3' wheel.
Wish me luck!
Until next week,
- M.
Soo biking.
I wouldn't say this is a bike friendly city such as Boston, but I took my first ride yesterday and it wasn't too bad. It was in the middle of a weekday, but still... The other thing is the hills, oh the hills. The gradient isn't impossible, but they last for blocks at a time! And when you have only one gear, and a high one to boot, that suuuuccckks. I meant to buy a scale, but I currently have very little monies.
VERY little monies.
I did something awesome today: I rebuilt my rear wheel using a new spoke pattern! It's called a '3 leading, 3 trailing' pattern, and I saw it the other day here, and decided to try it out today. Well, here it is!
Holy crap, right!?
So now I have to true the wheels horizontally, then vertically, then put the tube and tire back on. Then I have to ride it and hope it holds up: there isn't exactly a consensus that this spoke pattern can withstand the same stresses as your typical 'Cross 3' wheel.
Wish me luck!
Until next week,
- M.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Older Raleigh bottom brackets...
are an enormous pain in the ass. The reason for this can be found here, or summed up in two words:
proprietary threading.
In short, since Raleigh apparently gave not a single fuck, they decided that almost everything on their bicycles that involved threads (like on a screw, for all of you who aren't mechanically inclined) would be super duper special and not fit any other manufacturers components. In technical terms, Raleigh used threading that was 26 T.P.I (threads per inch), whilst most other manufacturers adhered to 24 T.P.I. This continued until frighteningly recently, but as the late great Sheldon Brown (to whom I owe my entirety of cycling knowledge) said, "Since Raleigh made virtually every part of these bikes, there was no compelling need to match standards used by other manufacturers. (We shouldn't be too hard on Raleigh about this. Making the change would have been very, very costly, and wouldn't have benefited the shareholders in any way.)"
As you may or may not know, Margaret is a Raleigh. Made in the 1970's. So, she has this 'special' proprietary threading all over. Which is extremely, extremely unfortunate; it basically meant that I was going to have a hell of a time updating her components. At first, since I didn't want to deal with all this horse-puckey, I simply cleaned the original bottom bracket components, regreased them, and put new bearings in. Luckily, the cranks I purchased from Eighth Inch fit the taper of the original spindle!
Unfortunately, this slipshod solution proved impermanent. I was riding around the block this summer and the non-drive crank arm simply fell off. Upon further investigation, the threads on the ends of the spindle had become stripped because, get this, the crank didn't really fit after all.
So Margaret was out of commission while I had to find a solution to this problem. I could...
Basically, it has metal sleeves that press into the threads in the frame, which wedges the bottom bracket in place. AND IT WORKS! AND THE TAPER IS CORRECT!
So now Margaret has a modern, sealed bearing bottom bracket with an appropriate spindle length for a fixed gear.
Huzzah!
In other news, I'm three weeks ahead of schedule in the weight loss department, which is pretty decent (although I'm sure I'll plateau at some point and it will even out). Basically, I've been drinking a lot more water and not eating so much. Seriously, that's pretty much it. I'm glad I'm getting back into this blog; it's a way to keep myself honest over a long period of time.
Have a wonderful evening,
M.
proprietary threading.
In short, since Raleigh apparently gave not a single fuck, they decided that almost everything on their bicycles that involved threads (like on a screw, for all of you who aren't mechanically inclined) would be super duper special and not fit any other manufacturers components. In technical terms, Raleigh used threading that was 26 T.P.I (threads per inch), whilst most other manufacturers adhered to 24 T.P.I. This continued until frighteningly recently, but as the late great Sheldon Brown (to whom I owe my entirety of cycling knowledge) said, "Since Raleigh made virtually every part of these bikes, there was no compelling need to match standards used by other manufacturers. (We shouldn't be too hard on Raleigh about this. Making the change would have been very, very costly, and wouldn't have benefited the shareholders in any way.)"
As you may or may not know, Margaret is a Raleigh. Made in the 1970's. So, she has this 'special' proprietary threading all over. Which is extremely, extremely unfortunate; it basically meant that I was going to have a hell of a time updating her components. At first, since I didn't want to deal with all this horse-puckey, I simply cleaned the original bottom bracket components, regreased them, and put new bearings in. Luckily, the cranks I purchased from Eighth Inch fit the taper of the original spindle!
Unfortunately, this slipshod solution proved impermanent. I was riding around the block this summer and the non-drive crank arm simply fell off. Upon further investigation, the threads on the ends of the spindle had become stripped because, get this, the crank didn't really fit after all.
 | ||
| Are you fucking kidding me? |
- Find another replacement spindle, which would have been somewhat difficult AND I would run into the same problem again
or... - Purchase a Phil Wood 26 T.P.I bottom bracket, which I would have to start selling crack or my body to pay for or...
- Look into this special bottom bracket that Velo Orange makes, that's used for bottom brackets with damaged threads.
Basically, it has metal sleeves that press into the threads in the frame, which wedges the bottom bracket in place. AND IT WORKS! AND THE TAPER IS CORRECT!
 |
| It took a lot of sweat, a towel, and a enormous pipe wrench, but I finally got it to almost seat correctly. |
Huzzah!
In other news, I'm three weeks ahead of schedule in the weight loss department, which is pretty decent (although I'm sure I'll plateau at some point and it will even out). Basically, I've been drinking a lot more water and not eating so much. Seriously, that's pretty much it. I'm glad I'm getting back into this blog; it's a way to keep myself honest over a long period of time.
Have a wonderful evening,
M.
Tomorrow...
is when I will post what I supposed to do today. It's been a bit of a whirlwind as of late, saying goodbye to old friends before I ship off to Baltimore, so I haven't had time to sit down and write about anything. I'll be documenting the pain in the ass that are old Raleigh bottom brackets, and the solution I'm on at the moment.
Until then,
M.
Until then,
M.
Monday, August 1, 2011
I'm fairly certain...
that I won't be able to move tomorrow.
In a fit of a combination of boredom and my body getting frustrated with my inability to actually use it, I went for a bike ride that was a decent 5.6 miles. I got that figure using this...
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/
After returning, I did some strength training and really challenged myself with added weight or reps. I also did this crazy thing called the Tabata protocol, or High Intensity Interval Training. Basically, you go all out for 20 seconds, rest for 10, then repeat that 8 times. I know that doesn't sound very difficult, so here:
You don't have to do straight burpees, although they are a fantastic aerobic workout. So, aside from my neck absolutely KILLING ME right now, I feel really, really good. It's so funny what a little motivation can do. And that is exactly what I have been missing all this time. I can only hope that I keep at it when I begin to see results. Speaking of results, I'm going to weigh myself tomorrow morning and every Sunday morning after, and see how close I come to my goal of 1.5ish pounds per week.
Wow, there was very little bike related tomfoolery in this post. I was not expecting that. Well, you all should expect much of that come next week!
Have a pleasant evening,
M.
In a fit of a combination of boredom and my body getting frustrated with my inability to actually use it, I went for a bike ride that was a decent 5.6 miles. I got that figure using this...
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/
After returning, I did some strength training and really challenged myself with added weight or reps. I also did this crazy thing called the Tabata protocol, or High Intensity Interval Training. Basically, you go all out for 20 seconds, rest for 10, then repeat that 8 times. I know that doesn't sound very difficult, so here:
You don't have to do straight burpees, although they are a fantastic aerobic workout. So, aside from my neck absolutely KILLING ME right now, I feel really, really good. It's so funny what a little motivation can do. And that is exactly what I have been missing all this time. I can only hope that I keep at it when I begin to see results. Speaking of results, I'm going to weigh myself tomorrow morning and every Sunday morning after, and see how close I come to my goal of 1.5ish pounds per week.
Wow, there was very little bike related tomfoolery in this post. I was not expecting that. Well, you all should expect much of that come next week!
Have a pleasant evening,
M.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
So here it goes...
Oh, you didn't think that I meant I would post that Sunday, did you?
Ha. Fooled you all, didn't I?
If it isn't already glaringly obvious, I promised a post for Sunday (yes, that Sunday) and then straight up did not deliver. And now I am trying to make up for it with feeble deceit and meek honesty. Friends?
Friends.
Well, now that those formalities have been dealt with, let us delve delve deeper into the issue at hand: I am a terrible person. Actually, let me amend that: I am terrible at being a person. That would be a wholly more accurate statement. I have absolutely no capacity for self-structure, will power, or self-esteem. And these three things make it so I am in a constant death spiral of self deprecation, boredom, and awkward social situations. This blog isn't meant to be a livejournal circa 2002, but I wanted to put down in writing these reasons for me not posting, along with not doing a whole lot of anything else.
So a week ago I talked about change. I was pumped up at the time; caught in a whirlwind of fleeting self-actualization and motivation. It passed, as it always has before. And it always leaves me feeling worse than what I was feeling before. It's consistent failing to live up to, not even who I can be, but who I used to be. And I can blame all of this on a million different things, like my genes or the fact that I was brought up to regard food as a comfort easily obtained, but ultimately it all comes down on me. It's on my shoulders that I just can't fucking deal with being a goddamned human.
I've been taking a lot of time this week to think about my situation. This whole 'century' thing is certainly not going to happen anytime soon; I'm going to need to put in a whole lot more riding, get better equipment, and become more fit before I attempt that feat. So here is my plan for the very near future: Be exercising 6 days a week, be on a regimented and nutritionally balanced diet, and ride as much as weather allows. My goal for my 5 month mark (Christmas Eve [where I see a lot of family at a big party]) is to be 185 lbs. That would mean, with very basic rounding, I would have to drop an average of over 1 lb a week for 5 months. And don't think I don't know that you are doing the maths to find out how obese I am. Because I know.
Oh, I know.
I think, I think, I may have just figured out how to do that. Whenever I have the decision to do something easy and enjoyable right now, or difficult and only enjoyed much further down the road, I will ALWAYS take the former option. Seriously, I'm like a godforsaken 4 year old. But I think I have happened upon how to change that:
I just have to constantly think about what it was and what it will be like to be thin.
I'm fully aware that may not be the healthiest mindset, you know, obsession and all. But seriously, I think that may be exactly what I need to get it through my thick skull. I want to be happy again, and I think that being thin would help me out tremendously.
WOW long post, eh? Well, I have to admit, it's good to be back writing to all two of you who may follow this blog, and all eight of you who are going through the archives as you read this. This is a very under-utilized resource; it keeps me sane and I get to flex and refine my wordsmith abilities. Getting back to the point, I was going to update ya'll on recent bicycle purchases/developments/frustrations, but I think I'm going to can it until next week. And then, I PROMISE, you will get a nice dose of pasteurized blog post by yours truly.
By the way, how fucking good is this? Seriously!
Until next week (or even sooner, if I keep it brief!) my dear friends,
M.
Ha. Fooled you all, didn't I?
If it isn't already glaringly obvious, I promised a post for Sunday (yes, that Sunday) and then straight up did not deliver. And now I am trying to make up for it with feeble deceit and meek honesty. Friends?
Friends.
Well, now that those formalities have been dealt with, let us delve delve deeper into the issue at hand: I am a terrible person. Actually, let me amend that: I am terrible at being a person. That would be a wholly more accurate statement. I have absolutely no capacity for self-structure, will power, or self-esteem. And these three things make it so I am in a constant death spiral of self deprecation, boredom, and awkward social situations. This blog isn't meant to be a livejournal circa 2002, but I wanted to put down in writing these reasons for me not posting, along with not doing a whole lot of anything else.
So a week ago I talked about change. I was pumped up at the time; caught in a whirlwind of fleeting self-actualization and motivation. It passed, as it always has before. And it always leaves me feeling worse than what I was feeling before. It's consistent failing to live up to, not even who I can be, but who I used to be. And I can blame all of this on a million different things, like my genes or the fact that I was brought up to regard food as a comfort easily obtained, but ultimately it all comes down on me. It's on my shoulders that I just can't fucking deal with being a goddamned human.
I've been taking a lot of time this week to think about my situation. This whole 'century' thing is certainly not going to happen anytime soon; I'm going to need to put in a whole lot more riding, get better equipment, and become more fit before I attempt that feat. So here is my plan for the very near future: Be exercising 6 days a week, be on a regimented and nutritionally balanced diet, and ride as much as weather allows. My goal for my 5 month mark (Christmas Eve [where I see a lot of family at a big party]) is to be 185 lbs. That would mean, with very basic rounding, I would have to drop an average of over 1 lb a week for 5 months. And don't think I don't know that you are doing the maths to find out how obese I am. Because I know.
Oh, I know.
I think, I think, I may have just figured out how to do that. Whenever I have the decision to do something easy and enjoyable right now, or difficult and only enjoyed much further down the road, I will ALWAYS take the former option. Seriously, I'm like a godforsaken 4 year old. But I think I have happened upon how to change that:
I just have to constantly think about what it was and what it will be like to be thin.
I'm fully aware that may not be the healthiest mindset, you know, obsession and all. But seriously, I think that may be exactly what I need to get it through my thick skull. I want to be happy again, and I think that being thin would help me out tremendously.
WOW long post, eh? Well, I have to admit, it's good to be back writing to all two of you who may follow this blog, and all eight of you who are going through the archives as you read this. This is a very under-utilized resource; it keeps me sane and I get to flex and refine my wordsmith abilities. Getting back to the point, I was going to update ya'll on recent bicycle purchases/developments/frustrations, but I think I'm going to can it until next week. And then, I PROMISE, you will get a nice dose of pasteurized blog post by yours truly.
By the way, how fucking good is this? Seriously!
Until next week (or even sooner, if I keep it brief!) my dear friends,
M.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
A change...
is a-coming. Hold tight till Sunday, but here is a bit of what's in my head:
Goodnight,
M.
Goodnight,
M.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Finally...
Good evening,
I'm fully aware that it has been some time since I have last updated this blog, I also know that exactly none of you have been waiting for this post with bated breath.
It's nice to see you again.
These last couple of weeks have been filled with me packing up my entire life and moving back to the South Shore from Western Mass. Which invariably leads to many many many dull trips on the pike with a truck full of stuff. However, as of about 3 PM today, I am finished and settled back in the house where I grew up.
Huzzah!
With all the packing, cleaning, worrying, and forgetting about things that I have been doing recently, biking has not been a top priority. Also, the weather has been dead set against me taking the beautiful Margaret out. At least I'm over my whole 'dying' phase. I feel pretty good, and now that I am temporarily and happily unemployed, much riding and exercising is foreseen in my immediate future.
In any case, it's good to be home. I promise promise promise to keep up with posts, starting in a week.
Ok?
Cool.
Summer is here, my friends, and it is going to be an excellent one.
And because I'm back near Boston:
Until next time,
M.
I'm fully aware that it has been some time since I have last updated this blog, I also know that exactly none of you have been waiting for this post with bated breath.
It's nice to see you again.
These last couple of weeks have been filled with me packing up my entire life and moving back to the South Shore from Western Mass. Which invariably leads to many many many dull trips on the pike with a truck full of stuff. However, as of about 3 PM today, I am finished and settled back in the house where I grew up.
Huzzah!
With all the packing, cleaning, worrying, and forgetting about things that I have been doing recently, biking has not been a top priority. Also, the weather has been dead set against me taking the beautiful Margaret out. At least I'm over my whole 'dying' phase. I feel pretty good, and now that I am temporarily and happily unemployed, much riding and exercising is foreseen in my immediate future.
In any case, it's good to be home. I promise promise promise to keep up with posts, starting in a week.
Ok?
Cool.
Summer is here, my friends, and it is going to be an excellent one.
And because I'm back near Boston:
Until next time,
M.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Sick... And busy...
Not really anything to report on this week, as I was too sick to function as a relatively normal human being. Wednesday post was missed and I feel bad about that.
I really do.
However, this upcoming week is my final week of work before, what I have just termed it, 'The Last Summer'. I figure, since I won't be working for two months, I will mostly just bicycle around town and get fit and actually make some progress towards this whole century thing. So you all have that to look forward to.
I'm cutting out Wednesday posts for this week and next but I assure you, come June, you will be able to read a quality blog post twice a week from me. For serious.
That's pretty much all I have to say. Here is a gem that I feel is summing up my life quite nicely right now. Also, the guy on the left at 4:17 MAKES MY LIFE.
Goodnight everyone.
M.
I really do.
However, this upcoming week is my final week of work before, what I have just termed it, 'The Last Summer'. I figure, since I won't be working for two months, I will mostly just bicycle around town and get fit and actually make some progress towards this whole century thing. So you all have that to look forward to.
I'm cutting out Wednesday posts for this week and next but I assure you, come June, you will be able to read a quality blog post twice a week from me. For serious.
That's pretty much all I have to say. Here is a gem that I feel is summing up my life quite nicely right now. Also, the guy on the left at 4:17 MAKES MY LIFE.
Goodnight everyone.
M.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
SICK...
Very. So much so, that I cannot form very many coherent thoughts, much less string them together in an honest, thoughtful, and entertaining way. Therefore, no post shall happen tonight.
My apologies, really.
M.
My apologies, really.
M.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Greetings!
It's been a while, no? Well, I apologize for that. This past week has been a blur of very little sleep, good friends (both old and new), aaaaannnnd not a lot of bike riding.
....
I've been finding it difficult to focus on this goal recently; there is just too much else going on. However, I vow to correct it. THE PLAN:
So that's about it for right now.
See you all Sunday!
M.
It's been a while, no? Well, I apologize for that. This past week has been a blur of very little sleep, good friends (both old and new), aaaaannnnd not a lot of bike riding.
....
I've been finding it difficult to focus on this goal recently; there is just too much else going on. However, I vow to correct it. THE PLAN:
- SLEEP
- Super-duper important, but I have been absolutely terrible at it recently. We're talking 4 or 5 hours a night, average.
- DIET
- I have been doing a little better on this one, but I'm going to sit down and figure out exactly what I need to eat on a daily basis. And the fact that I have to do that makes me feel unbelievably stupid. Also, I don't drink anywhere near enough water. Way to go me for being lousy at being alive....
- RIDING
- Now that it is getting nicer out, I'm going to do this whenever I can. Also, I just found out that my truck is basically dead, so no vehicle for me this summer!
So that's about it for right now.
See you all Sunday!
M.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Long weekends...
cause me to forget to make a blog post in advance, and now I'm too tired. Here, have this for now:
I'll make this up to you on Wednesday, I promise.
Goodnight all,
M.
I'll make this up to you on Wednesday, I promise.
Goodnight all,
M.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
No sleep...
I've been having bouts of insomnia as of late. I don't know why. Having said that, I'm going to bed and I will leave you with this gem:
Goodnight (hopefully).
M.
Goodnight (hopefully).
M.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
The ride home...
Data analysis interrupted by gazing out the window. Not getting very much done, might be better to call it a day; It's 5:30 anyway for 'crissake. Shut it down, pack it up. Say goodbye. Walking the bike down the hall like she's a purebred at a dog show. Best in show, I'd say. Lift her over the shoulder as you walk down the old stairs and through endless sets of double doors.
Outside it is glorious, a rare confluence of sun and warmth and blue sky in a usually dreary April.
Mount the bike as if it's a steed; lean it and swing a leg over, in part because the frame is slightly too tall. Giddy'up. Avoiding pedestrians on the way to the street.
3.
2.
1.
Go.
Heart starts pumping faster going down the first hill. There are two things to remember when riding a fixed gear: the first is that you can't coast. The second is that YOU CAN NOT COAST. Going very fast, to the point where the eyes water and upcoming potholes get harder to spot.
The fear doesn't diminish the grin, it only broadens it.
At the bottom of the hill, pedaling hard to save the momentum to get up the next one. Legs are starting to feel the incline beneath them. At a stop light and sucking more wind than would be preferred. Wait for the cars to pass before turning left.
Potholes.
Straining to get up to speed, from a car waiting to move,
"You're almost there!"
Strangers are strange. But he is right.
No more straining or sticking to the hole-stricken side of the street. Move down into the drops, take weight off the saddle, back straight, neck up. Focus on form. Take the lane. As fast as the cars behind. Better than Armstrong, Schleck, or Contador. Better than anyone at that exact moment. The greatest ever. Power through the intersection just as the light turns green then lay off a bit.
Turn onto the country back road and the mind starts to wander from adrenaline withdrawal. The streets of Baltimore and the cobblestone of Fells' Point. Wonder how feasible cycling will be there. Logistics of moving. Think about summer in Hanover. The trick is, I think, to not fall in love.
Snap back as the smell of the dairy farm is carried on the wind, signaling the final turn of the trip back. Climb the dirt road out of the saddle, like a mountain stage on the Tour.
Reach the apex, take a breath, and sprint. Leave nothing in the tank. The speed is put to a rhythm supplied by the pedal strokes and tension in the chain. It is music, it is beauty. Feel the cool air as the street invades the forest. The house is not far now. Pull into the driveway and dismount on the wrong side of the bike, every single goddamn time.
Lift her up again and walk around the back of the garage. Looking up: squirrels and birds on barren branches. Looking down: grass growing from under the dead leaves. The reflection in the window shows nothing different; inevitable change and a new life.
See you all Wednesday,
M.
Outside it is glorious, a rare confluence of sun and warmth and blue sky in a usually dreary April.
Mount the bike as if it's a steed; lean it and swing a leg over, in part because the frame is slightly too tall. Giddy'up. Avoiding pedestrians on the way to the street.
3.
2.
1.
Go.
Heart starts pumping faster going down the first hill. There are two things to remember when riding a fixed gear: the first is that you can't coast. The second is that YOU CAN NOT COAST. Going very fast, to the point where the eyes water and upcoming potholes get harder to spot.
The fear doesn't diminish the grin, it only broadens it.
At the bottom of the hill, pedaling hard to save the momentum to get up the next one. Legs are starting to feel the incline beneath them. At a stop light and sucking more wind than would be preferred. Wait for the cars to pass before turning left.
Potholes.
Straining to get up to speed, from a car waiting to move,
"You're almost there!"
Strangers are strange. But he is right.
No more straining or sticking to the hole-stricken side of the street. Move down into the drops, take weight off the saddle, back straight, neck up. Focus on form. Take the lane. As fast as the cars behind. Better than Armstrong, Schleck, or Contador. Better than anyone at that exact moment. The greatest ever. Power through the intersection just as the light turns green then lay off a bit.
Turn onto the country back road and the mind starts to wander from adrenaline withdrawal. The streets of Baltimore and the cobblestone of Fells' Point. Wonder how feasible cycling will be there. Logistics of moving. Think about summer in Hanover. The trick is, I think, to not fall in love.
Snap back as the smell of the dairy farm is carried on the wind, signaling the final turn of the trip back. Climb the dirt road out of the saddle, like a mountain stage on the Tour.
Reach the apex, take a breath, and sprint. Leave nothing in the tank. The speed is put to a rhythm supplied by the pedal strokes and tension in the chain. It is music, it is beauty. Feel the cool air as the street invades the forest. The house is not far now. Pull into the driveway and dismount on the wrong side of the bike, every single goddamn time.
Lift her up again and walk around the back of the garage. Looking up: squirrels and birds on barren branches. Looking down: grass growing from under the dead leaves. The reflection in the window shows nothing different; inevitable change and a new life.
See you all Wednesday,
M.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Keeping it short...
Good evening.
There isn't a lot to discuss this week, as the weather in Massachusetts is unbearably variable and limits my ability to ride. One day it's snow, then beauty, then rain for ages, with intermittent windstorms and a sprinkling of nice days here and there. With that said, I have been focusing more on diet this past week. I swear, the other day, I bought more fruits and veggies than I usually eat in 3 months. I'm somewhere in the mid 190lb range for weight, but I feel really good. I don't mind looking at myself in the mirror anymore.
For the first time, really, I have become self motivated to better myself and it feels quite good.
Anyways.
That's really all I have to talk about for right now... My life is in an unfamiliar place right now (not bad, just unfamiliar) and I feel this song sums it up perfectly.
For Sunday: A divergence from the usual; a narrative.
There isn't a lot to discuss this week, as the weather in Massachusetts is unbearably variable and limits my ability to ride. One day it's snow, then beauty, then rain for ages, with intermittent windstorms and a sprinkling of nice days here and there. With that said, I have been focusing more on diet this past week. I swear, the other day, I bought more fruits and veggies than I usually eat in 3 months. I'm somewhere in the mid 190lb range for weight, but I feel really good. I don't mind looking at myself in the mirror anymore.
For the first time, really, I have become self motivated to better myself and it feels quite good.
Anyways.
That's really all I have to talk about for right now... My life is in an unfamiliar place right now (not bad, just unfamiliar) and I feel this song sums it up perfectly.
For Sunday: A divergence from the usual; a narrative.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Noah, the anachronistic hipster...
is the exact content of a text message I received at 5:19AM yesterday from my friend Matt.
Let me back up a bit.
At some point last week, I was sent an invitation to a party being thrown on Friday by my friends Matt and Kristine, who live near Boston. I live in Amherst. Thusly, I declined.
Aside from the 2+ hours it would take me to drive there after work, this party was going to be an "alter-ego" party where you show up, not as yourself, but as your alter ego.
I don't have an alter ego. Or, at least I didn't have one.
I was agonizing over whether or not to attend as the week went on and on. Finally, on Thursday night, my housemate Caitlin convinced me to go. All day Friday I was thinking about what my alter-ego would be. At first came "nerd", then "tough-guy-loner", but it finally came to me: "out-of-touch-hipster".
Meet Noah.
After work I was still torn on going, but I ended up leaving at 7ish and got there around 9:30. And I have to say,
Best. Decision. Ever.
I sometimes forget that I need friends and how many quality ones are a phone call or a drive away. I just wanted to use this Sunday's post as a Thank-You to a few folks.
Thank you Matt, for letting me drunkenly explain electromagnetic wave propagation to you and for offering "bite pear".
Thank you Kristine, for being so genuinely proud of me when I told you I was going to Hopkins and for showing me what an "interpretive dance party" looks like.
Thank you Michelle, for all the great conversations we have and for laughing at my dumb jokes.
Thank you Nelson, Pat, and Ryan, for getting Adele permanently stuck in my head.
Yea, that one.
Thanks to everyone who was there that night; it's going to be a glorious summer.
Goodnight all,
M.
Let me back up a bit.
At some point last week, I was sent an invitation to a party being thrown on Friday by my friends Matt and Kristine, who live near Boston. I live in Amherst. Thusly, I declined.
 |
| This smacks of Kristine. |
I don't have an alter ego. Or, at least I didn't have one.
I was agonizing over whether or not to attend as the week went on and on. Finally, on Thursday night, my housemate Caitlin convinced me to go. All day Friday I was thinking about what my alter-ego would be. At first came "nerd", then "tough-guy-loner", but it finally came to me: "out-of-touch-hipster".
Meet Noah.
 |
| Glasses, messenger bag, keys, belt, shoes, shirt, pants: all old hipster fashions. |
 |
| Long hair, mandolin on back. |
 | |
| Sailor tattoo I did with sharpie in lab on Friday. Pretty proud of that actually. |
After work I was still torn on going, but I ended up leaving at 7ish and got there around 9:30. And I have to say,
Best. Decision. Ever.
I sometimes forget that I need friends and how many quality ones are a phone call or a drive away. I just wanted to use this Sunday's post as a Thank-You to a few folks.
Thank you Matt, for letting me drunkenly explain electromagnetic wave propagation to you and for offering "bite pear".
Thank you Kristine, for being so genuinely proud of me when I told you I was going to Hopkins and for showing me what an "interpretive dance party" looks like.
Thank you Michelle, for all the great conversations we have and for laughing at my dumb jokes.
Thank you Nelson, Pat, and Ryan, for getting Adele permanently stuck in my head.
Yea, that one.
Thanks to everyone who was there that night; it's going to be a glorious summer.
Goodnight all,
M.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Laundry list...
Oh hello, I didn't see you there...
Today I took a rest day, as my entire body is sore from working out on a regular basis. Tomorrow and Friday are going to be glorious out, so I plan on riding my bike to and from work on both days (we'll see how I feel on Friday though....).
Looking over Margaret, now that riding season is upon us, I have come up with a short 'to do' list:
I'm pretty excited about those fork arms, As I just noticed the chrome under some of the red paint that had been scuffed off.
So that's the sum total of the situation thus far. The disparity in effort between actively getting fit and passively getting fat is unfairly enormous, but I'm staying the course and not sabotaging myself; I know this is going to take time and it will be worth it when I come out the other side.
Have a good rest of the week everyone!
M.
 |
| Ohh, it's the deep burn. Oh, it's so deep. |
Looking over Margaret, now that riding season is upon us, I have come up with a short 'to do' list:
- Straighten Chainline (critical for fixed gears / single speeds)
- This may come down to me purchasing that Phil Wood Bottom Bracket I mentioned a couple of posts ago that would allow me to put in a more narrow spindle (that I purchased years ago)
- Install new chain and fix eccentric front crank
- I think the chain is being stretched and worn out from an overly eccentric front crank (some points in the revolution make the chain tenser than others)
- Take off the red paint on the front fork arms, revealing glorious chrome much like this:
 | |
| Oh so classy. Only the fork ends would be chrome though, the connecting bit would still be that candy red. |
I'm pretty excited about those fork arms, As I just noticed the chrome under some of the red paint that had been scuffed off.
So that's the sum total of the situation thus far. The disparity in effort between actively getting fit and passively getting fat is unfairly enormous, but I'm staying the course and not sabotaging myself; I know this is going to take time and it will be worth it when I come out the other side.
Have a good rest of the week everyone!
M.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
A quick "fix"...
Good evening,
Another week passes, and my time in the area grows shorter and shorter. Technically, I have until I move to Baltimore (more on that at a later date) to do the century. It's going to take a LOT of work though...
Between work and going back home every other weekend and the ridiculously unpredictable weather, it has been difficult to ride at all. I just took a quick one today, and it reminded me of how wonderful riding a fixed gear bicycle can be. So I have a couple of neat videos that basically demonstrate that sentiment, with a pinch of history and a glance at the "fixie" sub-culture.
By the by, the last video, along with this article by Sheldon Brown, inspired me to start riding fixed. P.S., that's Lance Armstrong in the white shirt and Livestrong bracelet. Awesome.
fixed city | Trailer [subtitled] from e r t z u i ° film on Vimeo.
MASH Austin with Lance Armstrong 2008 from MASH TRANSIT PRODUCTIONS on Vimeo.
As far as blog business is concerned, I think I will start posting only twice a week. I often miss Thursday updates, and I feel like I will start running out of worthwhile things to post doing three a week. So posts will henceforth be distributed on Wednesday and Sunday of every week.
I didn't weigh myself today. Don't plan to.
Shut up, I know.
I have been working out quite a bit though, so that is good. Unfortunately, a muscular frame (particularly upper body) is not ideal for cycling. It adds to your weight on a bike while not helping to move said weight.
If I had the upper body of Thomas Jane in The Punisher, I wouldn't give a damn if it slowed me down on a bike. Also my body naturally puts on bulk muscle, not lean. Oh well. I guess I'll make it a point to not over do it with the chest and arms.
Anyways, I'll post on Wednesday about God-knows-what.
Best,
M.
Another week passes, and my time in the area grows shorter and shorter. Technically, I have until I move to Baltimore (more on that at a later date) to do the century. It's going to take a LOT of work though...
Between work and going back home every other weekend and the ridiculously unpredictable weather, it has been difficult to ride at all. I just took a quick one today, and it reminded me of how wonderful riding a fixed gear bicycle can be. So I have a couple of neat videos that basically demonstrate that sentiment, with a pinch of history and a glance at the "fixie" sub-culture.
By the by, the last video, along with this article by Sheldon Brown, inspired me to start riding fixed. P.S., that's Lance Armstrong in the white shirt and Livestrong bracelet. Awesome.
fixed city | Trailer [subtitled] from e r t z u i ° film on Vimeo.
MASH Austin with Lance Armstrong 2008 from MASH TRANSIT PRODUCTIONS on Vimeo.
As far as blog business is concerned, I think I will start posting only twice a week. I often miss Thursday updates, and I feel like I will start running out of worthwhile things to post doing three a week. So posts will henceforth be distributed on Wednesday and Sunday of every week.
I didn't weigh myself today. Don't plan to.
Shut up, I know.
I have been working out quite a bit though, so that is good. Unfortunately, a muscular frame (particularly upper body) is not ideal for cycling. It adds to your weight on a bike while not helping to move said weight.
 |
| Andy Schleck, more commonly known as a twig. Very fast. |
 |
| Thomas Jane, from The Punisher. Although the height of bad-assery, not as quick on a bike as Andy above. |
Anyways, I'll post on Wednesday about God-knows-what.
Best,
M.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
A wild post appears!!...
Good evening!
Today I'm going to show you some pretty pictures of bike parts.
Sounds fun, right?
First up: Campagnolo, who most consider the best of the best when it comes to bike parts for racing.
Gorgeous.
Phil Wood: Machine specialists who does what everybody else does better , as well as make what others do not. Serious quality here.
My machining senses are tingling.
Lastly, Crank Brothers: pure, unadulterated beauty.
So there are some parts that I consistently lust after, but will probably never shell the money to purchase.
Oh, I wanted to direct you all to another cycling blog that sort of inspired the idea for this one, the Fat Cyclist. He's a pretty funny guy and I enjoy his posts, so I though you all would too. Here is his latest.
For Thursday: Surprise!!!
Today I'm going to show you some pretty pictures of bike parts.
Sounds fun, right?
First up: Campagnolo, who most consider the best of the best when it comes to bike parts for racing.
 |
 |
| Daaammmmnnn. |
 |
| You know what this is? IT'S A WATER BOTTLE HOLDER. |
Gorgeous.
Phil Wood: Machine specialists who does what everybody else does better , as well as make what others do not. Serious quality here.
 |
| THIS. THIS would be sooooo nice. I could put a modern bottom bracket into Margaret. |
My machining senses are tingling.
Lastly, Crank Brothers: pure, unadulterated beauty.
 |
| Clipless "egg-beater" pedals. |
 |
| Not modern art, but a handlebar stem. Yes, seriously. |
So there are some parts that I consistently lust after, but will probably never shell the money to purchase.
Oh, I wanted to direct you all to another cycling blog that sort of inspired the idea for this one, the Fat Cyclist. He's a pretty funny guy and I enjoy his posts, so I though you all would too. Here is his latest.
For Thursday: Surprise!!!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Priorities...
Howdy...
Long time no see, right?
Well I have to admit that this week was a bit of a wash. I had a lot of things to deal with and I actually didn't ride at all, which is not good.
Which is to say: bad.
I have been trying to work out though, and it feels quite good. Apparently, as my labmates, P.I. and I discovered amidst drunken shenanigans last night, I am the strongest in lab! And although having more physical prowess than a bunch of fellow nerds may not be the biggest accomplishment of my life, I'm going to chalk that one up in the "win" column.
So, like I said, I haven't been able to do a whole lot this week, which means that there isn't a lot to talk about in this post... I'm just under 200lbs as of this morning, but I was at 197 midweek (let's just say I temporarily fell off the wagon). Here is the BMI chart that I'm working with:
According to WebMD, a score of over 25 means you are overweight, while a score of over 30 renders you obese. Just looking at this chart, though, makes me want to call shenanigans. For me to not be overweight, I would have to clock in around 150lbs, which is mind-boggling. Do you know the last time I was 150lbs??
Never.
Well, not never, obviously. But sufficiently long enough that I can no longer recall.... Maybe that is what I'm supposed to weigh. Damn. This is a picture of me when I weighed around that much, I'm guessing.
Wait, WHAT?
AAAAaaannnddd now:
Wow. Obese. Yes. My word...
Well. Yes. I have a ton of work to do. But this will be good.
I hope...
Tuesday (I swear I'll post on time): Bike parts I would sell my hypothetical first-born for.
Long time no see, right?
Well I have to admit that this week was a bit of a wash. I had a lot of things to deal with and I actually didn't ride at all, which is not good.
Which is to say: bad.
I have been trying to work out though, and it feels quite good. Apparently, as my labmates, P.I. and I discovered amidst drunken shenanigans last night, I am the strongest in lab! And although having more physical prowess than a bunch of fellow nerds may not be the biggest accomplishment of my life, I'm going to chalk that one up in the "win" column.
So, like I said, I haven't been able to do a whole lot this week, which means that there isn't a lot to talk about in this post... I'm just under 200lbs as of this morning, but I was at 197 midweek (let's just say I temporarily fell off the wagon). Here is the BMI chart that I'm working with:
 |
| http://men.webmd.com/weight-loss-bmi |
Never.
Well, not never, obviously. But sufficiently long enough that I can no longer recall.... Maybe that is what I'm supposed to weigh. Damn. This is a picture of me when I weighed around that much, I'm guessing.
Wait, WHAT?
AAAAaaannnddd now:
 |
| Obligatory photo credit to Laura of http://laurasbloggityblog.blogspot.com/, which she never updates anymore *cough*cough*slacker*cough* |
Wow. Obese. Yes. My word...
Well. Yes. I have a ton of work to do. But this will be good.
I hope...
Tuesday (I swear I'll post on time): Bike parts I would sell my hypothetical first-born for.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Oh crap...
I have a ton of stuff to do.
A Century will be on a week hiatus starting yesterday.
Adios!!
M.
A Century will be on a week hiatus starting yesterday.
Adios!!
M.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Meet Margaret...
 | |
| Beautiful, is she not? |
Let's take a closer look, shall we?
She started out life as a ten speed and I suspect she was upgraded at some point in the late 80's with new tires, cables, and derailleurs. By the time I bought the bike it was in pretty crummy shape. When I finally had it dis-assembled in the garage and started to clean the frame, I noticed how absolutely gorgeous it was. I said to myself,
"This bike is too beautiful to be hidden behind cables and extra brakes and gears. This bike shall be a fixed gear".
And so it was.
So I put an Eight Inch crankset...
 |
| Restored the original quill pedals and toe clips. |
On a rebuilt original bottom bracket and spindle (only because Raleigh used a proprietary BB thread count that NO ONE MANUFACTURES BOTTOM BRACKETS FOR.)
 | |||||
| More anguish than I wish to recall. |
I also built my rear wheel with an Origin 8 fixed/free flip flop hub and a bargain bin rim.
 |
| Threaded axle for the win. |
I run only a front brake (run to the right hand) and installed a freaking awesome interrupter brake lever to replace the turkey wing / suicide lever so I can brake when I'm not in the drops.
 |
| Ignore the bikes in the background and admire that head badge. |
The latest and greatest addition to Margaret is a Brooks B17 Standard saddle, which I have recently begun to break in. It is most glorious.
 |
| Notice the wrap around frame work. Very, very nice. |
So there is my dear Margaret. I'll show you Ol' Blue next Tuesday but, until then, here is a look at what I use for repairs!!!!
 |
| Park Tool repair stand - a new and valued addition. |
 |
| Oh. Oh God. Messy messy tool chest. |
 | ||||||
Specialty tools: spoke wrenches, a crank puller, a chain whip/lockring spanner, freewheel removal tools, Shimano splined bottom bracket removal tool and a chain breaker.
|
| Oh, I almost forgot! I'm at 200lbs now, which is still considered obese according to a BMI chart I found on the internets. Oh well! See you all Thursday! |
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Late posts...
are apparently a theme in this blog.
I meant to write, at some point this week, about my bikes and what I have done to them but that somehow fell through the cracks. I think I will cover that Tuesday (I promise).
As for my progress, I feel like I'm doing ok. Not spectacular, but I'm sticking to my guns and making good decisions as often as I can. Now I just have to keep it up...
I went home this weekend and it was glorious. The best weekend I have had in a really, really long time. I brought home Margaret (see bike in background) and rode her everyday and didn't allow myself, or my parents, to stuff my face full of home cooking. I didn't have a scale at home, so I couldn't weigh myself this morning to get a figure for this post, so I'll just get it tomorrow morning and put in in Tuesday's post.
Now, down to business...
I have allergies. Every time the seasons change, I begin to feel like some lethargic sloth who respires through the skin because his airways are impossibly constricted for normal human breathing. Unfortunately, the seasons are currently changing (I don't know if you knew) and, even more unfortunately, my skin is not gas permeable. So I was sucking wind on my rides this weekend. Hard. My mother genuinely thought my heart was going to explode when I was walking through the house today after riding not very far. I'm pretty sure she was just being a Mom, but it didn't feel great. And I can blame some of that on allergies and asthma and all that, but the meat of the problem is that I suck at exercise. And I suppose the only way to not suck at something is to practice. Over and over.
And over.
So I can go from this
To this
Well, not exactly, but you all get the picture.
So I'm keeping the same goal of 10 miles for this upcoming week, and we will see how that goes. Not sure I accomplished my goal this week, which brings me to another topic:
I NEED STUFF.
Bike stuff, to be more precise. Like an (app, cyclometer, minion?) that tells me various info about my ride. And other things as well....
But we ('royal we' or my inclusion of the reader? YOU DECIDE) will get into that later. And by later I mean Thursday.
So there we have it! Sunday post is finished!
Enjoy your week everyone!
M.
I meant to write, at some point this week, about my bikes and what I have done to them but that somehow fell through the cracks. I think I will cover that Tuesday (I promise).
As for my progress, I feel like I'm doing ok. Not spectacular, but I'm sticking to my guns and making good decisions as often as I can. Now I just have to keep it up...
I went home this weekend and it was glorious. The best weekend I have had in a really, really long time. I brought home Margaret (see bike in background) and rode her everyday and didn't allow myself, or my parents, to stuff my face full of home cooking. I didn't have a scale at home, so I couldn't weigh myself this morning to get a figure for this post, so I'll just get it tomorrow morning and put in in Tuesday's post.
Now, down to business...
I have allergies. Every time the seasons change, I begin to feel like some lethargic sloth who respires through the skin because his airways are impossibly constricted for normal human breathing. Unfortunately, the seasons are currently changing (I don't know if you knew) and, even more unfortunately, my skin is not gas permeable. So I was sucking wind on my rides this weekend. Hard. My mother genuinely thought my heart was going to explode when I was walking through the house today after riding not very far. I'm pretty sure she was just being a Mom, but it didn't feel great. And I can blame some of that on allergies and asthma and all that, but the meat of the problem is that I suck at exercise. And I suppose the only way to not suck at something is to practice. Over and over.
And over.
So I can go from this
 |
| Pink dumbbell: like a boss. |
To this
 |
| Mesh gloves: not quite boss-like. |
Well, not exactly, but you all get the picture.
So I'm keeping the same goal of 10 miles for this upcoming week, and we will see how that goes. Not sure I accomplished my goal this week, which brings me to another topic:
I NEED STUFF.
Bike stuff, to be more precise. Like an (app, cyclometer, minion?) that tells me various info about my ride. And other things as well....
 | |
| *drool* (Check it out here!) |
But we ('royal we' or my inclusion of the reader? YOU DECIDE) will get into that later. And by later I mean Thursday.
So there we have it! Sunday post is finished!
Enjoy your week everyone!
M.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
First ride of the season...
And it was glorious.
I came home a bit early from work because, with help from good ol' daylight savings time, it is not dark at 6 PM anymore. I did some upper body and abdominal work on a Total Gym, pumped up the air in the tires, and took off.
I'm completely thrilled that I took the first step toward my goal but, to be frank, it's apparent that I have quite a ways to go.
I weighed myself this morning, and it read 202 lbs. Using my height and a chart, I am technically obese.
Not really excited about that, of course. Just another motivation to actually follow through with this thing.
SO. I was planning on talking about my experiences at Grad School interviews, but that isn't going to be happening. I mean, I'm going to get my PhD and all, don't worry (I know you all were super worried), but I don't feel like discussing it today. Or ever. Maybe.
Since today's post is technically Sunday's, I'm going to outline some major goals for myself:
Pretty simple, but I think writing these things down will help me keep myself to them. I think my main obstacle in all of this is #3 up there. I can't tell you how many times I've found myself making cookies, or eating artificial crap, or not exercising because I had become sucked into a video game, without even remembering how I came to such a decision. My un-thinking mind apparently has a vested interest in keeping me portly.
Sorry guy, no more.
I've enjoyed life a little too much, and it shows.
Again, no more.
Everything in moderation, some things not at all, because they just aren't worth it. I have always been awful at resisting impulses.
Finally, no more.
And after that little pep talk, I will leave you with a couple things. My goal for this week is to ride at least 10 miles on my bike, along with keeping up with the core goals listed above. It's a pretty measly amount, as I cleared 1/3 of it today alone, but it is a first step. And for someone like me, it's the hardest and most critical step of all.
And when you have views like this...
Every pedal stroke is worth it.
Tomorrow (or maybe Wednesday): Current bikes, equipment, etc...
I came home a bit early from work because, with help from good ol' daylight savings time, it is not dark at 6 PM anymore. I did some upper body and abdominal work on a Total Gym, pumped up the air in the tires, and took off.
 | |
| That's about right. |
I'm completely thrilled that I took the first step toward my goal but, to be frank, it's apparent that I have quite a ways to go.
I weighed myself this morning, and it read 202 lbs. Using my height and a chart, I am technically obese.
Not really excited about that, of course. Just another motivation to actually follow through with this thing.
SO. I was planning on talking about my experiences at Grad School interviews, but that isn't going to be happening. I mean, I'm going to get my PhD and all, don't worry (I know you all were super worried), but I don't feel like discussing it today. Or ever. Maybe.
Since today's post is technically Sunday's, I'm going to outline some major goals for myself:
- Exercise every day
- Eat healthier, smaller portions
- Be conscious of your everyday decisions
Pretty simple, but I think writing these things down will help me keep myself to them. I think my main obstacle in all of this is #3 up there. I can't tell you how many times I've found myself making cookies, or eating artificial crap, or not exercising because I had become sucked into a video game, without even remembering how I came to such a decision. My un-thinking mind apparently has a vested interest in keeping me portly.
Sorry guy, no more.
I've enjoyed life a little too much, and it shows.
Again, no more.
Everything in moderation, some things not at all, because they just aren't worth it. I have always been awful at resisting impulses.
Finally, no more.
And after that little pep talk, I will leave you with a couple things. My goal for this week is to ride at least 10 miles on my bike, along with keeping up with the core goals listed above. It's a pretty measly amount, as I cleared 1/3 of it today alone, but it is a first step. And for someone like me, it's the hardest and most critical step of all.
And when you have views like this...
Every pedal stroke is worth it.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
A plan arises...
I apologize for the lack of updates (not that I promised anything, remember?). I just returned from Texas and North Carolina from interviews for PhD programs, and this is the first time I've had access to anything but my smartphone. Having been on 12 flights in the last 5 days, I have had a bit of time to flesh out a plan for this blog.
Tuesdays: Plans for the week and updates on bike related things such as repair tips, current gear, or new parts and clothes that I am lusting after. Likely the shortest post.
Thursdays: A more anecdotal post about anything I feel like talking about, which will probably be grad school interviews in the immediate future. I will do my best to bring it back to the over-arching theme of A Century of Change, but tangents are nice for balance.
Sundays: This will be my main post for the week, with updates on how well (or poorly) I am doing, as well as riding experiences during the week. Although there will be photos interspersed in the other two weekly posts, the Sunday post will contain the most and will probably be the most lengthy as well.
So I hope that gets all 0 of you excited about this thing! I know that, once my brain recovers from the past couple days, I will be!
I was going to talk about my trip and visits, but I need to decompress a bit. So Sunday's post will be...
Exciting, is it not?
By the way, this is me.
Goodnight all,
M.
Tuesdays: Plans for the week and updates on bike related things such as repair tips, current gear, or new parts and clothes that I am lusting after. Likely the shortest post.
Thursdays: A more anecdotal post about anything I feel like talking about, which will probably be grad school interviews in the immediate future. I will do my best to bring it back to the over-arching theme of A Century of Change, but tangents are nice for balance.
Sundays: This will be my main post for the week, with updates on how well (or poorly) I am doing, as well as riding experiences during the week. Although there will be photos interspersed in the other two weekly posts, the Sunday post will contain the most and will probably be the most lengthy as well.
So I hope that gets all 0 of you excited about this thing! I know that, once my brain recovers from the past couple days, I will be!
I was going to talk about my trip and visits, but I need to decompress a bit. So Sunday's post will be...
Experiences at UNC, Texas A&M, and Vanderbilt
Exciting, is it not?
By the way, this is me.
 |
| photocredit: Laura from http://laurasbloggityblog.blogspot.com/ |
Goodnight all,
M.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Good Evening...
You may call me M.
I am what some people would call a fatty-McFatterson. I do not like such people.
But they are correct.
I have recently taken a hard look at myself in a full length mirror, and promptly began to panic. I have seen what being overweight can do to self-esteem and personality and I do not wish to go down that same path, with the same medical problems, with the same fears that go with them.
No, it is high-time for change. For too long I have worn sweatshirts when it is probably a little too hot to be wearing sweatshirts. For too long has my wardrobe been nothing but black to mask my girth. For too long I have been lacking confidence because I'm conscious that I'm a tub of lard.
Tonight, I make a change, and this is what this blog will be about.
"But M.," you cry out with concern that borders on alarm, "what about the 'century' bit? Is this blog about living 100 years??!!!! WILL YOU BLOG FOR 100 YEAARSS??!!"
And as I warily back away I reply "No."
As you may have noticed, I enjoy bicycles. I admire their simplicity and their complexity, I enjoy fixing as much as riding. Actually, that is a lie. I enjoy finishing repairs as much as I enjoy riding. I have a couple and work on them often during the warmer months. Margaret, the beautiful bike in the background, is my main squeeze. You will be introduced, fear not.
Anyways.
The Century part of the title of this blog refers to an idea that has been bouncing around in the back of my head for years: To ride from Amherst to Hanover on a bike; a bit over 100 miles, or a Century in cycling terms. I have finally decided to do it, as I will be leaving the state come the end of the summer (maybe more about that at some point later).
Of course, 100 miles on a bike is no small undertaking. Especially for someone as out of shape as myself. So this blog will be about me taking the steps needed to accomplish my goal and bettering myself physically and mentally in the process. I will update it as often as I deem necessary (a few times a week? Maybe? I'm not making any promises here people) and they will be about everything I've mentioned so far, and I'm sure some extra juicy tidbits for you all to sink your neat little teeth into.
I hope you glean some enjoyment from it.
If not, it's more for me than you anyway. So there.
I am what some people would call a fatty-McFatterson. I do not like such people.
But they are correct.
I have recently taken a hard look at myself in a full length mirror, and promptly began to panic. I have seen what being overweight can do to self-esteem and personality and I do not wish to go down that same path, with the same medical problems, with the same fears that go with them.
No, it is high-time for change. For too long I have worn sweatshirts when it is probably a little too hot to be wearing sweatshirts. For too long has my wardrobe been nothing but black to mask my girth. For too long I have been lacking confidence because I'm conscious that I'm a tub of lard.
Tonight, I make a change, and this is what this blog will be about.
"But M.," you cry out with concern that borders on alarm, "what about the 'century' bit? Is this blog about living 100 years??!!!! WILL YOU BLOG FOR 100 YEAARSS??!!"
And as I warily back away I reply "No."
As you may have noticed, I enjoy bicycles. I admire their simplicity and their complexity, I enjoy fixing as much as riding. Actually, that is a lie. I enjoy finishing repairs as much as I enjoy riding. I have a couple and work on them often during the warmer months. Margaret, the beautiful bike in the background, is my main squeeze. You will be introduced, fear not.
Anyways.
The Century part of the title of this blog refers to an idea that has been bouncing around in the back of my head for years: To ride from Amherst to Hanover on a bike; a bit over 100 miles, or a Century in cycling terms. I have finally decided to do it, as I will be leaving the state come the end of the summer (maybe more about that at some point later).
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| The route. I feel chaffed already. |
I hope you glean some enjoyment from it.
If not, it's more for me than you anyway. So there.
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