Lost Kitty

Ok, it has been a little while since the last post, I've been lax. Many things have happened, most of them not really worth noting. Had my first visit to Florida, if Jacksonville really counts. This city is about as far south as I'd like to go into that state. The Kangaroo fuelstop there has officially beaten the Rawlins WY TA in the nastiest shower contest.



I made it in and out of the sunshine state between hurricanes and made my way slowly back up the east coast to Ohiopyle for the Music in the Mountains festival.


One of the high points of my home visit was the trip to pick up my new bike. Unfortunately that custom drivetrain I had chosen was so custom that it hadn't arrived yet. Add a holiday weekend and it looked like I would be making shipping arrangements. This is always fun when you don't know where you're going to be more than 36 hours in advance.


The Festival weekend in the pyle was nice. The fireworks were better than last year and the music was great. The Hillbilly Gypsies were pickin' and grinnin' at the Pub on Saturday night. The FOO members had an opportunity to spend the night in the old park superintendent's house at the outflow of Meadow run. The house was fantastic but as usual I slept in my Element.


I left PA for VT and it would have been great to take a ride up near Canada, but since I would be meeting Miss Kitty out on the road, and can now only carry 1 bike at a time, I was temporarily bikeless. I worked down the east coast and found myself in Chesapeake 12 hours before yet another Hurricane (I think it was the H one). My Driver manager gave me a choice load to Tracy CA a short 2900 miles away. The drive was nice, cool sleeping weather, and no major fight for parking






I found my new favorite truckstop, the Little America in Flagstaff. Nice and cool at over 7000 ft elevation. good parking and fantastic showers, hell they even have bathtubs. Just down the street is a natural foods store, there are mountain views to the north and bike friendly streets... sigh... yet still no bike in my truck.



I decided it would be a great opportunity to rendezvous with my new bike in California. This started the agonizing task of getting a 25 pound bike delivered to Mountain View Ca. I soon found out that The bike would arrive the day after I left, even considering that I would be spending my 34 hour break at Yosemite after my delivery.






Yosemite was fantastic although the last time I had something other than Crocs or my bike shoes on was... well the last time I was in Yosemite. My brother picked me up around noon and I napped a bit on the way as I had been driving since around midnight. We took a short hike to Lower Cathedral Lake, had great fish tacos just outside the park and headed to camp. I chose the same deluxe accommodations as I did in Joshua Tree, the picnic table. It got down to the high 30's overnight but my Big Agnes bag was toasty warm.

We took a 14 mile hike to Clouds Rest in the morning. I had some minor blistering the day before and really shouldn't be using heavy leather goretex boots in the summer. Anything I used to stop the blisters would sweat off within half a mile. I also use Superfeet insoles which are really nice but they take about 3 days or so of soreness to get used to. My feet were certainly not used to my boots anymore. I was also physically not up to the task of a rough terrain hike to 11,000 feet. The way out was fine but I totally ran out of energy on the way back. The 13th mile was a 1000 ft descent which really sucked. It was all worth it though. From clouds rest you are pretty much at the top of the valley looking down on Half Dome and the Merced River.

As expected, no bike before I headed off for Yuma, so I made arrangements to get routed back that way. I tracked the package and it had been on a delivery truck on Friday. Certainly I would be able to pick it up by Monday. I killed time in Fontana over the weekend and eagerly headed up I-5 to my delivery and new bike. I checked the UPS website and was crushed to find out they were now saying the address was wrong and it would deliver on Tuesday. I would only be in Central CA Monday eve and out again in the morning. After 6 calls to UPS, 5 promised return calls that never happened, and a lot of frustration I finally was able to send my brother to the package center to pick up and bring the bike to me (He is now the coolest brother in the world). On the evening of 9/15/08 I finally got to ride Miss Kitty #5 around Lathrop CA. Wheee!

I went back to Yuma in the morning and started on my way to Albuquerque from there. I only got as far as Barstow that night but I had a little ride in the desert in the morning. The sand all looks the same to me but some of it will suck your front wheel in and cause instantaneous flips over the handlebar. I have found out that all abrasions and cuts obtained in the desert tend to itch like a sumbitch. even with the 29" wheels and fat tires, the mystery sand still got me several times before I headed out to NM. Somewhere out there the desert stole one of my handlebar endcaps. It also has a good bit of skin from my left shin.

I was Surprised at how much fun a singlespeed ended up being. I do wish I had a bit more gear for riding in traffic at times, but it's like back in the day on the ol' BMX. Peadaling faster and faster until you can't spin any more. It does make you smoother with the pedalstroke, and there is a Zen like quality to the outright simplicity of only having go and stop. I must say the all blue color scheme does look snappy, and it is a smooth ride that fits perfectly.

I made it to Albuquerque just before I ran out of legal driving time. I delivered to one of the worst parking lots I have ever been in. It was more crowded than a NYC lot and also uneven dirt and sand. I would try to back into a narrow space in the dark and the sloping ground would tilt my trailer and bring it dangerously close to the others. I believe there was also some mystery sand here. I took another ride to REI in the morning to pick up spare tubes and such. Albuquerque has a nice set of trails through the city but alas I was called to Waxahachie TX. On a side note Waxahachie was the proposed location for the US supercollider which ultimately was never built.

I worked up from there to the Chicago area which is the nexus point of roadwork in the country currently. How about finishing one job before you start another. It seems like everything from Aurora IL to Gary IN is torn up right now.

I have been bouncing back and forth from Illinois to the east coast for the past week. I think I've spent over $200 on the Ohio Turnpike alone. They do have those nice rest area though. A few more weeks and I'll be heading home for The FOO fall campout in WV.

It wouldn't be a post without a little church, can I get an Amen?
Now how can you get some fear and guilt to all the lost souls out on the highway? Considering the amount of people I saw entering this trailer over the course of a Sunday morning, not many. I think a 53 foot trailer is a bit more than necessary. I have yet to see the Semi-synagogue, Motor-mosque, or Travelling temple. Maybe the Christians are just more creative. This rig must have a plastic Jesus on the dashboard.

Thinking inside the box (1923)

ECONOMY

As I write the following blog entry I live alone on the asphalt, miles from my mountain neighbors in a truck that was built by International in Huntsville Alabama, and earn my living by the labor of my ass in the drivers seat only. I have lived here 6 months 3 weeks. At present I am a sojourner in "civilized" life.



I should not obtrude my affairs so much on the notice of my readers if very particular inquiries hadn't been made by my townsmen concerning my mode of life, which some would call impertinent. Though they do not appear to me at all impertinent, but considering the circumstances very natural and pertinent. Some have asked what I have to eat, If I did not feel lonesome, If I was not afraid, and the like. I will therefore ask those of my readers who have no particular interest to pardon me if I partake to answer some of those questions in this blog.



First, apologies to Thoreau for my bastardization (homage?) to Walden. Lately I've been thinking about the simplicity of my current situation. I have also been listening to (trucker reading) Walden, and I found some interesting parallels in my life and that of Ol' Henry. Even Though I am surrounded by Technology and Machinery I am leading quite the simple life.



I have always lived simply, partially financially determined. But I can also say that to some extent that was self imposed. Once I had enough to cover the basics, I just lost interest in the rat race. Ohiopyle is a haven for those of this mindset, as is any river town and ski area. A lot can be saved through communal support and bartering. In reality coming back to the "real world" has been quite an adjustment. I spent the bulk of the past decade in a town where to most, TV, radio, internet, and the bulk of the outside world is an occasional diversion from playing in the woods. I had forgotten that smiling and saying hello to someone puts many on the defensive.



The house I lived in previous to driving was about 45o sq. ft. and had no indoor plumbing. As a river guide I spent one summer in a tent, and the rest of my whitewater career at El Rancho Relaxo (later with the addition of a couch "El Rancho Deluxo") a guide house with usually no less than 25 people around. This meant there was rarely any difficulty getting a hack circle together. These were some of the financially poorest, but best times of my life.








I would also frequently sleep in my Honda Element, a vehicle I bought specifically for that purpose. If you want to get a good sunrise picture it's best to be there the night before. In February I would park outside my school gate and sleep until class started. Working 80-100 hour weeks meant unnecessary driving time had to go. In short I have always been extremely flexible with where I lay my head down at night.




I enjoyed the communal life , but I am equally comfortable being alone. Actually in matters of employment I prefer not having a superior breathing down my neck. Having a proclivity for telling people what I think no matter the result has in the past caused many a bridge to burn, usually while I'm standing on it, and on a few occasions even before I've crossed. I have through trial and error found a nice balance between individuality and knowing when being a smartass just isn't worth the hassle. I figured all that out in a mere 35 years. Take a tip from me, A district justice has little use for your opinions on their job performance.



I'm amazed that since I already spent a lot of time living out of my Element, I didn't trade up to living out of a larger vehicle sooner. It is the reality of living full time in a truck is where I have found those similarities with the simple living of Thoreau.

My truck is about 7x7x9 and my storage unit is 9.5x19.5x8. This works out to 248 sq. ft and 1923 cubic ft. respectively. Together this equals a 15x16 room with a 8 ft ceiling. Here is where everything I have in the world rests, including me. I spend the bulk of my time in the truck, about the same dimensions as a standard 1/2 bathroom. A 15x16 room is slightly larger than average, but keep in mind that my Honda also goes in this space. So, my physical footprint is quite small compared to an average 2000 sq. ft. (18,000 cubic ft.) home.



Consider this, go around your house and gather everything you use in an average month. This includes the bedroom, clothing, bathroom, den, kitchen, pantry, tool shed, etc, you get the picture. How much do you think all that stuff weighs? Also, where are you going to put all of it?


Lets consider utilities. My electricity comes from my truck. Yes, this uses diesel to run, and it could be said that by ecological terms I'm full of it considering my profession. I figured driving truck was better than my other option of being a baby seal clubber. But I'll defend myself weakly by saying that I am personally benefiting from the consumer lifestyles of our nation (buy more heavy stuff from far away people!) Think bottled water! I rarely idle the truck for AC (interior temps over 100 the exception) and drive in a more conservative manner. My overall fuel economy is in the 7.5 mpg range. Better than a Hummer! My idle time is expected to be less than 40%, at last review mine was 4%. My plumbing is nonexistent, although I do use facilities at truck stops. Living in a small space attunes you to all of your consumption and waste since weight, space, and hygiene come into play.








Many of the things I carry need to serve multiple purposes, those that don't go to storage. My bike (currently Miss Kitty #3) is exercise and transportation. You really combine your trips or do without when your vehicle / home is restricted from most areas. My Element has seen probably around 500 miles since February, and actually the inactivity has not been good for it. The 40,000 mile warranty on those new tires will last me a looooong time. My old extension pole I used for drywall is great for washing the truck, cleaning the windshield, and collapses to be the handle for my trailer cleaning push broom. My computer is a GPS, bank, photo album, music & book library, and movie theatre. My 300 watt rice cooker also is a veggie steamer and high powered crock pot. My microwave is in storage, but I do carry a small propane BBQ grill. Food prep becomes an exercise in how simple can I make this (think salads) because dish washing without water sucks. I learned to deal with that in my last house. When you carry all your water with you you learn to do without certain things. Pasta, unfortunately is one of them.

I use less resources than ever before in my life (diesel not included) and have made little sacrifice to do so. I understand this is a lifestyle that appeals to quite a small amount of people. But consider the travel (not always in the direction of choice) and opportunity. Outside of driving across Nebraska It's rarely boring. I have always had an aversion to jobs that I don't love. Much like the things I carry this profession serves many proposes.

And next time I'm in Concord MA there's a little pond I want to check out.

The force was strong with the young Jedi lighthouse, but wait... there is another. I had previously mentioned that there was a much grander holy mess along I-68. Here, partially hiding behind the windmill tower section is "THE ARK"

For as long as I've been going down this highway I could always look forward to what I like to call Noah's procrastination. I don't know how long this construction project has been stalled (due to lack of funding and larger lack of common sense) but I could always rest assured that as I climbed the hill toward it I wouldn't be seeing any crews at work. Not much to show for 32 1/2 years work. It appears Noah has bitten off a tad more than he can chew. Could it be a sign from above that this could be a monumental waste altogether?

I can't possibly elaborate any better than the 30 yr anniversary article

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06106/682602-85.stm

or the godsark homepage itself

http://www.godsark.org/index.html

be sure to click the icon (picture of the hollow shell of I beams) just to the left of "main" for the whole construction story.

In my search for the Ark website I happened across a book it was featured in called "Roadside Religion" It's a tour of the stranger religious sites in the country, something I may have to pick up to continue with the quality odd icon photos. The Ark was good enough to make the cover!

Enjoy.

I F*cking hate computers

Just figured I'd edit the title in case my mom reads this. After all she'll never know what that * could possibly represent. Sly eh?



So I finished the last blog, did a spellcheck, previewed it, everything looked fine. Hit the publish post button and view the blog and everything had scrambled. The pictures were compressing the text along the sides into unreadable 6 character rows. Huge amounts of space appeared out of thin air and planted itself between paragraphs. ARRRGGH! This type of thing used to happen when I would try to type a resume (really, about every 5 years or so) on Word. Looks fine in the preview then Blammo, the finished product has shifted all over the place. Then you spend the next few hours going back and forth making minor adjustments and checking the progress. So, I found the preview button, where is the real fucking world button (sorry mom).



You really should see my Frankenstein version of the last post. It bears little resemblance to the slightly rough finished product. So enjoy it, I have suffered to bring it to you. I refuse to alter this one so however this comes out, send comments to Microsoft.



That's what superguy gets for patting himself on the back when he learned how to add pictures. Can't say I didn't warn me.



I said every post, and I cant go back on my word, so... time for communion.

Here we have the Lighthouse, I think it's a church or retreat center. You'll notice the quaint cross shaped observation platform. Observing what? Why I-68 in Maryland of course. This bit of holy architecture not only churches up the highway, you can see it from the air! If you frequent I-68 you'll understand that I'm saving the other (colossal failure) roadside shrine on this route for a later post. I still need to find the newspaper articles.

Sadly this too pales in comparison to the first feature. I've been back east and all the good abortion shock displays are in the Midwest. So, no more fetuses (feti?) until I'm west of the Mississippi.

Ok, I had to edit and add this, of course it came out perfect, Fucking computer.

Rollin Thru the Mountains on I-68

I just had my longest home break to date, 4 1/2 whole days. I managed to get a good bit done in the way of doctor visits, car inspection, etc. The good part was I was able to get in some quality visiting time with all the mountain folk. The high point was the 1st birthday party for Addyson Greene. This was also my first visit to the Greene compound in Prince Gallitzin State Park. I must say the park can't quite live up to the glory of Ohiopyle, but it does have the largest campground in the system. PGSP is also conveniently located in the middle of nowhere somewhat between Altoona and Ebensburg.


The birthday party was the standard type of event for a child that isn't old enough yet to really comprehend what's going on. To Addyson it was a busier than average day with a lot of relatives and of course a fist full of cake to the face. This was also her first meeting with Reese DiCasolo, another of the less than 365 day crowd. The grand introduction left her... well, crying. Oh well plenty of time to get acquainted later. I gave the impressionable lass an assortment of They Might Be Giants children's albums. I was unaware that her favorite song (The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Theme) was on one of the albums. Wait, I mean I painstakingly researched the entire music department at Borders to find just the right CD, yeah... that's the ticket. Regardless I recommend the albums for strange adults and children destined to be strange. Go find Here come the 123's, Here Come The ABC's and NO! Best track for outdoorsy types, C is for Conifer (my kind of trees).



















We all went out to a local restaurant the night before the party. The meal was good, but even better was the place mat. There was a little story about the local coal mining history from an area newspaper. The writing was quite interesting. One sentence was a whopping 62 words long. I really wish I could find where I put that place mat to share it with all of you as the short 4-5 paragraphs kept us occupied for quite a while. The best way to describe the grammar is confusing. I guess that story didn't make it to the editors desk.

























I spent quite a few hours At Speedgoat going over the final details of the new Ms. Kitty. I really hadn't anticipated all the little details that went into the build. For instance, it is more aesthetically pleasing if you can match component brands on items like the seatpost, stem, and handlebar. It gives the bike a more cohesive look at the end. OK, that is a bit much, but all I can say is my rims are going to match the color of the frame and I think that's really neat. Those wonderful bastards will be taking a significant portion of my paychecks over the next few months. I've already restricted myself from buying anything else when I go to pick it up at the end of the month. Maybe, to be on the safe side, I should just have them ship it to me. You can get a $6500 dollar bike FRAME there. Too cool.


I've been hanging out in Ohio a lot lately. After working in the whitewater industry in Ohiopyle (no relation) you get a certain contempt for the Buckeye State. Put a bunch of flatlanders in the Appalachians and the air will be thick with the smell of burning brakes. While smoking wheel wells were not only on the cars with Ohio plates it just seemed that when it was a real gem of a Touron (regional dialect tourist + moron; aka turds) you just knew where they were from. That being said, whenever I call back home and I say I'm in Ohio I always get offered a reassuring condolence. My only legitimate beef with the state is the 55 MPH truck limit. I feel that having highway traffic go separate speeds is going to cause more problems than it's worth. In reality you will see few trucks going 55 unless there is an officer around.
























I have however longed for the Ohio flatness on theMaryland roller coaster highway. I'm torn when it comes to I-68, It's a bastard with the hills, but it's just so damn beautiful you don't mind dragging 40 tons up one of em' at 25 MPH. I-68 also connects with PA-40 which is a little road that takes me home. I had originally planned to move from the area due to it being off major truck routes, and I thought I could save on state taxes in WA, but I have decided that home (officially) will always be in or near Fayettenam. If you're going from I-70 to DC, Baltimore or I-81 south the short route is across 40 from Uniontown to I-68 at Keysers Ridge. Hopefully you have a light load cause while Yough Lake is nice the westbound climb royally sucks. I have enjoyed a little extra home time due to routing across 40, and if you gotta take that 10 hour break why not do it at home. For the driver without a parking spot already I recommend the dirt lot just west of Rt 523 on the south side and the old burnt bar about a mile west of Keysers Ridge on the north side. Just remember you can usually find a Trooper at the state line and the ones from the Garrett county barracks aren't known for their sense of compassion.





















The real elevation fun starts on the western side with Sideling Hill. If you aren't in a big truck you can check out the exhibition center. I'm into geology and this is a fantastic place to see bedding layers of sedimentary rock. Igneous and metamorphic?, not here buddy they sent them off with the truck drivers to lands far far away. Since you'll be crawling up all those mountains, you might as well get to know them by name. Between Sideling Hill and Keysers Ridge you'll find Polish, Meadow, Haystack, and Big Savage. The PC award goes to... none other than Negro Mountain. I'm sure there is an old USGS map out there with the original name.






















The only city along the route is Cumberland which is now an arts and tourism destination. You'll drive (40 MPH if you know what's good for you) right over the center of the land of Cumber. You might want to stop for a steam locomotive or C&O canal boat ride, as long as your vehicle weighs less than 10 tons. Cumberland is the first Heritage site in the Maryland, and no, I have no clue what that means. But, if you like architecture and art this is a great little town. Be sure to stop at the pedestrian mall if you want a local cafe.


I have enjoyed good weather lately. There was a ball of heat parked over the Midwest when I was there earlier this month, It has been much nicer back east. Last night in Somerset Pa (let me get a shout out for the Laurel Highlands) I actually got a bit cold. There have been perfect little rainstorms. Just long enough to knock the dust off the truck and let you wash the bugs off the windshield. I was treated to a double rainbow a few days ago, although those things always look better in person than in pictures.



















And finally, as promised, a little dose of roadside religion. This ties in with my earlier statements on the fine state of Ohio, where this sign was found.























Someone needs to put a sign right after this one that says...
YOU ARE HERE

Yeah, probably shouldn't have come out of the gate with the fetus sign. I don't think I'll ever top that one.

Almost forgot

In a previous post, ok, two posts ago.(like there have been soooo many) I mentioned the garish roadside religious display. I have decided to include one with each post (collect em' all) I may be setting the bar a little high to start with but here it is......

This fine hand painted rendition shows a very distraught Jesus, gosh durnit do I hate to see the Blessed Lord and Savior Son of the one true God King of Kings Holy Ghost Christ so upset... I think I'll send him a FTD Pick-me-up bouquet. Maybe one of those "hang in there" kitten posters. Or maybe a pogo stick, I've heard he likes those. Wait... what's he holding there...

It's a (presumably aborted) FETUS!!!!! Ewwwwwww!

And I thought I had no tact, but some fundamentalist out there felt the need to display this gem to the world. I'm surprised they didn't include the ubiquitous anti abortion mantra "heartbeat at 18 days". So, to the creator of this monstrosity I offer this jaunty little tune.


Welllllllll, I don't care if it rains or freezes, long as I got my plastic fetus.......

Then again I don't think I could top Jello Biafra with his ditty "Will the fetus be aborted" (by and by Lord, by and by)

Almost as sacrilegious as the classic "Immaculate Henry"

Yes, I know, in a bucket but at least I'm enjoying the ride.

(I blame Parochial education and Zappa music)

Finally on the Superhighway

With a growing need for Net access I finally broke down and signed on with Sprint for a Wireless card. I did this with much apprehension as I worked for them this past winter and know all too well that their motto of "covering the nation with excellent customer service" refers not to the US but the Philippines. Getting help from a competent English speaking person is just not on the Sprint agenda. I would gladly pay more for actual tech support, but I'm not going to hold my breath while I wait. There were some initial problems with hardware and formatting, but after many hours on the phone I am happy to say I now have full time access (offer not valid in Homer Louisiana).

The initial surge of catching up on stuff and stuff, setting up my online banking and billpay accounts is winding down. Those last 5 Audible book credits didn't stand a chance and I will probably go for another 24 later today. It's time to get around to updating the ol' blog

My Volvo is gone off to a private owner somewhere and I am celebrating my 2 week anniversary in my new International Pro Star today. My initial dislike of the new truck is waning, but I sure miss the Volvo at times. I don't want to sound ungrateful for being assigned to a brand new truck, the ride is smoother, the bed is wider, and most importantly it has no funky previous driver smells. I personally don't care much about what a truck looks like from the outside, I care about the ergonomics and control options in the drivers seat. It seems to me that Volvo got a lot more feedback from drivers before designing the interiors of their trucks.

A short list for the International engineers:

1. 2 trip odometers, one for today and one for the entire trip

2. The washer fluid jets should reach the entire windshield surface , we all know the bugs do

3. shelves, we don't need no stinkin' shelves. cabinets keep things in place when the road gets bumpy

4. All climate control vents should have the ability to be turned off completely

5. Ummmm, storage space, some of us live out of these things for months at a time. I can't imagine this as a team truck.

6. This may be getting petty, but the horn needs more force for application. I lay my clipboard on the wheel to fill out my logbook and I'm honking my horn at 2 am at the truck stop. I'm driving a Swift truck after all and that's reason enough to make some drivers grumpy, let's not wake them up too.

Otherwise the Pro Star has been fantastic, a little short on storage space, but It has a sort of tiny hotel room feel. I made some top bunk supports as the bunk would hit me in the head if I tried to sit up in the bottom bunk, and still needed the storage space above..The worst accommodation I have to make is that with the shorter roof I am unable to carry more than one bike in my top bunk. I had picked up My Kona full suspension on my last home visit, but after only 2 rides Miss Kitty #4 (Spring Kitty) had to be put back in storage.



On the bicycle note I am currently in the process of having Speedgoat.com build me Miss Kitty #5 (Kitty se pierda número cinco) a sweet Salsa El Mariachi 29" singlespeed. Actually with the White Industries Double/Double drivetrain it won't be a true singlespeed, but the basic idea is the same. The guys at Speedgoat have been most informative and helpful on this build, and I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a personalized ride. You can tell these guys have a bit of white lithium grease running through their veins. The hardest part will be waiting until I get back home for delivery. I think I may have an upcoming personal emergency in late August.

The plans are in the works for Miss Kitty #6 (Concrete kitty) a Surly Long Haul Trucker road/tour bike. I will probably begin to dismantle Miss Kitty #3 (Cyclo Kitty) and use the wheels, bar, saddle, etc to build up #6. Back when I only had my cyclocross and my Cannondale Sprint bike (#2 Crit Kitty) I used #3 for off road. Now with a full suspension and singlespeed for that category, I will have little need for a cross bike. I had also wanted to get another touring bike like the Raleigh (the Original Miss Kitty) that replaced my old Schwinn Le Tour (Pre Kitty). The Schwinn was unfortunately crushed in my accident back in 98'. So, with a quick recap of the Miss Kitty fleet we can go on to other subjects.

#1 Miss Kitty - Raleigh T-700 Touring, Stock (traded for C-dale frame)

#2 Crit Kitty - Cannondale Sprint frame, Self Built (Currently living with Lindsay in White Pa)

#3 Cyclo Kitty - Redline Conquest Cyclocross frame, Self Built

#4 Spring Kitty - Kona Kickapu Full Suspension Mtn. Stock upgraded to XT Drivetrain and Cane Creek wheelset, new fork coming soon.

#5 Kitty se Piedra - Salsa El Mariachi 29" Singlespeed Speedgoat custom build in process

#6 Concrete Kitty - Surly Long Haul Trucker Road/Touring Speedgoat custom build pending

I had been down south and around Salt Lake City earlier in July. When you know you can't get a shower after a 108 degree ride in the sun... you stay in the truck and watch DVDs. There were almost 3 weeks where I didn't ride at all. I've been in the Midwest most of this week and it's been unusually hot. Heat be damned, I gots me a ridin' jones. Currently I'm south of Kansas City in Nevada Mo and it's over 100 out. I'll certainly be waiting till after dark to go for a ride tonight. I have had the forethought to only park where I can get post ride showers this week.

I had a night ride from Kansas City KS over to Kansas City MO yesterday and I learned that you need to also consider the neighborhoods you'll be riding through along with routing directions. I had gone out to do some shopping for a birthday gift and got rerouted due to construction. You just know when you see razor wire and the only businesses involve liquor or check cashing it's not the best place for a leisurely after dark bike ride. I turned off my headlight and rear flasher as to not call any more attention to myself and rode like hell till I got back to my truck.

Normally I'm all for cyclists obeying traffic law, after all we want the rights to the road and those come along with the obligations of the rules. In short, be predictable, don't make the same car pass you twice, and bike = 20 lbs., car = 2000+ lbs. But I wasn't waiting at red lights or stop signs last night, and I must say I made those last 8 miles in record time.

I had a less hazardous ride around Bonner Springs Ks the previous day. I headed out early in a light misty rain, which after all the heat was quite enjoyable. I was surprised to find a great little coffee shop where I had breakfast. I also found a local massage studio on their bulletin board and made an appointment for some much needed post ride back work. I had overextended my back back in Feb while I was packing everything into storage and have never fully recovered. Add to that the fact that I spend anywhere from 3 to 11 hours a day sitting behind a steering wheel, well things just get sore. This reminds me I need to make a chiropractor visit for next Friday. The pre massage ride was probably the best all week, good temperature, country back roads, no angry dogs... I went out to some caves where they do underground cold storage. If you stood by the cave entrance it was like being in front of a 20 foot AC vent, very nice. Follow that up with a massage and it almost makes the 500 miles to Austin MN (home of the Spam museum) pleasant. I did notice that in Bonner Springs, a town that is one consonant away from third grade bathroom humor, the owner of the only gas station decided to call his business Woody's. Named after President Wilson I guess.

I has some other rides in Aurora IL, Findlay OH, and Paulsboro NJ, where although the local police officer will tell you to turn right after the second light past the drawbridge to get to Kings Highway, it's really the first one. After wandering around for a while I found an ambulance station where the paramedics put me on the right path. I did have a good time wandering though.

The NJ ride was in search of a Bank of America to make a deposit as First National Bank decided to cancel my ATM card due to a fraud concern. I guess the cancellation was necessary but that notice and new card they mailed were still hundreds of miles away from my unknowing self standing in line at the truck stop (what do you mean declined 3 times, there's $2000 in that account..I swear!) So I wandered the boros of Joisey searching for my new bank to deposit a check as I have learned in the past, NEVER make a deposit into another bank ATM unless you don't mind waiting 4-6 weeks for that money.

Banks and Post Offices have been quite elusive to me in the truck. I switched to Bank of America as they have more branches around the country. I just can't seem to find a place to park anywhere near a branch office or USPS office for that matter. These things are generally near residential or business areas.

I however frequent industrial and commercial areas. When I do go to a shopping area to make a delivery all I see are no truck signs wherever I look. The really annoying ones are the weight limit signs that are impossible to see until after you have committed to the turn. I will never back up into an intersection so those signs are void in my book Parking lot curbs and landscaping are designed to keep trucks out. This is especially prevalent near a major highway. I know that heavy trucks wear out the lot surface, but if you're already getting deliveries around back by truck, how bout' a spot to park so I can come in to shop too. Most likely it's the only place I'll be getting to so I'll be less picky about price.

The one exception to the parking ban is most Wal-Marts will allow trucks, and those of you that know me also know my love of Big Blue. I will make purchases at the places I park, as a courtesy, and to be able to say I'm a customer instead of just using the free parking. So on that note I have been a Wal Mart customer, but I prefer to support independent and local concerns. But, to the irate gentleman at the Bonner Springs Thriftway I say If you are that opposed to trucks in your lot put up a sign saying so, I don't pull into posted lots. And your immediate shouting spree lost you a $75 grocery sale, you sir are an ass.

At times it can seem the whole world hates the truck. They don't want you parking near them, can't have you on this street, don't want to be behind you on the highway, jump in front of you in traffic, will just about cause an accident trying to pass or being passed. Well, until we find a better way to get products to stores and materials to manufacturers we all just need to get along. Group hug everyone! I Don't know how I would cope without my bike to get around locally.

I have been quite frustrated lately with the limited access to services. I had put some bills in the outgoing mail basket at a truck stop and ended up having to put a stop payment on 2 checks when they never made it to their destinations. I will eventually figure out how to work it all out but for now I'm perpetually on the search for a mailbox and a good local restaurant with a big parking lot nearby. One in particular is City o' City in Denver, great pizza and the mini jalapeno cupcake was the perfect finale.

Well, this post is getting long enough and I've had my gripes about the trucking industry. But Diesel prices are down, I get to go home to the Pyle this week, I have a new Miss Kitty coming soon and in a few hours I'll be riding around Nevada in the dark yelling Wheee!

Life is good.