Open Balloon Flower

This is an open balloon flower

Prickly Pear Cactus

This is our local wild prickly pear cactus and a blossom with a green bug in the center.

Mesclun Mix

The mesclun I planted a long time ago finally seems to be growing.

Every Month Is 'Bike Month'

With so many press releases for "Bike Month" events circulating as May approaches, I am starting to feel like a real grouch deleting them or replying "No thank you." But I have to stand by what I believe, or else where would I be? And I believe the idea of "bike month" to be damaging to the very thing it aims to achieve - which is making cycling accessible to the non-cycling population. It seems to me, that the nature of the event, as well as the tone of the promotional materials that accompany it [note: link added 4.23.], reinforce, rather than dispel the notion of cycling as something out of the ordinary - an activity reserved for special occasions and organised events.



Granted, "Bike Month"has a festive ring to it thatmay increase the immediate visibility of cycling. But, as someone with professional experience in the psychology of marketing, I question whether the results are ultimately positive. After all, how useful is this increase in visibility if all it does is reinforce the "cycling = a once-in-a-while activity" or"cycling = weird fringe subculture"associations that the non-cycling public already holds?



It is my view, that in order for cycling to be accessible to the general population, it needs to be normalised and depoliticised. "Anybody who wants to ride a bike can do so any time they like," is the only message I see as being productive. You do not need to wear special clothing. You do not need to wait for a special month. You do not need to be "community oriented," athletic, health-minded, or an environmentalist. And you do not need official propaganda to tell you it's "good for you," accompanied by paradoxical instructions that make the whole thing sound complicated and dangerous.



Cycling is not a cult, political group, or evangelical religion that requires recruitment events with free food and trinkets.Every month is 'bike month.'

The Estate of John Rupert :: The First “Final Account”

The will of John Rupart dated October 17, 1828 was admitted to probate in Columbiana County, Ohio in August of 1831. On August 5th 1832 a “final account” was prepared and submitted to the Court of Common Pleas.





First page of Final Account dated August 5th 1832.Estate of John Rupart. Packet 1439. Family History Library microfilm 2032592.

The final account of Conrad Yerian and David Erhart

as Executors of the last will and testament of

John Rupart late of the county of Columbiana deceased.



The appraisment was on the 3d September 1831

when goods were appraised to the amount of - - - - - - - - $106.51



The sale of the personal estate was on the 24th

September when goods were sold to amount of - - - - - - $



These accountants charge themselves with

the amount of the sale bill - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $144.21



These accountants claim a credit for the following

sums paid on account of the estate

1831 Augt 20 - - No 1 - - Paid Peter Spangler - - - Auc - - - $5.00

1831 Sept 3 - - - No 2 - - Paid Joseph Morris - - - taxes - - - 1.04

1831 Sept 23 - - No 3 - - Paid David Arter - - - - - Auc - - - - 0.75

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $6.79



Costs of Administration

1831 Sptr 2 - - No 4 - - Paid C. D. Coffin Clk - - - - - - - - - - - 5.25

1831 Sptr 30 - No 5 - - Paid Michael Arter qualifying [?] Appr - 0.37 ½

1832 Jany 18 – No 6 - - Paid Philip Andre Appr - - - - - - - - - - 0.50

1832 Jany 18 – No 7 - - Paid Peter Crossinger Appr - - - - - - - 0.50

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Amount Carried over $7.62 ½





Second page of Final Account dated August 5th 1832.Estate of John Rupart. Packet 1439. Family History Library microfilm 2032592.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Amount brought over $7.62 ½

1832 Jany 18 - - No 8 - - - Paid Joshua Copeland crying sale - - - 2.00

1832 Jany 18 - - No 9 - - - Paid David Wiley Appr - - - - - - - - - - 0.50

1832 Jany 29 - - No 10 - - Paid C. D. Coffin Clk - - - - - - - - - - 1.00

1832 May 19 - - No 11 - - Paid C. D. Coffin Clk - - - - - - - - - - - 0.40

1832 Sptr 24 - - No 12 - - Paid William Morgan Clerking - - - - - - 0.75

1832 Augt 22 - - No 13 - - Paid Fisker A. Blackman Atty Fee - - - 5.00

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $17.30 ½



To the Honorable Court of Common Pleas for the county of Columbiana.

The undersigned Master Commissioner of the Court to whom was refered

the account of the Executors of the last will and testament of John

Rupart late of said county, deceased Reports that in pursuance of the

Rule of the Court he has examined said account and finds that the amount

received from the sale of personal estate is - - - - - - - - - - - $144.21

It being the whole amount charged against said accountants



I do find by proper vouchers exhibited that said accountants have paid

debts owing by said estate to the amount of - - - - - - - - - - - - $6.79



Costs of administration inclusive of the sum to be allowed by Court to

Executors for their services is - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $17.30 ½

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Total Credits - - - - - - - - - - 24.09 ½





Third page of Final Account dated August 5th 1832.Estate of John Rupart. Packet 1439. Family History Library microfilm 2032592.

Leaving in the hands of said executors for distribution - - - - - $120.11 ½



Out of which the Executors compensation for their services and Master fee

to be allowed by Court to be deducted.



All which is respectfully submitted

August 25th 1832 Fisher A. Blackman, Master Comm



Atty fee - - - - - - - - - - - - $2.00

Executor - - - - - - - - - - - - [?] .64

Smokin' Truck

Recently our friends called when their old Ford pickup caught on fire at the local Walmart. It was quite and experience for them. Hubby went took our hay trailer down and hauled it back to the house.

They had called 911 to get the fire department to come put out the fire. But the pumper on the firetruck didn't want to work at first. Heck of a thing when a firetrucks pumper don't work. Last photo shows inside the cab of the truck where the whole dash was burnt to a crisp. Everything under the hood (bonnet - if your in England) was crispy critters, too. The fire was so hot it melted the windshield, and most of the wiring. Just glad they were in a parking lot when it happened instead of how the highway or a street where it could have been worse. And that they were able to get out of the truck with out getting hurt.

Later when the guys looked at it closer they thought that some of the wiring had caught fire right over the fuel hose and burned the hose into so that raw gas was pouring out really causing the truck to burn. I understand the flames where really high. The guys have been working to overhaul another Ford truck that our friend had picked up recently. After the one truck burned they found a rats nest of sticks and grass in the other truck. They wondered if it was possible that a rat had a nest in the truck that burned, also. Neither had been driven all winter so it is possible.

Eventually it will be dismembered and hauled to a metal recycle place.

So remember if you haven't driven your vehicle for a while check for rat's nests in them. You never know when your Ford truck will be Found in Road Dead like this one was. (Only it was a Walmart parking lot).

Up and Away :: Morning Version

Friday, January 20th – The campground where I am staying is a reasonable drive from Lake Havasu City. Having seen several signs indicating that a Balloon Festival is in progress this weekend, I got up at (what is for me) an early hour and made it into town by 8:30 am.



Stopping off at the Rotary Park along the channel, across from the Festival venue, I was somewhat disappointed to see only two balloons preparing to rise into the sky. Since I hadn't yet had the opportunity to see the famous (or infamous, depending upon you point of view) London Bridge, I continued walking along the channel. As I made my way around a curve, I saw several more balloons floating in the sky. Apparently there were five or six sites that were being used this morning from which to launch the balloons.





I never did see a multitude of balloons all at one time – there were reportedly 60 some balloons participating in the festival – but it was fun to watch them as they passed overhead.





I'm not sure what the “draw” is about seeing hot air balloons in the sky, but there were a lot of people strolling along the channel and enjoying the day.





One of the “big” things for the pilots of the balloons was for them to display a bit of expertise and skill by “dipping” their basket into the water and skimming along the surface for a short distance.





Success! Touchdown and liftoff.



More coming my way!



I never realized that the pilots had so much control over their balloons. Of course, the air was still, with hardly a breeze blowing.





Some of the balloons came pretty darn close to the London Bridge!



Just as I snapped this picture, the seagull came into the frame. I think it adds something to the picture – just not sure what! LOL.





Passing directly overhead...

Mountain Dandies

A lot of the mountain meadows were covered with dandelion flowers. Carpets of bright yellow. I don't think these dandies are native to the mountain but sure are pretty when blooming. The wild goose berries were blooming, too. Tiny little orange blossoms that will make a berry favored by birds, and other wildlife. We saw a bird nest in one blue spruce near a small creek. The open seed cones of pinon pine trees, New Mexico's pine tree, and aspen trees that had their back rubbed by the deer and elk last fall when they were rubbing the velvet off of their antlers. The deer and elk damage the aspens when they do this leaving unique designs in the white bark that are black. Some people carve on the aspens but shouldn't do it and I hate to see it.

Outerbanks of North Carolina

Last night we arrived at our destination. It was late so we didn't really have a chance to see anything. Ava woke us up at 6 am so we could see everything very well this morning. Since we were up and anxious to see the beach, we hurried out there. Good Morning Beach!

Monday Mailbox: Treating Saddle Sores

Monday Mailbox is a series of posts dedicated to questions received over email. Here is one that pops up now and again:

This is embarrassing, but lately I've been getting what I think are saddle sores after long rides. How can I tell that is what they are? And do you have any advice for treating them?

Saddle sores are one of those common, yet mysterious problems that cyclists love to discuss endlessly. I am just one voice among many and by no means an expert. Happily, I was spared the affliction of saddle sores for my first three and a half years on the bike. It is only recently, when I started covering longer distances, that I began to get them occasionally.




What exactly is a saddle sore? Part of the reason there is so much mystique and different advice out there, is that there is no single medical definition. But at least everyone agrees about their location. Saddle sores appear on the crotch, where it comes in contact with the saddle. Popular spots include the uppermost inner thighs, the "taint," and that transitional ridge where leg becomes butt.




One opinion is that saddle sores are boils caused by abrasions. Another is that they are some special, horrible type of cyst that forms as a result of fluid buildup. But probably the most popular opinion is that they are infected hair follicles. It is very possible that in fact they can be any or all of these things, depending on the rider and cause - which also means that treatment and prevention methods might differ depending on what type it is. Based on my own observations, the infected follicle theory makes the most sense, so that is what I am going with. And as it happens, I've discovered a fairly quick and simple way to get rid of them. Who knows, it might work for you. So here is what I do:




After a ride, shower as soon as possible using non-perfumed soap. Once the area is clean, you will need two ingredients: tea tree oil and vaseline. It's important that the tea tree oil is just that, and not, say, a moisturiser containing it as an ingredient. Plain tea tree oil is now available in many mainstream pharmacies, so sourcing it should not be a problem.




Using a cotton swab, apply tea tree oil to the affected areas - but be careful not to get it onto any mucus membranes, as that could hurt. Once it dries, follow up with vaseline. Repeat every few hours, washing the area before each re-application.




While the sores heal, either stay off the bike, or ride a bike where the way your crotch contacts the saddle is sufficiently different. Wear breathable underwear made of natural fibers.




Using this method, any saddle sores I get go away within 2-3 days. For anything more serious I have no advice, as I've never experienced it myself. Needless to say, if your sores are not going away, consider seeing a doctor.




As far as prevention, there is of course the common sense advice: Find a saddle and shorts that work for you. Increase distances gradually.Use chamois cream to reduce friction. Be sure to shower before and after every ride. And always, always wear clean shorts. However, this is not always sufficient. Even the cleanest, most hygienic pair of shorts will turn into a bacterial cesspool after 10+ hours of riding. Even the most comfortable saddle can start to chafe eventually. And even if you start a ride squeaky clean, you will soon get filthy. That is to say, I don't think there is a sure prevention method once you start doing long distances. Some riders are more prone to saddle sores than others and some situations (such as hot weather) are more likely to cause them. You just have to deal with it when you get them. Hopefully for most of you saddle sores are just an occasional nuisance and not a serious problem.

My Cat Loves Bicycles

We thought it was cute when our cat showed an interest in the Pashley Roadster. But that was nothing compared to her reaction to the vintage Raleigh!

According to the Co-Habitant, she was "all over it" immediately, sniffing the bicycle and trying to lick it. She went into some sort of ecstatic frenzy and could not be pried away!

So apparently my cat loves bicycles! -- or at least quality English bicycles? -- We will need to conduct some research to determine the extent of her attraction.

North Wind, Meet Dirt Roads: the Rawland Nordavinden 650B

The Nordavinden is a newly released bicycle model from the small West-Coast company Rawland Cycles. Earlier this year I featured a friend's Rawland rSogn, which I could not ride because it was too big. At the time Rawland did not make a bike in my size, but they informed me that one would be coming out later in the year. We talked about a test ride, and as luck would have it, a demo bike was ready just before D2R2. I had it in my possession for a nice long weekend - most of it spent riding local and not so local dirt roads.






Norwegian for "the north wind," the Nordavinden was designed as a lighter, sportier frameset than its more rugged predecessors: a zippy bike with low trail geometry that accepts fat tires. Full geometry and tubing specs are available here. Like all Rawland models, the Nordavinden is designed in California and handbuilt in Taiwan.






The larger sizes are built for 700C and will fit a tire up to 35mm. The small size is built for 650B and will fit a tire up to 42mm (pictured here with Grand Bois Hetres).






The frame is designed for sidepull or centerpull brakes. The demo bike came fitted with Rivendell's (discontinued) Silver big-mouth sidepulls.






The dramatic curvature of the fork is immediately noticeable - prompting lots of low trail questions from those who saw the bike whilst in my possession. The trail is 30mm,with 650Bx42mm tires.






Unlike its predecessor rSogn's double plated crown, the Nordavinden's fork crown is the more minimal Pacenti Artisan II, with lighter fork blades.






The "ice blue" paint is a light, shimmery sky-blue. I tried to take some pictures that eliminated the shimmer and showed the true colour underneath. In person, the shimmer makes the blue look lighter. Compared to the (very similar) colour of the rSogn, the Nordavinden is cooler and a bit more saturated.






Looking at the Nordavinden next to the rSogn (front), they are similar at first glance, but less so upon closer inspection. The Nordavinden has an almost level top tube (1.5° slope), compared to the rSogn's more prominent slope. The Norvavinden's appearance is sleeker and more roadish - with fewer braze-ons, narrower tire clearances, lower bottom bracket, shorter chainstays.





Still, the Nordavinden is sufficiently versatile, with eyelets for fenders and braze-ons for a front rack (on the fork blades; optimised for Rivendell's Nitto Mark's rack).







The frame itself is welded cro-moly steel, with some decorative flourishes.






A Rawland chain-slap protector is included with the frame set,






As well as a Rawland seat collar.






The size Small is described as a 54cm frame, measured by its top tube. My ideal frame size for a road fit would have a 53cm top tube, but the small Nordavinden worked nicely with a slightly shorter stem.





Rawland advertises no toe overlap in any of their frame sizes. This held true for me (in size 38 clipless shoes), with room for a fender.







The demo model was built up with Velocity Synergy rims, White Industries hubs, a SRAM Apex drivetrain,






Chris King headset, Soma threadless stem and handlebars, Tektro short reach brake levers and bar-end shifters. The build was not done for me specifically, but I did have a say in stem length and handlebar width, to ensure the bike would fit me. Were this my own bicycle, I would do some things differently for sure. But sometimes it can be interesting to use unfamiliar components.






For shifters, I had a choice between SRAM brifters and bar-ends, and opted for the latter. Prior to this I had not used bar-end shifters in over a year, and it took me a bit to free my brain from Campagnolo ergo mode. By the end, the SRAM bar-ends grew on me, though I still prefer Campagnolo ergos on my own bike.






I used my own pedals and saddle, and installed two bottle cages. The bike did not come equipped for carrying a front load, as it was optimised to do, so I used a saddlebag when I needed to carry a camera and other items.The bike - as shown here, but without bag and water bottles - weighed just over 24lb.






I rode the Rawland Nordavinden for a total of 150 miles over the course of 4 days. First was a 30 mile shake-down ride, which included 12 miles of local dirt roads. The following day, I rode a 50 mile route at the D2R2, over half of which was dirt. The day after, I did a 40 mile local ride that included a paved road, a dirt road, and a rather technical dirt trail. And after that, I did a final 30 mile ride on paved roads - including a couple of hill climbs - before returning the bike.






What I noticed about the Rawland immediately, was that my sense of balance was different on it than on other roadbikes I've ridden recently. I found tight cornering easier than it typically is for me, and I found it surprisingly easy to change my position on the bike without disturbing its balance - allowing me the freedom of activities I usually have trouble with, such as drinking from the water bottle while riding. I remember similar handling when riding the Royal H. Randonneur last summer, but this time I think I was able to appreciate it more - particularly on unpaved terrain. At the D2R2, I was able to descend on loose dirt and gravel faster than I was comfortable doing previously, and to drink all the water I wanted without having to stop. It certainly added to my enjoyment of the day. The following morning, I rode unceremoniously on a somewhat challenging local dirt trail that I've never been willing to ride before.






As far as speed, the Rawland is plenty fast and accelerates with no hesitation. There is a snappy, responsive, roadish feel to it. On pavement it is not quite as fast as my Seven roadbike, and it does not climb quite as effortlessly. But as soon as the pavement ends, the dynamic changes. It's as if the two bikes were made to be friends and supplement each other. The Rawland glides over dirt and gravel, seemingly preferring them to pavement. In part, of course, it is the wide tires - which don't bounce me around the way narrow road tires do. But it's also the handling -again, that peculiar flavour of maneuverability that comes with low trail - that makes it easy for me to pick a line through rutted out areas and to corner on loose sections without reducing speed.On a bike with standard front end handling, I feel less confident riding on winding, unpaved roads and trails - especially descending. This preference might be particular to me, I don't know. But I found the Rawland's handling exceptionally agreeable for riding on dirt.






Notably, carrying weight in the rear was not a problem despite the bike's low trail design. It did not feel much different than riding without a saddlebag, except on steep climbs (with a full saddlebag, the front end "wandered" a bit). I do not know what the bike feels like to ride with a handlebar bag, but I can only imagine that not worse, considering that it's designed for one. I should also point out that I do not know what the bike feels like to ride long distances; my longest single ride on it was only 50 miles. With its front rack braze-ons, a bike like this just begs to be taken on a long, self-supported ride, and I hope to soon read some reviews from owners who've done that.






To think of criticisms is not an easy task here. I suppose I would like the bike even better if it were lighter, though I recognise the weight is pretty good for a bike of its kind. Anotherthing I can say is that I am fairly spoiled at this point as far as ride quality, and from that perspective the Rawland is not the cushiest bike I've ever ridden. It isn't a harsh ride by any means, but I feel that much of the cush is due to the fat tires - and that with narrower ones I would feel the bumpy roads more. Finally, as I've mentioned already,on pavementthe Rawland is not as fast as my Seven - but then I don't think it makes sense to pit them against each other; they are not meant for the same kind of riding. I would not mind owning a bike like the Rawland to supplement my skinny tire roadbike.






While showing off the demo bike, more than a couple of times I was asked why only the smallest Nordavinden size is offered in 650B. I must say I wonder as well, as it is precisely the combination of the wide 42mm Grand Bois Hetre tires and the handling that draws me to the bike. There is demand out there for lightweight, sporty low trail 650B bikes without having to spend a fortune on custom work. The Rawland Nordavinden retails at $725 for the frameset (available from Rawland Cycles directly). While I cannot vouch for the other sizes, I suspect the 650B Nordavinden is a bike that many would appreciate for road-to-trail riding.




Many thanks to Rawland Cycles for loaning out the demo bike, and thanks to the Ride Studio Cafe for putting it together.
More pictures here.