Fox Confessor Blows My Mind

This is pretty much a bicycle related blog. That would logically follow because I'm the author, and I'm completely encompassed and bombarded by bikes and bike stuff. I also dig music in a big way. Believe me, this isn't going to become a pulpit for me to write album reviews. However, when I run into something that I think is the best thing I've heard in a while, I'm going to pass it on to you. You should do yourself a favor and check out "Fox Confessor Brings The Flood" by Neko Case. It's a Patsy Cline meets Wilco kind-of-thing, but also way more than that. That's just a fairly stark way to describe the sound. But the lyrics and the songwriting are what shine in my opinion. The song structure is new and unique as well. The pictures she paints are amazing, but she leaves so much to the imagination too. This is a careful balance that pervades the whole album. Her voice is her signature, but it's not the only star of the show. It's a beatiful piece within a great work of art. There are doses of Americana, fairy tales, gospel, 50's crooning and more all wrapped up into this amazing, concise package. Run out to your local record store or get it on iTunes for $10.

daynighter

We rolled to BCSP again last night for what has become the Tuesday night schtick. It's always great riding with the sub-9'er crew. The conditions were absolutely perfect. I made a major change to the bike that has endeared me to it even more. I definitely had that "no chain" feeling. After predicting early in the ride that we would see BCSP locals Dale, Len, and Rob. We proceeded to bump into none other than Dale, Len, and Rob along the route. We told Rob about our prognostication and he said, "Well, that's pretty much like predicting that the sun will rise." A good point there. Rob had Alex with him, so the trailbuilding contingent was out in force. They'd been out flagging new trail for the upcoming work weekend. They flagged the new route up to Hesitation Point that will eventually remove that terribly punishing fire road climb. We also rode the little piece of trail that Alex and Rob built to replace the fire-road section on the North Tower Loop. It's only a few hundred yards long now, but it's a great glimpse into what will become one of the best downhills/climbs out there. They built it with the machine, which is also a good indication of things to come. I would predict that BCSP will become one of the best places to ride in the midwest, but that would be silly...because it already is.

Lunatic Fringe

Ah, the "fringe" ride. Everyone else is at home sulking because the trails are too wet. The weatherman has everyone in such a tizzy that they are considering building an ark. These are the times when the fringe riders appear. They know what others don't. They seem to know the precise instant that the trails are rideable again. This takes a tremendous amount of courage, mind you. These fringe riders are often ridiculed by others. Jealousy and fear makes reasonable people believe that it would be impossible for trails to be dry. I'll always be a fringe rider. That's when the good stuff really takes place. It's on those rides that the trail belongs completely to you. No one else in sight. Where is everyone else? At home, comfy on their couch. They let their significant others and "friends" hypnotize them into believing that the earth couldn't possibly dry out that fast. What they don't know is that the joke's on them. I love those people. Because they stay home, I will always be a "fringy". I wouldn't have it any other way. Where are the rest of you? I know you're out there...

My 4 Year Old Can Beat Your Lap Time at Town Run

Well, Ian took a huge step the other night and rode at his first officially sanctioned mountain bike trail. Tania and I took him to Town Run Trail Park to see how he'd do. He's been getting better and better on the bike. It's amazing how quickly kids catch on to things. The best part is that we don't push or pressure him at all. I get the idea that growing up in our house the kid just thinks that bicycles and bicycling are a part of life. He's constantly surrounded by bikes, bike magazines, bike talk, and he's always going on a ride of some kind. His desire to ride is fueled by the fact that he is dying to go along with mom and I on our riding adventures. We were all down south at the cabin last weekend, and I was leaving on a night ride to rendezvous with Charles, Kado, Scott G., and Ron who were already on the trail. I was locked and loaded and ready to go with gear from head to toe. As I was making my last-minute adjustments Ian said, "I think I'm going to go with you." It broke my heart to try tell him that he couldn't go this time. Be patient, buddy. Slow down. That day will be here before you know it.

Expand Thy Horizons

The power of riding somewhere new can be huge. Don't underestimate its power to shake things up. When things seem stodgy, boring, or run-of-the mill...find a new place to ride. As cyclists, we often get riding myopia. We get way too entrenched in routine and familiarity. Looking back, it seems that many of my best riding experiences were from new places or finding a way to see an old ride in a new light.

Along these lines, I've learned that it's also good to defy convention with your equipment. Set up your bike in a different way. Use a piece of equipment you swore you'd never try. Blow convention out of the water and do it with an M-80 firecracker attitude. Approach change with reckless abandon. Human beings love routine, but what is the human experience if not varied and new?