>One Dollar For George

>I came across this blog today and am intrigued. The blog is called, One Dollar For George, and they are trying to raise money for a Yuba Mundo for George (in the photo…there’s a little bit about him on their blog). I thought about sending them a small donation, but am not sure. Does anyone out there know if this is on the up-and-up? Because if it is legit it would be nice to see this guy get a nice cargo bike.

Brrr…

I haven’t been on a bike in a few days. It was warm over the weekend and I felt like walking to enjoy it, then the past two days I stayed mostly indoors nursing a cold. So today I felt like riding. Yesterday the temperatures plummeted…all I can say is: brrr it sure is cold out there. But as I was riding to the health club into the wind (it was very windy today, the bike was knocked over by a gust just after snapping this photo) I thought how half my workout was done by the time I arrived.

>Brrr…

>I haven’t been on a bike in a few days. It was warm over the weekend and I felt like walking to enjoy it, then the past two days I stayed mostly indoors nursing a cold. So today I felt like riding. Yesterday the temperatures plummeted…all I can say is: brrr it sure is cold out there. But as I was riding to the health club into the wind (it was very windy today, the bike was knocked over by a gust just after snapping this photo) I thought how half my workout was done by the time I arrived.

The Return of Winter

Over the weekend it had gotten so warm–nearly 50F–that most of any previous snow had melted. I’m glad it’s gotten cold and snowy again…it just didn’t seem right having it that warm in January. We’ve had it pretty easy this winter; usually by now we’re pummeled with multiple feet of snow (hope I didn’t just jinx myself). Nonetheless, maybe it’s all the global warming talk…I don’t know. But I have truly been appreciating the cold and the snow this year. For some reason I have a new found appreciation of the seasons, all four of them. When I walk and ride bikes, opposed to driving, I’m exposed to the elements and am more aware of them, become part of them. I just snapped the above photo while taking out my trash (in my pajamas…a neighbor walking his dog looked at me sort of oddly…”Gonna post it on my blog,” I said to him standing in the middle of the street in pajamas and bathrobe, “OK,” he nervously replied, as he entered his house and locked the door behind him). The falling snow is beautiful.

>The Return of Winter

>Over the weekend it had gotten so warm–nearly 50F–that most of any previous snow had melted. I’m glad it’s gotten cold and snowy again…it just didn’t seem right having it that warm in January. We’ve had it pretty easy this winter; usually by now we’re pummeled with multiple feet of snow (hope I didn’t just jinx myself). Nonetheless, maybe it’s all the global warming talk…I don’t know. But I have truly been appreciating the cold and the snow this year. For some reason I have a new found appreciation of the seasons, all four of them. When I walk and ride bikes, opposed to driving, I’m exposed to the elements and am more aware of them, become part of them. I just snapped the above photo while taking out my trash (in my pajamas…a neighbor walking his dog looked at me sort of oddly…”Gonna post it on my blog,” I said to him standing in the middle of the street in pajamas and bathrobe, “OK,” he nervously replied, as he entered his house and locked the door behind him). The falling snow is beautiful.

Mundo For Sale (Camping Gear Not Included)

Photo taken August 2009

Yup, it’s true…the Mundo is for sale. And no, it’s not that I don’t enjoy it any longer or that I’ve grown tired of it; on the contrary. I just ordered a newer version; a 21 speed…sleek black color which will be available in mid-March. So I’m selling this one to offset the cost of the new one (and I really don’t see the need to own two). I already own too many bikes as it is…I’m considering purging my fleet and donating a few to Buffalo Blue Bike (out of six I really only ride three). Anyhow, this is a really awesome bike…in many respects I hate to sell it; maybe it’s the simplicity of it. This bike has really changed my view on what a bicycle can carry and what it can do.

If you are in the WNY are and are interested feel free to contact me for a test ride. The bike is in mint condition (less than two years old). I’ll be removing the front rack and kickstand before sale, both were added on…but does include the also added fenders and custom wood top deck (click here to see how I built it). Follow the below link to my craigslist posting; email if you have any questions.

http://buffalo.craigslist.org/bik/1568815202.html

>Mundo For Sale (Camping Gear Not Included)

>

Photo taken August 2009

Yup, it’s true…the Mundo is for sale. And no, it’s not that I don’t enjoy it any longer or that I’ve grown tired of it; on the contrary. I just ordered a newer version; a 21 speed…sleek black color which will be available in mid-March. So I’m selling this one to offset the cost of the new one (and I really don’t see the need to own two). I already own too many bikes as it is…I’m considering purging my fleet and donating a few to Buffalo Blue Bike (out of six I really only ride three). Anyhow, this is a really awesome bike…in many respects I hate to sell it; maybe it’s the simplicity of it. This bike has really changed my view on what a bicycle can carry and what it can do.

If you are in the WNY are and are interested feel free to contact me for a test ride. The bike is in mint condition (less than two years old). I’ll be removing the front rack and kickstand before sale, both were added on…but does include the also added fenders and custom wood top deck (click here to see how I built it). Follow the below link to my craigslist posting; email if you have any questions.

http://buffalo.craigslist.org/bik/1568815202.html

Prayers for the People of Haiti

I have been in denial. It’s just been too much for me to take in. I’ve heard the news. I just can’t believe it’s true. I’ve seen some of the photos. But I just couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t believe that there could be something so horrific, and to such an impoverished nation.

One of the stories I heard the other day was of how groups of people were gathering in the streets to pray…to ask God for help, but also to give thanks (to give thanks!). This story is what began to shake me out of my stupor. I really wonder if my faith would be strong enough to bring me through something like that.

Then tonight I read of a young man in his twenties, named Wismond Exantus, who was retrieved from the rubble after 11 days (11 days!). He was working in a grocery store located in a hotel when the quake hit; he dove under a desk and survived.

I tried to think of my past eleven days (and nights) and the stressful period I’m going through right now (mostly self-imposed), and then I thought how trivial it all is compared to this. I have it made; I feel selfish and self-centered.

Though he was in a small space Mr. Exantus was able to reach a few cans of soda, beer, and cookies for nutrition. “I was hungry, but every night I thought about the revelation that I would survive,” Exantus said from his hospital bed (source)…every night I thought about the revelation that I would survive, let me print it again, every night I thought about the revelation that I would survive. For eleven days and nights he thought this.

When I read this quote I wept. I can’t imagine that I would have the strength of this young man. And as I lay down to bed tonight, in a soft warm bed with a full belly, I can only hope and pray that there are no more suffering and alone under the rubble. If so, Lord, please be with them.

Brothers and sisters of Haiti, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.

>Prayers for the People of Haiti

>

I have been in denial. It’s just been too much for me to take in. I’ve heard the news. I just can’t believe it’s true. I’ve seen some of the photos. But I just couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t believe that there could be something so horrific, and to such an impoverished nation.

One of the stories I heard the other day was of how groups of people were gathering in the streets to pray…to ask God for help, but also to give thanks (to give thanks!). This story is what began to shake me out of my stupor. I really wonder if my faith would be strong enough to bring me through something like that.

Then tonight I read of a young man in his twenties, named Wismond Exantus, who was retrieved from the rubble after 11 days (11 days!). He was working in a grocery store located in a hotel when the quake hit; he dove under a desk and survived.

I tried to think of my past eleven days (and nights) and the stressful period I’m going through right now (mostly self-imposed), and then I thought how trivial it all is compared to this. I have it made; I feel selfish and self-centered.

Though he was in a small space Mr. Exantus was able to reach a few cans of soda, beer, and cookies for nutrition. “I was hungry, but every night I thought about the revelation that I would survive,” Exantus said from his hospital bed (source)…every night I thought about the revelation that I would survive, let me print it again, every night I thought about the revelation that I would survive. For eleven days and nights he thought this.

When I read this quote I wept. I can’t imagine that I would have the strength of this young man. And as I lay down to bed tonight, in a soft warm bed with a full belly, I can only hope and pray that there are no more suffering and alone under the rubble. If so, Lord, please be with them.

Brothers and sisters of Haiti, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jason the Hi-Rider

It was such a nice winter evening tonight that I chose to walk rather than ride. I was walking down Elmwood Avenue when I see these two guys pull out of a driveway onto the street on tall bikes. I have never ridden a tall bike, nor do I intend to. But I do have great respect for the bikes and their builders. As far as I know there are no commercially produced tall bikes on the market, so if you want one you have to build it yourself or have it built. What I really like about tall bikes is there impracticality. Yes, I know this sounds like an oxymoron, but it’s not. Tall bikes, to me, do not seem like they are practical at all other than riding them for fun. And that’s the bottom line…that’s the reason I truly like riding my cargo bikes, particularly the Mundo, because it’s fun. When these two guys pulled out onto the street their tall skeletal-like silhouettes looks graceful, almost like giraffes on wheels. Anyhow, as they rode past I uncharacteristically called out and asked if they would mind if I could take their picture. I told them I would like to post them on my blog. The rider on the left is Jason and his friend is Chris. Jason is the builder and also blogs about his bikes (http://hiridingbikes.blogspot.com). After a brief conversation about bikes and blogging they gracefully and giraffe-like lumbered away. Thanks guys; ride on!


>Jason the Hi-Rider

>It was such a nice winter evening tonight that I chose to walk rather than ride. I was walking down Elmwood Avenue when I see these two guys pull out of a driveway onto the street on tall bikes. I have never ridden a tall bike, nor do I intend to. But I do have great respect for the bikes and their builders. As far as I know there are no commercially produced tall bikes on the market, so if you want one you have to build it yourself or have it built. What I really like about tall bikes is there impracticality. Yes, I know this sounds like an oxymoron, but it’s not. Tall bikes, to me, do not seem like they are practical at all other than riding them for fun. And that’s the bottom line…that’s the reason I truly like riding my cargo bikes, particularly the Mundo, because it’s fun. When these two guys pulled out onto the street their tall skeletal-like silhouettes looks graceful, almost like giraffes on wheels. Anyhow, as they rode past I uncharacteristically called out and asked if they would mind if I could take their picture. I told them I would like to post them on my blog. The rider on the left is Jason and his friend is Chris. Jason is the builder and also blogs about his bikes (http://hiridingbikes.blogspot.com). After a brief conversation about bikes and blogging they gracefully and giraffe-like lumbered away. Thanks guys; ride on!