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  • Monday Morning Ride

    Monday Morning Ride

    Kate and I got up this morning and got on the bikes. The time change last Sunday, to standard time, means that the sun is coming up an hour earlier, which means it is also warmer an hour earlier. So we hit the road a little after 7am and rode 6 miles into town for a coffee, no tarts were available this morning.

    The temperatures have come back up a little bit, so it’s mid 30’s Fahrenheit in the mornings. In the shade that is kinda cold, but once the sun rises it gets warm quickly, especially when riding up hills. I like to be a little bit cold whenever starting a bike ride. That means when I start climbing hills I will warm up and feel just right.

    The only thing I am not happy about being cold however, are my fingers. I tend to always wear full fingered gloves, even in the summer heat. When it gets cold I end up wearing my heavier gloves pretty quickly. My arms and legs can be cold as long as my fingers are comfortable. Even my toes can be a little cold and my attitude stays pretty positive. However, once my fingers get cold I get grumpy pretty quickly.

    At the coffee shop we each had a small coffee, black. The local coffee roaster makes delicious coffee that doesn’t need any cream or sugar. Just coffee please. I think we had East Timor this morning but it doesn’t matter that much to me. As long as it is not decaf.

    It takes about 30 minutes each way to ride to town or back to the house. There is slightly more elevation gain on the way home but only a little more. When we head into town we get a big decent to an elevation that is the same as town, but then we climb back up to almost the same elevation as our house before descending again into town. Heading home is a reversal with the climb then descent then a slightly bigger climb to the house. Overall, with coffee, we are looking at about a 1 hour and 15 minute ride at around 12 miles total distance.

    Its a nice way to start the day and the week.

  • November cycling

    November cycling

    For the last 2 mornings Kate and I have been riding into town and back. We both realized its been about a month since we last rode to town. Life has been busy the last few weeks. No great excuses other than things have been busy and riding got lost in the mix.

    The house build is coming along. We were scheduled to be moved in already, but things happen. There are about a million and a half parts to building a house, and getting them all done on time is really hard. The builders have all done great jobs at managing their time, and coordinating with each other. We are hoping to be moved in at the end of the week. Life will go on either way.

    Getting up and riding the last two mornings has been a great way to remind ourselves of why we love living here, and a great way to relax and stop thinking about so many details. When I get on my bike I am pretty focused on what is in front of my wheel and as little else as possible. Its a great way to let go of everything and just enjoy the moment.

  • Thursday Morning Ride

    Thursday Morning Ride

    Its getting cooler out but the sunrise payoff is totally worth it.

  • Monday Morning Ride

    Monday Morning Ride

    Had some hesitation for this morning’s ride. Its a strength day so I want to avoid over exercising, which is a lame excuse cause I don’t workout that hard. It is also dark longer in the morning so I was worried about visibility. However, once I was up and soaked in the hot tub I got over my concerns and decided to get in a nice 1 hour ride.

    The sunrise was just gorgeous this morning. I hit the road about 15 minutes before it came up over the San Juans and I was able to get a a few pre dawn photos in that came out great.

    As I approached the area where the Ute tribe raise a herd of bison there was a group of deer hanging out. They weren’t bothered by any of the trucks and cars flying by at 65 mph but lil ol me got them all startled and running off.

    Most of em headed east away from the road but a group of 3 were stuck on the wrong side of the fence. They were running along parallel with me and the road about 50 yards ahead. At first I was excited and enjoying the chase but then I had the realization that they each outweighed me by about double. If for some dumb reason they decided to double back at me it would suck.

    Fortunately my fears were even more dumb and they eventually managed to jump the fence and rejoin their group. Just another morning in Mancos I guess.

    Later buddy!

    The rest of the ride was uneventful except for the sun rays pouring out of the clouds like a heavenly vision. I was thankful my tail light was flashing to alert any sunrise distracted motorists of my presense. Car’s rear ending cyclists only make up about 10% of all car-cyclist collisions but I have to imagine they probably don’t work out well for the cyclist.

    They say that near death experiences make you appreciate living more. I try not to dwell on my close encounters but occasionally wonder what the distracted driver who gets me will be posting on Facebook at the time of collision. When people tell me to be careful while out riding I remind them that its really up to them and their driving if I am going to be safe or not. They seem to get my drift, mostly.

  • Put a lid on it!

    Put a lid on it!

    The house build continues to progress. Yesterday the roofers completed the standing seam metal roof. I guess I had gotten used to seeing the green seal, which they installed back in June, because it really struck me how much better the roof looks now!

    Manufacturing the roof panels on site.

    One of the coolest parts of the roof installation was that the roof was mostly manufactured on site. They have a trailer with rolls of sheet metal that get processed into the final shape and lengths on site. This was really neat to see in person.

    Roof parts ready for installation.

    Once they manufactured the parts they got up on the roof and installed them. It took 3 days to get the whole roof done and it looks really great.

    We went with a metal roof because we live in an area that is prone to forest fires and, for the most part, metal does not catch on fire. Also maintenance of a metal roof is pretty much zero, especially when it is a standing seam metal roof.

    We spent the extra money for a standing seam roof because it will last a lot longer than other types of metal roofs. On a standing seam roof all fasteners that penetrate the roof are covered by the next panel via the standing seam. The seam clicks together and protects the fastener from the elements and the roof stays attached.

    The exterior of the house it pretty much done at this point. The drywall texture is finishing up and then we start paint and then trim. The goal is currently to move in by Nov 5th. Fingers are crossed.

  • Morning routine

    Morning routine

    For most of my life my morning routine was: get up and get to work. I would squeeze in a shower and coffee and maybe some breakfast but for the most part it was a scramble to get to work. This persisted up till about a year ago when I decided to make and change and start getting up earlier.

    At first I would get up and go for a walk. Sometimes I would take the dogs. Then I would get back home and make coffee and maybe go for a bike ride or exercise. Then we got a hot-tub.

    Having a hottub is kinda magical. I like to get up and after placing my contacts go for a 15 minute soak. This is before I look at my phone or even brush my teeth. I want to get into the water as soon as I can so that I can wake up while I relax.

    It’s a great way to start my day. I sit there and watch the sun come up and hit the landscape. I watch the birds on the feeders, but mostly I try to meditate and not think about anything except for my breathing. I also stretch my toes by crouching on them in the water.

    Once I am outta the tub I dry off and take the dogs for a walk or go for a bike ride. These times let me continue my meditation but with movement which I find to be an easier way for me to meditate. Sometimes I listed to music or podcasts or audiobooks but more and more I don’t put in headphones at all.

    Once that is done I might do some strength exercising for an hour or so. This is another newer thing for me and the benefits are both visible and invisible. I feel stronger but I also don’t feel as sore or achy. I try to mix it up and get all muscle groups. Lately I have been doing some hip hop dance classes. I am terrible but its fun and a workout.

    With all of that activity done I make a smoothie, shower up, and get ready for work.

  • Lazy Coffee Rides

    Lazy Coffee Rides

    Some days I just want to get a nice easy ride in. Riding to town is about 24 to 30 minutes each way. There is a decent, a climb, and a decent and then I am at the main coffee shop in town: Fahrenheit Coffee Roasters . I grab an espresso and, if they have any, a tart. Today it was a cherry tart and it was delicious.

    It is starting to cool down in the mornings here. The weather report said it was 52F but it felt a little chillier than that. Especially when I hit the low points of the 2 valleys I have to cross into town. I guess I will have to start pulling out the warmer biking clothes: skull cap, tights, and warmer gloves.

    The sun is also coming up significantly later. In June and July I could leave home about 6am and the sun would be close to peaking over the San Juan mountains. Now it is after 7 until that happens. It’s always interesting to see how the seasons change because of that giant ball of fire in the sky.

    The ride home was very pleasant as the Sun was up and shining its warm rays on my back. Sometimes its nice to just easy pedal back home and get ready for the day.

    The house construction is coming along well. Drywall should be done this week and paint starts next week. The roofers finally showed up to finish the standing seam and I have to start planning my garage/workshop.

    Fortunately the Weekend Woodworker has added a new course for setting up a workshop. I have his first course and built some nice furniture. The videos are well done and he gives some helpful tips and tricks that this n00b needs. So far he has me rethinking the lighting and using these LED shoplights: Barrina LED Shop Light, 8FT 72W 9000LM 5000K . They are LED replacements of fluorescent shop lights, so no flicker, no exploding bulbs, and massive energy use reduction.

    Next I am thinking of putting an epoxy coating on the garage floor to protect the concrete from stains and stuff. The concrete floor looks so good that this will hurt a little to do, but in the long run it will stay more clean.

    Now I just need the builders to finish. 🤣

  • Recent Reading/Listening Aug 2021

    Recent Reading/Listening Aug 2021

    Books

    Some coworkers started a company book club a few months ago and we just finished our 4th book. I have wanted to be part of a book club for a while and this has been a lot of fun. I am listening to all of them as Audio Books as I don’t have much space in our current living situation and I can listen while I ride my bike.

    So far we have read:

    • The Lost City of Z – About the life of Percy Fawcett, a British explorer from the early 20th century, and his pursuit of a mythical city of gold in South America. The author combines Fawcett’s story with his own expedition to South America in 2005 to find the city. Overall the book is entertaining and enlightening about mans pursuit of the unknown.
    • The Death of Vivek Oji – This book is an emotional roller coaster and handles the subject of personal relationships and sexual identity. It starts with the main characters death and then reads like a murder mystery unraveling the complicated lives. I really enjoyed this and highly recommend it.
    • Project Hail Mary – I recommended a science fiction book and this was proposed. Andy Weir, the author, wrote The Martian and this is a fun science adventure story about saving the planet and alien first contact. It is a fun read and a nice distraction from all the craziness happening in the world.
    • From the Ashes: My Story of Being Métis, Homeless, and Finding My Way – A memoir of and by Jesse Thistle about his life. This book is very intense and covers child abuse, addiction, homelessness, indigenous people abuse, racism, and redemption. It is based in Canada but could just as easily be set in most areas of the USA. I reminded me of a lot of people I grew up with in Colorado and makes me angry with our inability to take care of each other.

    Podcasts

    My podcast consumption has gone backup in the last month or so. I had taken a break due to the addition of the book club but recently I have been listening to less music while working.

    The Rich Roll Podcast

    My goto podcast has been the Rich Roll podcast. He is a really good conversationalist/interviewer and his subjects are interesting to me: veganism, endurance exercise, environmentalism, and inner discovery. Here are some episodes that hit me hard recently:

    • Impossible Foods founder & CEO Pat Brown – This is from last year but is as relevant as ever. The goal of Impossible Foods, maker of the Impossible Burger, is to replace all animal meat production by 2035. The purpose is to reduce global warming by meeting meat eaters where they eat instead of thinking we are going to change their habits. Pat is really intelligent and conveys his companies message very well.
    • ANNA LEMBKE, MD – THE NEUROSCIENCE OF ADDICTION – Eye opening discussion about addiction. They discuss what we commonly thing of about addiction, alcohol and drugs, but go further all the way to social media. This is a great conversation regardless of if you have issues with addiction because it talks about how addiction is just part of being human.
    • BRUCE FRIEDRICH – THE MOONSHOT FOR MEATLESS MEAT – Along the lines of the Impossible Foods podcast. Bruce is the Founder of the Good Food Institute which is focused on enabling more companies like Impossible Foods. Another fascinating discussion about the future of food and how capitalism is going to be key for making the changes we need.
    • HELLAH SIDIBE – RAN ACROSS AMERICA (ON PLANTS) AND KEPT GOING – I don’t run anymore cause I am missing my miniscus in my left knee, but I love reading and hearing about running feats like running across the USA. This conversation is even better because Hellah is hella awesome and his enthusiasm is infectious.

    How I built this podcast

    I have a love hate relationship with this podcast. A lot of the time I love the episodes and learning about how people started their businesses. However sometimes I am not a fan of the company being interviewed or of the person. Those ones tend to turn me off of the podcast all together for some time. Some recent episodes I enjoyed:

    Reverse Engineered podcast

    The company I work for, Kinsta.com, has been publishing a podcast since early this year. All of the episodes have been great listens and here are some of my favorites so far:

  • Don’t forget to have fun

    Don’t forget to have fun

    Kate and I hosted our 3rd group bike ride this Sunday at Chicken Creek Nordic Center in Mancos, CO. We started hosting these rides as a way to promote the monthly Sunday brunch at our local brewery. It has turned into way more fun than I had anticipated.

    The original idea came up this spring when we were at the brewery for Sunday brunch and we were the only people there. We love our brewery because its a great place to meetup with folks and the owners, Kathy and Dwayne, are just great people. I suggested that we organize a group bike ride before brunch. That way everyone gets some exercise and then we go fill our faces.

    The first ride was the first Sunday of June and we had a nice turnout of people. Most of them I had never met before. We chose the Nordic center as a meeting place as it is just a few miles outside of town and the trails are pretty easy for anyone to ride on. I got yelled at a few times for not stopping enough but we all had a good time.

    This group ride is specifically called a no-drop ride. That means that we wait for everyone at regular intervals. For regular bike riders these types of rides are slow and boring. The good news is that they don’t have to ride with us on these rides. 😛 The goal of a no-drop ride is to make everyone feel welcome regardless of their capabilities.

    Our technique for pulling a no-drop ride off is that I lead the ride on the route, and Kate brings up the rear. I then make sure to ride at a reasonable pace so that its fun for the faster riders and stop at the top of any climb. If anyone complains about us going too slow I let them know they can keep going. So far everyone has been really cool though.

    There are moments on these rides when I think about how I could be riding much faster and when I was younger I would have pushed to go faster. Then I remember that the point of these rides is to encourage more people to get on their bikes and have fun. The best thing I can do is ride easy and have fun. So I talk to the other riders the whole time. This does 2 things: 1 it helps me get to know everyone, and 2 it makes me ride slow enough that I can talk.

    We ended up riding just over 6 miles on a variety of terrain from single track to dirt roads and everyone did the entire route. No one crashed and there were no tears. Also this group was made up of all new riders to the group. Its pretty cool that each ride we have done the groups have been all new people. Hopefully we will get everyone who has been at separate rides on the next one and have a huge group ride.

    Brunch was great and this time we were able to combine tables to have everyone sit and eat together. Feels good man. 🤠

  • Slow and steady

    In Aesop’s fable, The Tortoise and the Hare, we are given a moral lesson about being consistent and humble. The hare in the story is overconfident in how fast they are compared to the tortoise. The hare ends up losing the race to the slower tortoise, who methodically continues along while the hare takes a nap.

    As a kid this story frustrated me to no end. Why didnt the hare just run the entire course, win, and then take a nap? In many of the cartoon depictions of the fable the tortoise is portrayed as smug and that drove me even more crazy. The lesson I learned was to be fast and confident and only take a nap once your task was done.

    Now I am older and still the real lesson eludes me: I ride my bike too hard trying to compare my times to other people on Strava. I rush through my work sometimes thinking that accomplishing my tasks as fast as possible is best. I cut off conversations that I think I have heard before.

    My lack of understanding the lesson of slow and steady leads to overuse injuries, mistakes in workmanship, and bitter relationships. So I am trying to focus on slowing down in most aspects of my life. This week has been a recovery week for my bike riding. At work I am taking time to review my processes and document them as much as possible. In my relationships I am focused on the interactions as they happen.

    This is not to say that I should always be slow. When a car is approaching me head on in my lane I need to be quick about moving out of the way. Those instances should be the exception though. If I am in constant danger then I need to reconsider my environment.

    In the end slow and steady wins the race matches the idea that life is a journey, enjoy the ride. What do you think?

    Got in a nice easy ride to town for a coffee this morning: