Today's Weather: Rain

Today's Mood: Introspective

Today's Music: David Bowie Hunky Dory

Riding in this morning, I was all prepared to write a degrading post about two roadies I saw on my way in. Dressed in black and sporting some high priced frames no doubt. As, they cleverly hopped a median to cross an intersection and pass some slower cyclists, I knew I had two bonifide douche bags. I even went so far as to stop 20 feet away from them at the next intersection, so I would not be associated with these clowns. But then, we're all heading down Lovejoy right before the 10th ave. intersection and one actually points out a car with its right turn signals out to me (or whom ever is behind them). This is one of the most dangerous intersections I ride through, and being right hooked here is a very common occurrence. I took this gesture as a very selfless act. Even if he was only doing it for his buddy, it was a sign that he was looking out for his fellow cyclists.

I've been told that my blanket statements on this site are not an attractive quality. I guess today proved that, yes I do rush to judgment in just about every situation. This is something I have not denied, but I'd hope that after reading my posts, the viewer would come away with some insight and not just my angry ranting.

passive aggressive and proud of it

This town is filled with passive aggressive folks. I've always felt the least admirable quality of this city is the people who live in it. Don't get me wrong, compared to most big cities or california, the people here are great. But, folks like to go through life believing they have no emotions and put off an air of superiority if you show any. Now, I fly off the handle at just about any given thing, so I get especially irate when these turds ignore even my most valid complaint. Granted 95% of the things I get mad about are not worth getting mad over, but to straight up ignore how someone is feeling is just unacceptable to me. To most people though, its completely acceptable to ignore something, if it does not fit into their tunnel vision of what their world should be like. For a city that supposed to be open minded and free thinking, this kind of attitude sure comes off as one sided. Not only that, but when they do get mad, they will not come right out and say so. No, many folks would rather take it out on your property or talk about you behind your back. Again, not very forward thinking if you ask me.

This rift in thinking has lead to my exclusion in the cycling community and the design world. The design world is filled with passive aggressives, so I've become accostume to this behavior from them. Unfortunately, the design community is so small, I feel that I have burned many bridges with in a short amount of time, because of my aggressive nature. For the most part I have accepted my role as an outsider, in my line of work it sets me apart from the pack.

I think at some level everyone wants to be accepted, though. Coming to portland, I figured this would be a great opportunity to become a part of a community with like minded ideals. My thinking that I would come to portland and get involved with bike centric people like myself, now seems a bit idealistic. What really happened, once I arrived, was that I realize that people are the same every where you go. Our relationships are defined not by the opinions we have but by the character we posses. Just because someone enjoys cycling, doesn't mean I'm going to instantly get along with them. The way in which we deal with day to day situations means more to me, than whether you ride your bike everyday. Really, no matter where you go the percentage of people you get along with versus those you don't , won't really change.

So long as you stay true to your ideals, it doesn't really matter who you hang out with. I rarely go out with cyclist or even designers for that matter. I like to think of my friends as a various cross section from all facets of life. Some times the only common thread my relationships hold is the ability to understand that we disagree and have different opinions. Without this constant challenge to my views, I think my world would narrow much like those who I complain about.

I'm feeling better today but...

I wanted to take this opportunity to list all the things that have bummed me out about cycling over the last few years, but have been too afraid to post them here and sounding negative:

1) I don't like riding with others. Last year I made a film about how we should all ride together, but now I'm resending that call. I'll ride with friends every once and awhile, but for the most part group rides are shit.

2) You clicky ass mother fuckers who say that your "clubs" or "rides" are all inclusive, can bite me. Whether its zoo bomb, freak bikes, or roadies you all want nothing to do with people outside your circle and ignore others every chance you get.

3) "ON YOUR LEFT, good morning, hey I'm passing you!!" Why is it so hard to acknowledge another rider on the road?

4) Running red lights only makes motorists hate cyclists even more than they already do. Wait 30 seconds and go when you are supposed to.

5) There's no point in calling someone out when they do something stupid. It only pisses them off and results in you getting the finger. Giving advice to people on the road is like shouting at a brick wall. Pointless.

6) Hey motorists, get the fuck over. You have the whole road, your covered in two tons of metal going 55 mph, and still you insist on getting in the lane closest to me and leaving no room for error.

7) Motorist and cyclist a like, are you really in that much of a hurry? Is it really that hard to slow down and pass some one responsibly?

8) Stuck up bike shops with holier than thou employees can all take a long walk off a short pier.

9) Every bike accessory company can take all your crappy products and shove them up your collective asses. Why is it so hard to make a bike light that lasts more than 6 months?

10) You look like a douche when you insist on doing a track stand while waiting for a light. Rocking back and forth, with the most concentrated look on your face, does nothing for no one. Take your foot out of the strap and place it on the pavement.

AAAaaah, I feel much better. I've wanted to say this stuff for a long time, but felt I need to be a little diplomatic on this site. No more...

Today is one of those days where I would be better off staying at home and away from people. Below is a diagram of my state of mind.

This morning as I'm walking out the door in my riding gear, Allie said to me "You're looking pretty sexy today". I could tell from her phrasing that this was not a compliment. Minutes before, I had looked in the mirror, and thought that it was not a bad outfit, all be it unusual. The ensemble went as follows:
worn out diadora bike cleats
gray wool socks (pulled up to the calf)
tan cargo shorts (unfashionably baggy)
blue windbreaker (unfashionably dirty)

Now, I would never expect to see this paraded down a catwalk in Milan, but I felt for cycling fashion, I was thinking forward. It was reminiscent of the urban explore look, practical and sensible. But to the untrained eye it probably looked ridiculous. I think a lot of things I wear look ridiculous. I learned long ago, that if I made any effort to dress fashionable I either looked uncomfortable, or would be out of style the moment I bought the article of clothing.
I've provided a diagram of today's outfit so that you can decide for yourself.

update:
I was informed later that day, that Allie felt the wool socks where what really put the outfit over the top.

too competitive for my own good.

I think that everyone who first returns to cycling as an adult, ( I know, some masters of the craft never stopped riding since they were kids, but for the rest of us) speed is everything. I used to haul ass everywhere I went, or at least attempted to. There was no pacing myself or simply taking in the sights, it was all about how quickly I could get to where I was going. One of the first breakthroughs I remember making was learning that if I paced myself better I would make it there quicker, than if I rode as hard as I could for as long as I could and then crawled the rest of the way. This was an important lesson, but still did not change the fact that I wanted to get on and off my bike as quickly as possible. So, after years of riding I thought that I may have cured myself of this silly habit. I do enjoy going slower now, but have realized that if I encounter other cyclists my instincts tell me to speed up, pass them, or don't get passed.

In atlanta I didn't come across this problem to often because there wasn't that many cyclists. It's a much different story here in portland. In the summer months when the amount of riders are at their peak, I've found myself avoiding the most traveled routes because I get so competitive it drives me crazy. Especially if someone gives me even the smallest excuse to hate them. If they don't say "on your left" or pass me on the right or just act or look like a douche, I get inflamed and chase after them. This behavior is juvenile and I'm ashamed to admit it.

I have however, come to the understanding that I am not the fastest thing out there. Many times I've been cruising along when someone passes me, and even if I do give chase, it becomes obvious very quickly I'll never catch them. At first this made me incredibly mad, but I realize now that its a good thing to know that there is always some body faster than you. In a way it humbles you and frees you to enjoy your ride at your own pace. In cycling as in life, once you stop competing with others, you have a much more fulfilling trip. I try and remind myself this everyday.

Another rainy day in Portland. Nothing new mind you, as we are all used to it, but right about this time of year I am getting the itch for some sunlight. It's not the rain that bothers me so much as the lack of sun. The rain makes everything around us green and it cleans the streets. But, If I'm looking for more sun, this time of the year, in this part of the country is the wrong place to find it. Spring out here is no stop rain, with the occasional frozen rain mixed with sunny rain.

Recently, I read an article online that stated Portland was the most depressed city in the country. The researchers based this on, among other things, the amount of rain we get and the number of people who call suicide hotlines. I can't say I believe this. For one thing even though it rains daily, its not like the whole day is rainy. As I'm writing this, the sun is breaking through the clouds and it is quite beautiful. Another thing I've found is that it is a friendly city for its size. Most major city's you go into (and even some not so major) have many poeple who feel there time is much to important to say hello, let alone strike up a conversation. Although I was apprehensive of Portland at first, I've found most people to be kind and helpful. Of course we are the passive aggresive capital of the world, which can be a big turn off. But, in general I find people here to be at the very least curtious.

Well, rain or shine I must clean my bike tonight. I put it off this weekend and I must do it soon. The problem being is that A) I'm lazy when it comes to cleaning bikes and B) as soon as I clean it I ride in the rain and it will look just like it did before the cleaning. There's also a couple other bike projects that need my attention. These projects tend to fall in a catagory with other projects such as painting, work on my own animations, and getting my life togther. That catagory is called "when I get some free-time". Unfortunately, the older I get the less free-time there seems to be. Such is life I guess.

made it out for my saturday ride. I kept it short but spent a lot of time stretching. Marine drive and 33rd ne has entrance to a great bike trail following the columbia. I always considered it a hidden treasure because I never see to many people out there. The ones I do all seem friendly. Strong gusting side winds probably keeps people away. Out in the open with the river on one side and the airport on the other, there's plenty of flat open space for the wind to really fly through.

Must clean volpe this weekend. Another booger/frame encounter today.

Didn't ride into work this morning. (left my bike at work last night) So I took the bus, which I must boast is the best bus system I've ever had to use. Here in Portland, Trimet is awesome. Their typically on time, go everywhere, and are complimented with a train and streetcar. Plus, on their website you can use a trip planner to find the buses you'll need to take. They even have a time tracker which tells you when the next bus is due.

You'll notice in today's diagram my icon is blue. This is due to the fact that I went bowling last night and am a bit hung over. But still in good spirits as the smile on my face indicates.

its a new day and a new look. Gray is the new yellow. At least that's what I tell myself.

Riding into work this morning, I see a woman walking down the sidewalk heading towards me. I nod my head in her direction as a sign of recognition (I think this is a southern thing as I hardly ever see anyone else do it outside of the rural areas in the south). As I ride by she says "have a blessed day". This startles me a bit because I wasn't sure she even saw me. I have enough time to say "you too" and then I'm on my way. This kind of thing may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but for me it was a great way to start my day. During my morning rides I'm constantly telling myself to stay positive and let go of the silly things that people do. (cars cutting me off, cyclists running red lights, walkers not looking where they are going) So when someone goes out of their way to spread a little bit of compassion, I try to hold onto those moments. I think it's import to remember we are all connected, even if only by the streets we share.

yellow is the new pink.
Or so instyle magazine would have you believe (according to allie).

If I had a nickel every time I had to wipe a booger on my bike...

These cold winter months tend to fill my nose with yellowish goo balls that stick to everything. Typically, plugging one nostril and exhaling out the other (snot rocket), will clear these little suckers out. But sometimes these bad boys will stick to my glove or face, at which point its got to go somewhere else. Usually that somewhere is my bike frame. Personally, I like to put it where I can't see it. I don't want to be starring at the thing my whole ride. I'm not one of those riders who's too concerned about how I look when I'm riding. (I have a pair of gray tights that look extra sexy with my yellow windbreaker) Nor am I concerned with the cleanliness of my bike. (unless I'm riding Bobby, then all bets are off) On occasion I'll forget the cling-ons are there and after a week or so I'll go to clean the bike. At which point a lot of simple green and some serious scrubbing will be needed to pry off the dried up crust that once was a booger.

Never can say goodbye...

Ok, so after a few months hiatus I'm back! I believe I've found my special purpose for this blog. It started out as a journal for my days in the saddle. Well, after awhile it seemed to have evolved into a place to post just about anything. I don't think this is a good format to post information. With that said, I've decided to start this blog back up, but with the condition that I return to my routes. I'll be posting daily (hopefully) entries of my trials and tribulations using a bicycle
as my many transportation. I won't limit it just to this but I'd like to keep it some what bike related.

Before I do this I have one more plug I'd like to make before the new format begins.

Pedalmation.com has been down for some time. But now, due to new technology and my ability to pay my bills, the site is back up. Please check it out and see some new work.

happy bloggin folks!