Create your own microclimate!

Since purchasing a cheap waterproof cycling jacket several years ago, its uses have been limited. On a rainy day with the temps above 45, it is oppressively hot and rain-forest-like. However today was perfect for its use. Wearing a wicking t shirt, stretchy long pants, a warm cap and gloves, today's weather (dry, breezy, mid to high 30's) suited the jacket fine. No sweaty arms, which is usually the first sign of discomfort.
I'll definitely use the jacket more in the future, weather permitting.

The creek and river which run along our greenway were full from the rain we got yesterday. Water was over the path at several points but I didn't have to turn back until I was about 1/2 way to Cason Lane. The water appeared deep but crossable until I got in the middle of it, at which point crossing seemed a bad idea. Turning around, I had to put my foot down into frigid water. Luckily I only had about 4 miles to ride home.

New addition/sobering stats

For my 4 year old son's birthday, he got a 16" Novara Stinger bike. His first 2 wheeler (actual 4 including the training wheels). He was frightened at first sitting so high in the saddle compared to his Radio Flyer trike, but he's getting used to it quickly. Just yesterday he learned the joy of getting up to speed and slamming on the coaster brake, leaving a skid mark on the sidewalk. Our son is hardly a hellion but seems to enjoy this bit of wildness.

3 pedestrian deaths in Murfreesboro since August. We are a relatively small community, this number is unacceptable.

Outrage

I'm still simmering over the report yesterday concerning Martin Joel Erzinger running down a cyclist, then getting his charge reduced to a misdemeanor because a felony charge conviction would have "pretty serious job implications". Well, duh.

ANY of us would be afraid of losing our job if convicted of a felony and I don't see how the _quantity_ of dollars in someone's paycheck should affect a D.A.'s decision. Could I pay restitution if I lost my job? No. So I guess I have a pretty strong case against having to go to jail for any serious crime I commit against another individual, if I use D.A. Mark Hurlbert's logic.

Dr. Steven Milo, our thoughts and best wishes are with you. I hope this tragedy can somehow make obvious the deficiencies we have in prosecuting crimes in which automobile drivers strike cyclists and pedestrians. An auto is a lethal weapon, and crimes committed with cars should carry the same penalties as crimes committed with guns.

Rain

I went out for a ride yesterday on the mountain bike. The temp was in the middle 50's with a steady rain. I was dressed appropriately, I thought, with wicking shorts, shirt, windbreaker and sandals. It was pretty chilly, though. I remember bike commuting several years ago in similar conditions and with similar clothing, and not feeling as chilled. Guess I'm getting old. Time to buy those waterproof socks and maybe wear the waterproof jacket, as stifling as that is.

Weather

Fall has come to the 'Boro and we've had about a month of excellent weather. Cool nights in the 40's and daytime highs approaching 80. One thing we haven't had is a lot of rain.

We did a family camping weekend 2 weeks ago and had an excellent time of it. Our site just off the Natchez Trace parkway looked very inviting on paper. When we arrived, this location was having an arts and crafts fair and the place was overrun with RVs. (We camp in a tent.) The other campers were courteous, however, observing the curfew on noise, generator usage, and we had a nice weekend of it. First time camping for our almost 4 year old son and I think he appreciated the family time in the tent and during the little bit of hiking we did.

This trip included canoeing down the Buffalo river and though the water was cold, the mild aair temps made for a great (voyage?). The water was low in a few spots, and we had to drag the canoe over some rocks, the noise of which sort of freaked our son out. After about 3 1/2 hours, though, he was getting comfortable and had a great time overall.

$$$

After riding the cheap mountain bike with my family for a week, I've come to a realization: I get just as much pleasure riding this bike as I do when on the "better" Lemond. Price has nothing to do with the amount of pleasure derived from riding. Even on an inexpensive bike, the shifters work, the brakes work, the derailleurs work just fine.

Beater

I had tried unsuccessfully to increase the utility of my Lemond. The best addition I made was the Carradice bag, but it is still not the handiest thing to carry bulky items. I started looking for a bike to which I could add racks and baskets and a better way to pull my son's Trail-A-Bike; the classic cheap (craigslist)mountain bike was my choice. I may eventually Xtracycle this, but want to first see how much utility I can add with conventional racks, etc. I do go quite a bit slower on it, which makes the bike better for family rides.