Recently in Out on the bike Category

My two fantasy playoff teams (Ragpickers and Erasers) find themselves in an unfamiliar position halfway through the Colts-Chargers game. They're in contention. Both teams benefited from Ryan Grant's huge day yesterday. Indy's loss will hurt both of those teams, though. Hopefully, it will hurt everyone else about the same. There will be a new Super Bowl Champion. I suppose I'm now rooting for the Chargers, Giants, and Packers. Not wild about the Pats or Cowboys.

A little joke I read today that my friend, Ken, might appreciate:
Perfect Pitch - When you throw an accordion into a dumpster and it lands on a banjo

Started tinkering with one of my Christmas presents yesterday. The first record I tried was Joe Walsh's Barnstorm from 1972 ... because it was already out. Mixed results. I think I'll need some headphones. On my computer speakers, it's hard to listen closely enough to hear through the pops whether the record skipped or not, especially on songs you haven't listened to in 30 years or so. I also determined that a little practice will be required to get good results. I can't tell you the last time I had to balance a tone arm and I'm still not sure I did it satisfactorily. If you don't know what I'm talking about, you might want to ask your parents. :)

I offer three images depicting the three stages of my 15-mile road trip today. The weather here at CrabAppleLane is simply magnificent. Was yesterday, too, but I squandered most of the day. Would surely like a do over.

On the way out - January 13, 2008 - In Whippoorwill Grove near CrabAppleLane

In between - January 13, 2008 - Lance Armstrong would not approve of my training regimen.

On the way in - January 13, 2008 - Off Highway 40 in Bush, LA - Near CrabAppleLane

Quote of the Day

Hey now
The wells run dry
Pages of your book on fire
Read the writing
On the wall

Joe Walsh, Turn To Stone

Blog of the day here.

Quote from said blog: "I myself celebrate Festivus. Not because I'm just a Seinfeld fan, but because I know every line... word for word... and I know every single possible thing there is to know about Seinfeld. I could answer any question about Seinfeld."

I offer a couple of pictures today because the writing well has run a bit dry. The first one was taken just a few minutes ago. The other two are from City Park and were taken a few days ago.

Santa's Tree Farm - Bush, LA - December 29, 2007 - Too late - Santa's Tree Farm is right up the road from CrabAppleLane. I think this lot has been closed for a few years now. I can't remember the last time I saw anyone here buying a tree. All of the Christmas tree farms around here have fallen on hard times. Not really sure why.

City Park at Marconi - New Orleans, LA - December 26, 2007 - Not sure if this is a bus stop or a train station. I can't think of a bus that runs here and that train in City Park has a very haphazard schedule.

Not open - City Park Ave - New Orleans, LA - December 26, 2007 - Bummer - I'd have settled for strawberries or avocados.

Quote of the Day

Oh now feel it coming back again
Like a rolling thunder chasing the wind
Forces pulling from the center of the earth again
I can feel it

Lightning Crashes, Live

Blog of the day here.

Quote from said blog: "Somewhere in the deepest reaches of Hell, a demon just earned its horns."

Found this one the other day. It's a fairly new one that provides one thought-provoking entry after another. -Rob

What you see here is my bike on the shoulder of Hwy 40 in Bush, LA. I traveled about 10 miles of Hwy 40 on my route this afternoon. This is about the standard width of shoulder on this highway. It gets a little wider at some spots (Maybe 12 inches) and narrower to non-existent in other spots. It is not all that well-traveled, though. Maybe a dozen cars passed me. When I come upon a cycler when I'm driving, I slow down and wait until I have a clear shot to zoom around them so that they couldn't get into my path even if they wanted to. I have no idea how much experience the cycler has or how much control he/she has over the bike. I assume they will fall down or drift into my path if I let them. Unfortunately, almost everyone else does the same thing. When I'm on the bike, I just want vehicles to get past me. No lallygagging back there. I can stay on even a narrow shoulder like the one pictured for a good while but not indefinitely. It's like walking a tightrope. Just do it already.