Still Around
I’ve been busy lately with work and other projects. I apologize for my failure to put up the Tour Divide 2009 ride write-ups. I still have more pictures to upload, too. It’s been really nice outside lately. New York area is enjoying a beautiful and cool Indian summer, so I’ve been riding my Salsa Fargo and exploring places in Bergen (NJ), Rockland (NY) and Westchester (NY) counties. But I promise as soon as weather turns for the worse, I’ll catch up.
Aside from my recent travels and mountain biking (the ‘real’ fun stuff), I have some other stuff I’d like to share:
First, a few days ago, I found Cass Gilbert’s travel/photo blog about his trip from Alaska down to Tierra del Fuego in Argentina. I’ve been following his travels for a few years, mostly his biking trips in Indian Himalayas (my favorite playground) where he used to run a low-impact bike touring business. On this trip, he seems to have a great time, judging by photos on his new blog: While Out Riding. Right now, he is on the Great Divide Mountain Biking Route making his way through lots of snow somewhere in Montana, or Idaho. I clearly remember these places and it is hard to believe there is so much snow this early in October. Must have been one of those early ‘freak’ snow storms. He really is a HARD-CORE tourer/biker;) In any case, subscribe to his blog. His pictures are unbelievable!!!
Second, I put a link in my sidebar to a book I greatly recommend: The Simple Guide to a Minimalist Life. I see it all around me almost every day when my friends and co-workers, even myself sometimes, worry about unimportant ‘things’, pay too much attention to stuff that is so irrelevant or avoid dealing with problems rather than simply solve them before they start stressing us out… It shouldn’t be that way and that’s what the book is about. I’m still reading it. It doesn’t have any new mind-blowing, secret or mystical advice. It’s just a collection of simple ‘common sense’ ideas how to overcome clutter and negativity in one’s mind. I found most of the advice extremely practical and from my own experiences on a ‘journey to simplify my life’ very much true. Leo Babauta, the author of the book, also writes on his great blog: Zen Habits - Simple Productivity. I check it out regularly. From time to time it’s good to be reminded that life shouldn’t be unnecessarily over-analyzed in our minds. I guess anyone marginally familiar with Eastern philosophies knows that already.
Third, I’m getting this shirt for sure: “Sometimes ‘fun’ hurts pretty f*cking bad” from XXCmag.com: Endurance Racing. Epic Adventures. So true!!!
hey rich,
thanks for the comments. I’ve been trawling through all your pics recently! nice! would have commented on some, but I’m not signed in to Flikr.
the salsa setup looks sweet. I don’t think I can streamline that much, but the framebag thing is definitely the way to go. Eric made me a front bag, which I really like. framebag order due next…
And, if you’re impressed with snow survival, I’m equally impressed with your massive riding distances!
as for the spare Extreme tyre, I’m good for now, but if I can figure out a place I’ll be riding through (might have to rethink given the weather) be great to take you up on your generous offer. Will let you know, but do feel free to pass in on to someone else in the meantime if anyone needs it.
I’m definitely with you on the 29er thing, it’s what I ride at home, but still prefer 26in for further flung destinations, if only for peace of mind. If there was a wide volume Marathon Extreme in a 29, on the other hand…
all the best.
cass
Comment by cass | October 8, 2009