tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62650433105562407762024-03-15T02:44:57.148-07:00Recumbent Conspiracy Theoristrecumbent conspiracy theoristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534820082655384780noreply@blogger.comBlogger495125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265043310556240776.post-34451116516425439062017-05-30T12:09:00.000-07:002017-05-30T12:09:20.452-07:005th Annual Smith Mill British Motorcycle Rally<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A friend of mine invited me to a gathering of vintage British motorcycle enthusiasts that meet once a year at the site of the historic Smith Mill located in North East Ohio.</div>
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The day dawned cool and rainy. I had to ride about twenty five miles to get to my friend's place where we planned to load up the bikes on a trailer and travel another fifty miles to the mill. The rain did taper off and quit but after three miles I was soaked from the knees down from road spray. I seriously considered turning around and going home. With some encouragement from my friend I persevered. After all what is a British motorcycle rally without some British style weather to go with it. </div>
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The mill has a long and interesting history behind it. An original mill was built on the site in 1820 by Daniel Slaker which operated as the first sawmill in Jackson township. Later the mill functioned as a gristmill and flourmill up through the mid 1800's. The facility certainly played an important role in the area's commerce as it was just across the road from the <a href="http://kd8jhj.blogspot.com/2011/06/ohio-erie-canal-towpath-trail.html">Ohio & Erie Canal</a>. </div>
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By the late 1800's the mill was converted to a brewery which supplied the nearby town of Massillon, Ohio until about 1910 when the brewery moved closer to town. Shortly after that the original mill was destroyed by fire. </div>
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In 1925 R.W. Smith constructed the present building using the old stone blocks from the original mill to build the foundation then completing the structure using post and beam construction under a brick exterior. This is what gives the building a two-tone look with sandstone on the bottom and red brick for the upper stories. From 1925 to 1973 this new and improved Smith Mill produced apple cider with output sometimes reaching up to 200 gallons of cider a day.</div>
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The current owner of the property who also happened to be our gracious host for the day's event acquired the mill in the 1980's and has done an outstanding job preserving this unique piece of Ohio history.</div>
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After coffee and donuts and much mutual admiration of our fine British machines we saddled up for a relaxed 60 miles round trip tour through the countryside of north east Ohio. Here's a sampling of a few of the bikes in attendance:<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triumph_Engineering">Triumph</a></div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birmingham_Small_Arms_Company">BSA</a></div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Velocette">Velocette</a></div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norton_Motorcycle_Company">Norton</a></div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AJS">AJS</a></div>
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While not British this <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moto_Guzzi">Moto Guzzi</a> is a fine example of Italian engineering.</div>
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A cool Triumph done up in flat tracker style.</div>
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Another non-english bike: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_Motorrad">BMW</a></div>
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I was so busy immersing myself in the sights, sounds and smells of these vintage machines I almost forgot to take a photo of the <a href="http://kd8jhj.blogspot.com/2011/11/friday-ride-2012-triumph-scrambler.html">Scrambler</a>. In the background an old iron bridge crossing the Tuscarawas River near the village of Zoar where we stopped for lunch.<br />
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In all we had 25 bikes in the group. For me it was a new experience. I have never participated in a large group ride so I settled in near the back of the group so I could watch the column spread out as we took to the roads. Also from the rear I could best savor the mechanical music of those vintage twins.<br />
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Mill history: <a href="http://oldmills.scificincinnati.com/index.html">http://oldmills.scificincinnati.com/index.html</a><br />
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recumbent conspiracy theoristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534820082655384780noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265043310556240776.post-83688688894332786962017-05-23T07:46:00.000-07:002017-05-31T06:36:34.273-07:00Recumbent Trikes with The RoadQueen<div style="text-align: center;">
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We finally took a break from farm chores and projects and spent a day on our recumbent trikes. It has been a long time since we ventured out on our three wheelers so we thoroughly enjoyed a lazy Saturday on the B & O Trail in Richland County, Ohio. </div>
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Temperatures were ideal at about 70 degrees and other than a late afternoon passing shower conditions were great along the greenways.</div>
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With the stability of three wheels camera work while underway is safe and easy.</div>
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Spring is one of my favorite times to be outside on a bike. The air smells clean and fresh and blossoming trees and wildflowers along the trail provide fragrance as well as great views.</div>
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Since owning and riding a recumbent trike I've discovered an attribute of this type of cycle that really makes the platform shine. If I'm feeling like racing the clock or hammering out an intense workout my <a href="http://kd8jhj.blogspot.com/2015/09/catrike-700.html">Catrike 700</a> is up to the task. On the other hand if I want to spend the day at a relaxing 10 mph the trike does that with aplomb.<br />
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There are racks available to transport a pair of trikes on a car but since I have a pickup truck portaging to the trail is easy as pie.</div>
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<b>B & O Trail</b></div>
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<b>Ride Time: 2:59</b></div>
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<b>Distance: 30.54 Miles</b></div>
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<b>Average Speed: 10.22 mph</b></div>
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recumbent conspiracy theoristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534820082655384780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265043310556240776.post-88364029980119872922017-05-12T13:26:00.000-07:002017-05-12T13:26:14.377-07:00A Composting System for Small Horsefarms<div style="text-align: center;">
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This is one of the first projects the RoadQueen and I took on last year when we were getting our horse farm up and running. While she is the equine expert I simply enjoy building things and being a gardener I can appreciate a system that yields wagons full of cured compost for my garden.</div>
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We found plans and theory of operation for this system from the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension and the Oklahoma State University. <a href="http://pods.dasnr.okstate.edu/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-2070/BAE-1729web.pdf">Here is the pdf.</a> </div>
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Some of the materials we already had on hand. These were panels of heavy stock fencing, T-posts and a pile of pea gravel to make a raised base to keep the manure pile up off the ground. To cover the gravel we laid heavy one inch thick rubber stall mats to make forking and shoveling easier. I fabricated corner brackets to connect and stiffen the 2 x 12 frame from 1/16" aluminum.</div>
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We started adding to the bin right away from stall clean outs and paddock area. The key is to continue to add to the pile mixing in fresh manure to the older stuff working towards the open end of the bin. After 11 months we had the bin about three quarters full.</div>
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Over time microorganisms and bacteria worked their magic and now I am forking out beautiful black gold to fortify my garden soil. </div>
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Unfortunately we don't have a tractor with a front end loader yet so all the lifting is done by hand and I use a small garden tractor and cart to transport the compost to my garden. While shoveling shit is not the least bit glamorous or fun I'll still take it over the boring repetition of lifting weights in a gym.</div>
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recumbent conspiracy theoristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534820082655384780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265043310556240776.post-80389990608248839862017-04-22T16:25:00.000-07:002017-04-22T16:25:17.384-07:00Spreading Manure<div style="text-align: center;">
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Today I spread some aged manure on the garden plot. Living with horses has many advantages one of which is a nearly endless supply of very nutrient rich compost. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mowing crew.</td></tr>
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My mother taught me gardening and the love of it has stuck with me all my life. When I lived in the city I only had a small strip on the south side of my house where I could cultivate a small crop of tomatoes and maybe a few pepper plants. The rest of the property had too much shade and not enough sunlight to support a vegetable garden.</div>
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Here is a few photos from previous years:</div>
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While I like to can, dry and freeze a lot of my harvest it is nice to eat fresh from the garden. The above photo shows tomatoes, jalapeno and red chili peppers ready for a batch of homemade chili.</div>
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A feature I noticed right away when looking at the farm was a perfectly situated garden spot chosen by the former owner. I wasn't going to grow a garden last year because we had so much going on having just moved. In the end I threw a few plants in the ground anyways and we enjoyed this first garden on the farm.</div>
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Here is the garden about mid summer 2016:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From left: Sweetcorn, tomatoes, cabbage, bell, cayenne and jalapeno peppers. </td></tr>
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This year after some extensive soil building I'm looking forward to many hours spent working my little plot. Back in the fall I covered the entire garden with leaves once they all fell and now I'll continue to cart loads of manure up and start tilling it in.<br />
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recumbent conspiracy theoristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534820082655384780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265043310556240776.post-45064600387040453472017-04-19T07:18:00.000-07:002017-04-19T07:18:13.690-07:00Springtime Flowers<div style="text-align: center;">
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The last time I was back in the woods the ground was covered in dead brown leaves. This weekend I took a walk back and discovered the renewal of spring in full bloom.</div>
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My knowledge of botany is limited so I have no idea of the name of this ground cover. In any case it sure is nice to see things greening up finally.</div>
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recumbent conspiracy theoristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534820082655384780noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265043310556240776.post-26293734086317098762017-03-31T06:32:00.000-07:002017-03-31T09:32:18.996-07:00Double Crank for the Motobecane<div style="text-align: center;">
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After much consideration I decided to swap out the triple crank for a double on my titanium Motobecane. For years I've always liked the utility of a triple crank on my bikes but since moving to the farm I don't find myself with the time or the desire to head east to ride in the hill country. The roads around my area are very flat as can be seen in the photo so really a double is right at home. And let's face it the Motobecane is a performance bike and a double crank completes the look.</div>
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When I decided to make the change last fall I perused that online auction site and found a used Ultegra crankset with bottom bracket for fifty dollars. The new to me double is from the same line as the triple I was using so shares the same classic looks. I'm not a fan of the newer style big blocky looking cranks that are on the market today. </div>
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The crank is not a compact model but I did replace the 53 tooth big ring with my existing 50 tooth. I'm not a strong rider by any stretch and the 53 just feels like too much gear to me. I did leave the 34 on for low gears and it works fine on the very occasional rises I encounter on my rides.</div>
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Another positive outcome of the change was realized because the double runs on a slightly narrower bottom bracket than the triple. This moves the chain rings closer in towards the frame and the chain line now falls more in the middle of the cogset where I do most of my riding anyways. Now the drive line feels noticeable smoother while underway and I'm not missing the triple at all. </div>
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With the farm came an outstanding 40' X 60' pole barn which is quite a change from the single stall garage I had back in the city. I now have more than adequate room for my collection of bikes, motorcycles and tractors. I don't have to push everything to one side when it comes time for maintenance.<br />
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recumbent conspiracy theoristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534820082655384780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265043310556240776.post-8155198806982893132017-01-25T08:42:00.000-08:002017-01-25T09:01:31.456-08:00Life On The Farm - Forestry Project<div style="text-align: center;">
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Moving from the city about a year ago to a farm in the country has been a life changing event to say the least. In the past I spent much of my free time with my bikes. Living in the city with only a small lot to take care of left ample time for velo-related activities. Never one to shy away from some honest hard work I've found that the farm provides a plethora of projects to work on to keep me busy and fit.<br />
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Since I'm not so focused on the bike world I have decided to start a new topic on the blog and call it "Life On The Farm". Over the past year I continued to document my projects photographically and I'm going to make an attempt to get back to posting these endeavors here.</div>
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The back of our property is made up of a small three acre woodlot. We have Oaks, Maples, Hickory among other deciduous species. A few weeks ago because of the lack of snow and the fact that the ground cover is dormant I decided to start cleaning up the area of downded branches and trees. Our farm sat vacant for nearly ten years so there is lots of sticks to be picked up.</div>
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I've always enjoyed being in the woods whether mountain biking; hunting or simply sitting still watching the birds. Even though the woods is only a meager three acres it doesn't seem to matter and I spend a lot of time being back there. And best of all I can call it my own. Well, maybe eventually I can when the bank is paid off.</div>
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A couple weeks ago we had a few days of very strong winds move through the area. The fifty-plus mph gusts brought down a large Ash. Years ago the woods was filled with many beautiful and tall Ash trees. Unfortunately the <a href="http://emeraldashborer.info/">Emerald Ash Borer</a> moved in and decimated the Ash population. Several of these trees are on the ground but many more are still standing dead waiting for the wind and gravity to have their way.</div>
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The first weekend after the wind storms I headed back and with the help of Wyatt and the RoadQueen we got busy converting this giant to firewood. I'd rather have a forest full of healthy Ash trees but I suppose the one consolation is we won't have to buy firewood for quite some time.</div>
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When the Ash toppled it took out a couple smaller trees one of which it bent over fully and held there under tension. Anyone who's been around woods and chainsaws knows this is a very dangerous situation. After cutting as close as I dared to the area where the two trunks made contact I rigged up my winch to a thirty foot tow strap and eased the larger trunk off the smaller. This way I was able to keep well clear of the danger area. The Ash slid off easily enough but I wasn't sure what the smaller tree under tension would do once freed from the weight of the Ash. In the end it only whipped up a few feet. Its base was splintered pretty bad at ground level.</div>
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The next day we sawed the massive trunk into managable pieces (see opening picture) ready for transport back to the woodshed. </div>
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Here's a shot of Wyatt tending the fire. We're in the process of burning out an old stump using branches that are too wet or rotted to be burned in the indoor woodburner.</div>
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recumbent conspiracy theoristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534820082655384780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265043310556240776.post-60600657574691101052016-12-26T12:32:00.001-08:002016-12-26T12:36:34.924-08:00Frank Roberson Knife<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IbBCdNuhC4w/WGFtxn8if1I/AAAAAAAAGXQ/oP84b30FmkMoizhzA3o8JD4WrD6JwJ_zACLcB/s1600/20161226_124350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IbBCdNuhC4w/WGFtxn8if1I/AAAAAAAAGXQ/oP84b30FmkMoizhzA3o8JD4WrD6JwJ_zACLcB/s400/20161226_124350.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My Inlaws Butch and Missy who are some of the nicest folks you could meet gifted me this Frank Roberson knife for Christmas this year. The blade is a small custom made full tang sheath knife that right away I knew would be a perfect addition to my <a href="http://kd8jhj.blogspot.com/2014/12/tvm-iron-pennsylvania-45-caliber.html">flint lock kit</a>.</div>
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Frank Roberson is a knife maker from Irving Texas who has been crafting blades since 1991. He used ATS-34 steel and favored sheephorn, ivory and other natural materials for handle scales. The knife is not new but came from the collection of Missy's stepfather Hollis "Howdy" Howes who was a collector of knives and Native American artifacts who lived in Mineral Wells, Texas.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8_oDoH2VXFM/WGFuKG1OK9I/AAAAAAAAGXU/ESPtjpf2sKEqc_Nt67DsVjHp893JYpbdACLcB/s1600/20161226_124122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8_oDoH2VXFM/WGFuKG1OK9I/AAAAAAAAGXU/ESPtjpf2sKEqc_Nt67DsVjHp893JYpbdACLcB/s640/20161226_124122.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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The tang of the knife has carving of a vine motif on the top and bottom. This embellishment I really like.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0tYTsThyCXM/WGFugVfxYEI/AAAAAAAAGXc/f6pfvDyuPbY3RIcrODdA2ln0-xKzjc4FwCLcB/s1600/20161226_124238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0tYTsThyCXM/WGFugVfxYEI/AAAAAAAAGXc/f6pfvDyuPbY3RIcrODdA2ln0-xKzjc4FwCLcB/s400/20161226_124238.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's the knife secure in it's new home:</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bhJ1GaWo3PM/WGFvA2GdeKI/AAAAAAAAGXo/-Mou5GxCpgMG9-6kzsWRrsA1VSq-n-ynwCLcB/s1600/20161226_122301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bhJ1GaWo3PM/WGFvA2GdeKI/AAAAAAAAGXo/-Mou5GxCpgMG9-6kzsWRrsA1VSq-n-ynwCLcB/s640/20161226_122301.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Colonial riflemen often carried a small "patch" knife on a thong around their neck that was used to trim patch material from around the ball as they loaded their muzzle loading rifles. A good patch knife has been missing from my rig and I am pleased to finally fill in the missing puzzle piece with this fine steel. I lashed the sheath to the strap of my shooting bag with a couple leather laces to keep the knife handy and at the ready.</div>
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recumbent conspiracy theoristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534820082655384780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265043310556240776.post-65599014598756535042016-10-02T10:26:00.000-07:002016-10-02T10:26:04.778-07:00Ride With Wyatt<div style="text-align: center;">
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Wow! time sure is a relentless rider. My son is in the tenth grade now. Seems like just yesterday he was rocking the <a href="http://kd8jhj.blogspot.com/2010/05/commute.html">the twenty inch BMX</a>. He's become a fine young man and still rides his bike to school although now he rolls on 700c wheels.</div>
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Wyatt takes after his old man in that he's not of fan of ball sports but he does care deeply about his physical fitness. When he noticed me messing about with my bicycle the other day he suggested that a nice long bike ride would be a great way to add some endurance training to his regular exercise routine. He had my attention at "long bike ride"! I said if your up to it let's ride the B&O. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V0t9TR1kU08/V_Et57IVP2I/AAAAAAAAGWA/_BZPSWvEI5EwraYIz3vzxRTiiP-KI_p4gCLcB/s1600/20160925_154839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V0t9TR1kU08/V_Et57IVP2I/AAAAAAAAGWA/_BZPSWvEI5EwraYIz3vzxRTiiP-KI_p4gCLcB/s640/20160925_154839.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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So we loaded up on a late Sunday morning and headed over to the trail. Now I wouldn't think of riding a regular bike for 2+ hours without a pair of padded shorts and a jersey but Wyatt does not concern himself with the fredly trappings of a cyclist's kit. His standard uniform of khaki pants and white tee shirt suited him fine.</div>
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He did make a great comment later after our ride: "Usually when we ride the rail trail we get passed by these groups of guys that look like you do with your serious bikes and a nod inferring to my stretchy clothes. But not this ride." </div>
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I just let him set the pace for most of the ride and I think he was pretty pleased with himself that in 36 miles he was the one doing all the passing. He's also learned how to meter out his power slowly and not burn up too soon. </div>
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I felt pretty good also considering this was only my second time out. The fact thatWyatt has become a good rider and can keep up a steady speed really helped to keep me spinning and lessening the pressure on the road bike saddle.</div>
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<b>B & O Trail</b></div>
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<b>Time: 2:42</b></div>
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<b>Distance: 37.19 Miles</b></div>
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<b>Average Speed: 13.73 mph</b></div>
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recumbent conspiracy theoristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534820082655384780noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265043310556240776.post-57236108276006128212016-09-18T10:53:00.001-07:002016-09-18T10:53:47.639-07:00Back in the Saddle Again<div style="text-align: center;">
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Yes I realize it's a little late in the season to be reporting my first ride but better late than never. I do have a good excuse for my hiatus from the road though. Earlier this year <a href="http://theadventuresoftheroadqueen.blogspot.com/2016/08/hiatus-break-through.html">The RoadQueen</a> and I got hitched and bought a farm. Needless to say whipping up a long neglected farm back into operational status; cleaning out the old house and holding down the old 9 to 5 has kept me pretty busy this summer.</div>
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Finally I had some time this morning to dust off the titanium Motobecane and don my stretchy clothes for a little shakedown ride. After a summer of farm work; everything from chucking hay bales, fixing fences to demolishing a couple old buildings I've managed to stay in great shape and even lost 10 pounds. But I was curious to see what shape the old legs were in.</div>
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The property we bought lies a few miles west of town smack dab in the middle of bucolic North central Ohio I have photographed so many times during my rides around this area. No more stop lights and traffic getting into and returning from my rides. Right from my driveway is nothing but long stretches of lonely rural roads. A biker's paradise for sure.</div>
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The Motobecane and its twelve year old componentry performed reliable just as it had during our last outing. It felt wonderful to back out spinning away and didn't feel as if I'd missed a beat. My wireless computer's batteries had long since gone dead but my trusty smart phone kept track of the data which I didn't worry about until I'd finished the ride.</div>
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<b>Parcher Road Short Loop</b></div>
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<b>Bike: Motobecane Le Champion</b></div>
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<b>Ride Time: 1:02</b></div>
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<b>Distance: 16.54 Miles</b></div>
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<b>Average Speed: 15.77 mph</b></div>
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I was pleased with the data. My average was right up where it has been during past seasons on the road bike. Not bad for nearly a year off the bike. Best of all the farm sits not far from one of my favorite routes: <a href="http://kd8jhj.blogspot.com/2013/08/parcher-road-loop-in-pictures.html">Parcher Road Loop</a>. I shortened up the ride a bit since I forgot my water bottle and found it makes for a nice hour long jaunt.</div>
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recumbent conspiracy theoristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534820082655384780noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265043310556240776.post-85087509653803994472015-10-29T12:40:00.002-07:002015-10-29T12:40:36.958-07:00Into Fall On Three Wheels<div style="text-align: center;">
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As always I love the transition from late summer to fall. Among other outdoor activities I like to pursue I've gotten out on my Catrike 700 a few times. Other than the <a href="http://kd8jhj.blogspot.com/2015/06/putting-more-p-in-ti-gp.html">Ti-GP bike</a> which I ride to work most days I've neglected all my other bikes. The trike is just plain fun to ride. I keep waiting for the novelty to wear off but I keep falling further into lust with this sweet ride.</div>
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Periodically I make small tweaks and adjustments to perfect my fit to the machine. I'm a big fan of Catrikes' overall design and in particular the steering system. The grips and wrist rests can be adjusted forward and aft and tilted in or out to suit ones preference. This design is a departure from many recumbents out there that rely on a more or less traditional handlebar setup. After experimenting with the forward and back positioning of the hand grip I tilted them both in with just enough clearance for my hips during ingress and egress of the cockpit. Like an open wheel race car or a fighter jet this cycle is a machine you get into rather than ride on. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TdZOX3gSiLg/VjI9JrHIqsI/AAAAAAAAGT4/oVUxscT44KY/s1600/20151026_114740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TdZOX3gSiLg/VjI9JrHIqsI/AAAAAAAAGT4/oVUxscT44KY/s640/20151026_114740.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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I missed the peak of the fall foliage with my camera but still beautiful in any event. Recently I returned to Mt Vernon, Ohio to ride the HOOT trail and take a look from the <a href="http://kd8jhj.blogspot.com/2015/07/aerial-views-from-heart-of-ohio-trail.html">observation tower</a> in Founders Park.</div>
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Later back on the trail I was just riding along and all of a sudden my rear tire went flat. Earlier when I went to top off my pressure the little insert in the presta valve popped right out the stem before I could attach the pump head. I screwed it back in and inflated the tube as usual. When the tire went flat on the trail I just figured the valve was broken so I pulled the wheel with the intention of replacing the whole tube. For shits and grins I tried pumping the original tube back up and it held air fine. I kept checking as I continued on my ride and had no more problems. I have no idea what that was all about.</div>
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It won't be long now and the view will be back to cold grays and browns but even that I'll take over the view from the couch.<br />
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recumbent conspiracy theoristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534820082655384780noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265043310556240776.post-70835697742379741122015-09-12T22:41:00.000-07:002015-09-12T22:41:17.320-07:00Catrike 700!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CG5U2_Y87Ss/VfF0UKv6H5I/AAAAAAAAGTM/8UzgRQrkkzs/s1600/20150908_105154%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CG5U2_Y87Ss/VfF0UKv6H5I/AAAAAAAAGTM/8UzgRQrkkzs/s400/20150908_105154%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Well I've taken the plunge and added this Catrike 700 performance trike to my fleet. I always knew I would end up with a three-wheeler eventually but I figured it would be later in my golden years. Over the past few years I've noticed the uptick in trike popularity and I have been seeing more and more of them on the trails.</div>
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My first experience on three wheels was with a little red one that had a fixed gear. That was roughly forty years ago. I probably put more miles on that thing with one foot on the rear platform and kicking off with the other than I did sitting properly on the hard metal seat. I still remember the tiny crankset spinning madly by itself as I whipped up and down the driveway and neighborhood sidewalks.</div>
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That little red trike was the rabbit hole I fell through that landed me in the wonderful world of bikes. Like most kids I soon felt the pull of two-wheeled freedom and quickly forgot about my trike once I mastered the ability to balance a regular upright bike.</div>
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A couple decades later as a young adult still immersed in cycling culture I had my second brush with the trike. After work I would often hang out at the local Schwinn bike shop and shoot the breeze with my friend Jeff who ran the place. One day I noticed a low sleek three-wheeler sitting there in the shop. It was a tadpole style; two wheels in the front and one trailing behind, with a boom mounted crank set at the front. I don't remember what exclamation of wonder I uttered but Jeff noting my enthusiasm said "Take it for a ride." </div>
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What!? really? OK! We wheeled it out the door and I took off on my first ever recumbent ride. The trike which was in the shop for regular maintenance wasn't a home built but did not have any markings so I have no idea of what brand it was. The trike had 20" wheels all around shod with narrow high pressure tires and a sporty red paint job. I still remember the turn like it's on rails-go cart like feel that little scooter had. The seeds were sown.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q-jJ9AjvD-o/VfF0SYXAVYI/AAAAAAAAGTA/N9GTP4gZuyI/s1600/20150905_152524_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q-jJ9AjvD-o/VfF0SYXAVYI/AAAAAAAAGTA/N9GTP4gZuyI/s400/20150905_152524_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Jumping forward another twenty years along my trike timeline brings us to the present and I find myself once again under the spell of three wheels. So what caused this sudden onset of trike madness? I was just saying I figured my beard would be long and white by the time the circle of life was complete and I found myself back on a trike. One word, well two actually: <a href="http://theadventuresoftheroadqueen.blogspot.com/2015/09/new-toy.html">RoadQueen</a>.</div>
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Even before we met the RoadQueen was thinking about a bicycle. She did pick up a nice 700c equipped hybrid but after hooking up with a bike nut such as myself who regularly enjoys a 2, 3 or even 4 hour ride she quickly realized the standard bike seat wouldn't cut the mustard. She discovered recumbent trikes on her own and said "That's what I want!" </div>
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One day just for fun she spec'ed out her dream trike on the <a href="http://www.utahtrikes.com/">Utah Trikes</a> website and sent me the details in an email. She had no idea I was going to place the order and it resulted in a great surprise for her. Initially I had planned to just ride my <a href="http://kd8jhj.blogspot.com/2015/07/recumbent-update.html">HP Street Machine</a> while the RoadQueen developed her recumbent legs but who's kidding who I had to get in on the trike action too so I pulled the trigger on the Catrike 700 I've had my eye on.</div>
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Eventually a couple huge boxes arrived via truck freight after an excruciating month long wait. The long lead time was due to waiting on RQ's Ice Sprint to be shipped from England to Utah and then even more time was required for the custom hot pink paint job.</div>
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Ultimately it was worth the wait for that sweet paint. That's the reason we chose Utah Trikes over a dealer closer to home; They offer custom paint.</div>
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So lets get to the meat of this post and talk about the trike experience. There was no question <a href="http://www.catrike.com/">Catrike</a> was my chosen machine. I love the fact that these three wheelers are completely built in Catrike's state of the art manufacturing shop in Orlando, Florida. <br />
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A few well thought out details sold me on the Catrike design. As with all the models in the lineup the seat frame is actually part of the overall chassis of the trike. It's a unique feature that makes perfect sense. No separate seat and attachment hardware to add weight and cause noise. I cannot stand squeaks and tics coming from the components of my bikes. <br />
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The one caveat with the Catrike seat is that there is no adjustment of recline possible. This was not a concern for me because from the very first time I settled back into the mesh seat it felt as if the frame was made just for me. The angle of recline may be a touch more laid back than the Street Machine I've spent the last seven years on but it feels perfectly fine to me. <br />
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For control Catrike employs what is called direct steering. Instead of a complicated linkage system the Catrike's steering arms are directly connected to standard bicycle size head tubes with a simple tie rod to hold the front wheels in alignment. <br />
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Some point out that this setup causes the steering to be too twitchy but I prefer precise and responsive handling so I like the direct steering. Just like the Street Machine with its under seat steering the bars are simply a place for the hands to rest. The trike responds instantly to the slightest inputs to the bars. Steering is quick and intuitive. <br />
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A nice finishing touch and added creature comfort are the wrist rests mounted below the grips. These oval foam pads are visible in the picture of the trike while still in the box. </div>
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The 700 is Catrike's flagship performance machine. It has no suspension and no folding capability which seems to be all the rage in the trike world these days. The 700 name comes from the rear drive wheel size: 700c. The big wheel not only looks cool but keeps the gear ratios the same as the typical road bike. <br />
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Because of the narrow high pressure Schwalbe Durano tires and no suspension I was expecting a harsh ride but it's not that bad. It really doesn't feel any worse than my road bike. Acceleration and ease at cruising speed is where the 700 shines. Of course I'm faster on my road bike but the 700 is no slouch by any means. On my last ride of 27 miles on the Heart of Ohio Trail I logged 15.8 mph average speed. Sitting just inches off the ground enhances the perception of speed adding to the fun.<br />
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Years ago I purchased my full suspension Street Machine because its main purpose is long distance touring; something I thought I might be interested in pursuing. While I do love the cushy ride the Street Machine is a heavy bike. Because most of my rides are only 20-40 miles in length I don't really need a touring bike or the extra weight of suspension for that matter. Taking on an extra wheel adds to the weight of a trike but overall difference between the 700 versus the Street Machine is only 2.8 pounds. My body weight fluctuates that much. <br />
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Since I've had the 700 I've put 140 miles on it and the trike has exceeded my expectations. The thing is just plain fun to ride. It didn't take long to notice that balancing a two wheeler be it a recumbent or traditional diamond frame takes up a good measure of attention. The trike requires no sense of balance. This frees up the rider's mind to simply enjoy the ride and scenery along the way.<br />
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At cruising speed the trike tracks very straight making two abreast riding especially enjoyable. I noticed while riding with the RoadQueen our front wheels would be only four inches apart and we easily maintained position while carrying on a conversation. Eventually I'll get back to riding my two wheelers because they provide their own special kind of magic but for now I can't get enough of this cool laid back ride.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TiTJl5bP3Mo/VfFmCYFOLtI/AAAAAAAAGSM/PfFoxur7AmA/s1600/SAM_0432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TiTJl5bP3Mo/VfFmCYFOLtI/AAAAAAAAGSM/PfFoxur7AmA/s400/SAM_0432.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's a couple guys I've followed online for a while who I'd like to thank for sharing their knowledge and experience which really influenced my decision making concerning the Catrike 700:</div>
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<a href="http://bentupcyclingjournal.blogspot.com/">http://bentupcyclingjournal.blogspot.com/</a></div>
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<a href="https://trikeasylum.wordpress.com/stevestuff/steves-catrike-700/">https://trikeasylum.wordpress.com/stevestuff/steves-catrike-700/</a></div>
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recumbent conspiracy theoristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534820082655384780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265043310556240776.post-21514611098874453332015-09-09T07:54:00.001-07:002015-09-09T07:54:40.948-07:00A New Recumbent Rider Is Born<div style="text-align: center;">
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Here are some shots of my son on his first recumbent ride aboard my HP Velotechnik Street Machine. One day I asked him if he had any interest in learning how to ride the bike and he was so we headed over to the school grounds where traffic wouldn't be a problem.</div>
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On his first attempt to get moving he faltered a bit but stayed upright and was off and flying on his second try. Since I've taken these photos we've been out to the local rail trail and he did great on the bent for a 23 mile ride. He described that riding the recumbent gave him a feeling like flying. I agree and noticed that sensation right away too when I first started. I think that comes from having your feet up higher.</div>
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Currently Wyatt rides a hybrid style bike with 700c wheels for transportation and fun. He's grown a little since <a href="http://kd8jhj.blogspot.com/2010/05/commute.html">his first appearance on this blog.</a></div>
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recumbent conspiracy theoristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534820082655384780noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265043310556240776.post-11723286168356608712015-08-12T07:38:00.000-07:002015-08-12T07:38:05.127-07:001947 Farmall H<div style="text-align: center;">
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On the way to a ride the other day I spotted this classic old row cropper and had to stop for a closer look. Some people see cute little puppies and just want to take them home. I feel that way about vintage tractors but since I have neither a farm or a barn to keep it in sadly I had to walk away from this one. </div>
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By looking up the serial number from the rating plate I was able to determine this Farmall H model was built in 1947. A fresh coat of paint really helps cosmetically but a close look at the smooth sheet metal in the pictures shows that this 68 year old workhorse was well cared for.</div>
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recumbent conspiracy theoristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534820082655384780noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265043310556240776.post-70350668661250268202015-07-25T18:18:00.000-07:002015-07-25T18:39:26.272-07:00Recumbent Update<div style="text-align: center;">
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The summer got off to rainy start for sure here in Ohio. Fortunately my area escaped the violent storms that hit other areas of the country but we have received plenty of rain. Creeks and rivers have been swollen and while farmer's crops have been growing great they will lose a little bit of their yield due to standing water in the low spots.</div>
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Other than my regular commuting on the upright Ti GP bike I've been riding almost exclusively on my <a href="http://www.hpvelotechnik.com/index_e.html">HP Velotechnik</a> recumbent bike. A couple weeks ago I hit a notable milestone and logged 4000 miles on the clock. It's safe to say the bike is broke in now. I've not had any problems in all those miles and I love this bike more now I think than when I first got it.</div>
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If Jesus were around today I think he'd like bicycles. Recumbents especially; they would go fine with his beard and sandals. I bet he'd ride on water too.</div>
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Here's a shot from a week ago while I was riding the flatlands of Marion County. Note the water in the field.</div>
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Last Monday I wanted to stretch my legs a bit and do a longer ride. I mapped out a route that utilized the B&O trail that I've ridden countless times but to add something new I added a 13 mile loop off the southern end of the trail. </div>
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Sometimes I ride east from the trail's end at Butler, Ohio a short distance to <a href="http://kd8jhj.blogspot.com/2015/03/big-lyons-falls-trek.html">Mohican State Park</a> and enjoy a big helping of hill country. But I wasn't feeling like covering the same ground I've been over before. Luckily it's hilly in every direction from Butler so I struck out east and then headed south on a country way called Bunker Hill Road that travels through southern Richland County .</div>
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I love exploring new places and it's always interesting the things one finds along the way. Soon I came upon a miniature horse ranch and found this guy munching some fresh green grass. He couldn't see me because he was wearing his mask to keep the flies out of his eyes but he heard me pull up.</div>
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Spread around the picturesque hills are little homesteads. Some of them are modern and some have been around a while. Below it's easy to spot the Amish farms because they have no electrical lines running to the property.</div>
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On that ride I finally accomplished something that I've always struggled with. The first 25 miles of the ride was smooth sailing on the bike trail. On the relatively flat surface of a rail trail it's always tough to hold back and not get rolling too fast. I occasionally glanced down at my cycle computer and backed off the effort every time I drifted up over 14 mph. I haven't used a heart rate monitor in years but I'm sure my system was running a pretty low BPM.</div>
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That all changed when I hit the hills. Contrary to the rumors recumbents can climb hills just fine. They don't climb fast but they'll climb. The first few miles didn't feel so good but after a while I got into my groove and started even to enjoy the climbs. And of course climbing big hills has a sweet payoff; that's descending down the other side. On the decent into Butler on the last hill I hit a top speed of 45 mph.<br />
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Back on the bike path I noticed I had plenty of gas left in the tank and held 16 mph for the last 12 miles. This was another benefit of the conservative effort expended during the first part of the ride. </div>
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This morning with coffee I was watching the second to the last stage of the tour. I wasn't planning to ride today but needless to say watching the riders racing the stage that determines the winner of the tour in the Alps struggle along a route culminating with a climb up the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpe_d%27Huez#Cycle_racing">Alpe d'Huez</a> I had to go ride my bike.</div>
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Periodically I like to do a time trial style ride where I put it all out and go as hard as I can for time. Kind of a test to gauge my fitness over the long haul. Usually I ride my road bike when doing and all out effort but I've not even got on my road bike this year so I said hell with it and loaded up the recumbent. </div>
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I headed to the B&O trail which even on a Saturday isn't terribly crowded and provides the greatest distances between automobile crossings. I decided the distance would be 30 miles and started from the northern end of the trail. This time instead of holding back on the southern slightly downhill leg of the trip I easily managed 20 mph cruising speed and even with the crossings and slowing down for safety around other trail users I managed 18.3 mph average speed for the first 15 miles.</div>
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Of course I knew the going wouldn't be so easy going the other way but I persevered and contemplated on the spectacle I had just witnessed on the tour and figured my ride would be a simple warm up or the equivalent of a ride to the store for those guys. But the inspiration payed off and I logged the best time I've ever ridden on the recumbent even bettering many of the times I set on the road bike. <br />
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<b>30 Mile Time Trial</b><br />
<b>Ride Time: 1:43:43</b><br />
<b>Distance: 30 miles</b><br />
<b>Avg Speed: 17.3 mph</b><br />
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recumbent conspiracy theoristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534820082655384780noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265043310556240776.post-57430244801725546102015-07-08T15:33:00.000-07:002015-07-08T15:33:47.229-07:00Aerial Views from the Heart of Ohio Trail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On the fourth of July My son and I went south to Centerburg, Ohio to ride the Heart of Ohio Trail. The <a href="http://kd8jhj.blogspot.com/2015/06/heart-of-ohio-trail.html">Last time I rode the HOOT</a> I found out about this observation tower being built around an old smokestack. I wanted to make a point to return for the opening event so I planned our ride putting the park at the midpoint of the journey.</div>
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The observation platform makes an excellent vantage point from which to look down on the newly constructed Ariel - Foundation Park located in Mount Vernon, Ohio and the surrounding Knox County. </div>
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Being flatlanders it is always a big deal to have something tall to climb. Up, up and around we went. Climbing the steel steps was a thrill. Naturally when climbing steps one has to look down or eventually stumble. Because the steps were nothing more than steel grates it was easy to see directly below perfectly negating the old saying "Don't look down!" </div>
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If it were up to me these spiral stairs would wind their way to the very top of the smokestack but once we reached the top we found the views and vertigo satisfying enough.</div>
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The park grounds look a little shabby but the weather has not been the greatest for growing new grass. I'm sure it be much greener in a year or two. Ariel - Foundation Park lies on an old industrial complex that was home to the <a href="http://chasingsmokestacks.com/2013/03/18/pittsburgh-plate-glass-company-mount-vernon-oh/">Pittsburgh Plate Glass Works #11</a> which operated from 1907 to 1976. The factory produced a host of glass products from bottles to architectural plate to automotive glass in later years. </div>
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Rather than bulldoze the area flat removing all trace of the industry that once flourished here the park planners wisely incorporated materials and structures from the glass works into the park to serve as sort of a memorial. I think it was a great idea and naturally I appreciate the designs being a fan of history.</div>
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Long term readers of this blog will know I have a soft spot for the <a href="http://kd8jhj.blogspot.com/2010/02/insulator-post.html">blue shiny stuff</a>. I saw this pile from a mile away. </div>
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We found this graphic in the visitor center that shows what the plant looked like in the 1950- 60's and which structures remain today shaded in blue.</div>
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This building was converted into a pavilion style amphitheater for hosting different events.</div>
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My son and I had fun strolling around the new park on it's opening day but to me it's also bittersweet. I'd almost rather see a factory at work putting out a product; fueling the economy and providing jobs for local people. But parks are nice too and this one is a great example of good land stewardship not only providing public green space for a community to enjoy but at the same time providing a historical perspective of the importance of industry to our country.<br />
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On our way back we stopped at a pretty place along Dry Creek where a waterfall of sorts splashed over the edge of the bedrock of the creek bed. While not a cataract of Niagra proportions the sound of rushing water was peaceful and oh so cool on hot feet just liberated from cycling shoes. <br />
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recumbent conspiracy theoristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534820082655384780noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265043310556240776.post-65034404085900232902015-07-01T17:21:00.002-07:002015-07-01T17:21:20.589-07:002015 ARRL Field Day<div style="text-align: center;">
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This past weekend I took part in my amateur radio club's Field Day activities as usual. This year the big factor was the weather. I had planned on just using a pop up shelter to better enjoy the outdoors but after watching the weather forecast for a week before hand I decided to err on the side of caution and go ahead and break out the extreme weather tent. </div>
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I am so glad I did too. It was pleasant and dry Friday night when we set up but soon after we arrived back at the site Saturday it started raining and it never did let up. Along with gusty winds we ended up with 3.5" of precipitation before all was said and done. Dealing with the weather is what Field Day is all about. While it did add quite a challenge my old gear and some new pieces came through with flying colors</div>
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In the above picture at the far left is a small shelter I constructed to keep the elements off my new 1000 watt inverter generator. </div>
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Inverter generators are a relatively recent technology that work great for powering sensitive electronic gear like amateur radios. The generator works by first producing AC power output like a traditional generator but next converts the current to DC then back to AC. This "inversion" creates a clean output with a true sine wave at the required voltage and frequency. </div>
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The engine is a four stroke so no premix fuel is required and a feature I really like that this little gen-set has is called Auto-Idle. Unlike a traditional generator that always runs at full throttle this unit idles down and then increases engine speed based on the load applied. This does two things. First it saves fuel and second with a light load such as my ham station the generator barely came off idle. With a 100 ft extension cord between the generator and the operating position the generator could not be heard.</div>
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<span class="">We used maybe a gallon and half of gas for the 18 hours of time we spent on the air.</span></div>
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A couple months ago when the club's sign up sheet came around I signed up for the 20 meter (14.000MHz) band and CW (Continuous Wave Morse Code) of course. In the past years I had to tear down my permanent station and transport it to the Field Day site. I have several ancillary devices like computer interface, antenna tuner and electronic keyer connected to the rig in my home station and it was always a bit of a pain to disconnect all this stuff. </div>
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I've been active in the amateur radio hobby now for seven years. I figure it's something that's here to stay so I decided to add another new piece of gear to the station. Something to make the logistics of portable operations easier. I took a trip down to Columbus Ohio to visit <a href="http://www.universal-radio.com/">Universal Radio</a> where I source most of my radio gear and picked up a Yaesu FT857D amateur transceiver. The 857 is a full power HF, VHF and UHF multimode radio that has most of the features found in a full sized rig but comes in a very small package aimed at mobile use.</div>
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The pink cell phone and glassed belong to my lovely assistant the RoadQueen, who handled the logging chores on a spreadsheet program she created herself with a dupe checker even so we wouldn't waste time and effort working a station we had already contacted. In contesting these are called "Duplicates" and are to be avoided because duplicate contacts to same station cannot be counted for points.</div>
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The only other thing I added to the Yaesu was a Collins 300Hz mechanical filter to help navigate the busy and crowded Field Day band conditions. Most amateur transceivers come without filters which can then be added as needed depending on the type of activity the operator persues. </div>
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In the upper right hand corner of the circuit board are two slots where filters can be installed. One space for CW and the other for SSB (Single Side Band) voice mode. The Yaesu is set up with simple push pin sockets so I didn't even have to warm up my soldering iron.</div>
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<span class="">What the filter does is drastically narrow the receiver's passband. When the band is crowded with lots of stations operating side by side close in frequency to one another the operator can engage the filter and as a result of the narrower passband only hear one or two station instead of several. A radio's receiver without a filter in line normally samples a segment of spectrum that can contain four or five or more CW stations all transmitting at once. Each station is transmitting on a slightly different frequency which makes the tone of the signals a little different in pitch but it still ends up being a wild cacophony of senseless noise. </span></div>
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<span class="">In preparation for Field Day I limited all my operating to using CW only and the 857 to not only learn the new rig but to hone my CW skills for the event. It all paid off and I set a new personal best logging 159 contacts with stations in 34 different states, three Canadian provinces, the island of Puerto Rico and Argentina way down south.</span></div>
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Unfortunately the weekend wasn't without incident as wind driven rain did invade some club member's tents and curtail operations while soaked ground loosened the guy wire stakes of the 6 meter antenna causing it to come crashing back to Earth sometime during the night. But I can happily report no loss of life or limb and we all managed to have a good time and eat lots of great food as is one of our clubs main objectives.</div>
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recumbent conspiracy theoristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534820082655384780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265043310556240776.post-66791154094326934902015-06-19T18:36:00.003-07:002015-06-19T18:37:34.920-07:00Putting More P in the Ti GP<div style="text-align: center;">
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The GP stands for General Purpose. The Ti GP bike's main purpose is a commuter. And it has been outstanding in fulfilling that role for a decade now. Last winter I got serious and upgraded the creature comforts in particular the seat and handlebars. These changes prompted me to spend even more time on the bike and while comfortable and happy soon my mind turned to other ways to fully integrate my bike into my daily life. </div>
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For many years I got by just fine with a backpack for my daily commuting needs. For a while I used the handlebar basket which worked great but once I removed it I found I liked the crisp handling of an unencumbered front end. </div>
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Back in the 1990's I had a Schwinn mountain bike with fenders and a rear rack that was my commuter rig. Back then I was of limited means so I made due with an inexpensive rack trunk. That arrangement worked good for carrying my lunch and wallet and keys but during the seasonal transition when I might have a heavy jacket and gloves in the morning I found myself stacking a bungee corded Tower of Pisa of gear onto the rack when the afternoon temperatures warmed.</div>
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My goal when setting up the Ti GP was to have a solid city bike built with quality components on a sturdy, corrosion resistant titanium frame; a blend of performance and utility. For a long time I have resisted bolting on things that add weight. After a lot of thought and another season of hot humid weather just around the corner I've decided to do the right thing and ditch the backpack and get the cargo onto the bike where it belongs.</div>
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The conundrum I faced was how to incorporate cargo hauling capability into a performance oriented "racing" bicycle frame that unlike my old Schwinn has no braze on's for mounting a rack. Luckily I'm not the first person to wonder about this and I discovered <a href="http://www.oldmanmountain.com/">Old Man Mountain</a> racks. This company has been around a while and has created a good reputation of filling a unique niche in the bikepacking world. </div>
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There is some cool <a href="http://www.oldmanmountain.com/Pages/AboutUs/AboutUs.html">history</a> of how OMM came to be that's worth the read. As a small business owner myself I love the opportunity to support another small American company. I purchased OMM's latest model called the Pioneer. It's the biggest rack they offer. Probably overkill for me but it's always better to go big and have a little in reserve than go into a fight under gunned. </div>
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OMM racks are well designed with a number of ways to bolt onto bike frames with no threaded eyelets. I chose to bolt the upper supports to the rear brake bosses. Easy peasy. The lower attachment is where this rack really shines. The rack comes with a long skewer which bolts through the real axle. Very sturdy and secure!</div>
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The panniers I just received today. They are by Ortlieb made in Germany. What sold me on them is the excellent retention system. The set comes with several inserts so the latches can be precisely fitted to the diameter of the rack tubing. </div>
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The Pioneer's stout 1/2" diameter tubing and wide width provide lots of clearance between the wheel and the panniers. Another feature I thought made perfect sense was a was a second tube welded about two inches below the top of the rack specifically as a pannier mounting point to get the load even lower down for stability.</div>
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This is my first venture into the world of panniers and I decided to run front panniers instead of full sized rear bags. They are the Front Roller Plus model so are extra large capacity versus the standard front panniers. For my purposes they will provide plenty of room so I will use them and as time goes by I'll see how they work. I have no doubt that grocery stops, beer runs and an occasional bike picnic is in the future.</div>
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recumbent conspiracy theoristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534820082655384780noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265043310556240776.post-8944252818951399622015-06-09T11:37:00.000-07:002015-06-09T12:02:48.678-07:00Rush R40 <div style="text-align: center;">
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I don't have a bucket list but if I did I would have crossed an item off it last night. Back during the school year my son did a great job with his studies so to show my appreciation I picked up a couple tickets to a Rush show in Columbus, Ohio. The R40 stands for 40th anniversary. I've been a fan of Canada's greatest rock band since I first discovered them on the FM tuner of my father's hi-fi system as a boy back in the early 80's. Like any good parent when my son hit his preteen years and started to take notice of music I turned him onto my extensive CD library. I was not surprised when he took a liking to the trio from Ontario. He was ecstatic to say the least when I showed him the tickets. As the months turned to weeks and then to days he had been talking about the upcoming show more and more. I've not been to a show in a while and I have never seen seen Rush perform live so I was also looking forward to the experience. A win-win situation to be sure. <br />
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For many years Rush has always gone big and booked stadiums to play their shows. I found it fitting and a bit ironic that the venue was Nationwide Arena home of the Columbus Blue Jackets NHL hockey team. Maple syrup, hockey and Rush; Canada's major exports.<br />
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We made the drive down to the capitol city early so we could relax and have a nice dinner before the show. Once the doors opened we walked around the arena and noticed some players practicing on a side rink.</div>
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All the concerts I've attended have been in smaller auditoriums or outdoor amphitheaters. This was the first show in a large scale arena for both my son and I.</div>
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After wandering around and checking things out from various angles we found our seats and watched the fans slowly trickle in and start filling the seats. Eventually the lights went downs and the curtain came up and the spectacle began.</div>
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Please excuse the blurry photos. The only camera I had was my cell phone and with the zoom cranked all the way up I did the best I could without a steady rest. Besides some crummy photographs are better than no photographs. One of my purposes with this blog is to record special events in my life so when I'm an old codger with dwindling memory power hopefully these stories and images will trigger the recall.</div>
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More than once I've been told as a Rush fan to go see them play if given the chance. "Just go" they said and I'm so glad I did. We were blown away! The audio was very loud probably one of the loudest concerts I've ever heard. Not just loud but perfectly executed. The members of Rush are all perfectionists and besides they've been playing together for 40 years and it shows. </div>
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The lighting was some of the best I've seen and a gigantic projection screen made it easy to see the guys onstage even from way out.</div>
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Thousands of loyal Rush fans packed the house. Seeing all these people and feeling all their energy was almost as impressive as the band. I feel very lucky we had the opportunity to witness a little bit of Rock and Roll history in the making. </div>
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Earlier this year the band announced they were taking an extended hiatus from the road after wrapping up this current three month tour. Of course many bands say this and end up back on the road eventually. This may not be the last time Rush rocks a big stadium but if it is I can happily live out my days knowing what it was like. Last but not least I had a blast sharing the experience with my son. My parents didn't take me to any rock concerts so I can only imagine how cool that is to a 14 year old kid. </div>
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Set list:</div>
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<b>1. The Anarchist</b></div>
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<b>2. Clockwork Angels</b></div>
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<b>3. Headlong Flight (with "Drumbastica" mini drum solo)</b></div>
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<b>4. Far Cry</b></div>
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<b>5. The Main Monkey Business</b></div>
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<b>6. One Little Victory</b></div>
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<b>7. Animate</b></div>
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<b>8. Roll the Bones</b></div>
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<b>9. Distant Early Warning</b></div>
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<b>10. Subdivisions</b></div>
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Set 2</div>
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<b>11. Tom Sawyer</b></div>
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<b>12. Red Barchetta</b></div>
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<b>13. The Spirit of Radio</b></div>
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<b>14. Jacob's Ladder</b></div>
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<b>15. Cygnus X-1 Book II: Hemispheres Part 1: Prelude</b></div>
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<b>16. Cygnus X-1 </b></div>
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<b>(The Voyage Part 1 & 3 with drum solo)</b></div>
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<b>17. Closer to the Heart</b></div>
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<b>18. Xanadu</b></div>
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<b>19. 2112 Part I: Overture</b></div>
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<b>20. 2112 Part II: The Temple of Syrinx</b></div>
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<b>21. 2112 Part IV: Presentation</b></div>
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<b>22. 2112 Part VII: Grand Finale</b></div>
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Encore</div>
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<b>23. Lakeside Park</b></div>
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<b>24. Anthem</b></div>
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<b>25. What You're Doing</b></div>
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<b>26. Working Man</b></div>
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recumbent conspiracy theoristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534820082655384780noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265043310556240776.post-34518046367199580372015-06-01T16:08:00.000-07:002015-06-02T03:44:37.214-07:00Heart of Ohio Trail<div style="text-align: center;">
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So how do you like my beard? I've been growing it all season and now is the time to get out and let her flow in the breeze!</div>
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Like most of North America we've been experiencing some wild swings of weather here in the Ohio valley. After a string of hot summer like days and plenty of rain the temperature dropped like a rock Sunday night into Monday. I planned on riding today because the forecast called for cloudy skies but it wasn't supposed to rain. The temperature was a crisp 49 degrees F when I left the house this morning.</div>
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It's a little strange here it is June 1st and I have to gather up my winter tights, fleece jacket and wool hat with ear protection just to go for a bike ride. With my gear packed I headed to Mt. Vernon, Ohio to catch the <a href="http://kd8jhj.blogspot.com/2014/09/recumbent-ride-heart-of-ohio-trail.html">Heart of Ohio Trail</a> which is a rail trail I discovered last fall and have only ridden once so far.</div>
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The roughly 15 mile run one way is the perfect sized trail for a mid day ride through the Scenic central Ohio countryside. I discovered a few new interesting things on this ride I wanted to share on the blog.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-30px0-04ouM/VWzCBG_hprI/AAAAAAAAGFs/ECFRatSfzqE/s1600/20150601_103754_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-30px0-04ouM/VWzCBG_hprI/AAAAAAAAGFs/ECFRatSfzqE/s640/20150601_103754_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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No sooner had I got started down the trail I passed this giant smokestack I first photographed last year. The big difference now is the curious spiral staircase under construction. As I was standing there looking on an older gentleman pulled up on a recumbent trike so we struck up a conversation and I asked him about the project. Being from the area he said he saw an artist's rendition of the finished construction which will twist its way about three-quarters of the way to the top and end in a 360 degree observation deck. The project is scheduled for completion by the 4th of July. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2hq1CkEPuYc/VWzCDjainAI/AAAAAAAAGF0/yZEz81f13Ik/s1600/20150601_103900_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2hq1CkEPuYc/VWzCDjainAI/AAAAAAAAGF0/yZEz81f13Ik/s640/20150601_103900_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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I will most certainly be making a return trip later this summer to check that out!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eJE_SRZejVQ/VWzCL5Am89I/AAAAAAAAGF8/Hm6fFZLvtUs/s1600/20150601_105330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eJE_SRZejVQ/VWzCL5Am89I/AAAAAAAAGF8/Hm6fFZLvtUs/s400/20150601_105330.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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I decided to ride the Titanium General Purpose Bike on this ride. I've been logging about 32 miles a week commuting on the Ti GP and loving it. The recent improvements in the handlebar and seat department have breathed new life into the bike and I find myself reaching for it often.</div>
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The bike trail shares the river valley with a state route. Along most of the passage the view of the highway is blocked by trees and vegetation. Occasionally the trail and the roadway are close enough that properties adjacent the road become visible for a few short stretches. From one of these openings I spotted this old tractor sitting at the front of a farm with for sale sign posted.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lSZ1JJGPDUk/VWzCQoFj9kI/AAAAAAAAGGE/Bg1aS0XNGVY/s1600/20150601_111554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lSZ1JJGPDUk/VWzCQoFj9kI/AAAAAAAAGGE/Bg1aS0XNGVY/s400/20150601_111554.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love old fashioned stuff and history so of course I had to stop and check it out. The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farmall_Cub">Farmall Cub</a> was the smallest tractor built by International Harvester between the years of 1947 and 1981. During those years over 245,000 Cubs were made. This one is unique in that it looks like it has the original mowing set-up complete with three-blade mower deck and turf tires. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cbplSaOntyc/VWzCTq9BMgI/AAAAAAAAGGM/RciqsMst81U/s1600/20150601_111624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cbplSaOntyc/VWzCTq9BMgI/AAAAAAAAGGM/RciqsMst81U/s640/20150601_111624.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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The Farmall's are my favorite of the antique tractors but I do love to look at them all. I don't know much about the details and have no idea of this models age but it does look it came from the 1950's or 60's. Oh yes one day I will have one of these of my own to tinker with.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D45ZXhOCEEk/VWzCT5X3u6I/AAAAAAAAGGQ/xAeFGH4wujw/s1600/20150601_111651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D45ZXhOCEEk/VWzCT5X3u6I/AAAAAAAAGGQ/xAeFGH4wujw/s400/20150601_111651.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Back on the trail I caught a glimpse of a structure through the woods off to my left away from the state route. Right away I spotted text like old signage. Suddenly like staring at a word search my mind connected the dots. Although most of the elements are obscured by brush I realized I was looking at another old Mail Pouch Tobacco ad. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tfKyJfi8EIE/VWzCjv7v7lI/AAAAAAAAGGc/NtojcOGpNDA/s1600/20150601_113900_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tfKyJfi8EIE/VWzCjv7v7lI/AAAAAAAAGGc/NtojcOGpNDA/s400/20150601_113900_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In order to get a picture I had to park my bike and wade through wet chest high weeds to get close enough. The structure is open on the other side and was probably used as a livestock shelter. The building sits on the edge of a neglected pasture and now houses only some old tires and lumber.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s-AtLuKZmPE/VWzCkaIqnSI/AAAAAAAAGGk/CDe2nKxAl6U/s1600/20150601_114149_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s-AtLuKZmPE/VWzCkaIqnSI/AAAAAAAAGGk/CDe2nKxAl6U/s400/20150601_114149_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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To see my other photographs of Mail Pouch Barns click the label at the end of the post.</div>
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At the end of the trail I arrived in the small town of Centerburg, Ohio which got the name as it lies at the geographic center of Ohio. In its earliest days Centerburg was a stagecoach stop and later a railroad town. Once a rural passenger stop of the Cleveland, Akron and Columbus railroad during the peak of passenger rail in early America now visitors roll into town using the same right of way but today they're moved by pedal power and not steam.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qKIHKRVXpyo/VWzCmdkkztI/AAAAAAAAGGs/BrwrW6Edx-I/s1600/20150601_122636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qKIHKRVXpyo/VWzCmdkkztI/AAAAAAAAGGs/BrwrW6Edx-I/s400/20150601_122636.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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Centerburg looks like many small sleepy towns that time seem to have left behind.</div>
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I like the old Frigidaire sign hanging proudly along main street.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KQx7uZ4tgBY/VWzCwQZc3CI/AAAAAAAAGG8/9krCJKInULc/s1600/20150601_122810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KQx7uZ4tgBY/VWzCwQZc3CI/AAAAAAAAGG8/9krCJKInULc/s640/20150601_122810.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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This brick residential street is no trendy urban revitalization. These pavers have probably been here for a hundred years. It amazes me how long a brick paved avenue lasts with nothing more than slight cupping where the wheels pass. Give a modern asphalt street about five years of freeze-thaw cycles and it'll be reduced to a pot-holed mine field. I think we should have never got away from brick for residential and downtown city center streets.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pd2AM4OP2_4/VWzCzBTa-PI/AAAAAAAAGHE/beyom6vfTv8/s1600/20150601_123223_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pd2AM4OP2_4/VWzCzBTa-PI/AAAAAAAAGHE/beyom6vfTv8/s400/20150601_123223_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A quaint Christian church built in 1911.</div>
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No, that handsome gent at the opening of this post is not me. It's General Daniel Harris Reynolds, C.S.A.</div>
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<b><i>"A decendent of Knox County's earliest pioneers, Confederate Brigadier General Daniel Harris Reynolds was born just three miles west of Centerburg in 1832. He attended Ohio Wesleyan University in Deleware, where he became a close friend of Otho Strahl, another Ohio born Confederate general. Reynolds taught school in Ohio before studying law in Iowa and then Tennessee. Admitted to the bar in 1858, Reynolds established a law practice in Chicot County, Arkansas. An advocate of secession, Reynolds chose to serve the Confederate States of America in his adopted state of Arkansas at the start of the Civil War. Well respected in his community, he raised a company of cavalry known as the "Chicot Rangers" </i></b></div>
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<b><i>As a Captain, Reynolds first saw action in August of 1861 at Wilson's Creek in Missouri where he was injured in a fall from his horse. Despite his injury, he remained in the fight. An able soldier and leader, Reynolds received steady promotions within the Confederate Army, attaining the rank of brigadier general in 1864. After distinguished service spanning the entire war, Reynolds suffered a wound requiring the amputation of his leg at Bentonville, North Carolina, the last major battle of the war. Reynolds returned to Arkansas to reestablish his law practice. He also served a term in the Arkansas legislature. He died in 1902 and is buried in Lake Village, Arkansas."</i></b></div>
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I've said it before but it bears repeating, short of having an actual time machine I can think of nothing better than the bicycle and riding one off the beaten path to discover history right around the corner of the places we call home. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aYacOZYKWZo/VWzC-Xk7gnI/AAAAAAAAGHQ/X5sNksj3e80/s1600/20150601_125110_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aYacOZYKWZo/VWzC-Xk7gnI/AAAAAAAAGHQ/X5sNksj3e80/s640/20150601_125110_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Before stopping for a sandwich I rode a quick loop out into the country around Centerburg even finding a couple miles of gravel. This was no problem for the Ti GP bike at all since its DNA is pure MTB even though I have it set up for smooth street riding.</div>
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Unfortunately the weather man was incorrect and it did begin to sprinkle on my way back to Mt. Vernon. Luckily the rain was light and the trees shielded me from much of the drops. Nearing Mt. Vernon I spotted the red coat of a whitetail deer in the trail up ahead. I got stopped and took a photo but the doe and her fawn are pretty tiny. </div>
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Not quite the epic beard of General Reynolds but a handsome lad nonetheless. </div>
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<a href="https://www.endomondo.com/workouts/533714680/20067758">Ride Data</a></div>
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recumbent conspiracy theoristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534820082655384780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265043310556240776.post-16566525766602254952015-05-14T06:22:00.000-07:002015-05-14T09:32:44.206-07:00Cool Bicycle Art<div style="text-align: center;">
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I spotted this sign along the bike path the other day. The art is very well done. I like how the artist tied in the themes of country and city.</div>
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Well as far as bike to work goes for me and many other bike commuters every day is bike to work day. So I'll just roll my eyes and keep my comments to myself. But the bottom line is any advocacy to get people out of their cars and onto bikes even for a day is a good thing and I support it. </div>
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Here's a great <a href="http://time.com/3855351/bike-to-work-week/">Time article</a> that sums it up quite nicely.</div>
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recumbent conspiracy theoristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534820082655384780noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265043310556240776.post-89735964317100102802015-05-04T17:53:00.000-07:002015-05-04T17:53:44.671-07:00The Dirt<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--KPYy4uZIlg/VUfnJ3eif-I/AAAAAAAAGCs/4cbgjuCLdjg/s1600/20150504_114132_Richtone(HDR).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--KPYy4uZIlg/VUfnJ3eif-I/AAAAAAAAGCs/4cbgjuCLdjg/s400/20150504_114132_Richtone(HDR).jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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It's been a while since I felt the pulse of Mother Earth through my knobby tires. I couldn't wait any longer so this morning I loaded up my mountain bike and hit the trail. Every spring I like to ride the mountain bike trail at Mohican State Park. </div>
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This place never fails to recharge my batteries. While I stay in shape doing other things in the off season I'm from the flatland so busting out of the gate and flogging myself up and down these hills transports me to another place.</div>
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Speaking of transports in this picture is my new internal combustion powered four wheeled recumbent with 5-speed manual transmission (I like to decide when to jam the gears of whatever contraption I happen to be piloting.) and cargo box. Toss the bike in the back and secure it with a bungee cord to keep it from bouncing around and I'm off. </div>
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Of course I'm concerned for our planet and for that reason and my own good health I ride my commuter bike to my day job and other errands about town as much as possible. As long as I am able to afford and operate a motor vehicle I will continue to use one for important things like getting to awesome bike trails.</div>
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I've been trail riding since the early nineties. One thing I've noticed about climate change in my region is the spring-time is much drier. This makes for excellent mountain biking. I'm sure I've been mentioning it before that the trails are dusty dry this early for several years in a row now. I can remember waiting out the muddy season not only to prevent damage to the fragile ecosystems but to save the head ache of cleaning mud from my bike and accelerated wear of drive train parts from what is basically liquid sandpaper.</div>
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I rode the same route I usually do with the first half being 8 miles from the snowmobile parking area east to the campground on State Route 3. All was going fine and before I knew it I was cruising on the camp ground road towards the connector trail to continue on back west up the other side of the gorge. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clear Fork of the Mohican River</td></tr>
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The camp road is paved and flat following the river in the bottom of the valley so for the first time I could shift up to the big ring. There was major work being done in the campground with heavy equipment of all shapes and sizes and workmen busy on improvements. The road surface had been ground in preparation for repaving but rolling on my fat off road tires it felt fine. Suddenly I noticed that the bike was feeling way to hard to pedal as if I was going uphill. I soon realized my back tire was almost flat. This was both irritating and odd as I had just replaced the tube the night before to fix a slow leak that I'd been dealing with since last year.</div>
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Luckily I was right near the camp commissary which had picnic tables and shade so that made a perfect place for a pit stop to eat my mid ride snack and fix the flat. I was also well prepared with an extra tube and my trusty mini pump so shortly I was on my way again. </div>
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The path up from the campground starts with a steady two mile zig-zagging climb up to the top of the north ridge of the gorge. The mountain bike trail "officially" starts at that point but I hate starting my ride first thing with that devil of a climb. I'd much rather face it in the middle of my journey when I'm at least warmed up.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8fYEPjjc69k/VUfn5WDr85I/AAAAAAAAGDk/gV0eb74wReo/s1600/20150504_142410_Richtone(HDR).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8fYEPjjc69k/VUfn5WDr85I/AAAAAAAAGDk/gV0eb74wReo/s640/20150504_142410_Richtone(HDR).jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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After a few more miles I was feeling pretty beat down and was ambling along a relatively flat section of trail when I suddenly felt the urge almost subconsciously to look to the left. I didn't think about it just instinctively jerked my head around and instantly locked eyes with a whitetail doe standing perfectly still watching me pass about 30 yards off the trail.</div>
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I came to a stop and pulled out my camera and attempted to get a shot off. Unfortunately in my excitement I forgot that I had the two second timer set. Whether it was the beeper going off or she had simply had enough human interaction the doe turned tail and bugged out. I did manage to keep the lens on her and after the timer delay I got a shot of her warning flag flying.</div>
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These last couple shots are of an area along the north ridge I really like. The hill slopes down steeply and is covered with Hemlocks. Some older trees tower high above but it is reassuring to see younger hemlocks doing well waiting their turn to one day take the place of their elders.<br />
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Eventually after 16 miles of single track I used the park road to cross back down and up the other side back to the parking area where I left the truck that morning. Completely exhausted but with that well earned satisfaction that only a hard day on the trail can give.</div>
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I used my smart phone's gps to determine something I've always wondered about while running around in this park: Elevation gain. I climbed a total of 2700 feet during my ride.</div>
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<a href="https://www.endomondo.com/workouts/515821187">Ride Data</a></div>
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recumbent conspiracy theoristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534820082655384780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265043310556240776.post-57547810021186514782015-04-12T11:55:00.000-07:002015-04-12T11:55:55.505-07:00Laid Back On The Olentangy Trail<div style="text-align: center;">
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This year for my first recumbent ride of the season I wanted to go big and also add a new bike way to my list of trails ridden. This weekend the weather was perfect so I loaded up the HP Velotechnik and headed south to Franklin County in central Ohio.</div>
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I used that popular online map to determine how exactly to get to the northernmost trail head and also to study the route I would be riding south once the car was parked.</div>
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The trail follows its namesake the Olentangy River 13 miles to its confluence with the Scioto River in downtown Columbus. I chose this trail because the Olentangy originates in Crawford County where I am from although it is little more than a ditch at its start. From Crawford County the Olentangy meanders 97 miles in length and has long been a resource to those inhabiting its banks.</div>
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The river was first called Keenhongsheconsepung (Heck with three times -just try to say that once!) by the Delaware peoples who lived in the region. The word translates to "stone for your knife stream" after the shale exposed along the banks of the creek. White settlers who moved into the area changed the name of the water to the Whetstone.</div>
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The past week of rain and storms has the river running high and muddy. It's early spring yet and things look pretty brown and dead but the sun is warm and things will start turning green soon. The grass on this golf course I spotted across the river has got a good start.</div>
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The trail switches banks occasionally. Here's a shot taken on the east bank as I continued south. </div>
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I like riding in the early season because with out leaves on the trees it's much easier to see things along way. Alternatively later during the hot dog days of summer the leaves create welcome shade. For now though exploring a new trail I like the openness.</div>
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Soon into my ride I started finding examples of Columbus' excellent infrastructure catering to park users. Bridges are a great combination of art and architecture and they always make for interesting compositions in my camera eye.</div>
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As I continued on the area along the banks became more urban. And more bridgey. </div>
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Lane Avenue Bridge</div>
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The Olentangy Trail cuts right through the Ohio State University campus.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Horseshoe</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hLZNcjYU2dQ/VSnjXFKwFAI/AAAAAAAAF_Q/83R7a6x2xsM/s1600/IMG_2838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hLZNcjYU2dQ/VSnjXFKwFAI/AAAAAAAAF_Q/83R7a6x2xsM/s1600/IMG_2838.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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Back on the west bank I came across the first railroad bridge of the ride complete with some vintage antique telegraph insulators.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DeB_Y5SNe2I/VSnjZwedagI/AAAAAAAAF_Y/PKrngL-DpOo/s1600/IMG_2842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DeB_Y5SNe2I/VSnjZwedagI/AAAAAAAAF_Y/PKrngL-DpOo/s1600/IMG_2842.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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While the telegraph system those old insulators belonged to was long since retired the bridge was still very much in use. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SE0tEkpsEik/VSnjfXOuCLI/AAAAAAAAF_g/0ag1hAcRtLw/s1600/IMG_2840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SE0tEkpsEik/VSnjfXOuCLI/AAAAAAAAF_g/0ag1hAcRtLw/s1600/IMG_2840.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tAEWGZXhLFw/VSnjk7NqJTI/AAAAAAAAF_w/XwrRgGGCUW0/s1600/IMG_2850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tAEWGZXhLFw/VSnjk7NqJTI/AAAAAAAAF_w/XwrRgGGCUW0/s1600/IMG_2850.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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At midday I arrived at the confluence of the Olentangy and Scioto not far from downtown. At this point the Olentangy trail links up with the Scioto Trail. I rode to the western end of this trail away from town first. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RQzJazwMfBY/VSnjnwQFXgI/AAAAAAAAF_4/wIquGTpjQbk/s1600/IMG_2845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RQzJazwMfBY/VSnjnwQFXgI/AAAAAAAAF_4/wIquGTpjQbk/s1600/IMG_2845.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Scioto is one of Ohio's longest rivers stretching just over 230 miles across the state until draining into the Ohio River at Portsmouth.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bngx8-WXOvA/VSnjqlNqfeI/AAAAAAAAGAA/uyir9osntpQ/s1600/IMG_2847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bngx8-WXOvA/VSnjqlNqfeI/AAAAAAAAGAA/uyir9osntpQ/s1600/IMG_2847.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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After a couple miles I reached the end of the trail and headed back east towards the city.</div>
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Another railroad bridge offers a unique vantage point to the downtown cityscape.</div>
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In recent years the Ohio EPA and the city of Columbus have been making improvements to the river front area. The removal of a damn reduced the width of the river and freed up land along the banks to create parks and green space.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gfLgbrW9pco/VSnj3mH42xI/AAAAAAAAGAg/XMkn_HPUQTk/s1600/IMG_2859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gfLgbrW9pco/VSnj3mH42xI/AAAAAAAAGAg/XMkn_HPUQTk/s1600/IMG_2859.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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The big white building in the center of the frame above is the Ohio Supreme Court House. From this spot I took a picture of the ongoing construction.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-blwoDi1H_nc/VSnj6wXEYVI/AAAAAAAAGAo/AvHeUrXrbCc/s1600/IMG_2860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-blwoDi1H_nc/VSnj6wXEYVI/AAAAAAAAGAo/AvHeUrXrbCc/s1600/IMG_2860.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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A big section of the bike trail is closed because of the work and detoured a few blocks through the city. The detour was well marked and even protected with cement barriers from automotive traffic. I felt very safe.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AX1J1thDofg/VSnllDqN_9I/AAAAAAAAGA0/K8BZOUzZrAQ/s1600/20150411_141646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AX1J1thDofg/VSnllDqN_9I/AAAAAAAAGA0/K8BZOUzZrAQ/s1600/20150411_141646.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_4_yXILMVnI/VSnlpWwAQjI/AAAAAAAAGA8/fVOg9k8WWcw/s1600/20150411_141201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_4_yXILMVnI/VSnlpWwAQjI/AAAAAAAAGA8/fVOg9k8WWcw/s1600/20150411_141201.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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I am not a fan of driving in the city. I'd much rather get around by bike. As I was pedaling along the detour route I spotted this rack of bike share bikes and stopped for a closer look. I did see quite a few people out and about on the rental bikes. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ObLpDlBVyBY/VSnls9OJeVI/AAAAAAAAGBE/7GGoBKpDLU0/s1600/IMG_2864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ObLpDlBVyBY/VSnls9OJeVI/AAAAAAAAGBE/7GGoBKpDLU0/s1600/IMG_2864.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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South of the city center the Scioto trails heads along the bank of the river for a few miles before abruptly terminating. I wheeled around and headed back towards town to find a place to take a break.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yN-C7lyR03M/VSnl4fjGNVI/AAAAAAAAGBk/X6vtzMvCgL8/s1600/IMG_2863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yN-C7lyR03M/VSnl4fjGNVI/AAAAAAAAGBk/X6vtzMvCgL8/s1600/IMG_2863.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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On the West Main St. bridge I found a nice spot with a sun warmed bench to sit and eat my snack.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the public binoculars on the rail above my bike. Free! no quarter needed and yes I did have a look.</td></tr>
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This is how bridges should be designed. The pedestrian and bike deck is just as big as the automobile side. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7AY1ET8xW6I/VSnl135-2vI/AAAAAAAAGBc/3NeEyMW9jT4/s1600/IMG_2871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7AY1ET8xW6I/VSnl135-2vI/AAAAAAAAGBc/3NeEyMW9jT4/s1600/IMG_2871.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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I took my time on the trip down stopping often to take pictures and look around. As the shadows lengthened and I headed back north I settled into a faster pace and used up the rest of my energy. I like to ride harder on the second half of my rides and this works out well when exploring a new trail. </div>
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It doesn't look like it in my pictures but there was lots of people out enjoying the day. I saw all kinds of bikers, joggers, dog walkers along the trail in the forty miles I covered. Parks and fields along the way were filled with sports teams playing games like lacrosse and softball.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iZhr-03ZyNo/VSnl9HfLeSI/AAAAAAAAGBs/iE-XkWgB4mg/s1600/IMG_2877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iZhr-03ZyNo/VSnl9HfLeSI/AAAAAAAAGBs/iE-XkWgB4mg/s1600/IMG_2877.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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One thing I really liked about the Olentangy Trail is that the designers kept the trail always winding and turning. It made the ride a bit more fun than the arrow straight runs found on many rail trails that can get tedious.</div>
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I couldn't think of a better way to spend the day than laying around on my recumbent bike. </div>
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recumbent conspiracy theoristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534820082655384780noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265043310556240776.post-66426276805133630742015-04-08T07:48:00.001-07:002015-04-08T07:48:57.159-07:00Spring Cycling Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8aPaRb1qOws/VR1j4RmoS6I/AAAAAAAAF8Y/9gJANX3-oD4/s1600/20150309_143224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8aPaRb1qOws/VR1j4RmoS6I/AAAAAAAAF8Y/9gJANX3-oD4/s1600/20150309_143224.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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Well warmer weather has finally come and it's about damn time. The cold was starting to effect my mood. But all is good now. The days have gotten longer and I've been out a few times on my bike and even back to steady commutes on the Ti General Purpose bike. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--pDEV8FpTro/VR1j79Tq2II/AAAAAAAAF8g/dXHzlCcIPNE/s1600/20150316_122304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--pDEV8FpTro/VR1j79Tq2II/AAAAAAAAF8g/dXHzlCcIPNE/s1600/20150316_122304.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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The winter seemed extra long this year not only because of the bitter cold but late last year I upgraded a couple of my bike's <a href="http://kd8jhj.blogspot.com/2014/12/christmas-ride-on-brooks-b67.html">rider interface components</a> and hardly had a chance to enjoy them. I was anxious to put some time on the Brooks B67 and really test it out so when the first warm day came around I took off on the bike trail. I did encounter a few icy spots but most of the trail was dry and I logged 33 miles in two and a half hours. </div>
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My Brooks saddle continues to amaze me. It just seems unbelievable that a bike seat can be so comfortable. I hit the trail after two months of not even touching a bicycle and sat for hours with absolutely no discomfort. Don't worry though I'm not giving up on the recumbent. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h4I_W-7IQCk/VR1kB-vYigI/AAAAAAAAF8s/ov43nVdYjK8/s1600/20150316_142005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h4I_W-7IQCk/VR1kB-vYigI/AAAAAAAAF8s/ov43nVdYjK8/s1600/20150316_142005.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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I picked up some new tires during the winter for the Ti GP bike. These Michelin slicks are a tenth of an inch narrower than the old rubber I was running and much lighter. My old tires were durable yet heavy and made the bike feel sluggish but as the years past I just got used to it. </div>
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1.40" equals out to about 36mm and on my old 26" mountain bike rims they seem to be a perfect balance between comfort and speed. I'm happy with the ride quality and the snappier acceleration from lighter tires is very welcome. They are folding bead and only set me back about forty bucks. </div>
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When I got the <a href="http://kd8jhj.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-bosco-bar.html">Bosco bar</a> I wrapped the exposed alloy with old fashioned cotton bar tape. The tape has a little strip of adhesive on the backside just like modern bar tape to hold it in position. I learned that back in the day cyclists would mix up a little shellac and coat the tape once their bar was wrapped. At first I liked the cloth look and just left them as is. </div>
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After some time went by I noticed the cotton was starting to fuzz up a bit and maybe starting to lighten just a touch. It was staying tight but the more I thought about the shellac the more I realized it might be a good idea to slap a little on the tape. At the local hardware store I picked up this little pint of premixed clear shellac. Nice! I didn't even have to mess with the raw flakes and denatured alcohol.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MMV1_RNtarU/VR1kB7700GI/AAAAAAAAF8o/8P7QAkXftL4/s1600/20150401_185212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MMV1_RNtarU/VR1kB7700GI/AAAAAAAAF8o/8P7QAkXftL4/s1600/20150401_185212.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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I used a foam brush to dab it on. At first the cotton really soaked it in and once dried the appearance hadn't changed a whole lot. After a few days I put on a second helping and the wrap picked up a little more gloss. Now it look great but best of all the the fabric won't fuzz and those wraps will definitely stay tight.</div>
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It's been raining all week but the weather is looking up for the weekend so I'll be out there for sure.</div>
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recumbent conspiracy theoristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534820082655384780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265043310556240776.post-24609709439360908282015-03-05T11:08:00.000-08:002015-03-05T11:30:55.662-08:00Big Lyons Falls Trek<div style="text-align: center;">
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...And it snowed another five inches on top of what we already had here on the ground so what else was left to do but go snowshoeing I guess! When I have a whole day to kill by myself I love nothing more than to get away and enjoy a long physical soul-cleansing session in the wild. </div>
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The mode of transport doesn't matter much to me as long it's under my own power. I'll be honest when it's cold I don't like riding bikes much and there are much better ways to recreate in the winter. With nearly a foot and a half of the white stuff snowshoes are the obvious choice.</div>
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The previous night I decided to head for Mohican State Park because it is the largest tract of unspoiled land nearest to me. I parked in the empty campground along State Route 3 at the far eastern end of the park. My plan was to hike up the Hemlock Trail to the primitive campground, across the covered bridge and on to Lyons Falls to look for ice formations. </div>
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I got an early start for me anyway and hit the trail at 9:30 am. The air was crisp and cold and much of the valley was shaded by the high hills on the south side of the gorge. The sky was blue and the sun was shining bright promising a good day to be in the woods.</div>
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Judging by the three inches of fresh snow covering the tracks of the last hikers on the trail I was the first person to come through the area in a day or two. In the summer this park is full of people making noise and enjoying the park. While that is good I like solitude and quiet and I find that in spades when I venture out in the off season.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just me and the wild life.</td></tr>
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The Hemlock trail winds two miles along the Clear Fork of the Mohican River and ends at the primitive camp. From there its another mile along the camp road to the covered bridge. Early on the snow was light and powdery and the going was pretty easy. </div>
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When I got to the camp road I found the only tracks were from snow machines. This gave me a break from the snowshoes and I could walk along easy in my pack boots on the hard pack.</div>
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Here's a shot of a picnic table that shows the depth of the snow:</div>
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Soon I rounded a bend and the bridge came into view. It looks great with a thick blanket of snow on top!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the covered bridge looking back downstream the way I had come.</td></tr>
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Once across the bridge I put my snowshoes back on and picked up the trail towards Big Lyons falls. These hills are very old and most have been rounded off smooth over time but in places the sandstone rim of the gorge is still visible. Another reason I love coming to the park in winter is because the understory is all open and it is much easier to see the lay of the land. </div>
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I stopped often to marvel at the silence. There was no wind at all and tucked down into the valley I couldn't hear any man made sound except for the occasional airplane passing overhead. What sounds I could hear were the chirps of nut hatches and other small birds who I'm sure could sense the coming of spring. I saw a few hawks and lots of deer trails but never saw any throughout the day.</div>
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A smaller drainage climbs up away from the Clear Fork and up this ravine is where the overhang is that creates Big Lyons Falls. </div>
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I like coming to this place every winter and seeing the difference in the ice formations from year to year. This time around I found a huge column of ice rising all the way to the rim. A little more impressive than what I <a href="http://kd8jhj.blogspot.com/2013/02/lyons-falls.html">documented</a> a couple years ago. </div>
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There was some water running down the outside of the column but there must have been hollow spaces on the inside because I could hear drips and drops echoing and sounding much like a leaky toilet tank. </div>
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I took a break here and ate my lunch careful not to stand under any of the big icicles which from time to time a small bit would fall and smash into the rocks below. </div>
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Because of the overhang of rock it was possible to walk all around the massive stack of ice and from the cave side the column was back lit by the bright sky. The aquamarine color was very pretty. </div>
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This view I captured from the top of the staircase visible in the previous photo. I tried to get a bit of the trees in the frame to show the scale.<br />
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It didn't take long to cool down so soon I was back down the trail heading ever so slightly downhill. The temperature rose during the day and the snow went from fluffy to heavy and wet. If I stayed in the path I cut earlier in the day it wasn't to bad but if I ventured off trail the snow it didn't take long for the wet snow to pack up around the binding straps and in the wire mesh of the shoes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off-trail steps displace 4" -5" of snow.</td></tr>
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Even with the difficulty of the wet snow I couldn't imagine this eight mile slog with just winter boots on. Yet again I'm amazed at how perfect the snowshoe is for traversing deep snow. </div>
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Here I easily negotiated a big pile of logs that would have been much trickier with regular foot gear and in any other season. I've had a blast with these cheap army surplus snowshoes and I've certainly got my moneys worth but with the places I like to go a pair of modern shoes is starting to appeal to me more and more. The flat fabric webbing of modern shoes would be less prone to packing up with wet snow and a more compact shoe would be easier to maneuver on tight trails and off track also. </div>
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5 hours and 20 minutes later I made it back to the trail head tired but intensely satisfied with the day's adventure. Every so often a beautiful day full of solitude and natural beauty mixes with the sense of euphoria hard won through long physical exertion and stirs something deep inside. It's hard to put into words but I know I really dig it.</div>
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recumbent conspiracy theoristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06534820082655384780noreply@blogger.com2