"It sounded like a puppy squealing, and then there was this loud BUMP, hiss, gurgling sound...." the wife said a few days after I noticed the hot water ran out quicker than usual during my morning shower and mentioning this during our morning caffeine fix.
"So, perhaps it wasn't a cute little puppy bashing his brains in underneath the house dear?" I asked of my loving wife. Glaring beams of death cast my way.....but I survive yet again.
Given that the so-called crawl space is 4 ft. high, he'd have to be one big-ass "puppy." I did not mention this particular revelation to the spouse.
Thinking I had an old copper pipe split lengthwise and spilling several thousands of gallons of water under our house for several days, I grab a flashlight and venture into what I was sure to be Waldon Pond. No pond, but I did have a hissing "puppy" otherwise known as a water heater that had split. Luckily, the split was on top and not on the side or bottom that would have been some real fun. I guess the puppy had bashed his brains in after all. Damn hot water heater.
What to do? I wasn't sure if I wanted to finally go with a tankless water heater or fight to drag a large appliance underneath the house. I think tankless is the wiser choice since it is cheaper in some ways than a conventional water heater that is constantly burning money to keep the water heated compared to the tankless that only runs when needed. Our friends, Ronnie and Nancy, have the tankless system at their cabin and are happy with the investment, so it made sense to try it. So, I decide to buy one to replace our "puppy." Damn hot water heater.
Well, only Ace Hardware can get it in less than two weeks. "Ain't this a geographical oddity. Two weeks from anywhere." Upon receiving my new water heater that is not much bigger than your average desktop computer processor, I discover that I need to add another dual 40A breaker to my electrical panel and run more wire. Damn water heater. Can someone please tell me where a licensed electrician is in this county? Must be two weeks away by the response I got from nearly 15 phone calls. So I consulted a colleague at MGTC that teaches electrical wiring, took the 15 minute cram course in how not to fry yourself by sticking metal objects into a live electrical panel, and actually feel more comfortable tackling the task on my own. But, I have to skip several bike rides in order to replace the puppy. Damn hot water heater.
Tomorrow I will be dragging my sorry ass out of bed early enough to make the rooster wonder WTF? and will begin the task of replacing the damn hot water heater. At least I get to drink a cold Stone Brewery Smoked Porter while I'm fine tuning the flow-rate and temperature settings of the new tankless system.
Damn, I may like my new hot water heater.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Back on track
Its that time of year to venture into the darkness after work and put some miles in the bank for a payoff down the road. Call it lack of motivation, but I just haven't been able to get myself going after work and ride a bike until now. Several folks I know, all of them cyclists, have been diagnosed with Lyme disease after seeking medical help for feeling tired and lethargic among other symptoms. Thankfully, that is not my problem but if it were it would be a good excuse for the drag-assing I've been doing. I've just lost interest for some reason since July. I've maintained a trickling weight loss, however, due only to cutting my caloric intake down to the equivalent of a stick of gum twice a day (except when beer and eating with friends is involved), but now the real fat burning really begins.
I decided to take advantage of the nice weather we've had and do a few miles today after work. The route is a loop of roughly 5.4 miles and is fairly safe compared to taking chances on our regular routes. Jesse joined in on the fun and we did about 26 miles just to stretch our legs a bit at around 21 mph. I think I'll continue doing this loop like last winter, but I also want to see about an area that is lit and might work as a possible crit loop. A few of the Macon guys said they would drive down and join in on some crit workouts so I guess the ball is in my court. I'm also planning on starting back riding with those guys on Saturdays and see if I can hang on. Even though I knew I was going to die several times on some of the rides with them last year (at least I felt that way) the pay off was more than I ever imagined. I was also riding two nights a week, after work, in the dark, solo for 40+ miles, and on Sundays after the punishment I received on Saturday, but it was riding with much stronger riders that made the difference for the huge jump in fitness for me. Humbling as it was for me to be able to just hang on, I was proud that I never got dropped totally out of contact with the pack. Some folks had to help me back several times, but I never completely popped until the very end of the rides. That's what is supposed to happen anyway as far as I'm concerned.
I haven't ridden the re-route we worked on this past Saturday at Thomson because I wanted to see the line that has developed after it has been ridden in. That way I can mentally note where to cut out the remaining root beds to complete the trail mod. Its always a good idea to re-visit the mods you make so you can see if it works well, needs to be fine-tuned, or perhaps covered up so no-one can ever ride it again. So tomorrow I will see if it all works as planned.
I decided to take advantage of the nice weather we've had and do a few miles today after work. The route is a loop of roughly 5.4 miles and is fairly safe compared to taking chances on our regular routes. Jesse joined in on the fun and we did about 26 miles just to stretch our legs a bit at around 21 mph. I think I'll continue doing this loop like last winter, but I also want to see about an area that is lit and might work as a possible crit loop. A few of the Macon guys said they would drive down and join in on some crit workouts so I guess the ball is in my court. I'm also planning on starting back riding with those guys on Saturdays and see if I can hang on. Even though I knew I was going to die several times on some of the rides with them last year (at least I felt that way) the pay off was more than I ever imagined. I was also riding two nights a week, after work, in the dark, solo for 40+ miles, and on Sundays after the punishment I received on Saturday, but it was riding with much stronger riders that made the difference for the huge jump in fitness for me. Humbling as it was for me to be able to just hang on, I was proud that I never got dropped totally out of contact with the pack. Some folks had to help me back several times, but I never completely popped until the very end of the rides. That's what is supposed to happen anyway as far as I'm concerned.
I haven't ridden the re-route we worked on this past Saturday at Thomson because I wanted to see the line that has developed after it has been ridden in. That way I can mentally note where to cut out the remaining root beds to complete the trail mod. Its always a good idea to re-visit the mods you make so you can see if it works well, needs to be fine-tuned, or perhaps covered up so no-one can ever ride it again. So tomorrow I will see if it all works as planned.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Taming Thomson.............right
I've had the opportunity to ride with some interesting people, discover the varying aspects of what cycling means to them, and even toss in a contribution of my own to the cycling community here and there. The last few months I've jumped head first into making trail modifications at Thomson Trails, and hopefully it will leave a lasting mark on the mountain biking community in these parts. Not the chest pounding, "love-me" wall, neanderthal grunt hey-look-at-me aspect some desire. Far from it. Simply..........a quiet way of paying back those who I enjoy spending time riding with by making the trail more enjoyable for all. A trail that doesn't erode, or needs to be maintained. Hey, I may be on to something here.
There are some trails that people just hate to ride, and there are people who hate to ride any other trail but one. Thomson is exactly that. Hated by some, loved by others. I too like to tempt fate sometimes and ride beyond my wisdom. Hell, some people can take the brakes loose and never have a problem. Those folks are getting paid, and they don't ride the local trails.
This past weekend was one for the record books. I'm not sure what brought everyone out to help with the trail maintenance/re-routing plans, but damn it was outstanding to see some familiar faces and some new ones as well. I think close to 14 folks showed up, and some drove a long way, like Bruce, just to help out. Big THANKS!! to all who put some sweat equity into the local trail! Recently, I'd walked out several possibilities for re-directing the area at what the locals call "Dan's Bastard", and I met Mark D at Thomson one afternoon to walk them out and see what he liked. It was cool to find that Mark was fired up about the re-route like I was and we marked out some very nice single track. And, I must give credit to Don Bill for showing me several of the spots that needed immediate attention a long while back. Hopefully, he and Angie will get a chance sooner than later of riding the trail in its new form. It flows nicely, IMHO, in each area that has been re-routed. But it is still an animal. These areas will not need attention like some areas of the trail..................and those areas will see the blade soon enough.
While I'm giving credit, let me say something about the peanut gallery. As thankful as I was for having more help than I could have imagined, I was more thankful for the thick skin I've built up over the years. When a person who is helping build new trail complains that we are "dumbing down the trail" (make that 3 people), its difficult to smile and hold your tongue. But life is like a box of chocolates, you can throw away the chocolate covered cherry ones after your done getting what you want from them. Dean Thornton said it best, "If they think we're dumbing down the trail, tell them to un-hook the brakes and ride it. Then we'll see."
Amen Deano. Amen.
There are some trails that people just hate to ride, and there are people who hate to ride any other trail but one. Thomson is exactly that. Hated by some, loved by others. I too like to tempt fate sometimes and ride beyond my wisdom. Hell, some people can take the brakes loose and never have a problem. Those folks are getting paid, and they don't ride the local trails.
This past weekend was one for the record books. I'm not sure what brought everyone out to help with the trail maintenance/re-routing plans, but damn it was outstanding to see some familiar faces and some new ones as well. I think close to 14 folks showed up, and some drove a long way, like Bruce, just to help out. Big THANKS!! to all who put some sweat equity into the local trail! Recently, I'd walked out several possibilities for re-directing the area at what the locals call "Dan's Bastard", and I met Mark D at Thomson one afternoon to walk them out and see what he liked. It was cool to find that Mark was fired up about the re-route like I was and we marked out some very nice single track. And, I must give credit to Don Bill for showing me several of the spots that needed immediate attention a long while back. Hopefully, he and Angie will get a chance sooner than later of riding the trail in its new form. It flows nicely, IMHO, in each area that has been re-routed. But it is still an animal. These areas will not need attention like some areas of the trail..................and those areas will see the blade soon enough.
While I'm giving credit, let me say something about the peanut gallery. As thankful as I was for having more help than I could have imagined, I was more thankful for the thick skin I've built up over the years. When a person who is helping build new trail complains that we are "dumbing down the trail" (make that 3 people), its difficult to smile and hold your tongue. But life is like a box of chocolates, you can throw away the chocolate covered cherry ones after your done getting what you want from them. Dean Thornton said it best, "If they think we're dumbing down the trail, tell them to un-hook the brakes and ride it. Then we'll see."
Amen Deano. Amen.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Decisions.......decisions.........
"The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function."
F. Scott Fitzgerald
I wouldn't dare put myself above another human by comparing intellect, and yet today I find myself at a crossroads of absolute reason, clarity of truth as it were, and the epitome of relative perception. I saw more than just the two opposing ideas in a moment of pure lucidity.
The calmness of mind that cycling provides me is simultaneously driving the body to find every genetic limit while under duress, and I crave that calmness more and more. Funny how physical suffering is the part that no longer worries me, and I crave it as well. But today............there was no relief from the multitude of wants and needs racing around in the grey matter during my ride. I was internalizing everything that was going on around me, but I dare not say a word. Not because I couldn't, but because its better to hold your tongue and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. Something I have a hard enough time with every waking moment. I've tried to help other riders improve by giving advice or making a recommendation, but maybe my personality is not strong enough to give my words the iron that is needed. I've tried to be more PC the last few years since I'm not exactly a "people person", but maybe its time I go back to my old way of thinking and not give a shit less what others think.
I know when I've had a good ride because I feel mentally refreshed and physically exhausted. Today was a 180 spin. I felt like 15 minutes of throwing fist at a heavy bag was just what was needed. The only thing that I resolved was the reason for the cramping in my thighs. After looking through my ride diary, I've pin-pointed the reason for the cramps and will eliminate it from my training. Other than that, my conversations with Eddie gave me inspiration to work harder for next year's race season, and he and I will be doing some weekly riding together to work toward that goal.
I've read that small minded people talk about others while open minded people talk about ideas. Its time I push the door open and let in some light.......some reasoning.
So, it is either continue the current path of attempting to be part of a cohesive unit that because of built-in differences will likely fail to achieve its goal, or lense my own path. Perhaps the more difficult path is forging my own way. And perhaps it is right. Selfish? Perhaps....................but I don't give a shit.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
I wouldn't dare put myself above another human by comparing intellect, and yet today I find myself at a crossroads of absolute reason, clarity of truth as it were, and the epitome of relative perception. I saw more than just the two opposing ideas in a moment of pure lucidity.
The calmness of mind that cycling provides me is simultaneously driving the body to find every genetic limit while under duress, and I crave that calmness more and more. Funny how physical suffering is the part that no longer worries me, and I crave it as well. But today............there was no relief from the multitude of wants and needs racing around in the grey matter during my ride. I was internalizing everything that was going on around me, but I dare not say a word. Not because I couldn't, but because its better to hold your tongue and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. Something I have a hard enough time with every waking moment. I've tried to help other riders improve by giving advice or making a recommendation, but maybe my personality is not strong enough to give my words the iron that is needed. I've tried to be more PC the last few years since I'm not exactly a "people person", but maybe its time I go back to my old way of thinking and not give a shit less what others think.
I know when I've had a good ride because I feel mentally refreshed and physically exhausted. Today was a 180 spin. I felt like 15 minutes of throwing fist at a heavy bag was just what was needed. The only thing that I resolved was the reason for the cramping in my thighs. After looking through my ride diary, I've pin-pointed the reason for the cramps and will eliminate it from my training. Other than that, my conversations with Eddie gave me inspiration to work harder for next year's race season, and he and I will be doing some weekly riding together to work toward that goal.
I've read that small minded people talk about others while open minded people talk about ideas. Its time I push the door open and let in some light.......some reasoning.
So, it is either continue the current path of attempting to be part of a cohesive unit that because of built-in differences will likely fail to achieve its goal, or lense my own path. Perhaps the more difficult path is forging my own way. And perhaps it is right. Selfish? Perhaps....................but I don't give a shit.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Fall Fun
There is no better way to start out the Fall season than helping a friend, so when Jesse said "I have a Corvette in Illinois that I need to go get" only two words came to mind for several of us: ROAD TRIP!! So Dave, Jesse, and I borrowed a car-hauling-trailer from John, piled into the truck, and kicked the rooster in the ass one Friday to start a 1,300+ mile journey to retrieve Jesse's stuff (and pick up some beer along the way of course!). And, boy howdy did Jesse have "stuff" to bring back.
After stopping off in the ATL to feed the growlers, we passed through the North Georgia mountains during a beautiful sunrise that revealed Fall foliage as far as the eye could see. We had to navigate the mountains of Tennessee, and I snapped a few pics along the way.
I don't think my road trip companions were very pleased with me doing the photog thing while simultaneously driving at 70+ mph, but they brought extra shorts for the overnight trip and managed quite nicely.
"Should I be driving?" is what Jesse's thinking right about now.
Here's downtown Nashville just after sunrise:
Not sure what came first, the river or the state, but we found ourselves crossing into Kentucky and over the Ohio River sometime before lunch.
Dave kept his better half informed with texting on whether or not Jesse and I dragged him into a strip bar along the way.
Psst......just keep the cash coming Dave and we'll never tell............
We stopped off in Peducha, Kentucky to eat at the Kountry Kastle.......after driving around for 30 minutes trying to find someplace else to eat! If the parking lot is full, the food must be good!
Now, as soon as I find that frakin' picture of the drunk doing the Weeble-Wobble stagger in the parking lot of the strip club next door I'll post it. Oops........sorry Dave.
We also cruised by Flipper's old crib. Didn't know Jesse was royalty...
...and DAAaammmmmnnnnn!!! Boy had a nice little piece of the American Dream tucked away on a hill.
After arriving in Troy, Illinois we began loading up Jesse's "stuff". Holy hell did Jesse have some stuff! He said he had a rock collection, but we didn't realize it was the remains of a quarry. I didn't get any pics of all the boxes of rocks as Dave did, but we just did fit everything into the truck. We also put Jesse's 1976 Corvette on the trailer we borrowed from John. Now THAT was worth driving 1,300+ miles for. And yes.......we had to put boxes of rocks in the Vette as well. Here's a piece of advice for you: if you live in a glass house, don't piss off Flipper!
We decided after loading up parts every geological sample on the face of this planet, and perhaps a few other planets yet to be discovered by scientists (but not Jesse), we headed out on the road to see one of the most awe inspiring monuments I've seen: the St. Louis Arch. It was night time when we got there, and the pictures we took don't do it justice, but man what an experience!
Dave at the base:
Three Amigos..
Not sure what building this is, but I attempted to snap a decent pic of it.
We got to touch the Mississippi too.
After a long day of driving, taking pictures, and loading rocks into the truck, we crashed for a few hours before doing the return trip home.
The next day we headed south and along the way we viewed some interesting sights, purchased mass quantities of exotic hops and barely before most people had morning coffee, and took more photos.
Express yourself.....
After stopping off in the ATL to feed the growlers, we passed through the North Georgia mountains during a beautiful sunrise that revealed Fall foliage as far as the eye could see. We had to navigate the mountains of Tennessee, and I snapped a few pics along the way.
I don't think my road trip companions were very pleased with me doing the photog thing while simultaneously driving at 70+ mph, but they brought extra shorts for the overnight trip and managed quite nicely.
"Should I be driving?" is what Jesse's thinking right about now.Here's downtown Nashville just after sunrise:
Not sure what came first, the river or the state, but we found ourselves crossing into Kentucky and over the Ohio River sometime before lunch.
Dave kept his better half informed with texting on whether or not Jesse and I dragged him into a strip bar along the way.
Psst......just keep the cash coming Dave and we'll never tell............We stopped off in Peducha, Kentucky to eat at the Kountry Kastle.......after driving around for 30 minutes trying to find someplace else to eat! If the parking lot is full, the food must be good!
Now, as soon as I find that frakin' picture of the drunk doing the Weeble-Wobble stagger in the parking lot of the strip club next door I'll post it. Oops........sorry Dave.
We also cruised by Flipper's old crib. Didn't know Jesse was royalty...
...and DAAaammmmmnnnnn!!! Boy had a nice little piece of the American Dream tucked away on a hill.
After arriving in Troy, Illinois we began loading up Jesse's "stuff". Holy hell did Jesse have some stuff! He said he had a rock collection, but we didn't realize it was the remains of a quarry. I didn't get any pics of all the boxes of rocks as Dave did, but we just did fit everything into the truck. We also put Jesse's 1976 Corvette on the trailer we borrowed from John. Now THAT was worth driving 1,300+ miles for. And yes.......we had to put boxes of rocks in the Vette as well. Here's a piece of advice for you: if you live in a glass house, don't piss off Flipper!
We decided after loading up parts every geological sample on the face of this planet, and perhaps a few other planets yet to be discovered by scientists (but not Jesse), we headed out on the road to see one of the most awe inspiring monuments I've seen: the St. Louis Arch. It was night time when we got there, and the pictures we took don't do it justice, but man what an experience!
Dave at the base:
Three Amigos..
Not sure what building this is, but I attempted to snap a decent pic of it.
We got to touch the Mississippi too.
After a long day of driving, taking pictures, and loading rocks into the truck, we crashed for a few hours before doing the return trip home.
The next day we headed south and along the way we viewed some interesting sights, purchased mass quantities of exotic hops and barely before most people had morning coffee, and took more photos.Express yourself.....
How much "stuff" can you put into the back seat of an F-150? 6 cases and a Jesse.
Heavenly Art
Dave gathering evidence of my photo taking/driving exhibition.
Wonder what's on Jesse's mind......
My Precious...
Make this the law in Georgia, but for cyclists, and things will change...
Damn Vette kept drafting me all the way home...
After a very long journey of nearly 1,400 miles, we knew we were close to home when traffic came to a crawl just outside of the ATL...
This was one of many journeys I've made with great friends, and I'm sure there will be many more in the days ahead. We found some outstanding beer in the unlikeliest of places; we discovered that the American way of life and the American dream is still thriving where neon lights, old fashioned service, and respect for your fellow man is held close to heart; and we helped a friend find some closure with his past by building on the future. Thanks for passing time with me guys.
Looking forward to the next time.........
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