Back from Camp

I am back from a week of Boy Scout Camp and trying to get caught up with everything I left (briefly) behind. The heat last week was unbelievable and there were a few times I didn't think I'd be able to make it through. I didn't really have a choice though, being the camp Scout Master. Glad we all made it and wouldn't have missed the experience for the world. We had a great group of scouts and adult leaders this year.

Curtis and I were awarded Brotherhood membership in the Order of the Arrow. The only down part to that experience was our first attempt at the Brotherhood Walk on Wednesday night. We'd hiked a little over a half mile when a thunderstorm chased us under a picnic shelter. The scouts in charge of the event were radioed to have us head back to the dining hall as part of the camp emergency preparedness guidelines. They tried to get the group to head back together, but the driving rain and very close lightning got the group running for all they were worth. A couple of the scouts that were leading us started falling behind so I slowed down to keep them in sight. At some point in the half mile run, I must have stepped on a sharp rock. The result was a pretty sore foot that wasn't helped by the workday Thursday and all the hiking during the rest of camp. The last few days have been painful, but today I seem to be on the mend. Should be back on the bike in a couple of days.

We made it home Saturday morning and even though I was having some trouble getting around, my lovely bride wanted to go to the Art of Cars show at the KC Art Institute that afternoon. I went just to spend some time with her but had a blast looking at all the vintage cars. They had some old bikes on hand as well. CAT said, "If I loose track of you, I'll know where to find you." Sure enough, I wandered off and she found me by the bikes.



This Mitchell Bicycle (c.1896) - Golden Eagle, Girl's Bike was found in a barn in the Ozarks and hasn't been restored.

Frame: 1 1/8" seamless steel tubing
Finish: Carmine, four coats, hand rubbed and baked, gold striping
Saddle: Leather and horsehair with springs
Handle Bars: Chicago adjustable
Grips: Cork
Pedals: Rat-trap
Wheel Base: 44 inches
Rear Fender: Wooden, with skirt-guard lacing
Spokes: Best quality #2, 15-17 guage
Rims: Tucker, maple, V-shaped: finished to match frame
Sprockets: Nickel-plated
Chain: Skip tooth
Tools: Leather tool bag, wrench, oiler, pump, etc.
Original Price: $40.00, plus optional Morrow Coaster Brake, $5.00











This 1919 Harley-Davidson bike has obviously had some restoration work done on it. Beautiful.

Lunch Hour Excuses to Ride

Temperature at departure 91°F (33°C) with the heat index making it feel like 100°F (38°C)

My daily routine has changed dramatically. I'm no longer riding to the office, since my office is now in my basement. Since starting the podcast, I've not been taking any recreational rides in the morning. I've figured out that the only way I can get out on the bike is while I'm running errands. Hence today's lunch hour ride to Penzey's Spices on Sante Fe in downtown Overland Park.


It was a 3.3 mile ride to the store, where I grabbed some taco seasoning for the walking tacos I plan on making at Boy Scout Camp.


Most of the ride is on Lowell, an arterial street half way between two major roads. Like Lamar, this is a pretty good road to ride a bike on. Fairly wide, lower speed limits and less traffic.


Several shady patches don't hurt, either.


Really only one busy intersection to deal with.


I grabbed some fresh herbs for a snack on the way in the door.


...and had ten minutes to relax before returning to my regularly scheduled programming.

Happy Donut Day!

It's National Doughnut Day and my wife told me that Krispy Kreme was giving away a free donut. My youngest woke up early so we saddled up and rode over to take advantage of the offer.



Rather than stand around in a parking lot, we rode over to a nearby park. The glazed goodness was still nice and warm.



Here comes the science:

225 calories burned riding to Krispy Kreme. According to their website, an original glazed donught only has 200 calories. So, the way I see it, we had a doughnut and lost 25 calories. Bonus.

Exactly

From a wonderful blog called Indexed.

Ick, Queen Anne's Lace

A bit cloudy this morning. I took a few pictures with the camera in my G1 phone.


I hate Queen Anne's Lace. This must be a really good year for the stuff.


First, I have a sever allergic reaction to it if I touch it.


Second, the stuff stinks. The only way I can describe it is "weedy."

Quick note to my three oldest sons: Indian Creek Trail, 07:00 & 08:00 hours. Many, many groups of young ladies out jogging. Must have had to dodge 50+ this morning. No young guys to be seen. Seriously boys, there are many positive things about going for a bike ride or jog in the morning. Just sayin'.

Bicycle Today ... AND Tomorrow

There are a couple things that I have issue with in this vintage bike safety video ... but for the most part, good advise. I am not happy with them showing kids to weave back in front of parked cars and I no longer just use my left arm for signaling. Still, an enjoyable 10 minutes which brought back some fond memories (the saddle on my first bike is just like the one they show the kid adjusting...).

Sorry if this spills over a bit.