True, Not True

Sometimes you wake up and have a thought that you think is funny or profound. If you write it down to look at later on you notice that it wasn't as funny or profound as you thought...

So, I woke up this morning and, for some reason, asked myself: What is something that is true and then immediately untrue? I came up with this:

I have never, that I can remember, used the phrase "totally radical" in a sentence.

Funny? Profound? I don't know.

Not that kind of bug

Out on my bike this morning.

To the person who drove up next to me at the stop light and thought I shouldn't be out in public because I coughed: Yes, it was due to a bug, but not due to Covid 19. I'd just swallowed a flying insect. Different kind of bug.

Bike to Work Day 2020

Time to swap tires

Once again it was time to swap out tires on my back wheel. Fortunately I still had one of these Michelin City (City Reflex, I think) tires in the attic. I really like these tires, but I don't think they make them any longer. Too bad. They've always served me well.

My current set should last me a while since I don't ride nearly as much as I used to a few years back.

On the other hand...

See the previous post where I said 'no thanks' to taking my grandson on a ride on the Indian Creek Trail on a weekend. He's not ridden that much, so we rode a mile on the trail adjacent to Metcalf since there aren't normally many people riding that stretch. Then we ducked down to ride next to the creek for another 3/10ths of a mile so we could look for ducks and other wildlife (and maybe see if we could skip some rocks on the water).

That last 3/10ths of a mile was a challenge as we were met by or passed by several other cyclists. But he had fun, and that is what actually matters.

Bike Buddies

So, while 2.6 miles doesn't sound like a lot … we were out of the house for close to an hour and, hopefully, he'll have some fond memories down the road. We're already planning our next outing.

Reconnaissance Ride

My wife and I are going to watch two of our grandsons for a couple hours tomorrow and I thought it would be fun to go on a bike ride with Beau, the seven-year-old. It was so nice out this morning I decided to take a reconnaissance ride on the multi-use path that used to feature so prominently in this blog.

I'd say I couldn't remember the last time I took a ride on the Indian Creek/Tomahawk Creek Trail, but I've been keeping a spreadsheet of my rides since 2006, so that wouldn't be true. I used to ride that trail pretty much daily. I am a bit shocked to note that the last time I rode it was in September ... of 2018.

So... we won't be riding on the trail tomorrow. We'll ride the residential streets in our subdivision.
I have NEVER seen as many people on the trail as I saw today; not even during the Pokemon-Go craze. There seemed to be an equal split of pedestrians and cyclists and most of the people on bikes seemed to be families with kids Beau's age. So, again, no thank you.

I did take a moment to stop at my favorite bench which has been one of my favorite places to go to get a little quiet. No longer. I guess I'll have to go to an airport terminal or something to get some peace away from the house. But someone did leave this little stone with a nice message.

I am happy. Thanks. I hope they are too.

Vainglorious Arrows

If you've stumbled upon this post, you're welcome to read, but please understand I'm actually creating this for our Tuesday morning men's group as a way to give them a link to an illustration that I, as will hopefully become clear, was reluctant to put on social media.

Our inner life—what makes up our inner being of will, thoughts, emotions, social connections, and even the dispositions of our body—will constantly entangle us and defeat us. Paul’s penetrating description has never been improved on: “For the good that I wish, I do not do; but I practice the very evil that I do not wish” (Rom. 7:19). Paul, of course, did not stay there. He knew the bitter reality, but he also knew how to move on. ~Dallas Willard in chapter 2

I was playing Skyrim one day when my Archery skill level increased and I remembered a quote from Mary Roach's wonderfully entertaining book Packing for Mars:

“No one goes out to play anymore. Simulation is becoming reality. But it isn't anything like reality. Ask an M.D. who spent a year dissecting a human form tendon by gland by nerve, whether learning anatomy on a computer simulation would be comparable. Ask an astronaut whether taking part in a space simulation is anything like being in space. What's different? Sweat, risk, uncertainty, inconvenience. But also, awe. Pride. Something ineffably splendid and stirring.”

I figured if I'm going to level up my archery skill, I may as well do it in real life. I'd been shooting again recently anyway and decided to start keeping track of my progress in a spreadsheet I keep regarding my various workouts.

During a recent workout then, I happened to have a really good volley. I'm only shooting from a distance of 45 feet from the target, but was satisfied with the result of volley number 8 and took a picture with my cell phone.

Having recently finished Glittering Vices: A new look at the Seven Deadly Sins and Their Remedies by Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung I was convicted that posting something like this on social media would amount to vainglory. You see, this is what I want to world to see. This is what I want people to think of me. This is the type of thing social media seems to be filled with. But...

Here's the result of the very next volley

This, on the other hand, is what I don't want to world to see. Sometimes I fail. It's not that I want to miss the mark. Even though I try my best, sometimes I'm just off. It is comforting to know that even Paul had to struggle with this at times.

So here's the reality

The spreadsheet doesn't lie. This is my average; I hit the circle 40% of the time. Am I happy with it? No. That's why I'll keep trying. That's why I'm moving on.

So why not post this on social media? Posting the first picture alone would be misleading and vainglorious. I thought about posting this story for "friends" on social media, but what would be my goal there? To have people 'like' it? To impress them with my humbleness...?

St. Bernard of Clairvaux comes to my rescue with the following:

But to seek praise for humility is to destroy the virtue in it. The truly humble man prefers to pass unnoticed rather than have his humility extolled in public. He is happy to be overlooked; if he has any pride at all it consists in despising praise.

Quiet Time

Remember when people used to blog?...

I've been off the bike for a while but am slowly getting back in the groove. When I say I'm taking it slow I mean that even though my knee feels fine now, I'm not going back to riding 20 miles or more a day. I started with 6 or 7 and have stretched that to 10 to 12 without any resulting discomfort.

Here's part of my morning quiet time routine now:

This spot is half way through my ride and where I like to stop, read, and drink my coffee.

And, according to my dB meter app, this is the quietest spot during the ride:

It may seem counter-intuitive, but it is a nice spot to stop, get off the bike, and just stand there for a few before finishing up and sitting down in front of a computer for work for the next 8 or 9 hours.

2 Reasons I'm not a Runner

Knees.

Bike to Work Week - Overland Park, Kansas 2013

Bike to Work Week in Overland Park is off to the best start I've seen since 2007. I thought the job Brian and Nico did last year was stellar. This years has topped it already. Nice job guys.

 I met up with my buddy Noah on Monday morning. We've been meeting each other at these events since 2007 or 2008. It's always good to catch up and see some of his new gear.

 Noah and I both noticed Monday morning that the list of names on the check-in sheet were already at the point where they were around Wednesday last year. This is thanks, in large part, to several riders who work at Garmin. In talking with them I found out that they'd recently had a bike commuter challenge that ran from November through March. They logged almost 9000 miles. These guys are really committed to bike commuting!

So thanks again to Brian (far left) and Nico (blue shirt) for the free breakfast and all the swag. Here's hoping the weather cooperates the next few days. Also, I'm hoping to get the annual picture with Noah and Mark in on Friday morning.

Indian Creek Trail Closure at Switzer Continues

Several people have asked me recently about updating my posts on the closure of the Indian Creek Trail at Switzer in Overland Park. I also get quite a few visits based on people searching for keywords like:
Indian Creek Trail Closure Switzer Construction Dates.

I've got news, but you may not like it.

I called Overland Park's Park Service Department and asked for an estimated date for the project to be completed and was told that they last they'd heard from the Kansas Department of Transportation was "late spring." I found that a little hard to believe after riding to the site this morning.

Since I've got some connections to folk working at KDOT, I asked how I could go about getting a more realistic answer. I was able to call the KDOT construction office in Olathe and was told the new estimate for completion is now "November of this year."

If you'll look back to my post from August 5, 2011, the original time frame for the closure was July 18, 2011 to March 2012. On May 17, 2012 I reported that the date had been pushed back to November 2012. In December I was told "Spring 2013". Here's hoping that it will be open some time in 2013.

Parking at the New HyVee

Two of my three youngest work for HyVee and the other one did so until just recently. They hear a lot of talk about the new HyVee at 95th and Antioch. Actually, most of us in the area hear a lot about it because it is a big topic of discussion throughout the area.

The biggest complaint so far seems to be the lack of open parking spots and the resulting parking lot derby. I went today and didn't have a problem at all. In fact, I parked a couple yards from the front door.

Seriously, I heard a few comments from people who obviously had spent time trying to find a space. One mom with dad and two toddlers in tow said "Now that's the way to go." Yes. It is.

Your choice.

The Rationally Optimistic Bicyclist

"The world of things ... is indeed often subject to diminishing returns. But the world of ideas is not. The more knowledge you generate, the more you can generate. And the engine that is driving prosperity in the modern world is the accelerating generation of useful knowledge. So, for example, a bicycle is a thing and is subject to diminishing returns. One bicycle is very useful, but there is not much extra gain in having two, let alone three. But the idea 'bicycle' does not diminish in value. No matter how many times you tell somebody how to make or ride a bicycle, the idea will not grow stale or useless or fray at the edges." From The Rational Optimist, by Matt Ridley

I'm really enjoying The Rational Optimist, even though I don't agree with all of Matt Ridley's points. This book has been well worth my time and I heartily recommend it.

That being said, let's take a moment to talk about the paragraph quoted at the top of this post.

I understand that he's just using the bicycle as an analogy here, but, I'm going to have to take exception to the sentence "One bicycle is very useful, but there is not much extra gain in having two, let alone three." Ridley talks a great deal about specialization in earlier chapters but left it out here.

Were he to open my garage, Matt Ridley would see I've got two hybrids and a beach cruiser (I won't count my old 10 speed hidden away up in the attic because it needs too much work at the moment to count as a full bicycle). What do I gain by having two hybrids? I've got a spare bike for use when one of my bikeless children want to go along on a bike ride - or - in the inevitable event the "diminishing returns" of mechanical failure means my beloved Bucephalus needs to go to the shop.

I've got the third bike, a beach cruiser, for use during the winter. It's cheap and has big balloon tires that work great on ice and snow. With the third bike I gain an inexpensive option to the wear and maintenance that would be incurred by riding a nicer bike in the snow, slush and road salt.

I DO, on the other hand, agree that the idea 'bicycle' never grows stale or useless. So, share the idea 'bicycle' with others today.

He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me. -- Thomas Jefferson

The Rational Optimist via Amazon

The Rational Optimist via Barnes and Noble

Lesson Learned During 2012 BAK

Monday's high temperature was 74° F. The last couple of days it only made it up to the mid-twenties. You'd think that I would have made sure that I got out on my bike when the temperatures were so spring like. Nope, it was pretty windy and one of the results of BAK back in June is a reluctance on my part to ride when it is really windy. I'd rather ride in the teens and mid-twenties with light winds than windy mid-seventies.

Biking Across Kansas 2012 took a lot out of me (just look at the date of my previous post). Don't get me wrong, looking back now I admit I enjoyed it, but it was so windy that 7 of the 9 days we rode were a lot of work. Two of those days were horrible. All due to strong winds.

Kansa in the Kaw language is roughly translated "People of the south wind" but the one day we were riding north the wind shifted so that it was coming from the north at 40 miles per hour sustained and gusts to 50 miles per hour. Our anticipated tailwind became a brutal headwind. Oh, I should mention that the first 19 miles of that ride were consistently up hill with the last mile or so being adjacent to a feed lot. A couple miles from that lot I thought we were riding into a sand storm. After we got through it we all looked like coal miners after a hard day. While digging the dust out of my ears I commented to another rider that I didn't think I'd ever get all this dirt out; he replied "That isn't dirt..."

I'm not sure you can tell how windy it was in this picture, but the corn in this field was bent over a good 45° or more.

A little over half way up that monster hill my riding buddy Chris and I stopped with a few other cyclists. You might not be able to see how windy it was, but the audio should get the point across.

I had hoped that the days would include opportunities to explore all the towns we rode through, but it turned out to take so much effort that most of us just wanted to power through and get to our next overnight stop. Our hosts towns were WONDERFUL. Most of the other riders were very friendly and courteous. Most of them.

Boiled down:
The week before BAK: "I can't wait for BAK."
Beginning of BAK: "This is gonna be great!"
Half way through BAK: "Why did I want to do this?"
At the end of BAK: "I'll never do this again."
One month after BAK: "I might do it again."
Two months after BAK: "I'll probably do BAK again in a few years."
Three months after BAK: "I wonder what route they're going to ride this year..."

They've announced the route for this year's BAK and I'm thinking about it. If they'd just guarantee light winds I would sign up in a heartbeat.

Just  few more pictures from BAK 2012

MessengerMirror eye/sunglass-mounted cycling mirror

I’ve put this off for way too long. Back in August of 2009, Fritz posted a review of the Messenger Mirror. I was intrigued and added the MessengerMirror to my Christmas List. Christmas of 2009 I received my mirror and have used it regularly ever since. I love it. And it’s VERY inexpensive; so inexpensive that my wife got two of them for me … one to keep as a spare. I’ve never had to use the spare.

Although I don’t know who “they” are, they are right when they say: Sometimes the simpelist solution is the best solution.

Last month I actually put my Messenger Mirror in my pocket after a long ride so I could take the dog for a walk. When I got home the wire was bent over double. It straightened right out and is as good as new.

As I prepare for Biking Across Kansas, I wanted to make sure I could remember the web site so I can pass it along to the 800 others riding along. You might want to check it out as well. Please check them out and if you decided to spend the seven bucks, mention you heard about them from me. Or Fritz.

http://www.messengermirror.com/

Meanwhile, at the Gym

 Once again I score the rock star parking spot at the gym; you know, the place people drive to to ride bikes that don't go anywhere...

Bike to Work Week 2012, Overland Park, Kansas

Many thanks to Nico, Brian, and all the volunteers at this year's Bike to Work Week events. Nico was the organizer and has done a wonderful job. Although I work from home now, it is still around a 20 mile bike ride between our bedroom and my basement office...

Here are some of my pictures for this year's breakfast stops.

I missed Monday morning, so this is Tuesday at Tomahawk Ridge Community Center - 11902 Lowell

 Channel 5 reported from Monday's event, Channel 9 and a photographer from the KC Star showed up Tuesday.

How could anyone say no to free Starbuck's coffee and a bike ride on such a beautiful morning? That's Brian on the left.

Wednesday, Corporate Woods Park - 109th & Indian Creek Parkway (by the Eilert Fountain)

 I found out that Wayne (red shirt) has ridden the BAK for the last 28(?) years. Looking forward to getting to talk to him some more as we bike across Kansas with 798 others next month.

Nico (the OP B2WW organizer) on the left.

Thursday, Roe Park - 10400 Roe (on the Indian Creek Trail) - didn't have my camera so had to use the one on my phone...

Left to right, CDude, John (?), Marvin, and Nico

Friday, City Hall - 8500 Santa Fe Drive

I don't remember how many years that Mark, Noah, and I have met up at one of these stops. Great guys and it is always marvelous to get a chance to get caught up. Thanks again for everyone who had anything to do with this.

Update on Indian Creek and Tomahawk Creek Trail Closures

[Note added, December 6, 2012 -- I spoke with the Parks Department on November 1st and they said that the construction date has now been pushed back to Spring 2013. For what it is worth, the Parks Department doesn't have much control over what KDOT is doing... If the winter is nice they might wrap it up earlier.]

The projected completion date for the construction on the Indian Creek Trail closure at Switzer has been pushed back to some time in November.

The closure on the Tomahawk Creek Trail around the North Pond is completely blocked off from just north of College Boulevard (111th) south to the park around 114th. Personally, I'm just riding Mission Road/Tomahawk Creek Parkway between Lee Boulevard and the park.

They're pretty serious about keeping you off this path, and for good reason ... the recent storms have eroded the bank of the creek to within less than a foot of the path in some places.

I've never seen a No Trespassing sign for a trail closure before.

[Updated 7/17/2012 to say the Leawood Parks and Recreation website posted a message saying "The Tomahawk Creek Parkway Trail closure (south of College Boulevard and north of 117th street at the north lake) has been extended to August 1st."]

New Closure on the Tomahawk Creek Trail

During this morning's ride I chanced upon these newly planted signs declaring a closure on the Tomahawk Creek Trail. These signs are actually still on the Indian Creek Trail side of the 111th street underpass. I talked to one of the crew that were setting up some of the orange plastic fencing around Tomahawk Parkway North Pond and they said that the trail would probably be closed tomorrow unless they are  delayed by rain. He said they're going to be re-routing part of the path away from the creek. Here's why...

Recent rains have further eroded the bank of the creek to within a foot of the existing path. He also said that the closure would probably be in place through June. So, my best guess is that the trail will be closed from the point where the ICT and TCT meet, just south of 111th, all the way to around 114th and Tomahawk Creek Parkway. Fortunately, Tomahawk Creek Parkway will be a wonderful detour since there are so many cyclists that ride on it regularly.

Indian Creek Trail Closure at Switzer Extended to October 2012

[Note added November 1, 2012 -- I spoke with the Parks Department again today and they said that the construction date has now been pushed back to Spring 2013. For what it is worth, the Parks Department doesn't have much control over what KDOT is doing... If the winter is nice they might wrap it up earlier.]

I called the Parks Department yesterday to inquire as to when the trail would be re-opened since the original plan for March was about to expire and it looks like there is quite a bit of work left to do. I was told that the new date for completion is now, tentatively, set for some time in October.

I took a ride this morning to take some more pictures and, sure enough, they've updated the sign to say "Fall 2012." 

I don't know about you, but I'm not planning on this being open until December or January. That works out fine for me; I'm riding on roads to get some training in before Biking Across Kansas. I've lived through other closures on the ICT and I'll live though this one. Sure, I'll be happy when they finish the work and am sure the trail will be improved as a result.

Back in August I suggested a different route from the official detour on the 119th street sidewalk. Having tried my route along College Boulevard a week or so ago, I'm going to have to now recommend against it. There's too much construction on College which has closed a couple of lanes and the traffic is now too much of a risk for me. Proceed at your own risk.

Here are some other camera phone pictures from this morning. 

Yeah, it's going to be a while...