Author: gee

Looking for good…

I have allowed myself to get caught up in the troubles of the world around me and overlooking all the good that is around me. My internet went down… I called in the problem and the next day a repairman showed up on time and found that in the past 6 years my dish had shifted out of alignment and caused intermediate disconnects. Instead of needing a new dish he adjusted and things are the way they should be. It will not bring world peace but it allowed me to remember that sometimes things do work out.

1951 Underwood Standard

80 years ago….

In 1941 my father was still a teenager and he joined the army. He spent 4 years overseas and came back full of goodwill, hope and love for America. The reality of discrimination and the limits it placed on one’s ability to be all one could be was a fact but not one to complain about just something to work thru; in his view a 40% chance of success meant success was not just in reach but a done deal.

I keep recalling this open hearted view of what could be and the approach to life that defined for me what was called “the greatest generation” and as time removes more and more of this generation I take time to reflect and thank all who stood up for their belief’s and did good because they could.

1951 Underwood Standard

Just thinking…

The last time I looked at bicycles knew of road bikes, hybrid, city, adventure, dirt bikes as well as mountain bikes. Today I find “gravel” and even “CGR” (cross, gravel, road) and then I recall “touring” bikes. I also ran across cruiser, endurance and the list went on. All I wanted was something to ride without much thought. The more I looked the more I wondered about speed, weight limits, gears, brakes, and comfort. Seems that comfort for some is second to speed…. and it seemed that while everything changes by name… you still pedal to get where you wish to go… so what’s most important remains the same.

1955 Royal Quiet De Lux

2nd Thoughts…

On the bicycle ride across Iowa a person rode past me with an electronic device that spoke out loud Speed, Distance Traveled and total climb completed. The voice said: “You have traveled 4.5 miles, at 6.3 miles per hour and completed 500 feet of climb.” You have traveled 4.6 miles, at 6.2 miles per hour and completed 510 feet of climb.” “You have…” I’m not sure I could stand having such information for long… I saw bikes with GPS that told them where they were and what route to follow. When someone wanted to SAG (get picked up) the first comment was to use a cell phone and call for support… back in the day it was put your bike (wheels up) on the left side of the road and wait. Putting this in perspective I had a person ask if plastic water bottle’s existed when the ride first started… (seems the plastic water bottle was invented in 1973).

1962 Royal Portable

500 miles and the fun begins

It use to be that around 350 miles on my bicycle was when long distance riding became fun; up to that distance it was a grind and just getting in shape. This year I had to reach 500 before I felt happy every mile I rode and the next day started with a smile instead of a groan thinking about getting on board a bike. How lucky I am to still have the ability to enjoy the day.

Back to normal…

I like to think that things are returning to a new normal. Masking restrictions where I am are easing and people seem more relaxed and making travel plans. I want this to be true and to remain so as well. I’ve gotten back on my bike and feel more like my old self (I am 65 this year) which means I still think like I was 40.

1964 Wizard Truetype

Spring 2021

Spring is hear and things are already better than 2020. No worry that the store may be out of toilet paper. Thoughts are about not about lockdowns coming but the ease and ending of them. Spring is here and I get on my bike and it feels good to be in the sun and out and about even if I limit the distance I go.

I still avoid crowds and wear my masks… but I do not worry about those who do not. I believe there is a light to be seen and not a locomotive coming. Like the fresh flowers pushing up through the ground hope is returning as well. It is a fresh new day and year with lots to look at and to.

1955 Underwood Quiet Tab