As most people contemplate spring, I awoke this morning to a sight seldom seen here in the southern cascades in April.  It was snowing hard this morning.  I really did not expect this since the previous night was full of clearing skies and and half moon.  With a full cup of coffee I walked down to the office to contemplate what work could be accomplished today.  Spotted owls are not likely to move from their nest cavities during inclement weather, they like to be warm and dry like most warm blooded animals, and quiet often prove to be smarter than those surveying for them.  A check of a couple weather websites predicted improving conditions over the next couple of days, so the crew decided to take the day off and make it up later in the week when the weather was better.  With that, the snow day was on.

I wish I could report that the day was filled with snowball fights and sledding, but it is has just been full of laundry and housekeeping.  Much like the owl I have just enjoying the warmth of my cavity.

Relax your shoes, relax your socks, I’m spreadin’ my words standin’ on this box.

It’s polo time!

I was finishing up my ride today in the McDonald Forest rolling down a paved road doing about 35 miles an hour. Halfway through my decent Mr. James Brown comes on my headphones and says ‘I got soul and I’m super bad.’ At that moment he was spot on about my mood and with that I took a couple of more peddle strokes and cruised home.

With the holiday season upon us we might find ourselves at a office party or some other get together when the music comes on and the dancing begins. Here are some useful moves that will impress your friends. Also, we all need a little reminder of how to shake the money maker.

The sun was shining brightly through my window and I knew today was a day to take a break from the bike lane and enjoy the fine trails down the street.  The air was cool and crisp and I had the winter kit on.  It was the first time this year that I had the long tights and shoe covers on and my pedal stroke felt clunky, the same way one feels when wearing a wet suit after swimming for a long time in just board shorts.  I warmed up quickly on the first long climb and rode some previously unexplored trails.  On the final climb of the day I actually worked up a nice sweat.  On top of the climb I was presented with a nice view of Corvallis.

The descent home through the forest smooth and invigorating.

Well what can I say, at least I ride the fixie most days.

Finished just last weekend. My new fixed gear bicycle assembled around a Raleigh Record frame. I only have a couple of rides on this bike, so I don’t know it’s name yet. I am hoping it tells me soon.

Since I have moved to Corvallis I have spent very little time in my car. Most of the time I get from here to there on my bicycle. I have had a few encounters with rain over the past couple of months but last two days of steady rain encouraged me to drive to work today instead of ride. I really have no good excuse other than winter has reared its ugly head and cowered for warmth and dryness. Also, today was the first day I have not ridden my bicycle in 8 weeks. Total mileage logged in that time, 620 miles. Tomorrow I will be back on the bike, come rain or come shine, and I am looking forward to it.

You were my first and I did not know why,

Did I choose you or did you choose I.

Drives across country, rides through the woods,

Sometimes my light at night you were always good.

For three years you did you duty

Never once were you picky or snooty.

Then one faithful night on the bike in the left hand lane

You sprung from bag and then you were slain.

Beneath a car wheel your fate did you meet

in the cold in the damp on the black street.

You will live forever in my mind

and I hope that where ever you are the world is warm and kind.

in the Winco Parking lot at 10:12 Monday morning.

“I was thinking about getting a parrot until I started talking to one.”