Shit.

I haven't ridden in over a month...I've barely looked at the bike. I've been so busy doing other things - jewelry, house, kids, etc - that the bike took a back burner position.

I decided this morning I would ride. Trails at Harris are closed due to wet conditions, so around the neighborhood I went. Fuckin' 2 miles before I was toast. TWO FUCKING MILES! I guess I shouldn't expect to be able to ride a normal 10 mile ride if I haven't ridden in over a month...but 2 miles? Jesus. That's just embarrassing.

And the funny part is that it wasn't my legs that made me quit. They were fine and probably could have gone another few miles. It was the pain in my side that made me stop.

Oh well...I'll just have to get back to that level by riding more. I can do it...and even though this ride was pretty much not fun, on some level it was still enjoyable.

Breathe

Pink Floyd's Breathe...heard it on the radio today and it made me think...

"and all you touch and all you see/is all your life will ever be"

It's so easy to limit ourselves by what we are comfortable with. We generally only touch and see what we want to...and that is all our lives will ever be, if we so allow it.

Well, I want more. I want knowledge, experience...things I wouldn't normally see or touch. I don't want to become comfortably numb (another great PF song) in my own existence...limited by the lines I draw around myself.

Lyrics:
Breathe, breathe in the air
Don't be afraid to care
Leave but don't leave me
Look around and choose your own ground
For long you live and high you fly
And smiles you'll give and tears you'll cry
And all you touch and all you see
Is all your life will ever be

Run, rabbit, run
Dig that hole, forget the sun,
And when at last the work is done
Don't sit down, its time to dig another one
For long you live and high you fly
But only if you ride the tide
And balanced on the biggest wave
You race toward an early grave.

Sports Photography

Ok...I'm not a sports photographer by any stretch. Today's race, the Huck-a-Buck at Lake Crabtree, was by FAR the most difficult race to shoot of the 3 I've done. The other 2 were up at Carolina North Forest, near Chapel Hill, NC.

Why was this race so difficult for me to shoot? A couple reasons, I think. Firstly, it is VERY shaded there. As in so shaded that what sunlight gets through is dappled and not consistent. I didn't walk the whole race course, but from what I know of Crabtree, there really aren't any places that get good open shade light. It's either full sunlight (which I would have paid for today) or the dappled stuff I mentioned. So I was at a bit of a disadvantage already as I don't have good low light equipment. I can use my 50mm prime lens, which stops down to 1.8, but then I'm limited in my range because it only has one option - 50mm. My 18 - 55mm lens stops down to 3.5/5.6, but I had a hard time with that as well for most of the morning, unless I bumped my ISO up to 400...which is what I ended up doing. I have a long lens, but it has the same max f/stop as the 18 - 55.

So the other thing I could have done was use my flash. And I did on occasion, but the problem with my flash is that it takes a bit for the flash to recharge, and mountain biking is fast paced stuff. You can't sit there and wait for your flash to recharge and not miss stuff. I'm referring to my on-camera flash, btw. I have a small hot shoe flash, but I don't think it recharges very quickly either. I just got it, so I'm not for sure about it.

So I saw all these other people taking photos and was almost embarrassed at my equipment. Then I reminded myself that it is not the equipment that makes the shot, but the person using the equipment and whether they know what they are doing. Not that I always know, but I try, and I've learned a lot in the past few months. One thing I did notice was that most of them had hot shoe flashes, and what looked like diffusers over them. They had the kind that could be swiveled up and down for better light control - mine doesn't swivel. It's just a little guy a bit more powerful than the on-camera.

Something else that I did notice...and maybe it's just me being me...I like to move around when I shoot. Try different angles, get nice panning shots, etc. A couple of the photogs I saw there were literally in one spot for the entire race (3+ hours) - with the exception of going to the starting line at each stage of the race. I don't understand that...I'm not knocking it, I'm just trying to figure out how that could be fun for them. To get the same shot every time. My question then becomes, is that what "real" photography is about? Getting the perfect shot? Or is it about trying different things? Or maybe it's just personal preference.

Anyway, I had a good time despite the fucking heat...it was OPPRESSIVE today. I got lots of good shots and met some new people, got to hang with some people I don't get to see often. It was good.

I'm just sorry I didn't catch Kim before she left so I could give her the bracelet...that I actually brought this time. ;)

Check out the awesome write up at singletracks.com!

I'm really excited about this.

For those who don't want to click, here's the text:

Bike Part Jewelry from Designs by Jodey
posted July 24, 2009 by mudhunny


I’ve always been proud to show off my wounds and scars from mountain bike crashes, but there is actually a much easier way to show off my love for the sport. Bike part jewelry is a really unique way to take a little bit of your mountain bike with you (literally) anywhere you choose to wear it and it makes for a great gift too.

I was super excited to see the wide variety of handcrafted jewelry designs that Designs by Jodey has created from bike parts. Jodey, a mountain biker herself, makes bracelets, necklaces, earrings, bookmarks, and keychains out of new and used bike parts. It was hard to decide on just one piece but I finally chose a custom sized Double Row Chain Link Bracelet. The chain link is such a classic and obvious representation of a bicycle part - I didn’t want anyone to mistake this as just another ordinary bracelet.

When I read that Jodey used worn bicycle parts for her jewelry, I was a little skeptical. I wondered if I was going to end up with dirt and grease rubbing off on my wrists or clothes. On the contrary, the silver chain link plates in my bracelet are clean and shiny! The cool thing is I can tell they aren’t new due to the characteristic scratches and friction marks. Sometimes I like to imagine the killer trails this chain saw in its former life - if only chain link plates could talk.

The bracelet also uses black bike chain rollers in between the chain link plates. I really like the contrast of the black and silver which makes each part stand out and together, well, it just works. The toggle clasp is a complementary gunmetal color and makes getting the bracelet on and off easy with your single opposing hand.

The fact that this bracelet has a really simple and unique design using recycled bike chains make this one of my favorite everyday pieces to wear. I got complements the first time I wore this bracelet to work and I’m proud to wear it most casual Fridays. It also goes great with the little black dress ;-)

Just like the little black dress, every girl that rides mountain bikes needs bike part jewelry. You can order the jewelry on Jodey’s website, www.designsbyjodey.com. And guys, when you’re buying bike jewelry for your lady friends you can also check out men’s bike part necklaces and bracelets for yourself too!

Like Star Wars or Indiana Jones? Legos, maybe? Check these out!

This Etsy store, called Bits and Badges has the most adorable items for sale! You simply MUST check them out. :D

Do it. Do it. Do it.

WeeehooooO! Got in the local bead store!

If you live in southern Wake County and want to see or buy my bike part jewelry then head over to in Fuquay. I should have some jewelry there in the next few days.

:D

Star Wars meets MC Hammer

This is not the droid you're looking for...

...but this vid is awesome!

Overwhelmed by My Bathroom

So we had a crack in the bathtub that caused damage to the flooring around it. I called the insurance company and they sent someone out to appraise it. He handed me a check right on the spot to pay for the damage, labor, etc. Now it's my responsibility to figure out how the fuck to get the bathroom redone.

It's a small room, and I want to stay within a certain budget..probably in the $3000 range. One main problem is what to do about the bathroom vanity. It's an odd size - 54" cabinet, so 55" top. It has one bowl in the center. The top portion needs to be replaced because the sink part is damaged. But to get a top that size would be at least $600. We could get a whole new vanity and top for the about the same price, but the vanity would be 48" instead of 54". Not a huge difference, but 6" is 6".

The couple guys I had out here last week to give me estimates on the work (before the insurance guy came) both said we should think about getting ceramic tile on the floor instead of linoleum or vinyl tiles.

I want to do something a little different in the bathroom - put something not vanilla in there. Like a design around the floor with some smaller tiles, or tile the shower with a design in it, but hubs says "just cuz we like something doesn't mean the next people who buy the house will." So what, I'm supposed to not decorate my bathroom the way I want to because some possible buyers of a house we aren't even talking about selling might not like it? I don't agree with that. I don't want the fucking thing to be purple...just not all bland and boring, yanno?

Oh - one other thing. Instead of the tub/shower combo that we currently have, hubs wants just a shower with a bench. I guess that's ok with me, but that is something that may affect resale value and is not easily changed. I mean, don't people still like tubs in their master baths?

Anyone who has done a bathroom makeover, please gimme some advice. Where did you start? What did you base your color scheme off of? I'm overwhelmed with this. Pictures would be good too. Before and after?

When you're on the trail and you need a little fix...

handlebar fail
Originally uploaded by ~*the_mama_belly*~

your handlebars will come in handy if you have these grips.

:o

I'm studying English and I like the mtb

I LOVE IT! One of the few things that has made me laugh on mtbr lately. It's just so...innocent, I guess. Forthright and ...I dunno. But I like it.

Here is the original thread. clicky clicky

Say it ain't so...Crocs on their last legs?

This article thinks so. I hope not. I LOVE LOVE LOVE all SIX pairs of my crocs. That's right...six. They're all I wear except for when I bike. I adore them and would mourn the loss of the company if they go under. :(

The Beer Belly and The Wine Rack

Well, I've got a belly, but it ain't a beerbelly.

And in the rack dept, I'm set, thanks. But if you aren't, try this: wine rack.

Good stuff.

My Jewelry in a couple stores!

If you are in the Chapel Hill area, check out my bike part jewelry at

For the next week or so, check out my jewelry at Cycling Spoken Here in Cary, NC:

15 Minute Lunch: CYC - Cover Your Cough

Johnny's work decides to put up signs on how to cough and sneeze properly...and he makes his own sign. Funny shit.

15 Minute Lunch: CYC.

Local cyclist killed today :(

From wral.com:

Cyclist killed in collision with vehicle in Apex
Bruce W. Rosar killed in bicycle and vehicle collision

Posted: Today at 12:46 p.m.
Updated: 52 minutes ago

Apex, N.C. — A bicyclist was killed after a collision involving a vehicle on S. Salem Street near the Apex Peakway just after noon on Saturday, Apex police said.

The cyclist was identified as Bruce W. Rosar, 52, of Cary.

Police Capt. Ann Stephens said a preliminary investigation shows the vehicle was traveling south on Salem Street and the bicycle was going north on Salem Street. The cyclist turned left toward the Apex Peakway and crossed into the path of the vehicle.

Stephens said the vehicle involved in the wreck stopped at the scene.

While some witnesses were interviewed at the scene, Stephens said there appears to be several vehicles may have witnessed the accident but did not stop.

Anyone who witnessed the wreck is asked to call the Apex Police Department at 919-362-8661.

Rosar, the owner of Triangle Roadway Bicycling, had been bicycling in the Triangle for more than two decades, according to his Web site. He served as the director of the North Carolina Active Transportation Alliance and was a founding member of the NC Coalition for Bicycle Driving.

In recent weeks, the police department seen an increase in cyclists in the area. Police have also seen more complaints from motorists that cyclists are not following the rules of the road, Stephens said.

Over the past month, Stephens said police have started a campaign to make cyclists aware of the dangers on the road and remind them that they are required by law to follow the same rules of the road as motorists.

This is GOOD...really well made

Evian - Live Young

Brief Turtle Invasion at JFK

Turtles Crawl on Runway, Delay Flights

By DAVID B. CARUSO, Associated Press Writer David B. Caruso, Associated Press Writer – Wed Jul 8, 4:12 pm ET

NEW YORK – A runway at New York City's Kennedy Airport was shut down Wednesday morning after 78 turtles emerged from the bay and crawled onto the tarmac.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey says grounds crews rounded up the wayward reptiles in about 35 minutes and deposited them back in the water, further from airport property.

The shutdown disrupted flight schedules, though, with delays climbing to nearly 1 1/2 hours.

Pilots reported the first turtle sightings at around 8:30 a.m.

The Port Authority identified the turtles as Diamondback Terrapins. They appeared to be about 8 inches long and weigh 2 to 3 pounds each

United Breaks Guitars

Kinda funny, catchy tune from a guy who was screwed by United Airlines after they broke his $3500 guitar and wouldn't compensate him for it.

The Pudding Experiment

Today my son and I made lemon and chocolate pudding - not the instant shit, but the kind you actually have to cook (which is the only kind I'll eat...I have very fond memories of my Grandmother and I cooking My-T-Fine chocolate pudding, pouring it into glass dishes and topping it with heavy whipping cream).

He and I had decided prior that we would make layered cups, where the lemon would be on the bottom and the chocolate would be on top. So our hypothesis was that the pudding would end up layered, after cooking per directions on the respective boxes, and pouring directly into cups after cooking.

So we started the lemon pudding first (and I had no idea that lemon pudding has no milk in it, but does have egg yolk and sugar in it!). Once that was cooking, we mixed up the chocolate pudding (which seemed to be at least double the amount of the lemon, as we got a big box of chocolate and a small box of lemon) and started to cook it. The lemon pudding finished cooking first, so we started pouring it into clear plastic cups (b/c we wanted to be able to see the layers)...big mistake. Duh Jodey - plastic melts at high temps. We immediately saw the problem and I got out glass dishes. We poured the lemon pudding into them (no exact measuring, but they all appeared to be around the same volume of pudding per dish. We left them alone while the chocolate pudding continued to cook.

Moving right along...the chocolate finished cooking and we poured it onto the lemon layer in each cup. What we *expected* to happen was that each cup would have 1 layer of lemon at the bottom and then a layer of chocolate at the top - NO MIXING. In actuality, and what I find pretty damn strange, is that the first cup we started pouring the chocolate into did NOT layer. Instead, it was almost like a pudding cake, where the chocolate pudding disappeared inside the lemon pudding. In my mind, this shouldn't have happened as this was the first cup of lemon to be poured, thus it had the longest amount of time to cool. Each subsequent pouring of chocolate pudding onto lemon pudding resulted in the expected layers...it was just the first one that didn't layer.

Odd...but I'm sure there's some easy explanation for it. Maybe it had a tad more lemon pudding than the others, thus needed longer to cool in order for the surface tension to be strong enough to support a layer of hot pudding on top of it.

Or...sometimes pudding is just pudding.

Whatever, chocolate and lemon are NOT good together, but separately they rock. If only we had some heavy whipping cream...

The Tarwheel Photos - The Last 62

The Tarwheel Photos - The Third 64

Nifty biking stickers

Check 'em out here.