Mad Props for Link Love

These fine sites sent plenty of people my way this month. Thanks for linking to me, and let me return the favor (in alphabetical order by URL). There are lots of familiar ... ehhrm faces? in the crowd!

A Midnight Rider
Sirrus Rider
Bicycle Frenzy
BikeCommuters.com
Paul Dorn's Bike Commute Tips
BikeForums.net
Biking Bristol
choose2bike
Chuong Doan
Commute By Bike
Commuterdude.com
Crazy Commuting Cyclist
Curb Destroyer Chronicles
Cycle * Dallas
cyclelicio.us
dailymile (I have invites if you want one)
Dan On Bike
Darius
Drive My Bike
dvicci
Eco Velo
Gatlinburg Spokejunkie
Two Wheels
Carbon Trace
Johnson County Bicycle Club
Kansas Cyclist
kcbike.info
localcycling.com
Metal Bike Commuter
Doug in Minnesota
Spinning my wheels (MU Pedal Pusher)
Working On It
Revrunner
Rocbike.com | The RocBike Review
See Teacher Run
The Crumudgeonator
The Fredcast

Thanks, all!

October Recap

(Photo: parking garage at the maul this morning)

First off, MY WIFE IS HOME! Wh00t! The next few days will probably give us a better idea how she's going to do in the long run. She got discharged at 2:00 today, and I had to grab my steed and go full gallop to get home as fast as I could. Side note: I'm a slow Clydesdale, so most roadies might consider my gallop to be more like a trot.

Now, for the good (more miles than I expected for october), the bad (a long ways to go), and the ugly (me).

I actually managed to slack off a lot this month with 18 of my one-way commutes being by bus. Back in January, I envisioned October to be one of those smooth-sailing months where 300 miles would be sufficient. The reality is that I logged about 500 miles, but still leave October 280 miles behind schedule.

I only got two recreation rides in (the Dark Side Ride and one Monday Night Ride), but made up for it with quite a few errands and rides to church.

Commuting: 387 Miles
Recreation: 52 Miles
Errands: 58 Miles

Since people have been calling and e-mailing me...

Here's where things stand:

• For most of the year, my wife has been having heart problems. Irregular rhythm, blood pressure spikes and tachycardia. I've seen her HR hit 209 bpm! 
• Doctors have ruled out psychological disorders (stress, anxiety, etc), endocrine disorders, (hormones) and many other potential causes. We've spent a lot of time at the hospital this year.
• Doctors suspected Supraventricular Tachychardia (SVT), a condition where the heart more or less gets duplicate signals, occasionally beating 2x normal. We had scheduled an appointment to discuss further treatment options.
• My wife went to the ER Last Friday with another one of her episodes.  She had several episodes in the hospital prior to the procedure. 
• Doctors logged the attacks, but they seemed to be a different kind of tachycardia, not specifically SVT.
• She went into catheter surgery on Monday. The Electrophysiologist and Cardiologist did not find anything that would cause SVT -- not a surprise, given the data we saw. 
• While catheterized, doctors did some ablation (removal of nerve tissue) in order to stabilize her heart rhythm. That seems to have worked to a certain extent. praise GOD! 
• The ablation procedure caused some irritation and now she's still in the hospital with pericarditis. The pericardium (protective lining around the heart) is swollen and putting pressure on her internal organs. It's a common and easily treatable condition, but it's frustrating that my wife's been in the hospital for almost a whole week.
  

Hopefully, she'll come home tomorrow night, after they're done giving her treatments for the pericarditis. After that, it'll take a few weeks of healing and probably some experimentation with various medicines before we know for certain how well this whole trip to the hospital worked out.

My wife an I are extremely thankful for the calls, e-mails, comments and support.

AMC Fork & Screen

Dinner-and-a-movie (literally at the same time) isn't exactly a new concept, but it's certainly not common these days. Movie theaters have pretty much become crowded, expensive venues where you pay to have people kick you in the head and step on your toes.

AMC, headquartered a block away from my office, is trying to change that... well, the part about being crowded, getting your head kicked and your toes stepped on anyways.  I was invited to come out to a pre-opening tour of AMC's Fork & Screen concept venue at the AMC 30 in Olathe. Many other local bloggers and social media gurus formed the group of tourists I was in. I saw a few familiar faces and plenty of new ones as well. I'm betting they were hoping we'd all come back and write about it. I guess it's working.

They completely revamped one whole wing, took out a few theaters, gutted the remaining ones in the wing, and started over. 

The lounge is called MacGuffin's, and is named after the term "MacGuffin", popularized by Alfred Hitchcock.  The walls within and leading to MacGuffin's lounge are lined with several examples of popular MacGuffins (Dorothy's ruby slippers, The ring from the LOTR Trilogy, etc).

They let us sample some of the appetizers they offer. This is good, because I had a very light lunch.

Aside from ample lounge seating, the bar area has interesting light-guide counter tops that are fun to play with for about 10 seconds. I suppose they'd be really entertaining if you were inebriated.  Once you have your ticket to a movie showing in the Fork & Screen area, you're free to enter the lounge. This means you could spend a considerable amount of time (and money) here.

The normal Fork & Screen seats are only slightly more spacious than "normal" theater seating in terms of width. To make room for the dining bar in front of the row of seats (shown below) there's quite a bit of space between you and the row in front of you, and the seat rows don't go all the way across. They're broken up into segments. This should make getting kicked in the head almost impossible, and getting your toes stepped on a little less likely.  

Oddly enough, these seats are no more expensive than the regular theater seating, but there are fewer seats available. The exclusivity, plus the ability to dine (on real food or concessions) will likely keep this place packed, though.


Then, there's the Cinema Suites.  These lavish accommodations include swivel trays, huge reclining seats, and more room than you know what to do with. There's even a place under each table to store your coat or purse.

It's an additional $10 per ticket to get into these theaters, and they hold less than 40 people each. You do get a $5 credit on your food purchases, though. If you're the kind that has to have popcorn, it basically means you only pay $5 extra for these seats.

If you need anything, you press a button. Your light turns red and kitchen staff comes to see what you need. Drink refills, concessions or dessert after your meal for example. If you don't press the button, you don't get interrupted.

AMC did show a movie to my group, but I was unable to stay for the full showing, as I had to get back to my wife. I think she's doing better but she had a bit of a scare last night while I was at the movies. I didn't feel right about sticking around.

It's worth noting that despite being within half a mile of residential areas, AMC 30 still doesn't have dedicated bicycle parking. There are plenty of light posts, gas meters and other suburban pavement furniture to lock up to, but I'd think that an entertainment establishment such as this would have finally gotten around to installing a few bicycle racks.

The concept is definitely competitive. The food prices are up there, but when you consider the places directly surrounding it, it's not that bad.  In hard economic times, I'm pretty sure the entertainment industries are having to find new ways to innovate in order to continue to lure in people with higher levels of disposable income. Hopefully that works out for them. If you're interested in seeing it for yourself, the concept officially opens to the public on Halloween.

Now, I'm going to fill out this survey and see if I can't get some bike parking added.

Living in the hospital

Photo: Fire suppression, test valves, drain pipes and gauges. The oft-forgotten crannies of a hospital provide many eclectic industrial scenes to enjoy.

It's hard to get a good night's sleep at a hospital. My wife's doing a little better, but we're not yet sure when she's coming home or what exactly is wrong. Fortunately, the hospital's right across the street from a bus stop, and I made it to work today.

I'll be having some fun this evening thanks to a generous offer from an old co-worker. I'll post some photos from tonight's event and let you know what I've been up to.

Crazy Weekend

It's 4:00AM. I can't sleep. I'm not going to work today, because my wife's having what the medical industry considers a "minor" heart surgery. We were going to wait until Thursday to discuss the treatment options, but she got zipped to the E.R. on Friday and they decided to work on her ASAP (that'd be Monday, today) instead of waiting any longer. She's had a rough year, but it looks like the doctors might have finally zeroed in on what's been plaguing my wife's health. Similar to this photo I took Friday, there's light on the horizon, but we can't quite see what that light looks like, except for a broken, indirect reflection.

Welcome... to the Dark Side

A bunch of us (9? 10?) had a blast at what will probably serve as the last Dark Side Ride of 2008.

This was the sunset at about 7:00 or so.

I rolled up to the start of the ride at 8:30 and cracked open the coffee. I found out that my stainless coffee flask fits perfectly in the spring clip of the SunLite rack.


One by one, cyclists rolled up. Badger, c'Dude, Dave, Mike, Mike and the couple on the tandem who I'm too tired this morning to recall the names of.


On our way to Edgerton we picked up a few more: Randy (Kansascyclist.com) and Randy. Yes, two Mikes and two Randys on the ride. This was about half-way for us.




The tandem kept flatting out. I snapped this near New Century Air Center while we waited for them to catch up. Dave was back there helping them, so we waited.


A heavily-processed flash photo I took at one of the re-group points.


I rode to and from the ride, which added 29 miles onto the 38-mile night ride. This is my bike on the 127th Street bridge I used to ride on every day when I was first getting started commuting by bike and by bus. Riding over it again was like running into an old friend. Riding over it at 1:00AM was a little odd.

Crazy Few Days

This week has so far been one with relatively few miles ridden, quite a bit of bus riding, a little car-pooling, some health issues with both my wife and I, and some geeking out. I took this at Jazz (a cajun restaurant in Midtown KCMO) while dining with some friends, fellow geeks and some fellow cyclists. Odd, I've noticed more than a modicum of crossover between information security geeks and cyclists (particularly the commuting variety)


I'm hoping I make up some miles on tomorrow's Dark Side Ride, assuming weather cooperates. If that plays out the way I want it to, I'll have an additional 55 (or so) miles on the bike, finally bringing me to less than 700 miles from my goal. Right now, I'm just playing catch-up for the slacking off I did earlier in the year.

I'm well ahead of my initially planned miles for October. I left September 475 miles behind schedule and I've managed to close that gap by 100 miles this month and still have plenty more time to shrink it even further. I'm still more than 300 miles shy of where I thought I'd be by the end of this month, though. I don't think I'll log that many miles in the next week, but the Dark Side Ride and anything commuting I do before Halloween will help.

Random Tunage:
Kimberly Locke - I Could
Underworld - Born Slippy

I don't feel so good.

No commute (bike, bus or otherwise) today. I called in sick, so here's one I snapped yesterday on my way home.



"Dump The Pump" is part of a campaign that's at least two and a half years old. This bus or one wrapped just like it has been around KCMO at least that long.

Like Night Riding? Dark Side Ride this Saturday

We haven't done one of these since The June Moon. These things are always a blast. Think of it like a longer version of the Lenexa Midnight Ride. Last year, this ride netted me my first metric century.

Anyhow, come on out and join us. I kind of just heard about it last-minute-like, but I'm gonna try to wedge it into my schedule.


1) RUSA Article 10 rules apply for this ride. I shall quote it in its entirety here:

For night riding, vehicles must be equipped with front and rear lights attached firmly to the vehicle. Lights must be turned on at all times during hours of darkness or other low-light conditions (rain, fog, etc.). At least one of the rear lights must be in a steady (rather than flashing) mode. All riders' lights must meet the requirements of local laws. A rider is not permitted to cycle at night or in other low-light conditions without working front and rear lights attached to the vehicle; therefore backup lighting systems and/or spare bulbs are strongly recommended in case the primary system fails and cannot be repaired on the roadside. Each rider, whether riding in a group or alone, must fully comply with this requirement. Everyone must use their lights!

During hours of darkness or other low-light conditions, all riders must wear a reflective vest, sash, Sam Browne belt, or some other device that clearly places reflective material on the front and back of the rider. During these times all riders will also wear a reflective ankle band around each ankle. (Due to their unusual seating position, recumbent riders may modify their reflective torso devices to show better from front and rear.) Other reflective devices on clothing, shoes, helmets, and machines are encouraged for increased safety - but they are extra and may not take the place of the minimum items listed above.

Any violation of these night riding rules will result in the immediate disqualification of the rider.

2) If it's raining, it's off. Period.

3) YOU NEED LIGHTS AND REFLECTIVE GEAR.

4) It's at the price chopper at 159th and Mur-Len. Not the one at 151st and Mur-Len, Not the one at 135th and Mur-Len. No. The one at 159th.

5) Carrying extra batteries and maybe even a spare bulb is a good idea. No, really.

6) We'll roll off on Saturday, October 25th, 2008 at 9:00 PM SHARP.

7) Expect to ride about 35-40 miles with multiple re-group locations.

8) Have I mentioned that you will need lights if you're going to ride with us? Glad I cleared that up. We can get separated and it'll be pitch black out in the country where we'll be riding. Safety first!

I love my windbreaker

I always get a little more room on the road when I wear it.


I definitely needed it this morning, too.

Went on the Monday Night Ride yesterday, and my wife actually came and hung out with us afterwards. Her medical issues have kept her off the bike this year, but getting out and socializing is something she doesn't do nearly enough. Social Anxiety Disorder isn't just "all in your head" or excessive shyness, so this is a pretty big deal, and I'm proud of her.

It sounds like next week's Monday Night Ride will be a halloween-themed ride. No, we won't all dress up, but we'll do the traditional ride to Sauer Castle like we did last year.

On my way to work this morning, I surpassed last year's mileage total (4,236) so I've got about 760 miles to go to make my goal of 5,000 miles for the 2008. Things are starting to get blustery, and the threat of precipitation is looming. Will I make it?

Random Tunage:
Plumb - In My Arms
Orbital - Know Where To Run

Another nice morning

Low 50's. A little chilly but nothing extraordinary for late October. Karen and I had to take Turkey Creek Trail from 67th to Merriam Dr. because of a train. I think I need to start getting out a little earlier. It seems like I'm running into the train a few times per week these days.

The waning moon was high above KC when I got downtown. This clear weather's only supposed to last for today. The forecast for the rest of the week looks pretty shaky.



Random Tunage:
Madonna - The Power Of Goodbye
Cranberries - Dreams

Lenexa Train Depot

It was really windy out of the south this morning, but it was otherwise a great day for a ride. I rode to church, then to Border's Bookstore on my way home. I ran sound at church today, and snapped this during rehearsal.


This is the old Lenexa Train Depot. Fortunately, today was not one of those omni-directional headwind days. Getting home was quite literally a breeze with temps in the low 60s (my fave temperature range).


Random Tunage:
VNV Nation - Prelude
M.I.A. - Paper Planes

I love Midtown

You see some of the most bizarre stuff in midtown KCMO. I love this mural.


I finally got the bike back on the road and had a nice, chilly ride in this morning. It was hard to get out of bed. Between being at a meeting until 8pm, making supper and fixing the tire, it was a late night.

Moon Over Lyric Opera

Audio Warning: We like tha moon.


Oh yeah. You can't park your bike right next to City Center Square because it looks trashy and/or like a sign of poverty. But leaving this cart where I used to lean my bike is just fine.

Out of commission

I picked up a new tire, but must have done something wrong (I'm guessing I damaged one of the glueless patches or pinched the tube in the bead while installing).

Regardless, my cheapo old tire levers can't get the EXTREMELY TIGHT tire back off the rim, and my good tire levers got stolen with my Hybrid. I have some running around to do after work anyways, so I'll just take the Dreaded Bus in the morning, take the bus to midtown after work, then car-pool home with my friend after the meeting in midtown.

I'll probably get some better tire levers over lunch tomorrow. River Market Cyclery's just a mile away from my office.

Caving to the bus

A heavy, driving rain came in right after I woke up. I decided to wait it out for a while. By 5:40 or so it was evident it wasn't going to let up any time soon. I took the bus.

Apparently, many others had the same idea. It wasn't just standing room only. It was packed like a can of sardines! After the Mall, two other people got on along 95th street.

I saw one positively horrifying wreck on US-69 and a spin-out on I-35. Apparently, this morning was riddled with bad crashes (including a pedestrian/car incident). Maybe it wasn't such a bad idea to take the bus in the first place.

Random Tunage:
Kaskade - Everything
Orbital - Choice

Slow going

I took it really easy both ways today. I had to ride to the data center in Raytown. Maybe it was the dimly lit and only vaguely familiar roadways. Perhaps the chill of the morning had something to do with it, or the knowledge that my rear tire is close to bursting without warning. I know the increased amount of traffic lights had plenty to do with it as well. Regardless, I was a lot slower today.

Moseying through quiet suburban back-roads before 6:00 AM is quite surreal. Where the pavement was dry, there was not a sound to be heard, and at perhaps 10 MPH, my bike was also pretty much silent as well. Working my way through Mission Hills, only the occasional car pierced the darkness with its headlights. The people who live here are for the most part still sleeping.

Getting into the data center was interesting:
Any car that pulls up must wait, while bollards are lowered and the arm is lifted by pneumatic machinery. Once past the first set of bollards, they're lifted, trapping the car next to the guard station. The occupants of the car must activate the access card readers. Then, a second set of bollards are lowered, a fence retracts, and finally, the arm lifts, allowing the car to proceed. Pulling up to the fortress-like entry-way to the data center on my bike, however, really got the guard's attention. People don't roll up on bikes too often.

Work went as planned.

Moving from Des Moine to Galveston... on a bicycle. Yes, really.
I met a guy named Barret on my way home. He was riding a girl's schwinn mountain bike with some upgraded components, a nice set of Wald baskets on back, and pulling a cheap kid trailer completely loaded with stuff. To say he was a well-equipped bike tourer would be an understatement. Barret's moving from Des Moines to Galveston, by bike. I saw him walking his rig up the sidewalk of 63rd St. and asked if everything was alright. He was just tired and didn't feel up to pedaling his cargo uphill. He declined to take any of the leftovers I had from lunch (some oranges and a sandwich) as he had plenty of nourishment with him. Some might call him homeless, but he had everything to set up camp and seemed optimistic and upbeat about his journey and new job prospects in Texas. I wish him the best.

He didn't seem like the kind of guy who would want me taking pictures of him or his setup, so I didn't even bother asking. It was a pleasure meeting him and talking for a while, though.

My journey pretty much paled in comparison to Barret's. I spent the rest of my ride home contemplating just how tiny my commute really is.

Time for a new tire

Cleaning my bike off after the grimy, rainy commute home, I saw this:


This tire lasted 3,000 miles. Not too bad at all, considering the kinds of roads I ride on and how short the life span of the original tires were. The whole center line is very thin all the way around and there are a few other spots on the tire kind of like this one, but this is the biggest. This is the same tire that took a nail through the kevlar and sidewall back in September. The Park Tool Glueless patch is still holding well, and the tire is structurally just fine where the puncture happened.

They might not be the best for racers that need to corner or brake hard (as I found out in May) but I've been more than happy with them for their durability. The next tire I buy for this bike will be a Bonti Hard-Case.

Unfortunately, I can't afford a new tire until Wednesday's homeward commute. I may see if I have one of my OEM Tires (Bontrager Select) laying around until then. I'd rather spend the cash gearing up the Goat for winter, so I may finish out the season with one of the gimpy Bonti Selects if I can find one in my pile of bike parts.

Happy Columbus Day!

Good Morning from Kansas City! What a delightful morning for a ride!


Some of you have the day off. I, however, am not one of those. Banks are closed, but Wall Street is open. That means I'm at work. I changed things up a bit by riding up Summit. Summit's not the steepest grade I've ridden on, but it's the most brutal climb I know of that's on my way to work. Riding the Death Slog known as Summit, however, puts me in the position to take photos like the one above from the bridge over I-70.

Somehow, I just know I'm going to pay for that little stunt.

Ponak's on Southwest Blvd:


"Bicycle Parking" while I took the above photo.


Random Tunage:
Active Sight - Take The Day As It Comes
Fragma - Toca Me (Inpetto 2008 Mix)