out here in the middle
christianity, cycling, music, culture
christianity, cycling, music, culture
out here in the middle...
One Fine Cup of Coffee
It is no secret that I love coffee. I've liked coffee for a long time, but really got into it a few years ago, while working for a guy who had a fascination for fine coffee. It wasn't enough to drink the hotel coffee, he had to locate a Starbucks. He would go miles out of his way to find one, and he became known for his love for Starbucks coffee. In fact, he got me hooked on it. I always thought it was crazy to pay two bucks for a cup of coffee, when you could get a bigger cup, "just as good," I thought, for half that. Yeah, I thought Quik Trip coffee was just as good. Because my boss, when in town, always bought my coffee, the cost was not an issue for me. The more I drank it, the more I liked it. And the more I drank it, the more I came to appreciate consistency in the taste of coffee. That's one thing about Starbucks—it is consistent. It is the same good tasting drink every time. At Quik Trip, sometimes you get a good cup of coffee, and sometimes it tastes like the bottom of an ashtray. The more I became hooked on Starbucks, the more Quik Trip tastes like the ashtray. Today, the thought of drinking a cup from Quik Trip turns my stomach. No thanks.
Now I'm not going to get into why this is the case. I'm sure there are plenty of "baristas" out there who will say that Starbucks is consistent because they keep their coffee machines clean, or because they don't let the coffee sit after brewing for more than thirty minutes. Maybe it is because of the temperature of the water, or that they train their employees about one primary thing—making coffee, unlike Quik Trip, whose employees have to know about lots of different things.
I've found that most people don't know how to make coffee right. They use inferior machines, inferior coffee, and inferior filtering systems. Even at coffee shops and restaurants that are supposed to specialize in morning beverages (Ihop comes to mind), their coffee is sub-par. That is why I buy Starbucks whole bean coffee, by the pound, about once a week, and brew it at home. When I'm on the road, or I ride my bike to work, I go into the store, and I buy it by the cup. I'm the holder of the treasured Starbucks Gold Card.
Last year, I was in Jefferson City, Missouri on business. I was staying in the Doubletree Hotel, which had the distinction of being the site of the only Starbucks in town. Problem is, it wasn't really a Starbucks, it was a Starbucks stand, and was manned by an older lady who didn't know a thing about coffee. It was not the worst coffee I'd ever had, but it was by far the worst Starbucks coffee I'd ever had. By day three of the meeting, I was desperate for some decent coffee. Sitting in downtown JC, I used my cell phone to search for a local coffee shop, and to my surprise and delight, there was a place just down the block.
It was called Yanis Coffee Zone. I walked inside, and immediately noticed several things. First, the proprietor knew everyone's name and drink when they walked in the door. Taisir Yanis greeted everyone with a smile, and an encouraging word. The second thing I noticed was that there were two pictures of Taisir on the wall. One was a picture of him with King Hussein of Jordan. My thought was, "wow, this guy is well-connected, and King Hussein was a great ally of the United States." But then I looked at the picture a few spaces down, and noticed a picture of him with Yassir Arafat. Oh well, at least he keeps his options open.
When it was my turn in line, I asked him if he served Cafe Americano, which was my favorite drink at Starbucks. He grinned, shook his head, and told me to wait right there. He stepped to the back, and brought me a sample taste of his strongest coffee. I drank the sample, and it was remarkably good. I asked him for a full cup. He brought it to me, grinned, and said, "the first one's for free."
He called it "Rocket Fuel." I refer to it as "Palestinian Blend." It is really strong coffee, and tastes great.
The next day I was back, like he knew I would be. This time I purchased a cup of the Rocket Fuel, and a full pound of whole beans to take home. Since that day, any time a co-worker comes down from JC, I ask them to bring me a pound. They usually don't do it, because the smell is so strong, and it is a five hour drive. I was back in town last week, and bought two pounds home. When I fill my Moccamaster with Rocket Fuel, watch out. I am hooked on Yanis Coffee Zone—it is the best I've ever had, and Starbucks pales in comparison.
Taisir is a good study in how to run a successful business. He really cares about his customers. He is a nice guy, always smiling. He remembers names, and engages his customers in conversations about what is going on in their lives. He makes great coffee, but it isn't about the coffee, it is about doing what he does, really well. I suspect that if he had opened a car repair shop, he would be equally successful.
There is something else about Taisir. Something I didn't know until a friend sent me a news story about him. Taisir Yanis is famous—in his native Jordan, anyway. As it turns out, he gained notoriety as an actor, starring in many television shows and stage plays. That explains the pictures of him with Hussein and Arafat. Here is a link to the news story in the Jeff City News-Tribune. You should read it. Here is a link to his website.
Since the inauguration of President Obama, a lot has been made about America's arrogance in the world. Our president took it upon himself to apologize to the world for the attitude of many Americans, because we believe that America is exceptional. You see, there are those among us who believe that America is the same as every other country, and our belief that we are the greatest nation in the world is indulgent and rude. But the Americans of a hundred years ago thought differently. They believed in something called "American exceptionalism." They believed that America was better than any other nation in the world, and most of the rest of the world recognized it too. One famous historian believed that it was the "frontier mentality" that made America great. I don't know exactly why America is great, but I believe that it is. That's just how I feel.
The other day, some of us were discussing the article about Taisir, and someone asked me a question. They asked why a guy would leave a country where he had achieved so much fame and notoriety, to move to a small city in mid-Missouri and own a coffee shop.
I don't know for sure, because I've never asked him. But maybe it is because it is better to own a coffee shop in America than to be a famous actor in any other country. Maybe it is because this is a great country, the greatest country in the world.
And this nation needs more great coffee, and more great Americans like Taisir Yanis.
Now I'm not going to get into why this is the case. I'm sure there are plenty of "baristas" out there who will say that Starbucks is consistent because they keep their coffee machines clean, or because they don't let the coffee sit after brewing for more than thirty minutes. Maybe it is because of the temperature of the water, or that they train their employees about one primary thing—making coffee, unlike Quik Trip, whose employees have to know about lots of different things.
I've found that most people don't know how to make coffee right. They use inferior machines, inferior coffee, and inferior filtering systems. Even at coffee shops and restaurants that are supposed to specialize in morning beverages (Ihop comes to mind), their coffee is sub-par. That is why I buy Starbucks whole bean coffee, by the pound, about once a week, and brew it at home. When I'm on the road, or I ride my bike to work, I go into the store, and I buy it by the cup. I'm the holder of the treasured Starbucks Gold Card.
Last year, I was in Jefferson City, Missouri on business. I was staying in the Doubletree Hotel, which had the distinction of being the site of the only Starbucks in town. Problem is, it wasn't really a Starbucks, it was a Starbucks stand, and was manned by an older lady who didn't know a thing about coffee. It was not the worst coffee I'd ever had, but it was by far the worst Starbucks coffee I'd ever had. By day three of the meeting, I was desperate for some decent coffee. Sitting in downtown JC, I used my cell phone to search for a local coffee shop, and to my surprise and delight, there was a place just down the block.
It was called Yanis Coffee Zone. I walked inside, and immediately noticed several things. First, the proprietor knew everyone's name and drink when they walked in the door. Taisir Yanis greeted everyone with a smile, and an encouraging word. The second thing I noticed was that there were two pictures of Taisir on the wall. One was a picture of him with King Hussein of Jordan. My thought was, "wow, this guy is well-connected, and King Hussein was a great ally of the United States." But then I looked at the picture a few spaces down, and noticed a picture of him with Yassir Arafat. Oh well, at least he keeps his options open.
When it was my turn in line, I asked him if he served Cafe Americano, which was my favorite drink at Starbucks. He grinned, shook his head, and told me to wait right there. He stepped to the back, and brought me a sample taste of his strongest coffee. I drank the sample, and it was remarkably good. I asked him for a full cup. He brought it to me, grinned, and said, "the first one's for free."
He called it "Rocket Fuel." I refer to it as "Palestinian Blend." It is really strong coffee, and tastes great.
The next day I was back, like he knew I would be. This time I purchased a cup of the Rocket Fuel, and a full pound of whole beans to take home. Since that day, any time a co-worker comes down from JC, I ask them to bring me a pound. They usually don't do it, because the smell is so strong, and it is a five hour drive. I was back in town last week, and bought two pounds home. When I fill my Moccamaster with Rocket Fuel, watch out. I am hooked on Yanis Coffee Zone—it is the best I've ever had, and Starbucks pales in comparison.
Taisir is a good study in how to run a successful business. He really cares about his customers. He is a nice guy, always smiling. He remembers names, and engages his customers in conversations about what is going on in their lives. He makes great coffee, but it isn't about the coffee, it is about doing what he does, really well. I suspect that if he had opened a car repair shop, he would be equally successful.
There is something else about Taisir. Something I didn't know until a friend sent me a news story about him. Taisir Yanis is famous—in his native Jordan, anyway. As it turns out, he gained notoriety as an actor, starring in many television shows and stage plays. That explains the pictures of him with Hussein and Arafat. Here is a link to the news story in the Jeff City News-Tribune. You should read it. Here is a link to his website.
Since the inauguration of President Obama, a lot has been made about America's arrogance in the world. Our president took it upon himself to apologize to the world for the attitude of many Americans, because we believe that America is exceptional. You see, there are those among us who believe that America is the same as every other country, and our belief that we are the greatest nation in the world is indulgent and rude. But the Americans of a hundred years ago thought differently. They believed in something called "American exceptionalism." They believed that America was better than any other nation in the world, and most of the rest of the world recognized it too. One famous historian believed that it was the "frontier mentality" that made America great. I don't know exactly why America is great, but I believe that it is. That's just how I feel.
The other day, some of us were discussing the article about Taisir, and someone asked me a question. They asked why a guy would leave a country where he had achieved so much fame and notoriety, to move to a small city in mid-Missouri and own a coffee shop.
I don't know for sure, because I've never asked him. But maybe it is because it is better to own a coffee shop in America than to be a famous actor in any other country. Maybe it is because this is a great country, the greatest country in the world.
And this nation needs more great coffee, and more great Americans like Taisir Yanis.
O Fickle March
As I sit here writing this, my minds shifts toward tomorrow, the first day of March.
March is a good month. I've always thought so. I was born in March. But it goes beyond the simple vanity of looking forward to my birthday. March 1st represents the unofficial beginning of Spring, at least in Oklahoma. I actually saw the first sprig of a daffodil in my garden the other day. When March arrives, I know that warmer weather is just around the corner.
There is a weatherman in Amarillo, Texas who does something I always appreciated. On the first day of every month, he talks about the average temperatures for the new month, and what they will be on the last day of the new month. It has been a long time since I lived out in the Panhandle, and watched "Doppler Dave" on television, but I have kept up the practice on my own, by visiting the NOAA website, and checking out the monthly climatology page. March's page is the best one, in my opinion.
Don't get me wrong—March can be as fickle as a lover. But it represents hope for those of us who live to spend time outdoors. You can check out the page yourself, by clicking here.
The normal high temperature for March 1 is 57. As it turns out, this March 1, the forecast high is 56. Close enough. For March 31, the average high temperature is 67. Now we're talking. Over the next thirty days or so, we will see average highs climb ten degrees, to near 70. Life is good once again.
But that's not the whole story. When you look closely at the web page, you will see that March has its share of extreme weather. For example, the warmest March day Tulsa has ever seen was on March 18, 1907, when the high temperature was 99 degrees. If you look at the chart, you will see several days that could be considered "extreme." Record high temperatures for individual days in March are all in the 80s and 90s. So March can mean a real warm up for T-Town.
It is not all warm news, however. There are extremes in the opposite direction as well. The coldest March day in Tulsa occurred in 1994, when it was -3 degrees. And in 1994, Tulsa had nearly twenty inches of snow in March.
One thing we do know—warm weather is a little bit closer now than it was before. Thank goodness.
There are some rides coming up soon. The Lasagna Ride is this Saturday. And the week after that, FreeWheel training rides begin. Then it is on to Racing on the River and Tulsa Tough, amongst many others. But it all begins with that first day of March.
Here are a couple of shots from March rides in the past, just to whet the appetite. Enjoy.
Spencer and I on a March ride.
Art and Paul on the Lasagna Ride last year.
March is a good month. I've always thought so. I was born in March. But it goes beyond the simple vanity of looking forward to my birthday. March 1st represents the unofficial beginning of Spring, at least in Oklahoma. I actually saw the first sprig of a daffodil in my garden the other day. When March arrives, I know that warmer weather is just around the corner.
There is a weatherman in Amarillo, Texas who does something I always appreciated. On the first day of every month, he talks about the average temperatures for the new month, and what they will be on the last day of the new month. It has been a long time since I lived out in the Panhandle, and watched "Doppler Dave" on television, but I have kept up the practice on my own, by visiting the NOAA website, and checking out the monthly climatology page. March's page is the best one, in my opinion.
Don't get me wrong—March can be as fickle as a lover. But it represents hope for those of us who live to spend time outdoors. You can check out the page yourself, by clicking here.
The normal high temperature for March 1 is 57. As it turns out, this March 1, the forecast high is 56. Close enough. For March 31, the average high temperature is 67. Now we're talking. Over the next thirty days or so, we will see average highs climb ten degrees, to near 70. Life is good once again.
But that's not the whole story. When you look closely at the web page, you will see that March has its share of extreme weather. For example, the warmest March day Tulsa has ever seen was on March 18, 1907, when the high temperature was 99 degrees. If you look at the chart, you will see several days that could be considered "extreme." Record high temperatures for individual days in March are all in the 80s and 90s. So March can mean a real warm up for T-Town.
It is not all warm news, however. There are extremes in the opposite direction as well. The coldest March day in Tulsa occurred in 1994, when it was -3 degrees. And in 1994, Tulsa had nearly twenty inches of snow in March.
One thing we do know—warm weather is a little bit closer now than it was before. Thank goodness.
There are some rides coming up soon. The Lasagna Ride is this Saturday. And the week after that, FreeWheel training rides begin. Then it is on to Racing on the River and Tulsa Tough, amongst many others. But it all begins with that first day of March.
Here are a couple of shots from March rides in the past, just to whet the appetite. Enjoy.
Spencer and I on a March ride.
Art and Paul on the Lasagna Ride last year.
Concealed Carry
I've never been a "gun guy." Having grown up mostly in Oklahoma, that surprises some people. Most people in the Sooner State are gun owners, and many are avid hunters. Not me. Ever since my dad had a near-fatal hunting accident when I was young, we just never did much of it. I did some shooting in the Boy Scouts, and for my birthday one year, I received a "gun kit"—a .44 revolver to built like a model, but it was real. I think I shot it once, and it was a wonder the thing didn't blow up in my hand like a grenade.
A recent report from the Brady Institute, which lives to take away every gun from every law abiding citizen in the country, placed Oklahoma almost at the bottom when it comes to handgun laws. Only Utah and Alaska have less restrictive laws. I'm hoping we can get it together, so we can be squarely at the bottom.
With crime on the rise, I have been wanting to get the concealed carry permit. About fifteen years ago, Oklahoma passed a law allowing qualified people to carry a concealed handgun. It is not an easy process. Getting a permit means about eight hours of classroom instruction, a simple written test, and qualifying on the pistol range, and about $125. There is a long, detailed set of forms to be filled out, and of course there is an in-depth background check, to make certain you're not a criminal or a mental case. Once all that is done (it is supposed to take less than 90 days), you can carry your gun just about any place you want to go.
Recently the city of Tulsa laid off about 150 police officers. If I am not mistaken, that is roughly 5% of the force. Or, as one TPD officer explained to me, it is like doing without an entire division for an entire shift. On the day the layoffs took place, the department stated which calls it would respond to, and which calls it would not respond to. On that day, there were four hit and run collisions in Tulsa. That week, there were two incidents where bad guys approached innocent people, demanded their money, then assaulted the victims, before fleeing. One victim was shot in the head. The other was knocked unconscious with a lead pipe. The following week, a woman came home (after being gone for only fifteen minutes) to find a burglar in her house. She entered the house, got her 9mm pistol, and shouted, "whoever is in my house, I want you to know I have a gun, and I will use it on you." It took about two seconds for the guy to leave the house. She called the police to report it, and two hours later, they still hadn't shown up. Her husband called them back and said, "never mind."
When seconds count, the police are just minutes away.
So Lisa and I signed up, got a couple of pistolas, and took the class. I learned a lot. For example, as the holder of a concealed carry permit, you cannot employ lethal force in order to aid a stranger. The law only covers you if you are protecting yourself or your immediate family, or, your boss or fellow employees. Interesting. Also, there are only six places you can never carry a gun, even with a permit. Banks are not on that list. There is a seventh category of places you're not allowed to carry, that would be anyplace with a sign saying that guns are not allowed. Problem is, if it isn't one of the "big six," all they can do is ask you to leave. There are no fines or penalties.
I learned that there are some potential changes forthcoming in the Oklahoma law. One such change, that I would like to see happen, is the right to carry on a college campus. Currently, you cannot carry on the campus of any college, although you can leave your gun in your car. In contrast, you cannot carry OR leave your gun in your car, when at a secondary school in Oklahoma—high schools, grade schools, etc. This new revision, which was passed by the Oklahoma House in 2008, but then defeated by the Senate, would allow faculty who are concealed carry permit holders to carry on campus. It would also allow students who are active duty military, police officers, or CLEET certified security officers to carry on campus. Now that Oklahoma voters have run most of the Democrats out of Oklahoma City, authors of the bill have resurrected it, and it is receiving serious consideration. It only makes sense to me. And I think that if some professors and students had been packing at Virginia Tech, a great deal of tragedy could have been avoided. In fact, I would like to see similar legislation to cover secondary schools. But I don't know that it will ever happen. Here is a website about concealed carrying on campus.
Another potential change to the state's law would allow for OPEN carry. That's right, folks. Just like in the old west, permit holders will be able to carry their guns in full view of the public. This bill actually has more traction than the one regarding carrying on campus. I was surprised to learn that 44 states already allow for open carry. How strange it is to think that there are that many states which have a LESS restrictive gun law that Oklahoma. I'm not so sure about the open carry thing. Oh, don't get me wrong. I would support it. But I don't know if I would open carry. For one thing, I like having the element of surprise. I don't want a stranger who is looking at me to know that I am carrying a weapon. When a member of the faculty at the University of Alabama Birmingham opened fire on her fellow professors last week, open carry would have been a distinct disadvantage, because she would likely have chosen that person to be her first victim. I would support the bill, however, if for no other reason than it would not matter if the weapon happened to show a little now and then. The way the law is written currently, a permit holder can get into real trouble if his gun accidentally gets exposed.
Oh, and I also learned that my wife is a heckuva shot. From fifteen yards, shooting in rapid succession, she put a line of holes in the target guy's abdomen that would have given him a serious belly ache. Remind me never to mess with this girl.
Lisa is the proud owner of the Ruger LCP .380. It is smaller than a cell phone.
When we started shopping for the right guns, I had it in my mind that I wanted a Glock .40. I ended up getting the Springfield XD40. It had some features I liked better than the Glock, and it came with more accessories. I opted for the subcompact model—because of it's size and weight, it is easy to conceal, and easy to carry on my bicycle. For Lisa, we got the Ruger LCP. It is a small .380 with a six shot clip. It is fun to shoot, but not very accurate from far away. Still, it is tiny—about the size of a cell phone, and light as a feather.
Tulsa Firearms has a deal worked out so that if you buy your gun there, you get a free one-year membership. When you're a member, you have use of the indoor range, get a steep discount on ammo, and the concealed carry classes are half price.
The Springfield came with a holster, a hard case, a speed loader, and two clips
I bought this pocket holster for transporting on my bike.
One clip is high capacity. The case says "HIGH CAPACITY MAGAZINE ILLEGAL IN CALIFORNIA." Davey thought that was pretty cool.
With the high capacity clip
I also purchased a Galco belt holster. It is a high-rise, so it is easy to conceal.
So now it is all over but the waiting. We did the paperwork, submitted it to the county sheriff's office, and now we are waiting. I have a feeling that we might be waiting for a while, though. After the 2008 presidential elections (when many people thought the Democrat leadership would take away their gun rights), there was a six month wait. Once things settled down, the wait was only about six to eight weeks. But since these layoffs, it is back up for three to four months. One lady at the sheriff's office told me that before the layoffs she was processing about 25 applications a week. Now it is 25 applications per day. And there are 76 other counties in Oklahoma. So this could take a while.
That's okay, though. I can still transport it, in both my car and my bicycle. The only stipulations are that in the car, it has to be kept in full view, not concealed, and unloaded, with the ammunition out of the reach of the driver. On the bike, I can carry it unloaded, with the gun and ammo on two separate sides of the bike.
Can you tell where the gun is stored?
How about now? Can you see it? Right or left?
If you guessed left, you would be wrong. Or, you might be right. You never know where it will be.
I might just keep the bullet in my pocket.
A recent report from the Brady Institute, which lives to take away every gun from every law abiding citizen in the country, placed Oklahoma almost at the bottom when it comes to handgun laws. Only Utah and Alaska have less restrictive laws. I'm hoping we can get it together, so we can be squarely at the bottom.
With crime on the rise, I have been wanting to get the concealed carry permit. About fifteen years ago, Oklahoma passed a law allowing qualified people to carry a concealed handgun. It is not an easy process. Getting a permit means about eight hours of classroom instruction, a simple written test, and qualifying on the pistol range, and about $125. There is a long, detailed set of forms to be filled out, and of course there is an in-depth background check, to make certain you're not a criminal or a mental case. Once all that is done (it is supposed to take less than 90 days), you can carry your gun just about any place you want to go.
Recently the city of Tulsa laid off about 150 police officers. If I am not mistaken, that is roughly 5% of the force. Or, as one TPD officer explained to me, it is like doing without an entire division for an entire shift. On the day the layoffs took place, the department stated which calls it would respond to, and which calls it would not respond to. On that day, there were four hit and run collisions in Tulsa. That week, there were two incidents where bad guys approached innocent people, demanded their money, then assaulted the victims, before fleeing. One victim was shot in the head. The other was knocked unconscious with a lead pipe. The following week, a woman came home (after being gone for only fifteen minutes) to find a burglar in her house. She entered the house, got her 9mm pistol, and shouted, "whoever is in my house, I want you to know I have a gun, and I will use it on you." It took about two seconds for the guy to leave the house. She called the police to report it, and two hours later, they still hadn't shown up. Her husband called them back and said, "never mind."
When seconds count, the police are just minutes away.
So Lisa and I signed up, got a couple of pistolas, and took the class. I learned a lot. For example, as the holder of a concealed carry permit, you cannot employ lethal force in order to aid a stranger. The law only covers you if you are protecting yourself or your immediate family, or, your boss or fellow employees. Interesting. Also, there are only six places you can never carry a gun, even with a permit. Banks are not on that list. There is a seventh category of places you're not allowed to carry, that would be anyplace with a sign saying that guns are not allowed. Problem is, if it isn't one of the "big six," all they can do is ask you to leave. There are no fines or penalties.
I learned that there are some potential changes forthcoming in the Oklahoma law. One such change, that I would like to see happen, is the right to carry on a college campus. Currently, you cannot carry on the campus of any college, although you can leave your gun in your car. In contrast, you cannot carry OR leave your gun in your car, when at a secondary school in Oklahoma—high schools, grade schools, etc. This new revision, which was passed by the Oklahoma House in 2008, but then defeated by the Senate, would allow faculty who are concealed carry permit holders to carry on campus. It would also allow students who are active duty military, police officers, or CLEET certified security officers to carry on campus. Now that Oklahoma voters have run most of the Democrats out of Oklahoma City, authors of the bill have resurrected it, and it is receiving serious consideration. It only makes sense to me. And I think that if some professors and students had been packing at Virginia Tech, a great deal of tragedy could have been avoided. In fact, I would like to see similar legislation to cover secondary schools. But I don't know that it will ever happen. Here is a website about concealed carrying on campus.
Another potential change to the state's law would allow for OPEN carry. That's right, folks. Just like in the old west, permit holders will be able to carry their guns in full view of the public. This bill actually has more traction than the one regarding carrying on campus. I was surprised to learn that 44 states already allow for open carry. How strange it is to think that there are that many states which have a LESS restrictive gun law that Oklahoma. I'm not so sure about the open carry thing. Oh, don't get me wrong. I would support it. But I don't know if I would open carry. For one thing, I like having the element of surprise. I don't want a stranger who is looking at me to know that I am carrying a weapon. When a member of the faculty at the University of Alabama Birmingham opened fire on her fellow professors last week, open carry would have been a distinct disadvantage, because she would likely have chosen that person to be her first victim. I would support the bill, however, if for no other reason than it would not matter if the weapon happened to show a little now and then. The way the law is written currently, a permit holder can get into real trouble if his gun accidentally gets exposed.
Oh, and I also learned that my wife is a heckuva shot. From fifteen yards, shooting in rapid succession, she put a line of holes in the target guy's abdomen that would have given him a serious belly ache. Remind me never to mess with this girl.
Lisa is the proud owner of the Ruger LCP .380. It is smaller than a cell phone.
When we started shopping for the right guns, I had it in my mind that I wanted a Glock .40. I ended up getting the Springfield XD40. It had some features I liked better than the Glock, and it came with more accessories. I opted for the subcompact model—because of it's size and weight, it is easy to conceal, and easy to carry on my bicycle. For Lisa, we got the Ruger LCP. It is a small .380 with a six shot clip. It is fun to shoot, but not very accurate from far away. Still, it is tiny—about the size of a cell phone, and light as a feather.
Tulsa Firearms has a deal worked out so that if you buy your gun there, you get a free one-year membership. When you're a member, you have use of the indoor range, get a steep discount on ammo, and the concealed carry classes are half price.
The Springfield came with a holster, a hard case, a speed loader, and two clips
I bought this pocket holster for transporting on my bike.
One clip is high capacity. The case says "HIGH CAPACITY MAGAZINE ILLEGAL IN CALIFORNIA." Davey thought that was pretty cool.
With the high capacity clip
I also purchased a Galco belt holster. It is a high-rise, so it is easy to conceal.
So now it is all over but the waiting. We did the paperwork, submitted it to the county sheriff's office, and now we are waiting. I have a feeling that we might be waiting for a while, though. After the 2008 presidential elections (when many people thought the Democrat leadership would take away their gun rights), there was a six month wait. Once things settled down, the wait was only about six to eight weeks. But since these layoffs, it is back up for three to four months. One lady at the sheriff's office told me that before the layoffs she was processing about 25 applications a week. Now it is 25 applications per day. And there are 76 other counties in Oklahoma. So this could take a while.
That's okay, though. I can still transport it, in both my car and my bicycle. The only stipulations are that in the car, it has to be kept in full view, not concealed, and unloaded, with the ammunition out of the reach of the driver. On the bike, I can carry it unloaded, with the gun and ammo on two separate sides of the bike.
Can you tell where the gun is stored?
How about now? Can you see it? Right or left?
If you guessed left, you would be wrong. Or, you might be right. You never know where it will be.
I might just keep the bullet in my pocket.
Back On The Wagon
Next month will mark two years since I started losing weight. I've never kept weight off that long, ever. So I'm pretty pumped about it.
Unfortunately, the past three months have meant zero cycling. On December 24, we had a blizzard, and since then we have had nearly twenty inches of snow—among the worst winters on record. Every week it seems that another snow storm is in the forecast. Bad weather, cold temperatures, rain, sand and salt on the streets—it has been very frustrating.
When you ride several hundred miles a month, you can eat whatever you want. And it isn't about gluttony, it is about fuel. You have to eat a lot, to fuel the machine. Problem is, when the riding comes to a halt, it is really hard to stop eating.
There is something about that darn appetite, it is just so hard to shut off. I even started going to the gym at the college, working out three or four days a week. I have been running, lifting, and spinning, but I kept feeling like I was gaining weight.
At my low point last year, I weighed 188 pounds, then leveled off in the low to mid 190s, where I stayed for most of 2009. Over the weekend I stepped on the scales, and weighed in at 200 pounds. So, I've figured out a way to put on five or ten pounds since Christmas. Great.
With the cycling season and warmer weather on the way, I decided to get back on the wagon. Sunday I cut my calorie intake back down, to about 1200 a day. Over the past four days, I've taken in a few as 950 calories, and as many as 1400. If I can keep it at that level for a two or three weeks, I will hopefully take the weight back off, and maybe lose some more. I'd like to get below 180 for the season, but we'll see about that.
I've been counting calories, spending time on The Daily Plate. This week has been exceptionally busy for us. Two evenings we have to eat out. Tuesday, we ate at Subway. Easy—less than 500 calories. Lisa and I were trying to decide where to meet for Thursday night, and she suggested Taco Bueno. So we logged on to TDP to see what I could eat there, and stay within my limit. It is doable—a crispy taco and a bowl of soup, good to go.
But when I go to Bueno, I like to get a platter—the Whole-latta Platter. That can't be too bad, right? Well, check it out, here.
I don't eat at Bueno very often, but dang, its no wonder I put on some weight.
My clothes are already fitting better, even after just four days. If I can give this another two or three weeks, maybe I'll be back to a comfortable level. I'll keep you posted.
Unfortunately, the past three months have meant zero cycling. On December 24, we had a blizzard, and since then we have had nearly twenty inches of snow—among the worst winters on record. Every week it seems that another snow storm is in the forecast. Bad weather, cold temperatures, rain, sand and salt on the streets—it has been very frustrating.
When you ride several hundred miles a month, you can eat whatever you want. And it isn't about gluttony, it is about fuel. You have to eat a lot, to fuel the machine. Problem is, when the riding comes to a halt, it is really hard to stop eating.
There is something about that darn appetite, it is just so hard to shut off. I even started going to the gym at the college, working out three or four days a week. I have been running, lifting, and spinning, but I kept feeling like I was gaining weight.
At my low point last year, I weighed 188 pounds, then leveled off in the low to mid 190s, where I stayed for most of 2009. Over the weekend I stepped on the scales, and weighed in at 200 pounds. So, I've figured out a way to put on five or ten pounds since Christmas. Great.
With the cycling season and warmer weather on the way, I decided to get back on the wagon. Sunday I cut my calorie intake back down, to about 1200 a day. Over the past four days, I've taken in a few as 950 calories, and as many as 1400. If I can keep it at that level for a two or three weeks, I will hopefully take the weight back off, and maybe lose some more. I'd like to get below 180 for the season, but we'll see about that.
I've been counting calories, spending time on The Daily Plate. This week has been exceptionally busy for us. Two evenings we have to eat out. Tuesday, we ate at Subway. Easy—less than 500 calories. Lisa and I were trying to decide where to meet for Thursday night, and she suggested Taco Bueno. So we logged on to TDP to see what I could eat there, and stay within my limit. It is doable—a crispy taco and a bowl of soup, good to go.
But when I go to Bueno, I like to get a platter—the Whole-latta Platter. That can't be too bad, right? Well, check it out, here.
I don't eat at Bueno very often, but dang, its no wonder I put on some weight.
My clothes are already fitting better, even after just four days. If I can give this another two or three weeks, maybe I'll be back to a comfortable level. I'll keep you posted.
Arizona Lawmaker Proposes Controversial Change to Law
Expressing anger over what he calls "abuses" in the welfare system...
...Frank Antenori, a Republican from Tucson, said, "You shouldn't be smoking or drinking if the government is helping pay for your food or health care. And you shouldn't be buying an expensive TV or car, shouldn't have a cell phone unless it is your only phone, and shouldn't have cable TV with HBO or Showtime."
Oh, I like this guy.
Here is a link to the story.
Rep. Antenori says he is responding to constituents who complain that people in grocery stores will purchase food items, and run their welfare card or food stamps through to pay for it. Then in a separate transaction, they will run their liquor and cigarettes through, pull out a $100 bill, and pay for it. One resident of the Tucson valley which Antenori represents said she was in line recently, and the woman in front of her was purchasing expensive food with food stamps, while wearing a pair of $150 UGG brand boots on her feet.
Critics say that Antenori lacks compassion. They say it is impossible to enforce. They say that such a bill, were it to become law, would bring shame down upon people, when all they really need is a hand up.
Supporters are saying that it is about time. How is it responsible in any way, that we would give a person taxpayer money to buy groceries, when they are spending their money on cell phones, flat screen televisions, and cigarettes? Welfare needs to be about helping people out until they can get back on their feet, not subsidizing an over-affluent lifestyle.
My mom raised us on a pretty strict grocery budget. We ate a lot of hamburger helper and always had left-over nights. We didn't drink pop. But even thirty years ago, she would complain that people in line at the store were buying steaks and pork chops, while she was working her backside off to pay for ground beef.
In my opinion, there should be a certain amount of embarrassment if you're on food stamps. I agree with the good Rep. Antenori. If you're going to rely on government assistance, you should not have a big screen TV with cable, or a cell phone, or a pack of cigarettes. I think that there should be a separate line at the store for those paying with food stamps.
It isn't about a lack of compassion. It is about keeping people honest. It is about preventing abuse in the system. And hopefully, it is about teaching people responsibility. Purchasing things that are non-essentials is a privilege. If you are sitting in your apartment at night, with nothing on TV but four channels, with no booze or cigarettes or cell phones or X-Box, you're going to get tired of your cruddy situation pretty quickly. And you're going to want to work to pull yourself out of it. If you are receiving taxpayer assistance to get through life, you ought to have to make some sacrifices. It isn't too much to ask.
What do you think?
...Frank Antenori, a Republican from Tucson, said, "You shouldn't be smoking or drinking if the government is helping pay for your food or health care. And you shouldn't be buying an expensive TV or car, shouldn't have a cell phone unless it is your only phone, and shouldn't have cable TV with HBO or Showtime."
Oh, I like this guy.
Here is a link to the story.
Rep. Antenori says he is responding to constituents who complain that people in grocery stores will purchase food items, and run their welfare card or food stamps through to pay for it. Then in a separate transaction, they will run their liquor and cigarettes through, pull out a $100 bill, and pay for it. One resident of the Tucson valley which Antenori represents said she was in line recently, and the woman in front of her was purchasing expensive food with food stamps, while wearing a pair of $150 UGG brand boots on her feet.
Critics say that Antenori lacks compassion. They say it is impossible to enforce. They say that such a bill, were it to become law, would bring shame down upon people, when all they really need is a hand up.
Supporters are saying that it is about time. How is it responsible in any way, that we would give a person taxpayer money to buy groceries, when they are spending their money on cell phones, flat screen televisions, and cigarettes? Welfare needs to be about helping people out until they can get back on their feet, not subsidizing an over-affluent lifestyle.
My mom raised us on a pretty strict grocery budget. We ate a lot of hamburger helper and always had left-over nights. We didn't drink pop. But even thirty years ago, she would complain that people in line at the store were buying steaks and pork chops, while she was working her backside off to pay for ground beef.
In my opinion, there should be a certain amount of embarrassment if you're on food stamps. I agree with the good Rep. Antenori. If you're going to rely on government assistance, you should not have a big screen TV with cable, or a cell phone, or a pack of cigarettes. I think that there should be a separate line at the store for those paying with food stamps.
It isn't about a lack of compassion. It is about keeping people honest. It is about preventing abuse in the system. And hopefully, it is about teaching people responsibility. Purchasing things that are non-essentials is a privilege. If you are sitting in your apartment at night, with nothing on TV but four channels, with no booze or cigarettes or cell phones or X-Box, you're going to get tired of your cruddy situation pretty quickly. And you're going to want to work to pull yourself out of it. If you are receiving taxpayer assistance to get through life, you ought to have to make some sacrifices. It isn't too much to ask.
What do you think?
You Appear To Have Fallen Off The Map In The Blogging World
So says my friend Gary. But not literally, right?
I feel as though I have fallen off the map, but I haven't. I have just been remarkably busy since the first of the year. Here is a little taste of what I've been up to.
Teaching. I ended my teaching hiatus at the college. If I were an actual professor, I would refer to it as a sabbatical. But since I'm just a part-timer, I call it a hiatus. So, I'm back to teaching nine hours. When you already have a full-time job, life gets pretty busy, but I don't mind. I'm enjoying it a lot, and that's what matters, even it if leaves little time for blogging.
Leading worship. In January, I accepted a position as worship pastor at a local church. It is part-time, so it doesn't take up too many hours of the week, at least not right now, but it does drain the brain considerably. That means there just isn't much left to share.
Study. I am currently studying for two gigantic exams, which give me more street cred in the teaching world. Actually, studying isn't the word—CRAMMING is more like it. I had it all planned out. I spaced the two tests about three weeks apart, so I could complete one, then have 21 days to prepare for the next. Then the snow came, and the exam was postponed, now they are one week apart. I feel woefully unprepared.
Guns, Guns, GUNS! Recently, due to budget constraints, the city of Tulsa laid off about 150 police officers. Lisa and I decided that since the police aren't going to be there to protect us, we would exercise our second amendment rights, and buy guns. I purchased a Springfield XD .40 caliber subcompact handgun. For Lisa, we chose the Ruger LCP .380. Neither one of us have much experience in the firearm department, but we are having a great time going to the shooting range and getting our biscuit on. Next week, we are going to take the concealed carry permit class. Like they say, when seconds count, the police are only minutes away. So don't give us any crap, okay, punk?
Weather. We have had a long stretch of dreary, wet, cold, snowy weather in Oklahoma. It began with the blizzard on Christmas eve, and hasn't let up much since. Tonight we are expecting another 4-9 inches of snow. Needless to say, I have not been on the bike much at all in the last six weeks. I even broke down and bought a gym membership. I've been going a few times a week, trying to stay on top of things. I need some sunshine. I need some serotonin. Some Vitamin D. Some buttered sunshine on my skin. But it isn't likely to happen anytime soon. That leaves me a little depressed, not in the mood to write. And since I'm not cycling, what do I have to write about anyway? Scott Brown's victory in Massachusetts? John Edwards' sex tape and love child? Obama's push toward Socialism by proposing that students should not have to pay back student loans?
Actually, there is much to write about, if I could just find the time and energy. And maybe I will. Maybe I will.
I feel as though I have fallen off the map, but I haven't. I have just been remarkably busy since the first of the year. Here is a little taste of what I've been up to.
Teaching. I ended my teaching hiatus at the college. If I were an actual professor, I would refer to it as a sabbatical. But since I'm just a part-timer, I call it a hiatus. So, I'm back to teaching nine hours. When you already have a full-time job, life gets pretty busy, but I don't mind. I'm enjoying it a lot, and that's what matters, even it if leaves little time for blogging.
Leading worship. In January, I accepted a position as worship pastor at a local church. It is part-time, so it doesn't take up too many hours of the week, at least not right now, but it does drain the brain considerably. That means there just isn't much left to share.
Study. I am currently studying for two gigantic exams, which give me more street cred in the teaching world. Actually, studying isn't the word—CRAMMING is more like it. I had it all planned out. I spaced the two tests about three weeks apart, so I could complete one, then have 21 days to prepare for the next. Then the snow came, and the exam was postponed, now they are one week apart. I feel woefully unprepared.
Guns, Guns, GUNS! Recently, due to budget constraints, the city of Tulsa laid off about 150 police officers. Lisa and I decided that since the police aren't going to be there to protect us, we would exercise our second amendment rights, and buy guns. I purchased a Springfield XD .40 caliber subcompact handgun. For Lisa, we chose the Ruger LCP .380. Neither one of us have much experience in the firearm department, but we are having a great time going to the shooting range and getting our biscuit on. Next week, we are going to take the concealed carry permit class. Like they say, when seconds count, the police are only minutes away. So don't give us any crap, okay, punk?
Weather. We have had a long stretch of dreary, wet, cold, snowy weather in Oklahoma. It began with the blizzard on Christmas eve, and hasn't let up much since. Tonight we are expecting another 4-9 inches of snow. Needless to say, I have not been on the bike much at all in the last six weeks. I even broke down and bought a gym membership. I've been going a few times a week, trying to stay on top of things. I need some sunshine. I need some serotonin. Some Vitamin D. Some buttered sunshine on my skin. But it isn't likely to happen anytime soon. That leaves me a little depressed, not in the mood to write. And since I'm not cycling, what do I have to write about anyway? Scott Brown's victory in Massachusetts? John Edwards' sex tape and love child? Obama's push toward Socialism by proposing that students should not have to pay back student loans?
Actually, there is much to write about, if I could just find the time and energy. And maybe I will. Maybe I will.
Greatest Developments of the Last Decade
We turned the page on a new decade recently, and it doesn't even seem like it. Way back in the twentieth century, it was easy. I remember switching from the 70s to the 80s. It was so obvious that we were going into a new decade. Going from the "ots" to the "tens" was not. If they hadn't talked about it on television, I would have never even known it.
People always make lists of events of a past decade. You know, the most important news story, or the hottest movie stars, etc. This time, it wasn't too interesting, or difficult. I mean, if you asked anyone what the most important news story was, there is no debate. The September 11 terrorist attacks, right? It was a decade of unprecedented events, including the election of the nation's first black president.
There are some things that are open to debate about the last decade. A couple of us were discussing what were the greatest inventions, or technical developments, of the last ten years.
For me, it was obvious.
DVR. Seriously, what has impacted our habits, and frustrated people in the advertising business, more than the digital video recorder? I rarely watch my favorite shows live, I almost always DVR them, so I don't have to put up with the commercials, and the "cliffhanger" effect. When Lisa and I are watching our shows, and we want to discuss something about it, we call "pause it." The DVR has totally changed the way we watch TV, and the way we respond to advertising. And I love it. The other day, I was chatting with a friend, and asked him if he had watched the latest episode of some show. His response made me smile. "I taped it."
There were other great developments too. Facebook, for example. What other development has done so much to bring people (back) together? If Facebook had existed twenty-five years ago, it is likely that I would never have lost touch with some of my closest friends.
We should also consider Craigslist as a great development. Wait a minute—advertising, for FREE? I have listed several things on Craigslist, and it works, better than any classified advertising that I ever paid for. Where else can you get a used couch, a bicycle, or a hooker, all on the same website?
Another important development is self-checkout at the grocery store. Not that I don't like interacting with the cashier. But after going to the grocery store regularly for a couple of decades now, I have had all the platitudes I can stand. I can usually get in and out of the store much faster using self checkout, and I don't have to make small talk with a teenage girl who would rather be texting her friends than talking to me.
Small, affordable, accessible GPS. I haven't gotten lost on my bicycle since I got the Garmin Edge 705. It is so much more than just a GPS unit. I can upload my rides to the computer, where it coordinates workouts with Google maps, and keeps a permanent record of mileage, heart rate, and distance. It is an easy way to log my progress.
There are others, probably many others, but I have to get to work. What are your favorite developments of the last decade?
Desperate Times
Winter comes every year, so it should be no surprise that I've had to be off the bike for the past several days. This year, it is different. It isn't uncommon for Oklahoma to get snow in the winter. Generally, though, winter comes and goes pretty quickly. I mean, we might get a big snowstorm, but within a day or two, the temperature is back to the mid 40s or low 50s, and it all melts off pretty rapidly. That's what makes Oklahoma such a nice place to live—just enough winter to get it out of your system, but never guilty of wearing out it's welcome. Not so this year.
On Christmas Eve, we had a mild blizzard. We got six to eight inches of snow. Not a big deal. Here was my street on Christmas Day:
Problem is, we haven't had any warm days since. I think we've had one day out of seven where the temperature was above 40. So the snow has been very slow to melt. Here is my street this evening:
Better than last week, but still dangerous for cycling. Black ice is everywhere.
Last night, as I drove through town, I witnessed several accidents, as there was some melting and re-freezing. The city streets were like a skating rink in places. One pickup truck driver creamed a policeman. The cop didn't look too happy.
Needless to say, cycling has been non existent for me. The last time I rode my bike was December 22, and it is killing me to be off. Not that it hurts to take some time out of the saddle. But I just really miss it. And I have been eating like a horse. Needless to say, I've been feeling very lethargic. And fat.
Things don't look terribly hopeful either. The gang at Channel 2 had the nerve to put this graphic up on their website today:
More snow moving in on Sunday, and not one day above freezing. I could cry.
Yes, I have a gym membership. We put it on hold during the warm weather, and I haven't really wanted to spend the money to start back up again. I also have a magnetic resistance trainer, but I don't like it much. I can never get my heart rate up, and it doesn't really feel like I'm doing any work.
But desperate times call for desperate measures. Today I got up off the couch, and went for a walk/run. I would like to have run more than I walked, but the sidewalks and streets were still very icy. I did that for about an hour, then came in and set up the mag trainer, and was on it for about thirty minutes. Surprisingly, it wasn't at bad as I remembered. I actually worked up a good sweat, got my heart rate up and into the mid 120s, and burned a few hundred calories. I think I'll leave it set up until the weather starts to thaw. Heck, maybe I'll even crack open my checkbook and re-activate my gym membership.
It wasn't so bad
At least I could watch the game while riding.
Good news is, I won! Stage victory!
Looks kinda like...
Hey, I can't dream, can't I?
On Christmas Eve, we had a mild blizzard. We got six to eight inches of snow. Not a big deal. Here was my street on Christmas Day:
Problem is, we haven't had any warm days since. I think we've had one day out of seven where the temperature was above 40. So the snow has been very slow to melt. Here is my street this evening:
Better than last week, but still dangerous for cycling. Black ice is everywhere.
Last night, as I drove through town, I witnessed several accidents, as there was some melting and re-freezing. The city streets were like a skating rink in places. One pickup truck driver creamed a policeman. The cop didn't look too happy.
Needless to say, cycling has been non existent for me. The last time I rode my bike was December 22, and it is killing me to be off. Not that it hurts to take some time out of the saddle. But I just really miss it. And I have been eating like a horse. Needless to say, I've been feeling very lethargic. And fat.
Things don't look terribly hopeful either. The gang at Channel 2 had the nerve to put this graphic up on their website today:
More snow moving in on Sunday, and not one day above freezing. I could cry.
Yes, I have a gym membership. We put it on hold during the warm weather, and I haven't really wanted to spend the money to start back up again. I also have a magnetic resistance trainer, but I don't like it much. I can never get my heart rate up, and it doesn't really feel like I'm doing any work.
But desperate times call for desperate measures. Today I got up off the couch, and went for a walk/run. I would like to have run more than I walked, but the sidewalks and streets were still very icy. I did that for about an hour, then came in and set up the mag trainer, and was on it for about thirty minutes. Surprisingly, it wasn't at bad as I remembered. I actually worked up a good sweat, got my heart rate up and into the mid 120s, and burned a few hundred calories. I think I'll leave it set up until the weather starts to thaw. Heck, maybe I'll even crack open my checkbook and re-activate my gym membership.
It wasn't so bad
At least I could watch the game while riding.
Good news is, I won! Stage victory!
Looks kinda like...
Hey, I can't dream, can't I?
Winter Cycling
"I wish I lived in Tucson" was the comment I made to Lisa last night. Cold weather is becoming less and less tolerable to me, and when I see people on television who live in warm weather states, I become a bit envious. Phoenix, Las Cruces, El Paso, LA, even Austin. Any place warm and dry would be okay with me.
Oklahoma can be a tough place to live, when it comes to the weather. I have always liked that we have four distinct seasons, but as I get older, it seems like we don't have four seasons. We have winter, which lasts about four months. Spring lasts two weeks. Fall lasts two weeks. And Summer hangs on for seven months. A lot of summer, and a lot of winter, with a little spring and fall sprinkled in there.
The best thing about Oklahoma weather is that you sometimes get a little reprieve in the middle of a season. It is not unheard of to see a 75 degree day in January. Or in July, we might have a stretch of weather with highs in the 80s instead of triple digits. When you live in the Sooner state, you never know.
The most important lesson I've learned about winter weather is that you just have to grin and bear it. It is going to be cold, and there's really nothing much you can do about it. And just because it is winter, that doesn't mean calories go into hibernation. It would be nice if our bodies were wired up to not get fat when it is too cold to go outside. But it doesn't work that way. We still have to burn the calories we consume, and since I hate going to the gym, that means getting out on the bicycle.
I've also learned to not complain too loudly, because it could be worse. I could live in Wisconsin, or Minnesota. Or Alaska. Not that those places are bad, it's just that the winter lasts forever there. No thanks. Oklahoma winters are more harsh than in Arizona or south Texas, but they could surely be worse.
Why is it so important to keep moving, even in the winter?
My street on Christmas Day 2009
I've read some really good articles lately, on the virtues of winter weather cycling. Here is a link to a site which talks about riding in snow and ice. Here is a link to the ICEBIKE website. Here is a nice story from the blog of Fit Chick, who had some interesting experiences on a winter ride. And here is a funny piece from Bike Snob about cold weather riding.
This is Matt. He is riding on a morning when the temp is -7 degrees.
Matthew lives in Ontario, and he rides every day, no matter what the weather does.
The bottom line is that the most difficult part about winter bike riding is making yourself get out. When you're warm and cozy on the couch, it can be hard to muster the stuff it takes to go out into the cold. If you do it right, you'll only be miserable for about five minutes.
Here is what I do to combat the cold.
Oklahoma can be a tough place to live, when it comes to the weather. I have always liked that we have four distinct seasons, but as I get older, it seems like we don't have four seasons. We have winter, which lasts about four months. Spring lasts two weeks. Fall lasts two weeks. And Summer hangs on for seven months. A lot of summer, and a lot of winter, with a little spring and fall sprinkled in there.
The best thing about Oklahoma weather is that you sometimes get a little reprieve in the middle of a season. It is not unheard of to see a 75 degree day in January. Or in July, we might have a stretch of weather with highs in the 80s instead of triple digits. When you live in the Sooner state, you never know.
The most important lesson I've learned about winter weather is that you just have to grin and bear it. It is going to be cold, and there's really nothing much you can do about it. And just because it is winter, that doesn't mean calories go into hibernation. It would be nice if our bodies were wired up to not get fat when it is too cold to go outside. But it doesn't work that way. We still have to burn the calories we consume, and since I hate going to the gym, that means getting out on the bicycle.
I've also learned to not complain too loudly, because it could be worse. I could live in Wisconsin, or Minnesota. Or Alaska. Not that those places are bad, it's just that the winter lasts forever there. No thanks. Oklahoma winters are more harsh than in Arizona or south Texas, but they could surely be worse.
Why is it so important to keep moving, even in the winter?
- Fitness. Spring will be here before you know it, and it stinks to play catch up. 2009 was the first year I can remember where I was more fit when the cycling season started than when it ended the year before. It is a good feeling.
- Weight loss. Or, weight maintenance, as is the case with me. I usually start the spring off with at least twenty pounds to lose. 2009 was the exception. It is always easier to keep weight off than it is to lose it. Since I love to eat, winter riding is essential.
- Economics. Even though the price of gasoline is down from its high of 2008, it has gone up as a line item in many budgets. For me, that is because in the winter, I can't ride to work as often as I do in the warm weather. So I ride, to save money.
My street on Christmas Day 2009
I've read some really good articles lately, on the virtues of winter weather cycling. Here is a link to a site which talks about riding in snow and ice. Here is a link to the ICEBIKE website. Here is a nice story from the blog of Fit Chick, who had some interesting experiences on a winter ride. And here is a funny piece from Bike Snob about cold weather riding.
This is Matt. He is riding on a morning when the temp is -7 degrees.
Matthew lives in Ontario, and he rides every day, no matter what the weather does.
The bottom line is that the most difficult part about winter bike riding is making yourself get out. When you're warm and cozy on the couch, it can be hard to muster the stuff it takes to go out into the cold. If you do it right, you'll only be miserable for about five minutes.
Here is what I do to combat the cold.
- Layers. Usually that means a t-shirt, then a bike jersey, and a jacket or coat. Also, I wear a pair of bib shorts under a pair of bib tights. The tights I use are lined with fleece, and are very warm. For commuting, I wear a Columbia ski jacket, with the liner removed. It is really comfortable. The only downside is that the arms do not allow moisture out, so I often will get too hot, and even sweaty, even in the extreme cold. Also, because the jacket is only effective when exerting a great deal of effort, it might not be warm enough if you have to stop riding.
- Cover the extremities. Normally, my core will be warm, even hot, within five minutes of starting a ride. My extremities, on the other hand, take up to twenty minutes to warm up. On my hands, I wear Pearl Izumi gloves designed for riding in the cold, wet weather. If I had it to do over again, though, I would wear mittens. Mittens are much more effective at keeping your hands warm. On my feet, I wear shoe covers. Ultimately though, your feet are just going to suffer in cold weather. I rarely ever get my feet warm enough. When it is really cold, like, ten degrees, I will put chemical warmers in my shoes. You can get these at any hunting supply or sporting goods store. They offer some relief, but not much. I read somewhere that you can put plastic grocery sacks on your feet, under your shoes, and that helps. I haven't tried that one yet. On my head, I wear a balaclava made for snow skiers. The lower half is made of fleece that is think, and fairly wind resistant. The top is made from thinner material, so that it fits under a helmet. It is very warm. There are some downsides to it, such as moisture from your breath will begin to gather if you have to stop for very long. But it is an easy fix—either pull the mask down below your mouth, or start riding again.
- Move. The good thing about your body is that it is really hot. If you looked at the forecast, and the weatherman said that the temperature was going to be 99 degrees, you would call that a hot day. And yet, your internal body temperature is about 98.6. If you can figure out how to trap that heat in, you're going to be warm and fairly comfortable. Think about it. We drive in our cars when the weather is cold. And the inside of your car, if left alone, will be about the same temperature as the outside. It is only the heat generated by engine that warms the inside of the car. If you drive down the road with the windows rolled down, you're going to let all that heat escape, and you're going to be cold. In the same way, the heat generated by your "engine," that is, your body, will keep you warm, if you trap that heat close to you. The way to trap that heat is to cover up.
It is also important to light up during the winter, so motorists will see you.
The key is to keep yourself focused on the goal. Think about how much easier it will be in the spring, and your body weight is under control. You're in shape when the season begins, and don't feel like you have to start the year off playing catch-up.
You can do this. Let's go for a ride. As soon as this snow clears off a little.
Merry Christmas From The Family
From the Kearney home to yours...
Merry Christmas!
For a special video Christmas card, click here, sit back, and enjoy the holidays.
Merry Christmas!
For a special video Christmas card, click here, sit back, and enjoy the holidays.
about the author
Jason is an investment advisor, and a worship pastor, who never made very much money as a writer. He is married to his best friend, and has five of the best kids you'd ever want to meet. He is a near-daily bicycle commuter. The biggest challenge he faces in life is how to live out the two commandments.
