Projects

I have a couple of project bikes in the works. Mainly to practice my bike wrenching skills but also because I enjoy doing this sort of thing. The first is a Huffy frame that I am upgrading some of the parts on, it's most likely not worth it but when done it should be a decent bike for someone to get around on at least. The second bike project is one that I picked up last weekend. I drove by a garage sale after doing a tow and came across this lil gem of an antique bike for five dollars.
The plan is to get a new rear wheel that has an internal shifting hub, most likely a three speed. Right now the rear hub looks like a good old fashioned coaster brake deal but it isn't, it freewheels and there are no brakes so I will need to add some. Of course neither tire holds air and it has one metal pedal and one plastic pedal. The current paint job isn't too bad, but it will be replaced in favor of a green color my wife likes. She also wants some aliens and ufo's on the bike somehow. I am hoping to find someone who can do that with a little airbrushing. The white seat stays, and the swept back handlebars as well. Going to try and find a rack for the back and a wicker basket for the front.

Never jump on the bike without eating first.

I did my slowest ride to work in weeks today. I woke up late and didn't have time for breakfast. I averaged a little over 8 miles per hour to work. I usually average 10. On my way home from work I usually average 12-13 miles per hour. The new bicycle computer is helpful this way, I can keep on eye on my overall effort for a ride. Of course I have gotten to the point where I can tell at the start of a ride if I am going to have the strength to push myself hard as well. This morning I didn't have it in me, of course I threw myself out the door in a hurry because I woke up late as well.

So far this year I cycled 3.1 miles in March ( I got my bike at the end of March), 53.4 miles in April, 102.6 miles in May, and 132.6 miles in June. Hopefully I will be able to clock at least 130 miles for July or more.

Taj and I have another foster dog at the house, we just picked her up yesterday.



Her name is Suzie Q and the poor girl has been neglected and left out of doors most of her life. The paper work from Mult Animal Control lists her as a Labrador mix. We think possibly Shar Pei as she has a wrinkly neck sort of like a Shar Pei would have. She is a sweet heart but a bit shy, once she warms up to a person she loves to cuddle. Hopefully we will be able to get her some training as she has none at this time, at least she seems to have going to the bathroom outdoors down. At least so far. We put her in a kennel to sleep last night in our living room, she whined and huffed but then settled down after a few minutes. Taj had gone to bed and I sat up surfing the net and watching some tv for awhile. After I got up and went to bed she started barking, she kept barking for an hour. I don't think she has ever been left alone in a kennel before. The elderly couple that had her bred her and sold the puppies, that's pretty much all she has known her whole life. She did actually start playing with Obi after being at the house for a few hours.

Taj and I are so proud of Obi right now it's unbelievable. Who knew that this big dork of a dog could do so well with other dogs that were so mal-adjusted. He has been giving Suzie her space unless Suzie acts like she wants to play. he actually had her running back and forth in the yard last night. Suzie Q seems to be adjusting well so far, let's hope this trend continues.