Just a few random things

"New" rusty pedals for Hedwig. The original pedals were meant to be used with clips or straps or something. Whichever, they were a hassle since they hang upside down and were too narrow to use with the Keen sandals. My heel was always hitting the crank arm. So I picked these up at my LBS. They're rusty, but they do the job. I'll clean them up at some point.

And what on earth could this crochet thing be? Couldn't be bicycle related, could it? ;)

The cabled knee high socks from the Rambouillet/Merino cross are coming along nicely. I've got both socks just past the heel now. I HOPE to be able to get a couple more pairs of these knit before winter.

Tesla does not approve of knitting.

Catching a breeze

So in between cleaning house and scouring another fleece and preparing for weekend guests, I decided to take a little ride on Hedwig in a dress to see how well that works out on her. I had never ridden a mixte in a dress or skirt so I wasn't sure if anything was going to get caught in brakes or fly up too much or what. It worked out just fine, even though the skirt blew around and up quite a bit. Not enough to cause any indecencies, since I lucked out and the hem wanted to catch on the nose of the saddle. Which is good because if it blew up anymore then all of Victoria's secrets would be given away. I was a hit with the local boys too. A truck full drove past and I heard one of them shout "hot damn!". :) Now that's what I call encouragement to get out there and ride.

Three Feet

I REALLY wish that all motorists would obey Tennessee's Three Feet law when passing cyclists. I understand that where I live and ride, there are very few cyclists, and most motorists are unaware of the laws regarding cyclists, but the POLICE should at least be aware of and follow the laws! Twice this month I've been passed by a cop (don't know if it's the same cop or not) that passes me as close as they can without hitting me. It's always been a very slow pass, but definitely within about a foot and a half of me. Close enough that they are still completely in the same lane with me. When it happened yesterday there were 3 more cars behind the cop that followed his/her example and did the same thing! Come on cops! I pay taxes, and YOUR SALARY, so let's not kill me, ok?

Sunday Evening Ride

I decided to take Helena out to stretch her... wheels... this evening. It was interesting, after riding Hedwig to the barn all week, to feel how different Helena rides. She is much more comfortable, with her upright seating and her weight makes her feel much more steady. Her braking isn't as smooth or grippy as Hedwig's, and she squeaks and rattles quite a lot, but I forgive her. :) Also, I was reminded of just how much I love the Sturmey Archer 3 Speed hub. It's so nice to be able to shift from a stop, or while coasting. I still haven't quite gotten the hang of shifting with the stem shifters on Hedwig.

So, I rode out to the lake again, since it had been awhile, and it's a lovely ride. Didn't see any horses this time, but I did discover this little lake side path:

It's just a narrow, bumpy little trail that has several little "campsites" along the way. All of which are posted No Overnight Camping. So I suppose that these are all fishing/drinking/make-out spots? But they all have nice views of the water, and Helena just had to pose at a couple. :)

Once we got home, I made a little treat. This has become a favorite on these hot summer days, so I thought I would share the recipe!

You'll need:

Frozen fruit. I'm using blueberries, since I've got a freezer full right now.

Skim Milk

Sugar

Glass

Spoon

Fill the glass with however much fruit you want. I usually do about 1/3 of the glass. Add about 1 tsp of sugar, more or less to taste. Next, pour in just enough milk to not quite cover the fruit, then stir. As you stir, the milk will start to freeze, forming a sort of ice cream. Enjoy! :)

There has been a lot of talk about cycling in the summer heat, and how people deal with it and what they wear. My situation is a little different than most bicycle commuters, and maybe just a little bit easier (depending on your idea of easy!)

I live in southern Appalachia (northeast TN). Our days lately have been in the low to mid 90's with a LOT of humidity. My commute is only 5 miles one way, but it's a VERY hilly 5 miles. It's like riding a roller coaster! There is about .5 mile of flat road, in a little valley. The rest looks like this:

Which makes for a gorgeous ride, but there is no chance of taking it easy and not pedal hard. When I was only riding Helena, I would have to walk her up some of the hills, but now with Hedwig I can actually ride up! But no matter what, either way, when I get to work my shirt looks like this:

So, since I work outside and get filthy and sweaty, I change into "barn" clothes. This time of year that consists of gym shorts and another tank top. Usually with a bikini top underneath (to save my bras! Swim suits are easier to washout every evening too).

Then I hang my good clothes out to dry on the bike so that I can have another set of dry clothes to change into for the ride home (which will be soaked by time I get there, but that's fine since I shower and change as soon as I get home anyway). :)

Busy, Busy!

So busy, that I'm just going to give a quick review of the past few days.

Hedwig got new tires on Saturday!

I had to drill out her front wheel to fit a Schrader valve.

Her rear wheel for some reason had previously been drilled out for a Schrader. Not sure why her previous owner didn't bother to do both. Actually, I didn't use a drill for the job, my husband showed me how to use a taper reamer. It takes a little elbow grease, but you can sneak up on just the right fit. Unlike a drill, where you have to pick out a bit that is close and just go for it.

I also gave her new brake pads. The old pads seemed fine, but were a little squeaky. So I put a set of Koolstops that I already had on the front, and some other softer long pads on the back.

This set up seems to work really well! I use the rear brakes for most of my slowing and stopping on flats and both for stopping on a downhill.

In fiber-y news, I've been spinning up some Rambouillet/Merino cross that I picked up at Maryland Sheep and Wool year before last.

It's a very nice fleece. A bit on the short staple side, but nothing I can't work with. I'm going to have to only hand card this, I think. I suppose I could try running some through the drum carder just to see what happens, but I'm quite happy with the results from hand cards.

It's also very sproingy! Lot's of very fine crimp.

I'm spinning it up as a 2ply in about a DK weight. I plan to knit a pair of knee high cabled sock with it (actually, I've already got it started, just haven't gotten a chance to take a picture!)

Also, we are very excited! My husband just got a contract on a very big job! More on that later, but at least we know that we'll be able to keep a roof over our heads for the next 12-14 months. :)

It's a Girl!

For about 2 weeks now we've been expecting one of the Jennets, Eli, to have her baby. Well, Wednesday evening at around 9pm she finally did!

This year she had a beautiful little girl! She looks just like her momma too.

By the time I got out there yesterday afternoon, she was up and running around in the stall.

Too much cute!

Then, on my ride home, I found this turtle hanging out in the road. I've seen too many animals pancaked along this stretch, so I opted to move it somewhere safer.

I took it for a little ride in my basket. There is a creek and woods behind my house, far from roads. Much safer for Turtles.