NEW BIKE DAY!!!

US MSRP: $1,500*

• 4130 double-butted cromoly frame with ISCG mounts and vertical drop outs
• Marzocchi Dirt Jumper 2 80mm travel fork with 20mm thru-axle
• BMX-style 4130 cromoly tubular cranks with Syncros chainguide
• SRAM X.9 8-speed rear derailleur; short cage
• Avid BBDB 5 mechanical disc brakes

	Pea Soup

*Actual retail price may vary based on any added dealer freight, tax, and assembly fees. Frame 4130 Double Butted Cromo W/ ISCG integrated mount and vertical drop outs Sizes 13” Short , 13” Long Frame Shock N/A Fork Marzocchi Dirt Jumper 2; 20mm Thru Axle 80mm Travel Headset Ritchey Drop In Internal Crank Set 4130 Tubular Cromo 10 spline interface W/ e.thirteen 32t crownwheel Bottom Bracket Euro Sealed Derailleur Front Syncros Chainguide Derailleur Rear SRAM X.9 Composite Short Cage Freewheel SRAM PG850 8-Speed 11-28 Chain Shimano HG40 Pedals Pivit Featherlite w/ Replaceable Pins Handlebar Syncros FR riser bar; 40mm rise 710mm width; 31.8 clamp Stem Syncros FR; 50mm extension; 31.8 clamp Grips SDG Lock On Derailleur Shifter SRAM X5 Trigger Shifter; 8 Speed Right Side Only Saddle SDG Skylite I-Beam Seat Post SDG I Beam Alloy Mirco Adjust 25.4 Seat Post Clamp Pivit alloy bolt on Hubset Pivit Sealed 120t driver disc Alloy 8/9 Speed Cassette; Pivit 20mm Sealed Rim SUN S.O.S 32h Spokes Stainless Steel 14g Tires Kenda Small Block 8 2.35F / Kiniption 2.3R Brakes Avid BBDB 5 Mechanical Disc w/ 6” Rotor Brake Lever Avid FR5

So.. you survived the data sheet :D Did you understand any of it? I can upload the geometry schematics too if you wish. But if you haven't already heard or figured it out by now I have a newly added mistress to my harem of bicycles. I'd like you all to meet my new DJ (dirt jump) bike. Made from chromolly steel for a very smooth ride this baby is a mix between a BMX bike and a hardtail mountain bike. It's main riding design if you haven't guessed is for lofting yourself off of large kickers and manicured jumps, but it's also burly enough to be ridden down some pretty good trails. Ever since I spent my first winter on Elizabeths tiny little red bike I've been craving a good light bike that could be ridden in the town, and at the local dirt jumps. The streets here in Pocatello don't stay covered in snow, and so I'm hoping that as the mountains begin to be closed to biking that I'll be able to keep honing some of my new found "skills" by riding this sweet baby! Stairs, Walls, Dirt Jumps, and Retaining Walls beware this is going to be fun :D

If you're still reading I guess you're probably interested in knowing the story of how I got this little gal. Well I first wanted to get her when Scott's (bike shop I wrench at) picked up Haro Bikes this year, but sadly even with Employee Purchase this beauty was out of my price range for most of the summer. She retails for about $1500, and the shop gets them for about $850, and with the 20% of wholesale that comes to roughly $650-$700 for Employee Purchase. I still wanted it though and as mom has often told me (generally in reference to getting my room clean) that whenever I wanted something I somehow tend to find a way to get it (she would then punctuate the point that I should want to clean my room and then I'd find a way to get it done). So I've been putting little bits of money aside all summer hoping to maybe have enough by seasons end, but when I totaled the books I only had enough for the bike that's a few tiers down from this guy :(.


It's not a bad little bike, but it's kinda like buying a Kia Sephia when what you really want is a Nissan Xterra. It does the job... but.. well you all know. But being the budget friendly guy I am I decided to go and order what I could afford, but to my great pleasure I found that the Haro Steel Reserve 8 was on clearance for only a few bucks more than the 1.2 :D

And well.. the rest is kinda history, and since I'm scheduled to go riding here in like 10 min I better wrap this up and get to the trail. When I get pictures I'll post them, but until then just admit to yourself that you're a tiiinny bit jealous ;)

Down Time

Ok... so those of you who I've promised to blog

about my Labor Day trip to Colorado, my apologies. This is not it. I'm still waiting for same footage from my friend Ty(designated camera man). Due to this lack of footage, an immense amount of homework, and the fact that my poor mistress had her deraileur tore off, there has been a stupid amount of cycling down time. Parts should be coming soon, but until then I've settled into my bed, and have collected a wonderful selection of short cycling shots that I think are the bomb. Enjoy :D

Letter to my future Wife

Inspired by limegreenmoviegirl.blogspot.com


Dear Wife, Wifey, Buttercup, or Buttmunch. Whatever it is I end up calling you when you finally get around to showing up. I just wanted to let you know that I'm a superhero. Yes I know that my scraggly arms and tiny calves aren't exactly grade A Superman, and the fact that you can play my ribcage like an xylophone isn't exactly your typical trademarks of the man who will constantly be saving you from my maniacal nemesis Dr. Octotoes, but believe me I will save you. And even if you don't believe me and feel inclined to scoff at me when I'm flexing in the bathroom mirror please take note of my amazing Superpowers.

1)I can fly(It requires my bicycle, but no one gave Batman any crap for using a gliding cape)

2)I can lift 4 gallons of milk with one hand. It'd be five but the thumb doesn't bend that way.

3)I have femmie sense. They're not nearly as honed as Spiderman's Spider senses, but I can sense the proper moment to ooh and aah, and when to restock on the household chocolate supply.

4)I change diapers.

5)I change blowouts.

6)I remember to take out the trash.

7)Jedi mind tricks are nothing compared my monkey toes that can retrieve a remote from over 6 feet away without moving.

8)I can change a flat.

9)I can empty an entire refridgerator in under 3 hours.

10)Those spandex tights in the closet... ya those are mine... what do you think they're for?


If you still scoff at my Heroisms... well just ask the children ;) They know that I'm a Superhero.

Who ever said nothing in life was free... Was Wrong

Ok... so I must've helped some old lady cross the street in the Premortal life because I certainly don't think that I deserve any of what I'm about to show you, but somehow or another I've been exceptionally blessed with some goods, that while temporal, are very much appreciated.

The story runs as follows...

In the space of Thursday morning to Saturday evening I have somehow managed to have item after item given to me from friends, coworkers, and some guy who was helping me move stuff.

1. Snowshoes... Retail Value $50-$100 Donated by: Scott's Ski and Sports

2. 661 Carbon Full Face Helmet. Retail Value $100-$150 Donated by: Fellow Mechanic Alan Worley

Rossignol Pro1 Race Boot Retail Value $700 Donated by: Scott's Ski and Sports

And last but certainly not least: MY NEW 42" Plasma Flatscreen... Donated by: Some guy named Kenny.

Ok... so the TV isn't really mine... yet... The way that worked out is on Thursday I was helping a friend of mine move out of her apartment. Whilst standing in the midst of mobile chaos in walks a guy to help another one of the girls living in the apartment. We get to talking and turns out he has so many Flatscreen TV's (some people are just cursed) that he really doesn't want to pack them all up. We get to talking.. I (being male) mention how I wished I had one.. and he.. being kind (or stupid) says that I can take it for the summer and if by summers end I want to keep it he'll sell it for $350... Still debating on the purchasing thing... but I must say that it's very tempting.

Anyway... I know it's no where near as cool as your children, but hey.. they're like babies to me so read it and wheep... Gotta love being in the right place at the right time.

Once a Nerd always a Nerd

I'm not too sure how many of you remember the "laboratory" that I constructed in the basement of the Chiloquin house. I didn't look like much. Kinda was just a collection of cut up soda bottles to the untrained eye, but you didn't know I was building my own airtanks :P....

I digress, but the reason I bring it up now is that I have realized that you can take the boy out of the Lab, but you can't take the lab out of the boy. And thanks to a Mother who can dream with her children, I have finally finished building the COOLEST THING since Dexter's Laboratory. Behold... My 8'x3' White Board.

I know the photos aren't the best... Reflective surfaces in a dimly lit room aren't the best, but as you can somewhat see... with a few upholstery tacks and twenty dollars I was able to acquire and hang two 4'x3' sheets of whiteboard acquired from Lowes for only 9.69 a piece. The idea was so ingenious even my engineer minded roommate Myka got in on the action. With his own giant white-board. Now he's got a place to sketch out the designs for his motorcycle. :D









Why all this work do you ask? Well... It came as a desire to write out my thoughts for an extensive study I'm currently doing on the Allegory of the Olive Tree. I've also discovered that I am what's known as a "Structuralist" amongst literary scholars. In short whenever I read something I construct patterns, boxes, and categories into my mind. This board is going to be my best friend in Scripture Study, English Class, and for whenever I want to outline my thoughts concerning any literature I get my pudgy little paws on. :D Maybe I sound nuts.. Maybe I am.. who knows, but in the end I know that you're all jealous of my SUPER SWEET WHITE-BOARD.

JEALOUSY!!!

Ok... So as I mentioned in a previous post my good buddy John had gotten his hands on a pretty sweet Downhill Bike known as the GLORY from Giant. I'll spare you all the techy details on why it is so cool, but yesterday when it came in the mail we were both like two kids on Christmas Morning!! John called sick to work, and I(having no work, or homework for that matter) dedicated an entire afternoon to building it up. (NOTE: Here is where I would normally list off all the cool stuff like CODE DISC BRAKES, BOXXER FORK, AND POLISHED ALUMINUM FRAME... but if you notice I have refrained :P ) A few tightened, loosened, and retightened bolts later, also a quick run to the LBS(Local Bike Shop) for a new chain, and we were pulling wheelies up and down the street just like when we 14. At this point I think I caught Kaylee, John's Wife, shaking her head and muttering, "what have I done?". But she was cool enough to escort us on our next mandatory endeavor. JUMPS!

Now I don't know how it goes for girls, but I am certain that there is some eternal law decreed that any boy who gets a new bike, must immediately search out some way of becoming airborne despite any condition of Weather, of Law. Armed with John's new toy, and a loaned BMX bike we set off for a local park where we could find a potential jump. It was buried under about 4 inches of snow, and even though you had to roll over a crumbled pile of concrete in order to get any speed the jump proved to be quite successful, so long as you didn't brake as this would cause the bike to lose all traction whatsoever. I unfortunately didn't have my camera on me so no pictures can be provided at this time, but after a little digging in the snow we had a decent little kicker on our hands. We even returned later that night and with the use of our strategically placed headlights were able to continue the fun in the dark. John was even kind enough to let me ride his new bike, and I must agree that it lives up to the name because it was GLORIOUS!! I've never felt a Downhill bike that was so nimble. The agility and handling was superb, but at the same time the bike was rock solid taking larger bumps. I must say that I am completely jealous now...

Doubting Thomas

As we sojourn through this life we are often caught up in the daily struggle for survival. The steady grind of heartbeats that take us from one breath to the next. We begin to see the world through a filter, a filter that shows us what we want to see rather than what we really see. It zooms in onto the minutest parts of our lives, pulling the surroundings of the larger picture out of focus. It is often what makes life bearable. It is what keeps us sane, and if that filter is removed with tainted hands our very sense of self can collapse. Sometimes, however. Sometimes a hand that is pure of spirit, and free of taint will come and will remove that filter. It may come in instance as we stand in the grocery line, or it may sneak by so slowly through are friends and family that we never notice that it was there. It may come in a sight, a sound, or a smell. It may come through a few soft spoken words echoing through the power of a microphone. But when it does come, and for each of us it will, and when that filter is removed, we are granted a brief look into the awesome majesty of what this life really is. IT IS AMAZING. And it has recently made me feel quite smile. A speck in the vastness of infinity. And even though I cannot emphasis with Moses words, I truly can believe it when he said "Now, for this cause I know that man is nothing, which thing I never had supposed."

Today as I was driving in my car I heard a song that I often listened to on my Mission, and it seemed to reflect my own feelings unto me as it had so often done during my service to the Germans. It's called Doubting Thomas.

"Doubting Thomas"

What will be left when I've drawn my last breath
Besides the folks I've met and the folks who've known me
Will I discover a soul-saving love
Or just the dirt above and below me

I'm a doubting Thomas
I took a promise
But I do not feel safe
Oh me of little faith

Sometimes I pray for a slap in the face
Then I beg to be spared cause I'm a coward
If there's a master of death
I bet he's holding his breath
As I show the blind and tell the deaf about his power

I'm a doubting Thomas
I can't keep my promises
Cause I don't know what's safe
Oh me of little faith

Can I be used to help others find truth
When I'm scared I'll find proof that it's a lie
Can I be led down a trail dropping bread crumbs
That prove I'm not ready to die

Please give me time to decipher the signs
Please forgive me for time that I've wasted

I'm a doubting Thomas
I'll take your promise
Though I know nothin's safe
Oh me of little faith

As always... when reading the scriptures it's important to always read to the end. For even after Moses sees all of the Lords Creations, and is left unto himself to understand the reality of his weaknesses. He is then shown an even greater picture. One that trancends all other creations.

FOR BEHOLD, THIS IS MY WORK AND MY GLORY- TO BRING TO PASS THE IMMORTALITY AND ETERNAL LIFE OF MAN.

Just some food for thought.

HELP I"M OUT OF OPIATES!!!

Ever since I last pulled my bike from the dusty confines of the storage shed I have been suffering from some serious summer day withdrawals. Now I know some of you(*cough cough* Daniel) think that there is nothing better than a good long winter, and I would be inclined to agree if but for one thing: WHERE THE HECK IS THE SNOW!!! Sheesh the weather here is about as decisive as a girl trying to decide between fuchsia or periwinkle toenail polish. That and given the current variables of $$$$, knee, and time are at an all time low this winter has seriously begun to blow.

So in order to keep myself sane I have prescribed myself the following doses of BIKING GOODNESS.

STEP ONE: GO TO PINKBIKE.COM

THEN CHECK OUT THE POD:(PICTURE OF THE DAY)

AFTER THAT I THEN GO BEGIN UPLOADING THE VOD(VIDEO OF THE DAY)

AND AS THAT LOADS I GO TO THE BUY/SELL PAGE AND LOOK AT THE WORLDS BEST ONLINE GARAGE SALE!!!

OOH... THIS LOOKS NICE, AND IT'S ONLY $650... (contemplate completely unjustified road to Sandy Oregon for a test ride..... still contemplating)

PHONE RINGS: TEXT MESSAGE FROM JOHN: DUDE KAYLEE GAVE ME PERMISSION TO GET THAT BIKE I TOLD YOU ABOUT!!!!

LOOK UP GIANT GLORY THAT JOHN IS BUYING AND DROOL FOR ABOUT 15 MIN.

STILL DROOLING,(NOTICE THE CUSTOM SILVER PAINT JOB, AND THE 2010 ROCKSHOX BOXXER... THIS THING IS MINT!!!!)(AND DON'T FORGET THE MAESTRO REAR SUSPENSION) AND CONTEMPLATING A SNATCH AND GRAB MOVE NEXT TIME I SEE A UPS TRUCK AT JOHN'S HOUSE.

I MUST HIDE MY FACE AT THIS POINT IN ORDER TO HIDE THE TEARS, AND THEN SEDATE MYSELF BY WATCHING THE FINALLY LOADED VOD.

REPEAT EVERY FIVE MINUTES OR AS NEEDED UNTIL SUNNY DAYS FREQUENT THE SKY