I had a long, rough week at work, and I'm still recovering. I had to force myself to get on the bike and ride today. I hadn't ridden too far before I started feeling refreshed.
I've been on a roll, book wise. I haven't read too many books over the past few years (I'll explain why sometime in the future).
Over the last couple of weeks I've read two books by John Steinbeck. Nathan (The Friday Cyclotouriste) suggested I read another Steinbeck book, The Log from the Sea of Cortez. Unfortunately it wasn't available at this book store. I ended up grabbing a copy of Into the Wild. I read another Jon Krakauer book, Into Thin Air, several years ago and really enjoyed it.
After the book store I took a quick ride down to the trail. Apparently somebody just had their 40th birthday.
I like riding this short section of dirt trail. There are some very minor obstacles, roots and a few rocks, it's just enough to give me an idea how my bike would handle off-road.
I've always thought that there is much that could be done with this house. I like the double doors, glass, and mid-century modern looking metal work near the entrance. I was surprised to see the for sale sign in the yard. It's way out of my price range, but if there's an open house, I'll be there to check it out.
As I was taking a short break on the trail, a very fit gentleman passed by on his carbon fiber road bike. He slowed, turned back around and asked if I was the Rat Trap Press guy (or something to that effect). Like most cyclists, he probably wouldn't know me from Adam if I was walking through the mall, but he recognized the bike in a flash. I have a hard time remembering faces, but if I'm on a group ride I'll remember somebody by what they're riding. It was nice meeting you Paul. I'll see you out on the trail.
Those durn flamingos are EVERYWHERE!
ReplyDeleteI just read the "Log from the Sea of Cortez" a few years ago. A great read. Of course, in my opinion, any Steinbeck book is a great read.
ReplyDeleteIf you haven't read it yet, you might want to try "Cannery Row", and then "Sweet Thursday". Some light and humorous fiction, as opposed to some of his heavier stuff.
It sounds to me like you are riding a celebrity. Kind of like someone identifying Silver and asking the rider if he was the Lone Ranger.
You'll love "Travels With Charlie".
ReplyDeleteAs for"log from the Sea of Cortez" SWMBO and I retraced it's route in the Sea of Cortez and spent years among the mangroves and never did enjoy the heady fragrance mentioned in the book. We think he made it up.
I'm known for my bikes here and because I carry my own shopping bags and refuse plastic bags. Behind my back I'm referred to as that "weirdo" you know the old man that wears that kilt thinghy.
Hi -- first comment from me. Just wanted to say that I really enjoy your two-wheeled rambles through Fort Worth. Thanks for giving us a great "cyclist's eye" view of your city.
ReplyDeleteI also share your interest in the mid-century modern architectural aesthetic. I wonder if I can scare up an online realtor's posting of that house so I can take a closer look...
I been wanting to read Jon Krakauer's into the wild. Im so happy to see more books+bike connection posts, so cool!
ReplyDeleteThe girls here in SF have started our own book club (babes, books and bikes) and it has been so much fun already. Let's just say we started with Larsson's girl with the dragon tattoo.
good times.
=)
You are famous!
ReplyDeleteOh and another vote from me on Steinbeck's Monterey series: Sweet Thursday, Cannery Row and Tortilla Flats
That's funny, I read Into Thin Air when it came out and it kind of put me off Krakauer. It didn't seem completely honest somehow. Riveting though.
ReplyDeleteMy mom and I used to spend a lot of time at Half Priced Books :)
ReplyDeleteI loved the introduction [in my edition] of the Sea Of Cortez, about Steinbeck's friend Ed Rickets.
Maybe I will see you on the trail when I am in Fort Worth next Feb/March?
It's always cool to be recognized from a blog. It's happened to me a couple of times. Fun!
ReplyDeleteThat dirt trail looks quite inviting ...
Steve A-The birthday morning flamingo surprise appears to be popular around here.
ReplyDeleteBig Oak-Cannery Row was one of the books I read. Doc was a great character. I'll have to check out "Sweet Thursday". I don't think I can handle "The Grapes of Wrath" or anything that depressing.
Old Fool-"Travels with Charley" was the other Steinbeck book I read, I enjoyed it.
I bet anybody in rural Louisiana who rides a bike, not because he has to but just because he wants to, would be considered a weirdo. I'm pretty sure that designation doesn't bother you.
The Ronaghan Family-I meant to drive by the house on my way to work this morning to get the realtor's info from the sign, but, I was in a hurry and forgot. I'll look it up online. There are quite a few mid-century modern homes in southwest side of town. I wonder if people would get upset if I started posting photos of their homes on my blog? Google does it.
I'm really glad you like the blog. Thanks for stopping by and saying hello.
Meligrossa-Bikes, books, coffee, it all goes together.
limom-I hope all this new found fame doesn't go to my head.
RANTWICK-It's been many years since I read Into Thin Air. I remember hoping that the Sherpas were well paid for the idiotic stuff that they had to put up with. I recall being very frustrated with people's stupid decisions. I'm sure Into the Wild will leave me just as frustrated.
antbikemike-Yes, let me know when you're in town. Maybe (if you're up for it)we can get a small group together for an easy paced ride.
Apertome-I'm tempted to ride one of the area beginner level mountain bike trails on my touring bike just for a change of pace.