Leaderboard

I ended up buying a RV Bumper hitch (which incidentally I'd never trust on the road) and bolting it to the back of my bike bench. It doubles as bike storage. I hung the new 2X rack (kids bikes are too big to fit in the car now) on the wall.

As my whiskey journey continues, I'm trying to settle into a solid rotation. Just got back from TW, and replenished the Four Roses Single Barrel and the OF 1920, both having become staples for me. I've decided to also always keep something on hand in the $25 - $30 range for visitors who want to mix with Coke, but something that's good enough to sip on should I choose to. Finally got around to picking up a bottle of the Elijah Craig Small Batch, and I'm pleasantly surprised. This is definitely something I could sip on regularly, and for $27 will reach for regularly. There are so many bottles on my list that I've yet to find in stock. Pikesville Rye and Willet Rye are among those I haven't found. I'm thoroughly enjoying that WT Rare Breed Rye though that @Barryrecommended, and will always keep a bottle on hand for as long as it is readily available.

Get a chain checker, there are several of them. If you take it to the shop the answer will almost always be yes, and they will only sell the expensive ones. Go to amazon and get a chain checker and two chains. Having a spare hanging around is never a bad thing. All 3 will be the cost of an expensive chain from a shop. The key in replacing the chain is to count the links, not size it relative to the length of the old one because they stretch. If you just do the comparison you will end up with increasing longer chains and more problems.

I don't know anything about compatibility for 8/9 speed chains, but I know that I needed different master links for the SRAM 11spd, SRAM 12spd, and Shimano 10spd. Regarding replacement of your chain, that should be done when it's worn out and not just because you broke a link. The bike shop can tell you when to replace the chain, or you can get a gauge that measures how stretched out it is. You should notice some degradation with your shifting when it is time to replace the chain.

@throet have you gotten over to Oak Liquor Cabinet? Add then to the rotation if not. That's the last place I picked up Willet Rye. And I'd bet they currently have Pikesville on the shelf. (Although maybe not since the Heavem Hill worker stike has slowed production.)

I did it the easy way: packaged andouille sausage, a rotisserie chicken from the hot rack, and frozen, peeled shrimp. Fresh veggies, though, and handmade roux. Used canola oil for the roux, but now want to try with butter and then again with bacon fat. Smoked chicken sounds good, though I'd have to find it somewhere cooked, as I have neither tools nor skills to do it myself.

White trash day drinking in folding chairs in the grass outside our hotel room. ABQ brewery (Ex Novo) in yeti-style wine glasses. Mass Ascension IPA, apparently it is a balloon thing living our best life.

Go over to Stuffed on 620 and get some of their andouille. Whole pork smoked sausage vs the ground stuff at H-E-B makes a world of difference. You can also smoke the chicken, duck, whatever a bit before boiling. My fav is with a couple of swamp rabbits or wild duck 🐰🦆

so far, this thread is disappointing me. have we suddenly become civilized or something? what happened to the practice of "pick a pedal and be a dick about it to everyone who does not confirm your subjective tastes" mentality?

In case I run into someone who has a flat on the trail. I don't want to give them my CO2. 🙂

They made squirrel gumbo or stew opening day of the hunting season at our hunting camp every year. They taste ok, just a PITA to clean and a lot of bone for the amount of meat you get from one. One of my dad's favorite things was squirrel brains. 🤢 Good to freak out the city relatives when they open the lid and see something staring back at them. 😉