AustinBike

My arborist said get some organic compost (not mulch) and spread it, around the trees. They recommend 1/4" to 1/2". You can calculate how much you need here: https://mcgillcompost.com/compost-calculator/ This is what we put down: https://www.lowes.com/pd/2-cu-ft-Organic-Compost-Provides-Organic-Nutrients/3589632

Yes, and it is worth throwing down some organic compost a couple times a year. It's cheap and plentiful at Lowes.

I just thought about this thread today. There is another clear use case for e-bikes: https://www.thedefensepost.com/2022/05/26/ukraine-electric-bikes-nlaws/ Again, I am not anti-e-bike, I just believe the the solid use cases are not on the trails. Urban commuting, delivery, replacing gas scooters, and now military. These are all good uses.

We're in the middle of a remodel. Took a look at our coverage and realized we were way undercovered. Talked to our contractor and he said, for planning purposes, assume ~$275 per square foot to rebuild a house. Insurance companies *generally* have a 20% buffer so that they don't need to change policies every year. In simple terms, if you make a claim, they will generally pay it all out up to 20% over the cost of the policy. So if your house is insured for $500K, if you have to rebuild it, they'd basically cover ~$600K - but check with your company. The simple formula for me is: square footage * 220. This will give you the approximate bottom number, the minimum amount of coverage. The issue has less to do with the TravisCAD valuation, it has everything to do with the rising cost of construction materials and labor. Remember that you only insure your house, not your lot. So if TravisCAD says your home is worth $800K and the lot is worth $300K, then you only need to really think about $500K. But, again, TravisCAD numbers should not be your guide.

Old porch on the front of the house was falling apart and the mosquitoes demand that we put a screen porch up: Steel frame, just like my bikes: The Trex deck is down and we're starting the build.

Very nice, when are you inviting the whole board over for a post-ride swim?

Interesting. I had a martini last night in celebration. Third one in my life. It was pretty good.

Here's a theoretical question: If someone gave you a really fancy bottle of rum, how would you drink it? Typically I've had it in overly fruity drinks like a hurricane or a Pina colada. But what about a real simple, straightforward drink. Like some lime, soda water, something like that. Any opinions?

Why no insurance? That is insane.

My friend's place has fallen into the "indefensible" range so at this point they *might* be ok, but if the fire gets there, there will be no stopping it. Estimates are that the fires will burn until the end of July 😞

Probably fishing and canoeing. Spent a lot of time in MN because I grew up in the midwest. Great fishing back in the day. Canada too.

Two pairs of Sony bookshelf speakers:

I am a firm believer in tubes. The number of times I have sat trailside with <name redacted> while he tries 2 or 3 bacon strips before giving up is high. Tubes are easy, one and done.

Yeah, it’s gearing closer to my friends at this point. Not looking good. But the wind is supposed to be lower this weekend so that will hopefully help.

Having spent a lot of time in Berlin, Dresden and other East German cities, I can say that the number of Porters that I have had is <checks notes>, um, zero. All of the Porters that I have had in Europe have been almost exclusively in England and Scotland. Germany has a ton of great beers but I would be looking for dunkels, lagers and pils in Germany. If I wanted something more substantial I'd go for their "heavy beers", basically anything ending in "tor" like a good Spaten Optimator.

Just an FYI, keep an eye on fires. I have a friend with property up there and they just sent me a video of the smoke plumes pretty close to their place. Be sure to have a backup plan.

My money is on Shimano. Brain dead simple to bleed, consistent across their whole line. Cheap enough on sale that I don't worry about rebuilding.

If it were Shimano I'd tell you to bring them by my house and I could bleed them, but I have no Avid experience, and from what I hear, don't want any. I have the Shimano kit and fluid, a full bleed takes about an hour for both wheels once you factor in the beer time in the middle.

Anyone have eyes on WC? My gut says this will tamp down the moon dust and the car is already packed. Let me know if riding is going to be an issue tonight.

Yeah, I just rode the streets. Better riding in Rockport than Port A. Went home and drank a bunch of red wine and that was better than the ride.

Totally high on dog pills, actually enjoying the dog trailer (as much as he can). Cue Jeff Spicoli: "All I need is some tasty waves and a cool buzz and I'm fine."

Singlespeeding on Port Aransas beach. Basically made it about 50' with my street tires. I brought a wet noodle to a knife fight.

Both bikes were clean when I picked them up, I did not "pay" to have them cleaned. I hosed both down well before I went in so they were not dirty in my mind, but I have a different vision of a dirty bike than most I assume. The prices were fair, so if they are cleaning it in addition, that was a bonus. I especially like that they replaced an Orbea bearing that was making noise, I was surprised that they had the size in stock, I'm guessing Orbea must be fairly standard because everything else comes from Spain.

Bought a new chainring because mine was pretty bad Tried like hell to remove the crank but it was not coming off. Dropped the bike off this morning and got it back at the end of the day. Yeah, it needed replacing Another good service job, I am very happy at this point.

Fridge gone