Relaxing in the sun with Marty

Mmmm... I like days like this. Summer this year has been way too brief, most of my time has been devoted to math, work, science writing, and pondering where on Earth I'll end up in terms of grad school. Lots to think about, which is why simply taking naps in the sun with my sweetie is so important.

DIY bike skills

Bike just about complete... new tires, hammered fenders, new handlebars and stem, cables, bar-end shifters, and a new Brooks saddle. I also learned how to true a wheel! The only thing left is to swap out the foot pedals and get some decent handlebar grips. I am still getting used to riding busy streets, but I have been commuting by bike twice a week (my goal is to slowly work up to every day). Yay!

Ok, now back to science!

sweet old school bike

Right now I am procrastinating on scientific writing in favor of fixing my bike... a 1971 Atala Competizone painted black except for the original chrome trim on the lugs and forks... mmm shiney.

With a little help from Marty I just replaced the tires with a new brand with thicker rubber, kevlar reinforcement, all-weather tread, and reflective bands (perfect for year round commuting). Next on my list is to install a pair of Honjo-esqe hammered metal fenders.

I also need to put in a taller stem with swept back handlebars for a more up right riding position (also helpful if you have a shorter torso/arms compared to the frame design). At some point I will also swap the downtube shifters (on the frame) with the bar-end variety (end of handbars) to make changing gears a little easier. Last on my list is purchasing a Brooks saddle, I just need to decide on which model and color to get...

Hopefully when I am all done I will have a stylish commuter bike that akin to a 1940's French portuer bike. :)

Diagram of what I like to ponder (2008 version)

Here is an old school pic I created to introduce myself at a training on cyberinfrastructure and ecological informatics in Costa Rica back back in 2008. Essentially it is a quicky diagram of what I like to think about and how I organize the information/questions/ideas that I aquire along the way. I will have to create a more up to date map... the landscape has changed a little since then.

Art Returned! :)

Me and E. O. Wilson

E. O. Wilson Bronze Medallion