Monthly Archives: February 2009
Getting Older
I went downtown last night with some friends, and was almost instantly reminded why I don’t like going downtown.
- Overcrowded bars
- Music too loud, prohibiting conversation
- The people all look the same – 20-somethings with button down shirts (men) or the latest higher end department store fashion with too much make-up (women)
- Closed and selective groups – bars could be great places to meet new people, but nobody’s interested
Thankfully we weren’t on the “young” side of 6th Street (Austin’s bar district); instead we were on the “older” side of 6th, where the people who used to party on young 6th go after they graduate college. On the old side, the bars are at least interestingly designed, with most having open rooftops and a little extra space. That ever-so-slightly makes up for the shitty people and dreadful music.
There were a few successes last night. I got to hang out with Mike Glass and Miguel (Texas 4000 friends), and meet a few of Mike’s friends (or try to over the crappy music). We randomly ran into Alex S. (another long lost Texas 4000 friend) on the sidewalk, and I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with my old buddy. He’s doing some really exciting things with his life these days, and it’s been almost a year since I last talked to him.
Before heading downtown last night, I had dinner with Mike Casey, my friend from Texas Cycling and later Texas 4000. He’s on his way south to San Antonio to undergo some pretty serious medical testing from the US Air Force, one of the first steps towards flying fighter jets for them. We might be seeing each other in similar career fields down the road.
And before that, I was shopping for food at Wheatsville Coop, my local food cooperative. Wheatsville has been around in Austin for a long, long time; and I’ve been shopping there off and on since I arrived here. Their produce is as local as possible, always looks good, and varies by season. I bought some stir-fry-able vegetables, fruit, and some ingredients for a soup later on this week. My new eating initiative is starting off well.
I have the rest of the day to myself, and think a good long bike ride is in order pretty soon.
Veloway
Outside of my window, there’s an orange and black Smart Car with bold(er) racing graphics and a big “01″ pasted on the side. It’s an incredible contradiction between appearance and performance – they’re certainly not fast cars.
I woke up early this Saturday morning, 7:00am, to meet some cycling folk at 8. I couldn’t fall asleep last night. The cat was fighting through the window with a stray that lives in our alley, lunging against the glass and growling all night; she’s quite territorial. The early morning felt much earlier than it should have. I was meeting with the new Texas 4000 riders, to provide some coaching as they introduce themselves to their new bikes.
We went out to Austin’s veloway, a three mile loop of pavement south-west of the city. The veloway is closed to traffic and pedestrians, making it a good place for the first time cyclist to get used to things. I hate the veloway. I don’t like bike paths or ride on bike paths – being in close proximity with a gaggle of very “recreational” riders, who often become too careless when the traffic element is removed, isn’t my cup of tea. But I put my feelings aside and went out anyway.
We had some good riding. I was able to demonstrate proper pedaling technique and bike position, help with some mechanical inquiries, show how gearing works and should be utilized, and talk Texas 4000. I still have a strong, almost fatherly attachment to the organization. While certain…philosophical differences…keep my involvement with upper echelons to a minimum, I do try to reach out to riders on an individual level as much as possible. The new team is looking pretty good. I would tell you to jump on their website for some updates, but it hasn’t been changed in six months or so. [Insert quip about philosophical differences here.]
I just had some coffee, and need to go buy some groceries now. The kitchen is pretty empty. I will report back with what I find, but remember, the goal now is processed-free and as local as possible. It should be a fun trip.
Normal
My friends from NY left town this morning, and our last day together yesterday was quite good. We went to the capitol around noon yesterday to see another mutual friend of ours, who showed us around a bit. She scheduled a private tour for us as well, but seeing how I used to work there too, I wasn’t too interested. Norene, Miguel and I snuck out as soon as we could, and had lunch on South Congress instead. Our final night together was spent at a dive bar on the eastside, having a few drinks and eating ice-cream from the gas station next door.
I think there’s something about extended distance friendships that makes them better than expected. I see these people maybe once every seven months, and while new forms of communication vaguely connect us, the space between really shapes things dramatically. But when we do get together, it’s like we’ve never been apart. If anything, the distance and separate experiences just give us more to talk about, and enriches the unique experiences we’ve shared in the past.
This all might be changing soon, of course, if they decide to make the move to sunny Texas. I certainly wouldn’t object.
I’ve been off work for two days – although it feels like I’ve been off all week, but will be returning in an hour. I think I have this weekend off too, but I might head in if I’m needed. Despite a busy social schedule during my time off, I’m feeling exceptionally fresh today – I think I gave my body something it was missing. I’m kind of looking forward to heading back to work actually – a good sign.
BBQ
Last night we engaged in a disgustingly delicious food pilgrimage. Dining with a purpose. Our group of ten (the Marlowe’s from NY, Texas 4000 teammate Usman, former Texas 4000 rider Brett and Vera, and four other friends) ventured out to The Salt Lick, approximately 45 minutes outside of Austin in Driftwood, TX, for what’s arguably the best BBQ in Texas.
I’m not much of a meat eater, eating it maybe once a week at the most, so typically a dinner made from a pound of animal(s) and some potatoes is a little off-putting. But they sure do know BBQ in Driftwood. We engorged ourselves, helped along with a box of wine (Salt Lick is “Bring Your Own Beverage”), on brisket, smoked turkey, sausage, and such. And our time was punctuated by great conversation and lots of laughs, making one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in a while. Food certainly becomes so much more when it’s shared.
We were in meat/wine comas by the time we hit the parking lot, but there were still more people to see, so we dropped by our favorite pub in Austin to continue the night. The last thing I needed in my stomach was beer, but we did play a few games of pool, and after half an hour or so everyone started to wake up again. I was home around 1:00am.
The Marlowe’s will probably be leaving this afternoon, and things will return to normal for a little while, then another friend of mine will be coming into town for the weekend. It’s nice to reconnect with old buddies, especially ones who share many of my most memorable experiences.
I’m off to a lunch date soon, then hopefully I can jump on the road bike for a few hours. I replaced my old and worn pedals yesterday, after probably 15,000 miles, and it’s smooth and quiet efficiency is drawing me in. Afterwards, I need to buy some new tupperware, to prep for my weekend of cooking. Should be a great day.
Guests
Two of my favorite people drove into Austin – from Rochester, NY – on Monday evening, hence the lack of blog posts since then. I’ve been bouncing around a little bit, trying to allocate my time accordingly between work and play. Monday night was a fairly late one, but I was perfectly content drinking Austin-brewed beer with my seldom-seen friend.
Starting this weekend, I’m planning on semi-radically changing my eating habits. The plan is to completely remove all processed foods from my diet. Completely. I’m going to start taking more advantage of the Austin Farmer’s Market – where I hope to get 70% of my food, and Wheatsville Coop and/or Whole Foods for the rest. Shooting for 90% locally grown. I’m going to return to bringing my lunch to work each day. Processed sugars will be the most difficult to cut (I like sweets), but if I can replace them with ripe seasonal fruit, I think I’ll make it. It just makes sense to run with this – the resources are available, I’m a capable cook, and it’ll do my body good.
You’ll definitely be kept updated as my transformation progresses.
The March backpacking trip is beginning to come together – that’s exciting. We have four definite hikers in – all very cool people at that, and a possible fifth if my friend from Rochester can join us. It’ll be a pleasant group of people wandering through the woods. Hopefully the weather will be good. March in the Ozarks is the typical unpredictable shoulder season – it could be warm, or cold, and probably rainy. Ecologically speaking, March is one of the prettier months to be hiking, so at least we have that going for us.
The past two days, and the remainder of this week has been beautiful for us weather wise. Completely sunny sky and mid-60 degree temperatures. We’re going to go ride bicycles a little later this afternoon, and then venturing to a Marlowe/Texas 4000 reunion this evening. Should be a good day.
