Sixty-One

Self portrait. GT in his basement shop.

Well, it's THAT day again! The day on which I was born sixty-one years ago is today. So, in light of this auspicious occasion, I am going to take some time to reflect on a few things. Here we go, in no particular order....

• Two years....well-almost two... of this pandemic is tiring. I feel like it has been 2020 forever. 
• Last year was.....uggh! Last year was great too. Lots of changes happened. 
• Working as a mover for a moving company part time here and there has been enlightening. You've no idea how hard these people work. Think about your toughest days on a bicycle. It's that hard- maybe harder- and those guys and gals do that five days a week. 
• I still like riding bicycles- a lot! 
• I still like playing guitar 
• I still really enjoy writing. 
• I love my family and count myself super-blessed to have a wife and two children that love me.

I have my health, such as it is. It is good, but sixty-one years and you know what? Things change. I'm not complaining. It is what it is. And that is mostly really good for my age. But I won't kid you- as you age, you'd better become acquainted with pain, changing performance of certain body parts, and hair management where you thought hair would never grow! Just kidding! A little......

Thanks for reading G-Ted Productions. I hope that you have an awesome day!

Sixty-One

Self portrait. GT in his basement shop.

Well, it's THAT day again! The day on which I was born sixty-one years ago is today. So, in light of this auspicious occasion, I am going to take some time to reflect on a few things. Here we go, in no particular order....

• Two years....well-almost two... of this pandemic is tiring. I feel like it has been 2020 forever. 
• Last year was.....uggh! Last year was great too. Lots of changes happened. 
• Working as a mover for a moving company part time here and there has been enlightening. You've no idea how hard these people work. Think about your toughest days on a bicycle. It's that hard- maybe harder- and those guys and gals do that five days a week. 
• I still like riding bicycles- a lot! 
• I still like playing guitar 
• I still really enjoy writing. 
• I love my family and count myself super-blessed to have a wife and two children that love me.

I have my health, such as it is. It is good, but sixty-one years and you know what? Things change. I'm not complaining. It is what it is. And that is mostly really good for my age. But I won't kid you- as you age, you'd better become acquainted with pain, changing performance of certain body parts, and hair management where you thought hair would never grow! Just kidding! A little......

Thanks for reading G-Ted Productions. I hope that you have an awesome day!

60

Crusty, dusty, but still rolling.

 It's just another day, really. Lots to be more concerned about than marking another trip around the Sun for me. But, as has been pointed out to me by certain family members, the fact that I am around seems important. I guess when you stop to think about it, it is remarkable. 

There was that whole debacle of growing up in the 60's and 70's, back when, as Jerry Seinfeld says, we were like raccoons to our parents. They knew one was around, but they never really connected with it. 

Then there was that whole "Lost Decade" thing I went through in my 20's, and the depths of a divorce and two career changes in my 30's. Yeah.....things could have went a lot worse, or could have ended a long time ago.

So, while I may downplay the importance of this day, I would be remiss to not make note of it as well. I'm not the only one that matters here. No- I am connected to many others, and some care about me. So, you may want to know that today I am marking the big "Six-Oh!" Let the jokes and derogatory comments about aging commence! 

I've no big plans for this day. It's hard to make plans like some do- like riding your age in miles, or what have you- because January can be so unpredictable, inhospitable, and downright stupid to do things like that. So, I may roll wheels, I may just hang with family, or both. I am a blessed man. Very.....very blessed. 

Actually, to mark the occasion I may get my hair cut. First time in almost a year. COVID-induced long-hair-ism, you could say. It's not a good look, lets just say that. I'll likely have to talk Mrs. Guitar Ted into the shearing duties. We'll see......

Anyway, once again, I thank you all for stopping by to read here. It is much appreciated, and I hope you all have been enjoying the blog.

60

Crusty, dusty, but still rolling.

 It's just another day, really. Lots to be more concerned about than marking another trip around the Sun for me. But, as has been pointed out to me by certain family members, the fact that I am around seems important. I guess when you stop to think about it, it is remarkable. 

There was that whole debacle of growing up in the 60's and 70's, back when, as Jerry Seinfeld says, we were like raccoons to our parents. They knew one was around, but they never really connected with it. 

Then there was that whole "Lost Decade" thing I went through in my 20's, and the depths of a divorce and two career changes in my 30's. Yeah.....things could have went a lot worse, or could have ended a long time ago.

So, while I may downplay the importance of this day, I would be remiss to not make note of it as well. I'm not the only one that matters here. No- I am connected to many others, and some care about me. So, you may want to know that today I am marking the big "Six-Oh!" Let the jokes and derogatory comments about aging commence! 

I've no big plans for this day. It's hard to make plans like some do- like riding your age in miles, or what have you- because January can be so unpredictable, inhospitable, and downright stupid to do things like that. So, I may roll wheels, I may just hang with family, or both. I am a blessed man. Very.....very blessed. 

Actually, to mark the occasion I may get my hair cut. First time in almost a year. COVID-induced long-hair-ism, you could say. It's not a good look, lets just say that. I'll likely have to talk Mrs. Guitar Ted into the shearing duties. We'll see......

Anyway, once again, I thank you all for stopping by to read here. It is much appreciated, and I hope you all have been enjoying the blog.

Happenings Of Late

A new set of Easton wheels to review

With the sudden arrival of Winter proper last weekend, I have been holed up, for the most part, catching up on things, shoveling snow, or doing maintenance. Family time has also been high up on the menu lately as well.

So, last weekend I had to bust out the shovels and do my duty. We have a sidewalk, parking on the street out front, and I help keep the widow woman's walk and driveway clear with the help of my son as well. It's hard work, shoveling, but it burns up a lot of energy and works muscles I do not get to work when cycling. I guess I actually like doing it too. I know.......weird, huh? But I feel good about myself and the job I can do after shoveling.

I was spending time with my two kids on Monday, since they did not have school on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. I figured I would ride to work Tuesday, which I did, but then Wednesday was another big snowfall day here and I spent the better part of the morning shoveling with my son. Plus, Tuesday and Wednesday the kids got the day off from school, so they were around more and we got to hang out together more than I thought I would.

Then the furnace guy had to come to inspect the boiler, (passed with flying colors), and then the whole family had dental appointments, (passed with flying colors). Then errands, and after all of that, we went out to eat for my birthday. After this, I got presented with a special birthday cake my daughter bought for me.

I did get to squeeze in some time working on bicycles as well. I revived the "other Inbred", which is a single speed. I also started setting up those Easton wheels, but I don't know how soon I'll be getting to ride them in the upcoming frigid temperatures.

Riding home from work Tuesday in mashed potato snow.

So, now we have snow. Yeah, and I am not really stoked on it because it is the typical granular, sugar-snow which when the temperatures reach 25°F or so, turns into mashed potatoes. I can ride through it, but it takes a lot of effort, and it isn't a whole lot of fun. The did try grooming some trails here, so we'll have to see how that turns out.

In the meantime, I am scheduled to be in Des Moines for the Iowa Bicycle Summit Friday. It is supposed to snow again that day. I sure hope I can get back! (Or even get there!) Plus, it is supposedly going to get bitterly cold starting then through to the end of the following week. That may help this snow set up, or it will turn into beach sand and be darn near impossible to ride through. We'll see.

Happenings Of Late

A new set of Easton wheels to review

With the sudden arrival of Winter proper last weekend, I have been holed up, for the most part, catching up on things, shoveling snow, or doing maintenance. Family time has also been high up on the menu lately as well.

So, last weekend I had to bust out the shovels and do my duty. We have a sidewalk, parking on the street out front, and I help keep the widow woman's walk and driveway clear with the help of my son as well. It's hard work, shoveling, but it burns up a lot of energy and works muscles I do not get to work when cycling. I guess I actually like doing it too. I know.......weird, huh? But I feel good about myself and the job I can do after shoveling.

I was spending time with my two kids on Monday, since they did not have school on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. I figured I would ride to work Tuesday, which I did, but then Wednesday was another big snowfall day here and I spent the better part of the morning shoveling with my son. Plus, Tuesday and Wednesday the kids got the day off from school, so they were around more and we got to hang out together more than I thought I would.

Then the furnace guy had to come to inspect the boiler, (passed with flying colors), and then the whole family had dental appointments, (passed with flying colors). Then errands, and after all of that, we went out to eat for my birthday. After this, I got presented with a special birthday cake my daughter bought for me.

I did get to squeeze in some time working on bicycles as well. I revived the "other Inbred", which is a single speed. I also started setting up those Easton wheels, but I don't know how soon I'll be getting to ride them in the upcoming frigid temperatures.

Riding home from work Tuesday in mashed potato snow.

So, now we have snow. Yeah, and I am not really stoked on it because it is the typical granular, sugar-snow which when the temperatures reach 25°F or so, turns into mashed potatoes. I can ride through it, but it takes a lot of effort, and it isn't a whole lot of fun. The did try grooming some trails here, so we'll have to see how that turns out.

In the meantime, I am scheduled to be in Des Moines for the Iowa Bicycle Summit Friday. It is supposed to snow again that day. I sure hope I can get back! (Or even get there!) Plus, it is supposedly going to get bitterly cold starting then through to the end of the following week. That may help this snow set up, or it will turn into beach sand and be darn near impossible to ride through. We'll see.

Another Trip Around The Sun

Ain't gettin' any younger here.....

Today is my birthday.

Thought I may as well get that out of the way right up front. I am not looking for any extra special shout outs from any of you out there, but on the occasion of this momentous day, (well.....for me and my family, it is momentous), I thought about a couple of things that I wanted to share today.

I was thinking, at my age now, I don't receive many cards that, at one time, I never thought about not getting again. Not that I deserved to get them, but that I didn't acknowledge getting them, maybe, as well as I should have.

I won't be getting any more of those great birthday cards with $5.00 in them from Grandma ever again. I won't be ever getting another card from my parents. Those are cards I never thought about not getting anymore. But as with all of us, time marches on and we only have a very short time on this Earth.

So, don't tell me "Happy Birthday" today, but I would rather that you gave someone you love a call, or a hug, and tell them you love them, and look at them and remember.

Because one day you won't have that chance anymore.

I hope y'all have a great day!

Another Trip Around The Sun

Ain't gettin' any younger here.....

Today is my birthday.

Thought I may as well get that out of the way right up front. I am not looking for any extra special shout outs from any of you out there, but on the occasion of this momentous day, (well.....for me and my family, it is momentous), I thought about a couple of things that I wanted to share today.

I was thinking, at my age now, I don't receive many cards that, at one time, I never thought about not getting again. Not that I deserved to get them, but that I didn't acknowledge getting them, maybe, as well as I should have.

I won't be getting any more of those great birthday cards with $5.00 in them from Grandma ever again. I won't be ever getting another card from my parents. Those are cards I never thought about not getting anymore. But as with all of us, time marches on and we only have a very short time on this Earth.

So, don't tell me "Happy Birthday" today, but I would rather that you gave someone you love a call, or a hug, and tell them you love them, and look at them and remember.

Because one day you won't have that chance anymore.

I hope y'all have a great day!

Orbit #57

I may be old and battered, but I'm still kickin'! Image by A Jardon/G-Ted Productions

Completion of Orbit #57 happened today. That's right, today is that day. 

They say you are only as old as you feel. They say you are only as old as you act. I say I don't think about how old I am. Well, once in a while I do, but for the most part, I have to be reminded and then sometimes I am surprised at how old I am. I hope that doesn't change.....

That said, time marches on, and I have a limit to what is available to me. If you've been paying attention, around about the end of every year I get to thinking and say that I should be making changes in my life. For the most part, I have, and it has been good. But there are changes coming in lives close to me that are going to make changes (willing changes) on my part happen sooner than later. We must change or die. Even death is really just a change.... Better get used to change now.

Anyway, I think you'll notice some changes here soon, and those will be good all around. Stay tuned on that........

However; today is today. I wish you all the best. Thanks for reading, as always. Don't worry- I'll be celebrating today, and contemplating what Orbit #58 will bring to view. Till tomorrow......

Orbit #57

I may be old and battered, but I'm still kickin'! Image by A Jardon/G-Ted Productions

Completion of Orbit #57 happened today. That's right, today is that day. 

They say you are only as old as you feel. They say you are only as old as you act. I say I don't think about how old I am. Well, once in a while I do, but for the most part, I have to be reminded and then sometimes I am surprised at how old I am. I hope that doesn't change.....

That said, time marches on, and I have a limit to what is available to me. If you've been paying attention, around about the end of every year I get to thinking and say that I should be making changes in my life. For the most part, I have, and it has been good. But there are changes coming in lives close to me that are going to make changes (willing changes) on my part happen sooner than later. We must change or die. Even death is really just a change.... Better get used to change now.

Anyway, I think you'll notice some changes here soon, and those will be good all around. Stay tuned on that........

However; today is today. I wish you all the best. Thanks for reading, as always. Don't worry- I'll be celebrating today, and contemplating what Orbit #58 will bring to view. Till tomorrow......

Happy Birthday Jacob!

This is a photo of my son, Jacob, photobombing a family picture I was taking recently

14 years ago today at approximately 5:00am in the morning I was sleeping in a motorhome in Oskaloosa, Iowa when I was awakened by a phone call. It was Mrs. Guitar Ted. She said, "My water broke...". That set in to motion a series of events which saw me leaving my post as a mechanic on RAGBRAI, getting dumped off in front of a HyVee grocery store with my duffel bag, and trying to get a hold of my sister, or anyone, to get me back to Waterloo so I could be there when my baby was born. We knew it was to be a boy, and his name would be Jacob.

Well, as it turned out, that was the last time I wrenched on bikes for RAGBRAI. It was a bonus that I got off the route early, and my sister did get me back in plenty of time for the birth. I wasn't sure I'd make it at all there for a while, as I sat on a pile of water softener bags out in front of that grocery store, looking like some kind of hobo. Fortunately, RAGBRAI's presence in the town masked my oddity. So, this rascal's birthday is always a good reminder of that day for me.

Anyway, it's been a blessing to have had him come in to my life and I just wanted to give him a special shout out on the blog here.

Happy Birthday, Son!

Happy Birthday Jacob!

This is a photo of my son, Jacob, photobombing a family picture I was taking recently

14 years ago today at approximately 5:00am in the morning I was sleeping in a motorhome in Oskaloosa, Iowa when I was awakened by a phone call. It was Mrs. Guitar Ted. She said, "My water broke...". That set in to motion a series of events which saw me leaving my post as a mechanic on RAGBRAI, getting dumped off in front of a HyVee grocery store with my duffel bag, and trying to get a hold of my sister, or anyone, to get me back to Waterloo so I could be there when my baby was born. We knew it was to be a boy, and his name would be Jacob.

Well, as it turned out, that was the last time I wrenched on bikes for RAGBRAI. It was a bonus that I got off the route early, and my sister did get me back in plenty of time for the birth. I wasn't sure I'd make it at all there for a while, as I sat on a pile of water softener bags out in front of that grocery store, looking like some kind of hobo. Fortunately, RAGBRAI's presence in the town masked my oddity. So, this rascal's birthday is always a good reminder of that day for me.

Anyway, it's been a blessing to have had him come in to my life and I just wanted to give him a special shout out on the blog here.

Happy Birthday, Son!

Friday News And Views

The Sun sets on another year......

Another Trip Around The Sun:

Today kicks off another trip around the Sun for me and this one will be a potentially pretty exciting one. Leaving last year behind, with being sick on several occasions, getting hit by a truck, and with all the changes at the end of the year- well, if the coming year is just calmer, it would be better! However; I have some exciting new things to do and to learn about, some of which has already been kicking into gear here starting with the new year.

RidingGravel.com has already proven to be fun and a game changer for me. I have been less stressed in regard to having to be an editor, reviewer, and organizer, so that's been a big plus and a change I am still getting accustomed to. Riding Gravel Radio Ranch has been fun, and a learning experience. So far, the response has been very positive to it, which is quite encouraging. Now my focus is not going to be torn away from gravel riding, which I have missed doing a lot of, and which will be happening a lot more in the coming year.

There also is potential for some bigger and better things regarding RidingGravel.com, and that's encouraging for me as well. Hopefully the being sick so far this year will go by the wayside and I can get on with all of those things and more. Spending time with my wife and two children is a big priority also, and the extra time opened up by the changes made so far should help that situation out as well. So, anyway......here we go again!

2010- The last time I looked at this view from a bicycle saddle...

 Announcing......

Many of you don't know that I have thrown my hat into the ring to ride 200 miles in Kansas at the end of May. Yep.......I will be riding the Dirty Kanza 200. 

The last time I was there I succumbed to heat related issues at Checkpoint #1. 2010 was the year that the heat and wind was really intense and many were cooked that year, not just myself. However; I've never crossed that finish line, and I have to check that box off my list. I figured that I am not getting any younger, so........ 

Next, I want to say that I am 100% sure I am not the first person to think about this, and I am sure more than a few are going to dedicate their 2010 DK200 effort to this as well, but my ride at the Dirty Kanza will be in memory and dedicated to Joel Dyke.

Then I want to say that you can also expect me to resurrect my "Dirty Kanza 200 Chronicles", which I wrote as a training log for an aborted attempt at the 2011 DK 200, which didn't happen due to a family vacation to El Paso Texas to see family. Things will kick into gear as soon as I get my "medical clearance" from Mrs. Guitar Ted to start putting in some gravelly rides this Winter and Spring.

GTDRI 2014 course will be conquered in 2015!

Announcing Part 2......

And while I am at it, let's get this out- The Guitar Ted Death Ride Invitational will happen Saturday, July 25th out of backbone State Park. I have a score to settle there as well.

While it wouldn't have been pretty, I was well on my way to finishing that course last Summer when the aforementioned truck hit me at Mile 95. That obviously stopped the proceedings right then and there. I figure this needs to be put to bed the right way, so the same exact course will be run again, only this time with a much better outcome.

A Word About The Ride: I've had people come up and tell me that they would like to join this ride, but that they were not "invited". Look.........you are invited! Much like the Pirate Cycling League's "Gravel World's" is a tongue in cheek naming of a fun gravel race, so it is with the GTDRI. It is a pretentious name for a no-drop, anyone can come if they want to gravel grinder. So, don't tell me you didn't come because "I wasn't invited", because you are. Just show up at Backbone State Park ready to ride at 6:00am. Done!

And with that, I wish you all a fantastic weekend and hope you all get out and ride!

Friday News And Views

The Sun sets on another year......

Another Trip Around The Sun:

Today kicks off another trip around the Sun for me and this one will be a potentially pretty exciting one. Leaving last year behind, with being sick on several occasions, getting hit by a truck, and with all the changes at the end of the year- well, if the coming year is just calmer, it would be better! However; I have some exciting new things to do and to learn about, some of which has already been kicking into gear here starting with the new year.

RidingGravel.com has already proven to be fun and a game changer for me. I have been less stressed in regard to having to be an editor, reviewer, and organizer, so that's been a big plus and a change I am still getting accustomed to. Riding Gravel Radio Ranch has been fun, and a learning experience. So far, the response has been very positive to it, which is quite encouraging. Now my focus is not going to be torn away from gravel riding, which I have missed doing a lot of, and which will be happening a lot more in the coming year.

There also is potential for some bigger and better things regarding RidingGravel.com, and that's encouraging for me as well. Hopefully the being sick so far this year will go by the wayside and I can get on with all of those things and more. Spending time with my wife and two children is a big priority also, and the extra time opened up by the changes made so far should help that situation out as well. So, anyway......here we go again!

2010- The last time I looked at this view from a bicycle saddle...

 Announcing......

Many of you don't know that I have thrown my hat into the ring to ride 200 miles in Kansas at the end of May. Yep.......I will be riding the Dirty Kanza 200. 

The last time I was there I succumbed to heat related issues at Checkpoint #1. 2010 was the year that the heat and wind was really intense and many were cooked that year, not just myself. However; I've never crossed that finish line, and I have to check that box off my list. I figured that I am not getting any younger, so........ 

Next, I want to say that I am 100% sure I am not the first person to think about this, and I am sure more than a few are going to dedicate their 2010 DK200 effort to this as well, but my ride at the Dirty Kanza will be in memory and dedicated to Joel Dyke.

Then I want to say that you can also expect me to resurrect my "Dirty Kanza 200 Chronicles", which I wrote as a training log for an aborted attempt at the 2011 DK 200, which didn't happen due to a family vacation to El Paso Texas to see family. Things will kick into gear as soon as I get my "medical clearance" from Mrs. Guitar Ted to start putting in some gravelly rides this Winter and Spring.

GTDRI 2014 course will be conquered in 2015!

Announcing Part 2......

And while I am at it, let's get this out- The Guitar Ted Death Ride Invitational will happen Saturday, July 25th out of backbone State Park. I have a score to settle there as well.

While it wouldn't have been pretty, I was well on my way to finishing that course last Summer when the aforementioned truck hit me at Mile 95. That obviously stopped the proceedings right then and there. I figure this needs to be put to bed the right way, so the same exact course will be run again, only this time with a much better outcome.

A Word About The Ride: I've had people come up and tell me that they would like to join this ride, but that they were not "invited". Look.........you are invited! Much like the Pirate Cycling League's "Gravel World's" is a tongue in cheek naming of a fun gravel race, so it is with the GTDRI. It is a pretentious name for a no-drop, anyone can come if they want to gravel grinder. So, don't tell me you didn't come because "I wasn't invited", because you are. Just show up at Backbone State Park ready to ride at 6:00am. Done!

And with that, I wish you all a fantastic weekend and hope you all get out and ride!