A "Thank You"

 Instead of the "Weekly Top Five" post, which was obviously dominated by the posts concerning my son's death, I wanted to take out some time to express my gratitude. I think it is only right to do so. 

There have been so, so many people who have reached out, texted, and visited over this past week. When you think you are toiling away in a corner in this world and you find yourself thinking, "Probably no one is watching", this comes as a total surprise.  My family is overwhelmed and grateful for all of you who have expressed concern, or have even thought about us at all, since last weekend's tragedy.

While all this is extremely encouraging, helpful, and reminds us we are not alone, there is still a long way to go before we get out of this storm we're in here. The seas have calmed significantly, but there are still times when grief hits like a bolt of lightning. The rain comes in the form of tears. I suspect the ragged edges of this storm will be with us for quite some time.  

Still, we treasure each of you who either have contacted me directly here, via email, text, or on social media. We treasure all the hugs and kind words we received at Jacob's memorial service Friday. We are blown away by the support we received via a GoFundMe set up by one of my wife's associates. The support of our church family has been nothing short of a miracle working in an outpouring of love from our congregation. 

So, there is no way I could ever thank you all, or ever be able to express, our gratitude for even the smallest gesture. Please understand we here truly do appreciate it all and you. 

 I will simply just say "Thank You". 

Friday News And Views

The "Anti-Black Friday" Edition: 

Yeah, this whole "Black Friday" thing is getting long in the tooth, isn't it? I really hope that someday it just goes away.... 

But until then, I am all "anti-Black Friday". What's more, I am not doing any "holiday gift list" stuff this year either. Let me tell ya, the marketing departments aren't liking that decision. They are sympathetic to the anti-Black Friday idea, I feel, but - ya know - it's tradition! Or something like that....

All you need to know is that I am being leveraged to do the whole thing, and I just am not feeling it. So, I won't be shoving discount codes, "deals", or any "holiday gift ideas" down your throats here. You're getting bombarded enough by that garbage by this point anyway, most likely. 

So, I've dug up what I could of some interesting things I've found across the innergoogles for your reading enjoyment today. And as always, Thanks for reading the blog! 

Forget shopping! Get out and ride!

Hopefully You Are Riding!

Of course, the perfect antidote to excessive consumerism is a good bicycle ride. Be that 'round the block or out in the 'burbs', getting out and pedaling is good for you.

But you know that!

Need some motivation? Well, I put out this challenge last week. maybe that would be a nice way to kick off the weekend? Maybe. 

However; don't let that challenge and distance hold you back. Just getting outside and pedaling, or even walking, if you are stuck in the snow like N.Y. Roll is in New York now, is a good idea. Just get outside, breath the air, and move. I like to do that with a bicycle, but you do you. Besides, you probably ate too much yesterday anyway, yes? (If you didn't, good on ya!)

Are More Batteries A Better Thing?

Recently Magura announced a new Vyron dropper seat post that is activated by a wireless Bluetooth remote. The system is pretty technologically advanced, with the wireless thing, of course, but there is also a servo motor which controls oil flow in the post as well. 

Naturally, the system works on a battery, a Lithium-Ion battery, (two, actually), which is replaceable. And when that battery needs replacing? 

Why do we consistently (a) need to turn everything into a "device" controlled by radio waves and batteries with (b) environmentally toxic materials? These batteries typically are not disposed of properly, especially when they are of such a small size, as in the Vyron post. These disposed Lithium-ion batteries contain metals such as cobalt, nickel, and manganese, which are toxic and can contaminate water supplies and ecosystems if they leach out of landfills. 

I mean, bicycles are bad enough in terms of their carbon footprint, environmental impacts due to manufacturing, and in terms of the high-end bicycles, a further reliance on electronics, but a dropper seat post with disposable batteries?   

True- each seatpost mounted battery lasts a claimed year of service, but eventually, these all will probably end up in the landfill. Not to mention the CR 2032 battery used for the remote, which assuredly will not be handled properly at disposal.  That is- unless a concerted effort is made to persuade riders to do otherwise, and I haven't seen that yet. Meanwhile, mechanically operated droppers are working just fine without such concerns. 

Something to consider....

An Acknowledgement And A Lesson:

I read an article the other day that claimed that the youth out there feel that hand written notes are a "waste of time". Yeah.....that was the term used. 

Amazing. 

That's too bad, because these folks are missing out on something wonderful, if, in fact, that article is representative of what the youth out there really think. I am choosing to not believe this at all.

I think people really appreciate being thanked, recognized, encouraged, and well.....noticed. Doesn't a hand written note do those things? Yes, I am here to tell you that a hand written note does those things, because a recent hand written note has done that for me. Although, perhaps I am disqualified from being an example, because I am old. That's really dumb, by the way, if true.

That's my acknowledgement of this particular note. You know who you are that sent it, so "Thank you!"

The lesson? Anyone can do this to help another. It can be a text, a phone call, or a simple note like the one I received. Don't believe for a second it is a "waste of time". 

Update: Okay, this is kind of funny. A day after I wrote this about "Thank You's" I saw the following which is related. As quoted from an Axios Finish Line newsletter I receive nightly:

" Another study by researchers from Kent State University tested the effect of writing letters of gratitude to other people.

• The results were clear: Taking the time to say thank you in writing made people happier, more satisfied with life and even decreased symptoms of depression."

So: On the very unlikely chance that writing a "thank you" doesn't do anything for the recipient, it does something for you.

Reminder: If you are an old reader here, you know what is coming. If you are fairly new, maybe not so much. Here's the deal: The "End-OfYear"posts kick in starting December 1st with my first of many "Bikes Of 2022" postings. There will be four "Rear View 2022" posts, a "Top Ten Posts of 2022", and a "best-of" photo review for the year, all coming up.

Have a great weekend! Thanks for reading Guitar Ted Productions.

Friday News And Views

The "Anti-Black Friday" Edition: 

Yeah, this whole "Black Friday" thing is getting long in the tooth, isn't it? I really hope that someday it just goes away.... 

But until then, I am all "anti-Black Friday". What's more, I am not doing any "holiday gift list" stuff this year either. Let me tell ya, the marketing departments aren't liking that decision. They are sympathetic to the anti-Black Friday idea, I feel, but - ya know - it's tradition! Or something like that....

All you need to know is that I am being leveraged to do the whole thing, and I just am not feeling it. So, I won't be shoving discount codes, "deals", or any "holiday gift ideas" down your throats here. You're getting bombarded enough by that garbage by this point anyway, most likely. 

So, I've dug up what I could of some interesting things I've found across the innergoogles for your reading enjoyment today. And as always, Thanks for reading the blog! 

Forget shopping! Get out and ride!

Hopefully You Are Riding!

Of course, the perfect antidote to excessive consumerism is a good bicycle ride. Be that 'round the block or out in the 'burbs', getting out and pedaling is good for you.

But you know that!

Need some motivation? Well, I put out this challenge last week. maybe that would be a nice way to kick off the weekend? Maybe. 

However; don't let that challenge and distance hold you back. Just getting outside and pedaling, or even walking, if you are stuck in the snow like N.Y. Roll is in New York now, is a good idea. Just get outside, breath the air, and move. I like to do that with a bicycle, but you do you. Besides, you probably ate too much yesterday anyway, yes? (If you didn't, good on ya!)

Are More Batteries A Better Thing?

Recently Magura announced a new Vyron dropper seat post that is activated by a wireless Bluetooth remote. The system is pretty technologically advanced, with the wireless thing, of course, but there is also a servo motor which controls oil flow in the post as well. 

Naturally, the system works on a battery, a Lithium-Ion battery, (two, actually), which is replaceable. And when that battery needs replacing? 

Why do we consistently (a) need to turn everything into a "device" controlled by radio waves and batteries with (b) environmentally toxic materials? These batteries typically are not disposed of properly, especially when they are of such a small size, as in the Vyron post. These disposed Lithium-ion batteries contain metals such as cobalt, nickel, and manganese, which are toxic and can contaminate water supplies and ecosystems if they leach out of landfills. 

I mean, bicycles are bad enough in terms of their carbon footprint, environmental impacts due to manufacturing, and in terms of the high-end bicycles, a further reliance on electronics, but a dropper seat post with disposable batteries?   

True- each seatpost mounted battery lasts a claimed year of service, but eventually, these all will probably end up in the landfill. Not to mention the CR 2032 battery used for the remote, which assuredly will not be handled properly at disposal.  That is- unless a concerted effort is made to persuade riders to do otherwise, and I haven't seen that yet. Meanwhile, mechanically operated droppers are working just fine without such concerns. 

Something to consider....

An Acknowledgement And A Lesson:

I read an article the other day that claimed that the youth out there feel that hand written notes are a "waste of time". Yeah.....that was the term used. 

Amazing. 

That's too bad, because these folks are missing out on something wonderful, if, in fact, that article is representative of what the youth out there really think. I am choosing to not believe this at all.

I think people really appreciate being thanked, recognized, encouraged, and well.....noticed. Doesn't a hand written note do those things? Yes, I am here to tell you that a hand written note does those things, because a recent hand written note has done that for me. Although, perhaps I am disqualified from being an example, because I am old. That's really dumb, by the way, if true.

That's my acknowledgement of this particular note. You know who you are that sent it, so "Thank you!"

The lesson? Anyone can do this to help another. It can be a text, a phone call, or a simple note like the one I received. Don't believe for a second it is a "waste of time". 

Update: Okay, this is kind of funny. A day after I wrote this about "Thank You's" I saw the following which is related. As quoted from an Axios Finish Line newsletter I receive nightly:

" Another study by researchers from Kent State University tested the effect of writing letters of gratitude to other people.

• The results were clear: Taking the time to say thank you in writing made people happier, more satisfied with life and even decreased symptoms of depression."

So: On the very unlikely chance that writing a "thank you" doesn't do anything for the recipient, it does something for you.

Reminder: If you are an old reader here, you know what is coming. If you are fairly new, maybe not so much. Here's the deal: The "End-OfYear"posts kick in starting December 1st with my first of many "Bikes Of 2022" postings. There will be four "Rear View 2022" posts, a "Top Ten Posts of 2022", and a "best-of" photo review for the year, all coming up.

Have a great weekend! Thanks for reading Guitar Ted Productions.

Thank You!

I would be remiss if I didn't immediately and thoroughly thank so many of you readers here, (and others that reached out with messages of encouragement), after I posted yesterday about the end of my time at my old shop job. I wasn't expecting the outpouring of support and remembrances that were shared with me. Please know that I am very grateful for all of it and I won't forget this day, that's for sure.

It is weird to walk away from something that has become a fixture in your life. Although in your heart, you know it is the right thing to do, there still are those doubts and fears that crop up and need to be put down. Your thoughts and messages really helped to kick doubt straight out of my mind. Thank you!

One side effect of all of this was learning how I had touched a few of your lives in ways that I did not expect. I was honestly surprised by these remarks which warmed my heart also. One lesson for us all: Never underestimate how you may have impacted someone's life. It makes you wonder if we shouldn't all keep it positive and move forward, because what we are doing really does matter to people you'd be surprised to know about.

Anyway...Thank You One and All! 

I can never repay all the love and goodwill I have received over the past 24 hours. 

Thank You!

I would be remiss if I didn't immediately and thoroughly thank so many of you readers here, (and others that reached out with messages of encouragement), after I posted yesterday about the end of my time at my old shop job. I wasn't expecting the outpouring of support and remembrances that were shared with me. Please know that I am very grateful for all of it and I won't forget this day, that's for sure.

It is weird to walk away from something that has become a fixture in your life. Although in your heart, you know it is the right thing to do, there still are those doubts and fears that crop up and need to be put down. Your thoughts and messages really helped to kick doubt straight out of my mind. Thank you!

One side effect of all of this was learning how I had touched a few of your lives in ways that I did not expect. I was honestly surprised by these remarks which warmed my heart also. One lesson for us all: Never underestimate how you may have impacted someone's life. It makes you wonder if we shouldn't all keep it positive and move forward, because what we are doing really does matter to people you'd be surprised to know about.

Anyway...Thank You One and All! 

I can never repay all the love and goodwill I have received over the past 24 hours. 

Paperback Writer

One of those Facebook  memories things came up on my social media the other day. It was from six years ago, and it reminded me of how blessed and fortunate I am. It was concerning the issue of "Dirt Rag" which had a bit about my take on the history of the 29"er mountain bike.

I've actually been in a couple of issues of that mag, and I also have had an article or two printed elsewhere. Yes......I got paid. That makes me a professional, I guess. By no means do I make a living off my writing, so don't get any ideas!

I just say that because in my wildest dreams in my youth, I never would have said I would become a published author. Nope. Not even on my radar, and furthermore, I have absolutely zero education to back up any meager literary talents I may possess. Yeah.....I think the last English class I had was my freshman year in High School. (Which was actually my last year at Middle School, but we were weird in Charles City!) Which brings up an interesting point.

I was supposed to have another full year of English classes to graduate, but an unfortunate health issue relegated my scheduled teacher for my sophomore year to taking a year's leave of absence. With two, really green substitute teachers, my class ran riot. We basically had the year off from English with the entire class getting passing grades. This is how kids "fall through the cracks", as they used to say, and graduate with very little to no education in certain areas. At least back then in the Mid-West. I had a similar experience with math where I didn't learn how to divide, do fractions, or know anything about algebra, despite having several years of math in middle and secondary school. I ended up having to take a remedial math class in my freshman year of college to learn that stuff!

Anyway.......I digress. English was not my specialty. So how did this happen? Well........ They say I am pretty good at telling a story, and I really like telling stories, so I guess I overcame my shortcomings to become good enough that Josh Patterson, then editor of "Dirt Rag", asked if I would be a contributor not once, but twice to the publication. I am blessed and fortunate to have had this opportunity, and others, granted to me. I don't take that lightly, despite that it happened six years ago.

And let's not forget about you. If you are reading this, I have you to thank as well. I truly appreciate all of you that stop by here to read my posts.

Paperback Writer

One of those Facebook  memories things came up on my social media the other day. It was from six years ago, and it reminded me of how blessed and fortunate I am. It was concerning the issue of "Dirt Rag" which had a bit about my take on the history of the 29"er mountain bike.

I've actually been in a couple of issues of that mag, and I also have had an article or two printed elsewhere. Yes......I got paid. That makes me a professional, I guess. By no means do I make a living off my writing, so don't get any ideas!

I just say that because in my wildest dreams in my youth, I never would have said I would become a published author. Nope. Not even on my radar, and furthermore, I have absolutely zero education to back up any meager literary talents I may possess. Yeah.....I think the last English class I had was my freshman year in High School. (Which was actually my last year at Middle School, but we were weird in Charles City!) Which brings up an interesting point.

I was supposed to have another full year of English classes to graduate, but an unfortunate health issue relegated my scheduled teacher for my sophomore year to taking a year's leave of absence. With two, really green substitute teachers, my class ran riot. We basically had the year off from English with the entire class getting passing grades. This is how kids "fall through the cracks", as they used to say, and graduate with very little to no education in certain areas. At least back then in the Mid-West. I had a similar experience with math where I didn't learn how to divide, do fractions, or know anything about algebra, despite having several years of math in middle and secondary school. I ended up having to take a remedial math class in my freshman year of college to learn that stuff!

Anyway.......I digress. English was not my specialty. So how did this happen? Well........ They say I am pretty good at telling a story, and I really like telling stories, so I guess I overcame my shortcomings to become good enough that Josh Patterson, then editor of "Dirt Rag", asked if I would be a contributor not once, but twice to the publication. I am blessed and fortunate to have had this opportunity, and others, granted to me. I don't take that lightly, despite that it happened six years ago.

And let's not forget about you. If you are reading this, I have you to thank as well. I truly appreciate all of you that stop by here to read my posts.