Big Dummy for me!

I have finally picked out my next bike. I have been researching it online for quite a few months now. I started with the Xtracycle site http://www.xtracycle.com/ and all the information about the Free Radical. On their site I came across it...the perfect bike for a self-propelled mom...the Big Dummy. Made by Surly for Xtracycle; a complete bike with no need to change out my current bike (not that I have an amazing mtb for the free radical). And so, given that the Big Dummy is made by Surly I had to go to the Surly site http://surlybikes.com/bd_comp.html.

Just look at it! Longtail, lower center of gravity for hauling. Disc brakes, fabulous loaders. I am in love for sure. The test ride out in Dekalb the other week sealed the deal. Smooth, stable, steady. Sweet!

Obviously I need a larger frame than the one I rode. Also, I will probably go ahead and build it out myself, buying the frameset only. And I am so excited. I have never built out a bike before so the endeavor is both enticing yet overwhelming.

Spring Cleaning

Boy is it ever time for Spring cleaning...mentally, emotionally, physically...self, home, bike, wardrobe. This time of year amazes me. What is it about the change of seasons and urges to make one's own changes? As the weather warms and the breeze starts to feel good through slightly opened windows my thoughts seem to automatically turn to clearing out the old and purging the clutter.The last dregs of winter doldrums ready to slide from my mind and trickle away to nothing. My spirits lift and I think with excitement of the upcoming days. All the places not visited during the winter now beckon to me, my bike, and the wee one. Surely a trip to the zoo is forthcoming along with myriad trips to parks and playgrounds.But first, fitting the bike for our travels. We have moved from the old Raleigh tank to an old, but not so tankish Trek. Got his seat on it, all is oiled but still need to get the rack mounted...gotta have a place to carry our stuff! Need slighter higher stem for the handlebars, lights, new pedals, and new seat. All should be pretty easy to take care of and then we will be set to ride anywhere. Oh yeah, lets not forget lots of sunshine to bring some warmth on these still rather cool days.

Everyone's Twittering About It

I am trying to learn about Twitter and all its associated functions and uses. Wow. Who would have thought that microblogging (140 characters or less) could be so powerful. The informal guidelines and approaches to make this an effective platform seem simple yet I often feel lost as I learn to navigate this aspect of the internet world. I have the assistance of other "tweeters" though who occasionally send me specific links to check out. For instance, http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Effectively-Use-Twitter---Transparency,-Engaging-Conversation-and-Sharing-Information&id=1780341

In a nutshell, this is a social and/or business networking platform. Thoughtful tidbits of information available to anyone who chooses to follow my tweets or search keywords that appear in my tweets.

Talk about a wealth of information! I peruse the "tweets" of those I choose to follow and quickly get inundated with links to sites on marketing...fashion...bullying...I am limited only by boundaries I set by my choices.