Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July. Misao and I plan to go to the fireworks by bicycle this evening. Not sure if we will get any photos. Veteran's Park on the lake front is full of tents. Does waiting longer make the fireworks more enjoyable? With Church and being a bit tired we didn't go to the parade. I will grill some brats soon. Here is a photo from the Memorial Day Parade that Misao wanted me to put up... Doggles!

Yes, I am watching the Tour d' Fraud'nce. I guess cheating is OK if everyone is. I wouldn't want to be that supposed spectator that caused that first stage carbon jam. I enjoy watching time trials.

I had some good long rides hitting the local trails. On two of those rides I stopped by Emery's. First to get some brake pads, then to get some new tubes so I don't have to pump up my tires everyday. I wonder if the tube and tire companies even care about their products only lasting one year. I could blame the Chinese but I could also blame the capitalist establishment just wanting to sell more products. Not sure if that is really an environmentally sustainable approach... actually I am sure it's not. The connection between the two Oak Hill trails was too muddy to ride a few days ago. Some parts of the trails along the river are infested with cow parsnip ...nasty stuff; hogweed.

The old pads. Those pads were a bit tricky to replace and get them straight and flat with the rims. Continual adjustments while I ride for several days until the brakes settle to where they like. I might take the whole assemblies off to clean and lube.

I put my old knobby tire on the rear wheel to replace my failing back tire. It was original with the bike and was on the front wheel for years, plus two hard race seasons, before I bought new tires. It has more than enough tread to last the season. Still hoping to get to several races. The 'Ride the Divide' is over.

The new pool has in Hoyt Park has this nice new bicycle rack area. The Milwaukee Brewers had a ride to the game day. Not sure how that worked out. It sounds like they added more bike racks at the stadium.

Still having lots of problems with the Internet, I suspect man made. I wrote on three blogs Friday and my next books, yes book'S', are growing in my mind. After I get to the eye doctor and get some new eye wear the task of writing will be so much easier. I have been having lots of problems with my ancient glasses and I need bifocals. I think I will go back to a rounder frame. Life was batter when I wore round frames.

About time to cook those brats. Steven Raichlen was on public television all day yesterday. Right after the Tour coverage is over.