Inspiration

I've been on a bit of an adventure over the last two years.  I've done it on the cheap, and quite honestly, on the generosity of others. (thank you)  It has been a fantastic journey and I have learned many things.  However, I need to find something more sustainable and an avenue for executing all of my ideas.  I've tapped into some pretty cool resources that have blazed the technomadic trail before me.  I'd like to think I'm original, but I'm not.  However, great success comes from climbing on the shoulders of those who have succeeded before you.

So I came across a great resource this morning.  

While perusing Amazon's books, I came across Computing Across America



I was inspired to buy his most recent book, Reaching Escape Velocity.

The reviews of the book lead me to believe it is well written, but also a great how-to guide for all those looking to take the path less traveled in a creative and sustainable way.

I look forward to reading it and implementing the ideas to establish a more sustainable, fulfilling lifestyle.




There is also a continuing work called the 'Nomadness Report' which highlights the progress (or regression as the case may be) of Steve's latest works.

You can get a copy here:

Disaster!

After many miles of traveling cross country and towing various vehicles (and finally a boat), my little RV had finally bit the dust.  Traveling east along I-40 towards Chapel Hill, I noticed a knock in the engine.  I thought it was from the valves and assumed they were just out of adjustment.  I continued for another mile and the noise increased.  I pulled over at the nearest off-ramp to investigate.

Tow truck on the side of highway

I started the motor again to see where the noise was coming from and could hear it was in the bottom end of the motor.  It was clear this was going to be a major repair.
Being that this occurred on a busy weekend just before a major holiday (Thanksgiving), there were no mechanics available to take a look.

So I looked at my favorite resource, Craigslist, for a mobile mechanic that was available.  I was able to find a good Christian one.  You know the type, begin and end each conversation with "have a blessed day", with a spattering of "God"s and "Jesus" references thrown in for good measure.  He agreed to come out the next morning, Sunday, and have a look.

The next morning, he showed up with what I later was to learn was "the mechanic".  "The mechanic" looked over the engine and asked me to start her.  Click.  Repeat....click.  She was now completely frozen and wouldn't even turn over.  In his professional opinion, the engine was seized.

We made arrangements to tow the RV and the boat that I was towing to his place where he could at least get me off the highway to someplace safe.  We would evaluate the full damage and he could get me an estimate then.

It was indeed a seized motor, thanks to the complete lack of oil.  It appears that the oil cooler line had developed a sudden leak and all the oil had drained out of the engine.  The engine temp never went up (the first sign I look for to spot problems) because the oil had escaped so rapidly.

"The mechanic" said he could do the job for me and I may even be able to be home by Thanksgiving...

Motorcycle Custom Bike Rack

I love motorcycling. I love mountain biking. If only I could find a way to combine the two...

I thought briefly of trailering a bike behind my motorcycle, but there are too many legal issues (registration, turn signal lights, etc.)....and I think a trailer behind a bike is contradictory to the spirit of the ride.  So I opted to find a way of mounting my mountain bike to my motorcycle. I heard about a great business in Portland, called ReRack.  Their business goal is to service the Portland biking community by re-using and re-selling old Thule and Yakima bike racks.

I approached them on Tuesday afternoon with my bike and armed with my laptop with some photos of what others had done. They initially thought of fabricating a base by welding a bar to the plate and then attaching a Yakima fork mount rack (with rail). I did not want an expensive (and unnecessary) fabrication process. I wanted to use off the shelf products and a little creativity to mount to the many mounting points already on the bike.

I found some mounts that would latch onto the handle grips for the rear
passenger. The tops of these mount swiveled, which was important since the
passenger grips are not parallel. Once the right part for mounting a round
Yakima bar were found, it was just a matter of some creative bending of the
steel mounting plates so they would securely attach to the handles.

Now the second element was the swing arm that grasps the bike frame at the down tube. This was pretty simple. I used a hacksaw to cut off a lip in the mounting plate. I drilled some holes for some existing mounting screws. I then inverted the mounting plate and attached it through the existing "rack" found on my Kawasaki Concours.  All this work made me thirsty, and I took a little break. ;-)

It bobs a little due to the design and flexing of the swing arm, but
laterally there is no movement at all. It rides really nice and gets LOTS
of attention!

Enjoy your ride and keep the rubber side down. :-)