K. Close III » Cycling

The Mechanical Equivalent of Heat…

kacey3 — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 23:24:47 +0000

…in which I talk about cycling in the Texas summer.

I’ve refrained from complaining about the heat because I know everyone is sick of Tweets declaring the obvious “It’s Hot” sentiments, or even worse, photos of thermometers, which are often suspect. Nevertheless, I feel like I should write a little bit on riding in the blistering sun because it seems like any time someone learns that I’m still riding every day, they respond with a sentiment of awe or amazement. And while I do in fact continue to ride, I am more filled with a sense of pride rather than surprise at my persistence and dedication. But more than anything else, I’m proud of my change in outlook.

Two Days With the DCTA…

kacey3 — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 23:22:07 +0000

…in which I talk about the new rail system here in Denton.

So, as I may have mentioned previously, we got a new commuter train in Denton, and while we were able to stop by and see it on it’s inaugural start up day, we didn’t get a chance to actually ride it until this past Monday. As I said before, we’ve been anxiously awaiting this train for 8 years and our anticipation has been growing as we saw more and more of the system fall into place. But now that it’s up and running, and continually improving, we can see a great prospect for it on the attainable horizon.

Read more on Two Days With the DCTA……

That New Bike Smell…

kacey3 — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 22:04:33 +0000

…in which I talk about how sometimes good enough just isn’t good enough.

Even though I may regret it, I am somewhat of a “grass is always greener” kind of person. I know how to be happy with what I have, but I’m always looking at what I could have, instead. A year ago, I bought a new bike. I fretted and waffled over several options and finally settled on the Trek PDX. In all honesty, it was my second choice bike. My first choice bike was the Trek Portland but at nearly $1,100 difference, I couldn’t conceivably go with the Portland. I settled for the PDX as a kind of “builder” with the intent to either adapt to it, or make it adapt to me.

A Lack of Lazy Sundays…

kacey3 — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:12:38 +0000

...in which I talk about my complete lack of genuine "free" time. I'm not going to say that I don't have an adequate amount of time away from work. I work a 40 hour week, like most people in my tax bracket, and on top of that, I actually eat lunch on the clock so I can maximize my time and go home an hour early. I'm probably coming out ahead of a lot of people, and yet I still feel like I'm fighting for time every day, every week.

Ding! You have leveled up in Cyclist…

kacey3 — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 17:11:00 +0000

...in which I talk about how serious I'm obviously getting about this cycling stuff. So today is a gorgeous autumn Friday. It is currently slightly overcast and a nice, cool 70. I rode my bike in this morning and as I sit here at my desk, can only think of how much I'd rather be out riding it some more. I usually fantasize about being home on the couch, or just being outside strolling around on campus. Today, however, more than anything else, I'd rather be zooming around town, either back home or just out and about. I'm thinking that before too long, I will have to think twice about whether I really want to take the car or not. More than likely, the decision will come down to what I have to carry with me to wherever I'm going.

The Oracle Says “No…”

kacey3 — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:44:46 +0000

...in which I talk about frustrating work issues while stalling in the office because some guy needs to get into our server room every 45 seconds. I'd much rather be outside going to get a YooHoo or even a chocolate coke at Sonic, but instead I have to sit here in the office and hold the door open (not literally) for this guy who is doing some installs in our server room.

Cyclist Manifesto…

kacey3 — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 16:14:17 +0000

...in which I talk about myself as non-motorized traffic. I love riding my bike to and from work. I really love it. I can't say that I've regretted it even once. Not on any hill that's tough to climb, not on any of these cold mornings, not once while sitting in my office dripping sweat as I cool down from my ride in. In fact, just having my bike on campus to run errands and travel between buildings is simply perfect. It now takes me half the time to get from one building to another to go and fix computers (now if all the buildings we have computers in had bike racks, things would be even better).

I’m sweaty, I’m sore, and I’m in love…

kacey3 — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:21:56 +0000

...in which I talk about my bike being fixed and how awesome it is now. I'm going to start with the short version of what happened to my bike to get where I am today. Two weeks ago, on August 9th I believe, I took my bike to The Bicycle Path to get it tuned up. It was going to get a simple adjustment of brakes and shifters, a lube, and a wipe down. I also wanted to get my grips replaced, and was willing to pay extra for that. I was supposed to pick it up on the 11th, all ready to ride.

What day is it…

kacey3 — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:00:03 +0000

...in which I talk about how crazy busy I've been and how that stress is not healthy. Holy shit, where did the last two weeks go? Its been a mad house up in here and I've not only lost complete track of time, but pretty much any semblance of order and reason as well. I can't even effectively recall everything thats been going on the last two weeks, but I guess

Honeydew…

kacey3 — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:00:55 +0000

...in which I talk about all the things I accomplished this weekend. So I don't really have a "honey-do" list, mostly because Heather's not the kind of person to burden me with assigned tasks like that, though sometimes I think it would be easier if she did. Either way, I did a lot of things around the house over the last week and through this weekend specifically to the benefit of my lovely wife. I felt bad about wasting so much of my home-time with just sitting around watching TV and playing games that I wanted to get some real tasks taken care of.