My OperaJumping ship, then jumping again.... and again... and again.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009 7:02:29 PM
There is a guy who works for me that never learned how to ride a bicycle. No, I dont employ people under the age of 5. And no, he isn't some crazy guy off the street that grew up with a crazy life. Average young caucasian male, very into The Beach Boys, and very normal. Upon learning he never rode a bicycle I couldn't believe what he told me. Everybody learns to ride a bike right? The number of people who never learned to do seemingly normal things is probably higher than we'd all expect. I also know somebody that can't swim. We just make assumptions about certain things. I'm going somewhere with this. Just stay with me...
Over the years Ive been involved in many hobbies. Sports, Remote Control stuff, table top gaming(dont tell anybody), custom cars, and a few other randoms. After spending literally thousands of dollars on my RC addiction in the last 2 years I finally decided to give it up a few months ago. So there I was, hobbyless. A feeling I hate. Constant activity is important to me. Im always wanting to learn more about something and become an expert on things. Hobbies provide that outlet for me. I briefly considerd getting back into custom cars. Sent my show car out for a fresh paint job and ordered a pile of new parts. But that didn't work out in the end to fulfill my need for a new hobby. Im still waiting to get my car back from paint almost 6 months later. Then California.
Walking down the street in any beachside community in beautiful southern California you notice a few things:
1. People there are better than people here. Everybody tries to be awesome. And even when they arent trying to be awesome they end up more awesome anyway.
2. Everything is clean. On the east coast we have construction crews lining every street. In SoCal they have sanitation crews. Its different.
3. There are bikes everywhere. Beach cruisers rule the streets and bike shops are as frequent as McDonalds.
Number 3 is where I found solice. Ive always been a fan of bikes. And Ive always loved working on things mechanical. After spending time in SoCal I fell in love with two wheeled freedom all over again. Upon my return home I was invited to spend time with a few Droogs in Wildwood. A great place to cruise the streets on any kind of bike. Being bikeless was a problem in this situation. I immediately did some research and tried my luck at Bucks County Bicycles. The staff was friendly and helpful. Being the end of summer I got a killer deal on a beach cruiser. I was the proud new owner of an Electra Rat Rod and thus entered into a new hobby.
9am. Still drunk from the night before. Feeling like Id rather be punching myself in the face cause that would have been an upgrade from my current state. I roused my cohort in the room next to mine with a txt message. Seemed easier than actually knocking on the door. It was time to ride. We got on our bikes and pedalled south towards the boardwalk. Up and down the boards. Each loose board keeping time of our pace as we took in the scene around us. Not talking, just riding. A nod to each other in recognition of something interesting as we passed the only communication. People on rentals, people on foot, people all traveling the pedestrian highway. The ride that morning in Wildwood up and down the boardwalk was liberating. Enjoying the outdoors at a slower than life pace just having moments. I was hooked on bikes.
Since my trip to Wildwood and the aquisition of my first beach cruiser my paddock of pedal power has grown quickly. 3 cruisers, an old English 3 speed, and a Fixie. Just wrenching on bikes is almost as fun as riding. Creating a bold aesthetic, almost artistic expression, is really exciting. Custom bikes are endless. Im trying to control myself and not get lost in the madness of a hobby as Ive done so many times before. Its all just so entrancing. Learning and working. My two favorite things....
Over the years Ive been involved in many hobbies. Sports, Remote Control stuff, table top gaming(dont tell anybody), custom cars, and a few other randoms. After spending literally thousands of dollars on my RC addiction in the last 2 years I finally decided to give it up a few months ago. So there I was, hobbyless. A feeling I hate. Constant activity is important to me. Im always wanting to learn more about something and become an expert on things. Hobbies provide that outlet for me. I briefly considerd getting back into custom cars. Sent my show car out for a fresh paint job and ordered a pile of new parts. But that didn't work out in the end to fulfill my need for a new hobby. Im still waiting to get my car back from paint almost 6 months later. Then California.
Walking down the street in any beachside community in beautiful southern California you notice a few things:
1. People there are better than people here. Everybody tries to be awesome. And even when they arent trying to be awesome they end up more awesome anyway.
2. Everything is clean. On the east coast we have construction crews lining every street. In SoCal they have sanitation crews. Its different.
3. There are bikes everywhere. Beach cruisers rule the streets and bike shops are as frequent as McDonalds.
Number 3 is where I found solice. Ive always been a fan of bikes. And Ive always loved working on things mechanical. After spending time in SoCal I fell in love with two wheeled freedom all over again. Upon my return home I was invited to spend time with a few Droogs in Wildwood. A great place to cruise the streets on any kind of bike. Being bikeless was a problem in this situation. I immediately did some research and tried my luck at Bucks County Bicycles. The staff was friendly and helpful. Being the end of summer I got a killer deal on a beach cruiser. I was the proud new owner of an Electra Rat Rod and thus entered into a new hobby.
9am. Still drunk from the night before. Feeling like Id rather be punching myself in the face cause that would have been an upgrade from my current state. I roused my cohort in the room next to mine with a txt message. Seemed easier than actually knocking on the door. It was time to ride. We got on our bikes and pedalled south towards the boardwalk. Up and down the boards. Each loose board keeping time of our pace as we took in the scene around us. Not talking, just riding. A nod to each other in recognition of something interesting as we passed the only communication. People on rentals, people on foot, people all traveling the pedestrian highway. The ride that morning in Wildwood up and down the boardwalk was liberating. Enjoying the outdoors at a slower than life pace just having moments. I was hooked on bikes.
Since my trip to Wildwood and the aquisition of my first beach cruiser my paddock of pedal power has grown quickly. 3 cruisers, an old English 3 speed, and a Fixie. Just wrenching on bikes is almost as fun as riding. Creating a bold aesthetic, almost artistic expression, is really exciting. Custom bikes are endless. Im trying to control myself and not get lost in the madness of a hobby as Ive done so many times before. Its all just so entrancing. Learning and working. My two favorite things....
(0%)
Greemeiskober # Thursday, May 6, 2010 2:45:45 PM