Punch Drunk

Wow. There is a LOT of info here!

Well, my interest in cycling is mostly out of necessity, although in the last two years I've grown to love it.

Divorced, 39 yrs old, child support payments are steep, so I choose not to drive. Living in a cool town like Lawrence makes this easier, plus it's a very bicycle accessible town.

My ride....hmmm...

My bicycle was given to me about 10 years ago, used. Near as I can make out, it's a Specialized touring bike, steel frame, mid 80's vintage. The first 8 years I had it I hardly rode, but the last two years has been relatively heavy. The reason you find me here today is that the last two years of riding has finaly forced me to do some much needed maintenence. Unfortunately due to financial constraints a new bike is not an option at this point, so I better learn how to care for my ride, especially considering its age.

I love my bike. It's been accross China and Africa (not by me though). It's sturdy. It's large (I'm a Clydesdale), it takes me where I want to go and it's reliable.

Cycling has given me a perspective on the world around me that blows me away. From the most minute data about all the cracks and potholes in town, what dogs are barkers and what dogs are cool, when to leave the house so I can make the light at 6th Street, what bus routes have bike racks, what flowers smell good in the morning, what streets are shady at certain times of day - and lots more that I'm forgetting.

When I get around to it I will post some pics of the bike, although I'm sure it will pale in comparison to all the shiny bike pictures I've already seen. Anyway, my hope is to some day attach a model name to my bike, hopefully by the time I get a new bike.

Thanks for reading, and beware the forthcoming pics of the Grey Monster.

-gk-

Mudu93

So you are behind enemy lines. Send intellegence on both basketball and football. You could be of great value. Keep biking.

Mudu93

Punch Drunk

Affirmative, sir.

Early sources indicate the Roy Williams paying players story to be of limited interst to the native population, much to this soldier's distress. It's mention is usually followed by "Phhhtt"

The local support base are anticipating only 16-18 wins on the hardwood next year.

The Gridiron Squadron haven't even made page 3 yet. There is optimism for contending in the weakened Big 12 North.

ha

The LBR seems sympathetic to bipartisn cycling needs. No gold and black frames available however.

The 2005 NCAA Cycling Championships were held here this spring. VERY COOL.

el diablo

Hello from another Mizzou fan, now living in Tampa Fl. I am originally from STL, but I lived in Columbia for 13 years (During and After School).

Lawrence IS a cool town, but I don't think I could stomach living in and around all those Jayhawks. Outside of Columbia, Austin TX is the only other collegetown I could plant my roots.

Good luck and keep the rubber side down !

Did you go to Mizzou?

Punch Drunk

UM-Rolla, many moons ago. Grew up in south St. Louis County.

Lawrence is cool, just gotta lay low during hoops season. It can be done. I had family and friends go to Mizzou and I still get to Columbia for shows at the Blue Note. I have a nephew starting there in August.

I spent 7 years in FLA, other side from you near Cocoa Beach. I could *SO* move back!

el diablo

OHH the Blue Note, I do miss it. My wedding reception was held there in 1997, and we hired the The Bottle Rockets to play. What a blast!!

I was back in February for the MU v. KU Basketball Game, which we won, and Paul Westerberg played the Blue Note that weekend. I sure do miss it!!!!

Punch Drunk

BOTTLE ROCKETS ! ? ! ? ! ! ! ! ! !

Did ya get any Welfare Music or Kerosene?

Personaly I'm an Uncle Tupelo/Son Volt/Jay Farrar guy myself.

I did see Brian and the boys last December at Mississippi Nights for the Mound City Music Fest. Great music all night long.

They're in Europe right now and a new album is in the works.

el diablo

Yea we waltzed across Festus and the whole bit !!
I have known Brian & Tom for a long time. Along with Mike Heidorn and Tweedy. Didn't get to know Jay very well.

My long time college roommate was from Belleville and went to school with the boys from Tupelo, and my longtime college girlfriend was from Millstadt and she knew Tweedy very well. There were many nights of Tupelo banging on our door at 3:00 - 4:00 in the morning looking for a place to crash. It sure seemed like forever ago, but for the most part they are all very down to earth guys. The last time Wilco was through Tampa I saw Jeff after the show in a very "Rock Star" type setting and we had a laugh at how surreal it was that they have become so "Big". To me I just remember them as drunk kids passing out on my living room floor!!!

Since you are a fan this is probably not news to you, but the new Son Volt album "Okemah and the Melody of Riot" is out and is pretty damn good in my humble opinion. Even though Jay "dumped" Heidorn. I don't know why he can't seem to get along with anyone for an extended period of time!!

Punch Drunk

Oh I'm all over it, great album. It's kinda funny how the only people who really care about the whole Jay/Jeff thing are the fans. Both of them have always maintained that they're past it. But to be fair, Jeff has gone through a few bandmates as well. Seems Jeff has a problem with people named Jay

The whole deal with not getting Mike and the Boquist brothers back has been largely attributed to "financial" considerations, lawyers got involved, etc. I've always wondered if Jay just sometimes doesn't realize that he's being condescending. I find it hard to believe that Jay can have such an alleged "ego" for someone who is so introverted and passionate about his music. He just doesn't seem like that kind of person.

So do you have any insider scoop on what "really" happened with Mike and the Boquists? Ah well, it's all good. I like a lot of Wilco's stuff, but Jay has always been more my style. It was pretty obvious even back in the UT days that Jeff was more into the pop and Jay more into roots. having seen those early Cicero's shows I would have NEVER guessed that Jay would be the dude in the background while Jeff gets all the ink. Go figure. I'd still love to see a reunion show.

ANYWAY...all is good, got my new 5-speed freewheel installed today. New gears! They don't slip! Yay!
Oh...my ride is a mid 80's Specialized Expedition touring bike, 23" frame. Sturdy as all hell, heavy, and I make good time in it. Too bad it'd be too much hassle to put a 7 or 8 speed cassette on the back. My next bike for sure.

Rock on, big D!

-gk-

Banzai

Lawrence is a beautiful town...it's wonderful that you get to ride there. This rises to the level of genuine blessing when you take into account that you're riding around the cradle of college basketball! The free state capitol! And now, much like in the mid to late 1800s, a lone island of sanity in a howling echo chamber of idiocy. Rock Chalk Jayhawk!

ChiefCatchacold

Very funny.... you're not serious, right?

Punch Drunk

Well, except for all the Jayhawk fans in Lawrence....yeah, you're right.