Cornering Consciousness

Moto-camping forces perspective, not so much as the optical illusion, but rather a consideration of what's important to bring along with you and still keep camping and refuge apart from each other. We got pretty good at it before we got into real size camping using the Montero, but we've since been spoiled by it. Such was the struggle in packing the Blackbird for an overnighter to Boulder Mountain in Highway 12. Seen here moments before departing is the result of forced perspective. Packed therein is a Kelty three-person tent, two Nebo down sleeping bags, two Pedex down inflatable sleeping pads, a JetBoil with fuel, another camp stove plus mess kit to cover two for dining, two meals each for breakfast and dinner,  clothes for another day plus the unmentionables, toiletries and the standard riding fare of a tool and first aid kit. We were set. The Bird has been on the fritz most of the Summer with a burned out stator. With my attention turned to the Montero I didn't ...

It's an ambling of a different nature for us, or at least for me, one that doesn't involve internal combustion, but rather internal determination. Mindy's been at this for three years now, and I just picked up my bike, let's see, more than a year ago. But, I'm putting more miles on it finally, fifty three of which were added this weekend at the Desperado Dual, a "tour" from Panguitch to the Bryce Canyon area and back to Panguitch. My idea of a workout is swapping out the ATs for the mudders on the Montero. I've never been much for endurance sports though producing documentaries about professional cycling in the nineties stoked my enthusiasm for all things bi-pedal with wheels, especially the Tour types, and it's been the Tour de France this year along with Mindy that's given me the motivation to get on the road. Go Team Sky. We're talking about signing up for our next race as I write this, the Gran Fondo in San Luis Obispo, Californi...