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New Pole-Cam and Scenic YouTubes
March 10, 2010 - I just uploaded several new touring-scenic videos at YouTube, username JeffOYB. (A month ago I put up a few how-to vids.)
The new vids show...
*Crust skating golf course -- taken using crazy POLE-CAM
*Crust skating fields of local wildlife area -- helmet cam
*Crust and corn skiing at local nature-area trails -- helmet cam
*Oh, an... > Read
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Indie Outdoor Magazines Grab-Bag! $10.00 (inc. S/H) Purchase |
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Kayaks to Hell: cosmic kayak comic $15.00 (inc. S/H) Purchase |
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Whitewater Tales of Terror: further development of the cosmic kayak comic... $15.00 (inc. S/H) Purchase |
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Mt Bike Way of Knowledge: Wm Nealy Zen Comic $15.00 (inc. S/H) Purchase |
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OYB News...and a Few Handy Items
World News, Stories & Links
Hey! It's OYB's *20th ANNIVERSARY!*
February 10, 2010 - An OYB reader just emailed me today and said he was just reading the paperback compilation of Issues 1-8 and was amazed that I'd been publishing OYB since 1990. Well...I am, too! I hadn't even thought of it!
I kinda had 1991 in my brain for some reason, but I suppose Issue #1 says 1990 on it somewhere. So I guess I've been out and about promoti... > Read Article
What is OYB? --An HQ for Indie Outdoor Action
January 09, 2010 - Hi, I'm Jeff Potter and I herd the cats here. OYB has been celebrating thrifty independent action culture since 1991, offering 1000+ hard-to-find stories, links, books and goodies (luggage, too!) that offer the Vision Thing that anyone can afford.
Hard times aren't new. They're the base condition for folk culture and social creativity. They can even be voluntary or not noticed. Doing without some consumer "necessities" can be freeing. What's hard for one is just right for anothe... > Read Article
New OYB eBay Store! (ski sale!)
January 08, 2010 - I'm launching an eBay store for OYB.
I've had a username there for a few years, outyourbackdoor, that I've used to sell luggage, books, magazines and other goodies. Heck, Martha and I have been eBaying since it started and we together have 1000+ sales with a 100% rating since, like, 1994.
But I'll soon ramp things up there. I'm even going to ... > Read Article
Donate! Help the OYB cause...
January 05, 2010 - I've had several people recently ask how they can support the OYB cause. I've been relying on my offerings of great books'n'goodies that you can't hardly get anywhere else as being the best way. "Money for stuff" is the only way I can understand making a living.
But I can accept that OYB *stuff* isn't right for everyone. Also, I don't want to ... > Read Article
OYB Full-On Shoulderbag
January 05, 2010 - [$24 postpaid in the US.]
Here's a shoulderbag that's just a shoulderbag. No options, no other uses.
I've been using one as a car-bag for a year now, and I really like it, so I figure I should let you all know about it and make it available as yet another way for you to support the OYB Way of Life.
Its specs are 4" x 10" x 11"; canvas.
... > More Info > Purchase
The OYB Pannier --Classy! 4 Options!
October 23, 2009 - [$44.95 postpaid in USA for ONE pannier.]
Presenting the OYB International Model Perfection Pannier!
(Title courtesy of Herter!)
Dang, these items are sharp.
The base cases are high quality, very rare military surplus in good condition---used, with nicks, scuffs, stains and rumples. They have "beausage"---the beauty of use. Th... > More Info > Purchase
The OYB Bag --The World's Only 6-Way Bag!
October 23, 2009 - [$39, postpaid in US] The 6-Way OYB Bag is ready for action! Click on the PayPal button to the left under the picture and order away! Now available with extra options like top-straps, waterproofing and snug-mount stick! But read on, there's so much more! Hmm, this has to be about the world's longest product description, but what can I leave ... > More Info > Purchase
New OYB Luggage Patch!
October 20, 2009 - UPDATE 10/09: Here's my new LEATHER luggage patch. The stamp is done, the die is on the way. Patches in 2 weeks!
The photo is what the stampmaker sent me, showing a sample stamped in a sheet of leather. It'll be die-cut into an oval then riveted to the luggage.
The design image shows the shape and rivet locations.
It'll also functio... > Read Article
90's Flashback: OYB Ezines (Issues 7, 8, 9)
June 26, 2009 - Here's a link to the old Homepage for the OYB Ezine.
It contains the stories that ran the print issues #7 & #8, circa 1996. Many of these are presented here and there on this new website but I think quite a few are missing as well.
http://outyourbackdoor.com/OYB8/contentsnew.htm
The above Contents page misses a fair amount of the nifty con... > Read Article
Classy Vintage Salt'n'Pepper Shoulderbag
June 26, 2009 - [$18 postpaid in the USA.]
Here's a little bag I just bought a few of.
It's made of heavy salt'n'pepper canvas with a simple, stout, gorgeous centerpiece of a leather slot'n'stud closure. It's some kind of Swiss military surplus. These bags are used but in good condition.
The 48" adjustable strap extends to let the bag hang just over my h... > More Info > Purchase
OYB has 1000+ Stories! --HEY!
June 23, 2009 - According to my stats, a couple weeks ago OYB sailed past the ONE THOUSAND stories mark!
Actually, it's 1045 as of today.
And, hey, I just checked the date of my first article posted to this particular incarnation of my website and it was in 2000. But this count only dates back to the start of my database-based website. OYB has been rockin'... > Read Article
German Alpine Rucksack
June 15, 2009 - [$25, postpaid in the USA. I have ONE item left, with leather straps and buckles instead of webbing and plastic clips.]
Here's a German military rucksack, used. This is a handsome, effective unit in about 75% condition.
The 3 main benefits are the clip-closures---which are better than buckles for handiness, if you care, and often I do (but ... > More Info > Purchase
Austrian Rucksack: light'n'snappy!
June 14, 2009 - [$50 postpaid in the USA. ONLY A COUPLE ITEMS LEFT as of 2/22/10]
MY BESTSELLING PACK IS BACK! These are super-rare packs and I just found a new stash. They won't last long!
Here's a sweet rucksack for those who like a classy vintage look.
NOTE: I offer these rare'n'nifty items as a great way for you to support this equally... > More Info > Purchase
Hanging out the How-to Shingle!
December 03, 2008 - If anyone relatively near Williamston would like to learn how to have more fun---no matter what their current level---with XC skis, bikes, canoes, kayaks (rolling!), inline skates or the shooting sports, lemme know! I bet I could help give some uplift. In short order. For cheap. $20/hour, say. Kids, too.
I'm hanging up my shingle! > Read Article
Let's See Your Comments!
October 17, 2008 - Each of our OYB articles is followed by a "Reader Comments" section. If you have a reaction to the story or had a similar experience or a tip to pass on, please do!
I had it set up so it didn't need a Log-In, but the spambots found it that day and loaded in random trash (who are these people?) so now you have to Log-In...as with any blog. OK, it... > Read Article
Swiss Army "Salt & Pepper" Rucksack: classy, rugged
October 12, 2008 - [$50, postpaid in the USA. OUT OF STOCK. However, I have a partial pack, missing shoulderstraps, that I'd sell for $20. Just click on the main order button and it'll charge for only $20.]
These are rare and I can't find any more (as of 3/10). I'll relist when I can find some more.
In the meantime, here's the low-down on what they are, ... > More Info > Purchase
Norwegian Rucksack
October 11, 2008 - [$40, postpaid in the US] This is a basically new vintage Norwegian military surplus backpack with an ergonomic "A" frame. (I should maybe call a pack with a frame a backpack not a rucksack.)
It's a very good looking, very well made pack.
Olive drab canvas with light-green leather strapping. Size is 19" x 14" x 6" on a 1/2" dia tubular frame... > More Info > Purchase
Free Sample OYB!
September 07, 2008 - OK, just to show you that the web isn't everything and that PAPER rocks, too, I'm offering a FREE SAMPLE issue of OYB to anyone who ... is willing to pay the postage.
Just click the PayPal order button and it'll only bill you $2 which covers most of the postage.
The freebie is big, tasty issue #8.
All my back issues are still available. ... > More Info > Purchase
Modern Big "ALICE" 3-Pocket Rucksack
September 04, 2008 - [$35, postpaid in the USA.] I decided to offer a couple more modern-style rucksacks.
Here's a brand-new nylon ALICE military pack. It's technically a Medium but I call it Large. It's available in various colors (but please pick the Woodland Camo pictured for now, hint hint). Lots of fittings for extra ALICE add-on's, if you're into that.
The ... > More Info > Purchase
Handy 3-Pocket Medium ALICE Daypack
September 04, 2008 - [$30 postpaid in the USA]
Here's a brand new canvas ALICE military-style rucksack. Technically, it's a "small," but it's not THAT small---more like a Med-Sm. Size: 16" x 10" x 7". Available in several colors (I suggest the Olive for now---hint, hint). Three pockets. Plastic jiffy clips.
This is a fine all-round grab'n'go pack size, with 3 poc... > More Info > Purchase
Medium 3-Pocket Rucksack
August 19, 2008 - [$25 postpaid in the USA] Here's a nifty 3-pocket canvas daypack, the Dakota. Packs set up in such a great configuration are very rare (sadly) and usually far more expensive. It's similar to the Small ALICE pack, but a bit bigger...yet cheaper.
Man, I like the 3 pockets: they really let you keep smallish things organized. Yet hardly any thrifty... > More Info > Purchase
The OYB Gift Shop!
December 29, 2006 - Chock full of goodies in fresh demographic styles. Check
it out! My favorite is the khaki hat with the "skate style" green'n'blue logo. Next would be the shoulderbag. These are great items! All items priced at cost. How many corporate iden... > Read Article
OYB 10---Print Window to Modern Folkways
October 02, 2005 - The biggest-ever, most-recent (10/05) issue of OYB is a great way to get a full-figured view of the OYB scene!
The OYB "catazeen" has to be the only magazine of authentic, informal, do-it-yourself, indy adventure and outdoor culture. It also gives descriptions for all the books, mags, videos, music, and drygoods I'm selling. It's a combo magazi... > More Info > Purchase
Swiss Army Daypack
September 30, 2005 - [$40. OUT OF STOCK. This pack is now totally unavailable. I should just delete the entry. But I like it so much... If I ever find more, I'll let you know. Just drop me an email saying you want one.]
Here's a neat and rare daypack to add to the line-up. It's mil-sup and built to highest quality. Classic Swiss "salt'n'pepper" canvas with l... > More Info > Purchase
OYB Anthology! ---Indy action galore
July 16, 2005 - [$15. $5 off $20 retail!] I've been pushing the OYB Anthology on the back-issues page but really it deserves its own attention. Darn, this thing is full of amazing stories and artwork. It's the first 8 issues of OYB bound together as a nice perfectbound paperback 8.5x11" book. 200+ pages. I'll see if I can find an index to the stories in it.... > More Info > Purchase
OYB New & Back Issues: Fresh as ever!
July 10, 2005 - Order the new #10 up above on the homepage. Back issues are available here on this page cheap! --- $2 to $5 ea (postpaid), depending on weight. Scroll down to see quicky-indexes below. Paper issues have tons of stories not at this website. (And verse vicea.) I must say, these are amazing zines. I had wonderful layout and editorial help over ... > Read Article
Martha launches LazyGal!
March 06, 2005 - Martha's gift item studio is now a
full-service website full of pillows, blankets, scarves, dresses, with dealers and shows coming up and creativity bursting out every which way. She had a huge Chicago art fest success this summer and is having a blast. She even hosted a quilt retreat up north for the ladies (wit... > Read Article
Little Miss Lucy!
November 06, 2004 - Henry isn't the only pintsized artist around here. Lucy (4) is into DIY song and dance (with a foghorn voice and fiery temper). She's also sprung a few graphics surprises on us. She signs her name several cool ways. We find scary smiley faces around the house. And... > Read Article
Jeff's Dreams
October 08, 2004 - Probably most folks think that other people's dreams is dumb. But ya never know. In case there are dream buffs here, here are some of my typical dreams.
I recently had a doozy. It was too beautiful. Here goes: I'd found several areas in the total wasteland of a suburb that I now live in where people lived as actual humans. There was a scene with... > Read Article
Homebrew vs. Hightech, The Training Plan Duel!
September 05, 2004 - Mike Muha is a local friend and ski racer. He runs a super XC ski racing website. We have agreed to take up the challenge of the Dueling Training Plans. He's using a fancy-schmancy coach and eensy-weensy-details training plan to reach his goal of improving his ski race results. I'm using willynilly Backyard Methods of reach my goal of losing 10 pou... > Read Article
Henry's Spark, a Kick-scooter for Snow
February 05, 2004 - So I made time the other day to whip together a Xmas present for the kiddies. A Norwegian "spark" or kickscooter for use on snow and ice. I've seen quite a few drawings of them in things like the "Boy's Handy Book." And thanks to Dave Dermott on the XC ski Usenet newsgroup, I've discovered that there's a whole world of sparks out there, including m... > Read Article
OYB Hits the Big League
February 05, 2004 - Over the next year or so, I'm gonna make zining into my new *anti*dayjob!!!!
I have a very rare chance to give it a shot. I've sold off most of my worldly assets and greatly simplified life's undertakings, plus I've basically sold my job. It's my first big work change in 15 years!
If you know of anyone else who is pulling off a stunt like t... > Read Article
The Myth of the Natural
February 05, 2004 - It's amazing how people think you don't have to know how to do something to be able to do it. --At a somewhat high level, one that is satisfying anyway.
I'm thinking of sports. But it seems to relate to education in general. The myth of the natural---someone who can be an expert in something without practice, coaching or training---puts down edu... > Read Article
Postscript: Bluegrass Serendipity Up North
February 05, 2004 - An interesting postscript to our trip down south, where we got to meet Balder Saunders, is that a couple weeks after we got home, I got an email from Jack saying that his other boy, Owen, would be here in Detroit playing bluegrass the next day.
I'd never met Owen, but I'd read about him in Jack's novels, just as I'd read about Balder. I read as ... > Read Article
Our Down South Drive in 2003
February 05, 2004 - Well, I've been meaning to write this up for awhile now. I better do it while it's still fresh.
I learned several interesting new things on this trip and met some amazing people and did a few nifty things, so here we go....
It's been several years since we went on a big roadtrip drive exploring new territory. It's been 4 years since we vi... > Read Article
A Rant on Zines ... at the Big U
February 05, 2004 - I just got to give a speech all about zines and print media and how the Net has impacted them at MSU today for 300 kids in a class at the Journalism Dept! I haven't talked in public in 10 years, and never to a big auditorium, like, with a mic. An MSU professor heard that I did both books and websites and asked if I would give a talk. Since I wasn't... > Read Article
Our Out-West In-Laws RV Road Trip Report
January 05, 2000 - Well, I'm back. We survived our 4200-mi road trip in our
little RV. Me, my family and the in-laws! How bout that!
We went from Mich > Ariz and back by way of Boulder, Colo,
my old stomping grounds. I rode my bike every day after
our driving. What a great way to explore and get fresh air.
So here's the report: the US has become Bangla... > Read Article
Quietwater Symposium: Michigan's Indoor Outdoor Fest! 3/6
March 05, 2010 - It's tomorrow!
The 15th annual QWS will be a great way to spend the day learning new things, making new friends. Bust up that cabin fever!
(Spending the day XC skiing in a prime locale up north would have to come second to this, I'm afraid. Well, it might be a tie.)
The QWS sounds like it might be just boating, but it's not -- it's all the... > Read
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Liberate the Kayaks!
March 05, 2010 - The kayaks went into the back yard last fall when my brother built a new garage for us (using lumber from a tree that had fallen next to our house a month before).
The day he finished and hauled away his tools -- about Thanksgiving -- it snowed and froze and everything in the yard has been bound up ever since. Well, we did tarp most of it and go... > Read
Article
Forest Skis in the House!
March 05, 2010 - I've long wanted to try out the Forest Ski concept. I've reported on it here before.
I finally ran into my first pair that I've ever seen for sale and snapped 'em up.
They're usually 240-280cm but these are only 210's. Still, they're definitely weird! They're very wide, at 2.75", and have a long, soft, narrow tip to float on the top of the ... > Read
Article
Wallet Poem?
March 02, 2010 - So, do you carry any poetry in your wallet?
...Or any important -- to you -- writing in your pocket or purse (or in your car or on your bike).
You can fold it down to a handy size. In your wallet it wouldn't be any bigger than a bill. It might be printed out small.
This would be something that you could look at in a free moment or time of... > Read
Article
Indie Outdoor Magazines Grab-Bag!
March 01, 2010 - [$10 postpaid in the USA.]
Enjoy an assortment of FIVE hard-to-find indie outdoor media.
I'll mail you FIVE different goodies to sample and mix it up with. (Cover price + postage value of $30.)
Cross-training the brain is a good thing. Year-round outdoor diversity seems to be a key ingredient in keeping any aspect from getting out of whac... > More Info
> Purchase
Gulf Specimen Lab Needs Help!
February 25, 2010 - Marine labs and aquariums are usually big places, funded by universities and vast enterprises. The Gulf Specimen Lab is the only independent lab on the Gulf Coast. It's run by Jack Rudloe, the guy who started the conservation movement down there---the only reason why that whole stretch isn't Disney already. Just one little guy in Panacea, FL. Busse... > Read
Article
Pounding the Pow
February 25, 2010 - Today I got invited to tele-ski the many inches of fresh powder that we just acquired around here.
I haven't been in 15 years but the shorty, curvy (Karhu Guide) teleboards I borrowed made it easy. My old leather tele-boots worked dandy.
My hosts are the protectors of this local pow. It's only an hour away from here but it was like a visit t... > Read
Article
Barry Roubaix: Coming up 3/30!
February 24, 2010 - Don't forget---the first big bike event of the season is coming up on March 30! It's the infamous and ever-popular Barry Roubaix! ...A 30-mile loop of mostly dirt road action set in West Michigan. (Do it once, do it twice -- it's up to you!) It'll be cold, sure. And you won't be ready for it. Who cares! It's brought to you by Rick Plite, the "Racin... > Read
Article | Go to Website
Nordic Skate Marathon Video in Slo-Mo with Music
February 23, 2010 - Here's a simple video, shot from the side in slow motion of the Vikingarannet Ice Skating Marathon. It has an atmospheric guitar soundtrack.
It's all about the skaters. So many kinds and styles!
Young and old, fast and slow. Solo and pack. With poles, or rucksacks, or tidy and aero.
To me it shows a diverse culture. Anything goes that g... > Read
Article | Go to Website
JP's Latest Ski Touring YouTube Vids
February 23, 2010 - OK, I finally made a somewhat better Ski Touring Techniques video for Youtube. Martha came out and taped me. This time the view is from the side and it's wide open -- in a swamp behind my parent's house.
As usual, I'm trying to give an idea of the Touring Stride and the Touring Doublepole -- the cornerstones for everyday-type skiers who aren't ... > Read
Article | Go to Website
Robert Frost reading "Birches"
February 23, 2010 - Here's a great poem for the winter or icy time of year.
And here's a link to the master himself reading his poem. There are several versions out there, some by other readers, one where Frost might be older and sloppier, but this one is the best: http://town.hall.org/radio/HarperAudio/012294_harp_ITH.html
This good reading is in the first chun... > Read
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"No Child Left Inside": seems like a good idea!
February 23, 2010 - I guess this quickly gets into nasty politics, unlike anything on OYB (true...and intentionally so, eh?).
They say that the No Child Left Behind campaign has resulted in the slashing of Enviro Ed which in turn has created a huge enviro awareness gap between rich and poor schools. Or something like that.
The Michigan DNR is one group that is p... > Read
Article | Go to Website
Nordic Heritage Sport Club: onto something?
February 23, 2010 - Here's a place that seems onto something. They're not just a specialized ski club. It starts out first as a family-friendly place encouraging fresh air activities. Skiing is included.
This seems based on the nordic ideas of friluftliv and idraet, though they don't spell it out.
They do say that something new needs to be done to uplift the com... > Read
Article | Go to Website
Nordic Skating on Huge Glassy Lake in Sweden...music...
February 23, 2010 - Here's a YouTube showing a family Nordic tour-skating on the biggest lake in Sweden, which had great ice in February. It's ethereal. Nice soundtrack. There's a park of huge power-windmills in the center of the lake. That's how they roll over there.
Stinchfield: Oh, Yeah!
February 21, 2010 - Where do ya go if you want to go big for skiing in SE Michigan? That's easy! -- Stinch!
Stinchfield Woods is a square couple miles of hilly forest accessible from the corner of No. Territorial and Dexter-Pinckney roads. It has the biggest hills in SE Michigan. And it's shady, so it holds snow better than anywhere else (but our yard).
Four of ... > Read
Article
Rose Lake in the Sun
February 19, 2010 - People say it's cold in winter and there's nothing to do.
It's been a sunny week for skiing around here.
I visited Rose Lake and enjoyed skiing for about a mile on the wide open swamp dotted with muskrat houses. Some beavers have also moved in along the shores. They're somehow keeping bits of water open to get in and out and fetch more nibbl... > Read
Article
Silver Creek Ski Trip: "Phlegm-cation"
February 16, 2010 - Our family all were snuffily but we went up to visit Mike and friends at the Silver Creek cabin over Valentine's weekend.
Our old van was falling apart. It was supposed to be fixed the day we were leaving. When we went to pick it up our guy said he didn't do what we asked as nothing was wrong, just a bent front wheel. Gulp. It wasn't the wheel.... > Read
Article
Safety on Ice!
February 03, 2010 - The rule of thumb is do not walk on ice if it's 3" or less.
4" of good, fresh ice is safe for one person.
When you go skating on wild ice, bring an ice spud or ax to test thickness before skating.
Now, according to Internet info, no ice is considered totally safe. It can vary a lot.
That's why we always have a Safety Plan!
Falling ... > Read
Article
When Snow is Low: Ski the Lakes!
February 03, 2010 - OK, say you have SOME snow but not a lot. The trails are thin. It's been cold a week or two. Well, go find yourself a nice, meandering, woodsy lake or swamp and go for a refreshing "big sky" ski!
Our local skiing is mostly in the woods. But it's great to get out and do some "big sky" ice skiing. Early in the season our local ice is strong enoug... > Read
Article
Cold, But Low Snow? ...Go for Wild Ice!
February 02, 2010 - OK, we're in the midst of our January Thaw right now. It's dragging out. We lost our sweet skiing snow. But now it's cold all over again. Yet we can't ski. Ugh. What to do?
GO WILD ICE SKATING!
The lake ice had gotten bad, what with the mixed weather of the last month, but after the big melt the lakes got all smooth. Now it's cold again and P... > Read
Article
OYB as an Outdoor Rec Program?
February 01, 2010 - The MMBA Show was interesting. I like throwing a booth a few times a year -- gets me outta the house. I got an Inspiration at this show. I'm starting to think that books aren't where it's at. Books were helpful to me as a kid, and have been hugely helpful to me throughout my whole life, but in general the peoples don't seem into them.
Going bac... > Read
Article
If OYB went Pro?
February 01, 2010 - I just read a WSJ story about smallshop guys who offer knifesharpening services. The story spent most of its attention on evaluating the various levels of ordering/shipping service.
I wonder how much good it would do OYB if I could do same-day shipping and had a totally pro buying/shipping interface.
I wonder how many of my potential customer... > Read
Article
SUP: Now HUGE but still no canoes...
January 30, 2010 - That's Jennifer Aniston doing "Stand Up Paddling." So you know it's big.
SUP has a buncha websites, companies, races...and its own magazine.
Lots people do it on flatwater for exercise. They use windsurfer boards. (There's a guy who does it on our local lake.)
But I've yet to see any mention of people doing it in a CANOE.
Yet that's the... > Read
Article
OYB Now Caught Up on Hot New Tips!
January 29, 2010 - The OYB Homepage has, like, 60 recent posts!
I'd been backlogged on cool links, tips and ideas since before Xmas. Now they're all in!
Actually, I still have some sweet fresh mags to profile, but, whew...
So, feel free to take a scroll down thru the diversity of indie roots outdoor culture that is OYB! > Read
Article
All I ask for is a little awareness...
January 29, 2010 - I don't care what people do, only that they aren't ignorant about obvious things.
Like Michiganders who say they don't like the winter because it's cold.
Ugh!
Nobody likes the cold. Nobody can stand the cold. Cold kills. If you're cold you eventually die. That's why anyone who grows up around here, in reality (rather than in fakeyland) kn... > Read
Article
Personalizing Our Stuff: Folk Art
January 29, 2010 - Some people personalize their stuff.
The old-time people did it a lot, but modern people do, too.
When, who, why?
I suppose it's often people who have crafty skills who do this. Or who have a need to express themselves. Hence, folk art.
People don't modify their stuff when it's a commodity: when it's not really theirs. When they plan t... > Read
Article
MMBA Expo: Mt-Bike Show this Sunday!
January 28, 2010 - This Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010, is the MMBA's Annual Meeting and Bike Expo. It runs most of the day at the MSU Pavilion in East Lansing.
There's a free indoor dirt track for your winter riding pleasure.
And the main guest speaking is Dave Wiens of Colorado, a retired mtbike pro racer and 6X champ of the Leadville 100...where he beat Lance two yea... > Read
Article | Go to Website
Traditional Archery Expo: Huge Annual Event 1/29-31, Kalamazoo
January 28, 2010 - The huge annual traditional archery expo is happening this weekend in Kalamazoo. All kinds of displays, booths and workshops ongoing from Fri-Sun.
Flintknapping, whittling selfbows, laminating recurves, horn, wood, primitive, hightech epoxies, historic, reenacting, fantasy, Indian, Asian, -- you name it, it's going to be there!
Designed for... > Read
Article | Go to Website
A Successful Commune in the US: the Llano Colony of 1914
January 28, 2010 - [From the report at this weblink:]
...The hopes and ideals of over 10,000 people came together to create America's longest lived socialist community, the Llano del Rio Cooperative Colony.
For a whole generation, the Llano Colony practiced what the rest of the American Left preached: a livable wage, an eight-hour work day, an end to child lab... > Read
Article | Go to Website
Winner of Copenhagen Citybike Design Contest...
January 28, 2010 - Copenhagen had a citybike design contest this past year for the bike that they'll offer in a citywide bikeshare program. Here's what won... The link shows the runner-ups, the details and program goals.
Interesting that 20" wheels and a very stout front platform won the day.
20" wheels that are narrow, as these look to be, require smooth roads... > Read
Article | Go to Website
Veloquent: a blog of bike inspiration
January 28, 2010 - Veloquent is a blog dedicated to bike writing. It has a dozen contributors to try to keep the ball rolling. The archive is pretty deep. Kent Peterson and Jacquie Phelan are among the gang... > Read
Article | Go to Website
The Nomadic Bows of Eurasia
January 28, 2010 - Interest in the deeply recurved bows of the nomadic peoples who swarmed the plains of Eurasia is making a comeback.
Part of this is from the recent opening of the East to the West.
Part might even be due to movies like Lord of the Rings.
All of it has exploded thanks to the Web.
So check out the archery of the Huns, Magyars, Turks and ... > Read
Article | Go to Website
Cool Discussion of Light AT Skiing...
January 28, 2010 - Here's a thread from the BackpackingLight forum full of helpful info on Light AT skiing, a topic overlooked most everywhere else (except at http://wintertrekking.com).
It's about skis that you can take anywhere off the groomed trails. That's a LOT of the skiing that people do! OK, "AT" usually implies fluffier, steeper snow than most people ski... > Read
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Outfits in Motion: Blazers and Such with Pivots and Such
January 28, 2010 - If Edmund Hillary climbed Mt. Everest in a sport coat, you should be able to ride a bike wearing one.
All you need is a pivot in the shoulder. Or a gusset in the back seam. Something, anything!
Without something built into a dressier garment to give it range of motion, you're bound up tight.
I was shooting pistols and rifles the other day ... > Read
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Bike Joring: Mtbikes and dogs on the trail!
January 28, 2010 - I've posted about Skijoring here a couple times before (our friend David Spieser ROCKETS on skis with his *two* GSP's up north). And I've also posted about a bike joring rig for sale at a website. But I'm not sure I've linked to this nifty video yet, so here ya go.
(It's from New Zealand. ...The narrator sounds like Murray of Flight of the Conc... > Read
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Wild Old Guy: Lloyd Kahn, publisher, skater
January 28, 2010 - Lloyd Kahn wrote "Home Work," a big, famous book of pics and info about unusually creative homebuilt houses back in the 1970's that provoked a lot of folks into building things like geodesic domes. Quite a few of the houses he features are traditional to their culture or part of the world -- or they at least include a sense of roots in their design... > Read
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MTU Winter Driving School: in the Keewenaw
January 28, 2010 - Here's yet another great reason to make a pilgrimage to the Keewenaw: MTU has a Winter Driving School for $150.
They have a great vehicle testing facility at their school and it's great that they open it up to students from the general public. That's the Keewenaw style!
I bet there aren't many other such schools and probably not nearly so ea... > Read
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Stuck in the Middle Again! Twixt & Tween Weather Blues
January 28, 2010 - Ugh! This is when winter is wretched. When it's cold out but not enough snow to ski.
But wait a minute... it'd probably be good for ice fishing, right?
And...maybe even ice skating! OK, I'll go over and check out the swamp behind my brother's house...maybe there's good ice there. ...Maybe even it's good out on Lake Lansing!
OK, all may no... > Read
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No snow? Do uphill running! It's the rage in Norway!
January 28, 2010 - Sure, people have always run up hills for training. And even compared times. But in Norway they're turning it into a sport. And the trip back down is the social part. Cool! Why not?
According to this webstory: "Ski season is finally underway in the mountains, but while skiers at lower elevations wait for snow they've been using local slopes in n... > Read
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Flann O'Brien: Great, Hilarious Irish Writer
January 28, 2010 - Here's a guy who wrote some comic novels that you gotta read. "The Third Policeman" and "At Swim Two Birds" are musts. "The Poor Mouth" is close behind.
"The Third Policeman" features the essence of bicycles and even has them come to life in the way that bikes would: sneakily. And anyone who's ridden a good bike would agree that it's "a power fo... > Read
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NAHBS: the big bike show! In Virginny 2/26-28
January 28, 2010 - The National Handmade Bicycle Show is being held in Richmond, VA, this year, from 2/26-28.
It's worth a trip to the WEBSITE alone! Just cast your eyes over the scrolling array of bikes from all the exhibitors: there is more creativity, variety and richness here than in any YEARs'-worth stack of bike mags you can find anywhere! True! I defy you t... > Read
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The Migration Scrolls of the Ojibwa...and More
January 27, 2010 - A Wiigwaasabak is a birch scroll that the Ojibwa medicine men, the Midewiwin, use in ceremonies. They use geometric diagrams to explain many complex things and have been handed down for generations. A couple are in the Smithsonian. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiigwaasabak)
The Anishinaabe people are involved in this, too -- they're the three-t... > Read
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The Codex Canadiensis: groovy art from 1700...
January 27, 2010 - A missionary named Louis Nicolas lived awhile in Canada then in 1700 he supposedly made a book of sketches. At any rate, they're a Canadian national treasure. Scans of his work are online at the following link, where you can also read more about his interesting and mysterious life:
http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/codex/index-e.html
I saw e... > Read
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Hipsters Discussing Cyclocross: If It's New to You! : )
January 27, 2010 - Here's a funny Text-to-Movie video that probably everyone has seen, but if you haven't, enjoy! (Heck, I even linked to it already, in my buried ol' 'cross report.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TGH7vBC2nw
The New Homeless: "Urban Outdoorsman"
January 27, 2010 - A park nomad reported on in this link has a new term for his homelessness: "I prefer to be called an urban outdoorsman."
He's different from some "bums": he lives in a tent deep in Golden Gate Park...and keeps his stuff in his car and has a full-time job and a laptop and cellphone with headset which he uses for his internet job where he gets pai... > Read
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NYT: Urban foodies turn deerhunters
January 27, 2010 - Here's a link to a NYT story about how urban foodies and "locavores" (those who like to eat locally sourced food) are starting to take up hunting to get in better contact with the roots of the food they eat. Michael Pollan's recent book "The Omnivore's Dilemma" had an essay about his experience as a cityslicker in taking the plunge to hunt a boar s... > Read
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Nizzbone's Railroad Spikes and Broken Bones Artwork
January 27, 2010 - Martha ran into the artwork of a nice guy named Nizzbone at this season's underground Shadow Art Fair in Ypsilanti, MI.
He does a cosmic play off of the things of the hobo world: roadkill, scrap metal, homemade tattoos...
He has an Etsy shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/nizzbone ... but right now he looks to be sold out. Hopefully he'll ha... > Read
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The Shadow Art Fair: Ypsi's Alternative to the Hype
January 27, 2010 - Ann Arbor has a huge monster sized Art Fair every summer. It's more like several art fairs in one. I remember a protest one year: "It's not art and it's not fair."
Ypsilanti is a town next door that is still like AA used to be. Funky and affordable.
Nowadays in early December they hold a counter-art fair in a local brewpub. It rocks hard wit... > Read
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Great, thrifty ultra-headlamp: Magicshine 900
January 26, 2010 - The folks at Geo Man Gear offer the stick type flashlight that I really like, the one with the SSC-P7 emitter and chubby 18650 LiPo battery -- it gives a great flood for outdoor action PLUS supermaxhigh power -- maybe 500 lumens for about $50 for all you need. I got mine from DealExtreme.com but these guys have it, too.
But, what's more, they al... > Read
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Bike Monkey: bike culture magazine, blog
January 26, 2010 - Here's a link to Bike Monkey, a mag, blog and event-host that offers a big taste of a CX mentality that spreads out to cover all forms of cycling.
This means that BM is strong on heritage and socializing.
...Those are the two main areas that are booming right now in cycling and which have been hurting bad for decades except in the indie/under... > Read
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"The Affected Provincial's Companion" by Lord Whimsy
January 26, 2010 - Whew! This has to be quite a book. It has a glorious look, doesn't it? Like hidden treasure. I suspect it to be a tongue in cheek product of the recent UK but I bet it's still fun.
Urban folk pose without trying. Country folk have to work at it.
Maybe this can be some inspiration.
Here's what seems like maybe a subhead:
"A Bounteou... > Read
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Wanna know my scene? Here's what it's all about...
January 26, 2010 - As Lord Whimsy says at his blog, whenever anyone asks me what I'm all about, I show them this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8bqVL0VXrE
Riding Pretty: bike fashion blog and shoppe
January 26, 2010 - Here's a bike fashion blog and shoppe from an enthusiast who makes fashionable helmet covers and covers the scene of good looks on bikes. This photo is from the 1/2010 issue of Bazaar magazine.
I liked her report on converting a bike jersey into a minidress by sewing on extra length. Does that mean you need to buy 2 jersies to start? At any rate... > Read
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Nausicaa: low budget live version of classic anime?
January 26, 2010 - I really like all the Miyazaki movies (Studio Ghibli). They show cool young people on amazing adventures. The adventures always include the quiet places in neighborhoods and include folks of all ages and often feature a hero girl. Great art. Lots of bikes and a melange of futuristic and classic/vintage-type fashion and architecture.
So here's so... > Read
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Far-out Bikewear
January 26, 2010 - Here's a bikewear company that makes TONS of things, often available in far-out fabric designs.
I kinda like the Camo shorts, but wish they had a Camo jersey, too.
It's a bit hard to follow everything they offer. Some things are shown as photos, others as sketches. Do they make club jersies and offer printing? I can't tell -- but I don't thi... > Read
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Velomobiles! --World Seminar Papers
January 26, 2010 - I've long been keen on Velomobiles. These are bikes designed to replace the car for people. And they are designed to do what cars do. So it's more than using your bike instead of a car. Velomobiles are designed to haul cargo and to project a rider from the weather and from minor crashes. They're usually 3- or 4-wheelers.
There's been an annual S... > Read
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Gran Fondo! The "big day" is catching on!
January 26, 2010 - Gran Fondos are taking the bike scene by storm! They started in Italy but they've spread over here in the USA bigtime.
Levi Leipheimer is hosting one that I posted about here already.
Then there's the Cino Heroica: http://www.biciveneto.it/granfondo.html. It's a two-day ride into the mountains in Montana, mostly on dirt roads and mostly with... > Read
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Patrick "Mad Dog" O'Grady: Bike Ranter and Cartoonist
January 26, 2010 - His cartoons and rants are legendary in the bike biz. I read 'em for years in VeloNews. He includes politics and the rest of the culture in the crosshairs of his scope. Here's his blog...
http://maddogmedia.com/wordpress/ > Read
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Velocouture: all about knee socks
January 26, 2010 - I'm picking up speed in the kneesocks department. I've been pushing knickers and high, high socks for XC skiing for awhile now. I've even veered them into cycling where knickers have been big for awhile now but usually in lycra and with short socks.
I even admit to stepping out on the town in more of a formal knicker and high-sock get-up. I thi... > Read
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