Artsy Fartsy

A Word on Anal-Retentive Beer

Hilarious and disgusting video from Brewmaster Griz from San Francisco Brewcraft:



What else could you want? I pretty much agree with his sentiment: details make character, but don't be a slave to them. Maybe that's why I've never been into restoration projects and I'd make a horrible plastic surgeon.

My Wonder Woman

I think both Rachel and I enjoyed a low key Valentine's day. Our wedding date is about four months out, and we still have plenty to do. That's taking up most of our free time right now. Rachel's been doing quite a bit of work, and I'm not slacking off either. She is my Wonder Woman. Check out the bike we built together two years ago: 3-speed Sachs torpedo hub w/coaster brake, Sturmey dynamo front hub, double butted spokes... and custom Wonder Woman sexiness. Rachel has given the bike quite a beating in two years, with some componentry improvements since these maiden ride photos. Campagnolo Nuovo Record pedals, front v-brakes, christophe toeclips with snazzy leather covers, new comfy specialized saddle...

Sunday, we took a hydrometer reading and a graduated-cylinder taste of our Belgian Tripel. It's time to bottle, but it'll have to wait for the weekend. 8.7% ABV suckas. I've finally conquered my lower-than-intended ABV problem. Tasted very floral and alcoholic. We'll see what it tastes like when chilled and carbonated. More on that in three weeks.

The Dortmunder... well some bottles are turning up with some pretty bad off flavors...

On Being Called a Faggot

As a follow up post on my new work commute, I just biked it for the first time today. Most of last week I drove because I had to travel back and forth between the old location and the new one.

I just had to ride today. Last week and yesterday I was certainly pissy from not getting my frustration with the move out via riding. Everyone is happier with me when I've left the drama out on the road before I return home.

Oh, and I was called a faggot on ride home! (As a side rant... I don't mind being yelled at... but could you at least come up with something original?! The word is just so... trite and unoriginal.) They yelled at me when I was in a bike lane, wearing a reflective glowing safety jacket, a helmet, and with two lights on the back. Sure, that's dorky... but I'd rather you be unable to use the effective "I didn't see him" defense when you kill me. (That link is to an article about a cycling death 2 years ago in Virginia Beach. It sets the standards pretty low for motorist responsibility.) I guess there's something about being in a car that makes people feel powerful. It's easy to drive off and feel smug, not looking me in the face or giving me a chance to return a quip. I'm sure I can come up with something much more clever than a single homophobic slur, just pull over and give me a chance. Instead, all I could do today was put on a huge gaping smile and wave as intensely as I could at them. Hope they caught a glimpse in the mirror. That usually freaks them out.

So here are the stats for round trip. I varied my route from the one I had decided on in my last related post. Once again, props to mapmyride.com:

8.9 miles / 249 feet of elevation gain / slow & low traffic / large climb on return / awesome downhill section on the way there

Crazy Horse Studio is right in center of the big dip.

Definitely a feasible route. On the way there, I had to sit at one light for four rotations because the car behind me wouldn't pull up to trip the light after I waved them to do so several times. That gets me (and the 10 vehicles lined up) once in a while. That's why I usually pull up in front of the stop bar if I'm the first in line at a light. I still got there in just under 30 min. On the way back the climb was incremental enough to be doable, only adding 5 minutes or so. Not the death climb that I thought it would be. Not a piece of cake either. Would definitely not want to do in the snow. Going to feel it tomorrow.

Fish tacos & homebrew tonight. The dortmunder is good. Still too sweet, but good. ABV ~ 4%

Film Recommendation: The Parking Lot Movie

I know it came out last year, but I just had the pleasure of watching The Parking Lot Movie this week on Netflix streaming. It's a great film highlighting some of problems with (car) culture here in Charlottesville. I saw a few familiar faces in it, including John Bylander. He designed the Community Bikes logo:

Embroidered by yours truly.

I used to lock my bike back there in the lot before the Satellite Ballroom was bought out and destroyed by Coran Capshaw. I always had the sense that there was something great happening in that lot. I remember the first time I locked my bike there. I asked the attendant if I needed to pay... he laughed and said something to the extent of: "Hell no! You're riding a bike!"

I'll be starting some bicycle maintenance & repair classes at Community Bikes sometime soon,  but they'll have to wait until the dust at work settles a bit...

Charlottesville Missed Connection - A perfect fit

You stupid piece of crap.

We spent a lot of time together...
Let's just be honest. I just used you and wore you out.
I took you for granted without even realizing you were there.

But you were always there if I reluctantly needed a hand...You gave me a grip on life.

This week I realized that I've completely lost you.
I went mountain biking two weeks ago with a few friends at Walnut Creek...
And when I came back you were gone.
Nowhere to be found.

I'm remembering that time when I held you too close to the fire.
And the time I spilled beer all over you.

I figured you would find your way back to me somehow.
I figured we could both give each other a second chance.

I used to think that I needed you to keep me warm...
But in retrospect, you really sucked at that.

You stupid piece of crap.

I do not miss you.
But my right glove does.