The Tacho’d Endo
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Taco v – a wheel bent over on itself, in the shape of a taco
Endo n – the maneuver of flying unexpectedly over the handlebars, thus being forcibly ejected from the bike; short for "end over end"
Greetings! – p.1
Spinning My Wheels – p.2
Cutler’s cyclizm – p.4
Ross’ Raiders for Heart – p.5
Quotes – p.5
Inside Joke – p.5
Parting Shot – p.6
Final Thoughts – p.6
Contributors’n’Sponsors’n’Advertisers – p.7
Greetings!:
Welcome to the Taoc’d Endo! This is my little forum to discuss things interesting … or not … and to get your feedbag – BACK. FeedBACK . . . Sorry.
Before I go any further, I will say this about myself. I am quite happily married to a beautiful wife and we have an awesome son together – for their sake, I will not include their names … those of you who know me, know them (nuff said). I’ve also had the same core of friends since high school and the few additions we’ve gathered along over the years have only added to the richness of our immaturity.
I volunteer with my son and get out on my bike when I can. And as many will attest, I tend to get excited about cycling and easily ramble on when it comes to that topic and often try to convince non cyclists to hop on a bike, save some money on gas and commute. “You’re closer to work than I am,” I’ve said on a few occasions.
I grew up cycling around my neighbourhood, camping and when not doing that, I was glued to my comics, TV shows about space, science (therefore sci-fi), fantasy, nature, history and of course cartoons (gotta have the cartoons) and went to college for animation (did I mention cartoons?). I’ve always enjoyed writing and do what I can in my spare time. I love camping as well and we even have a tent-trailer now so we can all comfortably and safely sleep off the ground (I’ve done & still do my share of basic camping, so using the trailer is a nice, convenient break).
Now, about the name, The Taco’d Endo. This is mountain biking slang, one which a good friend of mine and I jokingly use from time to time … And, well – you had to be there.
Regardless of why or how often you fall off your bike, whether you miraculously, yet awkwardly land on your feet (done that), or fall on your face (oh yeah – done that, too), it’s just as important, even more so, to get your bike upright, climb atop and continue “onward and upward” and to “never give up, never surrender.” We all take a spill, from time to time, but we must just as surely get up learn from that tumble and move on. Lying still and motionless, focusing on the pain and self-pity, is not – I think – an option. We have too much potential to risk wasting our short lives focusing on the What-if’s and the Shoulda, Coulda and Woulda’s. This is basically my spot to vent as I spin on things and try to understand and relate to this sometimes crazy world around us … Oh, and of course there’ll be some stuff on cycling – kinda partial t’ that, eh.
There will be opportunities for you, the reader to respond, provide feedback and even provide and article if you’d like, and that’d be great – I welcome any serious addition to this little thing. Also, if you’d like to forward it to others so as to help me increase the reader base, then by all means, do so … The more the merrier! And if you’d like to advertise your business down at the end, let me know – of course, advertising means likewise in return and submission of an article or two … but more on that later.
Anyway, I hope you mother’s had a great Mother’s Day! We did the best we could to make my wife as comfy as possible.
So, Mother’s Day, Earth Day and Easter Day are now all behind us and I did my good Scout Deed by caring for little newborn bunnies in my backyard. Long story short, our dog discovered the nest, removed one of the tenants forcefully and so I kept an eye on him and the remaining siblings, to see that they weren’t disturbed any more. Now, I can’t criticize Ranger, he’s only being a dog. And I myself am even guilty of this, having taken one out on Easter morning, about 10 years ago or so, as I drove back from delivering doughnuts in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Just as the sun crept over the horizon, it hopped onto the road and zigged, so I zagged. Then it zagged with me, and – well … the rest is history. My wife says that taking care of the little ones out back is like Bunny Karma.
And now, it’s article time …
Spinning My Wheels:
What in the world is going on with the gas prices?
I had originally planned my premier blog to be about the recent Canadian Federal election, but with this coming up, I thought I’d wait and discuss something a little more current. Besides, there’s plenty of time and room to post a modified version of that some other day.
So, where were we? Oh, yeah …
Why is there such a big huge jump, at the pump?
We woke up yesterday and gas was but a “lowly” $1.33 per litre, but before we went to bed, it was up to $1.41. How is it allowed that the gas companies can hike up the cost of us purchasing their goods, but not any other business?
Why did that happen?
Who let it happen?
Is it because people of Facebook united to boycott purchasing gas that one little day and now the big oil and gas giants are stickin’ to us by raising the price at the pumps? Did they really lose that much money? Wow. I didn’t know we were all making such a difference in the world. Power to the people … and let them eat cake – or sumpthin like that. I like cake. Cake could be a good thing. Maybe if they sold cake, they could keep the price of gas down.
I, as well as so many other people, just don’t understand this or any supposed ”rational” explanation behind this blatant price increase. It’s moments like this that I am very glad I commute by bike whenever I can and live close enough to be able to do so and I encourage others to at least break out of that comfort zone and give it a try.
I just spent $95 yesterday morning, from only a quarter tank, after the price skipped to $1.36.3, before jumping up to $1.41.9 where I usually go. That’s enough of an increase to even make a Smart Car owner wince.
Brutal.
I love my bike.
I love my bike.
I love my bike …
These companies rake in their profits, yet the prices keep going up as the number of cars on the road ever increases (at least the Hummer’s are disappearing – THERE’s a stupid waste of fuel). But it seems to be an interesting proportional relationship, don’t you think? That being said, I do see the number of bikes increasing on our roadways, too.
Wait! Oh, maybe that’s it. They’re losing SO much business because of all those cursed little bicycles that they need to make up their losses somehow. Yes. That must be why. Those darned good for your health and the environment bikes! How dare something so simple be so awesome!
Are the gas giants anticipating another war? Just in case, we should probably just switch from gas powered cars to other alternatives …
Is there something they know, which we don’t? Are they the ones pulling the strings and actually starting the wars? Hmmm …
This in turn will of course raise the prices of food and drink, plus other goods and services … like doughnuts, beer and rum, eh.
It just doesn’t seem right that with the cost of living at a certain level and wages at another that these big companies, which we seemingly have no choice but to tailgate, will move forward with such ludicrous price gauging. Now, don’t get me wrong – I can see increases in costs of things, to cover the costs of living and whatnot, but a 10 cent hike in one day is rather ridiculous. There seems to be no true call for it, that those of us under the gun, that is the nozzle, can discern.
Minimum wage stays the same. The cost of living stays roughly the same and our increase in wages often just reflects the increase in the cost of living. Everyone wants to get ahead in the world – even if only to live comfortably, but with price fixing like this, we are often left behind and scratching our collective heads, wondering what to do next.
If we could afford to go down to just one vehicle, I would definitely consider it, but with my wife working out of town and our son still in grade school, plus other extra-curricular activities on the go, we are rather tied to them both for the time being.
There are options available to get around this, though …
- Bus (no routes where I work, unfortunately)
- Train
- Car pool
- Bike (I’m only a half hour from home, at a nice pace)
- Walk even (I remember walking 30 minutes to school, in college)
- Swim …
During the winter months, I can squeak out waiting to fill the tank every two weeks – at pay day. I think, last summer, my record for holding out as long as I could was six weeks. Needless to say, I saved a huge amount of money not driving in.
Did I mention that I love my bike?
… ‘Cause I do.
So, next time you are frustrated, just seriously consider your options and explore them. There’s no need for you to be held captive by the big companies. Don’t just not gas up on one day here or there, but maybe try out some other option that best suits you and perhaps someone else you can do it with.
However, in order to help you find the cheapest price around, try using this tool …
Is there any end in sight? Will the government step in to help out? Will their pockets bulge even bigger?
Tune in next … whenever … for a solution. If you have it, let me know.
CUTLERS’s Cyclizm:
I enjoyed a brief bike out in April, but it was a bit chilly, even though the sun was shining and warm, the air was cool. It made for a nice, relaxing and refreshing ride from Lock 1 of the Welland Canal, all the way up to Lock 7.
There were plenty of people out there, enjoying the scenery that day, walking their dogs or just holding one another’s hands, watching a ship go by.
It was my first real run of the year and hadn’t been on the indoor bike as often as I’d hoped this past winter, but whaddaygonnado? Anyway, I thought I was doing fairly well, climbing the escarpment, along the bike path trail, keeping a nice, steady pace, until some dude skimmed right past me, cresting the hill at Lock 4. Humbled, I sat back down on my seat and finished the climb to Lock 7 – however to my benefit, I picked up the pace didn’t lose much ground to him until he got to the top, he going right, as I turned left, to coast back down the big hill.
I’ve a long way to go, but I’m already planning out my routes for the summer and aim to use the escarpment for each ride – whether I like it or not.
We’ve been rather drenched over April and even my optimistic view of the weather has been dampened just a touch – bonus point for those who know this quote, “The weather is the weather. What can be done?” Usually, I just roll with it, but not last month and May started off fairly wet, too, but does look great this week and I hope to get out and enjoy it on my bike.
And with it getting warmer and drier, hopefully my son and I can get out and enjoy the trails to get ready for the Pond to Pond bike race – it’s a little and less intense version of the Lake to Lake bike race, held on Father’s Day. We had a great run at it last year and he’s looking forward to doing it again this year. See the link below if you’re interested in riding it (with us or on your own). In a couple of years, we just might be ready to give the Lake to Lake a try. But for now, I’m content to hang with him on the P2P, as it’s affectionately called – the L2L can wait … of course, I’ll have to crush him when the time comes, or at least give him a serious run for his money.
And once that race is out of the way, my biking turns to prepping for the Pedal 100 for Heart & Stroke – see link in Ross’ Raider’s section.
Every ride I do heads for the escarpment as I use it to strengthen my legs, lungs, heart and fortitude. I’ve never gone on any super long ride until the Civic weekend, in August, where I bike to Port Colborne’s Canal Days. My friend and I usually meet up with my wife and son as we find someplace for a bite to eat, then he and I return back to Lock 1 and then my place. It’s usually a great day and always a nice little 105km round trip.
If any of you have any cycling suggestions, please pass ‘em along.
And here are upcoming cycling events I might be interested in …
The Ride of Silence, 2011 – On Wednesday May 18th 2011, the City of Niagara Falls Trails & Bikeway Committee will host the 5th Annual Ride of Silence at the MacBain Community Centre beginning at 7:00 pm.
Lake to Lake Classic and Pond to Pond – On Sunday, June 19th (Father’s Day), join over 1000 people as they make their way from either Lake Erie to Lake Ontario in the big 50km classic, or join the kids and newbies up at Brock University, by Lake Gibson on down to the same finish in Port Dalhousie.
Ross’ Raiders for Heart :
I’m looking for recruits to my Pedal 100 for Heart & Stroke bike team. There are four routes to choose from (30, 60, 100 & 160 km). Be a part of my team and ride the most suitable length you feel most comfortable with in lovely, scenic Western Niagara. I’ve cycled the 160km route before, but my bad knee didn’t favour it last year, so I’ll just stick to the 100km length.
I have ridden this charity event now for the last nine years, which is a part of the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada.
If you would care to sponsor me for this ride, please let me know. I would love to take your money … for a good cause. I’m also part of the route planning committee, so yes, I am more than just a rider and fund raiser – this cause is very important to me.
Heart disease and stroke have affected both sides of my family tree and so, I do what I can, in what little way I know to make a difference.
Ride or volunteer - be a part of this beautiful ride through the countryside. But ride whichever one best suits you and maybe challenge yourself to increase the distance next year, if you like, of course.
However, if you don’t feel that you can ride, but would like to contribute, then come on out and volunteer.
Either way, please let me know. I’d love to see you involved somehow.
Quotes:
"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler." – Henry David Thoreau
Inside Joke:
This was our son’s favourite joke, when he was just little …
Why was Tigger looking in the toilet?
Because he was looking for Pooh!
He could barely contain himself when he told it. He kept telling the punch-line wrong, “Because he was looking for his best friend, Pooh,” but it was awesome to watch.
Parting Shot:
How’s this for a slogan?
“I want MORE! “
This stands for …
Mutuality
Of
Respect
Eh!
My basic belief and wish is for everyone to have some small amount of respect for one another’s thoughts and beliefs. There are many which I don’t follow, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t respect them or where they may have come from.
The more we try to understand, the more we will respect and the more we respect, the more we understand.
So, what I’m saying is that I want MORE from life. And so should you!
I was thinking of …
Courtesy,
Respect
And
Peace
… but didn’t think that would translate too well. Ah, what the heck. Why not?
Shout it out! “I want CRAP! I want CRAP!” and see where it gets you.
Final Thoughts:
I will put out my thoughts as often as I can – whether it be weekly or monthly. I am busy with volunteering and sometimes work as well, so won’t always have the spare time to get it out there to the masses.
Please let me know if you have something to say about cycling or hiking events in the area, too, especially my own Pedal 100 for Heart & Stroke (which I will be plugging every chance I get … kinda like this one – see above).
If you have something to say/add and you feel that your submission may be of benefit or contribute in some way to the next issue, then let me know. This forum isn’t for arguing, it’s for discussing – arguing is self-defeating, whereas discussing can be enlightening and encouraging. So, please, let’s encourage and enlighten one another. Only then can we grow – grow to respect each other and ourselves.
If you would like to advertize your business (especially if you’re my sponsor – wink, wink), please let me know and so can work something out.
Please let me know if you’d like to follow it that way and I’ll set it up.
www … (okay, I’m still working on figuring this out, but will get back to you)
I would have it set up so that I can forward it out to everyone, but you can only reply to me and if you’d like your comment posted in the next newsletter, let me know in your comment/letter.
Thanks for your time and consideration and I look forward to seeing you next time (& remember, I did say, monthly-ISH, so don’t be surprised if you don’t get one every month – I often get very busy with Scouting and have to devote my spare time to that).
Cheers!
S. Ross Cutler.
Next time, YOU could be a Proud
Contributor’n’Sponsor’n’Advertiser
to one of these fine columns,
OR you could create one of your own . . .
The Tacho’d Endo Greetings! Spinning My Wheels
Cutler’s cyclizm Ross’ Raiders for Heart Pedal 100 for Heart & Stroke
Inspirational Thoughts/Quotes Inside Joke Parting Shot Final Thoughts
BLOGGER S. Ross Cutler
Please think about and consider the environment.
Have a nice day!
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