Good and bad Christmas news:

Bad news: A grinch stole my Xootr right out of the back of my car. While my car was backed into my driveway. Sometime on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or the day after. Probably while we were home. I think I forgot to lock my car after I unloaded groceries on Christmas Eve. Anyway, I'm pretty bummed about it. Nothing else was missing but it feels wierd to know that someone opened up my car and took my scooter.



Good news: Amy and I have this whole week off of work for the "University Closure."

Over the weekend, we worked on the Fuji Cross a little bit and fit Amy on it. The old old Spec Allez was just too small. We went out for a short ride around the 'hood and Amy liked it.

We also took the Breezers on a city ride to see the rattlesnake bridge.

I love solstice and knowing that the days are getting longer and lighter earlier! I didn't think I would have to say that this winter, now that I live in the winter cycling mecca of the Old Pueblo. And in during my last few years in Flagland, I was so used to riding in the garage until March, I didn't care about solstice. Even if it was light out, I was usually too wimpy to ride in the cold or wind.

So tell me why this is the bike I've been riding all week:



Yes, that is my old Spec, mounted on my trainer. Yes, I live in Tucson. Here's the thing: I have to work from 9:30am to 6pm. It's dark until 7am. And it's been really cold here, almost like the northland, I'm talking about 30 degrees until 9am. (Hear me whine! You'd never know I spent the last 10 years in a 4 season climate!) It's just easier to put on shorts and head to the garage where I can listen to disco and watch the Tour. No need to hook up the light, pull on tights, booties, lobster mitts, balaclava, etc. I'm stupid and wimpy. Lazy too.

Speaking of the tour, thanks to Flandis, I almost forgot about last year's tour. But today I remembered some of the better moments while watching in the garage. Like Frank Schleck winning on le Alpe d'Huez!

That gives me something to look forward to in 2007.

Two wheel fun? Mostly bikes are my source of two wheel fun. But now that I work on campus and have become lazy about bicycle commuting, I have taken to riding my Xootr from the car to my office. That is serious two wheel fun.


But then I was checking out another source of two wheel fun:


Yes, I was gawking at an old Honda CB125 and I suddenly had to overcorrect my Xootr. And because of that, I now have an injured calf, you know, like when you get a charlie-horse! I guess the good news is that I can still ride the bike just fine!