posted on Team Bear

Just posted at team-bear.org pictures and a quick update. Will post more thoughts here from the Austin weekend in the days to come.

http://www.team-bear.org

100 million bottles…

today’s music mix will be headlined by the Police. yesterday it was Little Jackie and Goodness.

Message in a Bottle was just playing in Austin Java (City Hall’s cafe). Music has played a larger part in my world lately. I listen a lot more than I used to. Something I guess that was building for a little while as Beth really liked having music going. She also found it strange sometimes that I could be home in silent space, working, reading or whatever with nothing going on in the background. I guess lately I have found some comfort in some of the messages and themes in the music I listen to. Community, heartache, love, protest, joy, dance and life of others in general- fictitious or real.

On the music note, I am hoping that we can get out one night while we are hear to catch a set or two. I walked around the city last night, looking for a bite to eat, then just to listen to the various gigs going at the local bars. 6th St was pretty lively with nearly every other bar featuring someone and a younger crowd for the most part. Then it was 4th St and the warehouse district, fewer noticeable bands playing though it looked like the weekend would be lively.

So this wandering around by myself now still has been sucking, though I think I am finding some rhythm that gets me through. I have been able to see and appreciate a little more instead of just being overwhelming. I still have those moments were I have to take that deep breath. Though I have found that listening to a little music, specially things that Beth liked helps too. hmm. back around to the music…my message in a bottle.

Time for me to hit the road again I guess. Going for a cruise around the city again then lunch with friends then might help stuff bags for the events this weekend. Met some really great people with the LAF yesterday and will see them again today.

Bats! a night with a few bats and lots of rain…

So right next to the hotel that I am in is the famed Congress St Bridge, where up to 1.5 million bats live.

Every night they come out around sunset and set to eating lots and lots of bugs. Its a good thing as at the same time it seems as though the bugs come out. It is hard to see in this video, but the bats were flying around under the bridge. It was raining pretty hard so as they would venture out from under the protection they would immediately turn back for cover, which was were I was standing…

While I was out watching I came away with a few bites… one of the info booths that I read said that in some areas a single colony of bats can eat several hundred of thousands of pounds a night. Cool. Beth would have appreciated that.

About the bike…

Long awaited, at least by me, my new Renovo R4 Pursuit.

I had some special lettering placed on the top tube of the frame. I continue to shape this meditation or mantra into my new world. With each day bringing a different meaning, and in each activity. I imagine it will for now bring me a different motivation with every challenge I might face.

You might also notice another inspirational note to the frame of the bike. When I was at the Renovo shop, looking for the right wood to include in the frame I came across a great piece for the accent layer. (yes the frame is made of wood for those who didn’t know, read more here) Bubinga or African Rose wood has a wonderful red color to it, with gold striations and hints of blond/brown. In certain light it looked to me a lot like Beth’s hair, and reminded me of her beautiful red head.

So far I am having a wonderful time out riding on it. It’s smooth yet very agile and responsive. At somewhere around 17 pounds I can jump on the peddles and be clipping down the road at 20mph very easily. The hills are just a little easier too. While some would ask if I plan on getting a little more serious about riding with such a bike, for now its just about being out there. While the kind of riding that I do wouldn’t justify it, I figured life isn’t justified, get it for its beauty and see where it takes you.

So here I sit, I am in Austin getting ready for the LiveStrong weekend and the Ride for the Roses. I only have about 75 miles in on the new machine and will get out there some before Sunday. I am really glad to be here, though of course wish I could share it more with Beth. I am going to head out to the Lance Armstrong Foundation this afternoon and meet with a couple of the staff there. I will have more as the week rolls along so check back if you have a chance.