Currently reading Cycling Home from Siberia by Rob Lilwall
The book is an account of the author’s 3 year, 30,000 mile bike ride from Siberia to England via Australia.
Cheating damages inspiration and human potential.
Over at Cold Thistle Dane has reposted a piece by Mark Twight on the impact of cheating. It specifically concerns the use of supplemental oxygen in mountaineering, but applies to all aspects of life.
I reviewed the Hill People Gear Tarahumara on ITS Tactical.
As with the Kit Bag, my opinion of the Hill People Gear Tarahumara is high. It stands strong on its own, and has proved a versatile addition to a pack system.
Emerson Field Strip
I somehow managed to loose the pivot screw from my Emerson Mini-Commander. Last week I ordered a replacement, which arrived today. Rather than just installing the new screw, I decided to strip the entire knife to clean and lubricate it.
I had never done this before. The knife was purchased in 2006 and has seen some (ab)use. I was surprised at how clean it was in there. But for a little wear around the pivot point the liners could have been new. I wiped everything down with a towel and some rubbing alcohol, dropped a little ProLink on the washers, and screwed everything back together.
It’s good to go for another 7 years.
I've replaced my Scott-Mathauser brake pads.
The salmon compound of the Scott-Mathauser shoes is excellent, but I think the design of the Kool Stop pads will be superior in inclement conditions. They offer dual compound pads that include both the salmon compound and a softer black compound to reduce squealing. I went with Mountain Pads in the rear and Dura Road Pads up front.
Freedom for users, not for software.
Mako has published a short essay in which he argues in favor of a conceptual shift, referring to “free users” rather than “free software”. It draws attention to the larger societal impact of proprietary software, and points out that software that is free-as-in-freedom can still create dependent and vulnerable users when used as a 3rd party service in the cloud.
Currently reading Hardcore Troubadour by Lauren St John.
The Life and Near Death of Steve Earle, a biography of Steve Earle, is a well written account of a great musician.
While Out Riding is one of the best bicycle touring blogs around.
Cass Gilbert has been touring regularly for more than a decade. He shares his writing and photography on his blog. This winter he is taking a break in New Mexico, but, if you’re new to his blog, the archives contain much of note. Just recently he posted a gear list for a short trip.