Sometimes I Need to Unplug

There are times when you just need to unplug. 

I prefer to avoid political discourse on my blog but these are exceptional times and I want to make a point and then move on and take a ride.

It's no secret that my values are progressive and the current state of affairs have made it harder for me to ignore reality and enjoy a ride. Events, that are rapidly unfolding and have serious consequences, are making it increasingly necessary for me to stay in touch with current events as they unfold. I feel Carrie and I can weather any political storm but I have five children and nine grandchildren whose future I don't want dictated by tyrants. I am committed to knowing the facts, not the "alternative facts",  I feel that now it's more important then ever before to be prepared to talk to my children and their children.

I will not let up on calling out those who quote false facts and equivalents. Also I am not letting up on letting my elected officials know how I feel and to encourage others to get involved in American democracy regardless of political affiliation.

What I will do is find the time to unplug and take a ride. With renewed energy I can more easily stay involved.

Ride on but stay involved

Driftwood

Another day of rain. 

Another day of not riding. 

Collecting driftwood during a short break in the rain.

The storm has left plenty of driftwood on Central Coast Beaches.

Schwalbe Durano 28/406

I'm giving the Schwalbe Durano's a try on the front. The 406 (20") Schwalbe One's only come in  the 23/406 size. And the Kojaks come in 35/406. I want a little larger tire, but not as large as the Kojak 35/406s. I'm trying the Schwalbe Durano 28/406s on front while keeping the Schwalbe One 28/622 on the rear. I'm looking for a more durable and better priced tire for the rougher Central Coast roads. I'm hoping the speed loss is minimal.

FYI
The bottle cage on the boom holds my JBL Charge speaker.

My first ride with the Durano 28/406s up front seem to be nearly as comfortable as the 35/406 Kojaks. The 23/406 Schwalbe Ones I was using were like rocks. Just about anything is more comfortable then the Ones.

I'll need a few more rides to to be able judge the speed of the Duranos vs the Ones on the Central Coast roads. My initial impression is good. Given the varied conditions of the roads on the Central Coast the speed of the Duranos seem to compare well with the skinner Ones. Time will tell.

First Ride of the New Year

FINALLY 

a break in the rain and I'm able to take the first ride of the new year. And a beautiful sunny day it was on the Central Coast. Cool by California standards, low fifties.