Winter 4.0

In the final weeks of 2012 my thoughts were full of everything that's happened over the past year and my dominant emotion was depletion. Two days ago I finally finished making a bicycle frame, and the experience took its toll: Getting so completely absorbed in something at which I am so completely mediocre led me to question my sanity. This train of thought then spread from framebuilding to cycling itself. My progress on the bike has not been impressive by any standard, making it both funny and ridiculous that I am so utterly into it. I also could not help but question what would happen if and when I finally move beyond the constant struggle to both understand the bicycle and master riding it. Will it no longer be absorbing? Will the excitement and wonder eventually fade?

In the midst of all this brooding, it began to snow. It snowed and snowed all through the night, and the next morning I ventured outside. On a Sunday the plowing had been minimal. Side streets crunched with hard-packed snow. Grassy lots offered vast, undisturbed snowscapes. Modest city parks turned into enchanted forests. I wandered around by bike through the preternaturally white landscape. As my face began to tingle from the frost, my head cleared. Slip-sliding my way through the at once familiar and unfamiliar streets, everything began to make sense. I abandoned my attempts to take stock and draw conclusions. I stopped thinking about the past year and started looking forward to the year ahead. This is my fourth winter cycling, and yet everything feels utterly new, utterly exciting.

Happy New Year, everyone. Thank you, as always, for reading.

---

In keeping with the New Year's Eve cocktail tradition, I offer you: 

The First Snow Ride

Ethereal gin

St Germain liqueur

Lindt white chocolate

eggwhite

ice

In a cocktail shaker, mix 2 parts gin and 1 part St. Germaine over ice. Pour (hold the ice) into a cold cocktail glass. Whip 1 eggwhite until super-frothy. Finely shred white chocolate and sprinkle the flakes into the froth. Add mixture to the drink's surface. Serve and enjoy the ride!

Embrace Life

CHOOSE TO HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE, CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY
AND GET THE MOST OUT OF LIFE ... EACH & EVERY DAY

Here are 20 simple tips to follow to help you on your way

 to getting the most out of your life in 2013.

 1. Balance your energy.

  2. Recharge your batteries.

3. Refuse to argue.

 16. Balance your diet.

  4. Sleep sound.

  5. Persevere.

 6. Feel and express gratitude.

 7. Give up self put-downs.

 8. Develop your intuition.

 9. Learn to hold your own hand.

  10. Accept your physical appearance.

11. Keep your cool.

 12. Vent in a positive way.

 13. Speak kindly of yourself.

14. Be brave.

 15. Learn to calm yourself.

 16. Listen to music.

17. Make the most of every opportunity.
18. Inject some fun into your day
19. Be kind
20 Start fresh each day.

Melissah xox

 
{Credits:  image, text source: The Bold Life}

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Happy New Year

 

Tonight I am going to a beach party.

It will be a pretty casual affair thongs (flip flops) and shorts.

All the locals go with their kids and it's quite a fun night

- if the weather holds up!

I'm looking forward to sausages cooked up on a the beach barbeque

wrapped up in a slice of white bread with 

 a glass of champagne in the other hand,

... a typical Aussie way to ring in the New Year!

Happy New Year everyone

wherever you are in the world

whatever you end up doing!

Melissah xox

{Images via 1, 2a, 2b, 3,  all edited by Coastal Style}

Check out my other blogs Scrapbook and Country Style Chic

Pets at Work

Every time I visit Circle A Cycles, I sift through my pictures of the shop afterward only to discover that they are mostly cat portraits. But who can blame me, when they have such a fabulous shop cat. BT's job is mainly reception, customer service and PR. When it comes to being petted, she is an equal-opportunity practitioner - diligently making her way from one visitor to another, ensuring that everyone gets their fair share of stroking her silky fur and scratching her velvety ears. When this task is done, she slinks around delicately amidst the machinery, inspecting the quality of her colleagues' work. 

I've tried to invite my own cats into my workspace. There was that one time I attempted to have them in the same room while I painted. Minutes later, they'd already managed to dip their little paws into some paint, and were now proceeding to spread it around the entire room while swatting brushes off of shelves and batting at jars of turpentine playfully. Oh how I paid for their visit with hours of cleanup. Oh how they squirmed and squealed as I quarantined them in the bathtub and scrubbed their paws with soap.  

On another occasion, I tried to scan negatives around my whiskered friends. Their curiosity in this task made the scanning process unnecessary, since the strip of negatives was quickly rendered unusable. 

Working on bikes in the same room is excitingly risky. They are intensely interested and make a show out of being very good, so that I allow them to be there. And they are good, up to a point. Until a particularly attractive part catches their eye and they challenge each other to a soccer match. The speed and elegance with which they can cause damage are admittedly impressive.

I can work from home on my laptop, but just barely. The cats like to stealthily make their way onto the table and slowly wrap themselves around the keyboard, until both my wrists are resting on some part of cat and my typing is constricted. "At least help me type if you're going to do that," I try to reason with them. They ignore me, purring triumphantly. Later a friend explained that this really is their way of helping me write: The purring functions as a metronome of sorts that helps me keep rhythm and type faster. Shop cats they are not, but perhaps I underestimate their value as office cats. 

Summer Brights

ACID brights are making an eye catching, head turning appearance this summer. Bright fluoro colours provide the perfect highlight colour for your summer wardrobe. Inspired by the glow sticks and Wham t-shirts of the eighties, this season's neon colour palette has a fresh, new modern twist.

Melissah xox

Images via 1, 2, 3-4

Check out my other blogs Scrapbook and Country Style Chic

Trek Multi Track 700 / Winter Commuter Part 2

Greetings and Welcome, I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday. At the end of part one I was talking about cleaning up the 700 c wheel set. So I think I`ll move onto the tires. When I was looking at new tires I told the salesman that I wanted something that would be good in slippery conditions. I was not convinced right away these tires would meet that need. Once he told me that these could be returned "for any reason" within 90 days of purchase, I thought well why not give these a try.

Above: The Specialized Trigger Sport tire has an aggressive tread along the outer edges, similar to the tires I installed on the last GT triple triangle frame bike. But the main tread (above) is this tiny diamond shape pattern. This tread pattern combined with a PSI range of 50 to 100 psi gave me the impression these might actually work well in slippery conditions. I will have plenty of opportunity to test them, as winter has finally returned to South East Michigan after taking last year off.

Above: While I was picking up cables at my "not so local bike shop" (about a 1/2 hour drive from here)I decided to purchase tires and tubes and saddle and handlebar cork tape while I was there. With my discount, and not having to pay shipping. And the fact that the saddle is a new "take off" The price was about the same. Not too shabby considering these are all Specialized brand bits. With the exception of the cables, which are bulk Jag Wire.

Above: Not that it is important (because it really is not) these tires do have attractive graphics on the side wall. These are 700 x 33 C tires, about the max width that the Ze'Fal mud guards can handle. So "all in all" I would say these tires appear to be a good match for this bike. Ok, now lets look at the derailleurs.

Above: Laura did a really good job cleaning the Shimano Altus rear derailleur. Unfortunately it will not function properly and will be replaced. But at this point I did not know this so we will get to that latter on.

Above: The Shimano Altus front derailleur cleaned up beautifully and appears to be functioning perfectly. I think I mentioned it on the face book page, but the chain I was going to use was stretched so I did replace it with a new 3/32 Schwinn Multi speed chain. Next the (first) handlebar change with safety levers. (commonly referred to these days as suicide levers)

Above: Here I have decided to clean-up and install the lighter drop handlebars off Laura's Dads bike. A huge improvement over the Wald or Schwinn? chrome drop bars. I am also using the "suicide levers" from Laura's Dads bike (World Voyageur). The main levers are take offs from one of the many Schwinn Continentals that have come and gone these past 3 years. The mirror is a take off I have been saving for ages. The (friction) stem shifters I salvaged from a bike long since forgotten.

Above: Here I have mounted or installed the Specialized Woman's road saddle. When looking at used (or take offs) Specialized saddles you can identify a woman's saddle by the diamond around the S logo. A Specialized Men's saddle will have the S logo without the surrounding diamond.

Above: I found this Axiom Transit rear rack at Treefort Bikes (online). With the automatic price match at checkout I got it for 19.77 (about 45% off). Not too shabby! I really like this rack, it is light weight. And it has a pretty good max load limit of 130 lbs. not bad for a twenty dollar rack.

Above: I added this salvaged water bottle cage which I think came off the Trek 330.

Above: Here I have taped the handlebars using Cenelli Gel cork tape and added a "BELL" brand bell compass. It took a little time to position the main levers so that the suicide levers were located close enough for a person with smaller hands to easily reach.

Above: Here the bike is assembled and ready for a road test. It has the drop bars Laura requested along with the suicide levers. Also the fenders, rack and bell along with tires that will "hopefully" perform well in slippery conditions. Also the stem mounted shifters. The idea was to build a winter ride that would duplicate the riding position of her summer road bike. As far as that part goes the build appears(ed) to be a success.

Above: I made up some white piping to cover up some bad scratches and scrapes. I used 3M white vinyl trim tape for this. Test rides are very important, especially when using reconditioned components. Running the through the gears on the work stand and checking the brakes is great. But a road test is much better as there is resistance and weight. Not to mention only a road test will show you how the bike handles and feels over all. This road test showed me I have some more "serious" work to do before I can turn it over to Laura. That is where I will pick up on the next post.

Above: Walking the bike path early this afternoon. I forgot how fast walking through snow can wear me out! LTMS

I must have been good this year because "Santa-wife" (and son) brought me an Ultrasonic parts cleaner and a complete set of cone wrenches. And as if that wasn't enough they also brought me a really cool Topeak "Alien II" multi-tool and a set of Parks brushes. And if that wasn't enough (and it really was) I also received The Book "Hollywood Rides a Bike". Which is really "Super Cool" because I LOVE old movies and old bikes :) I have been truly blessed in my life and I try real hard to remember that.

Summertime and Mackinac island are now a distant memory. So now I will do what northerners do, make the best of it (winter) and dream of springtime. I wonder if the outdoor ice rink in Milford is open? It was so mild last winter we never got to skate at all. Until next time RIDE SAFE and remember to Always....RESCUE, RESTORE & RECYCLE Cheers Hugh

ATTENTION! Amazon Shoppers! You can HELP support this blog by simply SHOPPING on Amazon dot com using the amazon search box located at the Top Right Corner of this page. It will not effect your cost and I will receive a very small (tiny even) commission. Thanks for your support, Hugh

Summer Shimmer

GET SET TO SPARKLE FOR THE NEW YEAR
with these expert tips on how to pull off shimmering highlighter... 

(Seriously, you'll be amazed at the difference these tips will make!!!!)

Let skin glow. For a subtle sheen, mix a pea-size drop of highlighter with foundation in your palm before applying. The right shade leaves only a glow on the skin—as opposed to depositing colour. Usually, this means silvery pink for fair skin, golden tints for olive skin, and bronze highlighter for dark skin.

Define your cheekbones. Apply a shimmery powder with a big, fluffy brush to just the highest point of your cheekbones, and blend. Remember to apply it after blush, so your cheeks aren't lighter than the rest of your face.

Strike a balance. If your makeup plan involves strong, smoky eyes, highlighter can add a radiance to your skin that will keep you from looking too goth. Try dusting a shimmering nude powder on the cheekbones, chin, and above the bow of the mouth for a look that's “an extreme version of natural.”

Brighten your eyes. For wide-open eyes, use a thin brush to dab a light, a shimmery shadow into the inner corners of your eyes. Then, keeping the brush as close to the lower lash line as possible, drag it outward to create a very thin line.

Pucker up. Highlighter can even give lipstick a boost. I Choose a highlighter close to your skin tone, with just a hint of shimmer. Apply a dot on your lips, spread it with your finger, and then swipe on a layer of your lipstick. Use a lip brush to add more of either product for your desired shade.

Don't forget the rest. A touch of shimmer isn't just for your face: you can also massage a dot of pearlized cream into the shoulders and collarbones - focus on the tops of the bones so it looks like the light is catching them. For a finishing touch, slather your legs with tinted moisturiser and runs highlighter down the shin bones.

Melissah xox

{Pic: Bella Mumma / Source: Allure}

 Check out Coastal Style on tumblr and Pinterest

Festive Fun with Flats

One of my plans for the holidays had been to get in some practice changing tires. Problem is, I very rarely get flats. And let's face it: Taking a tire on and off for no reason just isn't the same as the real deal. So naturally I was delighted when, on my way home last night, my front tire went flat for real. It was a dark and stormy night, with heavy traffic and freezing rain, affording the perfect opportunity to practice road-side repairs. Alas, it happened just a block from my house. Weak of character, I opted for the comforts of home. 

"Darling, guess what?" I shouted as I rolled the bike into our living-room. "I have a flat tire!"

"Oh my!" said my husband. "And it's a 650B with fenders no less. Are you going to fix it yourself?"

"Of course! This is the moment I've been waiting for."

Nodding eagerly, he opened a bottle of wine and made himself comfortable on our finest kitchen chair, in anticipation of the evening's entertainment.

Now I know you're wondering what wine goes best with this sort of thing. This is really a matter of personal taste. But generally speaking, if the tires are 650B I recommend red. It just so happened that we picked up a lovely Truro Zinfandel during our recent stay on Cape Cod. Not the pink one in the bottle shaped like a lighthouse, but the darker one in a regular bottle. Its smooth deliciousness makes the already relaxing process of fixing flats even sweeter. 

Aside from the wine and a keen spectator prepared to critique your every movement, in a tire-changing situation it might also be helpful to have a floor pump and a spare inner tube handy, as well as some tools. If you have a fun bike with a bolt-on front wheel like I do, you will need something to unbolt it. A tire lever may also be useful. 

But most importantly, if your bike has fenders, you will need a couch. After removing a wheel, you should not stand the bike on the floor, as this may bend the fender. And if you think bikes enjoy being hoisted up on a workstand, you are mistaken. Most bikes are afraid of heights, and getting them up there for reasons as small as fixing a flat is downright insensitive. Laying your bicycle down on the sofa will make it much more comfortable. It will also delight your spouse by showing them what a free-spirited, outside the box thinker you are.  

Finally, you may want to have a copy of an appropriately inspirational poster or publication in sight as you work. This will remind you of why these bicycles are so darn charming, as you gingerly handle the delicate aluminum fenders and deflate your 650Bx42mm tire in order to fit it through the centerpull brake caliper. 

Of course the most fascinating part of flat repair is finding its cause. Having never gotten a flat with Grand Bois Hetres previously, I was especially interested. Turned out the cause was a failed inner tube. This one had split right at the seam. It happens, even with the nicest tubes.

"It happens just often enough to remind us that we are never fully in control of our destinies," I sighed wistfully as I tested the front brake after re-connecting it. 

My husband nodded, moving the wine away from me gently. "Well, looks like you did it."

"And it only took me a half hour this time!"

"Oh, hardly that!"

And isn't that what working on our bikes is all about? Struggling for self-reliance in a world of chaos and uncertainty. Using it as metaphor for life. Entertaining our loved ones. Look out world, soon I'll be able to fix a flat in 20 minutes!

Memories of Noosa

Noosa Main Beach - Noosa Heads

Locals and tourists flock to the beach

The Noosa restaurants lived up to their reputation

A packed beach on Christmas Day

Beachside Dining

Our table at Berardo's

Another favourite restaurant - Sails

Freshly caught seafood

My fave restaurant - Berardos on the Beach

Spaghetti Marinara

A very cool car!

Busy Hastings Street - great shopping!

A healthy breakfast

The pool and swim-up bar at the Sheraton

Beautiful beaches

Snow cones to cool you down!

A local sand sculptor creates a magical 'sandcastle' daily

Lit up at night

This year we decided to mix things up a bit and do something totally out of the ordinary for Christmas. So we booked in at the Sheraton in Noosa for 5 days over Christmas. It was warm and balmy and buzzing with people. Noosa has a great vibe with stylish restaurants, stunning beaches, chic holiday makers, designer shops and pristine National parks. The 5 days were spent unwinding and relaxing after a busy and exciting year. Then there were seafood buffets, shopping on Hastings street, beachside dining, cocktails by the pool and lots of walks to make up for the desserts and daily gelatis! Noosa has now officially become one of my favourite Aussie destinations.

I hope everyone at a wonderful Christmas!

Melissah xox

Images Coastal Style & Berados 

Check out my other blogs Scrapbook and Country Style Chic