tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71158883356989021232011-11-27T16:29:29.297-08:00The meditations and rantings from a guy who owns somewhere around a dozen bikes and one car. Don't say you weren't warned.Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.comBlogger971100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-5624640016999956002010-09-04T11:33:00.001-07:002010-09-04T11:50:11.403-07:00

I'm still working on making my night bikey shots like my drivey shots. The problem I'm having is getting the camera stable enough. My carbon-fiber tripod, strapped to my rear rack flexes too much (I'm guessing the zip-ties attaching it aren't of much help either...). When I was in Junior High School, I won the "Most Likely to be a Scientist" Award from the Science Department. I guess they were

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-56682008193515656532010-08-30T07:51:00.001-07:002010-08-30T11:41:15.910-07:00

go daddy go Originally uploaded by Nikki McLeodHey guess what?! We rode our bikes this weekend! On Saturday, we rode over to HUB for the Biketobeerfest, a fund-raising, beer-drinking good time. It was a beautiful, sunny day and the beer was yummy. I'm not sure which I liked better; the Totally Radner, a 70% beer, 30% lemonade concoction, or the Gayle's Pale, the first fresh hops beer of the

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-25421665851756147462010-08-24T00:13:00.000-07:002010-08-24T21:27:41.537-07:00

On Sunday - August 22 - Bryce and I rode the Portland Century. It was the second time I had ridden it and the first for Bryce - not only that, but he had just (as in, less than 48-hours prior) returned from a month-long family trip that saw far more gin & tonics than bike rides. We started off feeling good and riding fast. The new pavement on the Springwater is niiiiice. We got into a nice 

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-12192038748198420612010-08-20T10:16:00.001-07:002010-08-20T12:00:31.614-07:00

On Sunday, the boys and I rode the bucketbike in the Southeast Sunday Parkways. At Col. Summers Park, there was a MTB skills course set up which drew Liam like a magnet. He watched as people rode, and I could see how much he wanted to ride it. Moments later I got a text from Shetha saying that she was on her way over, so I asked her to bring an extra kids bike. And she did! Liam then proceeded

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-50925209721249349572010-08-14T23:45:00.000-07:002010-08-20T11:49:20.560-07:00

proud of their mommy Originally uploaded by Ben McLeodNikki graduated from her program today! We arrived in Oregon two years, three months and two days ago so that she could attend grad school at Pacific University to achieve her Masters degree in Science and a certificate to practice as a Physician Assistant. In the past 824 days, the McLeod family has seen a lot of joy, a fair amount of

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-91325898724613211812010-08-10T18:43:00.001-07:002010-08-10T18:59:05.244-07:00

the getter Call it what you will, Swagger Wagon, minivan, whatever. My Bucketbike is still way cooler. I've written on my love of the Bakfiets, so I won't get all misty and stuff, but seriously, I love this thing! I carry the boys and our groceries in it. I get exercise. I get to be much more a part of the boys' conversations (as opposed to when they're in the trailer or on the trail-a-bike).

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-5774095773076361592010-08-10T14:26:00.000-07:002010-08-10T14:27:17.967-07:00

Sorry for the crazy changing blog design! Bear with me here people.  I'm playing around with design templates and styles. I kind of liked that bike background, but ultimately did not keep it due to two reasons: 1) I didn't take the picture - while I enjoy selling stock photos, I don't like using them, and 2) it made the page busy and hard to read. What do you think? Do you care? I had pretty

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-31750927699161972552010-08-09T18:04:00.000-07:002010-08-09T18:09:19.585-07:00

"Big FIGHT on the bus" Last night we rented the regrettable* Scooby Doo: The Mystery Begins, which of course, the boys loved. It's the story of how the gang met each other. In live action. Yes. It's like ten times worst than it sounds. But Liam can't stop talking about it - so this afternoon he decided to put his thoughts on paper and draw his version, which I think is WAYYY better than the

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-81457448539745880442010-08-09T07:39:00.001-07:002010-08-09T10:37:49.815-07:00

my cute familyYesterday - Sunday, August 8, 2010 - we rode in the 5-bridge Providence Bridge Pedal. It was the second time we've ridden the Bridge Pedal. Something like 18,500 other riders took part, making it the second-largest community group ride in the U.S. (I saw that somewhere and now can't find the link - the largest community ride in the U.S. is in NYC)! However, much to the credit of

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-62884402883569929052010-08-05T10:52:00.001-07:002010-08-05T11:21:38.721-07:00

Rowing On The WillametteOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodI've been tweeting recently about reasons I love my bike commute.My ride to work is just shy of five miles, with 3.5 to 4 miles (depending upon my route) of it on dedicated bike and pedestrian paths - The Springwater Corridor and the Eastbank Esplanade.This morning, on my ride to work, I watched an Osprey dive down to the pond at Oaks

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-23225727065805923072010-08-03T10:23:00.000-07:002010-08-05T11:31:35.962-07:00

headed homeWhen Nikki and I got married - a little over nine years ago - we said that we'd always try to be a one-car (or less) family. It hasn't always been easy, and for a while in the year after we got married I needed a car for the 60+ mile commute I found myself facing twice a day. I bought a beater Volvo station wagon for $800 and drove it for a few months before we bought our first house,

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-42219973216964093092010-08-02T17:06:00.001-07:002010-08-02T17:35:46.769-07:00

Are you one of the 2500+ people that ride the Springwater Corridor between Sellwood and the Central Eastside (or areas beyond) every day?Me too.When I first found out that the Springwater will be closed from 9am to 4pm on Thursday and Friday of this week (August 5th & 6th 2010) for the filming of a TV show, I was a little upset. It seemed odd to me that the city would shut down a major throughway

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-38372786647755335782010-07-02T13:13:00.001-07:002010-08-05T11:48:14.283-07:00

sharrow Originally uploaded by Ben McLeodI know, I know...... it's been like 9 months since I last updated this blog. Sorry. So.... we moved to Portland - Sellwood, to be precise - right next to the Spokane bike boulevard, to be even more precise.... Nikki is finishing up the first week of her last rotation. 5 more weeks to go! She's already been offered a job, right here in Portland! I've

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-85434818394012073322009-11-16T09:20:00.001-08:002009-11-16T09:24:25.407-08:00

Hearing testOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodThe boys had their 3 and 5-year-old check-ups last Thursday and are doing brilliantly (as we are all well aware!).For the record, Liam weighed in at exactly 38 pounds and 42 inches tall. Camper was 30.25 pounds and 36.5 inches. Should we start making bets now? Will Camper be the bigger of the two? At what point will he catch up? When will he suddenly

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-50365803110786583292009-11-04T16:04:00.001-08:002009-11-04T16:09:21.833-08:00

busted .. againOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodYesterday was Camper's THIRD birthday.It was three years ago today...We had a pretty chill day. Camper and I went for a ride to the playground so that he could get in a birthday swing, then we had some people over.A relaxed third birthday.Some pictures of my boy:- Campbell; week-by-week- World, meet Benton Campbell McLeod- Campbell, the complete

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-91202124986235660652009-10-31T22:33:00.000-07:002009-11-04T16:41:46.992-08:00

attack of the killer robotsOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodAfter months of discussion, weeks of back-and-forth, days of planning and hours of blood, sweat and tears, I present Liam and Camper's Halloween 2009 costumes:Robots!They were the hit of our short spin around the block (after about five house, both boys wanted to go home - they wore the helmets for all of a block). People were stopping

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-5026030155641328172009-10-27T14:28:00.000-07:002009-11-04T14:31:38.671-08:00

under the moon and starsOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodI like to take pictures at night.Sometimes I go months without taking pictures at night.Last night I looked out, saw the moon and the wet roads, and told Nikki that I'd be back in a few hours.Showers were moving through the area, but so were amazing clear patches of sky. I drove over to a hill in Beaverton that I once drove over and thought

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-2303057090478590882009-10-21T17:20:00.000-07:002009-11-04T14:22:55.734-08:00

Autumn is the dreamiest time of yearOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodI do so love Autumn. I miss fall in New England, but I have to say, fall in the Northwest is pretty dang nice.We've been to a pumpkin patch and an apple orchard, rode our bikes through leaves and had to put our sweaters on for the first time this year.I like Autumn.Fall is also when everyone's birthdays happen. Nikki's was in

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-84457357232362624742009-10-15T21:13:00.000-07:002009-11-04T14:15:42.206-08:00

Gecko. #OMSI #pdxOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodWe joined OMSI today.Nikki's dad bought Liam and Camper (and me and Nikki) a family membership for their birthdays. We weren't going to get it until we came back from upstate-WA at the end of December, but Nikki's school just informed her that this rotation comes with housing; family not welcome...So... the boys and I will be hanging tough in

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-67921027880715253882009-10-10T22:10:00.000-07:002009-11-04T14:00:46.285-08:00

my big FIVE-year-oldOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodLiam turned five today.So Mommy and Daddy celebrated by bringing the family to the 2009 Fresh Hops Tastival.Seriously.We sampled about a half dozen delicious fresh hop beers, from really pale ales to hoppy IPAs. Yummy!Then we went home, made pumpkin pie (Liam's choice) and had some people over for a little schin-dig.

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-54628385825428038052009-10-04T23:51:00.000-07:002009-11-04T13:54:58.057-08:00

Football schmootballOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodWe spent the afternoon at the Alpenrose Dairy watching the kick-off to the 2009 Cross Crusade cyclocross series. We were there last year as well.It was so Portland; coffee, bikes, dogs and kids.Oh and tattoos. There were lots of tattoos.And cowbells.I love the scene - the energy and the vibe. It's why I love Portland so much. Thousands of

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-88409950878355311702009-09-29T13:40:00.000-07:002009-11-04T13:41:41.775-08:00

We are packed up and out the door. Stay classy San Diego!Originally uploaded by Ben McLeodAfter a two-day sprint up the West Coast, we have arrived back in the Portland area. The kids were super rock-stars and managed two full-days in the car with a minimum of complaints. Driving up California's Central Valley is an experience all should entertain!We had been thinking that we'd be in Portland

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-6813210925040019712009-09-19T23:26:00.000-07:002009-11-04T13:29:01.038-08:00

surfer girlOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodToday we went surfing with Paul and Keri.It was so freaking awesome. I can totally see why a person would chase waves for most of their life. Riding a wave is unlike anything else I've ever done; skiing, teleing, snowboarding, road riding, mountain biking - all that shizzle.It is, shall I say.... orgasmic. San Diego bugs the shit out of me, but I could

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-5692856296085661462009-09-16T11:24:00.000-07:002009-11-04T11:30:35.707-08:00

Liam is all smiles after getting stitches at the Scripps Memorial Hospital ER.Originally uploaded by Ben McLeodLiam got his first stitches yesterday.Scary.Nikki was at work and the boys and I were out exploring. We had already hit up two playgrounds, and were on our way to a third. We stopped at the top of Mount Soledad to check out the memorial. By this time, Camper was asleep, so Liam and I

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-62452628152201478812009-09-15T11:01:00.000-07:002009-11-04T11:03:11.765-08:00

San Diego. Where cars rule, and you suck if you want to do something stupid, like walk, or ride a bike...Originally uploaded by Ben McLeodSan Diego is nice if you like the beach, like cars and like driving in circles looking for parking.It sucks if you like riding your bike, drinking decent beer and friendly neighbors.I tried going for a ride the other day. It scared the shit out of me. Even the

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-13744182740382168852009-09-11T10:50:00.000-07:002009-11-04T10:54:14.427-08:00

come back, Icarus, come back!Originally uploaded by Ben McLeodThe boys and I picked Nikki up from work the other day and went exploring in the La Jolla area. Our first stop was the the cliffs above Torrey Pines State Park where we watched some guys floating around on paragliders.It was so amazing. I want to try! I want to try!Please?It looks like you're swinging on a swing without a swingset. So

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-61743470316624056752009-09-09T09:09:00.000-07:002009-11-04T10:55:54.475-08:00

surfer kidOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodWe've landed back on the West Coast - in San Diego. And most awesomest: we're back with Mommy!! Six weeks without mommy was hard to handle.We've been taking maximum advantage of living at the beach. Liam jumped right into boogie boarding, and Camper loves crawling though the sand - he's not so sure about the water yet...Me? I'm not such a big beach

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-32143821625387053322009-09-04T07:38:00.001-07:002009-11-04T10:53:34.308-08:00

My first MTB ride in 2 years on a borrowed 29er.Originally uploaded by Ben McLeodYesterday I went on my first mountain bike ride in two years. I rode with my friends Dan and Ryan at Bear Brook State Park. I was riding on Dan's 29-inch Gary Fisher.It reminded me how much I love mountain biking. Road biking is great and all, but nothing beats tearing down a singletrack. I had a shit eating grin on

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-849149430588494142009-08-20T20:15:00.001-07:002009-08-21T13:35:42.484-07:00

our rideOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodWe don't have the bike train around, but we do have the kayak-tube-train!I've used it to bring the boys over to Dewey Beach, as well as the lighthouse at the opening of Sunapee Harbor. Camper has even taken a boat nap on it!We get similar looks (and comments) to those that we get when the bike-train is in operation.

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-28409171301894319172009-08-14T19:58:00.001-07:002009-08-17T21:09:08.740-07:00

pedalOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodSo I just came across this. An opportunity to get a 2010 Stumpjumper FSR now to ride for a year in exchange for blogging about it and maybe taking a few pictures.I'd be perfect for this. It's what I do. Ride bikes. Take pictures. Blog. Tweet. Facebook. Every Trail.All that stuff.It's also perfect because it just so happens that I recently sold my

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-10425695443288204352009-08-06T06:50:00.001-07:002009-08-06T06:55:14.041-07:00

waaa-hoooooo!Originally uploaded by Ben McLeodYes. I'm a total slacker. I haven't posted in weeks - and a lot has happened.The boys and I finished up our time in Bend, and are now in NH. Nikki's last day in Bend is tomorrow. We won't see her for 30 days (but who's counting?).Our last week in Bend was a lot of fun. More of the same; hiking, biking and hanging out in the sun.The day we left Oregon,

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-39076006936457511942009-07-17T23:40:00.001-07:002009-07-18T12:01:47.300-07:00

Big Flare on the Big Obsidian FlowOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodWith one week left in Bend, I thought I'd reflect a bit upon our stay.It's been an active stay, that's for sure. Everyday, the boys and I ride our bikes around town, with the exception of one trip, Liam has ridden his own bike. I've been trying to log our jaunts on the Trails app on my iPhone. I only remember to start the app

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-49024167923628389262009-07-04T21:59:00.001-07:002009-07-05T11:05:54.832-07:00

built like a climberOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodWell folks, we survived the packing and the moving.Barely.As Nikki alluded, I kinda freaked out during our three-day packing and moving. Sometimes I'm not the most mellow person on this planet. OK, OK.... I'm never the most mellow person on this planet.I hate moving. I hate packing. And yes, I blamed Nikki and her need to go to a school across

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-59825790519776446922009-06-21T19:40:00.001-07:002009-06-21T21:32:32.508-07:00

little riderOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodThe McLeod family spent Father's Day afternoon in north Portland participating in the Sunday Parkways, a 7.5 mile loop of roads closed to cars.The loop connected several parks and neighborhoods, and temporarily converted a good portion of the city into a (carfree) park. The turnout was amazing and the weather was typical Portland-weird (sunny rain

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-91982730285174668542009-06-17T14:45:00.001-07:002009-06-17T14:49:27.674-07:00

Bike-lane loveOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodWe may be car[e]free, but that doesn't mean we can't stock-up on supplies.The boys and I just got back from a trip to the grocery store - by bike. I'm not able to pick up the amount I could get when I have the car, but I can still get what we need. Today I got some diapers, beer, bananas, local strawberries, tortillas and charcoal. I was able to fit

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-23269372400929753462009-06-16T23:00:00.000-07:002009-06-16T23:23:54.592-07:00

Camper woke up crying today at 7 am and pretty much cried all day; look at him wrong, don't share a toy, share a toy, it didn't matter, he was a screamer. Liam wanted nothing but to either watch TV, "do his work" (Liam refers to playing on the computer as "doing my work") or eat chocolate chips and/or some gross-ass popsicles (that Nikki bought last weekend. "Slow Melt" popsicles?! What the fuck

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-62469061059912786312009-06-16T00:18:00.001-07:002009-06-16T00:21:52.069-07:00

'yeah, my bike's got tassles...'Originally uploaded by Ben McLeodYesterday I witnessed an act by my son that I believe every parent would want to watch their child do.While crossing the swinging bridge-thing, a little girl behind Camper stumbled and nearly fell off. Camper let out a gasp, and quickly moved in to help. He handed her a bar, and then held it steady while she pulled herself on. After

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-52282135152758208662009-06-15T15:14:00.000-07:002009-06-16T00:20:04.545-07:00

We're being sent to Bend, Oregon rather than Nampa, Idaho!View Larger MapI guess the doctor in Idaho is having some personal issues (like a trip to see Betty Ford), so Nikki has been reassigned to a dermatology clinic in Bend.Sweet!I'd much rather spend July at the base of Mt. Bachelor than in a town with a slaughterhouse and paper mill. So would you.Two weeks from today we'll be in Bend, so

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-37375245115977527322009-06-09T23:19:00.001-07:002009-06-09T23:28:35.082-07:00

'I go ousside!'Originally uploaded by Ben McLeodCamper has taken up a charming new way of letting his displeasure be known.Sticking his tongue out and zurburtting at you - and if you're close enough, he'll take a swing at you. He's deadly serious when he does it, which frankly, makes it all the cuter, and therefore harder to punish (it's hard for the kids to believe you are serious when you're

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-38000360956173747432009-06-07T22:49:00.000-07:002009-06-07T22:59:23.331-07:00

My Mac Pro is on eBay.Mac Pro, 24-inch Cinema HD display and speakers - eBay (item 150350275083 end time Jun-13-09 10:20:38 PDT)I really (really ... really ... really) hope that I can get enough to afford a 17-inch MacBook Pro. I don't want to be computer-less while we're doing our gypsy-thing, and I want to be able to continue running my photo processing/organization software, Aperture, which

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-20191032029457089282009-06-07T20:35:00.000-07:002009-06-07T20:46:44.977-07:00

We took the kids to see Up in 3D last night. As usual, Pixar knocked it out of the park.I had heard that the first half-hour-or-so is a bit sad, and may be too much for little kids. We needn't have worried; the whole death thing was lost on them. Pixar does such a masterful job of telling a story on two levels; one for the adults and one for the children. I was choked up by tears of sadness over

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-69020365054618964192009-06-05T22:48:00.001-07:002009-06-06T11:41:17.870-07:00

me_beardOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodLast week, I used this beard picture of me as my Facebook icon.I got several comments that said something to the extent of, "Wolverine!"A little historyThe picture was taken in the spring of 1994 by my father in my dressing room, backstage at Western State College. I had grown the beard out for a part in a play. I was playing Snug in A Midsummer Night's

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-20452430489589321982009-06-05T22:23:00.001-07:002009-06-05T22:29:52.419-07:00

mr. mcleodOriginally uploaded by WalshI was going to edit my post from yesterday, but then I decided that a) if you've already read the post, you wouldn't know about the changes (as if you'd really care that much) and b) that's what a blog is for. A mostly unedited, unfiltered mess.For that, my dear readers, I apologize. But that's how we('ll) roll on this here bloggy blog. A mostly unedited,

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-82372931752243136952009-06-04T12:56:00.000-07:002009-06-04T23:52:05.545-07:00

Today, the boys and I had a good day. No one had any major meltdowns - we went to the playground, we went for a bike ride, we went to the pool. We even went to Baker's Burgers.Not every day is like today. Yesterday was one of those days.It was one of those days that ended with a meltdown from daddy. I had had enough. Campbell actually tripped the fuse to the upstairs four times. Four fucking

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-25366177836786806072009-06-03T23:23:00.000-07:002009-06-03T23:27:47.587-07:00

(It's almost 11:30pm and) I was just in the boys' bathroom using the toilet when the door to their room popped open. It was a sweaty-headed Camper.He looked at me and said, "I gotta go pee!"So I peeled off his pajamas and (dry) diapers and plopped him up on the toilet. Within moments he was peeing.When he finished, he hopped down, looked at me and said, "now I gotta get some watey."

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-7821909702763086252009-06-02T14:33:00.000-07:002009-06-02T15:50:23.176-07:00

I posted my computer on Craigslist yesterday, despite the warning from the folks at the Apple Store to skip it and go straight to eBay. I've received a couple of inquires, one of which was simply, "Is this item still for sale?" I responded in the affirmative, and about an hour later received the following email:Hi Seller, I am serious in buying this item that you listed and i wantyou to remove

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-2726258562069449002009-06-01T20:09:00.000-07:002009-06-06T11:43:30.078-07:00

My brain tells me I need to watch more television - and not a edunacational show!My stomach tells me it needs ice cream.You're not the boss of me. My brain is.I'm the boss of my bike, which means I control where it goes, so you can't tell me which way to go!What's inside a bug?Why doesn't it hurt when it rains? It falls from WAY up.Girls don't have penises. They pee out of their butts.You're not

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-90411573472575210622009-05-29T00:32:00.001-07:002009-05-29T15:12:52.800-07:00

Houston, we have an addrenaline junkie!Originally uploaded by Ben McLeod...I'm enjoying myself.The past couple of weeks without Nikki have been tough - and given me a huge amount of respect for single parents - but I've managed to enjoy myself.I'm really glad that we made the decision to have me stay with the boys full-time. It's tough financially, and there are moments when I want to cry (oh

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-80024174486136065302009-05-27T23:53:00.001-07:002009-05-27T23:55:40.920-07:00

Mac Pro for saleOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodI'm selling my computer (and monitor... and speakers).It's an Apple Mac Pro with 2.66 GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon, 3GB RAM (expandable to 16 GB) and two 500 GB hard-drives. It has two DVD-RW "SuperDrives," a bunch of USB and Firewire ports, WiFi and Bluetooth (the mouse and keyboard are Bluetooth).The display is a 24-inch Apple Cinema HD and is

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-87223629558682089922009-05-26T14:14:00.001-07:002009-05-29T15:23:57.920-07:00

a crowdOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodI've been a bit obsessed with clover recently.Trifolium incarnatum to be precise.It began a couple of months ago when I noticed that it was growing in many of the fields that had wheat in them last summer. About a month ago I noticed that this clover seemed to grow taller than the clover I'm used to.And it has gigantic leaves, such that, when viewed as a

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-74700549008736829972009-05-26T00:28:00.001-07:002009-05-26T00:33:41.181-07:00

get used to itOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodI need to get used to this view of Liam on his bike.He is such a great little rider. He's got incredible balance, is nimble-as-can-be, and has strong little legs. It blows me away when he asks how to do something - say, start the bike on your own - watches me demonstrate, listens to me explain, then hops on his bike and does it flawlessly on the

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-19812355765599666352009-05-25T14:07:00.001-07:002009-05-25T14:12:15.047-07:00

Nikki is taking the car up to Fort Lewis for the week, so the boys and I are carfree. Carfree in Hillsboro, OR is a very different thing from carfree in Portland, OR, but I think we'll manage just fine. That is all.

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-49063242800666558012009-05-24T21:20:00.000-07:002009-08-14T20:15:39.391-07:00

An announcementI'm taking this little bloggy-blog in a new direction. Instead of being a bike-centric blog by a guy living in Oregon, it'll be a blog by a bike-centric guy living like a gypsy. I mean, the bike-thing can only go so far (unless of course you happen to be BikePortland or Cyclelicious...).Nikki just started 15 months of six-week rotations, and so rather than sit around without her,

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-71157211232743799212009-04-28T14:59:00.001-07:002009-04-28T15:06:14.122-07:00

hot dateOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodOn Saturday, Nikki and I went out on a hot bike date. A classmate of Nikki's stayed in with the boys, so we rode our bikes to the MAX stop near her school and rode into town.We hopped off the MAX at Kings Hill/SW Salmon and rode NW 18th about 20 blocks to the Lucky Labrador Beer Hall on Quimby where we had a few slices of yummy veggie pizza and a few

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-36773200453464596982009-04-26T12:58:00.001-07:002009-04-26T16:21:01.945-07:00

steep - steep - and steeper!Originally uploaded by Ben McLeodI recently rode in two rides that exemplified why Portland is such a great city for riders.Crazy, crazy climbs!On April 3rd, I rode in the De Ronde van Oeste Portlandia, an undergroundish-group-ride with about 600 people. It was 47 miles with over 7000 vertical feet of climbing and was probably the most challenging ride of my life.The

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-78926614896990174432009-03-20T20:38:00.001-07:002009-03-20T20:41:14.190-07:00

1st day of spring rideOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodNikki was home early today (because she's a total genius and she aced her exam), so I got to go for a ride.I went on a variation of my usual ride, the Hillsboro Hills. Spring was in the air, as tulips and daffodils were popping up everywhere and the smell of fresh manure was wafting through the freshly-turned fieldsWithin five minutes of

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-91467998161321496642009-03-09T11:05:00.001-07:002009-03-09T11:09:06.339-07:00

bike train '09Originally uploaded by Ben McLeodNow that Liam has discovered that he can actually ride a bike, he provides the pedal-power and I steer. Camper is kind of like our horn; he's yelling most of the time.Seriously, when Liam starts pedaling, it really pushes me along. We'll be coming up to an intersection and I'll yell, "green light! Pedal, pedal, pedal!" and I can feel the bike

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-25130581959710371452009-03-08T10:24:00.000-07:002009-03-08T13:00:50.973-07:00

A bill recently introduced to the Oregon Legislature would require all bicycles in Oregon to be registered. Registered!House Bill 3008 proposes a $54 bi-annual “bicycle registration and licensing system.”I'm not really sure why this bill has been introduced. Is it to solve some problem? Bike theft? The licensing system will somehow curb theft... Too many bikes? At $54 per bike, people may think

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-67707229836750606112009-03-07T20:36:00.001-08:002009-03-08T10:56:32.599-07:00

looking backOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodI was able to get a ride in on Friday (March 6th). It was my first ride since getting the bike all tuned up a couple of weeks ago.I thought I'd need a new drivetrain, but the guys at the shop said that all I needed was a new chain and a tune. (I like it when the shop-guys option is the cheapest!)I went on my usual, Hillsboro Hills ride, and brought

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-73672882928810239592009-02-01T13:51:00.001-08:002009-02-02T14:09:18.418-08:00

February rideOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodI went out for a small, 15-mile road ride today. It was partly sunny with temperatures in the upper-40's. I was probably a little overdressed, with the exception of my gloves, so I ended up sweating more than I think I would have had it been in the 90's!I've been riding my commuter bike three days a week to get to work, but that's in Portland, where

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-54475708661580671082009-01-17T15:28:00.001-08:002009-01-17T15:32:32.930-08:00

first ride of the new yearOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodIt's a beautiful, sunny day today, so I went for my first ride of 2009!Temperatures were in the low-to-mid 50's, without a cloud in the sky. I love seeing Mt. Saint Helens covered in snow.I wasn't the only biker on the road; I must have seen at least a dozen others, all with big grins on their faces.

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-30226726279081556782008-12-23T15:57:00.000-08:002009-01-17T10:58:39.839-08:00

'let go of me Uncle Dave'Originally uploaded by Ben McLeodAfter refusing to allow me let go of the bike, only an hour before, Liam turned to Dave, who was now pushing him and said, "let go of me Uncle Dave."And off he rode. My boy is a two-wheeler now, and he's not looking back.It's the best day-before-my-birthday present ever!!!Thanks Uncle Dave!

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-59803660930720658412008-12-08T22:43:00.001-08:002008-12-08T23:50:42.738-08:00

cloudsOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodSo far, December has been pretty tame, with sunny days and mild temperatures. Certainly not the driving rain we've been told to expect! [I'm sure that will come...]I took advantage of the weather on Saturday and went for a road ride (I guess, at some point, I may need to face facts and admit that I haven't been on my mountain bike in two seasons, but not now

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-28320658483607185822008-11-20T10:21:00.001-08:002008-11-20T10:25:59.588-08:00

spin classOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodI went to a spin class last night. About two minutes into it I remembered something; I really don't like spin classes. The bikes are nothing like real bikes, the room smells horrible, and you don't go anywhere!On top of that, the instructor played The Who, The Beatles, The Who, The Beatles, The Who.... for an hour (the only non Beatles or Who song was

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-90993817541949566122008-11-15T18:04:00.001-08:002008-11-15T19:32:48.274-08:00

fall family rideOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodIt was a sunny, beautiful autumn day today so we took the McLeod family bike-train for a ride. It was close to 60 degrees out, so I wore shorts and a long-sleeve jersey, while the rest of the crew was a little more bundled up.Basically, we rode out to the base of the hills that surround Hillsboro (out to Forest Hills Golf Course) and back via Rood

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-45838191940938497732008-11-08T15:57:00.001-08:002008-11-08T22:32:02.354-08:00

winter[riding] season beginsOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodI went out for a ride in the rain today.The rainy season set in about a week ago and I've been dying to go out and play in it. Camper and I have been taking the Breezer/Chariot combo out for some fast laps around the neighborhood, but we haven't hit upon any serious rain - just a drizzle-or-two.I've been wanting to take my road bike out

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-67858332631664145862008-10-06T15:17:00.001-07:002008-11-15T17:54:19.361-08:00

in the mazeOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodNikki and Camper attended their first cyclocross race on Sunday. Liam and I are, of course, veterans.We all went to the first of the Cross Crusade races; which will take place every Sunday for the next two months. Going in, I knew that I was already interested in trying out a race. It was fun to watch Nikki get increasingly drawn in, until she finally

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-72161778911656806212008-09-15T13:37:00.001-07:002008-09-15T13:39:52.479-07:00

me and my MasiOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodMy first ride since my "incident" a week-and-a-half ago. This time I stuck to my normal, low-traffic route.I took my beloved Masi into the Hillsboro Bike n' Hike last week before my trip to NH, thinking that I'd have to leave it there for an extended repair. Instead, the guys in the shop performed an on-the-spot "post-crash" checkup for me (check the

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-58711005610455195112008-09-13T23:17:00.001-07:002008-09-13T23:29:04.248-07:00

it's log!Originally uploaded by Ben McLeodLiam and I went up to Bald Peak to watch the Pain on the Peak cyclocross race. I think I found a new obsession!For those of you that don't know what cyclocross is, here's the Wikipedia entry on it (what did we do before Wikipedia?!).It was hot and dusty, pretty much the opposite of the stereotypical cyclocross image, but it still looked like a lot of fun.

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-36068701709780970892008-09-07T15:08:00.001-07:002008-09-11T08:07:07.069-07:00

@ PDXOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodThere's a cool display of handmade Oregon bikes at the Portland Airport (PDX) . The bike shown is a Renovo wood-polymer frame with carbon components.Dear Santa......

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-29211936394111292372008-09-03T15:54:00.000-07:002008-09-03T21:43:59.115-07:00

Well, it had to happen.I guess.Given the amount of rides I go on, and the number of cars that pass me, I was bound to get driven off the road.Into a four-foot deep gravel-lined ditch.At 25 miles-per-hour.The good news: I was able to walk away from it with only a few cuts, scratches, some torn skin and a sore shoulder.The bad news: My bike is pretty fucked-up, and with my being unemployed and all,

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-55887925759700385202008-08-26T11:00:00.000-07:002008-08-26T20:07:23.136-07:00

I rode in the Portland Century ride on Sunday, and the swelling in my ass (thank you Boudreaux's Butt Paste!) has now gone down enough to allow me to sit and write about my experience.For those of you that don't know, a century ride is an organized, fully-supported (rest stops with supplies, support vehicles, and marked courses) 100-mile ride.It was my second century (but not the second time I've

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-4815109556881560072008-08-18T10:06:00.001-07:002008-08-20T15:58:13.643-07:00

trikeOriginally uploaded by Nikki McLeodWe checked out the Tour de Fat this weekend. The Tour is an event sponsored by New Begium Brewing (makers of Fat Tire beer) and is a fun celebration of all things bike.They have crazy, tricked out bikes (as seen to the right), beer, bands, beer, a bike parade, beer, a New Orleans-style funeral procession for a car, beer, The Sprockettes, beer, a slow ride

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-54666065495845384202008-08-13T20:39:00.001-07:002008-08-14T09:29:38.935-07:00

somewhereOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodIn need of a different route, today I rode up and over Fern Hill and around the other side of Spring and Iowa Hills, passing through Gaston and Laurelwood before climbing up to Bald Peak State Park.The route was 36 miles, with a little over 2600 feet of climbing and descending (click the "Elevation Profile" under the "Show" tab).I've ridden much of the

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-56054820009690935562008-08-10T20:54:00.001-07:002008-08-10T21:09:18.949-07:00

Fremont BridgeOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodThis week's Sunday family ride was the Providence Bridge Pedal. We rode the 6-bridge, 14 mile, family ride, along with thousands of other riders.It was estimated that there were over 17,000 participants.We had a blast and didn't experience any of the congestion that has marred the event in past years. There were only two spots where traffic moved so

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-72129051643092111692008-07-31T09:34:00.001-07:002008-07-31T09:41:14.947-07:00

sandy river amusementsOriginally uploaded by Nikki McLeodBryce, his cousin-in-law Adam and myself rode from downtown Portland to Oxbow park. The route we took was something like this but with about 15 more miles added on.The ride took us out the length of the Springwater Trail to Gresham, and from there, we zigged and we zagged through farmland (mainly huge nurseries; next time you're at Home

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-80686332720333342162008-07-26T23:23:00.001-07:002008-07-26T23:25:23.190-07:00

bicycle built for fourOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodLiam has been eying the tandem for a while, wondering when we'd turn it into the engine for the McLeod family bike-train.Well, people, today was that day!We hooked the tandem up to Liam's trail-a-bike, which, in turn was hooked up to Camper's Chariot, and took it for a ride around the farmlands of Hillsboro.We had a blast, and will be taking

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-67435251966820328592008-07-23T21:30:00.000-07:002008-07-24T10:42:46.816-07:00

There's been a rash of biker vs. motorist crap in Portland recently (I'm trying to find links to stories, but the Oregonian's web site absolutely blows; seriously, one of the worst news sites out there), and I for one would like to know what the hell is going on. People, what the HELL is going on here?Can't we all just get along?I mean really, this is childish.There are assholes behind the wheel

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-84533335031537648602008-07-22T11:48:00.001-07:002008-07-22T11:57:52.032-07:00

family rideOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodAnother Sunday, another family ride. This time we rode along the bike trails on the east and west banks of the Willamette from downtown Portland into the Sellwood neighborhood (my new favorite Portland neighborhood. The more I see of PDX, the more I really like the east neighborhoods.) and back again. It was roughly 14 miles, and was highlighted with

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-7083311446004267632008-07-20T13:00:00.001-07:002008-07-20T13:03:56.876-07:00

first tandem ride in a whileOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodNikki and I busted out the tandem for a road ride through the Hillsboro Hills. It was the first time we've been on it in a couple of years, due to babies and laziness.I forgot about how much fun it can be to be riding so close. We're able to carry on conversations and work together.I just have to remember to tune it before we take it

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-15240293205672310922008-07-19T14:24:00.000-07:002008-07-19T14:44:47.117-07:00

DayPortPlayer.newPlayer({articleID:"72589",domain:"oln.dayport.com",liveStreamFileTypeID:"16",playerInstanceID:"8147AD6F-483B-6CC3-07BA-880F34AD8D61"});I was watching the stage on TV and kept rewinding this scene. I can't believe he walked away from an accident that snapped his bike in half and bent the street sign pole!Not only did he walk away, but he hopped on a new bike and finished the

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-43392978175101182662008-07-18T21:00:00.001-07:002008-07-18T21:01:30.904-07:00

future wearer of the yellow jerseyOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodWe've been using the trail-a-bike so much that we almost forgot about Liam's bike.Tonight, we were hanging out in the driveway so the boys could play with their sidewalk chalk when Camper came out of the garage with Liam's bike, saying, "bike? Bike?" Of course, Camper's a bit too small to ride (much to his disappointment) so he

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-10018738377493005942008-07-17T22:00:00.000-07:002008-07-17T21:59:39.341-07:00

In the ski industry (once upon a time, I had a job...), there is a term for people that haven't skied in a while; "lapsed skier." Most of the time, the reason for the lapse is kids and family.I guess you could say I'm a "lapsed biker." I've barely ridden for two years; I went on a few road rides last year, and not one mountain bike ride. Now, in the past few weeks, I've ridden several hundred

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-34776344309196340232008-07-16T22:53:00.001-07:002008-07-17T09:10:09.567-07:00

Stimpson MillOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodI rode the longest ride I've been on in at least a year today. I'm calling it the Henry Hagg Half-Century, because its a loop out and around Henry Hagg Lake.... and it's 50 miles...I started the ride along my usual route, but this time, instead of staying on Iowa Hill Road, I climbed over Fern Hill and down into (I think it's called) the Tualatin

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-86479391873340278652008-07-16T11:23:00.001-07:002008-07-16T20:21:36.343-07:00

me and my shadowOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodDo I go for a ride, or look for a job?Let's see, riding makes me feel alive and strong (except for the end of the ride, which leaves me weak and tired - but that's the point, isn't it?), gets me out breathing fresh air and seeing sites I haven't ever seen before (I love scoping out new rides).Looking for a job makes me feel worthless and impotent.

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-59677290471197506052008-07-14T23:09:00.001-07:002008-07-17T22:04:44.221-07:00

Oregon ZooOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodSo Liam and I headed to the Oregon Zoo at Washington Park last week. When faced with the choice of walking or riding my bike, I always go with my bike. We rode our bike to the Max stop; the very first one on the blue line. I did this because I knew that getting on the train with Liam, my bike and his trail-a-bike was going to be hectic. And I knew it

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-56677013742234499172008-07-14T21:29:00.001-07:002008-07-17T22:04:13.282-07:00

the ChariotOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodWe've had the Chariot since shortly before Liam was born (close to four years now) and the thing hasn't let us down yet. It was our main stroller until kid-number-two (Campbell) came along and we needed the services of a tandem-stroller, so now it pretty much lives with the trailer-bar on full-time (it even has a new life as the caboose in our bike

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-27577659575259740122008-07-14T15:04:00.000-07:002008-07-14T15:24:53.370-07:00

Nikki and I went for a ride this morning. She didn't have to be at school until 1:00 pm, so we dropped the kids off at school and went for a "just the two of us" ride. It was the first time in a really, really long time.... and it was fun. Now we'll have to get the tandem rolling!We rode the Hillsboro Hills ride that I've been using as the basis for most of my rides. It's a little over twenty

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-21254245398748948892008-07-14T14:35:00.000-07:002008-07-14T19:59:15.590-07:00

I've discovered a great site that does much of what I've been wanting to do (grumble, grumble....), that is, to make online maps of bike rides, and make them searchable.The site is called bikely.com and while they seem to be on the right track, there are a few issues I have with them. For starters, I only see a white page when I visit them with Firefox, so I have to open Safari. I think it's a

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-41446022247078940592008-07-14T09:03:00.001-07:002008-07-14T14:35:50.106-07:00

hip shotOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodWe went out to Sauvie Island yesterday for a family ride. It was scenic - we watched the Mt. Adams wildfire grow - but the roads are narrow with a ton of traffic. It kind of reminded me, and Nikki remarked on the same thing later, of Martha's Vineyard, but without all the houses (and the floating houses just aren't the same thing!).I'm glad we took it in -

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-11770112431239020152008-07-11T10:43:00.000-07:002008-07-11T11:32:48.298-07:00

If time was running out and I needed to take maximum advantage of the dwindling daylight, I would ride a loop in East Concord that climbs Oak Hill, an eastern hill of the Merrimack Valley, and catch that last bit of daylight - a good half-hour after the sun had set in Concord.View Larger MapI start the ride the same way I start the Concord/Hopkinton Ride, but veer RIGHT at the intersection of

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-34727422141425297272008-07-10T00:14:00.001-07:002008-07-10T00:17:44.957-07:00

bike tattsOriginally uploaded by Ben McLeodSomething I think many people are familiar with.Even if you try to avoid them, they will happen. At least this time they didn't hurt. I've returned from other rides with blood mixed in with the grease and dirt.Either way, a good scrubbing with soap and water generally does the trick.

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-4946994702391015732008-07-09T16:03:00.000-07:002008-07-12T22:36:03.955-07:00

I decided to see what was over the mountain.I rode to the other sides of Iowa and Spring Hills. The ride is roughly 34 miles, and while it's mainly smooth pavement, there are two gravel road sections that total about a mile-and-a-half. It's full of climbs and descents, and of course, incredible vistas (but I would recommend stopping for those).View Larger MapI started by ride going down SW Minter

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-22529411475278694782008-07-09T09:56:00.000-07:002008-07-09T11:09:31.657-07:00

... is what I would rename SW Gnos Road to. At the end, it leaves you shaking and wanting more. It's a 3-mile out-and-back, or, in this case, up-and-down, as it ascends 600 feet in a mile and a half. It's a spur off of the Spring Hill Ride.The first part of the ride goes straight up out of the farmland, with barely a curve.View Larger MapIt may look like a field on a satellite picture, but look

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-44979530379671457312008-07-08T22:24:00.000-07:002008-07-08T23:04:55.678-07:00

A ride into the hills around Hillsboro. About 23 miles.View Larger MapStart by going down River Road and turning right onto Minter Bridge Road. Once you get past the "Entering Agricultural Zone" sign, you're on your own - seriously, be careful, the roads are narrow, and while they are not, in any way congested, they do tend to have rather large trucks on them!View Larger MapTurn right onto SW

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-35742933644181643862008-07-08T18:54:00.000-07:002008-07-09T09:54:15.298-07:00

A little short of 25 miles, this quick ride includes two decent hill climbs (and descents), as well as some great scenery, fast pavement, and a bike path.View Larger MapStart out at Dewey School - at the intersection of Centre, Liberty and Auburn Streets. Ride up Auburn Street (northwest).View Larger MapTake a left at the intersection of Lake View and Carter Hill. And climb on up Carter Hill!

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115888335698902123.post-85654313227534153562008-07-08T11:42:00.000-07:002008-07-08T21:37:26.285-07:00

My first post on my blog that started as a BIG idea and ended up as blog...Sort of. Since this is my first post, it's the beginning of something. Maybe that something will grow into the BIG idea it was intended to be.I'm currently unemployed and living in Hillsboro, Oregon. I love riding bikes - nothing else can put you in touch with your inner five-year-old like a bike - so I figure I might as

Ben McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07899550829790643124noreply@blogger.com0