Memorial Day

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Got Screwed on My Ride Today

I picked up a screw on my ride today. There is no telling when I picked it up, or where, but I discovered it about 50 miles from home.

I was with my buddy, Brad, and decided I could get it home, and he decided to follow me. I started to ride, and it felt fine, at first. But, as I continued, it just felt a little "squishy" in the back, like the tire wasn't making good contact. It was misting out, but I have ridden in the rain and it felt different, so I decided to stop. Fortunately, Brad had a patch kit, and for the low, low price of a half-gallon of diet iced tea, I was up and running like it never happened.

Then, we were off and riding, again, trying to beat the worst of the rain. But, if there's one thing I know about riding with Brad, it's that it's going to rain and we're going to get wet. Every. Single. Time.

Barrick's Oliver Museum

Took a run out to Barrick's Oliver Museum in Newville, PA. It's an interesting museum/graveyard for some pretty cool stuff.

BullHawg Sammiches & Dirt Roads

Went for a ride with my buddy, Brad, to get a Bullhawg Sammich from the Frontier Barbeque in Fairfield, PA. It's old-school Barbeque and they start making it early, so that by the time we got there, it's just an all out OM NOM NOM Fest.

If you go, bring cash (they don't take plastic) and know it's also okay to bring a firearm.

On the way home, find some dirt!

Susquehanna Spring

I took a ride along the Susquehanna River. It's beautiful this time of year, with Spring just beginning. I started by heading up to the Carsonville Hotel. Carsonville is a bit of a misnomer because it's really just the hotel/inn and about ten houses. Still, there are some great roads up that way.

There's a pretty park in Millersburg, PA. It's always a good place to stop and stretch, and also get a couple of snaps. There is also a ferry to cross the river there, but it will have to wait for next time.

I got home, let the bike cool off, then gave it a bath and lubed the chain. Good times.

Rener Gracie Seminar

I went to a Rener Gracie seminar in Baltimore last night at Baltimore City Gracie Jiu Jitsu. I rode down with my coaches, Dave and Monica from my school, Harrisburg Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as well as fellow students, Holly and Rick. Not knowing what to expect, it was good to be able to ask them what it might be like, and what to look for as the seminar unfolded.

Rener taught us moves from the guard, and it was, in a word, incredible. I am only a one-stripe white belt, so I REALLY wish I had a broader range of knowledge to build on what he was teaching. A large part of it focused on transitioning from "obvious" moves to surprising the opponent when they react to defend based on that assumption. I really liked the way he taught the technique, but also explained the theory behind the moves. Rener's passion for Jiu Jitsu clearly shines through, and he took time with every single person in the gym. And, he gave us tools that we can carry forward for the rest of our Jiu Jitsu journey.

The entire experience, like Jiu Jitsu itself, is its own koan: "I learned so much. I have so much to learn."