I have to admit, I've never heard of people attaching Jiffy Pop Pans to their walls and ceilings as fire alarms. Sounds like a good idea though.

I do like a little gravel to change things up a bit but, like most people, I appreciate getting back to pavement for the relief on my hands and head. In the same way, while I surely enjoy solitude, after a week or two of it, I appreciate getting back to friends, family, and/or other people.

I thought of you as I navigated a strtch of gravel road today. " bet Greg Garceau would love this."

I also thought about the solitude I feel when touring alone. Although I had a few more interpersonal exchanges there were plenty of hours available for rumination and reflection.

Iron Eyes Cody, IIRC. I definitely recognize the reference and remember the PSA.

Ah, yes, Jiffy Pop --- AKA a Redneck Fire Alarm
(Yes, we have several thru-out the house) :)

Aw, shucks., u.p. folks are hill and dalers.. ;)

Of all the Cycleblazers, somehow I knew YOU would be one to pick up on that reference. Thank you.

True, and I should clarify that I personally don't believe flat roads are boring. I ride them all the time with much satisfaction, but I've noticed that most bike bloggers post road pictures that include hills, so I simply joined in.

I quit wearing clipless shoes for touring a few years ago, but the brace would still work. It's not the kind of brace that clamps around the bottom of your shoe. It goes around the bottom of your foot, so you can slip into any shoe as long as the shoe is wide enough. Keep that in mind if you ever sprain your ankle . . . which I hope never happens.

I just looked up the significance of the first Bridge Lift of the year in Chicago. It looks like fun.

Definitely requires walking! But I bet in wasn’t much fun with the brace.

That sure wouldn’t work with clipless pedals!

Sorry you twisted your ankle!

And why my husband hates to walk with me..Most people let their dog go “ off leash”, and I go “off to pick up trash”…

Small versions of Punxsutawney Phil? :)