Why Single Speed?

Sometimes I think I have A.D.D. and I have a hard time just being idle. My mind is always thinking of something. About one year ago I started riding my aluminum frame hard tail mountain bike around town. I normally road on the street, not on mountain bike trails. Six months ago I decided to start looking for an old road bike (10 speed or similar) to ride around town. I found one that cost me a twelve pack of beer.

I had heard of single speed bikes, and thought the twelve pack bike, 1970's Panasonic 10 speed, would be the perfect single speed. So, I paid $30 and did it. Well, the bike was a little tall for my inseam and I was close to hurting myself on many occasions, if you know what I mean.

Since spring is almost here in Wyoming, I started getting the itch for another road bike to convert to a single speed. This time I found an awesome bike. A 1974 Schwinn 10 speed. Great shape and the perfect size. So, I purchased from a local (cut out the shipping cost) and started my project.
I added a little extra money into a 16 tooth freewheel, and aluminum wheels with new tires. I picked up a slightly used seat, and wrapped my bars with some spare bar tape.

I used the old bottom bracket, crank, drop bar, and seat post.

I only have $150 into the bike, and absolutely love it.

But why single speed? I am not sure. I have a couple friends who kept telling me how enjoyable it was. How simplistic the style of a single speed is. Maybe it is because my mind focuses on certain things, and I have a hard time moving on until my mind satisfies the desire. So, maybe that is the answer for the single speed. I need to have a project and interest to keep me sane through the day to day activities.

But anyway, I love the bike, it is awesome to ride around town, and is much nicer than I could have ever wished for.

If you don't like single speeds, that is just fine. But I hope you have the pleasure that I have had, being able to do a project that interest you. Being able to talk with friends and collaborate on how to do the project. I think it is more about the journey than the real product, even though the product is satisfying now, someday it may not be.

I hope you can relate, share your comments, or even give me advice.

With Love,

WyoCowboy

Accepting God's Love

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:5

I have been struggling with everything in this verse in my real life. But somehow, this morning as I read this verse, I feel encouraged, I feel a peace. I try to keep from being disappointed by filling my life with other things and interest. I have not been accepting God's Love which he has been pouring out.

I think I am realizing this morning that I need to accept God's Love into my heart. I try to keep the holy spirit out of my life mostly, due to a lack of a prayerful heart. But if I can ask for forgiveness, and keep my heart in tune with the holy spirit, then I will be more willing to accept God's Love, Christ's Love.

I have been struggling to pour out love on my wife Beth, so selfishly I have come to realize my need for God's Love in my everyday life.

My prayer is that I will be accepting of God's Love today. That I will be in Prayer, seeking the Holy Spirit. That with me accepting God's Love, I will be able to pour it out on my wife, and others.