You write beautifully- your own voice and perspective comes through strongly. My hunch is in part refined by many books that you have read over the years. Keep penning these musings - I enjoy reading them.
Incredible essay, yet again. You philosophically couple major topics such as, maturation, a man’s code, and “the pursuit”, like no other. Thanks for writing these. Each essay is like reading, Once A Runner for the first time again.
Anton, having just lost my 93 year-old dad in November, this spoke to me on So Many Levels...Cycologically And Existentially....This brought a tear to my Eyes and I Thank You for that. Looking forward to Your Next Offering!
I have this early 2000s Jake the Snake that someone gave me when I was a penniless college student. The chipped aluminum frame is a little too big for me, and I had to jerry-rig clamps onto the chain stays so I could schlep a few things in some dingy panniers on my daily commute. It's got combo brake/shift levers that work ... most of the time. I used to wonder why my dad was so stubbornly frugal, then I grew up and looked in the mirror.
I had a dream about snow shoveling recently. There are specific techniques to it, and growing up in Michigan, I've always felt it would be unthinkable if all my driveways were not always shoveled clean and dry. Except on my farm in Paonia, which was the same distance and looked exactly like Ron's.
But Brooks leather saddles? No way - the same as minimalist shoes on an ultra - body soft, ground hard - foam in between works for me.
So good, dude! I got a fat tire e-bike to review a couple years ago and it was fun as hell to ride around. But it just didn’t feel right. I gave it to my nephew. I also have a geared gravel bike. I never ride it. My heart belongs to my steel frame single speed, which has been with me the past decade all over Baltimore and beyond. Cause a man’s got to have a code, especially in Baltimore. I guess that’s mine.
Tone allows room for us to discover our code. Opens doorways into spaces unavailable to us when outcomes are the ultimate goal. But only from the work do we understand
As I read your post, I kept thinking about that long road in the winter and the battle to keep it open......long and snowy winters here in upstate New York.....I know the plight. Your Dad is a true pioneer.
You write beautifully- your own voice and perspective comes through strongly. My hunch is in part refined by many books that you have read over the years. Keep penning these musings - I enjoy reading them.
Incredible essay, yet again. You philosophically couple major topics such as, maturation, a man’s code, and “the pursuit”, like no other. Thanks for writing these. Each essay is like reading, Once A Runner for the first time again.
Really nice to read you on this theme again—thanks for taking the time.
Anton, having just lost my 93 year-old dad in November, this spoke to me on So Many Levels...Cycologically And Existentially....This brought a tear to my Eyes and I Thank You for that. Looking forward to Your Next Offering!
I love hearing about your dad Tony. The E.F. Schumacher bit made me smile - that was a huge book for me and sounds like for your dad too.
I have this early 2000s Jake the Snake that someone gave me when I was a penniless college student. The chipped aluminum frame is a little too big for me, and I had to jerry-rig clamps onto the chain stays so I could schlep a few things in some dingy panniers on my daily commute. It's got combo brake/shift levers that work ... most of the time. I used to wonder why my dad was so stubbornly frugal, then I grew up and looked in the mirror.
Brilliantly written
Great writing and especially the photos.
I had a dream about snow shoveling recently. There are specific techniques to it, and growing up in Michigan, I've always felt it would be unthinkable if all my driveways were not always shoveled clean and dry. Except on my farm in Paonia, which was the same distance and looked exactly like Ron's.
But Brooks leather saddles? No way - the same as minimalist shoes on an ultra - body soft, ground hard - foam in between works for me.
I love that your dad quoted E.F. Schumacher! It gives us a little window into who you are because of your dad. Thanks for posting on Substack.
So good, dude! I got a fat tire e-bike to review a couple years ago and it was fun as hell to ride around. But it just didn’t feel right. I gave it to my nephew. I also have a geared gravel bike. I never ride it. My heart belongs to my steel frame single speed, which has been with me the past decade all over Baltimore and beyond. Cause a man’s got to have a code, especially in Baltimore. I guess that’s mine.
A fantastic read. Thank you for the perspective.
Tone allows room for us to discover our code. Opens doorways into spaces unavailable to us when outcomes are the ultimate goal. But only from the work do we understand
As I read your post, I kept thinking about that long road in the winter and the battle to keep it open......long and snowy winters here in upstate New York.....I know the plight. Your Dad is a true pioneer.
How you do anything is how you do everything.
From one under-biker to another--that was spot on!
Great stuff, Anton. Hope to see you writing more essays like this here.