Dispatches from the other side.

In this case it's just the under side.

"I'm just checking to see if naked lady technology has advanced at all since the last time I saw one."

These were the words I heard spilling from my mouth into the ears of either Ruby, Blue, or another dancer whose name I can only remember as something like Anastasia, because when one goes to Portland, it's of vital importance to immerse themselves in the local culture;

In some cities you go to museums or historic venues, but in PDX, you do this.

Or at least I do, and did during my recent visit. I'm happy to report that naked lady technology is just as awesome as ever.

However, my primary objective was to see friends, drink a couple of beers, ride bikes, and get out of this goddamned reality that's been plaguing me for months.

So in no particular order, it sorta looked as follows;

And then I started to think about what kind of person takes a shit at a strip club;

Then for good measure, here's another photo of Corndog, (with whom I discussed a potential upcoming AHTBM project), but this time, with Cheever;

Upon reflecting on these images, I guess I mostly just pedaled around, ate junk food, Burned the ass out of my mouth on jalapeño poppers, and tried to find a cup of coffee that didn't taste like shit.

Oh, I also thought about jumping the draw bridge;

My primary objective however, was to be witness to 68's final PNW show before Josh and Nikko split up and get on to whatever's next. 

Oh, you're as off yet unfamiliar with the '68 sound? Well, it's a little late, but this here is the best introduction I could offer;

Anyhü, this was bittersweet for me, as I've become pretty fond of their particular brand of rock and roll these last few years, but as the adage goes, the only constant is change. As it stood, getting one last serving of what they cook was a fine treat;

I brought my camera in hopes of getting some proper shots, but opted to keep it stowed and just enjoy the show. Lucky I had a Cheever with me who took a few.

I wish the boys well, and I thank them for their service.

Now, last week I mentioned the Donkalope bike Greg built me that was set to be traded for a painting of his beloved weirdo.

Someone commented asking if I was gonna have the finished painting presented here, which I hadn't planned on, but it didn't end up sucking too badly, so why not?

One quality I appreciate the most is the fact I was able to convey the fact that there's clearly not a thought in his head.

If anyone wants a painting of their own weirdo, my schedule is open and depending on the size and medium usually only takes me a couple of weeks. If you're ineterested, holler at me and we'll see what bee can see. 

Speaking of beloved weirdos, Hodala's main man Ernie passed away a few days ago, so in his honor, please give your buddy a double solid hug;

There are those who are masters at wiping their jowl goo and eye boogers all over you, but with Ernie, there was no one better. 

It's a great injustice that they don't live as long as us.

Finally, I'd like to address a comment that Phil made regarding this past weekend's One For The Weekend';

"Man, as much as I love the joyfulness and creativity in videos like these, Redbull is the worst friend cyclists could ever have. This month's Bicycle Retailer cover story was about how the industry is trying to pivot away from small numbers of high end bike custies to try to invite people who “just want to ride along.”

In Boulder there is so much trail conflict that the county is starting to limit access to mountain bikers and people are freaking out. Its hard for me not to connect the image that people see in media of off road riding with the issues both the industry and normal people who just want to go for a ride are facing."

I've been screaming this from the rooftops since I last worked in bike shops in 1997. The Freeride articles in BIKE and videos featuring places like the North Shore and Camloops offered no perspective and were just used as marketing tools, and (for example) the quiet illegal trails up behind the UC Berkeley campus were, (along with many, many other locations) were collateral damage.

The hoards and herds of horses are well out of the stable, and now with e-bikes, e-motos and all the rest in the mix, we are flatly fucked. 

We (as the industry) have for the last 25 years, absolutely shit our own bed, and what we're experiencing now is the pure bliss of lying in it. I can't say I didn't try to make my voice and perspective heard, but I can say with absolute certainty that no one listened.

Having said all of that, the fuse is drawing near to blowing this pile up so real quick we gotta get to the new episode of Revolting;

We don't just visit the underside. We live here.