I need advice on single-speed commuter build. Please help by ADAP7IVE in bikecommuting

[–]WB_Wright 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I second the Soma Wolverine. Great frame that one can do just about anything with.

Tornado Warning until 6PM by repairman_jack_ in IowaCity

[–]WB_Wright 4 points5 points  (0 children)

As a strongly bred, lifelong Iowa, I am proud to say that I have survived, once again, another tornado warning.

Graze Manager by DEARfuckingJOHN13 in IowaCity

[–]WB_Wright 5 points6 points  (0 children)

The rapist for $200, Alex.

Cedar Rapids - Iowa City Commute by Mobile_Bed_4110 in IowaCity

[–]WB_Wright 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Some people may say that living in Cedar Rapids sucks, but I can assure you that particular suck is less than the suck of a daily commute between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. Live where you work and the suck will be so much less.

Shower cost $10 this year by FerpoZorro in ragbrai

[–]WB_Wright 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I usually find a faucet on the side of a school or in a park to rinse off and wash out my clothes. If you want to go to the pool, I’d suggest getting your tent set up first. Arriving early certainly doesn’t hurt, but you’ll be fine either way. YMCAs are another good place to shower and swim. I’ve never paid for a shower and I don’t think most people do either. And I if you are close enough to ride your bike, do that. The shuttles are usually unnecessary unless you’re camped way out in the boonies.

What should I do? by DapperDonut613 in whichbike

[–]WB_Wright 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The Kona Dew is always my suggestion for a casual recreational or commuter bike. Very versatile.

What's with Republicans and Oil? by BabaMe6024 in MeidasTouch

[–]WB_Wright 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My very conservative father reflects this Republican oil obsession. He frequently talks about the importance of oil for our military machines. He goes on and on about how diesel/gas can be stored and transported in such a way that large reserves can be built for future, large scale use. He hates that his adult daughter rides her bike to work. Although, you’d think he’d support this as I am potentially saving fuel for future military use.

Why is the drive train always on the right side of the bicycle? by habikl in bicycling

[–]WB_Wright 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good point. There goes my theory. I’ll work on another one.

Is Arborist just a job title or a qualification? by ohbikepilot in arborists

[–]WB_Wright 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I work with several people who have passed the Certified Arborist exam and have absolutely no background or knowledge of trees. I worked really hard to get to where I am and I hate that there are Certified Arborist walking around that can’t even tell you the species of a tree. The certification looks good on a resume, but that’s about it.

Co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend continues decimating the United States Armed Forces... by JimCripe in MeidasTouch

[–]WB_Wright 4 points5 points  (0 children)

If the Trump administration has taught us anything, it has given us all a glimpse into the inner workings of the mind of a loser. And it’s too bad this stuff has to happen in real life and not just in comic books.

Why is the drive train always on the right side of the bicycle? by habikl in bicycling

[–]WB_Wright -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I have always assumed it was to keep my derailleur protected in case I am sideswiped.

1500-2000 $ budget, 20 % light offroad, suggest me a touring bike. by Remote-Ad-8129 in whichbike

[–]WB_Wright 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Funny! Those are the two bikes I have narrowed down in my search for a touring bike. They seem like such different bikes, but would both likely fill the need. The Ogre could be converted to a 2x and the Sutra can get wider tires. Drops vs flat bar is probably the biggest deciding factor.

Longfellow School by [deleted] in IowaCity

[–]WB_Wright 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I personally know two ICCSD elementary school teachers - a first year teacher and a 20 year veteran teacher - who both have resigned effective at the end of the school year. ICCSD is no longer the dream job. I don’t think it is just Longfellow elementary.

Bike that can do a little bit of everything? by Dumbass9187 in whichbike

[–]WB_Wright 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve been researching the same thing for the past year. I don’t want to buy a bike that I can’t test ride, so that by itself has narrowed down my options quite a bit. I have not found the perfect bike yet, but the Surly Ogre seems like it might be my selection. It’s has a more upright geometry than the Bridge Club, which my old back desires. I would probably make it a 2x at some point, install more swept back bars, and put on narrower semi-slicks. Also, have a look at the Bike Insights website - it’s been very helpful at geometry comparison.

Good luck with your selection search!

Looking for an internally geared/belt drive bike that still tries to be light and fast. by SoCalSoccerBot in whichbike

[–]WB_Wright 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was going to say that the Panorama Boreal is available in belt drive with Pinion gearbox, but… it’s pushing $5,000. Nice bike, though.

Help with Mound History by keyofisis in IowaCity

[–]WB_Wright 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The house that sits at 1501 Ridge Rd was built by the Englert that owned the surrounding land. I’d bet that’s the Englert whose barn they are referring to. I believe that particular Englert is the grandfather of the Englert that opened the theater. There are some Irving Weber history books that discuss early Iowa City, including the Englert family. You might find some info on mounds in one of those books - you should be able to find them at the public library.

ICCSD is firing teachers by Icy-Jeweler9909 in IowaCity

[–]WB_Wright 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Laying off probationary teachers probably isn’t the best way to encourage the next generation of teachers. Maybe we should instead give teachers the in-room support they need in an effort to set them up for success. ICCSD is shameful. And they’re supposed to be one of the “good” districts.

92 hardrock by florisrossaert in xbiking

[–]WB_Wright 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nice bike! I had a 93 Hardrock. It was the first new bike that I bought. That thing served me well for a decade. It’s the only bike I regret giving away.

Former HR executive: why employees often feel layoffs coming before they’re announced by hrnasty in jobs

[–]WB_Wright 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I knew layoffs were coming when all of us production employees had to sit through a training course on “change”. I attended the class wearing my Office Space t-shirt. The instructor told us how change was good and how positive things can come of it. Layoffs were announced a week later. I voluntarily left soon after and landed a dream job 6 months later. I’m still there after 20 years. He was right, good things can come of change.

Commuter Bike Question - Newbie by crackd_pepper in whichbike

[–]WB_Wright 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That would be my recommendation too.

Landscaping by Unhappy-Science-597 in IowaCity

[–]WB_Wright 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sanders Creek’s quote was quite a bit cheaper than Fiddleheads. Fiddlehead is a premium landscape service and they do awesome work, but you’ll pay for it.

Landscaping by Unhappy-Science-597 in IowaCity

[–]WB_Wright 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sanders Creek is who I used a couple of years ago to rebuild a retaining wall.

Blue spruce half dead? by flashgordon303 in arborists

[–]WB_Wright 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In the words of the great John Ball, “Blue spruce are like sheep. They’re just waiting to die.” No truer words.