Streetkid: Desire

This kid is just a fool, he'll never be cool.

[streetkidnameddesire]

Retired Kansas farmer who sent an N95 mask to Cuomo gets an award he’s waited decades for: A college degree

Dennis Ruhnke, who sent a mask to the New York governor requesting that it go to a health-care worker, was honored Tuesday with a degree from Kansas State University. Ruhnke had to leave the school two credits short of a degree in 1971 to take over the family farm after his father’s sudden death.

Look around and take inventory of all you have. No, not your personal possessions. The things you can feel, not just see. Your friends—the ones who have called you or texted you during this time. The family that holds your best interests near and dear to their own. Your partner, physically with you or not, supporting you during these strange and difficult times and all the times before and hopefully after all this is over.

Now look within yourself. All the things you value in yourself. The reason all those people support, love and miss you. These times are strange and difficult indeed, but remember to feel gratitude for all that you have and all that you have to give. In these times, I like to think that the best parts of us, as individuals, Americans and as humans, have the capacity to give to others, even when we long for so much.  

I have been guilty of joining the fracas of discord that our “social media” is so good at fomenting.  Nonetheless, I have been working practicing gratitude, patience and trying to focus on all the good that’s still in the world.  

The story of Dennis Ruhnke is more than just an act of goodwill.  It’s an example of wisdom that only a man who in his 70 years of life can accumulate. That the noise and the static of warring factions don’t stand a chance against the enormity of a compassionate and singularly human act of kindness.  In a world pitted against a microscopic enemy, the smallest acts of empathy from all of us is what it takes to make it through this together.

[streetkidnameddesire]

Old Songs are the Saddest

I wrote this exactly 8 years and 1 day ago, January 8th, 2011. I was in a relationship I knew was kind of falling apart but I was holding on for reasons, that I know now, were terrible. I was torn about how I felt about the whole thing and was running around with a head full of doubt.  

I can post this now because I’ve grown quite a bit since then, and that’s mainly because of a wonderful relationship in my life, and my soon to be wife, that has helped me learn how to accept what I’m feeling and also how to articulate to those around me when it’s important.  In the new year, I always try to write more, but this year I did a little look back into some stuff I wrote and will revisit and analyze them a bit. 

Old Songs Are The Saddest

I've been a fool too long

Standing in my own grave

Filling it everyday

Singing this same old happy song

Masking missteps with empty charm

Staring at the walls staring back at me

Wishing changes nothing in this empty place

Struggling with a past that I can not face

Repairing the facade of this run down home

While the roof falls in on my own soul

Running on a road

Filled with helping hands

But only one I want to hold

Understanding there is no plan

And this song is getting old

[streetkidnameddesire]

#tbt to that time we rode Moto's up state on a short weekend and hit up Alice's and La Honda road, skyline and woke up to this on a Sunday morning after falling asleep to a crackling fire and whiskey. Here's to a while summer of camping. . . . #camping #motorcycletour #motolife #redwoods #stateparks (at Butano Park, California)

[streetkidnameddesire]

Late to the #nationaldogday posts but trust that we were out doing very cool dog things. In fact, here we were doing those things. . . . #dog #pepperpit #traildog #liveoutside #outside #adventure #backpacking #hiking #hike #sierras #outdoorlife #nofilter #johnmuir #muirwoods #mountains #newarmypass

[streetkidnameddesire]

The only time you're allowed to wear a baseball cap backwards is if you're playing behind the plate or you're taking pictures from the bed of a speeding truck. 📷: @benedictphoto . . . #rulesisrules #patagonia #britishcolumbia #photography #amateur

[streetkidnameddesire]

#tbt to that week almost exactly 6 years ago when a bunch of dummies rode 500 miles for one super cool girl. . . . #bikeforkam #biketouring #bikepacking #bikelife #worldbybike #bikewander #fundraiser #giveback #hibm #ridebikes (at California Highway 1)

[streetkidnameddesire]

Bed hogs. . . . #pitsofinstagram #pupsofinstagram #dogslife #faithpit #pepperpit #hogs (at Smog Shoppe)

[streetkidnameddesire]

Rae lakes loop with these lovebirds. Thanks for putting up with me. #Raelakes #kingscanyon #sequoianationalpark #backpacking #backpackers #thirdwheel (at Kings Canyon National Park)

[streetkidnameddesire]

That's some #alphamel shit right here. Chicks man. (at Smog Shoppe)

[streetkidnameddesire]

That's a wrap! 8 days, 500 miles. Countless memories and almost $40,000 raised for HIBM research. I know how much @kamredlawsk hates to talk about it but she really is the whole reason @bikeforkam has been so successful. Over the last 6.5 years I've known her, her condition has changed and devolved pretty significantly but through it all, she has stayed so damned strong and resilient and she's been the sole (and soul) reason we ride and why we've raised so much money. We joked on the road that the riders aren't that big of a deal, and it's actually true. Spending night after night with Kam and seeing the daily struggles she and Jason, her husband, go through just to do something as simple as go to the bathroom, take a shower, get ready for bed or even eat a slice of pizza I begin to understand why THIS bike ride was even more significant than just the money we raised. We also got to see up close and personally all the simple things we all take for granted. My friends body is fading away and it's so difficult to see it chip away at a spirit that is so full of vigor and zest for life. I'm so thankful for a friend like Kam who thirst for life so much everyday but it also crushes me to know that she can't live it and experience it the way she really wants to. So pleas, help us fund the treatment and cure for HIBM. PLEASE DONATE AT THE LINK MY PROFILE. Thank you for your support on this epic journey of ours. #bike #bikelife #bicycles #biketour #biketouring #worldbybike #santamonica #inspiration #inspired #giveback #donate #fundraiser #bikeforkam (at Santa Monica Pier)

[streetkidnameddesire]

Bike Touring Essentials:

Well, hello there. Thanks for taking the time to read this.  This is probably the most useful thing I’ve ever written for others.  Luckily this is based on some actual experience. Enjoy! 

  Bicycle. This is sounds like a no duh, but what I really mean, is, you should find the RIGHT bicycle.  It’s essential you choose the right bike for what you’re doing.  I truly believe that steel is real. Steel absorbs tons of the shocks and vibrations of less-than-ideal roads.  Some of the roads you encounter on a 500 mile bike ride aren’t exactly beautiful paved and maintained regularly.  Be prepared to shake off some bumps, rattles and rolls.  I think a steel frame with big wheels, (700cc and the higher the spoke count, the sturdier) racks, handle bars with multiple hand positions, a good, tough hand wrap. Waterproof or water resistant helps too.  Make sure its the right size for you too.  Stand over clearance on the top tube is key. You know, probably good to not mash your boys on the top bar every time you need to dismount.  My personal ride:  Novara Safari. Size Medium. http://www.rei.com/product/807245/novara-safari-bike-2012

Tires. Again, the right tires. Like you just read, some of these roads are terrible. Make sure your tires can also handle the terrain.  Terrain includes potholes, glass, metal, rocks, drainage grates, rough road, dirt, grass, water, sand, mud and so many other things. You don’t want to be changing a flat tire on the side of the road while cars are flying by you at 70 mph. At night. My tires: Schwalbe Marathons. Legit. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015UOUJQ/ref=asc_df_B0015UOUJQ1917009/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=395021&creativeASIN=B0015UOUJQ&linkCode=asn I watched the guys change 3 tires in a 6 mile stretch. WATCHED. 

A sleeping bag. Light. Warm. Compressible. Fits you.  This is pretty self explanatory. You’re going to treasure the moments inside this bag by the end of day 3. Make sure you will enjoy it. Make sure it fits in your panniers. My bag: Marmot, 15-degree mummy bag. Synthetic Fill. http://www.rei.com/product/828302/marmot-trestles-15-sleeping-bag   Down fill would be better but pricier too. That 2-person flannel Coleman bag isn’t going to cut it. Unless you can get HER to carry it for you. Or him. Whatever. 

Sleeping Pad.  This is more key than you realize. It keeps you off the ground, keeping you warmer. Again, light. Compressible is better. After 500 miles, the extra 2 - 3 lbs. matters more than you realize. My pad: REI Basecamp. 2.0 inches. I will probably be upgrading to the Therm-A-Rest ProLite.  http://www.rei.com/product/829822/therm-a-rest-prolite-plus-sleeping-pad

Tent. This is a pretty optional item. You can substitute a tarp and some paracord. The lighter the better. You do want to stay dry on those nights that it does rain. Also does a nice job of keeping the bugs off you too.  Same goes here. Light = better. A good option is a bivvy sack or a one-man tent. Not a good option: a body bag. My bag: Old school 1-man tent. About the size of those 99-cent potato chip bags. 

Panniers. Not optional. Unless you want to carry a giant backpack on your bike. Find something tough. Waterproof is nice if you can get it. Or, just get rain covers and remember to pack them. Another option is keeping your stuff in dry sacks or garbage bags if you’re sexy like that. 

Tools. Bring the basics.  A 17-25 tool multi-tool is just about right. Should have a chain break, the right allen/torx wrenches for your bike, screwdrivers, tire levers, spoke wrenches and the right sized open wrenches too. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001O07WK6/ref=asc_df_B001O07WK61917009/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=395021&creativeASIN=B001O07WK6&linkCode=asn A good Leatherman or the like is good. Extra tubes. A few will do. If you run out, find a bike shop. Pliers are life savers. bring a bike pump. If you’re in a group, consolidate some gear. Tube repair kit. Revolver with a single bullet. (Just kidding, you DO NOT need a tube repair kit) Extra bullets for larger groups and an airtight suicide pact. An alibi and ice water running through your veins are helpful but not mandatory. 

Rain Gear. A good shell is something you hope you never have to use. But just in case you do, something breathable while you ride would be great. 20K waterproofing is ideal. 14-18K is fine too. Unless you’re riding in the Pacific Northwest. In which case, you would like something along the protection level of a Subaru Forrester Turbo with a nice heater and all-wheel drive. My shell: http://www.backcountry.com/stoic-vaporshell-jacket-mens

Insulating layer. I never realized how important this was until I was freezing my ass off in my fleece and my outer layer at 4am on the side of a ditch. Then I got the http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-down-sweater-jacket?p=84673-0-265 . Now I’m warm all over. I bet this is how Mother Teresa feels all the time. Pro-tip:  Don’t get the brown one. I got dibs. & MT frowns on biters.

Gloves. Your hands will thank you. Full fingers are best if it’s going to be cold. Half fingers if you want an awesome finger tan. http://lmgtfy.com/?q=finger+tan 

Shorts. Padded Bike shorts are awesome. They save your ass. While you’re at it, bring chamois butter. Or Vaseline. And wipes. They also salve your ass. 

Pants. One pair. Light. Warm. Wool is pretty awesome here too. Salvation army. You’re welcome. 

Underwear. 2 Pair.  Wool is nice. It doesn’t stink as much as fast. You might get away with 1 pair. Flip & turn. Voila. A merino wool undershirt is also pretty awesome. Worth the 40 - 50 bucks you might have to spend. Again, 1 is probably enough for a 5 day tour. Bring a bike jersey or the like. You want to have some cred rolling through State St. in Santa Barbara, dont you?

Socks. 2 Pair. Wash when you get a chance. Let em dry on your panniers. Secure to your bag. Riding sockless sucks. 

Arm warmers. They keep your arms warm. Also keeps the sun off of your sweet sleeve tattoo! If you dont have a sweet sleeve tattoo, then here you are: http://www.amazon.com/boxed-gifts-Look-Real-Tattoo-Sleeves/dp/B00449FA58/ref=pd_sim_sbs_misc_2 Your Mom is gonna be pisssed! 

Shoes. Hard bottom biking/touring shoes are nice.  Achilles pain is not. Here’s why.  http://to.ly/cidD Here’s how! http://to.ly/cidB 

Lights. If you plan on night riding, bring em. It makes you feel like the goonies. These are cool and more functional than you might imagine. http://www.amazon.com/Battery-Operated-Arrangements-Wedding-Decorating/dp/B003VOXRCA/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1330413240&sr=1-1-catcorr

GPS. This is optional. You should know where you’re going. If you’re great with directions, go for it. I am not. I carry mine with me. Then I also carry a book with me. From SF to LA, I used this: http://www.amazon.com/Bicycling-Pacific-Coast-Vicky-Spring/dp/0898869544/ref=cm_lmf_tit_29 and this: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CSOXTO/ref=asc_df_B000CSOXTO1917004?smid=A9VBWN1Q1U6E6&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395129&creativeASIN=B000CSOXTO  Optional handle bar mount was gold. 

Personal stuff like toiletries, cooking equipment, eating utensils, water bottles etc. These are key. You’re gonna want something to wipe your butt with. Dry. Wet. It’s your call. No, I you cannot use the sock that’s drying on my pannier. Cooking equipment. Yes, I just juxtaposed those two things. A small stove. Might be nice if you want hot cocoa in the middle of the night. Hot coffee in the morning. No, you cant have some of mine. Here’s my setup.   http://www.rei.com/product/783670/primus-etapack-lite-stove-system  That was enough to cook for 2 people. Split the load. Love one another. Water bottles. These are 100 percent preferential. I love me them camelback podium bottles.  I have yet to try the insulated ones, but honestly, it seems like more than I need. If you’re thirsty, that water is good. I dont care if it’s 33.2 degrees or 111.8 degrees. You need it. Make sure you have it. Make sure your bike can accommodate at least 2 bottles on it.  Bottle cages are 3 dollars each. It’s the least you or your wife will ever pay for a nice rack. Not nearly as fun, though. Oh, heres my most awesome eating tool: http://www.amazon.com/Columbia-River-Knife-Tools-9100Kc/dp/B0030IRKHK/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1330415450&sr=1-1-catcorr

Toothpaste, soap, floss, first aid kit, bla bla bla. Stop being a pussy. http://www.gadling.com/2008/01/11/travel-safely-create-your-own-diy-first-aid-kit-for-the-road/  You don’t need most of this. Doesn’t hurt though. But then again, weight = wait. 

Personal items such as a hat. Or a beanie of your favorite NorCal Football team synonymous with gang activity and general lunacy. A knife. A lighter or flint for your stove or campfire. Some extra batteries for your err, personal massager and bungie cords to secure wet socks and loose items. Maybe a camera to document general tomfoolery or even one of the most amazing bicycle tour fundraisers ever. www.bikeforkam.com  Finally, you can include other small items like a bandana to wipe your sweat, shield your neck from the sun, to “Represent” or like me, to dry your tears. Also, sunglasses to hide your tears; Sunblock to blame getting into your eyes and causing the tears; Small heart locket containing picture of family pet, the real reason for my tears. 

Cab money. Or train money. Plane ticket money even. Seriously. You never know. Have a backup plan. Tell people your basic itinerary and where you plan to be by when. Avoid spooky roller discos and old cafes with inbred owners. And their chainsaw killer son. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0324216/ Plan ahead is what I’m saying. Go ahead and leave the http://www.durex.com/en-us/products/condoms/pages/extrasensitive.aspx at home, Don Juan. Your junk will be plenty sensitive already by day 4. 

Finally, bring your friends. They will make your trip unforgettable. Or, if you’re like me and don’t have any, find small animal road kill along the way and secure them tightly to your panniers (6) with your bungie cords(21). They will make your stay at the mental facility unforgettable! 

If you think I missed anything, please don’t hesitate to contact me and then go on your own damn bike tour!  I kid! Seriously, this is just a starting place. Lots of other items I’m sure could be included. This is a pretty bare bones setup with a few creature comforts thrown in. Your feedback is welcome but will probably be left unread! 

[streetkidnameddesire]

Reposting because I’m going on a big bike tour from SF to LA again for the 3rd time to support a super amazing person with a super shitty, asshole of a fucking condition. So read on, support us at: https://www.crowdrise.com/bike-for-kam-2016/fundraiser/benandmel and share the love.  

FYI: some of the links in this post from 5 years ago are probably dead, moved or whatever... you’ll deal. 

Thanks everyone! 

[streetkidnameddesire]

Great day for an ATV ride out here in Colton. . . . #ridered #dirtlife #atv #honda #training #4wheeling #motolife #atvs #hondalove (at Honda Rider Education Center)

[streetkidnameddesire]

#fallcolors are beautiful out here. #autumn in #boston. (at Babson College)

[streetkidnameddesire]

Happy Sunday. #climb #sundayfunday #rockclimbing #outdoorlife #outdoorlife #adventure #lifeofadventure #liveoutside #pointdume #malibu (at Point Dume)

[streetkidnameddesire]

#tbt to that #canyoneering trip in #zion with some great people. #narrows #zionnationalpark #zionnarrows #outdoors #hike #nature #outdoorlife #climb #utah #ordervillecanyon (at Orderville, Utah)

[streetkidnameddesire]

My #spiritanimal for basically every #work #meeting. #archerthedog #agencydog #advertising #agencylife (at Ink)

[streetkidnameddesire]

Climbing and beers. #climb #beers #claremont #claremontcraft #microbrew #claremontvillage (at Claremont Craft Ales)