The boys and I got ready then headed out on the bikes for a ride north yesterday morning. I had taken them up to the Milan Cemetery years back when R was in the bike trailer and J rode along and they both remembered it so that was our destination. There was a bit more traffic than normal but they both listened sell to my calls.

As we climbed the hill towards the top of the ride R complained of his knees hurting him really bad. We stopped and I raised his seat up which helped instantly, and I moved it a a bit more later. He is getting the hang of the gears now and was better able to shift and recognize what gear to be in. We dropped down the hill to the cemetery where we wandered around for a bit and checked out the dates on the headstones.

I had hoped to cross the highway and head down the west side to head home but we were NOT going to ride back up the hill we came down so we dropped down to the road below that we rode up on. It was super obvious that R needs a new bike. The 20" tires make it VERY hard for him to keep up with J and I since we are on 24 and 26" tires. I thought about it a lot on the ride home.

Both boys did awesome on the ride and by the end R was super beat. J is able to keep up with me quite easily so wasn't nearly as worked. Both boys wore running vests which worked great for their waters and snacks.

Milan Ride.JPG

As we rode home I had my eyes all over the sides of the road and found a couple treasures. A pulse vape pen which has a lipo in it that I will yank out and then this set of pheasant feathers. They are female feathers since zero color to them but super for the fly tying kit.

I spent a bit looking over Craigslist and ended up finding a bike up north of us that is a 24" tired 13" framed mtn bike. It is 21 speed and no shocks but only $50. I emailed and hope to hear back on it. The idea is to possibly swap J's bike over to R if it is smaller and J could ride the new one until he is big enough for my old bike. All this to get R on bigger tires so he can more easily keep up and hopefully do bigger longer rides with us.

Once home and rested a bit I headed out to work on the sled. It's quite nice that the thermostat is held in with just 2 bolts. I popped the old one out and as soon as it was free the seal expanded and was almost mush in my hand. The new seal and thermostat went in and I got the radiator refilled. I needed to run to North 40 so off I went for the test drive.

Got to the store and checked, not a drop of fluids beneath the engine. So I got my flat of shells and more fluids for the sled.

Something dumb. These are the "trap" loads and when you look at the bird loads they are EXACTLY THE SAME except the "bird" loads cost $2 more per box. These were all on sale for $2 off per box so $4/bx cheaper right now and the same exact load. Fucking marketing bullshit.

The bike light arrived for my bike and holy shit is it insanely bright. It's a big power bank as well as the light which will go for 11 hours in low.

Our little fly catcher sitting on her nest, glaring at me as I get close for the picture.

The bees have been needing a new super tossed on top so I got suited up and got it done. I added the queen excluder atop the super then added my next one. I tossed in a few Flow frames in the middle which means an inner lid won't work, but the top feeder does. I have to boil up syrup for them this morning while it's still cool.

The bees are doing FAR FAR better this year being inside mow. I know for certain they will have a much better chance at surviving the winter now. I'll even be able to insulate around it when the time comes.

I HAD to thin some of the beets as they were far to crowded. Not a ton but a nice handful.

Out to soak for a while before bed.

Not sure about today. Was hoping to fly but not wanting to drive to find out the site is not open. I may just go up to the school and go kiting, let the boys roam while I do. I have to make the bee syrup, mow, wash clothes, clear ground, and clean more around the house.