tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299013892012-02-17T01:35:49.180+01:00A FIRST TIME BIKE TRIP THROUGH IRELAND & FRANCE...The Story Continues.fotosisnoreply@blogger.comBlogger911100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-53796143880982814832007-09-08T23:24:00.000+01:002008-12-11T23:37:25.339+01:00

We are still alive and thanks to Journeyman Pictures, you can see a great segment on Lyon's public bike program "Velo'V". Unfortunately we can't embed but here is the direct link.- RV's Girl

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-42103420188181736802007-06-24T15:19:00.000+01:002008-12-11T23:37:25.957+01:00

Slept well last night after watching a disposable flick on google video, it was called "The Core" the tag says it all, this is a science fiction movie. Thats enough to let you know that the world is in crisis it has something to to with the earths core and nuclear weapons will solve the problem as they do in all modern sci-fi movies, see Armageddon, Sunshine, Deep Impact the list goes on.After

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-50655003559217370702007-06-03T13:52:00.000+01:002007-06-03T14:30:03.327+01:00

I love the outdoors but at this time of year it is with trepidation that I venture outside. Normally I do not like to take medication on a daily basis but right now its a necessity. Lyon is quite beautiful at this time of year and as someone who loves the outdoors its pretty horrible to fear leaving the confines of the flat.You may have noticed that we haven't been blogging here for the past

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-38037626067787295142007-02-17T06:39:00.000+01:002008-12-11T23:37:26.211+01:00

Warm weather is creeping up on us already and February has just started...I am weary of RV having to go through a flashback moment with the heat wave that scorched us heavily a couple of years back.What this sunshine is doing is making me have to re-adjust to sleeping on some common time zone and wanting very badly to begin preparation for our tandem biking.So many beautiful parts of France

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-76264642486252597392007-02-10T06:05:00.000+01:002008-12-11T23:37:26.336+01:00

Two Years ago, I was a mess. I felt that so many choices I had made were turning me into an alcoholic zombie, a wandering heart with too much love given and taken and I felt very alone despite.Had it not been for a wonderful friend and confidante, I don't think that I would be sitting here content, calm and so sure of who I am and where I am at.This special person became my boyfriend. His naive

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-58480626288472284062007-01-30T08:56:00.000+01:002008-12-11T23:37:27.595+01:00

An interesting and thought provoking segment (originally aired in Nov.2006 on CBC) on Tim Harvey who biked, canoed and tried to make his way around the world, emission free.This feature documents the many obstacles Harvey faced including losing his initial partner and having to find a way out of various situations that could have deterred his plight.See the video here via Google Video."It began

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-31822269109766776442007-01-30T01:53:00.000+01:002008-12-11T23:37:27.810+01:00

You make a barter 'ad deal' with someone and they don't do their share?It's gone! Sorry!(Anyway, I'm not that much of a bitch so here is the direct link to them)-RV's Girl listening to RV watching Aeon Flux

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-51644551830613493742007-01-23T09:11:00.000+01:002008-12-11T23:37:28.100+01:00

Been up since six this morning due to mogwai interference but I overcame my tiredness as soon as it was light out, its funny how your body tells you your not tired simply because there was a transition from dark to bright.Anyway this gives me a chance to do a little blogging as the mogwai is sleeping and I have the computer to myself for another hour or so and so I can impart onto you the

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-29673200680505368422007-01-18T04:32:00.000+01:002007-01-18T04:57:25.812+01:00

Ok, this is my first post of 2007, its a little late I know but the WiFi signal that was so graciously left unsecured by some wonderful person who probably lives not more than one hundred feet from me suddenly vanished. And so I got a little lazy not wanting to hog my favorite girls laptop for too long because she has things to do to and also because I have to surf for at least four to five hours

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-46243460351056973962006-12-28T14:38:00.000+01:002008-12-11T23:37:28.459+01:00

And, it's Thursday! Rv & I had an awesome holiday weekend with ALOT of food and drink AND good sex! We amused ourselves and ended up making a funny Christmas meal on Monday. Normally when you make stuffing it's supposed to be with Turkey but we created the Holiday Stuffed Ham Roll!Here's a glance at the beauty. Ta-da!The Turkey we purchased turned bad on the 24th and RV said that 'normal people'

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-86421218714148804462006-12-22T20:12:00.000+01:002008-12-11T23:37:29.001+01:00

VideoAbout Happy Holidays!!-RV's Girl Listening to SomaFM

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-47560241157800401822006-12-22T12:44:00.000+01:002008-12-11T23:37:29.432+01:00

Well its that time of year again and its my first Christmas away from home but its ok I have my girl to keep me company. We basically plan to eat, drink, smoke and watch a vast array of televisual delights which I'm sure will be beamed into our telebox.Anyway, my special lady friend found this wonderful website somewhere on the net the other day and I've been itching to post about it since she

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-38679006757575557232006-12-21T04:33:00.000+01:002008-12-11T23:37:29.689+01:00

"One by one, 120 volunteers took turns on a single bicycle to power a 1500 LED reindeer billboard in Vancouver, BC. The holiday showcase, sponsored by DDB/Vancouver and BC Hydro (hydro is a Canadian term for power or electricity), was powered solely by the cycling samaritans for 5 days straight." - Taken from Core77-RV's Girl Listening to Radio Suisse Classique

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-47543943625421730542006-12-17T10:22:00.000+01:002008-12-11T23:37:30.259+01:00

Hello again have been on a really weird schedule of late, getting up at three in the morning trying to stay awake as long as possible and usually back in bed by six of seven in the evening. It was a terrible regime. I was constantly tired and depressed as I had to wait for hours before anything was open, actually I had to wait for hours till the sun came up so I could go out. I think I've managed

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-28700629582141053822006-12-15T06:58:00.000+01:002008-12-11T23:37:30.575+01:00

DIY all terrain bike, now you can go anywhere under pedal power. I love custom bikes of all shapes, sizes and uses.Things here are pretty relaxed now that my parents have gone home. They did bring over my micro-synth so RV and Girl can make crazy sounds together and I received the Arduino micro-controller I ordered last week so lots of little projects to look forward to over the Christmas period.

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-84016375929951191792006-12-14T02:23:00.000+01:002008-12-11T23:37:30.848+01:00

"When 73-year-old Sylvester Roper showed up at a local bicycle track in Boston aboard this machine—a steam-powered motorcycle he invented—the young bicycle racers just laughed. Here was this old man riding a strange contraption who wanted to race the local hotshots around the one-third-mile Charles River Park track. It wasn’t until the race was on that they realized the old man had come up with

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-20975756178626749382006-12-10T09:13:00.000+01:002008-12-11T23:37:31.019+01:00

A breezy, cool Sunday morning and RV is fast asleep.We hung out with Mom and Dad last night which was a treat. They seemed to genuinely appreciate the intimacy of the diverse crowds walking through Lyon in the search for the numerous interactive light sculptures decorating the city until Monday.The festival itself has grown and many locals are a little dismayed by the popular-isation of the event

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-4088693272639906612006-12-07T00:32:00.000+01:002008-12-11T23:37:31.363+01:00

Hello everybody, another Wednesday. Ive been surfing quite a bit lately devoting lots of time to Curbly and Ive kinda gotten trapped in a reverse sleeping pattern again. My day typically starts at about six o'clock when I get up and have breakfast and read the news through my RSS feeds before having a shower and going to the local convenience store to buy enough booze and munchies to last the

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-69030259881323615352006-12-04T00:50:00.000+01:002008-12-11T23:37:31.453+01:00

My special girl saw this somewhere in the net and dropped it in my inbox yesterday. You gotta love these guys for their inventiveness and passion for the great outdoors and cycling. The camper bike rocks but does it have to be so wide? Actually I think its perfect without the bit he plans to add to the back theres plenty of room for your tent, cooler, tools and other bits and pieces back there.

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-52088834459324241362006-12-02T01:13:00.000+01:002006-12-03T20:17:59.550+01:00

Well it I suppose since my journey to visit my girl is over I've been here four months now and something big happened. My special lady cleared some space in the closet for me so am I no longer living out of my backpack. This made me a little bit wet eye to be honest. We just returned from a design Biennale in St. Etienne and are now both loaded with energy and inspiration. We plan to morph this

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-10405004531229406892006-11-25T22:39:00.000+01:002006-11-25T22:43:26.180+01:00

Well winter is here the wind last night was proof enough although its been unusually warm for this time of year these past few days. I think any sort of long distance journey by bike can be ruled out at this stage but that does not mean the determined cyclist with the proper equipment cannot brave the elements and venture out onto the highways and byways for a few hours every once in a while.

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-37923235143763636762006-11-25T22:10:00.000+01:002006-11-25T22:22:29.247+01:00

Check out these excellent Dutch style city bikes by Jorg and Olif. Beautiful, simple and probably less appealing to bike thieves.

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-78193222080055138902006-11-25T20:14:00.000+01:002006-11-25T20:25:56.728+01:00

I have posted about N55 before but they have just added a new manual to their collection and I think this warrants mention on road vermin. Their new section is called Manual for Small Truck. Basically it is a very small truck built from polyethylene containers and power by a small electric motor. It should be borrowed by individuals who are not in possession of a car to transport small loads

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-58694413130383374462006-11-20T01:25:00.000+01:002006-11-20T01:58:37.453+01:00

Todays Roadvermin and his girl have joined the new design and DIY community known as Curbly. It is a site dedicated to design and innovation relating to the home and living and it aims to help connect people with similar interests in these fields in order to share ideas and solve problems. Heres the Wired Monkey Bites blurb on it. So far we have only posted a few pictures of some of our work and

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-22780680806731224232006-11-19T13:19:00.000+01:002006-11-19T13:21:28.551+01:00

-RV's GirlListening to SomaFM

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-37822662743974263522006-11-17T17:23:00.000+01:002006-11-17T17:33:38.904+01:00

Why? Because I was messing around with him as he was making a sandwich.This is how it started. I got some laughs at Salon.com's article today about the Sexiest Men Alive because aside from Stephen Colbert winning top placement, the letter's section were adding amazing male candidates including Keith Olbermann and Wayne Coyne. RV said, "______________________________________". So, I went over to

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-87033221858719101372006-11-15T10:27:00.000+01:002006-11-15T10:53:10.604+01:00

Ive been sort of off the road since ending my trip in August and since we have been continuing this weird boy/girl relationship with cycling on top blog by writing about our continuing story and also by posting on issues close to our hearts. Such as design, art and the environment all the while trying to tie this in with some bike stuff. It really is quite difficult to keep a blog alive (Not as

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-62554566177043315982006-11-13T12:49:00.000+01:002006-11-13T12:57:26.842+01:00

Just a wonderful sculpture from the talented Robert Rauschenberg. RV and I thoroughly enjoyed the exhibit we saw at the Centre Pompidou in Paris and were inspired by Rauschenberg's creativity, humour and use of everyday materials and references.Here is a little about the Artist (taken from Wikipedia) :'Robert Rauschenberg (b. 1925) is a painter, sculptor, and graphic artist known for helping to

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-60595660281990472702006-11-12T08:26:00.000+01:002006-11-12T10:06:16.563+01:00

Well, it has been a while. I've been incognito on here for a couple of months and was hesitating to return.I love the premise of this blog but I can't see myself constantly referring to cycling related info when a big part of this space represents RV and me figuring out this twist on our long distance relationship. At the same time I hate going on too much about the personal and feel that when

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1161610220711259962006-10-23T14:27:00.001+01:002006-11-12T08:24:46.018+01:00

Check out this video of new york bike messengers having a nice chilled ride through the quiet streets of the city.

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1161064884356384862006-10-17T06:52:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:45.782+01:00

Im on a bit of a design buzz this morning and I just remembered this bike design company that is doing very interesting things in terms of the types of materials they use and the attention to detail that seems to go into the bikes where function is concerned. They are called Biomega and are from Denmark where alot of wonderful design stuff seems to be going on lately. Usually with this sort of

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1161063023115680202006-10-17T06:15:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:45.668+01:00

Some day we'll all be living in shells:-)Found this cool little rolling house on treehugger this morning. It looks a bit small but I love the concept. Add a solar panel a microturbine and a rain catchment system and youve got yourself a pretty cute pod house thingy. Personally I think it should be half a meter higher and half a meter wider (It doesnt look like the woman in the photo would be able

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1161061189083313472006-10-17T05:42:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:45.337+01:00

I saw this on BoingBoing the other day and seeing as this is an environmentally themed site I decided it would be fitting to post. Basically what would happen if we all got up and left the planet to heal? Well at some point scientists pondered this scenario and made a chart to show us just what would happen. So now we know exactly what nature will do when we are wiped out by that virus from

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1160399370238423762006-10-09T13:56:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:45.246+01:00

Hi all,This appeared in Wired a few months back so some of you may have seen it before since I have seen it in action and seen how well it works I felt I should mention it again to try to raise awarenes as it is a scheme that is working incredably well here. Basically there are Velo Stations where you insert your credit card and a public bike next to the payment machine is unlocked for you. The

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1159879945700464342006-10-03T13:27:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:45.114+01:00

Since arriving in France I have been amazed by the number of people who use those little silver folding scooters to get around, and I mean business people, students and kids. Lyon has many hills so it makes perfect sense, walk up the hill or take one of the many public transport solutions to the top and coast down the other side to you destination on your little silver scooter. While surfing this

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1158020235987375722006-09-12T01:14:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:44.947+01:00

Ok today is my birthday a date that will be marked in history in the same sense as the Kenedy assassination, where were you? Anyway I had a celebration of sorts anyway by dropping into a cool local bar for a few nice cool beers with my lil girl.During my trip back home to Ireland I picked up a whole host of cables and gadgets and odds and ends so finally I am able to drag a few pictures from my

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1157927924359791922006-09-10T23:33:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:44.814+01:00

Past midnight here in France, RV has just celebrated his birthday with the opening of a gift from his family I secretly brought over from Dublin last week and one from me...I'll let RV decide if he tells you what THAT was hehe.Rv got a little emotional but was very surprised I had set my mobile to ring at 12AM. His smile said it all.Happy 25th Birthday!!!-RV GirlListening to Sufjan Stevens

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1157876721584395532006-09-10T08:58:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:44.666+01:00

RV is snoring. We had a late night, again. It has only been a few days since we've been back from Dublin.Believe it or not, we have only had half of the total time since mid-August truly alone together. We treasured our few hours before sunrise in our room the first 2 weeks as it was the only opportunity to be together in privacy. The summer month brought a couple of welcome visitors and we are

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1157580863185668662006-09-06T22:57:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:44.522+01:00

Ok two weeks have passed and you may have noticed there havent been any posts I feel I should explain. When I arriving in Lyon I was in a pretty poor state, exhausted both physically and mentally. I spent the first few days catching up on world events, sleeping and getting familiar with my girl again before embarking on a week or more of heavy drinking, heavy smoking and what was certainly heavy

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1155949696136171822006-08-19T01:46:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:44.380+01:00

I set my alarm for six in the morning hoping that the french family would be gone so they would not have to be subjected to my alarm in the sleeping compartment of the train but when I woke to the alarm they were still there, poor guys. I rose early an hour before my train was supposed to arrive at lyon which was a good decision as the train was half an hour early which left me wondering as to

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1155860584777621322006-08-18T01:17:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:44.254+01:00

The 2am mark has passed and I think RV is probably sleeping soundly since I put him to bed an hour ago.We met this morning as he cycled from the train station to my home and he was dripping with sweat! A small moment of grogginess and awkward conversation followed and all I could think of was how unreal it all seemed to have him sitting infront of me, knowing that he had come home...My heart is

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1155842579433085532006-08-17T20:20:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:44.088+01:00

Ok for once im not typing this from a washroom im sitting in my girls apartment in Lyon eating curious pastry thingys and drinking a nice red wine. How did I get here you may ask? Well after purchasing my ticket I wondered La Baule for a few hours, lost my cigarettes ate a gormet pizza and had a few drinks before catching a train to Nantes which would be the first leg of an overnight journey. I

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1155767406055184902006-08-16T23:18:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:43.941+01:00

It's funny to think that over the past week both RV and I have been camping on opposite parts of the country or even in different countries. This beautiful lake is one campspot I invaded for a night near Geneva. No mosquitos, sunshine and lots of good food and wine.Been moving non-stop since Switzerland and for that, I feel physically exhausted as well as mentally tonight. It is the first time I

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1155730771344379612006-08-16T13:18:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:43.814+01:00

I rose early this morning, it was pouring rain with high winds. Itlooks sorta like how I imagine the french Riviera to be with theweather of the west of Ireland. Imagine high rise apartment blocks andcasinos in the rain. Judging by my map it would be a long harddangerous wet day negotiating this urban death maze. I was lonelytired and out of supplies. Maybe it was time to go home or to Lyonwhich

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1155699400119007652006-08-16T04:36:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:43.648+01:00

This morning I was feeling more refreshed than I have all week,obviously because of my rest day. I packet my stuff which is gettinglighter all the time thank god. I set out from Vannes determined notto hit the highway or N routes as they sat here. I planned my routecarefully and used my intuition to find my way out of the city becausethe signs never help. Within a few minutes I was moving aong at

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1155647142404030032006-08-15T14:05:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:43.496+01:00

As this is my day of rest I decided I should just hang at the campsiteall afternoon and cook and eat and generall chill out. So I did, itwas a bit windy so I cooked in the doorway of my tent using my foammat as a wind breaker. My on the road cooking skills have greatlyimproved over the course of the week I've graduated from pasta andsauce to smoked salmon and emmental on bread for starter and

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1155647093561994552006-08-15T14:04:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:43.360+01:00

So today is my day of rest. After my breakfast of Oatmeal green teaand bread I decided it was time to see some of the city, and stock upon supplies. I packed my day bag and hit the road on my velo. Ifollowed the signs pointed to Centre Ville and discovered that thecampsite was a lot closer to the town than I had previously thoughtdue to the fact that on my way here the signs directed my the long

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1155647033076356932006-08-15T14:03:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:43.226+01:00

I suppose I should start this addendum by saying that I do not alwaysget time or remember everything that happens in a day. Often I amrushed, usually I'm standing in the wash room trying not to look tosuspicious as I type away on my pda fone gizmo. Last night forinstance after composing my note for the day I was asked my two verynice very alternative Dutch nationals to partake in a few glasses

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1155646985148013132006-08-15T14:02:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:43.048+01:00

Writing again in a wash room:-/ Hasn't someone figured out that uscampers need the occasional 230V wall socket to charge our phones sowe don't have to watch half naked men shave. Also tonight itsdefinite, I need to learn more french, I need to be able to ask forthings and understand questions and answers. Maybe ill just get drunkin the campsite bar instead after all I can order drinks and

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1155417905032627552006-08-12T22:23:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:42.874+01:00

My body immediately voiced its disgust at any movement this morning.Both my knees now ache but I'm sure its just the tendons streching andnot a cartelidge thing as the pain is equal and just above both kneejoints. I set off from Pontivey after a megre breakfast bound forJosselin along the canal Nantes a Brest. The lonely planet guideinformed me that this would be a short 50 odd kilometer ride

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1155344037939394462006-08-12T01:52:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:42.727+01:00

What a joy. I have nothing to share but my complete content in knowing all is fine and that he will be here with me soon...-RV GirlListening to Six Organs of Admittance

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1155343927909891532006-08-12T01:50:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:42.565+01:00

I'm composing this in the toilets of the municipal campgroung inPontivey. First off ill let you know that no one ever inspected thecampsite in Huelgoat and I left very early so my stay there was free,I fully intended to pay but when you see how remote the site was Idon't blame the official for not bothering making the trek out there.Today didn't start so well. I didn't realize I was so far from

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1155343798726240372006-08-12T01:48:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:42.411+01:00

After I wrote my last message I left my cabin to check out theentertainment being offered by irish ferries. I arrived at the barjust in time to catch the magician laid on to keep the kids busy sotheir parents could get wasted in relative peace. This was followed bya kiddies disco the playlist consisted of eurotrash style pop and evena song which I'm sure was a jingle irish ferries used in

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1155343673124743552006-08-12T01:47:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:42.251+01:00

I have only been aboard for a few minutes but I have already walkedthe length and breath of every accessible deck & I it has to be saidtonights entertainment prospects are looking bleak. The bar resemblesa refugee camp/childrens birthday party. Teams of kids run riotexcited by the fact that this is the first day of their holidays andprobably their first time on a boat. They run from window to

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1155255458499469922006-08-11T01:11:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:42.064+01:00

Normally RV arrives in France today. I expected a chance of non-communication as his only contact is his mobile but when I saw a message from his family tonight, worried and also having not heard from him, I sit here unable to sleep...One particular detail seems so out of place and I am left pondering if he intentionally left out an important part of his bike gear or if it was a simple

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1155000537595810002006-08-08T01:48:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:41.929+01:00

I find it weird that I am undertaking this adventure on what I believe is the begining of a global crisis promarily concerning the liquid that drives the world. I mean oil of course. My adventure of course advocates an alternative that does not solve all our problems but is I feel a component that would solve a small percentage of our troubles. I am a man of science and I understrand that

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1154985056145774962006-08-07T21:45:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:41.801+01:00

I have finished packing, training and planning and I am quite nervous now. Yesterday I took my fully loaded bike for a test ride. There were no rattling noises, nothing broke off and it was reasonably easy going even on the hills. I feel quite prepared in that I think the bike is up to the task but weather or not I will be able to cover as much ground as I would like is another story. Tomorrow

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1154954787742793022006-08-07T13:44:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:41.612+01:00

RV you are in my thoughts, can't wait to talk to you again!Many, many kisses from Zurich xoxo-RV GirlListening to The Eraser

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1154638588036391892006-08-03T20:14:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:41.456+01:00

Only five days to go before I catch the boat to France and approximatly 17 hours later RV will be fresh off the boat (FOB). These last few days I have been training by cycling up to 40km per day and trying to figure out what I need to bring. The training was easy I just commuted to and from the train station by bike, but figuring out what would be useful and what would not and rounding up

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1154540996889514302006-08-02T18:48:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:41.291+01:00

And his name is wind, unfortunatly for me I live in Ireland so I fight a loosing battle against this gastly enemy.

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1154431462001260912006-08-01T12:14:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:41.107+01:00

Yesterday I was actually ridiculed by two middle aged gentlemen sitting in a BMW in the car park of the train station as I locked my bike to the rack. I didnt see what the were sniggering about, I was simply a 20 something year old dude in casual dress locking my bike. Is there something wrong with cycling or something funny about the people who choose this as their preferred mode of transport.

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1154071162050524872006-07-28T08:15:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:40.924+01:00

Why? Because today is RV's last day at work! Have a great day baby and a wonderful (drunken) time at your going away tonight.I love you...Big hugs, your girl.-RV GirlListening to Quintron / OOIOO

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1153768616540205192006-07-24T20:09:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:40.720+01:00

The british TV station Channel 4 is hosting a set of programs dedicated to the bicycle as part of the 3 minute wonder series (3MW). The shorts can be viewed online here.Be warned the film titled "Stop Nicking my Bike" is especially distressing, and may not be suitable for younger viewers.

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1153434714975286882006-07-20T23:25:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:40.488+01:00

[23:45:02] RV says: im laughing because i think myy parents are sick of --- ------- *(on TV) [23:46:30] RV Girl says: finally! [23:46:31] RV says: the only prob is they turn on ---`---- instead [23:46:46] RV Girl says: ahahaha they hv terrible tv choices im sorry [23:47:52] RV says: its either that or they watch the gay public access channel and the funny thing is i dont think they know its a

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1153291205128303572006-07-19T07:29:00.001+01:002006-11-12T08:24:40.103+01:00

The Bikely website promotes biking by having members post their way of getting from point A to point B."Put very simply, Bikely helps cyclists share knowledge of good bicycle routes. It can be quite tricky traversing a car dominated city such as Melbourne on a bike, particularly when you need to travel an unknown route to a new destination. But the chances are, someone has cycled that way

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1153239172920737572006-07-18T16:59:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:39.650+01:00

Another scorching day.Wasn't in such a good mood yesterday but I must be feeling better since I just sent RV a naked pic of me while he was at work! I guess when the 'bad girl' in me comes out I must be getting better. I won't post that but here is a lovely pic of my home, isn't it pretty?So not much to report. I am fed up with the weather that immobilises me everyday from 4pm, I hate that I have

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1153164604013989852006-07-17T20:12:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:39.516+01:00

Its hot in the motherland for a change today. A strange object was seen hovering over Ireland today. Ancient records were consulted and this circular object turned out to be a body known as the Sun. A massive fusion powered furnace approximatly 93 million miles from Ireland, note that this distance is greater than the distance between Belfast and Cork. Whenever this object appears Ireland

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1153045223586287332006-07-16T11:18:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:39.322+01:00

Two wheels good, four wheels bad.Two wheels good, four wheels bad.Two wheels good, four wheels bad.Two wheels good, four wheels bad.If we also had a banner ad for the new Ford super thunder patrol meister at the top of our page that would make my day.

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1152884175893149392006-07-14T14:32:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:39.193+01:00

I don't know what is.Happy Bastille Day!-RV GirlListening to Beirut

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1152717530978117902006-07-12T16:11:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:39.036+01:00

So, I lost our flat prospect today. It wasn't my fault but just the circumstance of life.I was sad and she, the owner, was too but I was already preset for other options. Something inside me told me it was too good to be true.It wasn't the biggest or cheapest...or best, it was just perfect... I have a few other places lined up for tomorrow and I have hopes they are just as interesting. My

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1152539926599825442006-07-10T14:51:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:38.912+01:00

Alright RV, I hear ya.I'm still tired from an embaressing mishap yesterday on the train ride back home as France lost the World cup title. Training through Geneva is lovely, dreamy and word of warning, always wear underwear...I arrived home, full of joy to speak to RV again after a few days of stolen chats and texts. I'm back online and wondering what could this be??It just looks so damn cool.

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1152470920263853392006-07-09T19:43:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:38.748+01:00

I suppose I should provide an explanation as to why the bicycle is my chosen and prefered mode of transport. Well my fixation began early, I got my first bike at the age of four or five. It was a christmas present a red bmx with white plastic spoked wheels, I was mobile. After several years I graduated to another red bike a road mountain hybrid (12 speed) of indeterminate brand which I think is

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1152080068530223312006-07-05T07:09:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:38.440+01:00

I miss you.-RV GirlListening to Ampop Eternal Bliss

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1152001466081204702006-07-04T09:20:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:38.292+01:00

NETJETTERS – SUSAN The Guardian has been running a online series called, “NetJetters”, for some time now. Recently, Susan Greenwood won the competition to promote eco-friendly travel by cycling through America, East to West. You can read about her 3 month journey here on her blog. BIKE AND SEE Two Americans hatched a plan to raise awareness for the benefits of cycling by traveling cross

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1151881613058800262006-07-03T00:04:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:37.325+01:00

[00:36:37] RV Girl says: what do u think about [00:36:54] RV says: all kinds of random things [00:36:58] RV says: i very scattered [00:37:00] RV Girl says: like.... [00:37:04] RV Girl says: for example [00:37:28] RV says: i think of u i think of the future i think of the end i think of the journey [00:37:43] RV says: i want the feeling [00:37:59] RV says: i want you [00:38:31] RV says: i think

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1151862622039990782006-07-02T18:23:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:37.168+01:00

Ok, im not new to this camping business but I have to say that the equipment now available is pretty amazing. My tent weight something like 2kg, my sleeping bag would fit in a large coat pocket and all the tools and bits and pieces that i've collected for my mission are made from super light alloys and composite plastics.I thought id seen it all until yesterday when I bought a little camping

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1151860652554929842006-07-02T18:09:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:36.998+01:00

I've finally decided on what i regard as a bare minimum list of cycling and camping equipment. Its a bit long sorry about that.Basics:TentBikeBags Saddlebag/MessengerBelt PouchSleeping BagSurvival BagGround MatTools:Allen KeysTyre LeversAdj. SpannerSnipsSwiss Army KnifeHammer MalletZippo LighterBicycle PumpSpares:Cable TiesHeavy Duty TapeSpare TubesPatch KitGasLighter FuelBatteriesWater:Steel

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1151708948246908272006-07-01T00:01:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:36.809+01:00

So what do you have for breakfast when you wake at 11pm? Interesting, I just got a drunken phone call from RV as I was writing this... He doesn't do this often so what this basically means is he's just enjoying himself ,which he totally deserves, yet he is so ecstatic he must call me because he can't write on his bumpy ride home a similar sweet text. I find it hilarious! You drunk boy, I love

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1151650850393073062006-06-30T07:51:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:36.590+01:00

I have been scanning alot of Bike Refugee's postings recently ever since I read about his mom getting in on the cycling and even cycling to work, which I thought was pretty cool.In his posting "How to Always Stay Fresh" I was reminded of RV's first week or two of cycling to work and how he told me about the sweat, the stink, the dirt! (Hmmm...) I thought I'd put up BR's tips here.1. Always shower

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1151522506263954032006-06-28T20:11:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:36.389+01:00

Some recent pics. RV decided to do a test run on his bike with his gear. All went well.Sure looks light though, hope he will have all he needs...I don't want to turn into a worry wart but damn, that load is really nothing!But, I trust him. He can be pretty accurate in his planning.Too bad I couldn't add his third pic because he looks so....sexy.- RV GirlListening to Boom Bip

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1151471574225436472006-06-28T06:04:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:36.213+01:00

Enough said.- RV GirlListening to Deerhoof

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1151440044485077262006-06-27T21:21:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:36.041+01:00

Another Monday morning. I have been conditioned to dislike certain week days more than others but really why should it matter. Soon it wont.My little friend is excited and anxious, I feel it in her texts and emails. She is waiting for me, preparing herself for the adventure. Reorganizing, making her life compatible with the future. It reassures me knowing our ensuing life is anticipated with

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1151274858951775982006-06-25T23:26:00.001+01:002006-11-12T08:24:35.868+01:00

BOY “This country is a waiting room, ecstasy when the wait is over. This time shows me what a waste it is to wait. This sort of life is wrong, so much time stolen by inefficient design. I wait to leave, family are all I have here, nothing else will be missed. I have no regrets. I'm a boy I know, but I am sure.” GIRL “I am scared but I'm waiting for you with open arms..my soul and heart ready

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1151265012335399332006-06-25T20:45:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:35.487+01:00

Dawn. 8 Am, 10, 12...unable to close my eyes and fall asleep. After a three day sleep-fest each lazy afternoon in Marseilles, I was condemned to another torturous cycle of stolen sleep today. I hate it but it has been such a large part of my life that I can't really let it get me down too much. Ah, until the next bout of extreme fatigue hits me, my fingertips, toes will curl in delight! My

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1151154351581376092006-06-24T14:01:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:35.292+01:00

I feel like a school kid awaiting summer vacation. Even in my dreams, last night i was back in a school classroom under the reign of some tyrannical teacher, but this was not a nightmare. In this dream the children are free spirits they are victorious, they are puppet masters. Manipulating the tools, acting as one unit, their common strategy to disrupt the mechanism, to display their utter

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1150846223676907692006-06-21T00:28:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:35.015+01:00

Interesting. (pardon me if this is lame but it does make sense...)The Free ThinkerThe Dreamer- RV Girl outListening to the sweet silence of sleep

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1150844826640098262006-06-21T00:04:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:34.846+01:00

So, RV finally surfaced. I like it! Alright, it's almost 1am here and I am enjoying a red wine, listening to Signor Ros and moving my ass to pack my things for a long weekend in Marseilles. It'll be great weather and music on the streets as it will be the festival of music here in France. I am meeting a fellow artist who has just recently returned from the India and will continue on to

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1150834761382094202006-06-20T21:07:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:34.735+01:00

Well I suppose I should start by telling u a little bit about myself. I think I would best be described as a sort of romantic geek with bohemian tendancies. I have all the hobbies and interests of ur average geek "electronics, robots, sci-fi, computers etc" but I do not uphold the habits and ideosyncracies of the steriotype. Combine this with a blatant disregard but not ignorance of the rules &

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1150753159042434532006-06-19T22:38:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:34.626+01:00

Excerpts from a recent email from RV :"Have spent the last day or so looking into my trip in terms of equipment and route....I plan to take the ferry from Rosslaire to Roscoff...""...its the only place I can get and Rosscoff is better than Cherbourg methinks.""Have also bought a special bag for my bike. These guys have been making these things forever so they are probably very good plus its made

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1150751411641126332006-06-19T22:08:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:34.518+01:00

One thing that constantly makes me smirk is how different RV and I are. Sure, we both have some morbid way in which our minds work and connect to others in general (you know the usual misfits, marginal people in society and the like) but we are SO different. The two of us started doing some preliminary mini projects not so long ago and the first thing I noticed was how slooooow RV can be in

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901389.post-1150751163372468162006-06-19T22:01:00.000+01:002006-11-12T08:24:34.384+01:00

I fell for him probably at first sight. I am prone to that, it's true. If you ever met a crazy, neo-hippie artist type, long-haired and nomadic, chaotic yet loving, then that's me! I'm a complicated woman. We met close to my 3rd gen roots in America; a vast, brilliant, often constricting yet liberal place for people like us, somewhere west. We became friends. He had a killer smile and an even

fotosisnoreply@blogger.com0