The Wobbling Sprocket

Joe might be able to help put some Lao establishments we visit on the Yelp map.  Joe gets out a lot and it is not unusual for him to give  the places he visits  a “Yelp”.   For some of the  places we visit in Laos, that would be more exposure than they have ever had.

Joe’s real expertise  is in health care information systems.

Joe is coming with his Dad, Mike.  Sharing a bike tour with another generation is something that few people have the pleasure of doing.  We are thrilled they are both coming.

It is great that Joe is going to join us. Joe is no stranger to International travel. This photo was taken in Europe somewhere.

This will be Mike’s first tour.  I know he has been thinking about it.  Mike’s son, Greg, has done the India tour.  And his other son, Joe, plans to join us in Laos.  If there is one thing I know about doing these tours, it is that it is something special to have your kid(s) come with you.  It is a treat for me, too.  Mike’s kids are my nephews.   I’m thrilled.

Mike, in his spare time, likes to gaze at stars.  I hope it is clear in Kiu Kacham.  A clear night in KK can be pretty spectacular…although most people are conked out in bed (it is a big climb).

I think this is Mike at a star-gazing event.

Ljubljana is a city of bikes and bikers.  Since vehicles are highly restricted in the central part of of town, lots of folks get around by bike.   They don't choose any old beater bike.  They choose a bike with style:  chain-guards, fenders, upright riding positions.  Think of the bike that the Wicked Witch of the North rode in the The Wizard of Oz…only ridden by a nice witch.

What to wear?  A scarf blowing from your neck is good.  A waist length leather coat is good.  Sun glasses?, sure….big ones.  Cell phone?  Yes, of course, you need to be in touch.  Bike shoes, no.  Helmet,  no.  Spandex?, you can't be serious…..  only if you happen to be on your way to or from a bike race….that you are actually entered in.

On my last day I endeavored to capture the look on film.  Given that most people are in motion and my camera skills are not so great, it was kind of hit or miss.  But I gave it a shot, just the same.

First, the bike.   Not every bike is in motion, so this is a little easier to capture. 
 

The brakes are important. I loved these which are not uncommon.

No messing with brake cables when solid metal rods will do.

Chain guard is mandatory. It keeps everything neat. A chain tattoo on your white pants would be not good.

And a good brand name helps a lot. "Zanski" has some panache and I imagine it works well in any Slovenian sentence.

Basket and a rack maximize utility.

OK, now for some action shots.

If you have an instrument, it's an added plus. Big, but not too big. Cello size is about perfect.

Love the light under the basket and the wheel guard to keep your coattails out of the spokes. The derailleur not so really needed though. There are no hills in town.

I like the rack....and the coat...and the white pants and the swooping dual top tube.

A work truck of a bike.

Kids as passengers are common. So is the cell phone. Helmets are generally considered kid stuff, but I guess there isn't much car traffic so perhaps not so bad.

The sunglasses and scarf work. So does a non-moving chat on the mobile from the bridge near the main square. There is no better place to see or be seen.

There is a LOT to like about Ljubljana.