Paul bought an iPod

This is absolutely shocking.  I don’t know what to say, other than it’s a refurbished 40GB 4th Generation iPod and it cost under $80 from ecost.com.

I still feel a bit dirty.

But I did it for my daughter.  Sarah’s Zune was in her car when it was stolen in Atlanta.  I’m shipping my original 30GB Zune (white, refurbished, $99!) tomorrow.

In my defense, I’m not running iTunes.  iTunes is a piece of poo.  Lots of strange services, ACC format files, DRM, ugh!  I’m running Rockbox, a firmware upgrade available from www.roxbox.org.  I used the Rockbox Utility to detect the iPod, download the appropriate software, and install.  It was a very painless process.  The really neat part was just did a drag and drop of MP3 library to the iPod, and I was in business.  It even recognized my WinAmp playlists.  I have some songs in FLAC and Vogg Orbis formats and will experiment later. 

I tried using the ml_ipod add-on for WinAmp, but I was having some problems and just opted to move to the Rockbox firmware.

I’m quite pleased with the combination of the iPod and Rockbox software.  I am experimenting with the Themes so I can read the screen without glasses when I am on my stationary bike (single speed bike with Nashbar fluid trainer).

 

Technorati Tags: ipod,rockbox,mp3,firmware

Bicycle Training

Now that we had the last storm of the season, I’m trying to ramp up some bicycle safety training for various groups in South Jersey (that’s everything below Trenton for non-Jersey folks).

Why do people need training for something as simple as a bicycle?  Photo below.  Will post other examples as I come across them.

Extra Bonus Quiz – why isn’t this bike secure?

Technorati Tags: bicycle,training

Ride of Silence - Mount Laurel, NJ

Ride of Silence is a silent, slow ride in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways. 

I'm leading a Ride of Silence in Mount Laurel, NJ.  We will meet in the corner of the Shop-Rite parking lot at the intersection of Union Mill Road and Elbo Lane.  I posted a Ride of Silence Ride on my Ride List list.  It is currently 11 miles, and I may cut it down under 10 miles, but it will be some variation of the ride posted and it will be on rural roads with relatively light traffic.

It is suggested that we wear black arm bands on the ride and I require that all participants wear a helmet.  The ride is scheduled for twelve miles at a target speed of 12mph.  Think of this ride as meditation and reflection.  The ride is for anyone and everyone who rides a bike, and the ride will be short enough and flat enough that you can ride just about any bike - hybrids, mountain bikes, single speeds, cruisers.  Kids are welcome as well, but if they are under 18, a parent should ride with them.  My daughters and possibly the local Scout Troop may participate.

If a lot of people show up on Wednesday, we may split the ride up into 2-3 groups for safety.

DATE: May 21, 2008
TIME: 7:00 PM
WHERE: Mount Laurel, NJ

Towne Square Center
892 Union Mill Road
Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054

 

Technorati Tags: bicycle

Bike Nashbar web site crashed

I didn't even know the Bike Nashbar site crashed, but they sent out a note with a 10% discount code.  What a great PR move.  I buy a lot of my bike gear from Nashbar and they continue to impress me with good customer service.

I liked the picture they included with the notice.