Thanks. I was a frequent warm showers host and occasional user (20:1 ratio about) from when it was a list, then the app. But two things happened - somehow it got paywalled to use, and the people arriving thought they’d booked a hotel. Really - the users attitudes changed completely. I gave up hosting. When I was going to tour a couple of years ago with my tent I tried SleepyBike but there was almost nobody on it. I camped, used some hostels, and did my last night in a hotel. I was fine. I’d be happy to see a support group back in place. For touring cyclists by touring cyclists. But I’m not sure I’d do it again - I was very much dis-illusioned.

Spike Milligan used it as meaning idiots/simpletons but says he first new the word from Alice the Goon

Ricky and Morty spoiled this cartoon for me. Justin and friends spoiled a lot of things for a lot of people though I think. Damn it

In some countries bicycles and motorcycles have the front brake on the same side (right side). In Germany and USA I think it is not that way, but I change my bicycles to match my motorbikes - any other system may lead to unintended results. BTW - you should mostly be braking with your front brakes, I think you have have seen trouble from weight distribution shifting forwards.

Laughs in Kobo

Grover Washington Jr. Smooth

I read once, when you pack to go on a trip, take half as much clothing as you think you need, and twice as much money.

I can haz cheeseburger?

I have a two week trip in France planned - not sure how far I will get but from Calais heading towards Switzerland. I plan to do this mostly off road, so everyday is a single track day. And carry a tent and oatmeal. I have toured in France, Italy (very nice), Germany (closed on Sundays and sometimes Saturday afternoon), Switzerland - stunning, bring a credit card, Thailand (north to south)(saved by 7/11s), Cambodia, a bit of Java. We plan to hire a car and drive to see the eclipse in August. I think it will be too hot.

Photos: Italy Switzerland Thailand France

Late to comment I know - I saw this post as I was searching for 1198 no idea why it was in the results. Anyway …I don’t see a flag. I see a bikini with stars and a very pretty girl. I think you might be focussing on the wrong things (not a surprise).

You are going to be delighted when you see a pineapple growing too

You seem to be a nice person. Don’t give up. I hope you find your people and I’d be happy to have positive people like you around me. Do you read about Buddhism and metta at all? When the whole world can show love and respect to themselves and others it will be a better place, and you seem to be there already.

I am skinny - if I am not actively swimming in fresh water I am sinking (sea is different but sea comes with waves which is an added complication). If I am tired or nervous then I have to fight with my subconscious to be calm and stay safe. So I would add mental strength to the list for a first time swimmer. And even then I’d say don’t go out of your depth.

Article dated 9 July 2023. Clickbait

No idea about piracy …, but Kobo is definitely your go-to for any file format.

I wonder …

I understand using generations as an aid to statisticians dividing populations but using generations to generalise behaviour is weaponising age in a way that shouldn’t happen (as a test swap out a generation comment for a body type or your homophobic slang of choice)

… https://www.willsantino.com/