Another General Update

Time for a blog update, I suppose. Life has been busy and still at the same time lately. Busy trying to figure out what in the world to do next concerning future career or school issues, and still in not really working all that much. I’ve actually been working at the bike shop just about as much as I’ve been flight instructing, and I’ve found myself enjoying it. If I could be a professional bicycle mechanic and support a family, I’d have my decisions made by now, but that’s just not an option in today’s world of money being so necessary. School is looking like a descent option right now, and my choices have been between pursuing and MBA or Airframe and Powerplant aircraft mechanic certification. Being a mechanic would probably be more fun, but it would be pursuing another round of school that would land me in another specialized career in which my employers take advantage of my skills, going along with a cut-throat industry that the government baby-sits (it’s infrastructure, so they won’t let the bankrupt companies go), and I’ve already played that game. I think I’m about done with that. An MBA would open up options with in many industries, not just the rotten one I’m in. I could apply for jobs ranging from managing corporate flight training departments, to marketing management at REI, or something else wild. Either way, change is overdue for Ben Jensen right now.
As for the relaxing side of my life, I’ve been entertaining myself again with my fixie project, which never gets finished. I’ve been converting/building/repairing/fabricating this bike for almost two years now, and you’d think I’d have it done by now. I guess that’s what happens when you refuse to spend money on a freebee bike, and wait for the random parts you need to accumulate, or to figure out how to construct alternatives. Last night I spent a little time cutting steel in my apartment for some chainring spaces I need (not too late of course, I wouldn’t want to be the irritating neighbor type- had too many of those over the years). There’s a few random little cheap parts that I need to finish ‘er off, but I think working at the bike shop again will help. I’ll probably have to stop being cheap and just finish it. Then I can show up to the shop in true mechanic style on a bike no one realizes as being friggin’ sweet, even though it clearly is.
I’ve also been thinking about making another change in my stable of two wheeled friends. My Trek 8000 has always been two small of frame for me, so now that I’ve regained my dangerously sweet discount at the shop, I may just sell it to turn around and get something new (and probably full-suspension and disc brake equipped) for the same price. Mmmm. Don’t know for sure if that’s the plan, but it may be nice idea. I’d have to investigate what rides are available that would suit me.
I’m toying with the idea of doing a 12 hour mtb race in Mandan this June. I’ve browsin’ the ND Cycling Federation website lately, and I think I may have to try the Race to Sunset, since it’s home turf. I’d have to convince some riding buddies to take the trip too, but if it worked out I’d think it would be fun. I sure don’t plan on winning, but I’d like to break through the mental barrier I’ve had for so long with racing. I know I don’ have the lung capacity necessary to be very competitive (I’ve got pectus excavatum for those of you that don’t know), I’ve always thought that the whole atmosphere of bike racing is great. Folks that dig riding going all congregating to go all out and have a good time. We’ll see if I make it to Mandan in June.
Anyhow, I have schools to research.