the wooden bike rack

So here we are with another project done. I have been carrying my bike in the back of my truck when I head down to Fort Benning to ride with my group. It is an old scratched up bike so I haven't been worried about it too much. This picture shows just how I hold it. You can see it is less than ideal.

I am still in the process of building a nice new bike without scratches. It is not cheap to build a nice bike, so I wish to protect it from harm when it is finished.

I spent many sleepless nights planing a bike rack. The modern high quality bike racks do not touch anything but the tires. (That way we don't get any new scratches.) So, a tire holding rack was my desire and plan.

I also wanted to be able to use my truck to haul other items. The rack needed to be easily removable. These are two big challenges!

The final product works great and is easily removed by pulling out 2 pins. The rack weighs between 5 and 10 pounds, is easy to handle, stores in very little space and out of the way. The clamp and mounting bar stay in the truck and out of the way. I painted it black so it looks like it belongs. I have used it several times and the bike is solid as can be in all the traffic maneuvers I make.


1-the rack by itself

2-the bike mounted

3-close up of the clamping system

The rack is made from 2x4 material I had laying around and 2 pieces of aluminum and screws and bolts and paint. About $10 total. Next time when I add another rack I will use wood instead of aluminum for the angle supports. The clamp cross section is 3/8 x 1 1/2. Next time I will use 5/8 x 1 1/2.

let there be light

Some of you already know I recently put a light in our master bath shower along with a bathroom ventilation fan. It's not really exciting but in the interest of blogging, I thought why not. Most of you almost never get here to see it, so maybe you can get an idea of how much this has lightened up our early mornings. First I had to put in a second switch. I had an extra switch so used it. Problem some have noted. It isn't the same color at the other switch and plate. Doesn't bother me as the fan works great. We have had a small problem with mold in the shower since putting in a programmable thermostat. We hope the ventilation will eliminate the problem.



Here is a picture of the fan and light.


This next picture show what the light looks like close up.




Finally I am trying to give you an over all effect. It is amazing how the whole bathroom is brighter, not just the shower. We are really enjoying the light and hoping the fan will solve the mold problem.

January's Here

The first week of January is gone and it has been a cold one. Very unusual to have temps in the teens in Georgia, but we are actually enjoying the chill since we know it won't last long. We have the Christmas things put away and while doing that I redecorated the wall by the front door. It is simple, but took me some time and now I really love it. Current pictures are still needed from the family in 5 x 7 or 8 x 10 sizes, but last years still look good and I really like just going in there to see your faces whenever I think about it.
I am excited about working on my goals for the new year and feel I have made some progress this week, so that is satisfying. Call me for details if you are interested, but basically I am just trying to be disciplined and focused on doing the basics...if you know what I mean.
I am grateful for family (especially Terry, he is sooo good to me and I love it) and staying in touch with my kids and grandkids is my biggest joy. Maybe I can learn to blog better and post pictures this year??? LOL (that's "Lots of Love" to all of you!