My Most Recent QSO's

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Train Wreck



I've been very busy attending family gatherings the last few weeks. Most of the of the time has been "on the road" between West Virginia, Philadelphia, New York, and Cincinnati. Families are an important part of life and I've enjoyed the time with the relatives. Among the several events I've attended were two nice weddings. Hopefully, I'll return to my radio routine (especially at sunrise and sunset) and make some more DX contacts.

Today, I'm "out on the bike", trying to take advantage of a really nice sunny day and getting used to a new set of tires. I've had an unusually bad spell with "flats" this season, and purchased tires with "Kevlar" to eliminate this problem. These tires are extremely durable and should "wear like iron". In essence, they should be almost "bullet proof".



As I rode over the bridge towards the railroad that runs the length of the valley, I came onto an unexpected coal train derailment. Wow.....what a mess. There's probably a dozen coal cars scattered along this road. A few of them, if not stopped by a few large trees, would have ended up in the yards (or houses) of those living next to the railroad.



I'm glad these new tires are on the bike. They’re being tested as I ride through the spilled coal, the heavy equipment, and the debris in the road.  

5 comments:

Dick said...

Hello John, been a while. Family first, absolutely. Good pix of the wreck. Train tracks follow the river through my USA home-town. Mostly CSX traffic. Amazed so few accidents occur near me. 73 Dick

Paul Stam PAØK said...

Hello John, I agree with Dick, family is very important. Now we are here together we should spend time with each other. I can spend time enough for the hobby when they are at school or work. Nice pix, yes, as long the weather is good, enjoy the biking. I like to bike too. Always a camera with me. See my about page on my blog, there are links also my photoblog link. 73 Paul

PE4BAS, Bas said...

Hi John, nice story together with the pictures. A picture of your bike would be nice. Here in the Netherlands we got very good roads with most of the time a special cycle track besides them. It has been a long time I had a flat tire and biked 1700km already this year. Now I have to say that we are a real bicycle country, everyone has one. 73, Bas

Jspiker said...

Hi Gang,

Hi Dick,

Been listening to local Amsterdam (NY) station on the wi fi radio so know all about the town. hih Yes, it's a lot like Charleston in many ways.

Love the family blog Paul...great pictures and descriptions there. I've seen several "biking" pictures on it.

BTW/ Congratulation on work Dick the other day!

Hello Bas....Sure wish this state was more "bicycle" friendly but there are a lot of mountains here. Fortunately, here in the valley, I can get in a 30 mile ride most of the time.

I'll try to post a picture of the new tires soon. They are very "hard" (and a little slick in wet weather) but should wear like iron.I ride a Cannondale bike which
I bought with my first "Social Security" check. Hihi

I can literally spend the entire day riding here in the valley. Many times, I carry a day pack with my net book and my Kindle. It's a wonderful way to spend a day.

Ernest said...

I have been to the New River area when I toured the country in a camper. I wanted to visit Pipe Stem. Any place with a name like that is worth visiting, I thought. I took some pictures of the wonderful views on New River.
https://picasaweb.google.com/ernestaa1ik/WestVirginia#5322043382262318722