Cory Shires

Thomas Michael wrote:It been a couple months, how are the 3 ebikes doing?  I am certain the are in much harder service there in the mountains then most bikes.  As I understand, you have

Ecell - 2 hub drive motors, 2 batteries and front and back suspension, 10 gears.
Rad Rover plus - 1 hub drive, front suspension 7 gears.
Rad Rover - 1 hub drive, front suspension and single speed.

How does the single speed do on your hills?  How do you like that mid trunk? I like the way it fits but I am getting older and don't think I want to lose the step through.

Is the Ecell worth the extra coin?  My understanding it has the second motor on demand, is the second motor needed / used very often?

Tom.

I've been using the single speed consistently for the last month and it does ok on the hills, definitely needs some good pedalling to get up certain parts. The other 2 models are much better suited for the inclines.

I haven't utilized the mid trunk as of yet, opting for the basket for really no other reason than convenience. I do like having the option for future use cases and it will serve well in inclement weather or for more sensitive cargo. The top of the trunk also features a water bottle and cell phone holder, which come in handy.

All in all, I really enjoy riding it, there's a certain novelty to it's operation that hasn't worn off yet, very satisfying to just get on and zip away!

Garden Master Course: Master Permaculture techniques for your home or market garden.

"A certified, pointed and in-depth course to add bountiful permaculture design to your garden projects. Learn no-till methodology, soil science, plant guilds and more from a Master Gardener".

Very hip and very cool! Definitely one of the most innovative horizontal rear rests I've seen in a heck of a long time.

On the subject of community I'd like to delve a bit into my philosophy, if you would indulge me.

Communication is of the utmost importance. Being able to effectively convey thoughts and understand others points of view greatly increases the flow of information by which trust is built on. Which brings me to another facet, trust.

Trust is a tough one. How is it earned? How is it lost? There are many wiser than myself that have pondered these questions and yet it seems to elude even the most scholarly, as most philosophical conundrums often do. Some say it's doing what you say you'll do, others think it's gained by time or exposure to a concept. I tend to agree with the former, keeping your word is tantamount to building cohesive relationships and cohesive relationships build trust by nature.

Communities are a collection of individuals, each with their own thoughts, beliefs, hopes, dreams, morals and values. Some of which you may adhere to, some you may repulse. If the population of your community is comprised of trustworthy, communicative individuals, one could surmise that it would be efficient and sustainable. I think that's not always the case. There's more to the equation in my experience.

There has to be a willing sacrifice. Scary I know but hear me out. Sacrifice doesn't have to be life or death. It can be small allowances, forgiveness that allows us to turn the other cheek, a blind eye or to empathize with our brothers and sisters. To recognize their struggle, relate and commiserate with those issues is integral to the human social experience.

I have an extensive conversation in mind for this topic, one I'll continue as I have time. A bit of a deviation from my first set of posts but I really hope for this thread to serve as a point of inspiration and insight into the do's and don'ts of intentional community on every scale.

Until next time.

adam wrate wrote:Would you consider having Utilitarian Permies.com Mugs? Maybe 100 turned mugs(made at WL) for the $200 or $250 level?

Also, I believe Sepp Holzer 3 in 1, should be at the $10 candy level not $1. Just my opinion.

I'd love to have a lathe here on the property but as of now we don't. Great idea though.

BRK-4

Hey peeps!

Busy week since my last post, much goings on. Fall and winter planting was in full swing. I planted tons of squash, zucchinis, kale, and thousands of cover crop seeds, sepp holzer grain, clovers, alfalfa, tillage and daikon radish.

I can't stress enough how much joy this place brings me. Being able to surround yourself with such like minded amazing people in this incredible setting is soul quenching. Building community is often described as difficult and don't get me wrong, there are ups and downs here, however, the downs seem so easily surmountable with the relationships we're forging. Everyone here just gets it, and they have so much to give.

I was unaware of how hot it gets here, sometimes it's quite oppressive, the only recourse being my favorite place, the river. So all in all it's acceptable I guess.

Pearl, one of the male cats here has taken a shining to me, I often find him waiting outside my tent in the early mornings, waiting for pets and scritches. Such an awesome companion, he's quickly winning me over.

Lunch hour is almost up so I'll leave you here I think. Much love and many blessings.

paul wheaton wrote:Okay - let's give it a shot!

I second this wholeheartedly!

BRK-3

Hello fellow permaculture enthusiasts!

Lazy Sunday here at the lab, it reached 107 yesterday and it feels like it's on track to do it again today. My fellow boots and I spent the cooler time of the morning cleaning up the common areas and I enjoyed a nice breakfast afterwards.

I've been impatiently waiting to open this Fire Cider that Opalyn, Grey and I made this month on the 4th. I'm shooting for a month long soak so just a few days left, then I'll add the honey and it'll be ready for tasting.

Grey and I also started a ginger bug and are hoping to brew some beer in a couple weeks, it'll be my first time doing the whole process, can't wait for the final result!

Things are settling into a more comfortable routine after all 6 weeks of events. People are getting back to their individual projects but there is also more time for community, especially at meal times. I've offered to prepare a large meal for everyone on Thursdays and a light lunch on Monday. Food is one of the love languages and I resonate deeply with that. I greatly enjoy cooking for others and so far everyone has allowed me to continue so it must be going ok!

I started some fertilizer from soaking dock and comfrey in a bucket of water. The recipe I like calls for stinging nettles as well but I haven't found any around here yet. Anyone know of some others I could substitute in?

I really am trying to take more pictures, I'll get there soon me thinks. Hope everyone taking the time to read this is happy and healthy.

Inge Leonora-den Ouden wrote:I love following 'boots' through their posts, photos and videos!

I just happened to discover you, Cory, because you said goodbye to Briella, also a boot I didn't know about for long ... And now here I find the other new boot's name: Hao. I hope he shares news (and photos) too ...

Thanks for reaching out Inge!! I really appreciate the support and I'll pass it along to my friends here. Hope you're well!

I miss you already! It was great to have someone with your energy around, even for a short time.

That last video was awesome, so glad you put the effort into those, they're all very well done and so inspiring!

Hope you're doing well and you're looking back at your time here with love, hope to see you soon. Stay in touch.