There Will Be Groundhogs

My family saw two deer close up last weekend while driving well within the boundaries of London Ontario. They were beautiful. I love deer; they have the skinny legs of horses or cows, yet have a graceful, natural shape found in neither. It was great. I did not get pictures, preferring to enjoy the moment rather than scrambling for a phone or whatever.

 

The natural world has a way of asserting itself even in unlikely places, no matter where you live; different animals perhaps, but rest assured, there will be groundhogs. City-dwelling wild animals make me happy in a very simple way. Perhaps that is why this helmet cam-based video has a Sesame Street kind of quality. Enjoy. Or not, I guess, if you're some sort of bitter and negative person who would rather be crusty. Either way, if you click play there will be groundhogs!

 

 

 

As you may have noticed, I recruited the Rantwick clan to record some voice-overs. They were totally willing at the time, probably because they knew it was the quickest way to have me leave them alone so they could return to the things they actually wanted to be doing.

 

When my kids saw the finished product, they independently asked variations of "What is your deal? Who sees five groundhogs and does this?" I had no answer other than "I do, I guess!" That answer didn't seem to satisfy, but I got the feeling that despite their puzzlement, they kind of liked that I am this kind of weirdo. Kind of. Mrs. Rantwick, on the other hand, just doesn't ask such questions any more. She is the best woman on the planet, hands down.

 

Yer Pal,

R A N T W I C K

 

PS - Groundhogs are real pain in the butt for farmers, who in these parts shoot them when they can. I get that. These city groundhogs, however, aren't hurting anybody as far as I know. I hope they get to stick around. 

London Ontario Cyclist Profile: Richard Sleegers

Well, a local cyclist has agreed to be profiled here on Rantwick, and I couldn't be more pleased. So, without further ado, let's interview Cyclist Wave Master Richard Sleegers!

 

 

RW: So, Sleegers huh? Are you related to the famous Canadian beer family? I love beer. In fact, I'm drunk right now!

 

 

RS: Yeah, I can tell. You're thinking of Sleeman's, so no, I'm not related.

 

RW: Woah, sorry about that. You look like a pretty regular bike commuter. Is that true?

 

RS: Nope. I hate riding my bike. My Lincoln Navigator was in the shop that day and my wife needed the Hummer, so I had to ride my bike like some kind of stupid loser.

 

RW: Wait a second. You gave me a wave. I was on a bike too, so I thought it was a gesture of transportational collegiality, if you will. Why did you wave?

 

 

RS: Well, everybody knows that cyclists are insane; I was just trying to fit in so you wouldn't, like, freak out on me or something. You said yourself you're drunk right now. Cyclists are notoriously unpredictable.
 

 

RW: You know what? That is simply not true! You've got cyclists all wrong! Now help me get into this scuba suit. I've got a bank to rob! You cool with driving?

 

 

RS: Hell yes! We can take my Navigator. Let's do this thing!

 

 

There was more to this interview/event but I have opted to omit the remainder in the interest of keeping my freedom. Needless to say, it did not go well.

 

-- end of fake interview --

 

 

The fake interview went so poorly that I'm looking forward to the real one quite a lot. I'm still a bit of a loner, though, so maybe email will do. I'm still percolating on that. Richard, I will be in touch with some real questions soon.

 

Be sure to tune in tomorrow for a video that will BLOW YOUR MIND. Here's a little teaser:

 

 

 

Yer Pal,

R A N T W I C K

Well This Is Cool...

I recently posted a video of a "cyclist wave" featuring an unknown local rider. Miracle of miracles, this particular rider reads this blog at least sometimes! I know this because he commented on here once before some time ago. It really is a miracle, you know. If you knew how few people read this blog, local or otherwise, you would believe.

 

Anyway, London Ontario local Richard Sleegers dropped the following comments on that post:

I call that one my "motorcycle wave" but it's hard to see. I can't say that I heard the Woop, Woop, Woop as I passed by, but I may have been listening to a podcast.

The construction on Wavell had diverted me, I don't usually go out that way but eventually I knew the camera would capture me in my spandex glory.

and after that:

I watched the videos out of order, the "first contact" was silent. I usually only give a nod, maybe secretly I was hoping for a featured profile post.
  

Spandex glory captured, dude! I trust the lack of detail in the video was pleasing. What usually draws my attention to another cyclist, though, is the gear. Especially panniers. Also riding style. Maybe I'm crazy, but the combination of similar gear and a confident, efficient riding style (is that a noticeable thing for you too?) speaks of a potential kindred spirit, in cycling terms only, of course. The road ain't no church or political rally, thank my Lord and Saviour with the blessing of the Right Kind of government officials.

Where was I? Oh, yeah! "maybe secretly I was hoping for a featured profile post"! Are you kidding me? I would love to do a featured profile post! I mean, cycling site authors profile their cycling buddies all the time! I have no cycling buddies, so this is an awesome and unique opportunity for me! My question, however, is whether Richard was thinking a "Beard Guy"-style fake interview or a real one. I am totally up for either one.

Hey Richard, if you're still out there, let me know. The fact that somebody local has contacted me has me completely stoked. Do people still say stoked?

Speaking of "Beard Guy", that dude laid a beatific smile on me the other day when I said good morning:
 

 

The good vibes emanating from beard guy were powerful, man. They kept me buoyant and somewhat less than cynical for like, 3 hours. I'm hoping their power have travelled your way via photo. I bet they have. Can you feel it?

 

 

Yer Pal,

R A N T W I C K

 

PS - Richard, if you're reading this and wishing you had never commented, let me know and I'll take this post down in a heartbeat. I'm not in this to make anybody uncomfortable, ever.