This is one thing you can do with an old Nalgene, a dremel, a few bolts and zipties, and 40 minutes.
I love making things I want out of stuff I already had.
I took the commuter out to test this, spin the hurt out, and get an ice cream cone. The fender could be longer, but only allows crud to hit my bag rather than my butt. I’m ok with a dirty bag, but taking a skunk stripe to class is so not cool.
Other events today included the penultimate load of stuff from the old place, machining a new slot into the broken pole to fix it (what did I do without a dremel!?), moaning about soreness, and inventorying toys for prospective renter’s insurance. At the risk of making the use of said insurance more likely, I’ll say that had I not bought any climbing, hiking, camping, canyoneering, or cycling gear in the last decade (and saved said funds rather than drinking and eating it all away) I could buy a new car right now. And not a cheap one, either. Obviously, I’m very happy with things as they are. M pointed out that, for two people who have never earned a huge amount, and who in the last five years have been simultaneously working full time for less then two, and spent a good year plus simultaneously unemployed, we’re living quite the rich life.
The lesson here: marry someone who eats little and cheaply, and whose only monetary vice is typewriters. Then spend your gear funds on quality, high end stuff that will serve you well, and use all your vacation time and then some trying to wear it out. Don’t forget to take naps and drink beer where appropriate.
It’s worth noting that this skiing thing is cutting into bike training a bit (hard cycling today would have been quite futile), but my shaved legs are almost as sexy as ever. They are a lot whiter, though happily the shorts tan persists. Like my Chaco tan, I shall carry it to the grave.
Bedrock & Paradox 
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