#jamis mountain bike

[onlyhappyvibes]

[aldaraaj101]

YADEA TROOPER 01

[c0wgurlz]

Trouble On My Left, Trouble On My Right

Chapter 1: Sweet Caroline

Kayce Dutton x Reader/OC - Friends to Lovers

He grabs ahold of the belt loops on either side of my hips. “I just-” he shakes me, “I’m tired of people treating me like some wounded animal or-or like some bomb just waiting to go off. You’re the one person who-,” he licks his lips, “you’re my person. Please don’t do that to me.”

----------------------------------------------------------------

UPDATE: CHAPTER 2

I'm a long-time fic writer and an even longer reader, but this is my first attempt at writing for Yellowstone. If ya'll have any notes on characterization or just anything in general, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Thank you for reading xx.

As always: I do not own Yellowstone (2018) or any of its characters. This work is not monetized.

THIS FIC IS CROSSPOSTED TO AO3. It is not posted to any other site. I am lookingcold on AO3 and that is all. I do not give permission for my work to be posted by others to any other platform.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

I was no stranger to the Yellowstone Ranch, but bumping my way along its seemingly never-ending dirt drive, I still couldn’t help but feel out of my depth - like a little kid made to ride a bike with no training wheels. Its sprawling pastures surrounded by the towering mountains, standing at attention like century guards, intimidated me, and I had spent nearly every day of my childhood gallivanting around the property. I can only imagine how outsiders feel the first time they dare to mosey onto the ranch. Now, all this isn’t to say that I wasn’t looking forward to returning to Yellowstone, I undoubtedly was, but being there at the (somewhat) wisened age of twenty-seven felt significantly riskier than it had at the naive age of seventeen. The Yellowstone was trouble, and I had spent the last ten years of my life trying to stay out of it. Putting myself right back into its clutches went against every instinct I have.

Still, I was excited to see the people I had come to know as family. When my daddy died when I was only twelve, Mr. John treated me like one of his own, and when my momma remarried a man who was known for his fiery temper and love of the drink, he took me in as his own. My daddy and Mr. John had been best friends, so truly I think he felt as though it was his duty to care for me, but I like to believe he loved me all the same. And I loved him back. He taught me everything I could ever need to know - plus some. Helped put me through college. Even supported me when I wanted to take on the pageant circuit - although I don’t believe he minded the extra bit of shine my winning of Rodeo Queen added to his reputation. Hell, I even loved his ragtag group of kids, Jamie included if you can believe it. They were my family, and I wouldn’t have traded them for the world. Except I did, because Yellowstone was trouble, and I couldn’t let myself get caught up in that. And neither could Mr. John.

Sneaking up on Rip was somewhat of a talent I had cultivated over my long years spent on the ranch. I’m proud to say that I’m still the only son of a bitch who can do it. And that’s why I park my truck a good half mile down the road from the corrals. There’s a small hill in the dirt drive that obscures the shoulder of the road as you approach the house, one that Kayce and I used to hide away in, smoking or drinking, trying to stay out of trouble while getting into it. I park my truck on that hidden shoulder, closing my door as quietly as I can before approaching the road. As I walk, I stick as close to the fence line as possible, relying on the looming fence posts to provide me with cover. I know that if I can make it past the corrals unseen and circle around the back of the barn I’ll have Rip jumping a foot in the air before he can even catch a whiff of me. Lucky for me he’s locked in on what I can only describe as clownery, supervising some gangly kid as he works to stay on a bronco. Taking my golden opportunity, I creep through the barn, hushing whinnying mares as I go, before sidling right up to Rip’s left side.

“Now that kid has got balls of steel,” I comment, hands splayed across my hips, head nodding in appreciation.

I wish I had the words to appropriately describe Rip’s reaction. With a little hop and shout, Rip whirls on me, hand splayed across his chest, breath thundering in shock. “Jesus, what in the fuck do you think-” And that’s when he realizes who exactly he’s about to chew out. His eyes go wide and a grin starts to stretch across his weathered face. “Well as I live and breathe, if it isn’t sweet Caroline herself, gracing us with her beauty.” He takes a step towards me. “Come ere ya little menace!”

Before I know it I’m wrapped up in the warmest, most comforting bear hug on earth. If Mr. John had been like a father to me, then Rip had been like a big brother. My protector and confidant - and the target of my and Kayce’s many pranks.

“Where have ya been?” He jostles me around. “Haven’t heard from you in over a year, and haven’t seen you in well over that. Too busy for us old cowpokes?”

I hold onto his hands, squeezing them. “Well I haven’t been ignoring ya’ll on purpose, I’ve just been a bit busy. I -” And that’s when Mr. John comes ambling down the lodge steps, casual and collected as ever.

“She’s been in Oklahoma, working PR for the rodeo circuit. And based on what I hear, she’s pretty damn good at it.” Before I know it I’m embraced in a fierce hug, and if I didn’t know better I’d say I heard Mr. John sniffle. “It’s good to see you, honey. Welcome home.”

Rip looks between myself and Mr. John, confused. “You mean Caroline’s back working the ranch? We ain’t got any beds left in the bunkhouse.” At this, he turns to me, “Not that I’d expect you to sleep there but I know how stubborn you can be about doing what’s right.”

Mr. John cuts him off. “No.” He responds gruffly. “She’s not here as a ranch hand, she’s here as my PR specialist.” Casting Rip a pointed look, he murmurs, “Ya know with all the problems we’ve encountered lately I thought we should call in an expert to help with damage control, and who better than family.”

Rip nods gravely, a closed expression covering his face that I don’t particularly like the looks of. “Well if that’s what she’s here for then I’ll leave you two to talk privately. I’ve got wranglers to wrangle and supper to check on.” He turns to walk away, but pauses, angling his body towards me. “If you need me, Caroline, for anything, don’t hesitate to shout.”

He looks so serious, so grim, I feel the small, unsure age of eleven all over again. “Ok.” I nod, my voice coming out thin and reedy. “I will.”

“I mean it.” He’s firm. “Anything.”

“I know Rip.”

With that, he gives a final tip of his head to Mr. John and I, stalking off to holler at the gangly kid - Jimmy.

“What was that all about?” I turn to Mr. John, big-eyed and pale.

Looking resigned he says, “You know Rip, he’s just protective of you is all, and he knows I’m about to ask a lot of you, get you involved in stuff we normally would try to keep you out of.” He shakes his head, knocks one of his boots against the other. “But you’re my last resort honey, you have to know that. I wouldn’t drag you into trouble if I thought I could help it. Honest.” His voice is so sincere, soft in a way it rarely is. I would have believed him anyways, but now there’s no doubt in my mind. I have to do right by Yellowstone, by the Dutton family, by my family. I have to stay, wade through the trouble, and bring everyone out on the other side.

“Tell me everything I need to know.” It comes out harder than I expected, harder than I’ve ever heard my own voice. It makes Mr. John look up. His features turn steely, matching mine. We’re in this together now.

“Walk with me, let me show you where you’ll be lodging. I’ll fill you in.”

Ten years of keeping clear of trouble down the drain, but I owed Mr. John, owed Yellowstone, a debt, and I wasn’t about to not repay it.

----------------------------------------------------------------

To say that what Mr. John had shared with me was shocking would be an understatement. Land and cattle disputes I had expected, helping Jamie and Beth campaign - sure, I figured (well maybe not Beth), but murder? Can’t say that was anywhere on my radar, or anywhere in my wheelhouse. If I’m being honest with God and myself, if it weren’t for my love for Mr. John and the Dutton family, I would’ve turned the job down. Any PR specialist with a brain would because what the Duttons needed was a criminal defense lawyer, not some cowgirl who’s good at turning nasty scandals into marketable flattery. But I do love the Duttons, and I love Yellowstone, so from the looks of it, if this ship goes down, I’m going with it.

Mr. John must think it wise to give me time to mull over the absolute bomb he’s just dropped on me, because after he breaks the news and confirms that I’m still willing to stick around, he goes silent, his face settling into a contemplative furrow, the same as mine. It isn’t until the foreman’s house comes into view that I break the silence, slightly bewildered.

“We making a pit stop or something?” I gesture to the house in the distance, halting my gait.

Mr. John breezes past me, only turning his head back to answer my seemingly stupid question. “No darling, I’m showing you to your lodging, like I said I would.” Darling is reserved for when I’m being a moron, honey as a term of endearment, and cowgirl for when I’m about to get what’s coming to me. I’ve not even been back an hour and I’ve managed to collect two of the three, and I’m not too keen on collecting the third.

I wait until he looks away before rolling my eyes. That would’ve earned me a ‘cowgirl’ for sure. “Well, who died and made me foreman because I sure as hell don’t have the beard or buckle to pull it off.” I hustle to catch back up with him, bumping his shoulder against my own, knowing I’m toeing the line between a chuckle and a swat. Thankfully I’m gifted with the chuckle.

“You know I keep waiting for your beard to come in, but I remain disappointed.” He shoots me a wink. “But no, I don’t want you as my foreman as much as you don’t want to be my foreman. No worries there.” He side-eyes me. “Kayce’s taken over from Rip, so this is his place now. I just thought you’d want to be out here with your partner in crime rather than cooped up in the lodge with an old fart like me.” I know he’s aiming for casual as he explains my living situation to me, but if my many years spent living at Yellowstone had taught me anything, it was how to read John Dutton. And right now, I can tell he’s up to no good - more so than usual.

“Right, because living in that big snazzy house would be so terrible. I think you’re just trying to keep me and Beth apart. Too scared to live under the same roof with us both. Can’t say I blame you.” And while I really wouldn’t blame him for not wanting to live with me and Beth - if she’s a terror alone, with me she’s a terror and a half - I have a sneaking suspicion Beth and I’s potential reign of terror isn’t the true cause of his decision. But I sure as hell can’t let him know I’m onto him.

He chuckles again, in an almost relieved sort of way. “You’ve got me there. I’d rather keep my sanity, thank you kindly. So no, I quite frankly don’t want to live with you and Beth at the same time. And truly, I just thought you’d be more comfortable out here.” He sighs. “You’ll be wrapped up in our mess during all your waking hours, I don’t want to take away the little bit of peace you’ll get during your sleeping ones too.”

I frown. “Mr. John, I-” I begin to protest.

“No, I don’t want to hear it. You’re in the foreman’s and that’s final.” Mr. John’s swinging the door open now, and the house is everything I thought it would be growing up.

High ceilings reveal exposed wood, and the humble home is lined with windows, letting in ample natural light. In a way I feel like I haven’t left the outdoors at all, the house is simply an extension of the forest that looms behind it. As kids, one of the few places Kayce and I weren’t allowed to wreak havoc was the foreman’s house. Mr. John always berated us whenever we’d beg to go inside, saying, “A hard-working man deserves some privacy, some peace and quiet. You better leave him and his home well enough alone or I’ll skin both of your hides.” For once we listened, neither of us too keen on getting our butts busted.

“Plus, I imagine Kayce will be mighty happy to learn he’s got his best friend back. It always was ya’ll’s dream to set up camp in here. Now you get to live it.” His statement breaks me out of my reverie.

“I’m sorry, you ‘imagine’ Kayce will be happy? He doesn’t know I’m here?” And so the other shoe drops. Mr. John always did hold out hope that Kayce and I would end up together. Said we’d be a power couple. Combine my business sense and charming small talk with Kayce’s grit and knowledge of the ranch and we’d be unstoppable. Let’s just say he was never too shy about his meddling. And while I did have a small crush on Kayce growing up, and I’d like to think he had one on me too, we were always both too awkward to entertain anything other than a close friendship. Naturally, we experimented the way kids do, having had a drunk kiss or two and having done our fair share of skinny dipping, but by the time we were in our late teens all romantic feelings had fizzled. That doesn’t mean we weren’t closer than we’d ever been though, thicker than thieves and troublemakers to boot. We practically lived in each others’ pockets. You wouldn’t find one of us without the other. I was crazy about Kayce and he adored me, but it was never anything other than platonic.

“Mr. John, I can’t live here if Kayce doesn’t know about it. You said so yourself, the foreman’s house is his getaway, a place for peace and quiet. I’m not taking that from him.” Hands planted firmly on my hips and lips pursed, I shake my head adamantly. “I’ll find myself a place in town or-”

“Caroline, no, you’re staying-”

“Or I’ll see if my cousin Amy has a spare room, we were always close and-”

“Caroline.” His voice is firm, if not a little irritated. “I said no. Kayce needs you here, you hear me? You’re staying here and that’s final.” This last part is spoken a bit softer, but firmly all the same.

Now Mr. John might not be my real daddy, but I’ve spent my whole life obeying him all the same, and this time is no different, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to plead my case. “Mr. John, I’ve missed Kayce too and I know he’s going through a lot right now, but he doesn’t need me.” I sigh. “And I couldn’t possibly put out his family. I mean, this place is small enough as it is. And Tate’s what, nearing eight now? He needs room to play and run around, I’ll only be taking up already limited space.” Giving a half-hearted shrug, I turn to head back toward the door, but Mr. John’s heavy sigh has me doubling back.

“Caroline honey, I wasn’t going to tell you this because I don’t feel like it’s my place, but when I say Kayce needs you I mean it. He and Monica split a few weeks ago, and with everything else going on he’s in real bad-”

Back turned to the door, I hear Kayce before I see him. “Dad, for the last time I’m not interested in meeting who you’ve got running for AG, so if you could kindly show her out I’d greatly-”

----------------------------------------------------------------

I know I said Kayce and I had never been anything other than platonic, but you’d have to be blind not to see what a looker the boy is. God damn is he beautiful. I mean he always has been, but the years have been more than kind to him. Seeing him now damn near takes my breath away. The last time I laid eyes on Kayce he had just returned from the navy, eyes weary and hair cropped close. He had looked exhausted, almost dead in the eyes. Now though, he looks like a field set ablaze by the setting sun, all bright and aglow with something unnameable. Almost dangerous in his beauty. He must get over seeing me for the first time in five years before I get over seeing him because before it feels like I can even blink he’s across the room and I’m a foot off the ground, wrapped tight in his arms. I never knew I was missing part of myself until this very moment, with Kayce’s face pressed into the crook of my neck and my hand fisted in his hair. I swear I feel more settled in myself than I have in years, like I’m sinking into my bed after a long day, or eating a warm meal after I’ve spent all day working out in the cold.

“Caroline.” It’s a soft whisper in my ear. It almost sounds reverent, like a prayer.

“Kayce,” I murmur back, something private only he can hear.

I suppose he remembers we aren’t alone because before I know it my feet are planted firmly on the ground once more and I’m no longer wrapped in his embrace. Instead, he lets one gentle hand linger on the small of my back, almost hesitant and unnatural in its hovering. Grinning, he turns to Mr. John. “Dad what is-” his gaze shifts to find mine. “Caroline, what are you doing here?”

My lips part preparing to answer, but no sound comes out, just a whisper of an inhale followed by a beaming smile. I think it’s important to say once again that my feelings for Kayce are strictly platonic, but my God if a woman can’t get lost in his whiskey-brown eyes.

I’m broken out of my trance by an awkward cough. Both Kayce and I turn to face Mr. John, who looks a bit too pleased for my liking. Smiling wryly he drawls, “Well I think I’ll leave you two to catch up. Caroline, I’ll have one of the boys bring your truck up. No sense in you hauling yourself all around sundry.” Making his way outside, he pauses on the porch. “I expect to see both of ya’ll at supper. Don’t be late.” He saunters down the porch and down the path, not looking back when he hollers, “And Kayce, wash up! You smell like shit.”

-------------------------------------------------------------

“So, you’re here to clean up the fucking mess I made then.” Kayce looks the most dejected I’ve seen him in years. Like a puppy dog that’s been kicked and put out in the cold. “Dad dragged you back to this godforsaken place because of me.” His fists shake where they’re clenched atop his knees. He tosses his hat onto the coffee table and rakes his hands through his sweat-dampened hair. “You know, I was so relieved when you got out of here. I was so scared this place would ruin everything good about you, set you up in flames like it does everything else.” His calloused hand clasps mine. “Why would you come back here? After everything that happened, after-” He takes a moment to collect himself, teeth gritted together, shoulders tensed. “After what Caleb- after what he did-”

“Kayce don’t.” I know what he’s trying to get at, and I won’t have it talked about. Not on my first day back. When I said I loved Yellowstone, that I was happy to be back, I meant it. But there are memories that this place carries that I’d rather forget, and I’m not about to let my reunion with my best friend turn sinister over one of those memories - over the mention of some asshole cowboy that belongs to the past. I want that memory to die with him. Placing a comforting hand on his back, I try to console him. “I’m a big girl. Believe it or not, I’ve grown into my britches and I know what I can handle. Plus,” I give his back a hard pat, “you really think I would let this place ruin me? I’d like to see it try.”

“Caroline..” He shakes his head, eyes glassy. “You-”

I cut him off with a quick rap of my knuckles against the coffee table, rising off the couch with an air of finality. “As for why I came back, well that’s simple. I love you Kace.” I lick my chapped lips, find a spot on the wall to focus on. “And I’m- I’m never going to abandon you when you need me.” I extend my pinky in the form of a promise, a relic left over from our childhood. “Come hell or high water remember?”

He straightens up, gaze ungluing itself from the floor only to meet mine. Kayce was always taller than me, but I don’t remember having to crane my neck up to meet his eyes the way I do now. His pinky wrapping around mine is a distant sensation in the back of my mind. “Come hell or high water.” He steps back, scratching his temple awkwardly. From a man to a boy with one simple gesture. “Uh, there’s only one bathroom so we’ll have to take turns. I don’t know if you need to shower, but you can go first, everything you need is in there, but I mean- you probably brought your own stuff so never mind.” He mutters below his breath, “God Kace,” and picks invisible lint off his shirt.

I laugh, bright and airy. Growing up Kayce was known for his ruthless pranks, and when I wasn’t his accomplice I was his primary victim. So to miss such a golden and rare opportunity to make fun of him would be a crime, his emotional turmoil aside. “No need to take turns bud, I don’t need to shower. Just got to freshen up a bit, throw on some makeup, brush my hair.” I start a slow saunter down the hall, sporting a feline grin. Kayce follows close behind- my shadow. Turning to walk backward, I poke him sharp in the chest. “How about you, Manure Man, hop in the shower while I do my makeup. We can keep each other company, catch up on each other's lives.” My back hits what I assume to be the bathroom door. I sigh. “After all, we don’t want to keep your daddy waiting. I for one don’t want a smack upside the head and I reckon you don’t either.” Angling my body so it faces the door, I reach for the nob and look at Kayce imploringly, my eyebrows raised, daring him to chicken out.

He suppresses a grin, tongue poking at his cheek. “Now you know that’s not exactly proper and I know that you’re trying to embarrass me, so you can go ahead and drop the act Miss Caroline.” Calling me on my shit, he leans into the door frame, his arms boxing me in on both sides.

Of course he knows I’m trying to embarrass him, anybody with eyes could see that. What he hasn’t caught onto is that I’m appealing to his competitive nature. If I keep poking at him long enough, there’s no way he won’t cave. If I know Kayce, he’ll take being excruciatingly embarrassed over losing against me any day. “Not proper? Sweetheart, I’ve seen you in your birthday suit more times than I care to think about, I don’t think standing in the same room as you while you shower will be the thing that sends me to hell.” I duck under his arm, grab my makeup bag from where I’d left it in the living room, and duck back under, swinging the bathroom door open as I go. Throwing my hair into a ponytail, I lock eyes with him in the mirror. His skin is flushed pink all the way down to his chest and he gnaws at his lip. Like I said, from a man to a boy with one small gesture. “Unless you’re too much of a chicken.” I shrug. “Then I guess we can take turns.” I aim for nonchalant, fingers crossed that he’s not catching on to my instigating.

Kayce’s eyes immediately narrow. Good, he’s taken the bait. “I know you’re not calling me a chicken.” His arms drop and he closes the door behind him.

Snickering, I breathe, “I’d only call you a chicken if you were acting like one, so tell me Kayce - are you being a chicken?”

He turns the shower on in lieu of an answer, eyes never leaving mine in the mirror. “I wouldn’t even know what a chicken acts like Caroline, having never been one, so no I don’t reckon I am.” At this, he flings his shirt off, and I hear his belt buckle clink shortly after, and then a thud as his pants hit the floor. The only thing that remains are his underwear and I hold his gaze steady, daring him to lose our little game. I can’t hear his underwear hit the floor, but I see the hunch his shoulders form as he bends to take them off. When he stands back up straight, he must see the devious gleam in my eye because he drawls out a suspicious, “What?”

“Nothing.” I shake my head, pressing my lips together. I fiddle with the hem of my blouse. It’s a frilly white thing with thin straps and a gathered waist. One of my favorites truly. Too pretty to risk getting makeup on. I pull the shirt gingerly over my head, not worried about appearing sexy, knowing my plain bra isn’t much to look at. I begin to sort out my makeup, lining products up along the counter. “I was just thinking about how I don’t want to get makeup on my blouse. That’s all.”

The rustle of the shower curtain opening and closing is Kayce’s only reply. Check and mate Dutton.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Despite my reasoning for us sharing, Kayce and I don’t catch up with each other in the bathroom, in fact, he doesn’t speak a word to me until I’ve completed my makeup and he’s finished his shower.

Brushing my hair slowly and methodically, lost in my own thoughts, I almost miss the sound of the shower turning off and the rasp of the curtain as Kayce steps out. He’s wrapped in a comically large towel, but his hair still drips steadily onto the bathmat, saturated with water. The embarrassment has leached from his face and his downtrodden expression from earlier has returned. “So dad told you about me and Monica?” He perches on the closed toilet, sagging into himself, sniffs. “Old bastard.”

“What makes you think that?” Laying my hairbrush down, I turn to prop my hip against the counter and cross my arms, face as neutral as I can make it.

Kayce looks at me from under long, damp lashes, his jaw set. “Caroline, we’ve pushed a boundary or two in our decades of friendship, but I know that if you thought for one second that you’d be stepping on any toes or be disrespecting my marriage in any way, you wouldn’t have started whatever all of this,” he gestures around the bathroom, “little game was. So what did he tell you?” His hands are shaking again, but rather than clenched shut, this time they lay open, palms up, almost pleading.

“Kayce.” I kneel down, encasing one of his weathered hands with both of mine. “All he told me was that you and Monica had split not too long ago, nothing more. And he didn’t even really want to tell me that, I kind of forced his hand. I promise you.” I stand back up and ruffle his still-damp hair, trying to bring some levity back to the situation. “Although I really don’t understand all the secrecy bud, you had to hear all about my messy divorce- and over facetime of all ways. I’m not- I would never judge you Kace.”

Rising to his full height, Kayce fidgets with one of my belt loops. “I know you’d never judge me, Caroline, it’s not your judgment I’m worried about.”

“Then what are you worried about,” I murmur.

He grabs ahold of the belt loops on either side of my hips. “I just-” he shakes me, “I’m tired of people treating me like some wounded animal or-or like some bomb just waiting to go off. You’re the one person who-,” he licks his lips, “you’re my person. Please don’t do that to me.”

“Oh Kayce, you really think-,” I laugh, “I just gave you shit in the most ridiculous way, knowing well and good you’ve been put through the wringer, and you think I would treat you like some wounded thing.” I bend down to retrieve my shirt, toss it onto the counter behind me. “I realize I have a bad habit of babying you, and I don’t plan to stop any time soon, but if you think for one second that I won’t give you hell any and every time you need it, well then you’re mistaken sweetheart.” Propping his hands on his hips, Kayce looks down, kicks his bare foot against my booted one.

“Now, nobody said anything about me wanting you to stop babying me.” He grins shyly at me. “Every good cowboy needs a pretty lady to soften him up a bit, ya know.”

I feel my breath hitch as his fingers wrap loosely around mine, I’m suddenly hyper-aware of the damp towel that seems to slide lower down his hips by the second. Have I mentioned how beautiful this man is? Have time and space away from him turned my brain into scrambled eggs? Why in the hell do I feel a flush creeping down my neck? Dear God, and I have to live with this man.

I smack his chest, like any sane woman who suddenly finds herself attracted to her best friend would do, and try to hide my nerves behind a too-loud laugh. “Well as long as you don’t expect this pretty lady to harden you up too, I think I can manage that.” Slipping my hand out of his hold, I grab my blouse and make to leave, but not before I catch sight of the scarlet blush that paints his face and ears. One foot in the hallway, I call back, “Now hurry up and get dressed cowboy, wouldn’t want to keep daddy waiting.” Closing the door all I hear is a muttered, “Jesus,” in response.

---------------------------------------------------------------

I wait out on the porch while Kayce gets ready, slouched down on one of the steps, elbows resting on my knees. The absolute quiet that surrounds me, save for the chirp of a bird or the rustle of leaves as the breeze blows, feels like a balm on my soul. I’d forgotten what it was like to feel this way. Content, at peace, like the whole world could be falling down around me but I’d still be alright, because this place, this land, will cradle me, protect me, like a momma does for her baby. I spent so long, years of my young life, running from one thing or another. Running into the arms of the wrong people, the wrong places. Yellowstone wasn’t the only place I found trouble, and while I was able to make a name for myself, to come out on top, the years I spent fighting for myself, fighting myself, have taken a toll on me. Never really thought the ranch would be my respite, but fighting for the Duttons feels like a goddamn breath of fresh air compared to what I’ve had to claw my way through in the last decade. This is my home, trouble or not.

The door creaks open, then shut, and I crane my head back to greet Kayce. “Took ya long enough, beauty queen.”

Unphased Kayce shoves his hands into his pockets. “Your face looks goofy upside down. And I can see into your nose.” He swaggers past me, down the steps, and onto the path. “Might want to invest in a nose trimmer.. beauty queen.” Fantastic. We’re back in familiar territory. No more warm damp skin, or slouchy towels, and thank god no more tugging at my belt loops or crowding me against the counter.. abs on display, broad shoulders at eye level… Yeah no, childish insults are great! Much more comfortable, way less confusing. I’m more than happy to engage in some lighthearted bullying with my completely platonic, non-romantic, best friend.

I must take too long to respond because Kayce doubles back, coming to stand at the base of the stairs below my feet. Looking at me funny, eyebrows scrunched and lips upturned, he asks, “You good? Wasn’t even that good of a burn to be honest. You’ve taken worse.” Actual concern begins to creep into his features, so before he can get himself worked up into a spiral of guilt I hop up from the stairs, dust off my backside, and punch him square in the gut.

“Oh don’t you worry ‘bout me, I’m fine. I was actually just thinking that I probably should buy a trimmer, keep things ship shape. And you know,” I glance back at him deviously, “now that we’re living together, there’s bound to be quite a few spa nights in your future. I could use it on you as well, really get my money’s worth.” As he falls in step with me, I expect him to protest immediately. When we were kids, I asked to pretty him up practically every day, told him I did boy activities with him so it was only fair he did girly things with me. In all our years of friendship he only caved once, the night I got my first period, told me I shouldn’t have to become a woman alone. He let me put a full face of makeup on him, paint his nails, and even braid his hair. No complaints, no making fun, just supported me in the only way he knew how.

So he surprises me when he inquires, “What exactly would a spa night include? Like what are we talking here? Fancy robes, overpriced lotion, cucumbers on our eyes?” His face is entirely serious, sincere in its curiosity. Man, it's easy to forget how much growing up changes a person.. how much marriage changes a person.

I stutter. “I- I mean, it can really include whatever you want it to? I normally take a bubble bath, shave my whole body- not that you’d want to do that, and then I go ham with some lotion, put on a face mask and hair mask, maybe whiten my teeth or trim my nails. Just depends.” I shrug. Kayce and I have talked about everything under the sun, but I never thought in a million years we’d be discussing my self-care routine.

He looks at me, eyebrows furrowed, contemplating. He kicks at the dirt a bit, tips his head to either side and then with an unexpected air of finality says, “Okay. I think I’d like to try all of that. I’ve never done masks or whitened my teeth before.” He stops, looking suddenly reluctant. “Wait, none of this hurts right? Like it’s relaxing?”

I place my hand on his back, half to prompt him to keep walking, half to comfort him. An easy laugh escapes me. “No, none of it hurts. And it is very relaxing, especially when you have a good bottle of wine on hand.” I wink, trying still to reassure him.

Worries assuaged, he winks back. “Well if there’s good wine involved, I’m in. Do you have the stuff with you already? Could we do it tonight?”

This time I stop in my tracks. If I was shocked before, now I’m flabbergasted. “You really want to do all that tonight?” He starts to look self-conscious so I clarify myself. “I mean, I’m more than happy to host a spa night, don’t get me wrong, but I just figured you’d need to warm up to the idea.”

Kayce walks a half step in front of me, avoids making eye contact. “In all honesty, tomorrow’s going to be a rough day. I don’t know if dad told you, but we’ve got to negotiate with the rez, the governor, and the sheriff tomorrow. Try to find some way to sweep everything under the rug, not let my fuck-ups tarnish the ranch’s reputation.” He removes his hat, runs his hand haphazardly through his hair. I know he asked me not to treat him like some wounded thing, and I won’t, but boy does he look it. “So, yeah, I just need something to take my mind off of the impending shitstorm I’m about to deal with. And I know you’re dying to gussy me up.” He flashes me a smile. “And if you’re happy, I’m happy, so a spa night it is.”

I sigh, feeling out of my depth. In all our years of friendship, I so rarely had to be the strong one. That was always Kayce. And while I’ve certainly toughened up in the time we’ve spent apart, I still feel so unprepared to tackle all of this. I’m scared I’ll say the wrong thing, do the wrong thing, misstep in an unfixable way. More than anything, I’m scared I’ll let Kayce down. “Your uh- Mr. John did tell me all that actually, but I hadn’t thought about how emotionally draining it’ll be. A spa night sounds good Kace. And we can even put on a horror movie, even it out.” I shrug, still feeling out of my depth.

Kayce doesn’t reply, but he does show me the barest hint of a smile, just the slight upturn of the corners of his lips. His smile says, “we’ll make it through this, we have to.”

[johnandtracyslittleones]

Adventure Camp - Day Camp Edition!

While Kira played at sleepaway camp, Jamie explored similar adventures at a day camp based in Golden. His group did canoeing, kayaking, hiking, rock climbing and mountain biking. He loved getting to ride in a van where he could listen to the other kids chitchat and fall asleep on the way home haha.

We didn’t get as many photos from day camp as overnight camp, but I wasn’t expecting any at all, so I’ll take it! These were all taken by his guides.

His favorite adventure was the kayaking, I think. Every day he came home loving the activity from that day. He also won camper of the week.

Jamie had a really fun time and had some very sore muscles by the end!

[readingforsanity]

Daughter of Mine | Megan Miranda | Published 2024 | *SPOILERS* | ARC

The new thrilling novel from Megan Miranda, the instant New York Times bestselling author of All the Missing Girls, The Last to Vanish and The Only Survivors.

when Hazel Sharp, daughter of Mirror Lake's longtime local detective, unexpectedly inherits her childhood home, she's warily drawn back to the town - and people - she left behind almost a decade earlier. But Hazel's not the only relic of the past to a drought has descended on the region, and as the water level in the lake drops, long-hidden secrets begin to emerge...including evidence that may help finally explain the mystery of her mother's disappearance.

Hazel Sharp returns to Mirror Lake after the death of her father, Perry Holt. She reunited with her brothers, Gage and Caden, but their relationships with each other have a lot to leave desired. When Hazel receives word from her uncle Roy, Perry's brother and the family lawyer, that Perry has left her his home in the will, she is shocked.

The shock mostly comes from the fact that she and Perry, along with Gage and Caden, are not related biologically. Hazel's mother, Libby, married Perry when she was young and then suddenly disappeared when Hazel was a teenager, vanishing as if she were a ghost.

Due to several months without rain in the forecast in the small mountain town, Mirror Lake is losing its water, revealing the secrets buried underneath their waters. On the day of Perry's memorial, a car was removed from the water, and the following weekend when she returned to help her brothers clear up the house, watching her niece swim, Skyler ultimately locates another car under the swim platform in the alcove behind the Holt home.

The car, once removed, once belonged to Libby Sharp, and the suitcases that she took with her were located in the trunk of the car. But nothing else was found inside. Hazel later realizes that the first car found in the water belonged to Perry's first wife, once believed to have died in a biking accident when she hit a tree.

Hazel, despite wanting to return to her normal life, feels as if something crazy is happening in the town and within her home. She often feels the remnants of a person being in her home before she got there, and it's beginning to create paranoia for her.

In the meantime, she also rekindles a former romance with Nico, the son of one of Perry's partners in the police department, whose father had killed himself. Gage, Nico and Hazel once found a secret room hidden inside the Pritchard home where photos, of crime scenes, had once been found. Nico has kept that secret for his father for a long time, and soon enough, Hazel begins to question whether or not the elder Pritchard or even the younger Nico, were involved in the deaths of Audrey and Libby.

Ultimately, Hazel is able to decipher that it was neither Caden, Gage or Nico involved in the deaths of both of these women, and the disappearance of Jamie, her former best friend and Caden's wife. Jamie has been missing for several days, and is likely unaware that her own mother had died of an overdose.

Hazel is able to figure out that Jamie is being hidden away in the Mirror Lake Motel, and she was believed to have been involved in the death of a missing teenager, who was found near the Barrel, an overlook by the lake. It is discovered that he had snuck up on her while she was waiting for Hazel to bring Skyler to her, believing that someone was after her. In a moment of haste, Jamie pushed the teen to his deathg and ran, unaware that she had just killed a teenager.

And then she realizes that Caden and Gage weren't involved in some murder scheme with their father. It was Roy. Aubrey was intending to leave Perry for Roy, and that the two of them would be together. Perry, unaware of her plans to leave him for his brother, runs after her with the kids in the car, and unable to stop, she hit the car while riding her bicycle and died. Perry attempted to keep that fact hidden, as it had been an accident regardless of what happened, but Caden was riddled with guilt over what he witnessed inside of the car.

After confroting Hazel, Roy attempts to get rid of her but Caden arrives, understanding that he is no longer the family member he once thought he was and tells Hazel to run. Caden is shot in the process, and she eventually leads Roy into the water, where she is able to ride the currents to get away, but he is unable to withstand them and goes under the water.

In the end, Caden, Gage and Hazel get rid of their angst for each other, as Hazel was no more involved with her mother's leaving. Caden believed it to be his fault that she left, after he confessed to her what had happened to his mother. Libby, under the impression that her husband was involved in his first wife's murder and cover up of her death, attempted to flee, along with finding out that Roy was skimming funds from his work. In the end, Roy got rid of her, and made it seem that she had taken everything from Perry and disappeared, leaving her daughter behind.

The siblings now have an understanding of each other. The Holt family home will now be owned by the three of them, with Caden's family living in the home for the time being, and Hazel can begin to heal and move on, along with continuing what was once a hidden relationship between Nico and Hazel.

[sudeepkedar]

Hybrid Bicycles Market Growth Analysis & Forecast Report | 2024-2032

Hybrid Bicycles Market to surpass USD 17.1 Bn by 2032. The broader trend towards sustainability and eco-conscious choices in bicycles will augment the industry outlook. Several manufacturers are focusing on developing hybrid bicycles by deploying advanced lightweight materials, such as carbon fiber, aluminum alloys, and high-strength steel for the overall weight reduction of bikes. To illustrate, in February 2024, Chinese electric bike brand Heybike disclosed plans to launch its first carbon fiber E-bike with a 750W mid-drive motor. The strong focus on improving the performance, maneuverability, and portability of hybrid bicycles for making them more attractive to consumers is another emerging trend favouring the product demand.

Request for Sample Copy report @   https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/7944

The fitness and exercise application segment is expected to record lucrative expansion in the hybrid bicycles market from 2024 to 2032. The growth can be attributed to the ability of handling a variety of terrains offered by hybrid bikes. The presence of gear systems allows efficient pedaling, further promoting cardiovascular exercise and muscle engagement. Rising incorporation of rack mounts and fender mounts to enable users to attach accessories like cargo racks, panniers, and mudguard will also boost the product application outlook.

Hybrid bicycles industry from the traditional technology segment is expected to expand exponentially up to 2032, led by their versatility in combining features of road bikes and mountain bikes. Traditional bicycles are suitable for various terrains, including paved roads, gravel paths, and light trails. With the growing concerns about environmental sustainability, more people are opting for eco-friendly transportation options. Benefits of adaptability, comfort, and suitability for diverse purposes to align with current lifestyle trends and preferences will also drive the segment growth.

Request for customization this report @       https://www.gminsights.com/roc/7944

Europe hybrid bicycles market is estimated to record USD 4.3 billion in valuation by 2032 driven by the higher presence of supportive government policies, subsidies, and incentives for cycling. The growing awareness about the environmental impacts of transportation is prompting regional consumers to choose hybrid bicycles as eco-friendly alternatives to traditional vehicles, providing multiple growth opportunities to several manufacturers. For instance, in January 2024, London-based GIN E-Bikes secured €580k for speeding up the production capabilities of its hybrid bikes. The rising implementation of various measures to reduce car usage and promote cycling will also add to the market growth across the region.

Some of the prominent hybrid bicycles industry players include Avon Cycles Limited, Cannodale Bicycle Corporation, Cube Bikes, Diamondback, Firefox Bikes, Fuji Bikes, Ghost Bikes, Giant Bicycles Inc., Jamis Bikes, Kona Bikes, Trek Bicycle Corporation, Marin Bikes, Merida Industry Co., Ltd., Orbea Bicycles, Scott Sports SA, and Specialized Bicycle Components Inc. These firms are focusing on new product developments to proliferate their product portfolio and customer base. To cite an instance, in October 2023, Cube introduced Cube Fold Hybrid, its new electric urban bike powered by a mid-drive Bosch motor and large capacity battery.

Partial chapters of report table of contents (TOC):

Chapter 1   Methodology & Scope

1.1    Market scope & definition

1.2    Base estimates & calculations

1.3    Forecast calculation

1.4    Data sources

1.4.1    Primary

1.4.2    Secondary

1.4.2.1   Paid sources

1.4.2.2   Public sources

Chapter 2   Executive Summary

2.1    Industry 3600 synopsis, 2018 - 2032

Chapter 3   Industry Insights

3.1    Industry ecosystem analysis

3.2    Supplier landscape

3.2.1    Raw material supplier

3.2.2    Component supplier

3.2.3    Manufacturers

3.2.4    Battery and electric system suppliers

3.2.5    Distributors

3.2.6    End users

3.3    Profit margin analysis

3.4    Technology & innovation landscape

3.5    Patent analysis

3.6    Key news & initiatives

3.7    Regulatory landscape

3.8    Impact forces

3.8.1    Growth drivers

3.8.1.1   Increasing awareness of health and fitness among people

3.8.1.2   Growing innovations in materials, gears, and electronics

3.8.1.3   Rising demand for eco-friendly transportation solutions

3.8.1.4   Supportive government policies

3.8.2    Industry pitfalls & challenges

3.8.2.1   Higher initial costs of hybrid bicycles

3.8.2.2   Inadequate cycling infrastructure

3.9    Growth potential analysis

3.10    Porter’s analysis

3.10.1    Supplier power

3.10.2    Buyer power

3.10.3    Threat of new entrants

3.10.4    Threat of substitutes

3.10.5    Industry rivalry

3.11    PESTEL analysis

About Global Market Insights:

Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.

Contact us:

Aashit Tiwari Corporate Sales, USA Global Market Insights Inc. Toll Free: +1-888-689-0688 USA: +1-302-846-7766 Europe: +44-742-759-8484 APAC: +65-3129-7718 Email: sales@gminsights.com 

[mollysharpharrison]

2023 A Year in Review:

Skating on Ken's Lake // pickup hockey // brisk mornings

Work at Mill Creek Animal Hospital // puppy kisses and sad times

Trashion show // all the friend makeouts

Lake Powell trip- North Wash to Trachyte with Hannah, Jeff C and Mike C // mud tussocks and giggles

Bad box bleach set + teal manic panic beauty school drop out with Nara

Jerp art performance at Jeep Week with Sam N + Moab crew

Julie visits Moab in the spring - surprise Jocelyn addition // San Rafael packraft with pups on spring's first flows

Hallie visit to Comb Ridge with Ryland // quiet nights and pottery sherds

Dolores River flowing! First overnight trip with Hannah, Jeff C and extended Alpacka crew. Euro fondu pot // dogs are angels

Solo Escalante float with Sprocket dog // four days of peaceful low flow jubilation

Learning from strange crushes // rejection is sexy and toxic

Ongoing plant identification in the La Sals // superbloom!

A wonderful season of work: Hammond Canyon with Wilderness Volunteers// SUWA projects// two long bridges// Trail Mix buddies// not enough alone time// all the log outs - Luke, Jacob, Rachel and Isaac

Muddy Creek with Zoe, Maddie and Olivia // slot canyon babes

Long solo and friend gravel rides

Sold the house // feelings of loss and longing, but also relief

APA RoundUp paddle trip to California with Duncan// feeling obsolete in the packraft ww world//solo hike in Trinity Alps to granite heaven

Muumuus and Mimosas- my 6th annual?

SLC city weekend seeing Remember Sports, thrifting, and mountain biking with Maddie, Audrey and Rachel

Sold the Toyota Pickup // lost identity

Montana Red Meadow Pass bikepacking loop with Maddie and Olivia // perfect temps and champagne gravel// fill your belly of berries

Birthday backpack in the Weminuche// 15 miles in 5 days with the old furball// learn to enjoy the pace and place// anniversary photos

Julie returns to Moab for late summer! Hot hot biking//water daze

Mom and pop visit in the early fall//coworker end of season farewell bbq//beautiful mountain colors//comb ridge camping

Elk packet with Jamie and Sam H // 24 mile roundtrip with a rear quarter // humans are meant to do this

Solo trip of favorite landscape linkup // Dark Canyon -> Cataract Canyon -> Henry Mountains -> Lake Powell -> Bears Ears hike/packraft/bikepack/bikeraft linkup

San Juan packraft trip with Hannah and Jeff C + his college buddies// Han's bad back and chilly temps// good company

A quick shot to the very rainy PNW coast// surfin', soggy and splashin' with jellyfish//Julie, Will, Pete, Nara, Xander and pups

Early backcountry ice at Clark Lake! Jonny and Ian hike-in mission

RAR intro to bikepacking weekend was a smash hit// new SLC bike buddies//love the feeling of teaching and sharing knowledge

Home right before Thanksgiving, off to Costa Rica! Solo bikepack along the Nicoya Peninsula surfing all along the way.

Christmas in Detroit to the New Year

Books Read:

"Grievers" by adrienne maree brown

"Black Sun" by Rebecca Roanhorse

"The Solace of Open Spaces" by Gretel Ehrlich

"Teaching a Stone to Talk" by Annie Dillard

"Fire on the Mountain" by Terry Bisson

"Earth Apples" collection of poetry by Ed Abbey

"Children of Time" by Adrian Tchaikovsky

"Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann

"Let My People Go Surfing" by Yvon Chounard

"You Just Need to Lose Weight and 19 Other Myths About Fat People" by Aubrey Gordon

"Braiding Sweetgrass" by Robin Wall Kimmerer

[linneatanner]

Luv Lubker Under His Spell #UnderHisSpell #TheRivalCourts #VictorianFiction #HistoricalFiction #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub @LubkerLuv @cathiedunn

FEATURED AUTHOR: LUV LUBKER Please welcome Luv Lubker to The Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour held between July 3rd — July 7th, 2023. Luv Lubker is the author of the Historical Fiction, Under His Spell (The Rival Courts), released by Historium Press on May 30 2023 (384 pages). Below are highlights of Under His Spell, Luv Lubker's author bio, and an excerpt from her book. Tour Schedule Page: https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2023/05/blog-tour-under-his-spell-by-luv-lubker.html   HIGHLIGHTS: UNDER HIS SPELL   Under His Spell (The Rival Courts) By Luv Lubker Audiobook (coming soon): Ella McNish, Jamie Collette, Max Mustache, Christian Stark, Ju Thomas, Philip Zielinzki, Michael Garamoni Blurb: A beautiful love story between the Princess Royal Victoria and Fritz Wilhelm, Frederick III of Prussia A lonely young man attends the first World’s Fair – the Great Exhibition of 1851 – and meets a family who changes his life forever. Follow the young Prince Fritz – later Friedrich III – of Prussia and his wife, Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, Vicky, (parents of Kaiser Wilhelm II) through their courtship and the joys and struggles of their first four years of marriage. Fritz and Vicky dream of a peaceful united Germany, but Fritz’s uncle Karl has his own dreams of power… Discover often hinted at but unrevealed secrets of the Prussian Royal court… Buy Links: Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/4AA28k Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C5J75V1P Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5J75V1P Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0C5J75V1P Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0C5J75V1P Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/under-his-spell-luv-lubker/1143496988 Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/under-his-spell-25 AUTHOR BIO: LUV LUBKER   Luv Lubker has lived in the Victorian era half her life, making friends with the Brontë sisters and the extended family of Queen Victoria. Now she knows them quite as well as her own family. Born in a cattle trough in the Appalachian mountains, Luv lives in Texas - when she comes to the modern world. When she isn’t living in the Victorian era, she enjoys being with her family; making and eating delicious raw food, riding her bike (which she only learned to ride at 25, though she’d ridden a unicycle since she was 7), and watching animals - the passion of her childhood. Social Media Links: Website: https://therivalcourts.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/LubkerLuv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luvy.lubker Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRivalCourts LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luv-lubker-1916b81b0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/llubker/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/luvlubker/ Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Luv-Lubker/author/B0C5TRY327 Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21511046.Luv_Lubker EXCERPT: UNDER HIS SPELL   “Ich weiß nicht…” he murmured, and again, with a deep sigh, turned his face uneasily away from her, carefully taking his hands from her chest and putting one on her shoulder, one on her waist, then, just holding her hands again. He continued, “I don’t know… I – I don’t know how to speak to you. I mean, I – don’t know any words that aren’t – improper – I mean – coarse and vulgar. I – I can’t even make myself call you Meine Liebchen or Schatzi – It is just –” “Do you mean to say you don’t like me to call you Mein Schatz or Liebling16?” “Oh, nein, Vicky! Your words are so pure and clean. But – what will others think if I just call you Vicky – it seems so strange and stiff for a husband not to call his wife by some endearment – they will think we are like all the others...” “Fritz, what does it matter what others think of what you call me? That is a private matter between us, isn’t it?” “I know; it is really just that – everything is – tainted – in my mind, I do not want to have those thoughts when I am with you. Besides your parents, your family, almost everything I know is so – wrong – almost all the endearments I ever hear are either in sarcasm or such situations as I do not wish to associate with our love – And – oh!” He rose and walked through the room.  “How can I take you into that! You don’t know what it is!” His voice trembled. “I don’t want anything to happen to you, Vicky! I – I don’t want to see you suffer.” She rose, and put her arms round Fritz’s neck and kissed him. They had been alone for two hours, as husband and wife, and had not even kissed since they left the chapel. Fritz held her tight in his arms, returning her kiss. She broke away. “Fritz, don’t be afraid. You can’t contaminate me. YOU are so pure, I love you so much for all these thoughts! Thank you, thank you for – everything. I am your wife now, you are my husband, it is right, and pure, and clean, for you to have these thoughts about me! Don’t – don’t – I don’t know, you have lived in such different circumstances than I have, and I have always been so – sheltered, I suppose, but, I can try to see what you mean from what you have told me, and what Papa and others have. I will do anything for you, Fritz, and will go anywhere with you. I trust you!” “I don’t know...” Instagram Handle: @thecoffeepotbookclub       Read the full article

[12blogmk]

Jamie Aarons: Woman sets record for scaling Scotland's Munro mountains

As well as breaking the record, Aarons has raised £14,000 for World Bicycle Relief, a charity which provides bikes to children in poorer nations to increase their mobility and improve access to essential services such as schools, markets and health clinics.

[sbknews]

Hicky makes it 4 in a week with superb Senior TT victory.

On the hottest day of the 2023 TT Festival, we had a scorching hot Milwaukee Senior Race to keep us on our toes. The very bright sunshine meant that going into shaded areas would be problematic for the riders. The track was dry and well rubbered in after two weeks without even one drop of rain. There were fans on top of the very low bank along the length of Sulby Straight, from the houses alongside the kink in the middle of it, to the bridge. Quite how anyone was allowed to put up a grandstand at the exit to the kink, I will never know; bikes are doing 200mph and people can sit totally unprotected less than 5 metres away from the track (safety officers look at Le Mans 1955) then think again. The race began on time, with Davo Johnson (Jackson Honda) the leaf blower and bird scarer for the others. With Michael Dunlop having won 4 races and Peter Hickman 3, it was expected that this would be a duel in the sun between the pair. They were both Superbike mounted; as was Dean Harrison; third placed finisher in all of his races. Davey Todd; bravely came to the line; but he was far from recovered from the virus that had afflicted him. The pace to Glen Helen was rapid and it was Dean Harrison (DAO Kawasaki) who set the best sector time; he was 0.5s faster than Hickman (FHO BMW); with Dunlop (Hawk Honda) third; 2.7s further back. James Hillier (OMG Yamaha), Conor Cummins (Milenco Padgett Honda) and Davey Todd (Milenco Padgett Honda) completed the top 6. The margins were tiny; 3.9s covered 6th to 10th. Hickman then opened the taps and reached Ballaugh in just 2m 59.883s to set a sector record. His lead was up to 3.48s. Cummins set his best time ever to grab 4th from Hillier by 0.65s. For Jamie Coward the race was over at Ballaugh. Dean Harrison was first to Sulby Bridge; then it was Davo johnson; John McGuinness; then Michael Dunlop with James Hillier. Josh Brookes was next; then Hicky, who passed Todd on the approach to the bridge. The action was excellent as the riders slowed from 190mph+ to take the tight right hand bend over the bridge and then power away to Ginger Hall. 4 miles further along at White Gates the lead for Hickman was 4.75s, after another sector record. At the Bungalow, he led by 6.135s after another sector record. The fastest ever standing start lap at 135.349mph gave Hickman a lead of 6.12s from Harrison (134.529mph). Dunlop (133.999mph) was third; Cummins (132.058mph) was 4th, Hillier 5th and Josh Brookes 6th; the latter two lapped at over 131mph. Johnson, John McGuinness (Honda), Dom Herbertson (APERO BMW) and Craig Neve (Batham’s Honda) held 7th to 10th. Newcomer Ryan Cringle was going very well; he lapped at 125.987mph. For Mike Browne the ill luck continued; he retired at the pits. Next to retire was Dom Herbertson, at Ballacraine. At Glen Helen; Hickman led by 7.4s having set another sector record. Dunlop was 3rd; 4.2s down on Harrison. Hickman continued to edge away from Harrison and led by 10.57s at the top of the mountain climb. Going into the pits, Hickman led by 11.862s; his lap speed of 135.507mph; a new lap record for the Senior TT. Harrison had the fastest pit stop and gained at least 3s on each of the other top 6 riders. At Glen Helen on lap 3; the lead for Hickman was 8.02s. Dunlop was 12.59s was behind Harrison. Cummins, Brookes and McGuinness completed our top 6. A very slow pit stop had dropped Hillier to 10th. At Sulby Bridge, we had the spectacle of Cummins and teammate Todd coming into the corner a couple of metres apart; two courageous men; neither fully fit. At Ramsey; the lead for Hickman had grown to 9.96s; it was 9.92s at the Grandstand; try as he might Hickman could not shake off Harrison; despite the latter’s bike being 13mph down on top speed. Hickman added tenths on each sector to lead by 13.1s at the top of the mountain on the fourth lap. As he entered the pits for the second stop his lead was 12.38s. Harrison had increased his advantage over Dunlop to 23.64s. Cummins, Brookes and McGuinness kept their, by now, established positions. Harrison again had the best of the pit stops; gaining 2s on all of his rivals. On lap 5 at Glen Helen, the lead for Hickman was 9.3s; nowhere near enough to allow him to ease off. At Sulby Bridge, we had the sight of Hickman and Dunlop circulating a couple of metres apart; Hickman having made the pass on the first part of the straight. Hickman had joined his teammate Brookes in doing the “Doctor’s Dangle” whilst braking for the bridge. Four miles down the road the lead was 12.69s. At the end of the lap, the lead was 15.935s; comfortable, but not entirely secure. At Glen Helen on the final lap Hickman led by 18.4s; Dunlop was using the tow from being right behind Hickman to take some time back from Harrison; the deficit being 25.2s. Harrison was the first rider to take the acclaim of the crowd at Sulby Bridge; he then had a moment when the machine tried to throw him off as he opened the taps going away from the corner; thankfully, he saved it. Hickman and Dunlop were together coming down Sulby Straight to rapturous applause. The enthusiastic crowd gave generous applause to all of the riders and they deserved after their performances. Hickman’s final lap was at 134.842mph; this gave him a record race average of 132.526mph. He was 19.98s ahead of Harrison (132.097mph). Dunlop was fastest on the last lap; he finished 20.433s down on Harrison; his race average 131.661mph. Conor Cummins (129.755mph) took a fine 4th; Josh Brookes (129.27mph) was 5th and James Hillier (128.506mph) was 6th; those riders all lapped at over 132mph on the final lap. McGuinness, Johnson, Todd and Rob Hodson completed our top 10. Amongst the local riders; Mikey Evans (Suzuki) was 18th at 122.885mph; his best lap was at 126.595mph; Best Newcomer was Ryan Cringle; he was 19th at 122.794mph. Hickman was delighted to win and equal Michael’s tally for the week. His crew had finally been able to make the machine do what he wanted without him having to wrestle it. Dean was happy to be second; his was the ride of the day given his lack of top end speed. Michael was fairly downbeat; unable to explain why nothing was quite as it had been for his wonderful Superbike win. He will have to come back next year to equal his uncle’s record of 26 wins; can’t wait. Read the full article

[onlyhappyvibes]

[aldaraaj101]

COCOA

Eco-friendly, Comfortable Lifestyle.

[lanci53]

Hey, get a job!

O.K. I don’t mean to be rude, but I need my couch, thanks.

If you just graduated, you’re Gen Z and being blamed for killing industries that millennials already killed, unemployed or like me underemployed, then you’ve come to the right place-- a little corner of the Internet that’s not LinkedIn and doesn’t take itself seriously.

First, I must tell you about this cool other website to spend half your day on whenever you’re not on Tumblr:

http://www.wtfshouldidowithmylife.com/

You got that? It’s going to help you in your journey from being a recent grad, (Tim Robinson voice) a piece of shit or just a normal human being experiencing the ebbs and flows of life as it unfolds with or without a job already-- ready to throw caution to the wind and begin something new.

As such, I’ve already hit the button 25 times and will now humor you in whether or not you or I could succeed in our new roles.

First up...

Fashion blogger? Are you kidding me? Have you seen my closet? It’s just a bunch of hockey jerseys, which I mean, I guess is cool for a certain demographic but I do not know the rules of fashion beyond what’s in and what’s out among home, road, alternate and throwback jerseys.

I have some experience in a way since I once attended a “take your kid to work day” and got to play the role of an advisor in some sort of The Price is Right/Deal or No Deal mashup that they had us kids play. I told them to take the money and run, limit their risk or whatever. What’d they do? They probably didn’t listen to me. I don’t remember. I hope their business failed (the kid’s, not the company that was nice enough to have us skip school for the day).

I am not Eminem. Nor am I Post Malone. I’m sorry.

Is this what they mean when they say “Meta is hiring”? Does this mean Mark Zuckerberg needs a friend in the Metaverse? Am I going to be paid to be his friend?

Sounds expensive and like more school would be required.

Seems unrealistic. Don’t even get me started.

Also sounds expensive, but if we could ultimately be half as good as A24 then we’re onto something. In that case, we might try our hands out at being a distributor first and go from there. Oh it’s just for commercials? Commercials are cinema too!

Insert “bisexual barista meme” here. A little too on the nose don’t you think?

And for my next trick, I’ll move to Maine! That doesn’t sound so bad, actually.

I have no idea what this is, yet I’m intrigued as someone who likes a good road trip minus a cracked windshield and all the other things that could go wrong. Have you seen how people drive on highways these days?

Jamie Tartt do do do do do doo

Sounds like a lot of liabilities and paperwork involved.

Would be great until I inevitably write about Coldplay too many times for everyone’s liking. If anyone knows Chris Martin, though, please let him know I’d like to be friends.

I discovered a beekeeper on a Live TikTok one time while scrolling through my “For You” page and sat there for the next 30 minutes just watching him go about his job. I would 100% be down for this. Also I’ve never been stung by a bee, so I’d have no fear going into it.

I have actually done this before and you should hire me for it (for real).

I play guitar, so... ...I’m looking for a drummer myself.

That’d mean I’d have to acquire a bike first, which if we’re looking to keep this at a minimum upfront cost, well, I have some news for you. It’s not happening.

This would be a lot of fun, but again the whole cost of moving, you know...

Don’t think that I haven’t already thought about doing this. Life could be so much simpler. You’d also live in a desert, but simpler nonetheless. Plus Salvation Mountain is right around the corner and normally I rag on folk art, but this is the one folk art I am willing to accept (not, like, as a religious thing-- just from an art perspective).

Seems like you’d have a hard time getting any Federal job after this, though.

I already am. I perform concerts daily in the shower. Tickets are hard to come by however.

I would absolutely do this for the free food and shit, but I need some lines so I’ll get paid and residuals.

I could maybe do this. Would request one log cabin with great Internet access to make it work.

Watch me turn $0 into $0!

When in doubt, you can always just go home and do less of the things you’d really like to do for fun because your parents are around, but on the rare occasion that they’re away for the weekend you can call all your friends who, by now, have moved far, far away and get them together for one last party if any of them show up. On the plus side, you’d have access to all your favorite streaming platforms or whatever and you probably wouldn’t have to pay for your Internet access to keep reading Tumblr (though you could always just steal Dunkin’s WiFi for that).

Remember, nothing matters. Everything is made up. Eat Arby’s. Eventually someone will hire you and you’ll prove people wrong, which is always a great feeling (not that anyone was doubting you). Now hand me the remote, please.

[alpinefitco]

Best bike helmet for bike commuting? Jamie's favorite bike helmet for city streets and trails by Thousand

Functional and fashionable helmet, that is what I was looking for. Years before I lived in Anchorage I was riding around cities biking to work, cafes and bars and didn’t want to look like I'd just come from the trails. It's a totally different fashion scene when you don’t live in an outdoor active oriented city. After a lot of research, I came up with Thousand which  are aimed at city commuting and road biking and still totally great on trails.

I got the heritage bike and skate helmet in gold!  It's super visible and fashionable so it gets lots of use. In addition to looking good and being safe my absolute favorite features is what Thousand calls their secret poplock, which is designed to fit a bike lock through so you can lock up your helmet! Now for all my riding I could lock my helmet to my bike rather than having to carry it around. I already lean towards too many bags so one less item to carry is great!  I just love that thoughtful engineering and design. 

On top of all of these awesome features, this company is something to admire. Their values are first and foremost starting with its name. Thousand comes from “the goal of helping to save 1000 lives by making helmets people actually want to wear”. In addition to be being a 1% for the planet member, they have a clear climate positive goal offsetting 110% of annual carbon emissions. For all these reasons and more, Thousand resonates with me and the Alpine Fit team. 

These lovely photos of Amy rocking my helmet are from a community photo shoot we did a few months ago. In addition to the Thousand helmet Amy is rocking Women’s Power Hold Watchopening ½ Zip from Observamé, Alpine Fit’s Nordic Anywhere Hat which fits perfectly under the helmet, Mountain V Merino Neck Warmer and Bushwhacking leggings. Finally that water bottle she’s using is a very special water bottle from Bivo, more on that later.  

Gloria and the team at Thousand I see you! Thanks for making these awesome helmets that I wear, love and highly recommend!

[azure-cherie]

Pac : what do people instantly assume about you :

♡︎Hii , how have you been? This PAC will be focusing on assumptions and first impressions , use your intuition and choose a pile , take what resonates and leave the rest ;)

Pile 1:

The very first thing that comes into their mind is that you're very into high fashion or maybe into pursuing a career related to the fashion industry, they see you in the sense of enchantment, someone who is well aware of what's going in and around the world , some people consider you to be vain and very interested in themselves, like you're in a coffee shop and you pretend to not see them , maybe it's because you're an introvert, they think you already know all about your future career, some consider that you don't even have to work because you're already rich enough, somewhat brat assumptions, they assume you're a heartbreaker because you look pretty but you have this coldness or aura that don't mess with me , some people are scared to talk to you because they think they will mess up their words , they see you as a very intimidating person , they sense you have this exterior because you have been betrayed in the past , there's this hidden aspect to you , this mystery that flows around you , some people see you as a revolutionary or a destroyer of what doesn't serve .

Random things that might resonate: body chain, Marilyn Monroe , fugitive, gremlincore , stoic , boba, Greek , Jamie , delaware , deftones , Honda, star wars , baby blues , earrings , moles , ocean eyes , tattoos, Gaia .

Pile 2:

The very first assumptions are that you're full of love or in love , read a lot of romance novels , books , like to eat , you seem rather chaotic to others , some see you as really intellectual and connected to the spiritual world . Some see you as rather outcast or different because of your aura , you come off as anxious to some while hyperactive to others it's like you have two different personas , some see you as an angel on earth , they see you as someone interested in travelling and living your life on your own terms, some people assume you're somewhat lazy and rush on decisions, however a very transformation aura flows around you , they see you as someone who is grateful for what they have or atleast is trying to be grateful, very connected to your mother or nature , would fight for their loved ones , kind of vibe .They see you as a very interesting person , people maybe interested in stalking you as well .

Random things that might resonate : blueberry, diet mountain dew , piano, witchcraft, rose quartz, butterfly, long legs , heart shaped face , pug nose , beaches , flowy floral dresses , twirls , lips .

Pile 3 :

They assume that you're really funny, life of the party , watch anime , roam around too much, they see that you are confident and this confidence comes from working on yourself, healing your traumas , they could really admire your physique , maybe you maintain a lot , they see that being with you will be one of the good experiences in their life , they think people fight for your company. You're seen as someone very strategic and straight forward too , they see you as a star as if fame is written for ya , could see you as wise too , someone who is decisive , really curious, and someone who trusts their gut feelings . Some people assume that you're really sad because of the current events in your life , while others see you as someone who has a perfect balance between feelings and logic, someone charitable, some people might find you cunning maybe because they cannot wrap around how can someone be so perfect, you seem to them as someone they can talk about anything without hesitation .

Random things that might resonate: cute, long nails , ripped jeans , punk, eyebrows , jewellery, diamonds, cherry blossom, freckles , bikes , skin , hibiscus, dancing, handicrafts, dreams , hairs , heels , Eve .

Hope it resonates, thank you for reading 🪐💫🌙

[bikedweeb]

(via seen at the Fall 2014 Brooklyn Bike Jumble | Jamie Swan | Flickr)