#Towing Holly Hill -

[floridafasttowing]

[theladyofmanyfandomsfanfiction]

Festive Fuelstop

Pairing: Mando x Reader

Warnings: None.

Summary: You, Mando and the Child end up in a small town and get pulled into their traditions.

A/n: Happy Holidays, my loves!

You walked out of the Crest and took a breath of fresh air after a week of being trapped inside the flying metal. Despite having to make an emergency landing, you were thankful that the fuel line had started leaking just to stretch your legs. You and Mando had landed on the outskirts of a charming village where the mechanic actually refused the credits that the Mandalorian offered to repair his ship.

“Oh, golly. I can’t take payment now - I haven’t made any repairs.” The man chuckled heartily and whistled for his best workers to get on the job. The repairman then focused back on the new arrivals. “Why don’t you hold on to those credits and take your family down to the markets in the meantime?”

Mando appeared to have frozen so you leaned forward and pulled his hand back, flashing a smile to the kind man.

“The markets sound wonderful - could you point us in the right direction?”

You were given instruction to follow the wooden path down the hill until you reached a clearing into the central part of town which you, Mando and the Child followed.

When you reached the bottom, the townsfolk were in a buzz carrying boxes of shiny strings and coloured balls from one part of town to the next. Homes were decorated with lights strewn across the fences and roofs, some even had a green wreaths on the front door. Adults met up with one another with a grin as they walked in the same direction while children chased each other in tow.

You and Mando exchanged curious glances. This wasn’t something either of you had come across and your confused expression caught the attention of a passerby. The man stopped before the two of you and pointed.

“Visitors?” He guessed with a smile on his face that highlighted a hidden dimple.

You returned the smile and Mando nodded, “Our ship is being repaired uphill.”

“Well then it’s in safe hands. Please, feel free to join us in the Square while you wait.” The man invited and then walked away in the same direction as everyone else. It seemed like the whole town was headed that way.

Folding your arms, you turned to the bounty hunter, “Is it bad that I want to know what’s happening in the Square?”

“We have to keep moving.” Mando reminded as he looked around the buildings. “Maybe find a diner of some sort.”

You watched as more of the townsfolk left their homes and bit your lower lip as you thought - then you heard the child croon and idea came to mind.

“If everyone’s in the same place then none of their lodgings, food or otherwise, will be open. We’ll have a better chance to blend in alongside everyone else while seeing what has everyone so excited.” You said. “And the kid might never experience this again.”

The Mandalorian cocked his head to the side when he heard you.

“Are those reasons for the kid or for you?”

You shot him a side-eye and shook your head. Without hearing his argument against the plan, you followed the crowd and - in a few minutes - his beskar arm braces were bumping beside you.

It was a short walk to the heart of the town where a large green tree gleaming with lights and decoration sat in the middle. Your jaw dropped, eyes mesmerised with the sight that you almost knocked into the woman in front of you had it not been for Mando pulling you back. As the last few people joined, you realised that it was getting too close-for-comfort for the child so you moved to a more open space a little further from the festivities.

You returned to staring in awe at the magnificence of the tree and couldn’t help but smile, “What are they celebrating?” You wondered just as a little boy zoomed past with his friends, hearing your question. He stopped before you and Mando and placed his hands on his hips.

“You must be travellers! Tonight begins the First Ice of Holly Day. We gather around the tree just before the snow begins to fall - which should be starting soon!” The young boy explained and then ran off leaving the baby to lean over his cradle and coo.

Soon? You looked up to the skies and noticed that they had now been filled with frosty grey clouds. The sun began to fade away which illuminated the lights around the entire town making everything glow. As it darkened just a touch more excitable voices began talking quickly, most of it inaudible. You were so caught up in the moment that you hadn’t realised Mando tensing up beside you until you turned to him. He looked like he was ready to be jumped. You opened you mouth to chide him when there was a joyful cry from the far side of the tree.

“Look - look! It’s snowing! Holly Day has begun!”

You , Mando and the Child looked up once more and, sure enough, small snowflakes descended upon the happy town. A chilled breeze set in and you remembered that you weren’t properly clothed from when you exited the ship a while ago. You were about to suggest finding some coats when Mando turned his head toward the clearing.

“We should head back. I don’t want to be caught in a snow storm at the base of a hill.” He told you. You glanced at the baby trying to catch the snow in his mouth and sighed. Mando was right.

You shivered slightly, dusting the snow from your shoulders. “Point made. But before we head back, I need to stop at a vegetable stall.”

“Why?”

You pursed your lips and squinted at the green womp rat in the cradle, “Because somebody keeps ‘force-flinging’ the celonslay into the refresher.” you leaned down to the baby and used the tip of your index finger to lightly press on his button nose. “Vegetables are what’s going to make you big and strong.”

You straightened back up and noticed the crowd the beginning to disperse as you looked around them to find some place that sold healthy greens.

Mando pointed over your shoulder quietly and you followed his hand to where a row of merchants stood with their goods just past the tree. You thanked him and requested that he and child stay put until you returned. The bounty hunter didn’t argue and so you ventured off to the markets. As you passed the tree you smiled once more at its beauty. A part of you wondered if Mando would oppose to having a small one in the ship. But then you thought better of it because if Mando didn’t oppose then the kid might tear it apart or worse, jam it into the refresher.

You passed the first stall which happened to be filled with florals and ‘Holly Berry Seed Pots’ and over to the second one where rows and rows of fruits and vegetables sat. Scanning the items, you spotted the celonslay and decided against purchasing it again. The Child clearly didn’t like it. As you browsed, a head popped up from behind the stall - it belonged to the man you first met upon reaching the town.

“It’s you.” You realised.

He chuckled and quirked a brow. “Twice in one day? I’m beginning to think that you’re following me.” He teased lightly and tapped his hands on the wooden counter top. “I’m glad you decided to come to the Square.”

The man inquired about how you felt about experiencing the First Ice and you told him the truth of how you adored the way it was celebrated. You both then returned to the task at hand and you asked for his suggestion on a vegetable that a baby would enjoy.

“Children are tricky to pick for.” The Merchant hummed as he looked over the available selection. “But I do have some gimer canes. If the kid is teething, he can chew on this to get important nutrients with a sweet taste. He might even do a happy dance.”

Your eyes lit up along with your smile, “That’s perfect, I’ll take four.”

“Gimer canes are fairly rare so...”

“I’ll pay you double.” You offered instantly, not bothering to discuss it with the Mandalorian.

You expected the Merchant to take the credits right away but he laughed admirably at you. “I was actually hoping that you’d come with me to the Holly Seed Planting tomorrow instead.”

As much as you wanted to stay, you and Mando were due to leave the planet in under an hour. Your shoulders visibly slackened and the Merchant seemed to have understood. He reached beneath the counter and lifted up a paper bag, handing it over to you.

“Here, consider it an early Holly Day gift.”

Slightly confused, you looked inside and saw four pieces of the rare cane. You didn’t know how to express thanks besides repeating the word in the hopes that it would be enough.

“It’s okay, really.” The Merchant said softly. “Times are strange, we may meet again.”

You flashed a smile and thanked him once more before turning to leave.

You returned to the Child and the Mandalorian shortly after and noticed the mechanic of your ship walking away from the beskar-plated man with a spring in his step and humming a tune.

“Was that...?”

“It was.” Mando sighed. “Apparently, the repairs won’t be ready until tomorrow afternoon because the mechanic doesn’t want to miss out on the ‘festivities’.”

You couldn’t really blame the creature for halting work and you looked over at the hill pathway that led to the ship. “Old fashioned camp out in the broken cargo hold?” You suggested.

“It’s getting dark and you’re exhausted. We’ll stay in town until the repairs are complete.”

This meant that you could repay the Merchant in full.

“Why are you smiling?”

You wiped the escaped emotion from your face and cleared your throat. Balancing the bag against your hip, you looked around the well-lit town, deflecting the question, “I’m sure that there’s a good lodging around here.”

And you were right, a short walk down the road landed the three of you at a comfortable inn for travellers. But as luck would have it, finding a decent sized room in the towns busiest time proved to be difficult and so, you, Mando and cradled baby were placed in a smaller, single bed compartment with extra blankets to compensate. While it was quaint, a part of you wished that you were back on the Razor Crest.

As Mando settled into the temporary sleeping quarters by checking the perimeters, you helped the kid out of his cot and onto the soft mattress. This hadn’t been the first time that there was only one bed between three individuals so you and Mando decided to take one side each to make sure that you were both well rested. And, to be involved, the Child would walk across the surface before sitting on the side that he wanted Mando to be. 

The kid cooed and then smacked his lips which reminded you that he had not been fed the since lunch. You walked over to the table by the door and dug into the paper bag retrieving a stick of the gimer cane before carefully handing it to the baby to taste.

Mando joined your side as the pair of watched the child chew on the cane with a happy squeal.

“He likes it.” Mando noted, relatively surprised. Your mouth hung open as you watched the green womp rat do a little seated ‘happy dance’.

The Merchant was right.

Speaking of the man, you remembered to tell the bounty hunter of your plans the next day, explaining - once again - that it would be a good way for the kid to learn and enjoy other customs. His sigh told you that he wasn’t thrilled but, ultimately, he resigned. “Fine but we’re leaving the moment the Crest is fixed.”

You tried to contain your smile but it slipped out which led to the Mandalorian shaking his head and heading for the bed to get some decent rest. He picked up the child and moved him to the centre before laying down on the sheets. As you watched the baby find a comfortable sleeping position against his chosen-father, you realised that you were fairly exhausted from the day. You took up the blankets that the lodging provided and laid along the empty bed space, covering yourself and the kid just before falling asleep to the burning candlelight.

When you woke to birdsong, you found that the child had switched sleeping allegiances and was now snuggled in your arms. Mando stepped out of the refresher and helped you to get ready for the day by removing the womp rat from your hold which led the child waking up with a small wail until Mando pacified him with a gimer cane.

Once all affairs were in order, you paid the lodging owner in full and left for the Merchant’s stall where the man had just farewelled a customer.

“Can I have four more gimer canes?” You wondered and the moment the Merchant saw you, he abandoned his job, rushing to the front with a smile.

“You- you’re still here.”

Nodding, you gestured to where Mando stood with the child, “Our repairs will be done this afternoon which means we can go to the Holly Seed Planting.”

The Merchant nodded and boldly took your hands when he spoke. “The Planting is in a few hours but there are things we can do before that!” He looked over your shoulder to Mando, “Tell me, friend. Have you ever gone sledding through fields of freshly lain snow under trees of light?”

Mando stared back through his visor, “Only to capture my bounty.”

The Merchant didn’t know what to make of the statement and you chuckled to lighten the air, “Sledding sounds wonderful!”

And that’s what you did. The Merchant took the three of you to a sledding field and you almost forgot about your mission to find the child’s people. Mando took the green womp rat for a ride after caving to his pleading coos while you rode with the Merchant. 

Once the snow-filled fun had run its course, you all ventured back into town for a hot meal at the local cantina and a short rest before learning that enough time had passed for the Holly Seed Planting. You and Mando followed the Merchant over to the large tree where, at its base, several plots were dug in long rows along the white frost.

“What’s so special about this event?” You asked as curiosity enveloped when you noticed people gathering in pairs.

The Merchant took your hand and pointed across, “Holly Seeds are special, they bloom fast with emotion and identical where love is pure. It’s a rare sight to see but it doesn’t make it any less fun to plant.”

“What happens to these seeds after?”

“We nurture them through the year, their roots and leaves merge until they form the Town’s next tree for Holly Day.”

If you had left the day before, you never would have learnt about something so amazing.

“Oh - I think it’s starting. Let’s go get a seed.” The Merchant told you excitably.

Mando made no effort to move quickly, instead he held onto the child and stepped back. “I think the kid and I will wait this one out.”

A part of you wished he wouldn’t remove himself but once the Mandalorian made up his mind, he often stuck to it. You focused on the Merchant once more, painting the snow with your footprints until you both collected a Holly Seed Pot each and kneeled by two empty plots.

“Okay,” The Merchant said, nestling a little closer, “so all we need to do is hold these next to each other and if everything is right, they’ll bloom.”

You held out your pot until it clinked against the Merchant’s. Almost instantly, a bud peered through the Merchant’s soil and it quickly grew into a stem ... then leaves sprang forth ... and finally, a white-petaled flower emerged, tilting forward like a bell.

You looked down at the pot in your hands and there was nothing - not even a hint of green.

You gave a dry chuckle to hide the way your heart sank, “I can’t imagine it’s good news if nothing happens, right?”

The Merchant shook his head to not worry you but you could see in his eyes that this came as a surprise to him too. Clearing your throat, you flashed him a smile and looked around the place where bursts of colourful flowers came to life. “So, what happens next?”

“Usually, we walk around and see if there are identical flowers before we plant them into the ground but...”

You noticed his eyes flicker to the various pots, clearly trying to spot his match, and placed an gentle hand over his shoulder.

“Go ahead, it’s okay.” You told him as he once told you. The Merchant hesitated briefly until you repeated yourself.

You got to your feet as he thanked you and then you watched him walk through the crowd. Glancing at your sad-looking pot, you remembered something and looked up to find your travel associates.

No green or beskar could be seen. You did, however, see the mechanic once again. He had just arrived and was talking to a friend about how he had just finished a job.

The Razor Crest must have been ready. You intended to give a farewell to the Merchant but when you saw him standing by a young woman with an identical white flower, you decided against it.

Let him have this moment. Taking the plant, you decided to blend out of the crowd and back to somewhere familiar.

—

The Merchant was kind but Mando felt his dislike for the local grow every time you were present. He blamed the whimsical nature of the town but Mando felt something envious surge in him whenever you talked about the Merchant with a smile. Then he had to spend the day watching the pair of you laugh and joke and... hold hands - Mando seriously feared that you may have been falling in love. When the Seed Planting came around, he tried to ignore the way you and the Merchant had grown fond of one other so he stood to the back of the crowd. He was blending in quite well until a sweet old lady spotted him and the child and handed him a Holly Seed Pot of his own. He tried to give it back but the woman ignored him and moved on. The Child cooed and Mando turned to see you kneeling by the snow and holding your pot against that of the Merchants.

He heard the baby croon and attempt to speak.

“I know buddy...”

The child started tapping his hands over Mando’s gloves and pulled his attention from the Jedi over to the pot in his hands.

A red flower had sprouted almost instantly while was distracted. The edges of the petals ran gold like ink.

His mind flew to what the Merchant had said about quick blooming flowers and the Mandalorian felt his heart race.

‘Fast with emotion.’ He had said.

Turning around, Mando made a quick getaway just as the townsfolk gathered to ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ around the flowers. Thinking fast, he decided to head back to the ship, almost bursting into a sprint. The child had fallen asleep during the trip so when Mando finally got to the Crest, he laid the infant down before getting to work. He took the pot plant over to the carbonite chamber and shut it inside with a hiss.

—

The walk uphill was long and exhausting. There were multiple times when you considered throwing the pot behind you but something always made you rethink and forget the option. When you finally reached the Crest, you spotted Mando fiddling by the carbonite chamber and the kid asleep in his cradle. You dumped the pot on the side bench and headed past the Mandalorian for the cockpit.

“I’m ready to get out of here.” You said, climbing up the ladder. Without missing a beat, you sat in the pilots seat and prepared for take off, closing the doors of the cargo bay. You were a fast flyer so you had the ship up in lightspeed in no time only dropping out when you were several systems away. As you prepped the ship for autopilot, you heard the familiar armour behind you.

“I’m sorry it didn’t work out.” He said gently. “The Jedi Order and the Mandalorian Way don’t give much room for romance.”

You leaned forward and flicked on two switches. A disappointed sigh escaping over the console. “I know. Sometimes, I hope for a sign that will lead me down a different path - one where I don’t walk alone. But it’s always a fools hope.”

The Crest’s engine sputtered, shaking loose a pipe above your head which made you frown when it bumped your head. “Dank farrik.” You muttered. “Can you get me something to fix this?”

The beskar helmet nodded and Mando turned down the narrow corridor. He went down the stairs to grab a wrench from his tools cabinet when a flicker of gold caught his attention.

Sitting on the bench was your Holly Seed Pot, a green stem had rose from the mud, blooming a red Holly Flower with gold trimming - just like his.

Masterlist here

[dipulb3]

2021 Ford Ranger Tremor is ready for your overlanding expedition

New Post has been published on https://appradab.com/2021-ford-ranger-tremor-is-ready-for-your-overlanding-expedition/

2021 Ford Ranger Tremor is ready for your overlanding expedition

In recent years, not only have sales of pickup trucks increased, interest in overlanding — the phenomenon of off-grid adventure travel to remote destinations in specially prepared vehicles — has skyrocketed. This off-road pastime’s dramatic rise in popularity predates COVID-19, but today’s pandemic somehow makes the idea of zombie-apocalypse-ready 4×4 ownership suddenly seem like a sensible investment.

Like

Beefier suspension and tires add capability

Torquey engine = good tow/payload ratings

Class-leading ground-clearance

Visual tweaks look sharp

Don’t Like

Dated interior

No front locking differential

Significant fuel economy penalty

MSRP is competitive but costs as much as an F-150

In any case, the Blue Oval’s product planners didn’t necessarily have Armageddon in mind when they came up with the 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor, but that doesn’t mean this pickup wouldn’t make for a good truck upon which to build out an end times overlanding rig. Even if you’re not a prepper, as far as social-distancing machines go, Ford’s go-farther 4×4 is better suited than most.

After a long hiatus, the Ranger reentered the North American market in 2019 and its popularity has been gaining steadily. Last year, despite the coronavirus hamstringing new-car sales, Ranger sales actually increased, with the model claiming the midsize pickup segment’s second-place sales slot behind Toyota’s Tacoma. There’s still a lot of daylight between the Ranger and Tacoma on the sales charts, however, and Ford figures much of the hill it has to climb is with the type of buyers who gravitate toward the Taco’s many TRD off-road models.

2021 Ford Ranger Tremor is ready for your overlanding gear

See all photos

Now, the Tremor isn’t a standalone model, it’s actually a $4,290 package that can be added atop the truck’s mid-grade XLT and range-topping Lariat trims. The Tremor starts by incorporating most of the performance and aesthetic hardware from today’s existing FX4 off-road package and adding Ranger’s Sport Appearance trimmings. Combined, those two option groups normally total about $2,000, so after spending a couple of weeks with this model both on and off-road, the nearly $2,300 cost premium for all of the Tremor’s additional gear feels like a pretty solid value.

Like other Rangers, the Tremor uses the same 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo I4 mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Good for 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, this is still one of the torquiest and most modern drivetrains available in a midsize truck. The engine has more than enough oomph to tote this 4,571-pound pickup around and the stop/start tech is well behaved to boot.

The Tremor package is available exclusively on four-wheel-drive SuperCrew models with a five-foot bed.

Nick Miotke/Roadshow

Foxy suspension and a geometry lesson

The Tremor’s main upgrades are centered around the Ranger’s suspension, with the headliner being a set of expensive Fox 2.0 shocks, including more sophisticated remote-reservoir units on the rear axle which pair with Tremor-specific leaf springs. The front end gets new springs, too, along with different control arms and a thinner anti-roll bar for better off-road articulation. The steering system is tweaked, too, with unique knuckles to help accommodate the demands of the Tremor’s larger 32-inch General Grabber off-road tires which wrap a set of Magnetic-painted 17-inch wheels.

All of this new hardware yields a modest 0.8 inches of additional ground clearance for a total of 9.7 — slightly better than a Tacoma TRD Pro. Most of that increase is due to the larger tires, which also lend this truck a slightly more planted, 1-inch-wider stance. So equipped, the Tremor’s approach angle is 30.9 degrees, departure is set at 27.1 degrees and breakover angle is 24.2. Those are improvements of 2.2 degrees, 1.7 degrees and 2.7 degrees, respectively.

Spendy Fox 2.0 monotube dampers feature remote reservoirs for better thermal management on the rear axle.

Ford

On-road manners and visual tweaks

While these modifications are designed for off-road use, most of these trucks will still live on pavement for the vast majority of their days, so it’s good to know that this isn’t such an extreme setup that the Ranger’s on-road demeanor has been ruined. The ride is a skosh softer, and there’s a bit more body roll when attacking corners on dry pavement, but the difference is neither alarming nor offputting. If anything, the ride quality is actually more agreeable than the last Ranger I remember driving. Better still, the truck’s all-terrain rubber doesn’t drone on the freeway the way a lot of big-lug off-road tires can. The Tremor may be an off-road-focused package, but over the course of several weeks, I found it more than livable as a daily driver. 

I even dig the subtle Tremor-specific visual tweaks. There’s a unique grille with red-outlined nostrils and the blacked-out bumpers and wider wheel lips give a bit more stance and presence. Look a little closer, and you’ll probably note the front steel skid plate, the pair of rear tow hooks and the running boards. The latter sit higher and tighter than the optional side steps you can get on other Rangers, but don’t worry, you can still unbolt ’em for better off-road clearance. There’s also a splashy, retro-look graphics package available, if that’s your jam.

The Ford Ranger’s interior is no great shakes, even with some Tremor-specific touches.

Ford

Dated cabin with a few extras

Inside, the Ranger’s cabin is largely the same as ever, which is to say, not very impressive. Yes, there are modest Tremor-specific touches like the script logos and suede-like panels in the seatbacks, plus a useful set of rubber floor liners and black dashboard trim. I also appreciate the six-pack of auxiliary power switches designed to easily accommodate extra lights, an air compressor or myriad other useful accessories. But otherwise, the interior feels pretty dated. Believe it or not, this XLT actually still has a switchblade ignition key (fortunately, Lariat trims get pushbutton start).

Even though Ford invested a bunch of money in Ranger when it returned to the US in 2019, it wasn’t a brand-new truck upon arrival, as the same basic generation had been selling overseas for years. Despite a bunch of upgrades meant to bring the truck in-line with the heightened refinement expectations of US consumers, the Ranger’s interior is the easiest way to date this truck. Its plastics are almost universally hard, its infotainment lives on a small-ish touchscreen that isn’t flush mounted and isn’t running the latest version of Sync. Even the last-generation F-150 feels far, far more advanced and substantial, let alone the freshly redesigned 2021 blockbuster now wheeling out of dealers.

To be fair, the cabins of midsize pickups are all quite disappointing these days, whether you’re talking Ford, Toyota or General Motors. Jeep’s Gladiator is somewhat better in terms of tech, but it’s very expensive. In fact, only the Honda Ridgeline really feels up to snuff all the way around, but because it’s a unibody, many buyers won’t even look at one. This Ranger’s cabin remains in the hunt, but interior niceness is a prime reason for potential buyers to consider stretching to even a lower-end F-150.

Lackluster fuel economy

If you’re thinking fuel efficiency is a good reason to go with this smaller truck, you’re going to want to think again. Partly because of its larger tires and blockier profile, the Ranger Tremor only manages a straight 19 miles per gallon across the board (city, highway and combined) according to EPA estimates. That’s a surprisingly stiff comedown from the standard Ranger 4×4 XLT’s 20 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined.

Incidentally, that’s also the same combined-cycle rating as a 5.0-liter V8-powered F-150 4×4, which gets 16 mpg city and 22 highway (let alone more efficient F-150 options like the 2.7-liter EcoBoost, diesel or PowerBoost hybrid). Again, these numbers are competitive within this segment, but not unlike the interior accommodations mentioned earlier, the Tremor’s efficiency comes across as disappointingly yester-tech.

The 2.3-liter EcoBoost isn’t much to look at, but with 270 horses and 310 pound-feet of torque, it doesn’t need to be.

Nick Miotke/Josh Krzywonos/Roadshow

Off-road performance and towing/payload

I spent a wintry day at Holly Oaks, a newly opened quarry-turned-off-road playland in metro Detroit to test the Tremor’s mettle. With a mix of hard-packed frozen ground and mud-and-snow slurry, this ORV park was a suitably tough test for this pickup. Better still, I enjoyed practically free run of the place, as it was closed to the public, enabling me to go back and try the same trails and obstacles in different drive modes while taking different lines to assess the truck’s full capabilities.

Like the FX4, the Tremor features Ford’s Terrain Management System, so you can poke a button and optimize the vehicle’s various drive and brake systems for whatever surface you’re about to roll over (it’s kind of like the dial-a-nap controller on your vacuum). Ford says it recalibrated the Tremor’s traction control for this model’s larger, knobbier tires for better traction on gravel and I found the system worked equally well in the slushy stuff as it did on the hardpack.

One thing that’s nice is you can cycle through TMS’ modes on the fly. I primarily relied on Grass/Gravel/Snow for hills, but when I was just having fun intentionally sliding around at speed on the flat stuff, I chose Sand mode (and occasionally Mud and Ruts) to allow for more wheelspin to indulge my adolescent need for rooster tails.

Like the FX4, the Tremor also features Trail Control, which is Ford’s low-speed, off-road cruise control for both ascending and descending hills at preset speeds from 1 to 20 mph. It’s really, really useful and confidence-inspiring tech, as it allows you to focus on steering the vehicle without having to worry about modulating the pedals. Combined with the Ranger’s other electronic aids and the Tremor’s upgraded hardware, the entire package is so capable that these assists ultimately remove some of the sense of challenge and accomplishment of off-roading. It’s nice to know it’s there, but sometimes, it’s just more fun to go manual and do it yourself.

At moments like this, a forward-facing spotter’s camera would’ve been really convenient.

Nick Miotke/Josh Krzywonos/Roadshow

That said, there are a couple of hardware tricks that I wouldn’t mind seeing on the Tremor’s spec sheet, including a front locking differential. A rear e-locker comes standard, but there’s no front-axle equivalent like a Chevy Colorado ZR2 or a Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, so you’re ultimately going to give up some ability when rock climbing. Fortunately, the vast majority of the time, you’ll never know it’s missing.

On the other hand, there’s one thing you will definitely miss while off-roading: a forward-facing camera. I didn’t have a pal to stand outside in the blustery cold to help guide me over and around obstacles, and when on steep ascents and descents, you can’t see over the hood to know what you’re about to crawl over. While it’s understandable that an older and more-affordable midsizer like the Tremor might not yet be offered with 360-degree camera coverage, a low-mounted front-facing camera would be mighty welcome and would provide a further point of differentiation from lesser Ranger models.

As it is, the Ranger’s tidier dimensions are inherently easier to manage off-road than a full-size truck. There’s less chance of scraping your fancy Cactus Gray paint in narrow forest passages and tight turns are easier to negotiate than they’d be in an F-Series, as well.

Off-road, you really appreciate that this turbo four has so much low-end torque and it’s great that the transmission has so many gears to choose from; you never feel like the EcoBoost is straining to get you through, even if it does sound flaccid compared to competitors’ V6 engines. All that torque helps on-road, too, delivering a best-in-class 7,500-pound tow rating or 1,430 pounds of payload in its 5-foot bed. Those numbers are right at the head of the class, and they’re important metrics when building an overlanding rig laden with lots of heavy gear.

Pricing and final judgment

So, the Ranger Tremor isn’t a high-speed off-roader like a Ford F-150 Raptor (or even the overseas-only Ranger Raptor), nor is it a hardcore rock crawler. This truck feels like it’s been designed to sit right in the middle capability-wise, which could have resulted in a vehicle that feels muddled and indecisive, like one that can’t figure out what it’s designed for. Instead, the Tremor seems like it’s found a capability sweet spot. It’s quite good at a variety of off-road disciplines and that makes it a better baseline platform for customizing if you haven’t decided what kind of off-roading you really want to commit to, be it desert bombing, overlanding or forested mountain ascents.

If you’re someone who off-roads a lot, the 2021 Ranger Tremor is big fun, but it isn’t cheap. Whereas a non-Tremor XLT SuperCrew 4×4 starts at $35,940 (including $1,195 destination), an XLT Tremor will run you $41,900 delivered — without extras. An option-free, top-trim Lariat runs $46,275 in your driveway, but it includes niceties like a B&O audio system, leather seats, navigation, remote start and adaptive cruise control. With options including the Technology Package ($995 for adaptive cruise, navigation, etc.), spray-in bed liner ($495), remote start ($195) and SecuriCode keyless-entry pad ($95), my XLT tester rings up at $43,680 delivered.

Overall, the Tremor is competitively priced within its segment (a Tacoma TRD Pro starts at over $45,000), but this Ford’s base MSRP is also really close to that of the new F-150 XLT 4×4 with a 5.0-liter V8. The F-Series is a much, much more advanced machine with similar efficiency.

Of course, not everyone wants or needs a full-size pickup and the number of buyers splurging on smaller, costlier, factory-backed hardcore off-road specials like this 2021 Ranger Tremor appears to be growing every day. In order to stay competitive, it’s important that Ford play in this space. And you know what? Despite this truck’s shortcomings, I still kinda dig it.

[siribear]

somehow, their mattress survived the bombs. the bed frame? not so much. with codsworth’s help, she drags the splintered wood out of the house. other than that, she can’t bring herself to remove anything else from the house. not the ruined stereo, the blasted television, the broken kitchen chairs. codsworth had two hundred years to clean up the glass and wood and dust, but other than that, her home remains untouched.

two centuries ago, she stood in shaun’s room with her husband. played with the mobile above shaun’s crib that’s only shattered bits of plastic and string, now. she doesn’t move that, either. just moves the dusty old books back to their ruined shelves.

she changes into the leather armor in her old bathroom. doesn’t look in the mirror for fear of what she might see.

back in her room, she lays out her new guns and ammo. codsworth hovers nearby, reminding her how to clean them when she misses a step. she replaces her supplies in her pack, hides nate’s wedding ring in a pocket near the bottom, and shoves it in a corner.

claire lies back on her old mattress. she expects to sleep, but doesn’t. every time she closes her eyes, she sees the dead raiders. the ones she tore apart.

instead, she spends the remaining daylight finding beds for the others. it feels strange, looting her neighbors’ houses, but she ignores the feeling the best she can. in the ruins, she finds enough beds for the longs, for mama murphy, and sturges. at the back of one of the houses is a basement, and there she finds a sleeping bag and a store of food that can last them a few days.

she unloads a duffel bag in the house across from hers, and the group divvies up the food. when preston pokes his head in, she unrolls the sleeping bag and apologizes.

he shrugs. ‘i’ve slept on worse. thank you, though.’

she does find a broken water pump behind another house, as well as a small garden plot with the remains of two fruit plants. when she shows sturges, he assures her he can fix it.

preston catches her still wandering the neighborhood long after the sun goes down.

‘can’t sleep?’ he asks softly.

‘just trying to pull this place back together.’

he nods. ‘i can’t either. i keep thinking more raiders will come in the middle of the night.’

‘you can’t defend the others if you’re dead on your feet, you know.’

a chuckle. ‘i could say the same to you.’

‘that’s - okay. that’s fair.’

the smile he gives her is genuine, understanding. ‘look, i know i kind of forced you to help us - ’ she gestures in the negative, but he continues. ‘ - but i didn’t really expect you to stay and help us... rebuild. so, thank you. again.’

it’s her turn to shrug. ‘i wanted to help.’

‘that’s the thing. we’re not - i’m not used to that. not anymore.’ he sits on the curb of the worn down road. she sits cross legged next to him. ‘at the museum, i mentioned the quincy massacre.’ he takes a steadying breath. ‘we were betrayed. first, a minuteman, clint, joined the gunners. they attacked quincy, and would have taken over that night if not for colonel hollis. we fortified the town, held our own for the days that the gunners attacked, but clint returned. he wanted us to surrender.

‘colonel hollis called for reinforcements, but no one came. too many politics over the line of succession after the former general died, i guess. we didn’t last another night. twenty of us made it out of quincy. thirteen of us made it to concord. now it’s just us.’

‘and you’re the last minuteman,’ she concludes.

‘but it doesn’t have to be that way!’ his change in tone startles her. ‘the commonwealth - i think it still needs the minutemen. we can do better. defend the people we actually swore to protect. but i - i don’t know if i can - ’ his previous enthusiasm dies just as quickly as it came.

claire mulls it over, tapping her chin. ‘you’d have to rebuild that trust as well. i can’t imagine quincy endeared the minutemen to anyone.’

his shoulders sag.

‘so, preston.’ she stands, grinning. ‘where do we start?’

‘wait, really?’ he jumps to his feet. ‘you’re going to do this?’

‘i haven’t been here long, but i can see having more people like you in the commonwealth can’t hurt,’ she reasons.

‘haven’t been here... where did you come from, anyway?’ he looks to the pip-boy on her wrist. ‘a vault?’

she blanks. no one would really believe she’s two hundred years old, right? she wouldn’t believe it if anyone tried to tell her that. so she lies. ‘oh, no. i’m from out west. i’m looking for someone.’

‘mama murphy mentioned that. and you think they came to the commonwealth?’

claire kicks a rock on the road. ‘it’s the only lead i’ve got, so far.’

preston hums, thinking. ‘well, i can’t help but be grateful for your timing.’ he looks over at the house across from hers, where she had shown him the sleeping bag. ‘i think i might actually sleep easy tonight.’ when claire doesn’t move to leave, he says, ‘if you still can’t sleep, there’s a settlement over the hill. it’s a farm, run by the abernathy family. i.. remember they requested help from the minutemen, before we fell apart. maybe you can talk to them?’

‘a farm? we could definitely use some food,’ she says, mostly to herself. ‘yeah, i think i’ll do that. thanks, preston.’

‘no problem, uh - ’

again, a name. she makes a decision, in the moment. ‘alice. just - call me alice.’

preston smiles. ‘no problem, alice. and i can’t thank you enough, honestly.’

‘thank me by getting some sleep, preston. i’ll be back soon.’

-

codsworth joins her on her way out of sanctuary. dogmeat, surprisingly, follows her across the bridge as well. alice scratches behind his ears as the trio stands on the edge of the bridge.

‘mum?’

‘yes, codsworth?’

‘i heard you speaking to mr. garvey. i think helping the minutemen is an honorable cause.’ she hums in agreement. ‘and i heard you say - your name is alice, mum?’

she doesn’t respond.

‘would you like me to adjust my settings?’

‘that would be best, codsworth.’

‘of course, miss alice.’

dogmeat whines. they continue toward the red rocket gas station, veering west as night settles around them.

-

post-war commonwealth is quieter, alice notes. no sound of cars in the distance, no sounds of the city. just the wind, the crunch of leaves under her feet, and the putter of codsworth hovering alongside her. a pair of - and she shouldn’t be surprised - giant flies attacks them as they pass by concord’s water tower, but they’re taken care of quickly. codsworth calls them bloatflies, alice calls them dead, and dogmeat calls them forward.

ahead, a wooden building appears over the hill.

‘that’ll be abernathy farm, then.’ she breaks into a jog.

dogmeat runs up to a small pen and begins sniffing around the fence. alice slows and whispers to codsworth, ‘what is that thing?’

‘that is a brahmin, mum. mutated after the war.’

brahmin. she stares at what should be a cow. or, it would be, if it only had one head.

‘you’ll step away from her, if you know what’s good for you,’ threatens a man from the porch of the towering house. he approaches slowly, a shotgun pointed at her chest.

alice takes two, slow steps away, hands up to show she means no harm. ‘i’m just here to trade for food.’

‘right,’ he draws the word out, eyeing the trio: a curious dog, a mr. handy, and a woman in bloodied leather armor. alice imagines they make quite a sight, even for the commonwealth.

‘it’s late, i know. i’m sorry.’ earlier, her pipboy read just before midnight. ‘i’m new to the commonwealth - killed a group of raiders this morning and helped a group of refugees settle in sanctuary over the hill.’

‘that was you?’ he lowers the shotgun an inch. ‘we heard the gunfire, but couldn’t get involved, not after - ’ he seems to catch himself. ‘anyway, fine. i was just wrapping up for the night. what are you looking for?’

‘any extra food would be great. some seeds would help us be more self sufficient, too.’

‘ever been a farmer?’

‘ah - no, but i’m willing to learn.’

the man, blake abernathy, he says, gives her tips on farming. she types in the notes on her pipboy. after, he disappears into the house. inside, alice can see a small light flicker on, and when he returns its with a younger woman in tow.

‘my daughter, lucy.’

‘nice to meet you!’ she holds out a hand, and alice shakes it. ‘you’re not one of the usual traders.’

‘i’m not from the area.’ she shrugs. ‘i’m actually with the minutemen. we’re trying to establish ourselves up in sanctuary.’

in the pipboy light, blake frowns. ‘you didn’t say you were with the minutemen.’

‘is that a problem?’

‘some people don’t take kindly to the minutemen. not after what happened at quincy.’

alice lets out a small, ah. ‘i’m sorry to hear that. oh,’ she takes the handful of seeds and produce from lucy and stuffs them in a pocket of her backpack, ‘what do i owe you?’

lucy must see the blank look on her face when blake tells her some amount of ‘caps.’ ‘do you not use bottle caps where you’re from?’ before alice can respond, lucy, thankfully, barrels on and helps her count out the caps from the pouch preston gave her. ‘it’s easy. just one-for-one.’

‘thank you,’ alice says, earnestly. the new currency will take some getting used to. cap-italism enters her mind, unbidden, and has to wave off blake and lucy’s confused looks when she begins to laugh. ‘just different is all. sorry.’

‘right. anyway, just watch out for raiders.’ blake’s voice shifts to a low growl. ‘they only know how to take what isn’t theirs. no matter who tries to stop them.’

‘daddy - ’

‘mind telling me what happened?’ alice ventures.

he does, pain evident in his voice. parents burying their child. he must hear some echoed understanding in her own voice when she asks what she can do to help. ‘mary had a locket, it’s been in connie’s family for generations. if you could get that back...’ a thought crosses his mind. ‘well, maybe we’ll reconsider our thoughts on the minutemen.’

alice nods. ‘it would be my pleasure.’

lucy grabs her arm when she turns to leave. ‘daddy, honestly, she looks dead on her feet. we have a spare bed upstairs. the locket can wait until the morning.’

blake seems to agree, because he doesn’t stop them when lucy hauls alice into the house.

‘i will guard the area, mum!’ codsworth calls as she crosses the doorway, and dogmeat follows in after her, tail wagging.

[actiontowingllcme-blog]

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For any Aurora driver, it makes sense to have a local towing service's number saved in case of emergency. If you're like many, than that number is 720-737-9118 and will instantly connect you with Action Towing LLC's dispatcher. We have been in business for Towing Services, Roadside Assistance, Wrecker Services, Car Lockout Assistance, . There are plenty of towing and wrecker companies in Aurora, but only Action Towing LLC has what it takes to stay at the top. Innovative and experienced, our team knows the right techniques for dealing with everything from delicate accident recoveries to roadside assistance. Armed with the best equipment and a caring attitude, we're proud to make helping others in the Aurora community our business. With Action Towing LLC, you'll never be overcharged by a single cent or be treated with less than the utmost respect. We value your business and work hard to earn it on every call. Action Towing LLC can be reached at 720-737-9118 at all hours. Call us and we'll be on the way for whatever towing, roadside assistance, or recovery you need.. As the area's leading tower/wrecker,we are proud to provide affordable-priced towing services, roadside assistance, wrecker services, and car lockout assistance.

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[floridafasttowing]

[monotremeineurope]

Wed 04 Dec - Omakau-Oturehua

Up about 0730 and smooth prep. Although it is steady rain, we are ready to go by 0900. The rain eases off and we head towards to Lauder. We get there and go to the Station Cafe, timing it perfectly to miss the worst downpour of the day. Head out again and the worst of the rain seems to avoid us. Go up hill over bridges and through tunnels. Holly gets towed by Cam on his ebike. Only other riders we see are a group of schoolboys, almost all of them have GoPro attachments on their helmets. We come into Oturehua and go the Hayes 

Engineering Works cafe for some lunch. After that we go another 500m to The Mill. Carmel hostesses at this amazing building, very comfy. Veg out till we get picked up for dinner, not before witnessing one of those most grossest things I have seen ... that being Holly tending to her father's toenails. We get bussed to the Oturehua Railway Hotel, we have a reasonable dinner and then get bussed back to The MIll. Everyone else crashes, watching NZ version of HYBPA. I go up onto hill behind The Mill to see magnificent views of snow-capped mountains. Don’t have the best sleep due to all the birds in the roof.

[torentialtribute]

Royal Ascot 2019 Day 2: Robin Goodfellow’s racing tips – Best bets for Wednesday, June 19

Ryan Moore delivered another dazzling Royal Ascot performance with an opening-day double and MAGICAL (Ascot, 3.40) could continue the Ballydoyle domination on Wednesday afternoon.

Arizona vintage and Circus Maximus saw Moore share the day-one riding honors with Danny Tudhope, but with a number of fancied mounts this afternoon, the former champion will be targeting another successful day.

In Magical, the English maestro appears to have a willing and reliable ally for a fascinating renewal of the Group One Princes Of Wales's Stakes which has the potential to be the race of the meeting. Arc De Triomphe runner-up Sea Of Class and the highly talented Crystal Ocean provide stiff opposition, but Magical is fancied to conjure up another stunning performance.

Jockey Ryan Moore can score again on Magical in the Group One Princes Of Wales's Stakes

ROYAL ASCOT

ROBIN GOODFELLOW

2.30 Final Song (nb)

3.05 Norway

3.40 Magical

4.20 I Can Fly

5.00 Raising Sand (nap)

5.35 Southern Hills

GIMCRACK

2.30 Flippa The Strippa

3.05 Nate The Great

3.40 Mag ical (n ap)

4.20 Pretty Baby (nb)

5.00 Chilean

5.35 Better The Devil

2.30 QUEEN MARY STAKES

Forecast rain could make fairly testing if it materializes and could play to the strengths of FINAL SONG given the manner of course and distance debut victory.

Displaying a professional attitude, the daughter of Dark Angel traveled powerfully before quickening to put six lengths between herself and toiling rivals in a matter of strides. Drawn alongside the two American speedballs (Anna's Fast and Kimari), Final Song should enjoy a good tow into the race and looks capable of delivering another big performance.

John Quinn sprang a 25-1 surprise in this race last year and Liberty Beach looks overpriced on the Beverley win, while the ground will be no issue for Partridge, who could outrun her tasty odds.

SELECTION: FINAL SONG

DANGER: LIBERTY BEACH

3.05 QUEEN'S VASE

With four victories in the past six runnings, trainer Aidan O'Brien has been the go-to man for this race and Western Australia and NORWAY appear to give him another excellent chance of success.

The former appreciated the step up in trip to score well at Navan last time but his stablemate is narrowly preferred as he was far from disgraced in the Derby when aggressively ridden and looks the type to improve again for a stiffer test or stamina.

Norway previously had no answer to the turn or foot displayed by Sir Dragonet at Chester but he didn't enjoy the smoothest of passages and looks capable of confirming placings with Dashing Willoughby, who also emerged with plenty of credit that day.

SELECTION: NORWAY

DANGER: DASHING WILLOUGhBY

3.40 PRINCE OF WALES'S STAKES

The presence of star fillies MAGICAL and Sea Of Class combined with classy male counterparts Crystal Ocean and Waldgeist could ensure this is a race for the ages.

Figures followers will note that Magical has recorded two of the best three career runs this season, an achievement that appears to find her trainer's view that she is in the form of her life this term. Admittedly, she has beaten the same horse in Flag Of Honor three times – on the last two occasions at very short prices – but the victories have been recorded emphatically and Latrobe, twice beaten by the selection this spring, ran a fine race in defeat yesterday in the Wolferton Stakes.

Trainer William Haggas will be buoyed by landing the aforementioned day one final with Addeybb, his first Royal win for some years, and Sea Of Class is reported to have been trained for the minute on her

On a line through the majestic Enable, there isn't a great deal to separate the two fillies, but Magical copes well with soft ground, is tactically versatile and stays 12 furlongs well so may just enjoy an edge over a horse that has not been seen since finishing an unlucky second in last year's Arc.

SELECTION: MAGICAL

DANGER: SEA OF CLASS

[1 9459018] 4.20 DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE STAKES

Any further softening in conditions will play to the strengths of I CAN FLY who posted a career last here autumn when chasing home Roaring Lion in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes under similar conditions.

Admittedly, she was a little below par at the Curragh last time but she was slowly away that day and found a track bias, which suited the front-running winner Beshaayir, all against her.

She was similarly slowly away in the Lockinge at Newbury yet emerged with a great deal of credit to take sixth and the performance of Lord Glitter suggests it is a piece of form worth noting. Rawdaa has caught the eye with tidy performances this term and rates a chief danger along with last year's Sandringham winner Agrotera.

SELECTION: I CAN FLY

DANGER : AGROTERA

5.00 ROYAL HUNT CUP

The Victoria Cup may prove a pivotal piece of form in deciphering this complex puzzle and Kynren and RAISING SAND could prove the duo to concentrate on.

The former ran yet another blinder at the Berkshire venue to chase home winner Cape Byron that day and the step up to a mile should see him on the scene again. However, that also applies to Raising Sand and he is marginally preferred.

Jamie Osborne's grand handicapper has run in a multitude of Ascot handicaps and he really caught the eye when a little isolated on the stands side rail in the Victoria Cup. The way in which Raising Sand charged home suggested he too would relish a stamina and any rain would improve his chance still further.

SELECTION: RAISING SAND (nap)

DANGER: KYNREN

5.35 WINDSOR CASTLE STAKES

It remains something of a mystery how SOUTHERN HILLS managed to get saved at Navan , but he could gain compensation given a more patient ride.

The imposing son of Gleneagles moved powerfully throughout that small-field contest and shot readily clear of his main market rival and odds-on favorite, Air Force Jet, looking sure to register a first career win.

It was wither a lack of concentration or greenness, but Southern Hills looked to pull himself up a little when hitting the front and allowed his rival to overhaul him late on. Hopefully, the selection will have been learned from that experience and Ryan Moore, in such an irresistible form on day one, can harness his undoubted ability and speed for a race-winning challenge.

SELECTION: SOUTHERN HILLS

DANGER: TEMPLE OF HEAVEN

HOLLIE DOYLE: FINAL SONG IS A BORN WINNER

SEA OF CLASS was a brilliant filly last season, winning two Group One races and only narrowly being beaten by Enable in the Arc.

There is a chance the filly trained by William Haggas could be better this season and she should be very tough to beat in a Prince of Wales's Stakes which is one of the races of the week with Crystal Ocean and Magical in opposition.

The Haggas team is in good form and had a winner with Addeybb on the opening day yesterday.

In the Queen Mary Stakes I like Saeed Bin Suroor's FINAL SONG. She is a course and distance winner which is a big plus for a two year old on this big stage.

NORWAY was eighth in the Derby and the extra two furlongs he faces in the Queen's Vase should be to his advantage

He is consistent and his career is going in the right direction. I ride Nate The Great in the race. He was only three lengths behind subsequent Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck when he was third in the Lingfield Derby Trial. We are hoping for a big run and he has a good each-way shout. ANNA NERIUM is tough and consistent and will love the dig in the ground she will encounter in the Duke Of Cambridge Stakes after all yesterday's rain.

Hollie Doyle is a Sky Sports Racing ambassador. Watch all the action from Royal Ascot live on Sky Sports Racing.

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[wemythings]

Lavar Ball proving to be a master strategist

Lavar Ball often labeled as the “Crazy” outgoing father of three basketball prodigies seems to have made a great chess move in maintaining the eligibility of his youngest son. Recently it has been reported by multiple outlets that Lamelo Ball will return to high school to finish his senior year of high-school basketball. This was made possible because Lavar Ball didn’t allow his youngest son to receive any money for playing in Lithuania or the JBA. 

How this Helps Lamelo Ball

This will allow Lamelo the youngest of the ball brothers to show the world how good he really is. In Lithuania and the JBA Lamelo was able to showcase his talent but it wasn’t against the greatest of competition. Most recently with his older brother Liangelo and his father in tow, Lamelo Ball has been traveling the world for the JBA USA team. 

Most of the teams were maybe considered C or D list clubs at best and this isn’t a knock against the teams themselves. This is just how they would stack up against top-tier euro-league talent. The JBA is littered with very underrated talents and division 1 level talent that for whatever reason couldn’t get into college. 

The issue is that the argument can be made that the overall talent level may be Division 2 or 3 at best. The potential to be great for a lot of players is there. Jerrell Springer and Curtis Hollis come to mind as the next in line. To the JBA’s credit as the league continues to grow, the talent will get better over time.  But in order for Lamelo Ball to be considered an NBA talent, he’s going to have to compete against other prospects, at the high school and possibly the division 1 level. 

By allowing his youngest son to to maintain his eligibility, Lavar ball indirectly made his son a better basketball player. Lamelo was allowed to compete overseas and hone his skills by playing nonstop for 6 to 10 months. Now standing at 6′6 Lamelo Ball looks to be a possible 2020 lottery selection, if his game translates over at both the prep-school and college level. The scary part is that this kid is still learning and could possibly still be growing.     

Who Lamelo Ball has played against in the past. 

To the credit of the ball brothers while in high school they all competed against great high school players that are now in the NBA. Lamelo Ball was on the court with Dennis Smith Jr and Malik Monk as a 5′7 13 year old eight grader. The Ball Brothers also played against TJ leaf. Against top level competition in AAU Lamelo looked like a star playing against future top 5 prospect high flyer Zion Williamson. During the high school season in Lamelo’s sophomore year he averaged 26.7 points per game at Chino Hills high-school including a 92 point outburst against Los Osos. Against elite prep school Oak-hill Academy Lamelo scored 36 points. 

The method to Lavar Balls madness

During their high school years and even before that, the ball boys seemed to have played against players and teams that were way more talented than they were. Lavar Ball would often explain that his boys are the best, because they had no choice but to get better while playing against tougher competition. In an era where it would make sense for elite talents to play together, Lavar wanted his son’s to struggle against better teams in order to become better players. This kind of madness is what might have made his son’s prodigies. 

What’s expected of Lamelo Ball

Now that Lamelo has enrolled in Spire academy a prep school that travels the country.  Similar to IMG academy, Montverde and Oakhill, Spire is a top basketball school that features 3-5 division 1 prospects including Lamelo Ball located in Geneva, Ohio. Unlike the other players Lamelo has trained and lived as a professional basketball player for a year. 

Technically from an experience stand point Lamelo Ball should be able to come right in and assert himself on day 1. And this is all thanks to a father who was said to be crazy and in some cases has been labeled a madman. But Lavar knew enough not to throw away his son’s chance at a possible NBA career. 

[ukresinboundsurfacing]

Storm Brian didn't stop my coast to coast cycling holiday with my family

Micki Beck is a writer, cyclist, sailor, wife and mum from Cornwall

We could have happily kept going - so roll on next October half term

I found the emotional effort of ensuring everyone else was happy, warm, dry and fed as great a challenge as the physical effort

Micki Beck is a writer, cyclist, sailor, wife and mum from Cornwall.

She and her family love to explore by boat and bicycle. Last October they cycled the Devon Coast to Coast route into the headwinds of Storm Brian with their daughters (Ella, 1, in a trailer and Holly, 4, on a bike with a trail gaiter). 

In this blog, Micki tells us about her experiences pedalling for four fun-packed days from Barnstable to Plymouth.

As time passes the years merge into a pool of memories, some vivid, some distant. The small things fade but it seems the adventures stay vibrant and clear, and the greater the effort the more firmly they’re fixed in the memory.

Life has a sneaky habbit of zipping by in a whirl of daily routine- the school run, food shopping, cleaning, cooking, work, on and on it goes. School also imposes unfortunate restrictions on the freedom to nip off on an adventure.

To stem that flow and mark the years with milestones of fun we’ve pledged to plan a variety of annual family antics, and October half-term is biking week. My husband Tim and I are keen (but to be honest pretty out of practice) mountain bikers. Our aspirations are to someday do some longer off-road camping rides with the girls. 

The potential for cold, wet autumnal days in October steered our planning to look for a gentler introduction to bike touring for the two little ones. Living near Plymouth, the Devon Coast to Coast seemed like a great option, with the added bonus of starting with a train ride and cycling home. 

The kit for a family cycling adventure

We carried all our kit in panniers- rear for me, front and rear for Tim. As the forecast was dire, we double bagged everything in ziplock bags and bin-liners. We packed the panniers so that everything we’d need during the day was in one place and we wouldn’t have to open the other bags in the rain. 

Tim, in a moment of last-minute inspiration, bought a shower cap to cover Holly’s helmet and some clear safety glasses that kept the rain and wind out of her eyes. In combination with wellies, waterproof dungarees, coat, gloves, buff, hood and helmet our little trooper stayed warm and dry. 

Ella had the relative luxury of the trailer. As it was previously untested we coated it in many a layer of waterproofing spray. In another moment of last-minute genius by Tim, we added the buggy rain cover over the whole trailer and Ella stayed perfectly dry, albeit a little steamy at times.

Bad weather beckoned 

Scrolling through a news feed the night before we set-off brought word of an unwelcome addition to our party- Brian, Storm Brian that is! The Dawlish train line was closed due to high winds and it looked unlikely we’d even make it to the start in Barnstaple.

But with a new day brought new hope. The rain continued but the trains were running, and we loaded our three bikes, a trailer and two kids. 

Transferring our load between trains and platforms was a real logistical operation. Thankfully the helping hands of fellow passengers and the wonderful station staff made light work of it.

Travelling’s a wonderful way to prove the generosity of human nature and this trip proved no exception.

The full route of the coast to coast starts in Ilfracombe. Not wanting to bite off more than we could chew we joined the trail heading south where the train line ends in Barnstaple. In short, skipping the first section. 

The first day of our adventure 

As we discharged from the train at Barnstaple, the glimmers of sun lasted long enough to get our rig on the road before the force of Brian hit us.  

The flat open expanse of the Taw estuary left us exposed to the battering headwinds. They slowed us to a snail’s pace and shocked our legs into a burning, turning cycle of effort.

Our smaller crew picked the pit stops along our ride, of which there were many as we all got used to life on the road. The playground at Fremington proved excellent shelter for our first picnic lunch. 

Ella vocally announced another stop was required near Bideford. She shouted full volume to get out of

the trailer until we happened upon a pub serving cream teas in front of a roaring fire.

Spirits revived, the wooded Torridge valley gave a welcome respite from the wind.

It’s a great long traffic-free stretch, in fact it was pretty people free too as most sensible folk appeared to have made a drier plan for the half term. Aside from dodging the odd fallen branch on the path, Storm Brian did little to halt progress.

After a few navigational consultations, we turned off the track a little past Great Torrington. We cursed tired legs and heavy loads, but every puff and push were worth it for our overnight stop. We had reached our first stop-off at the Week Manor, where we were hosted by the lovely Lucy. 

After the initial surprise that we hadn’t cancelled, we were greeted with wonderfully warming hospitality. It was wonderful to see and hear the enthusiasm and support for our silly venture. Praise and respect from people outside the family brings a new level of pride and confidence in little ones and it’s great to see them glow with their achievements. It was the best possible way to end a long and at times challenging day.

The rest of the journey 

Another day, another round of wind and rain. Restored from our comfortable night's rest, we hit the Devon hills, rolling up and down the quiet lanes as we approached the edge of the moor.

The weighty tow behind each bike challenged our untrained legs and put us out of our comfort zone. We kept the distances short enough to be manageable and enjoyable.

The girls settled into life on the road quickly. Ella happily playing, snoozing and watching the world go by from her fug-filled trailer. Holly kept entertained by her electric horn (emitting an eclectic assortment of noises, from sirens to belly dancing music, neighing to buzzing bees). 

By day three, Storm Brian was starting to fade. His feisty forcefulness diminished, leaving just a tail of soggy showers in his wake. The Granite way started our third leg with a refreshingly flat cruise.

There’s nothing like having two ticking time-bombs on the back with fuses of unknown length to keep the legs going. A bit of a balance is needed between pressing on while the going’s good but still making time to stop, explore and enjoy the sights on the way.

After the first day settling into the routine both girls amazed us with their stamina, patience and perseverance. We made sure they were dry, warm and well fed which proved enough to keep spirits up and the wheels rolling.

Sightseeing along the way​

A castle is always excellent entertainment for the little ones, and the Saxon fortifications at Lydford were met with suitable enthusiasm.

The cake at the National Trust café nearby was met with equal enthusiasm on what was the most leisurely day of the trip.

The rolling lanes past the iconic church in South Brent delivered us to Tavistock in time to see the ducks on the canal and rumble on the playground before pub dinner- a winner all round.

The home stretch 

Our last day started with a full English breakfast in the pub that set us up for the home run to Plymouth. Knowing this bit of trail well, we were surprised to find the up-hill to Yelverton easier than we remembered. Those three days on steep Devon lanes had obviously had some beneficial effect. We cruised down the Plym Valley, free-wheels clicking satisfyingly as our legs rested.

Our legs may have arrived in Plymouth rested, but our minds were unprepared for the shock of returning to civilisation. 

After the tranquil beauty of four days of off-road riding, deserted lanes, wooded valleys and open moorland, landing into the urban rush of Plymouth hit our senses for six. 

I love my cycle commute into Plymouth for work, but I can’t say that the last five miles home through the busy streets with tired legs and kids in tow after days of peaceful solitude was a pleasant experience.

We made it home without incident and what a feeling of achievement as we crossed the Tamar Bridge back into Cornwall, our journey complete. We did about 110 miles in total over four days and definitely achieved our aim of an amazing family adventure with memories that will last a lifetime. 

Onto future adventures

I found the emotional effort of ensuring everyone else was happy, warm, dry and fed as great a challenge as the physical effort. But that’s a part of adventuring with a family and brings its own rewards.

The people we met were a total highlight of the trip, cycle touring gives an instant conversation starter and opens a world of kindness. I hope people know the value of their kindness that shapes us and our futures.

We could have happily kept going - so roll on next October half term. Hopefully, the adventures will grow with the years and one day Holly and Ella will be encouraging us to keep up as they set the route over hill and dale.

Find out more about challenge rides on the National Cycle Network 

Cycling

Lifestyle

Young people

from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8239590 https://www.sustrans.org.uk/blog/storm-brian-didnt-stop-my-coast-coast-cycling-holiday-my-family via IFTTT

[capecoddaily]

Deck: Another busy day in Plymouth…Towns: PlymouthTopic: Police BlotterHub Category: Police and FireAuthor: CapeCodToday StaffTeaser: Another busy day in Plymouth…Main Image: Thumbnail Image: Body: Plymouth Police Department Media Log Page: 1 Dispatch Log From: 07/26/2018 Thru: 07/27/2018 0600 - 0600 Printed: 07/27/2018 For Date: 07/26/2018 - Thursday Time Call Reason Action 0607 Warrant Service Attempt Unable to Serve Location/Address: STANDISH AVE 0627 Transfer Ambulance Transfer Ambulance Location/Address: [PLY P02920] STAFFORD HILL ASSISTED LIVING - STAFFORD ST 0725 Motor Vehicle Accident Report Location/Address: [PLY P01690] MANOMET GENERAL STORE - STATE RD 0739 Shift Roster Shift Roster Location/Address: [PLY P02203] PLYMOUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT - LONG POND RD 0821 Attempted Service 258E Unable to Serve Location/Address: SAMOSET ST 0828 Police With Ambulance Assisted Party Location/Address: RUSSELL MILLS RD 0837 Animal Complaint Assisted Party Location/Address: MANOMET POINT RD 0847 Disabled MV Vehicle Towed Location/Address: WARREN AVE 0943 Warrant Service Attempt Unable to Serve Location/Address: LAKE DR 0952 Transfer Fire Transfer Fire Location/Address: LAWRENCE RD 0954 Transfer Ambulance Transfer Ambulance Location/Address: CHERRY ST 1031 Transfer Ambulance Transfer Ambulance Location/Address: AVENUE C 1044 Transfer Ambulance Transfer Ambulance Location/Address: [PLY P03600] SOUTHFIELD NURSING - SOUTH ST 1052 Sex Offenses Report Location/Address: INDUSTRIAL PK RD 1054 Sex Offenses Report Location/Address: [PLY P01586] DEPT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES - INDUSTRIAL PK RD 1110 Transfer Ambulance Transfer Ambulance Location/Address: [PLY P01081] CHILTON HOUSE INC - CHILTON ST 1113 Police With Ambulance Transported to Hospital Location/Address: [PLY P03100] MASS DEPT OF MENTAL HEALTH - INDUSTRIAL PK RD 1128 Warrant of Apprehension Transported Location/Address: ALLERTON ST 1135 Domestic Disturbance Arrest(s) Made Location/Address: STATE RD Refer To Arrest: 18PLY-17073-AR Arrest: GILLESPIE, JAMES MARVIN Address: 2092 STATE RD PLYMOUTH, MA Age: 72 Charges: A&B ON +60/DISABLED A&B ON FAMILY / HOUSEHOLD MEMBER 1156 General Services No Services Necessary Location/Address: [PLY P02871] BENCHMARK ASSISTED LIVING - SOUTH ST Plymouth Police Department Media Log Page: 2 Dispatch Log From: 07/26/2018 Thru: 07/27/2018 0600 - 0600 Printed: 07/27/2018 1204 Threats Report Location/Address: [PLY P01028] PIONEER PUMP CO - SPINNAKER DR 1206 Domestic Disturbance Spoken To Location/Address: GABRIEL LN 1208 Suspicious Activity Report Location/Address: [PLY P04308] FORGES FIELD - JORDAN RD 1215 Recovered Hypodermic Needle Area Search Negative Location/Address: [PLY P01918] BANK OF AMERICA - SAMOSET ST 1238 Community Policing Activity Community Policing Location/Address: [PLY P00073] ALGONQUIN HEIGHTS - ALGONQUIN TER 1242 Warrant of Apprehension Transported Location/Address: [PLY 204] BOCK, HENRY - FEDERAL FURNACE RD 1309 Motor Vehicle Complaint Spoken To Location/Address: GRAY AVE 1320 Noise Complaint Gone on Arrival Location/Address: NORTH ST 1334 Animal Complaint No Services Necessary Location/Address: [PLY P00937] MARKET BASKET - COMMERCE WAY 1358 Transfer Fire Transfer Fire Location/Address: [PLY 3] MASAC - BUMPS POND RD MSF 1359 Transfer Ambulance Transfer Ambulance Location/Address: [PLY P02430] SOUTH BAY MENTAL HEALTH - ALDRIN RD 1359 Motor Vehicle Accident Assisted Party Location/Address: [PLY P03290] Grooming Magic - SANDWICH ST 1418 Transfer Ambulance Transported to Hospital Location/Address: HOLLIS INSURANCE - VILLAGE GREEN NORTH 1420 Transfer Ambulance Transfer Ambulance Location/Address: [PLY P02555] JOHNSON, ERIC E MD - RESNIK RD 1504 Found Property Report Location/Address: CORDAGE PARK CIR 1512 Motor Vehicle Accident Report Location/Address: COMMERCE WAY 1518 Transfer Ambulance Transfer Ambulance Location/Address: BOOT POND RD 1519 Shift Roster Shift Roster Location/Address: [PLY P02203] PLYMOUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT - LONG POND RD 1549 Transfer Ambulance Transfer Ambulance Location/Address: MANOMET AVE 1549 Suspicious Activity Spoken To Location/Address: [PLY P01717] SULLIVAN TIRE CO - PILGRIM HILL RD 1555 Transfer Ambulance Transfer Ambulance Location/Address: NIGHTINGALE RD 1557 Drug Overdose Transported to Hospital Location/Address: [PLY P02589] STOP AND SHOP GAS STATION - SAMOSET ST 1613 Suspicious Activity Area Search Negative Location/Address: SEVEN HILLS RD 1615 Transfer Ambulance Transfer Ambulance Location/Address: ALLERTON ST Plymouth Police Department Media Log Page: 3 Dispatch Log From: 07/26/2018 Thru: 07/27/2018 0600 - 0600 Printed: 07/27/2018 1643 Animal Complaint Spoken To Location/Address: [PLY P04299] SUBWAY - STATE RD 1647 Suspicious Activity Spoken To Location/Address: OLMSTEAD TER 1702 Community Policing Activity Community Policing Location/Address: [PLY P00073] ALGONQUIN HEIGHTS - ALGONQUIN TER 1709 Attempted Service Summons Unable to Serve Location/Address: [PLY P04535] VENTURE LLC, PH APARTMENTS - PINEHILLS DR 1711 Transfer Ambulance Transfer Ambulance Location/Address: [PLY P03905] KUSH-KONE ICE CREAM - STATE RD 1720 Larceny Arrest(s) Made Location/Address: [PLY P02412] SUPER WAL MART - COLONY PL Refer To Arrest: 18PLY-17104-AR Arrest: SANTOS, LINDA L Address: 87 SUMMER ST Apt. #1 KINGSTON, MA Age: 49 Charges: SHOPLIFTING $250+ BY ASPORTATION c266 §30A 1726 Offender Registry Report Location/Address: [PLY P02203] PLYMOUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT - LONG POND RD 1737 Transfer Ambulance Transfer Ambulance Location/Address: [PLY P04473] Plymouth Rehabilitation Health - SOUTH ST 1741 Animal Complaint Services Rendered Location/Address: [PLY P02672] BERTUCCI’S RESTAURANT - PLAZA WAY 1745 Attempted Service 209A Served In Hand Location/Address: [PLY P03754] MUSIC PARADISE PRODUCTIONS - COLONIAL TER 1755 Attempted Service 209A Unable to Serve Location/Address: TAYLOR AVE 1804 Police With Ambulance Services Rendered Location/Address: [PLY P04618] PARK ROAD CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIAT - PARK RD 1942 Transfer Fire Transfer Fire Location/Address: BUZZARDS BAY DR 1950 Transfer Fire Transfer Fire Location/Address: [PLY P00160] JOHN CARVER INN - SUMMER ST 1954 Domestic Disturbance Spoken To Location/Address: RAYMOND RD 2004 Motor Vehicle Complaint Report Location/Address: [PLY P04456] WARREN AVE 2022 Alarm Sounding Accidental Location/Address: CALLAHAN, CHARLES - GUNNERS EXCHANGE RD 2031 Assault Aggravated Arrest(s) Made Location/Address: ROYAL ST Refer To Arrest: 18PLY-17116-AR Arrest: MCGINN, ADAM J Address: 15 ROYAL ST PLYMOUTH, MA Age: 32 Charges: ASSAULT W/DANGEROUS WEAPON A&B (Domestic) 2046 Disturbance General Area Search Negative Location/Address: MAYFLOWER ST 2056 Transfer Ambulance Transfer Ambulance Location/Address: [PLY 406] PLYMOUTH REHAB AND HEALTH CARE CENTER - SOUTH ST Plymouth Police Department Media Log Page: 4 Dispatch Log From: 07/26/2018 Thru: 07/27/2018 0600 - 0600 Printed: 07/27/2018 2116 Parking Complaint Report Location/Address: BUZZARDS BAY DR 2208 Alarm Sounding Cancelled Response Location/Address: [PLY P03779] Rios Steak House - COURT ST 2210 Unwanted Guest Spoken To Location/Address: SHIP POND RD 2226 Motor Vehicle Accident Report Location/Address: [PLY P03075] MEMORIAL HALL - PLYMOUTH - COURT ST 2311 Disturbance General Spoken To Location/Address: SAVERY’S LN 2334 Shift Roster No Action Required Location/Address: [PLY P02203] PLYMOUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT - LONG POND RD 2336 Community Policing Activity Community Policing Location/Address: [PLY P00073] ALGONQUIN HEIGHTS - ALGONQUIN TER For Date: 07/27/2018 - Friday 0041 Domestic Disturbance Spoken To Location/Address: ALDEN ST 0042 Transfer Ambulance Transfer Ambulance Location/Address: APT E-18 - COURT ST 0111 Alarm Sounding Building Checked/Secured Location/Address: [PLY P02803] BRIDGEWATER CREDIT UNION - SHOPS AT 5 WAY 0210 Transfer Ambulance Transfer Ambulance Location/Address: MARC DR 0218 Noise Complaint Spoken To Location/Address: COURT ST 0230 Building Check Building Checked/Secured Location/Address: [PLY P02803] BRIDGEWATER CREDIT UNION - SHOPS AT 5 WAY 0537 209A Violation Arrest(s) Made Location/Address: TANANGER RD Refer To Arrest: 18PLY-17132-AR Arrest: CACERES, TARA Address: HOMELESS (NO MAILING ADDR <ENTER CITY>, MA Age: 44 Charges: A&B, VIOL ABUSE PREVENTION ORDER (PL17RO417AB) 0559 Suspicious Activity Unfounded Location/Address: [PLY P03952] FREDERICK C GROSSER & ASSOCIAT - SAMOSET ST  

[itsworn]

Off the Beaten Path — Side Treks and Things To Do Between HOT ROD Power Tour Stops

Were a week away from the start of HOT ROD Power Tour! This is the part where you’re either packed-and-ready to roll or are in a mad-thrash pulling together that one last minute project that’s fighting you — but in any case, we’ve spotted a few extra things for you to do and see along the routes. Did you know the world’s biggest fire hydrant can be found on the route? Or what about a freak gnome-infested cave in the hills of Tennessee? Scroll down for our favorite things to see off the beaten path during this year’s Power Tour!

Bowling Green, Kentucky

It’s appropriate that we’re kicking the tour off this year in Bowling Green, given that their Minor League Baseball team is the Hot Rods! It’s also home to Holley and the Chevrolet Corvette, wouldn’t you know?

National Corvette Museum 350 Corvette Dr Bowling Green, KY 42101

Lost River Cave 2818 Nashville Rd Bowling Green, KY 42101

Mellow Matt’s Music and More  Twin Oaks Center 1200 Smallhouse Rd, Bowling Green, KY 42104

Historic Railpark and Train Museum 401 Kentucky St Bowling Green, KY 42101

Boyce General Store 10551 Woodburn Allen Springs Rd Alvaton, KY 42122

Chaneys Dairy Barn 9191 Nashville Rd Bowling Green, KY 42101

White Squirrel Brewery 871 Broadway Ave Bowling Green, KY 42101

Scenic Outlook / rest stop TN-111, almost 4 miles east of Dunlop, Tennesse

Chattanooga, Tennessee

With the Tennessee River cutting right through the center of town, Chattanooga is a gorgeous area with plenty of cool hikes and downtown exploring. One of our favorite side-treks was to Rock City, just a short drive south of Chattanooga. Not only does it have some epic views from atop the hillside, where you can see seven states, but there’s also a — for lack of a better description — gnome/fairy tale cave built in the 1920s through 1930s that’s too bizarre to explain in words. It’s a great hike before hitting the road!

Rock City Gardens 1400 Patten Rd Lookout Mountain, GA 30750 (It’s just past the state line, but still close to Chattanooga)

Tennessee Aquarium 1 Broad St Chattanooga, TN 37402

International Towing & Recovery Museum 3315 Broad St Chattanooga, TN 37408

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum 4119 Cromwell Rd Chattanooga, TN 37421

Edley’s BBQ 2706 12th Ave S Nashville, TN 37204

Maple Street Biscuit Company 2058-2080 Gunbarrel Rd Chattanooga, TN 37421

Embargo 62 301 Cherokee Blvd Chattanooga, TN 37405

Hoover/Birmingham, Alabama

Talladega is just in ear shot of this sleepy souther town, and the FM waves broadcast 101.1 Drag Race Central on the weekends — a welcome home to Power Tour’s third stop. There’s a lot of motorsports history hiding out here, check out what we found below.

Talladega Speedway and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame 3198 Speedway Blvd Talladega, AL 35160

Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum 6030 Barber Motorsports Pkwy Leeds, AL 35094

Southern Museum of Flight 4343 73rd St N Birmingham, AL 35206

Haunted Chicken House 7522 US-431 Heflin, AL 36264

Saw’s BBQ 1008 Oxmoor Rd Homewood, AL 35209

Post Office Pies 209 41st St S Birmingham, AL 35222

Atlanta, Georgia

Georgia’s capital is a thriving city thanks in part due to its growing film industry, and fans of the AMC TV show Walking Dead will be pleased to know several seasons were films around the area. Atlanta is also home to a wealth of southern hip-hop, as evident by our meet-up with Run the Jewels’ Killer Mike.

  World of Coca-Cola 121 Baker St NW Atlanta, GA 30313

Children’s Museum of Atlanta 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW Atlanta, GA 30313

Zoo Atlanta 800 Cherokee Avenue SE Atlanta, GA 30315

Atlanta Breakfast Club 249 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW Atlanta, GA 30313

Nic and Normans  20 Main St Senoia, GA 30276

The Woodbury Shoppe 48 Main St #1A Senoia, GA 30276

Darlington, South Carolina

Darlington is a piece of NASCAR history as the oldest track running in the circuit today. The Southern 500 has dominated this sleepy southern town during Labor Day for over 50 years, and was NASCAR’s first 500-mile race.

Darlington Raceway Museum 1301 Harry Byrd Hwy Darlington, SC 29532

Mars Bluff Atomic Bomb Impact Crater 4723-4819 E Palmetto St Florence, SC 29506

World’s Largest Fire Hydrant 1404 Taylor St Columbia, SC 29201

Raceway Grill 1207 Harry Byrd Hwy Darlington, SC 29532

The Southern Belly 819 Harden St Columbia, SC 29205

Raleigh, North Carolina

North Carolina’s capital is home to a mass of museums and also carries with it some NASCAR history, with the former Raleigh Speedway hosting its final race in 1958 with Fireball Roberts taking the Fourth of July win in his no. 22 ’57 Chevy stock car.

Richard Petty Garage and Museum 311 Branson Mill Rd Randleman, NC 27317

Raleigh Fire Museum 105 Keeter Center Dr Raleigh, NC 27601

Swift Creek Bluffs Nature Preserve 7800 Holly Springs Rd Raleigh, NC 27606

Rush Hour Karting 5335 Raynor Rd Garner, NC 27529

Lexington BBQ 100 Smokehouse Ln Lexington, NC 27295

  Charlotte, North Carolina

Our final stop is just oustide Charlotte, North Carolina at the famously four-wide zMax Dragway — and with Charlotte Motor Speedway close enough to throw a nitro supercharger at, we figured this might be a good home for everyone on the

NASCAR Hall of Fame 400 E M.L.K. Jr Blvd Charlotte, NC 28202

Hendrick Motorsports Museum and Shop 4400 Papa Joe Hendrick Blvd Charlotte, NC 28262

Dale Earnhardt Inc 1676 Coddle Creek Highway Mooresville, NC 28115

Richard Childress Racing Museum 425 Industrial Drive Welcome, NC 27374

Tiger World 4400 Cook Rd Rockwell, NC 28138

    The post Off the Beaten Path — Side Treks and Things To Do Between HOT ROD Power Tour Stops appeared first on Hot Rod Network.

from Hot Rod Network http://www.hotrod.com/articles/off-beaten-path-side-treks-things-hot-rod-power-tour-stops/ via IFTTT

[gessvhowarth]

London's Mock Tudor Social Housing Estate

Say 'social housing' and people usually picture high-rise tower blocks and jaunty brutalist concrete slabs. Which makes it all the more odd that in the borough of Camden — a hub for brutalist council estates — there's a place that bucks the trend. Welcome to the Holly Lodge Estate; social housing with a mock Tudor exterior. The history of the estate goes back to the 18th century. In 1798, Sir Henry Tempest built a villa on the land. His land included Traitor's Hill, which, legend has it is, was where the perpetrators of the gunpowder plot had arranged to meet to watch Parliament blow up. (What a romantic evening that would have been.) Traitor's Hill is better known today as Parliament Hill. By 1837 the property had made its way to Angela Burdett-Coutts, heiress to the Coutts banking fortune. In the words of Edward VII she was "after my mother the most remarkable woman in the country." Burdett-Coutts was courted by many great men of the Victorian era, including a rumoured proposal from Emperor Napoleon III; but she initially turned them all down, seeing her philanthropic work as priority. When she made Holly Lodge her permanent residence, it became the a focal point for a mix of famous Victorian characters. Hans Andersen stayed there as did Thomas Moore and the aforementioned Napoleon III. To top them all, Queen Victoria herself visited. Much of Burdett-Coutts's time was devoted to charity: she subsidised the Ragged School Union, gave vast amounts of her fortune to the Church of England and started Columbia Market as a means for people in the East End to get cheap fish. The market famously remains today, but has a different primary product. Then, on the advice of her good friend Charles Dickens, she started building flats on her own estate. These are the detached houses that populate Holly Lodge's aptly named Hillway, and were initially intended for workers. The houses are now privately owned, but Holly Lodge's social housing legacy continues. After Burdett-Coutts died, her estate was put on the market. Because of its proximity to the City it took nearly 15 years to sell. The original villa later was destroyed to make way for roads and more homes. The Lady Workers' Homes Limited became involved in the project in 1923, building blocks of flats for single women to work as secretaries and clerks in the City. In 1964 the ownership of these blocks was transferred to the Borough of St Pancras, which the very next year became the Borough of Camden. It then became council-owned social housing, originally still with the aim of only housing women but this has slipped in recent years. Someone didn't get the (mock Tudor) memo Today the estate is an odd mishmash. Middle class private housing, next to social housing is pretty commonplace in London — woven into the city's fabric because of the Blitz. But for it all to look so similar from the outside is unusual. Well, that excludes the odd extroverted house that stands out like a sore thumb. Another intricacy of the estate is that at the top of its east side, the estate backs onto the western part of Highgate Cemetery. The two are divided by an unusually large wall. This looming tower might seem like overkill nowadays — we doubt many people are scaling the wall to avoid paying £12 for entry — but it had a specific purpose in the 19th century. It was to stop grave robbers and the thriving black market corpse trade. It might be possible to make it over the wall solo, but that same journey with a lifeless body in tow, sounds less agreeable. All photos by the author.

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/londonist/sBMe/~3/5KdEDAw3SBw/the-mock-tudor-social-housing-estate

[alfredsnalley]

Tow Truck Driver Got Carried Away, Is Ordered to Repay Benefits

A Washington man claiming a head injury prevented him from working was discovered driving a tow truck while collecting workers’ compensation benefits.

A service technician who claimed he was too injured to work but who got a job driving a tow truck pleaded guilty Feb. 10 for running a workers’ compensation scam.

Kyle Valle, 30, of Algona, Wash., pleaded guilty to felony, second-degree theft in King County Superior Court. Judge Hollis R. Hill sentenced Valle to 20 days in jail, but allowed the jail time to be converted to 160 hours of community service. Hill also ordered Valle to repay the state $12,585, the amount of disability benefits he wrongfully received.

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