Author: Bill

Once upon a time, in a van not so far away, there was a dream. A dream to turn a humble vehicle into a powerhouse of solar energy, capable of charging our e-MTBs for endless adventures. Imagine if you will, a van that hums with the energy of the sun, a rolling beacon of renewable power. But that’s not all; it also powered our trusty inversion cook stove, brewing up piping hot coffees on those chilly mountain mornings. This is how we turned our van into a solar-charged chariot, ready for thrilling rides and caffeinated fuel-ups.

The Spark of Inspiration

Our adventure started with a simple idea: why not harness the power of the sun to fuel our van life? We wanted to be off-grid, free, and environmentally friendly. So, we rolled up our sleeves and dived into the world of solar power. Our first stop was VanWorks in Fort Collins, where our van was originally equipped with a GoalZero Yeti 1500X setup. It was neat but not quite what we needed. We wanted more. We wanted to go big!

The Solar Symphony

The first act of our solar saga involved a merry band of components, each playing a crucial role in our setup. We started with ACOPOWER HY100-12MB solar panels, four of them, soaking up the sun’s rays like a sponge. But that wasn’t enough; we added a Goal Zero Nomad 100 for that extra oomph on winter days.

Next came the brain of our operation, the Renogy DCC30S charge controller. This little box of tricks not only manages solar power but also juggles power from our alternator. Speaking of which, our 2021 RAM ProMaster’s alternator turned out to be a solar power hero, capable of churning out a whopping 220 amps!

But wait, there’s more! We needed storage for all this power. Enter the SOK 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Batteries, four guardians of energy, ensuring we have power even when the sun decides to play hide and seek.

The Circuit Circus

With great power comes great responsibility, and in our case, great circuit protection. We added a couple of T Tocas circuit breakers, because nobody likes electrical mishaps, especially in a tiny space on wheels.

The Shore Power Sidekick

Sometimes the sun needs a little break, and that’s where our Victron Energy Blue Smart IP65 Charger steps in. It’s like a superhero sidekick, ready to charge our batteries when we’re hooked up to external power.

The Powerhouse Finale

Last but not least, our Renogy Pure Sine Wave Inverter. This is where the magic happens, transforming all that stored energy into usable power for all our gadgets and gizmos.

The Space Puzzle

Fitting all these components into our van was like playing a high-stakes game of Tetris. We had two main areas to work with: a 16″ x 14″ space and a slightly larger 44″ x 8″ area. After much pondering, measuring, and a few “Eureka!” moments, everything found its place.

The Happy Ever After

So, there you have it, the tale of how we turned our van into a solar-powered wonder. It’s been a journey of discovery, innovation, and a whole lot of wiring diagrams. But in the end, we sit under the stars, powered by the sun, living our off-grid dream.

Remember, every van has a story, and this is ours. The road is open, the sun is shining, and adventure awaits!

Once upon a late afternoon, in a small, sunlit corner of the city, there lived a chap named Finn. Finn had a van, not just any van, but one he dreamt of turning into a solar-powered haven on wheels. The day had started with a fierce determination. “Today,” he declared to his cat, Mr. Whiskers, “is the day I make our van a sun-chasing chariot!”

So, there he was, sprawled on his couch, surrounded by a maze of catalogues, sticky notes, and technical manuals about solar panels, power inverters, and batteries. His mind was a whirlwind of watts, volts, and amperes. Finn dove deep into the ocean of information, swimming through pages of product reviews and DIY forums. He was so engrossed that even Mr. Whiskers’ meows for attention turned into distant echoes.

Hours ticked by, and Finn’s initial enthusiasm waned under the weight of choices and calculations. Each option seemed better than the last, and soon, he was adrift in a sea of decision fatigue. The sun dipped lower, casting a golden glow through his window, reminding him of the day’s fleeting nature.

With a heavy sigh, Finn closed his laptop, his dream momentarily parked in the corner of his mind. He ambled into the kitchen, the aroma of a hearty stew greeting him – a small but comforting victory. He ladled the thick, steaming stew into a bowl, the warmth seeping into his fingers. With each spoonful, the tangled thoughts of solar panels and batteries began to unravel.

Cookies followed, their sweetness a perfect epilogue to his meal. As he nibbled on the last one, a sudden realization hit him – he hadn’t written his daily blog post. “Oh, bother,” he mumbled, crumbs falling onto his lap.

Finn shuffled back to his laptop, now an old friend waiting patiently. He began to type, his fingers dancing across the keys. The story of his day – the solar power dreams, the ocean of options, the comforting stew, and even the forgotten blog – all spilled out in a rhythmic clatter. He smiled, finding humor in his own foibles.

As he concluded his post, Finn realized something profound – not every day needs to be about grand achievements or monumental decisions. Sometimes, it’s the simple joys, like a bowl of stew and an unexpected blog post, that bring the most satisfaction.

Finn leaned back, content. His solar-powered van dream hadn’t faded; it was just parked, waiting for another day’s adventure. Meanwhile, he had a story to share, one filled with dreams, dilemmas, and the delightful unpredictability of life.

Okay, picture this: It’s Thursday, and the leaves are putting on their best autumn show, crisp and show-offy. The Thursday Night Ride gang (TNR, for those in the know), is all revved up for what’s about to be an epic night on two wheels. We all meet up at Bonner Park, where the vibe is more ‘circus troupe’ than ‘cycling team.’

First up, the slow race – think tortoises on bikes, trying not to be the fastest but the slowest. Yeah, it’s as hilarious as it sounds. Winners? Could be Julie or Aaron, though I saw some fouls. Ha!

Next stop: Great Burn Brewing. The place where the stories are as frothy as the beers. We’re talking about clinks, drinks, and so many new Ed stories.

But wait, there’s more! The night’s still young, so we ride to Imagine Nation Brewery. Tacos and beers are on the menu, and trust me, they’re as perfect a combo as gravity and bikes. Under the night sky, our bike lights are not just lights; they’re twinkly fireflies across the city park.

Riding back home, there’s this unspoken sense of camaraderie in the air. “When’s the next ride?” someone asks. No answer, but who needs words when you’ve got a night like this?

In the end, it’s not just about how fast you pedaled or how many beers you downed (or breweries visited, right Larry?). It’s about those little moments, the shared laughs, the clinks of glasses, the silly races. It’s about feeling alive on a Thursday night, with the world spinning under your wheels and the stars watching over. Here’s to the TNR – more than a ride, it’s a rolling adventure of stories and spirits.

My journey with Autodesk SketchBook started as a serendipitous discovery, all thanks to Google discontinuing yet another useful tool. Ah, Google, giveth and taketh away, but this time, it led me to a gem – crucial for expanding my solar power system in River the Van. Definitely a step up from Samsung Notes, to say the least!

It all started with my quest for a drawing tool that could match my creative fervor. Enter Autodesk SketchBook. It was like stumbling upon another life donut thingy they throw you when you fall off ships. User-friendly? Enough. A plethora of tools including a variety of brushes and layer support for detailed artwork? Like having a F1 car to drive to work. It was as if SketchBook was whispering, “I have what you need, but you can’t use me.”

As I delved deeper, I encountered the art of resizing text in SketchBook. Art, or maybe fumbly bits. It’s not that intuitive, and it took me 3 hours to figure it out. But what the heck.

Then there was Samsung Notes. While it’s great for jotting down quick ideas, it’s a bit like bringing a knife to a gunfight when it comes to serious drawing. Its lack of support for layers and limited flexibility made SketchBook shine even brighter in comparison.

In my adventures, I hit a snag – a rotated canvas in SketchBook. Panic? Hardly. A quick fiddle with the rotate tool and a few gestures later (or a double-tap for the impatient), and the canvas seemed back to its original glory. Not really! After uninstalling and reinstalling, I still had to adjust things manually with two fingers.

Autodesk SketchBook turned out to be a suitable replacement. It’s a tool that works well for the impatient. It’s funny how things work out – sometimes, a closed door (thanks, Google) leads you to a better, unexpected window. Here’s to completing my solar power plans with SketchBook!

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On This Day

1. 2023 – Sketchy Tools: Diving into the quirky world of unconventional gadgets at williammartin.com/sketchy-tools.
2. 2022 – Bass Creek Trail: Exploring scenic trails at williammartin.com/bass-creek-trail.
3. 2021 – Gardiner Moments: Capturing life’s spontaneous instances at williammartin.com/gardiner-moments-3.
4. 2018 – Suse Creek: Trekking through the serene Suse Creek at williammartin.com/suse-creek.
5. 2017 – Grand Enduro Day 2: The thrill of endurance biking at williammartin.com/grand-enduro-day-2.
6. 2013 – Trans Zion part 3: Continuing the adventure in Zion at williammartin.com/trans-zion-part-3.
7. 2012 – Day 3 – 1:58 PM: Midday musings and wanderings at williammartin.com/day-3-158-pm.
8. 2010 – Touching the Void: Delving into the depths of the unknown at williammartin.com/touching-the-void.
9. 2004 – Hello From Liquid Planet: Greetings from aquatic adventures at williammartin.com/hello-from-liquid-planet.
10. 2003 – Mass Ride: Joining the communal biking journey at williammartin.com/mass-ride.

I remember something I was told when I thought I knew how to tackle the world. It went something like this: When you’re younger, you take risks without a second thought. As you get older, you realize some risks aren’t worth taking. For example, riding a tandem bike with your friend, helmet on and beer cup in hand, might seem fun at the time. But later, it looks more like a recipe for disaster. It’s important to remember that as we age, our bodies and minds change. What was once a thrilling adventure becomes a risky endeavor. That’s about the gist of it. So, let’s embrace the passing of time and the wisdom that comes with it. Maybe we should leave the drunken bike riding to the younger generation.

In Missoula’s embrace, under the brooding sky,
Lies a trail untaken, where my thoughts lie.
A bike rests silently, against nature’s arm,
Echoing my heart’s missed beat, in alarm.

Yesterday’s paths, untraveled, whisper low,
Of stories untold, in the vlog’s absent glow.
The wheels stood still, as did my spirit’s flight,
In the quiet of the Montana night.

Yet, in this stillness, a promise does reside,
Of trails that await, with the morning’s tide.
Though today I sit, with a heavy heart,
Tomorrow’s ride, a new story shall impart.

This weekend was one for the books. My GoalZero, in a sudden twist of fate, decided to ‘peace out’ – let’s just say it ‘relieved itself’ from duty. Good thing I had a backup plan! There I was, smugly patting myself on the back for setting up a solar system in the van ‘just in case.’ Who’s overprepared now, huh? Flipping switches, connecting wires, I felt like a green-energy wizard, bringing light (quite literally) to the dark times of GoalZero’s unexpected retirement. Let’s hear it for always having a plan B (or should I say, plan S for solar)!

Now to finish my final goal, a complete solar system by yours truly. But where to begin. Today’s research included diving into the world of battery monitors, deciphering the mysteries of amp hours and voltage in a quest to find the perfect fit. I have a 500A Battery Monitor with Shunt, marveling at its ability to handle my power needs. And let’s not forget the journey through the realm of chargers, from the Renogy 12V 30A wonder to the Victron Energy marvel. Each piece, a puzzle in itself, slowly coming together in a symphony of solar power. Tomorrow? Who knows – maybe I’ll tackle the wiring diagrams or brave the world of solar panel efficiency. Adventure awaits!

Greetings, fellow adventurers! Today, I want to share a tale of a day filled with the spirit of freedom, discovery, and unbounded joy.

As the sun painted the Montana sky with shades of orange and gold, I spread my wings and saluted the sky. You see, much like you, my dear readers, I too seek the exhilaration of the unknown, the thrill of the adventure.

The day began with a bike ride through the rugged terrain of Missoula, my pedals spinning in harmony with the wheels of life. The wind rushed past me, carrying whispers of untold stories, and the mountains stood tall as silent witnesses to my journey. With each turn of the wheel, I found myself conquering new heights, descending into valleys of pure ecstasy, and feeling the pulse of the Earth beneath me.

But it wasn’t just about the speed or the thrill; it was about the connection with the elements, the dance of balance and grace, and the joy of pushing boundaries. It was about embracing the Montana wilderness in all its rugged beauty.

After the ride, I embarked on a mission to find the perfect birthday card. It was a simple act, but it spoke volumes of connection. Just like us, spirits, humans, and all living beings, we share bonds that transcend the ordinary.

As the day came to a close, I found solace in the simple pleasures of life. A refreshing shower washed away the day’s dust, and a scoop of ice cream melted into sweet contentment.

Now, I sit back, reflecting on this day of adventure and connection. It reminds me that life, much like a spirit’s flight, is about soaring high, diving deep, and savoring the moments in between.

So, my fellow adventurers, whether you’re riding a bike, taking to the skies, or simply enjoying the simple joys of life, remember to spread your wings and embrace the rhythm of your own journey. In the end, it’s the stories we create and the connections we nurture that truly define our existence.

Until next time, keep flying high, my friends.

Today, I’m taking you on a journey down memory lane as we revisit some of my biking escapades from November 7th throughout the years. Strap on your helmets, and let’s pedal through time!

2022: Redneck Full Run
In 2022, I tackled the “Redneck Full Run,” a heart-pounding downhill adventure that left my adrenaline pumping.

2020: Foliage Bike Pout
Back in 2020, I embarked on the “Foliage Bike Pout” journey, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of autumn.

2018: Livingston Moments
Livingston holds a special place in my heart, and in 2018, I captured some unforgettable moments.

2012: A day in my life
In 2012, I gave you a glimpse into a typical day in my life. From sunrise to sunset, the adventures never stop.

2007: Cartoon by Dave Coverly
In 2007, a friend at Insured Titles sent me a hilarious cartoon by Dave Coverly. Laughter is a vital part of every adventure.

2004: Just in Time
Back in 2004, I reflected on various aspects of life and shared my thoughts on sports updates.

2003: Power of Anger
In 2003, I explored the power of anger and shared some personal perspectives.

I hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane as much as I did! Biking adventures, laughter, and reflection, these are the threads that weave the tapestry of my life. Stay tuned for more tales from the trails, and remember, the best adventures are the ones we share with friends.

Pedal on,
Bill

October’s final days beckon with one last call for a mountain biking escapade. This time, it’s Carlton Ridge via the Mill Creek trail, a path that promises both challenge and charm. As I load up the van for a weekend of adventure, there’s a mix of excitement and nostalgia; this marks the last van camping trip of the season.

The journey to Carlton Ridge is as enchanting as the destination. The trail, lined with the last of autumn’s vibrant display, weaves through the landscape like a ribbon of adventure. Each pedal stroke takes me deeper into the heart of nature, where the only sound is the crunch of leaves under my wheels.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there. Next up is Disco Bike Park, a place where the trails are as rhythmic as they are rugged. Here, bikers of all levels find their groove, dancing down descents and carving corners with a joy that only comes from being one with your bike.

Meanwhile, thousands of miles away, Mo embarks on her own journey to California. Her mission: to capture the essence of this sun-soaked state. She sends back photos of exotic plants and fruits, each image a vibrant postcard that speaks of her Californian adventures. Her travels add a splash of contrast to our rugged Montana escapades.

Upon her return, we reunite with a shared passion for mountain biking. I take her on local MTB excursions, each trail a story, each ride a memory in the making. Together, we explore the wilds of Montana, where the beauty of nature meets the thrill of the ride.

This month has been a whirlwind of MTB mayhem, a perfect blend of solitary rides, shared adventures, and long-distance connections. It’s a reminder that no matter where we are in the world, the spirit of adventure and the bond of shared passions keep us connected.

As October winds down, and the trails start to hush under the blanket of early snow, these memories become the fuel for future adventures. For now, we rest, we plan, and we dream of the trails yet to be ridden.

Resources to Enhance Your Day:

1. Carlton Ridge Trail Guide – Plan your adventure with detailed trail info.
2. Disco Bike Park Overview – Get to know the trails and features.
3. California’s Exotic Flora and Fauna – Explore the biodiversity of California.
4. Van Camping Essentials – Tips for your next van camping trip.
5. MTB Tips for Beginners and Experts – Improve your skills on the trail.