It would be the last straw if I had to leave my bicycles out in the weather. I\’m lucky that I can bring mine indoors; but if I can ever build a shed for them, I think I\’d like to try this:

Serious Straw Bale

In fact, I used to have a copy of this book; but finally had to weed it out of my collection. It seemed highly unlikely that I\’ll ever be able to tackle this; and straw-bale construction does need special consideration in a humid climate. Our average annual rainfall is five feet! If I moved to a dry climate, it might make more sense.

Reading \”Serious Straw Bale\” reminded me somewhat of the \”soddies\” on the frontier. It also, of course, made me think of the story of The Three Little Pigs! Maybe the first pig\’s house was merely a heap of straw? That\’s how I always pictured it; but if the pig\’s house had been made of bales, it might have withstood the wolf\’s blowing.

If I had my own place I could try building a bicycle shed like this, even if I can\’t construct an entire house. I also dream of having a system for collecting rainwater; and maybe some solar panels, too. Oh, if only I were younger — and rich — and more mechanically inclined!

Or maybe it\’s all mere pipe dreaming; like my notions of doing a long bicycle tour! I don\’t have a touring bicycle; or camping equipment; and group tours can be too expensive for my budget.

Maybe someday. Even if I never get to do that long tour, I hope I never have to give up riding. That would really be the last straw!