Where’s Bald Guy
February 22, 2011 by baldguy · 2 Comments
since we have had a break in the weather, i’ve been able to deliver coffee over the last several days. my goal for 2011 is 3000 lbs of roasted coffee delivered by bike. that would be around a 900 lb increase from 2010. anyway, as i prepare for the upcoming ride from atlanta to boone, a friend turned me on to a new app that will track my progress along the route. here is an overview and map of today’s ride:
Why USPS is wrong!
January 10, 2011 by baldguy · 2 Comments
Well, it finally happened. Last week I was told by my friends at the local post office that a memo came out indicating that priority mail flat rate envelopes with “bulging seams” are no longer acceptable.
It appears that “if it fits, it ships” has some restrictions, even though our packages seal with out the aid of tape and are not reshaped! Granted, I tape the label on, but even the postal clerk said that this was acceptable. I have a meeting arranged with a customer service rep, however my gut tells me “no is no”.
Therefore, I will still offer free shipping on 3 or more lbs of coffee. However, if you order two lbs or less, plan on paying a flat rate fee of $5.00. I hate that I have to do this, but sometimes a man has to do what the government wants him to do.
2011 Coffee Predictions
January 10, 2011 by baldguy · 2 Comments
Back in 1934 or 1935, American statisticians came up with a new word: guesstimate. It is the process of arriving at a conclusion based on an educated guess. Well, that sums up my approach to making sense of the specialty coffee market.
After talking with a green coffee broker, we both decided that my guess was as good a his with one truth standing: “the only thing predictable about the coffee market is its unpredictability!” So, with that in mind, here we go…
Prediction One: Green Coffee Prices will Increase…kinda.
Last year, the coffee market was at a 13 year high. So far for 2011, the market has not dropped back down to early 2010 levels. There are three factors that are contributing to the increase:
1. reports of coffee shortages.
2. reports of increased consumption within producing countries.
3. the presence of day traders driving the prices as traditional securities stagger.
As a roaster of green coffee, I am amazed that nowhere in the equation is there reference to coffee farmers receiving an increase for their labor and product. The sharp increase in the price of green coffee is more a result of share holders needing to make a reasonable profit.
As my plumber friend once told me, “it is what it is”…the big boys like Nescafe, Sara Lee, and Kraft Foods (I’m sure there are more) control the “futures” market and the ROI (return on invested capital) is the bottom line.
So what does that mean for the rest of us?
I think…or better yet, guesstimate, that prices will decrease when global securities stabilize. Now when that happens, your guess is as good as mine!
Fortunately, Bald Guy Brew has been able to hold off from raising our prices. This is primarily due to the fact that we operate on the skinny! The other factor is that living in Western North Carolina isn’t exactly the hub of the specialty coffee universe, and higher prices would be the death of us.
I imagine that one day we will have to raise our prices. In a perfect world, the price increase would reflect the fact that we are sourcing our own coffee and that farmers are getting paid a better than coffee market price!
Travel the World for $29.00
December 18, 2010 by baldguy · Leave a Comment
After several friends at the shop started ordering different varietals in 1/2 lb bags, it seemed like a good idea to introduce the “travel around the world and not leave your kitchen” coffee pack.
You will receive four coffees (Roaster’s choice), one each from the Americas, Africa, Indonesia, and a BGB blend. Roaster’s choice means that each time you order there will be something different and something fun. Sure to tickle your palate as well as get your “mo-joe going”.
Each bag will have a 1/2 lb of fresh roasted goodness totaling 2 lbs of specialty coffee for $29.00 (USPS Priority Mail included in price).
Costa Rican Coffee Pics
November 22, 2010 by baldguy · Leave a Comment
Just got back from signing a contract for our first direct trade purchase…can’t wait until March/April Delivery!
[simpleviewer gallery_id="6" bgcolor="8B5A2B" gallery_width ="100%" gallery_height ="400"]
Things to know about Elk Knob
November 9, 2010 by baldguy · 1 Comment
One of the newer parks in the state system, Elk Knob came about as an effort to preserve the second highest peak in the county from being developed for second homes. You can get GPS coordinates and map information here.
The park entrance is located on Meat Camp Road off 194 North. We decided to cut over Tater Hill since we had time to kill and we live on the other side of Rich Mountain. The ride over and back was great for the kids…just enough time in the truck to make it an adventure without the question of all questions: “how much longer until we get there?”.
I decided on Elk Knob State Park because of its proximity to the house, and the fact that even though it was leaf season, I was guessing that it would be less crowded, and it was. Upon arriving, we stopped in the office where my boys (8 & 5), were hooked up with some cool ranger stuff. Then it was off to the trail head further down the road.
The trail is excellent for young children and old folks like me. I would leave enough time for climbing trees and rocks on the way up and on the return trip. The view was incredible…from one overlook we were able to see Pilot Mountain. From the other vantage point to the right before you reach the summit there is a marker that identifies the mountains to the west. If the weather is good, you might just see Charlotte, NC.
The Low Down: If you are pinched for time and itching to take it outdoors, this is a great hike.
Time to the peak: 50 minutes (yes, a five year old can do it)
Time down: 40 minutes
Difficulty of Trail: easy grade except for the last 100 or so yards.
Gear Needed: water, a snack, binoculars, camera, and a decent pair of shoes (tennis shoes will work).
A great tip from the ranger: “get a pair of trekking poles for the younger children”. He told us a story about his daughter (age 7 at the time) wanting to take a break every 100 yards on a hike. After purchasing some size appropriate trekking poles, she just motored on down the trail…I guess it has something to do with the action of planting the pole, moving arms, etc.
Well, I’m sure I missed several things, but that is where you can help. If you are reading this, please add your comments and thoughts pertaining to Elk Knob…as K. Blanchard once wrote: “none of us is as smart as all of us“
2000 lbs of Coffee Delivered by Bike
November 3, 2010 by baldguy · Leave a Comment
Yesterday’s delivery brought the total of amount of coffee delivered by bike to a little over 1 ton, or 2000 lbs. I think that is pretty stinking cool, especially since there are no bike lanes, lots of hills, and the Bald Guy Brew International Head-Quarters is located outside of town.
I went over to a site called 1 World 2 Wheels and used their cool widget and came up with the following:
A big shout to all of you who have supported this effort….thanks for encouraging me to pedal on!
Big day yesterday…http://tin…
November 3, 2010 by baldguy · 2 Comments
Big day yesterday…http://tinyurl.com/2000-lbs-of-coffee-by-bike
Read why I am creating a page for things to do in Boone, NC?
November 1, 2010 by baldguy · 2 Comments
It took a while, but I finally found a plugin that will allow me to publish blog posts to a static page (Things to do with your family in Boone, NC). The thought process behind this page kinda goes like this: “I’m worn out, it is the weekend, and the weather is amazing. I really need to do something with the family!”
With short notice and low initiative, I started looking around for a site with information that would help to get the most bang for the buck on a Sunday afternoon with the family. Like, for example, would a hike on Elk Knob be too much for a five year old? Is there a place to grab some grub after you get done on the Linville Falls trail?
Regrettably, I couldn’t find one…so, I decided to make one.
This page is for all those folks that just don’t have a lot of time but want to do something fun. In a perfect world, this page will have reflections, advice, and reviews of things to do in an around Boone, NC that will provide a kodak moment with your family. Comments are a good thing and no, I’m not getting paid to do this!
Adding a new page to the site …
October 31, 2010 by baldguy · Leave a Comment
Adding a new page to the site for family fun…check out http://tinyurl.com/take-it-outdoors