tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76566692251959392472024-03-13T06:34:06.524-04:00Riding and Things of LifeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613145353616462144noreply@blogger.comBlogger178125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656669225195939247.post-65517749743616763032016-09-06T21:16:00.001-04:002016-09-06T21:16:38.486-04:00Keto Diet, Buteyko Breath and my cyclingI am an avid fan of <a href="https://velocast.cc/shows" target="_blank">Velocast </a>podcast's, and I am a tech geek for my bike (I have to blog on my new bike still, soon), so I enjoy their partnership with <a href="http://www.cycle-systems.co.uk/" target="_blank">Cycle Systems Academy</a>, where bike mechanics, and tech is discussed and deliberated. Then one week Sean host and director of Cycle Systems Academy had a person, <a href="http://sakharoff.com/" target="_blank">Misha Sakharoff</a> talking about breathing and Keto diet, not bike mechanics but body mechanics.<br />
<br />
I entered the 2016 season after two different injuries which kept me from riding very little in 2014, then the second one took me out for the whole 2015 cycling season, so coming back in 2016, I was at a "ground zero" for training, a clean slate but had put on several pounds and my arthritis had set in some with my inactivity. Because of the arthritis I had been trying to cut out breads as gluten is an inflammatory. With these factors I was interested in a diet that required one to stay away from breads, promised weight loss and some healing of arthritis. And as every cyclist I know that is a bit competitive an offer to improve one's VO2 max is a "no brainer", though when listening to the first podcast Sean and Misha were talking from a marshal arts perspective and I was a little lost, but very interested. Misha was offering a course "50 weeks to improved athletic performance", and I have been an active cyclist for nearly 40 years knew that I was going to take most of 2016 just getting back to normal and my winter training plan would bring be back to where I was by 2017 so I subscribed to the 50 week course, on the premise that if nothing happened in the first three months I would just quit and go on with my normal training and breathing.<br />
<br />
The first thing we were introduced to was the Buteyko breathing, which simplified is breathing only through your nose, even in heavy exertions. So in May I began trying to breath only through my nose on a bike ride, sprints included... with very little success. I was pretty sure that this was not going to work but I am willing to forge into new frontiers so I persevered, through June, still thinking I was going to die for lack of air. July I was in Winnipeg on work so I was unable to ride, but I did Misha's exercises, back at it in August and I began to make rides most of the way with nasal breathing, except the final bit of a "bridge" or at a major crest, this kind of began to bother my cycling buddies as they were "berating out of ever opening they had" to get up the hill or do a major pull. Now, I'm not sure if the nasal breathing or the fact that Misha wants us to untuck our tail to open the diaphram and to relax the shoulders, which in the past I've know plus a smile on your face makes you more relaxed... So my friends see me breathing through my nose, relaxed shoulders and a smile on my face as they are gasping for air... might have caused a few raised eye brows! Which has given me great joy. This has evolved to the point that I can push myself into Zone 5 HR and still be breathing through my nose.<br />
<br />
The frustration of this is that as I share with my friends the idea and the system, most of them are very old school and have no interest. This also caries over into wider tires, lower tire pressure and the ever touchy topic of my disk breaks. Have I mentioned my custom bike? "Tex of True North"? That's a photo shoot away and another blog post all together, plus I have my Trek Transport with a 750 watt pedal assist eRad system, that needs a blog post and a photo shoot. But I digress... to the diet and the breathing.<br />
<br />
As the breathing got into hand, I still need to do the exercises daily, the Keto Diet started to take shape. Misha introduced this briefly in a weekly post but I knew Sean and his wife were already a few weeks ahead of me, so I got into the <a href="http://ketodietapp.com/" target="_blank">Keto Diet App </a>and began the "journey" which two weeks into the attempt my wife joined me and I became committed, In the Keto Diet, there are many benefits that come out of it, a resistance to cancer, type 2 diabetics, among a few, but as an endurance cyclist was the fact that fat can fuel endurance! Now to be fair Sean has been my guinea pig, he was training for the Ride London 100 Mile! I had made my first rides with just Hammer Heed, and then I had my Perpetum tablets if needed... Then came the "test" a 100 km ride I only took water on, it turned into 120+ kms but I had survived, I had run out of conditioning at about 100 kms but a success! The ride that just set this whole <a class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link js-nav" data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ridinggrasayagua?src=hash" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0084b4; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0084b4; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: 14px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; white-space: pre-wrap;">#</span></span><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0084b4; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; outline: 0px; text-decoration: underline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ridinggrasayagua</span></a> into a trend was a 154 km ride that we did as an end of the summer blitz. I had trouble with the speeds over 38 km/hr but I never felt a "bonk" or "hit the wall" I did ride home alone the last 15 kms just because of the distance but I never felt out of fuel!<br />
<br />
So... <a class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link js-nav" data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ridinggrasayagua?src=hash" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0084b4; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0084b4; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; outline: 0px;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial;">#</span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Ridinggrasayagua</span></a> would read "Riding La grasa y el agua" which means "Riding Fat and Water", a play on Tyler Hamilton's book on "Riding paniagua" which meant you were drug free, "Bread and Water", but in Keto we don't do bread.<br />
<br />
I have spent three plus months on the road to Keto and Buteyko, and I'm not the best student but I am seeing a lot changes, and as we approach the winter and winter training the breathing should make some major implications and the Keto will start to let me see some high end performance.<br />
<br />
I have made no mention of my weight loss, even though Keto promises it, but I have pretty much cut out beer, I have been far more active than a walk or so a day. I will give Keto it's due on weight loss if if it keeps going down over the winter as I go to trainer and gym, rather that outside as much as possible.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned, I will post updates on my <a class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link js-nav" data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ridinggrasayagua?src=hash" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0084b4; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0084b4; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; outline: 0px;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial;">#</span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Ridinggrasayagua</span></a> and I will get photos of my Tex of True North and my Trek Transport up here. Till then keep the rubber on the road or gravel!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613145353616462144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656669225195939247.post-91772886355135169942013-10-27T14:19:00.000-04:002013-10-27T14:19:45.944-04:00There and back again (that'd be Texas)Many people think that the traveling around is fun and glorious. I want to say at the beginning I enjoy being "there" but the travel is not fun, but I make the most of it. The reason for that introduction is, I got to spend 24 hours traveling to Austin... my flight was delayed, and the Air Canada lounge makes it a bit more tolerable but you're still waiting fo<br />
r 2 hours, after driving through traffic to get to airport and through the ticket counter. I ended up spending the night in Chicago, and left later in the afternoon. I spend my morning working on AutoCAD drawings, drinking the maids coffee supply down (she just smiled the fourth trip to get two packs of coffee), and I was able to phone my Brother and wish him a happy 50th.<br />
The store in Round Rock is in great shape as far as the progress of the work, so the days work is "normal" and we just piled through on Thursday catching up with the contractors work, so the product was well lit. The afternoon was perfect and after a quick shower, one needs to go out and ride the Hills of Austin.<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/89701892/embed/b6e3311d320ce9e86623f529ebffe63a8cbc07c4" width="590"></iframe><br />
I've stuck to the same loop but have changed it every time, trying to avoid some of the 20% grade, you can't avoid an average grade of 13% on some sections but I'm not worried about speed at this time of year so "enjoy the ride".<br />
The next day was once again work and getting just up the controntractor so the merchandise that is on new racking is well lit for the weekend, and then it's weekend for us, we get the weekend off as most know. Jared (the 20 year-old I'm working with) and I discovered this bar that has tone's of microbreweries on tap and long happy hour, which lets you try a couple over a period of time and not get loopy. They also have free WiFi, and Jared enjoyed talking to the Bar keeps as that is how he met Curtis (Robert's son), and started working for ALS.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-grv9w6Q1jSg/Um1Dn57xsbI/AAAAAAAAE5w/OeNzLgD1tYo/s1600/2013-10-18+17.59.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-grv9w6Q1jSg/Um1Dn57xsbI/AAAAAAAAE5w/OeNzLgD1tYo/s320/2013-10-18+17.59.03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When in Austin you have to eat out a couple of times, and if you head south of the Colorado river it's where all the cool kids hangout so expect to wait in line to get served, and <a href="http://www.homeslicepizza.com/" target="_blank">Home Slice Pizza</a>, is the BEST pizza in Austin, according to Yelp, Google and by the line up. We had to wait, but the evening was nice and just people watched. When it came it was delicious!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XlziubjeGxY/Um1FkPJocCI/AAAAAAAAE58/w8g81_XPmvc/s1600/2013-10-18+21.06.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XlziubjeGxY/Um1FkPJocCI/AAAAAAAAE58/w8g81_XPmvc/s320/2013-10-18+21.06.29.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Saturday even though I'm out of town is still chore day and laundry had to be done, and bit of bike maintenance. With one car and two \people I had to arrange with Jared's schedule so I could get out and do the EpicTexas ride from <a href="http://epicplanet.tv/catalog/" target="_blank">epicPlanet</a> training video. The day was around 18°C (64°F) and I had on an under shirt and my jersey, the cyclist we saw were wearing winter coats, tights and full fingered gloves. If I had packed my arm warmers I would have them on, I have over the years acclimated to the cold, fairly well... I still wear more than some of my Canadian friends but this was very nice weather. The day was cloudless and the sky was very blue (my phone is dying so the photo's are off in color). The loop went out to Johnson City, and there was an artsy gallery and a coffee shop with WiFi were I stopped and had a cappuccino, back home we don't do coffee rides, no one seems to want to stop during a ride so this was a bit of a novelty for me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/90085598/embed/fd30ce42e279eeca6f95f698cd43694dc4bda007" width="590"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--PbeyXUiB1I/Um1LTYpwoGI/AAAAAAAAE6M/SEJO3EkJzJM/s1600/1-2013-10-19+13.00.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--PbeyXUiB1I/Um1LTYpwoGI/AAAAAAAAE6M/SEJO3EkJzJM/s320/1-2013-10-19+13.00.36.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The "cool" bar shot... All the cool kids do this now.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R56hasT1JLc/Um1LUR1QLXI/AAAAAAAAE6U/jl1st2x-9ew/s1600/2013-10-19+14.41.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R56hasT1JLc/Um1LUR1QLXI/AAAAAAAAE6U/jl1st2x-9ew/s320/2013-10-19+14.41.09.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I emailed Jared at the Johnson City Café and he had his timing down perfect, he was standing in the parking lot waiting and he said for only 5 minutes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Back to the house and shower and shave to get ready for the "main event" of the weekend we had planed this since our last trip, out to Dripping Springs for <a href="http://www.saltlickbbq.com/" target="_blank">The Salt Lick BBQ</a>, and it was an event. you have to drive a bit through some new development, and Austin is EXPLODING! Then you're on a dark road and come over the hill and there is the HUGE parking lot ligthing up the sky. You have to stand in line to get your pager, and remember this is a cool night and Texas like it warm so our 20 minutes in line was short for this place. You BYOB and sit out listening to live music, so the wait is not an issue.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zVE7lMjJriQ/Um1OEpyj3PI/AAAAAAAAE6o/RrenQhWkeaE/s1600/2013-10-19+19.34.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zVE7lMjJriQ/Um1OEpyj3PI/AAAAAAAAE6o/RrenQhWkeaE/s320/2013-10-19+19.34.20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIEcH1ZNawA/Um1OEGu8M_I/AAAAAAAAE6k/gk-GiXj7tvs/s1600/2013-10-19+20.05.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIEcH1ZNawA/Um1OEGu8M_I/AAAAAAAAE6k/gk-GiXj7tvs/s320/2013-10-19+20.05.10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Lone Star was not mine... I had Shiner Bock</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oUgDud3dXQo/Um1OD0WIgeI/AAAAAAAAE6g/Wxor1nUj0ak/s1600/2013-10-19+20.05.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oUgDud3dXQo/Um1OD0WIgeI/AAAAAAAAE6g/Wxor1nUj0ak/s320/2013-10-19+20.05.17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PvePlDIy7xA/Um1OHcA53wI/AAAAAAAAE64/7XBHe-SnsNo/s1600/2013-10-19+20.05.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PvePlDIy7xA/Um1OHcA53wI/AAAAAAAAE64/7XBHe-SnsNo/s320/2013-10-19+20.05.23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jGKjyJhD_QM/Um1OIBuKyGI/AAAAAAAAE68/e5NVUasHFxE/s1600/2013-10-19+20.05.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jGKjyJhD_QM/Um1OIBuKyGI/AAAAAAAAE68/e5NVUasHFxE/s320/2013-10-19+20.05.28.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As you can see there is a huge crowd. They have winery next door, where you can purchase "Salt Lick Winery" wine. We talked to the guy drinking the Lone Star beer, who was friends with couple performing. Our buzzer went off and then the feast began... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ePtLJxabO1c/Um1PG8qLhYI/AAAAAAAAE7c/CW44Fesa-20/s1600/2013-10-19+20.27.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ePtLJxabO1c/Um1PG8qLhYI/AAAAAAAAE7c/CW44Fesa-20/s320/2013-10-19+20.27.47.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The warming pit...They were bring the meat from the back</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PqjJZJY_P-c/Um1PEfIl0oI/AAAAAAAAE7M/MEfQ0GswmHw/s1600/2013-10-19+20.28.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PqjJZJY_P-c/Um1PEfIl0oI/AAAAAAAAE7M/MEfQ0GswmHw/s320/2013-10-19+20.28.03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
service desk</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L5finoo7lBk/Um1PHXM6aTI/AAAAAAAAE7Y/rCz4z090kKA/s1600/2013-10-19+20.28.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L5finoo7lBk/Um1PHXM6aTI/AAAAAAAAE7Y/rCz4z090kKA/s320/2013-10-19+20.28.11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
pecan pie, the cobbler is what they are know for</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vIMJIPJ3lMI/Um1PIcUm-zI/AAAAAAAAE7g/z_u9LSVLUgE/s1600/2013-10-19+20.37.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vIMJIPJ3lMI/Um1PIcUm-zI/AAAAAAAAE7g/z_u9LSVLUgE/s320/2013-10-19+20.37.08.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">We cleaned up two plates like this.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
When we went for left-over the following week, we both thought we had left some meat to eat... there was not much, that's about 2 pounds of meat each. After this we went back out and listened to the performers, and then helped them break down and be their roadies, and we got invited to a party. Jared and I were the only non musicians. Everyone else was in a band, Austin is the Music Capital of the world.<br />
This made for quite the late night and we slept in on Sunday, which was another amazing day. I want to be outside on amazing day's but Austin's hills are hard and I need a days rest between rides. So I started looking for something to do outside. I found just up the road from us <a href="http://www.austinparks.org/our-parks.html?parkid=222" target="_blank">Bull Creek Park and Greenbelt</a>, so out for an afternoon hike.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qqmcoArxWEQ/Um1SlYrbVRI/AAAAAAAAE7s/pI4WLV1hbo0/s1600/1-2013-10-20+14.32.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qqmcoArxWEQ/Um1SlYrbVRI/AAAAAAAAE7s/pI4WLV1hbo0/s320/1-2013-10-20+14.32.35.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8QyOmMDiOak/Um1SnV5-JgI/AAAAAAAAE70/VIGv9rHNWPE/s1600/1-2013-10-20+15.19.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8QyOmMDiOak/Um1SnV5-JgI/AAAAAAAAE70/VIGv9rHNWPE/s320/1-2013-10-20+15.19.37.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ObD8U-71zg4/Um1Su4BrCLI/AAAAAAAAE78/tiC2R3zyfLI/s1600/2013-10-20+14.47.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ObD8U-71zg4/Um1Su4BrCLI/AAAAAAAAE78/tiC2R3zyfLI/s320/2013-10-20+14.47.32.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This was just great weather, tons of people out, and loads of dogs having great time in the crystal clear waters!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Monday night I drove down to Mellow Johnny's, and my phone would not take a photo there, but I've been there, then off to the bridge to try and see the bats again... It was great day until it came to bat time. The clouds rolled in and was quite dark, making it impossible to get a good photo of the bats. That's twice for me. One day maybe.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0GVw-XQXQeM/Um1UIerbB0I/AAAAAAAAE8I/h2zK8pqUhmo/s1600/2013-10-21+19.00.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0GVw-XQXQeM/Um1UIerbB0I/AAAAAAAAE8I/h2zK8pqUhmo/s320/2013-10-21+19.00.16.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tuesday was my last day in Austin and last day to pound those hills. It was great afternoon for riding cool but not too cool so I made my loop with one big hill in it that I got a PR on.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/90733714/embed/1c62982ea69f61829ccb6a8f5604b26d5e9e35ad" width="590"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And I stopped a got a photo of Lake Austin, before my phone froze up... Stupid Phone!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gd-p4Z9Om2s/Um1UvMsG1FI/AAAAAAAAE8Q/nWGsKfUHvB8/s1600/2013-10-22+17.02.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gd-p4Z9Om2s/Um1UvMsG1FI/AAAAAAAAE8Q/nWGsKfUHvB8/s320/2013-10-22+17.02.43.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Wednesday was moving/driving day to Houston. The Houston Store was more typical work, where they are moving along at a "normal pace", we arrived got set up and began the usual, getting drawings, locating our "stuff" and we managed to get started on lights. We then head to our condo, and a planed dinner with my Dad, but first I had to stop at the old house which Dad sold in June... nothing's left. HA!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ldsLoaJXoGY/Um1Vpkcz8UI/AAAAAAAAE8c/G7dTg6PW53Y/s1600/2013-10-23+18.50.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ldsLoaJXoGY/Um1Vpkcz8UI/AAAAAAAAE8c/G7dTg6PW53Y/s320/2013-10-23+18.50.37.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We went out to eat more BBQ and I forgot to get a Family photo, afterwards I thought I had Thursday night... but dad had to go into the hospital and Jared and I were on our own. We both are about as full of Brisket as one can get, so it's time for Mexican and if you do Mexican in Houston you have to go to <a href="http://www.ninfas.com/" target="_blank">The Original Ninfa's "on Navigation"</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b0Xu6VUUi2Q/Um1WqpPcWMI/AAAAAAAAE8k/INI7LtZqXvg/s1600/2013-10-24+19.23.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b0Xu6VUUi2Q/Um1WqpPcWMI/AAAAAAAAE8k/INI7LtZqXvg/s320/2013-10-24+19.23.02.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YWsWLBdxQsk/Um1WqdsQsaI/AAAAAAAAE8o/4Ho1QmyxTT8/s1600/2013-10-24+19.37.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YWsWLBdxQsk/Um1WqdsQsaI/AAAAAAAAE8o/4Ho1QmyxTT8/s320/2013-10-24+19.37.18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Because it's only a couple of miles from the condo, we came back and I sat out on the balconies and enjoyed the views.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FiKXlz4oVaw/Um1XGE-FNHI/AAAAAAAAE84/qxThQhX7_7Y/s1600/2013-10-23+22.32.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FiKXlz4oVaw/Um1XGE-FNHI/AAAAAAAAE84/qxThQhX7_7Y/s320/2013-10-23+22.32.17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ur0jARlVLxs/Um1XFjdk2rI/AAAAAAAAE80/zxTq-3NgOB8/s1600/2013-10-23+22.43.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ur0jARlVLxs/Um1XFjdk2rI/AAAAAAAAE80/zxTq-3NgOB8/s320/2013-10-23+22.43.54.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The next morning up early and to the airport where I flew home, then my family and I went to see Les Misérables, in Toronto. I have to say that Toronto is losing it's allure for me. Condo's and Traffic... and they're going to tear down the Princess of Whales Theatre and the Restaurant Row by the Theaters, so not much left to see or do there. I'm sure there are little nooks still left if your a local but why drive in traffic both ways (at midnight home), to watch a show? A bit disappointing, I used to enjoy going in to TO. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And as always I'm home and the dogs expect their walks on Saturday which even though it rained all day it was a very nice evening!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ikQS78Kuy4/Um1YuQ87CzI/AAAAAAAAE9I/qwGlS_s53Kw/s1600/2013-10-26+16.54.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ikQS78Kuy4/Um1YuQ87CzI/AAAAAAAAE9I/qwGlS_s53Kw/s320/2013-10-26+16.54.12.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613145353616462144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656669225195939247.post-53555016317698158842013-10-13T17:37:00.000-04:002013-10-13T17:37:04.720-04:00In Austin, Texas for work and riding hillsWow, first and foremost I had forgotten how hot Texas can be, but it's a different heat than Ontario.<br />
I flew down on a Tuesday evening with Robert Brehn, with a layover in Chicago we arrived at midnight. We were up at work a little later in the morning. The store was ready for us, and we managed to get a lot of work done, despite the scaffolding company had given us the runaround about delivery, in the end it was delivered to the Houston store and they sent it over to us.<br />
Back at the "house" after work the first task of the day is to assemble my bike, I was quite tired from Tuesday being a long day so I just pedaled around the neighborhood, which is very hill, to make sure the shifters were going to work. The route I had planned for Austin is from <a href="http://epicplanet.tv/catalog/" target="_blank">epicRides</a> a cycling training video company, and epicAustin literally passed outside of our house. So I had it all setup for Thursday and after grocery shopping Robert and I went out for BBQ brisket. On to Thursday where we had another very productive day at work at the store. I then headed out on my epicAustin ride, in 33°C (92°F) heat, which is not bad for flats but it takes so much effort on climbs it is very hot, some of the grades are at a max of 20% and I'm about 10 pounds overweight so I felt every percentage point and every pedal stroke.<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/85172841/embed/fab62da941fa3be4f6edb0a6aa172184214e59ad" width="590"></iframe><br />
You might observe in the route a lot of "pig tails" in order for epicAustin to punish you and get the steep climbing they head off of main roads. The video/Map my Ride route also starts and finished under the MoPac by the river, not in front of my house. Texas has a rugged beauty and I do miss it a lot.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-miS2XFUIDPI/UlsLWVJnnsI/AAAAAAAAEpQ/iICo4lMaEUc/s1600/2013-09-26+17.33.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-miS2XFUIDPI/UlsLWVJnnsI/AAAAAAAAEpQ/iICo4lMaEUc/s320/2013-09-26+17.33.08.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PdREPbkaoWM/UlsLWJCNFII/AAAAAAAAEpM/Y0oCrqOY4sE/s1600/2013-09-26+18.16.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PdREPbkaoWM/UlsLWJCNFII/AAAAAAAAEpM/Y0oCrqOY4sE/s320/2013-09-26+18.16.00.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Friday was another day at work and rest in the afternoon then Robert and I went downtown to watch the bats come out from the bridge and he then treated me to a fantastic Mexican dinner... Some bosses are "OK". :P</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Saturday I ran Robert off to the airport and I went out for Mexican breakfast. All this for under $5 including a 15% tip! BTW that's eggs with cactus </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6bFD_UWYCnc/UlsMGS70YQI/AAAAAAAAEpc/ahQuYsehOuo/s1600/2013-09-28+18.50.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6bFD_UWYCnc/UlsMGS70YQI/AAAAAAAAEpc/ahQuYsehOuo/s320/2013-09-28+18.50.54.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Back home, and I did a little bit of office work, try and fix my map so I could find my way around the Colorado River, Garmin Connect likes to have a good internet connection and we don't have much more than a fast dial-up at this rental, ARGH! I then got ready for my ride and grabbed my flashing rear light as it might rain at 2:00 p.m. and out to do the full epicAustin.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/85568992/embed/7e1570d62ea1e5d338905155dfceaf40da5d10d2" width="590"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And it sure did look like rain when I got down to Westlake drive...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qzphe_Loq0Q/UlsNpfWjdcI/AAAAAAAAEpo/NVFfGOey3l8/s1600/2013-09-28+13.52.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qzphe_Loq0Q/UlsNpfWjdcI/AAAAAAAAEpo/NVFfGOey3l8/s320/2013-09-28+13.52.20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I attached my flashing rear light and headed into the clouds the rain held off till I was on Riva Ridge at the end of the climb, which was nice. For those of you who are not cyclist climbing on steep hills in the rain is very difficult because your wheel will slip on the tarmac especially on grades over 7% and Riva Ridge is one of the climbs that has a max of 20%. It poured rain I could not see anything in front of me on the shoulder of North Capital of Texas Highway. When I turned off the hill at Hidden Valley was a sit in the saddle the whole time to keep the rear wheel from slipping too much, it has gone from down pour to a sprinkle and by the time I got to the top of that it had stopped all together. City park is an easyish downhill all the way and an easy return 4% or less, so I was in a nice rhythm and working on my mental skills for getting up Jester, it's long, and it's at the end of my ride so this time I wanted to be prepared for it, and I just started a bit slower at the bottom, because I knew that it would slow me down anyway, climbs like that are best when your done with them, the last tail home is not hard and as I was coming up Smokey Hollow the Taxi was dropping Jared off. I met him, took a shower and a nap.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For the evening I had planned on going to the Pecan Street Music Festival, and Jared was game. Great fun and we got to hear some good music.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o5J15g-2cZI/UlsQLPaqrNI/AAAAAAAAEp4/9KNI0idc3JY/s1600/2013-09-28+17.39.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o5J15g-2cZI/UlsQLPaqrNI/AAAAAAAAEp4/9KNI0idc3JY/s320/2013-09-28+17.39.16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dVKk2MHKDTE/UlsQMcT75xI/AAAAAAAAEqA/ry2JpKiGUvQ/s1600/2013-09-28+18.11.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dVKk2MHKDTE/UlsQMcT75xI/AAAAAAAAEqA/ry2JpKiGUvQ/s320/2013-09-28+18.11.56.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5XHJhZWZCUo/UlsQOpvXd6I/AAAAAAAAEqI/AJvM1MrSQKE/s1600/2013-09-28+19.30.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5XHJhZWZCUo/UlsQOpvXd6I/AAAAAAAAEqI/AJvM1MrSQKE/s320/2013-09-28+19.30.42.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The rest of the week was a bit more work and cooking at home. Because of Austin's hills I just could not ride every day. Tuesday I rode on "flat" and Thursday I made a run to Mellow Johnny's as Jared went golfing. Some how my bike computer did not charge up and did not record all of Thursday's ride.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/86344098/embed/693346ff20bdda51add20f03309fb5c55a02b026" width="590"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/86749289/embed/ed0d6a60c95e0a698b1c1e5a813c2ea6bf3c4b47" width="590"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We went out one night to Rudy's and had more Brisket... sitting outdoors drinking Iced tea.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MPVX6GcuwCA/UlsRlCqtlBI/AAAAAAAAEqY/gOGQqwyIzYA/s1600/2013-09-30+18.57.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MPVX6GcuwCA/UlsRlCqtlBI/AAAAAAAAEqY/gOGQqwyIzYA/s320/2013-09-30+18.57.08.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dvUUQeFxWEk/UlsRlXbD__I/AAAAAAAAEqU/zXLggXL0X4s/s1600/2013-09-30+19.05.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dvUUQeFxWEk/UlsRlXbD__I/AAAAAAAAEqU/zXLggXL0X4s/s320/2013-09-30+19.05.25.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n8rIB1gptcU/UlsRlCP2JKI/AAAAAAAAEqQ/988Q4LZJn1Q/s1600/2013-09-30+19.08.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n8rIB1gptcU/UlsRlCP2JKI/AAAAAAAAEqQ/988Q4LZJn1Q/s320/2013-09-30+19.08.47.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LckMCNyXBPM/UlsRqQ382pI/AAAAAAAAEqs/QwLpyytXu0U/s1600/2013-09-30+19.21.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LckMCNyXBPM/UlsRqQ382pI/AAAAAAAAEqs/QwLpyytXu0U/s320/2013-09-30+19.21.28.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P6uM5we6eZg/UlsRpteUscI/AAAAAAAAEqo/TyHhC-K8LPs/s1600/2013-09-30+19.21.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P6uM5we6eZg/UlsRpteUscI/AAAAAAAAEqo/TyHhC-K8LPs/s320/2013-09-30+19.21.54.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Saturday was an all day trip home... then Sunday was church, and the church picnic at Mohawk Park, with a great fall day, and in the evening I took the dogs out for a run, then off to work in Burlington on Monday.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gztvnk7w72U/UlsSQJrrC8I/AAAAAAAAErA/GOoelosdzjo/s1600/2013-10-06+12.20.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gztvnk7w72U/UlsSQJrrC8I/AAAAAAAAErA/GOoelosdzjo/s320/2013-10-06+12.20.36.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J8JAoJnHdF4/UlsSOFBeQRI/AAAAAAAAEq4/SidMm-KS7R4/s1600/2013-10-06+12.23.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J8JAoJnHdF4/UlsSOFBeQRI/AAAAAAAAEq4/SidMm-KS7R4/s320/2013-10-06+12.23.15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wKr6pDDXSb8/UlsSQPyzqzI/AAAAAAAAErE/Gthmb4bLiic/s1600/2013-10-06+17.06.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wKr6pDDXSb8/UlsSQPyzqzI/AAAAAAAAErE/Gthmb4bLiic/s320/2013-10-06+17.06.34.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rTJqYM50OxQ/UlsSRuJ6CXI/AAAAAAAAErQ/aFftQKbboIg/s1600/2013-10-06+17.17.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rTJqYM50OxQ/UlsSRuJ6CXI/AAAAAAAAErQ/aFftQKbboIg/s320/2013-10-06+17.17.31.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZW6aq9yLgw/UlsSUzubNSI/AAAAAAAAErc/Gz9ZP00GnRs/s1600/2013-10-06+17.33.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZW6aq9yLgw/UlsSUzubNSI/AAAAAAAAErc/Gz9ZP00GnRs/s320/2013-10-06+17.33.07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CwapHASaCQ0/UlsSU1RlVsI/AAAAAAAAErY/l4RfdG27aF0/s1600/2013-10-06+17.59.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CwapHASaCQ0/UlsSU1RlVsI/AAAAAAAAErY/l4RfdG27aF0/s320/2013-10-06+17.59.06.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613145353616462144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656669225195939247.post-22364177288818232612013-08-13T21:45:00.001-04:002013-08-13T22:02:15.818-04:00Go East for them Hills!I have been in two cities I did not know too much about, but have driven through the area. The first city is Pittsburgh, I was here for a few days and I just was mostly working and I did not fare too well getting served in a locals restaurant, and that happened to me again on this visit.<br />
<br />
I arrived to do the store here with Robert Brehn, with our bikes in tow. I think that if it was not for Karen all the Brehn boys would eat only spaghetti and burritos! So while he was here I at Chipotle which is a burrito chain, a pretty good Oriental place and a burger joint... So food (or is that fuel?) was consumed!<br />
<br />
On the first day after work we headed out south, to find out we needed to make a few detours as bridges were out. I later found out that Pittsburgh had had two major floods this year that had taken out several bridges. Detouring routes around bridges or cyclo-crossing over bridge construction became the "theme" of Pittsburgh riding. So without any further adieu here are the Pittsburgh rides:<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/71275695/embed/a9992818905622e943daa6321f642a503aacce4e" width="590"></iframe><br />
These are by my lonesome:<br />
This one the "pigtail" to the West is where on a descent the paved road just disappeared, turned to a rock road and it took me awhile to slow to a stop and turn around.<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/71529311/embed/ee9301d76f74f1ed85ecd547c4e80e7161d3eacb" width="590"></iframe><br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/71717119/embed/34c63eaf18c0948b0f905db3811cc844a9aec3d7" width="590"></iframe><br />
<br />
Friday after my ride I went to the southside flats where the "hipsters" hang out, here there wanna be's and really just college students on bikes. But I found a very nice restaurant with an inexpensive dinner (bonus). While down there I found Pittsburgh Pavé.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qI5YHDs2mes/UgrObYbbQ3I/AAAAAAAAECA/2YJ54fF6QKE/s1600/2013-08-03+19.40.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qI5YHDs2mes/UgrObYbbQ3I/AAAAAAAAECA/2YJ54fF6QKE/s320/2013-08-03+19.40.17.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
Now on Saturday it was Thunderstorms (feels like a theme for this summers travels), then it cleared up about 2 p.m. So should I ride or see the town, I went out to see the town. There is a tram that lets you see the whole of the city and the stadiums.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vP6b_p_wCv0/UgrPNd5YINI/AAAAAAAAECQ/WLA5es70dxo/s1600/2013-08-03+19.02.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vP6b_p_wCv0/UgrPNd5YINI/AAAAAAAAECQ/WLA5es70dxo/s320/2013-08-03+19.02.47.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J1PHSnvd6tU/UgrPLmRcIdI/AAAAAAAAECI/pc_emoURUCM/s1600/2013-08-03+19.04.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J1PHSnvd6tU/UgrPLmRcIdI/AAAAAAAAECI/pc_emoURUCM/s320/2013-08-03+19.04.22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IpufM834a00/UgrewQ9364I/AAAAAAAAEEo/MhHKA0xvZFw/s1600/2013-08-03+19.04.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IpufM834a00/UgrewQ9364I/AAAAAAAAEEo/MhHKA0xvZFw/s320/2013-08-03+19.04.05.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It seems that there are very few cyclist for all the great riding, but no shortage of bikers, and if your into sports and bars to watch sports in this would be a fantastic city. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sunday a.m. I was up early to head off to my next assignment Baltimore, but via Gettysburg... I grew up with a Civil War buff, and I took Civil War history at A&M with one of the great scholars before he retired. I did run Strava on this, just to see where I had gone, but if you do get a chance, a bike is a great way to do it, but bring a MTB or a cross bike with shoes you can walk in, and a lock. I had the lock and a change of shoes, but riding up Big Round Top I met up with people walking down and I had to dismount and walk the rest of the way up, in road cycling shoes. If you don't know what they are well go <a href="http://www.google.ca/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=iFFOf6QnbtMN2M&tbnid=ecaiKmSYoqsc3M:&ved=0CAgQjRwwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.peerfit.com%2Fblog%2F2013%2F01%2F4-reasons-to-splurge-on-cycling-shoes-by-kari%2F&ei=bNEKUrPxPMn62gXg-oD4Cw&psig=AFQjCNEfPUW34k0M6YZ3orbuFKnI4Japcw&ust=1376527085086871" target="_blank">here</a>. I have a lot of photos of the fields and views but here are just a few...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/72279007/embed/c3043ddfa41e2ce50363f790692d922f4f2dd432" width="590"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FIoYlG0BHOc/UgrS7Htd3DI/AAAAAAAAECg/UdVLLgTyg_A/s1600/2013-08-04+12.50.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FIoYlG0BHOc/UgrS7Htd3DI/AAAAAAAAECg/UdVLLgTyg_A/s320/2013-08-04+12.50.55.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
David Wills on Lincoln Square where Lincoln stayed while in Gettysburg</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0qRKbji33M/UgrTAIfvCCI/AAAAAAAAECw/l1ucs-ewzyE/s1600/2013-08-04+13.17.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0qRKbji33M/UgrTAIfvCCI/AAAAAAAAECw/l1ucs-ewzyE/s320/2013-08-04+13.17.13.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is general Unknown, but there also by state plus all the known.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6SXSzgHQXyU/UgrS_ROg4ZI/AAAAAAAAECo/8oyLYnNeoco/s1600/2013-08-04+13.17.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6SXSzgHQXyU/UgrS_ROg4ZI/AAAAAAAAECo/8oyLYnNeoco/s320/2013-08-04+13.17.51.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QEZj54wP50M/UgrTWXUqRPI/AAAAAAAAEC4/P7cLQq4SHVM/s1600/2013-08-04+13.30.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QEZj54wP50M/UgrTWXUqRPI/AAAAAAAAEC4/P7cLQq4SHVM/s320/2013-08-04+13.30.50.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The plak from cemetery ridge</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SOaOsjNCUdg/UgrTez36S6I/AAAAAAAAEDI/DmcaPK__dy8/s1600/2013-08-04+13.30.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SOaOsjNCUdg/UgrTez36S6I/AAAAAAAAEDI/DmcaPK__dy8/s320/2013-08-04+13.30.56.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The real thing</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g8fnoPKZqJ0/UgrTb72tJXI/AAAAAAAAEDA/LWWOOT3QiVw/s1600/2013-08-04+14.46.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g8fnoPKZqJ0/UgrTb72tJXI/AAAAAAAAEDA/LWWOOT3QiVw/s320/2013-08-04+14.46.13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
view from Warfield ridge of little round top and artillery ridge</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iLywVYdJd38/UgrTlLaPdjI/AAAAAAAAEDQ/CHZoP_NIcr4/s1600/2013-08-04+15.44.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iLywVYdJd38/UgrTlLaPdjI/AAAAAAAAEDQ/CHZoP_NIcr4/s320/2013-08-04+15.44.08.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
artillery ridge looking at Devils den.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then on to Baltimore, I arrived not knowing much at all, and found out I was in the middle of the shoppers mecca of Baltimore. Monday was a nice evening and I sat at my computer looking for the best place to ride, I had picked a few areas that were drive and ride (not my first choice). Tuesday it rained and rained and thunderstorms, so I went looking for food, and Yelp failed me BIG time, shoppers mecca means chain food places, and no real good places to eat. I was depressed no ride and no good food. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Wednesday it rained and then looked like it wanted to rain, but a co-worker had told me about Fells Point and Bertha's Mussels. It is a historical part of Baltimore and in a revival. I had parked down at O'Donnell and Boston at a park and talked to several dog owners, this is Michael Phelps home turf. I walked down the waterfront promenade to Fells Point, which is where Meg Ryan lived in "Sleepless in Seattle" and had nice evening looking at all the old buildings.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PQjS22ckFWg/UgrXp3VoqhI/AAAAAAAAEDw/8jERW2NcV2c/s1600/2013-08-07+18.39.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PQjS22ckFWg/UgrXp3VoqhI/AAAAAAAAEDw/8jERW2NcV2c/s320/2013-08-07+18.39.32.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oh BTW Baltimore Pavé</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LPaDAT0Twzc/UgrXmneuZeI/AAAAAAAAEDg/wdkpuxZzmXU/s1600/2013-08-07+18.41.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LPaDAT0Twzc/UgrXmneuZeI/AAAAAAAAEDg/wdkpuxZzmXU/s320/2013-08-07+18.41.23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dk48JoSGxj8/UgrXoBu5FBI/AAAAAAAAEDo/06EaLEXFhWs/s1600/2013-08-07+18.47.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dk48JoSGxj8/UgrXoBu5FBI/AAAAAAAAEDo/06EaLEXFhWs/s320/2013-08-07+18.47.09.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-49MevkIFe9o/UgrX0GEGpQI/AAAAAAAAED4/ynX0TIKffRM/s1600/2013-08-07+19.18.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-49MevkIFe9o/UgrX0GEGpQI/AAAAAAAAED4/ynX0TIKffRM/s320/2013-08-07+19.18.38.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thursday RAIN again, but again a co-work had told about a place call Iron Horse for good food and Nati-Bo's on tap. I binged on "junk food" I had $5 pound of wings with, OF COURSE, in Baltimore <i>Old Bay</i> seasoning and Sweet Potato fries, ah well not healthy but good, and this place was out of town a bit... on rollling hills. "Oh my what's a cyclist to think?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Friday as some may know from my post it was raining after work and I began my laundry which was FREE at this hotel, score! As soon as I got the first load in the sun came out! Stupid Baltimore weather! So I planned Saturday while laundry was going. It was going to be tricky, light showers in the a.m. cloudy afternoon and a T-Storm at 4:30. The weather was not quite so stupid, it became sunny around 1:00 and I got a little red, and the evening was cool and fantastic (cept the mosquitoes).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/73672443/embed/b960ff43ffc90d5dfe111853790d295f4b77312a" width="590"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sunday I wanted to see the <a href="http://airandspace.si.edu/" style="color: #2518b5; cursor: pointer; font-family: arial, sans-serif; white-space: nowrap;" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Smithsonian's</span> National <span style="font-weight: bold;">Air and Space</span> Museum</a> so after hotel breakfast off to see planes and spaceships! The engineer in me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_8gZv5_ulbY/UgrboJA9Z8I/AAAAAAAAEEI/DzPYf80iVpc/s1600/2013-08-11+12.24.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_8gZv5_ulbY/UgrboJA9Z8I/AAAAAAAAEEI/DzPYf80iVpc/s320/2013-08-11+12.24.48.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N8c00swd3eU/UgrbpuxGdII/AAAAAAAAEEQ/9oyAknYdjw8/s1600/2013-08-11+12.48.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N8c00swd3eU/UgrbpuxGdII/AAAAAAAAEEQ/9oyAknYdjw8/s320/2013-08-11+12.48.03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xj6IQtNjRUg/UgrbrX8_W1I/AAAAAAAAEEY/0ys60L84Jjk/s1600/2013-08-11+13.31.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xj6IQtNjRUg/UgrbrX8_W1I/AAAAAAAAEEY/0ys60L84Jjk/s320/2013-08-11+13.31.40.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once I got back to the hotel it was just too nice not to go riding so... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/74020999/embed/587ed808b78fc5a75734c44ec3f87825e14d7f50" width="590"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Monday was just a very long day of work, then hop in car and drive all the way up to Long Island, getting late. Today rained but after work it cleared up. I was oh so tempted but just too too exhausted, so I made the Thai Curry recipe that Greg Niemialkowski had given me, its easy and forgiving for travel with small grocery stores. Tomorrow's ride is planned and no rain in the forecast! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613145353616462144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656669225195939247.post-76692062155259719472013-07-16T20:50:00.000-04:002013-07-16T20:50:40.344-04:00July in New YorkIt's been a busy time here, first was getting in work with an injured worker, and I made up for his not being able to work.<br />
<br />
On Wednesday the 3rd after work I figured I better stretch out my legs, and I headed over to Prospect Park, I got in a few laps then I could feel that it was going to rain, and I got soaked coming home...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #1d1d1d; font-family: FFDIN Light;"><span style="font-size: 34px; line-height: 34px;"><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/64578999/embed/aa296e46bf70fc5afcc0a2d52f5e7e135a12876c" width="590"></iframe></span></span></div>
<br />
Then came July 4th a day off. I was going to meet with some of my Brooklyn crew but I slept till 10:30... Ugh, Oh well still good day for a ride. I headed over the Brooklyn Bridge and over to George Washington Bridge up 9w. I rode up to Nyack and stopped for coffee where I met "Joe" from Jersey City who is a R.N. and uses cycling to unwind after work, and rode back to Washington Bridge with him, the Bike path on the bridge was closed to had to cyclocross stairs in road shoes and I meandered back through the city as the West greeway was closed.<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/64785822/embed/b7b7a4de06aa9dc1101a3a684161bfa3309e12a1" width="590"></iframe><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2ro9Ai5R4xQ/UeXmZDZbRjI/AAAAAAAADjE/KJnjsKp3Qi4/s1600/2013-07-04+15.52.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2ro9Ai5R4xQ/UeXmZDZbRjI/AAAAAAAADjE/KJnjsKp3Qi4/s320/2013-07-04+15.52.05.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then that night I went over to the west side and watched the fireworks..</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DDa24TGEpdU/UeXnKOq351I/AAAAAAAADjo/k8T0CN-Fhuk/s1600/2013-07-04+21.30.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DDa24TGEpdU/UeXnKOq351I/AAAAAAAADjo/k8T0CN-Fhuk/s320/2013-07-04+21.30.36.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a-82nvwODj0/UeXnFaHKVYI/AAAAAAAADjM/WXbhL6XHyt0/s1600/2013-07-04+21.30.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a-82nvwODj0/UeXnFaHKVYI/AAAAAAAADjM/WXbhL6XHyt0/s320/2013-07-04+21.30.40.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8oEvOdqT3iw/UeXnJgiz3tI/AAAAAAAADjk/Ma3IyiQvgdA/s1600/2013-07-04+21.30.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8oEvOdqT3iw/UeXnJgiz3tI/AAAAAAAADjk/Ma3IyiQvgdA/s320/2013-07-04+21.30.41.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P8OWh3YEYxY/UeXnIcDEfFI/AAAAAAAADjU/42WiStNce8w/s1600/2013-07-04+21.30.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P8OWh3YEYxY/UeXnIcDEfFI/AAAAAAAADjU/42WiStNce8w/s320/2013-07-04+21.30.42.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B_bpgTDSDtc/UeXnI56Xx5I/AAAAAAAADj8/lkaF-6Otk3U/s1600/2013-07-04+21.31.50.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B_bpgTDSDtc/UeXnI56Xx5I/AAAAAAAADj8/lkaF-6Otk3U/s320/2013-07-04+21.31.50.mp4" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And here I met Ali who is visiting NYC for a couple of months and we got our photo in front of the Empire State building lit up in Blue,White and Red for Bastille day...Oops someone did not pay attention in history class... France is Blue white and red, USA is Red, White and blue... Viewed TOP DOWN!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1gfYwU0qYG8/UeXn4PKkDBI/AAAAAAAADkQ/PGQnJxIiAqQ/s1600/2013-07-04+22.33.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1gfYwU0qYG8/UeXn4PKkDBI/AAAAAAAADkQ/PGQnJxIiAqQ/s320/2013-07-04+22.33.35.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then back to work on Friday to finish the store in Brooklyn and on Saturday my daughter Céline came to town, and we Citi-Biked on Saturday all over town and then on Sunday we Sub-Wayed and walked all over town as she took photos of everything... Later in the week she dissed me in the street for looking to touristy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gapiXU5jcDo/UeXoh_1ELgI/AAAAAAAADkc/52yYz3T_4oo/s1600/2013-07-06+13.17.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gapiXU5jcDo/UeXoh_1ELgI/AAAAAAAADkc/52yYz3T_4oo/s320/2013-07-06+13.17.12.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_4evPJYG2TA/UeXo2oQD8cI/AAAAAAAADko/nzebeNzQk38/s1600/DSC_0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_4evPJYG2TA/UeXo2oQD8cI/AAAAAAAADko/nzebeNzQk38/s320/DSC_0054.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yNNQfp5Oy6c/UeXohiJgZ0I/AAAAAAAADkY/007KdK_dtYA/s1600/2013-07-06+21.47.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yNNQfp5Oy6c/UeXohiJgZ0I/AAAAAAAADkY/007KdK_dtYA/s320/2013-07-06+21.47.06.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OKK6jOU_yXE/UeXo9MKZRwI/AAAAAAAADkw/IB_Kk6jGZNE/s1600/2013-07-10+19.14.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OKK6jOU_yXE/UeXo9MKZRwI/AAAAAAAADkw/IB_Kk6jGZNE/s320/2013-07-10+19.14.26.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I then had her working in Long Island with me, and the following weekend Heather joined us and we went through the city again seeing all the sights. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dGacsatSzAU/UeXpb_JMDzI/AAAAAAAADk4/OtyJx4Gk3_I/s1600/2013-06-04+18.29.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dGacsatSzAU/UeXpb_JMDzI/AAAAAAAADk4/OtyJx4Gk3_I/s320/2013-06-04+18.29.48.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All this work, touristing and with Céline I've only gotten one ride in so far and it seemed to be mostly in rush hour traffic... I have another ride planed I was hoping to get it in tonight but Céline was tired and I needed to get her supper... so I hope Thursday.<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/65975515/embed/887fafe8a3640fcd37deb8043d0bdfce20fc1ba6" width="590"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Till then take care all.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613145353616462144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656669225195939247.post-40931373756199838002013-05-19T10:49:00.000-04:002013-05-19T13:35:27.156-04:00Another Week in BrooklynThe hotel in Brooklyn does not have a kitchen but I've requested a fridge and they threw in a Microwave... I don't have much use for the microwave but the fridge has given me the ability to live off Müesi; Yogurt with cocoa, nut-butter, and rolled oats (thanks to Krista's blog); salad and store roasted chicken. So I stay nice and healthy. Eating like this does make the desire to get out to eat even more imperative and I went over to a Thai place and had a Basil Udon with Duck, for a change on Thursday night. The hardest thing with going out to eat in this area is do you walk over two blocks West and choose good food or do you walk three blocks East for good food? Oh its such a difficult issue... And I know so many people feel sorry for me... HA!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ry18AeTBha0/UZjcUrH1aeI/AAAAAAAAC38/pcfaDi_rGPw/s1600/2013-05-16+19.38.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ry18AeTBha0/UZjcUrH1aeI/AAAAAAAAC38/pcfaDi_rGPw/s320/2013-05-16+19.38.40.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just behind the hotel is <a href="http://www.brooklynboulders.com/" target="_blank">Brooklyn Boulders</a>, which is a warehouse that has been converted to an amazing climbing "community". The hotel has a free pass per week for each resident so for my Friday night entertainment I headed over to climb late afternoon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-owsfXjtOrSc/UZjegqtjBgI/AAAAAAAAC4M/t0vtU8lHTbs/s1600/2013-05-18+18.37.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-owsfXjtOrSc/UZjegqtjBgI/AAAAAAAAC4M/t0vtU8lHTbs/s320/2013-05-18+18.37.13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I managed to get up all the "0" climbs but could not get up the "easy" "1", it gets even harder, and you can climb the Brooklyn Bridge, it's for the "advanced" certified regulars.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EICiLrMbKjM/UZjfAGHvAxI/AAAAAAAAC4U/oEw5-rL_L40/s1600/2013-05-18+18.43.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EICiLrMbKjM/UZjfAGHvAxI/AAAAAAAAC4U/oEw5-rL_L40/s320/2013-05-18+18.43.02.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There is also an exercise room where you can develope your grip, pull-ups, and tight rope. I went for the tight rope, it takes concentration and balance, I got up to one minute and a few steps. It's a lot harder than it looks (kind of like Yoga).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-80uA7_MbMUA/UZjf7ctaExI/AAAAAAAAC4k/Q4yvl-KmIzQ/s1600/2013-05-18+18.39.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-80uA7_MbMUA/UZjf7ctaExI/AAAAAAAAC4k/Q4yvl-KmIzQ/s320/2013-05-18+18.39.17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After four (4) hours my forearms and back was worn out, I was tired. I then went back to the hotel and went to bed early for an early morning ride.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The majority of weekday riding in Brooklyn is in Prospect Park. Though I wanted to say I rode through Manhattan during rush hour. Tuesday I took off over Brooklyn Bridge and hit rush hour, which was safer riding through than Saturday riding down King George Street in Brantford.... which is a bit of a sad statement. I also went over Chelsea to get a closer look at the greenway, which I want to walk on before I finish up, and "got to" ride on the Pavé there... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/54244334/embed/62c4188af3bda3eb5bb5354dd9e1f20900bdd8ee" width="590"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thursday night was training intervals in Prospect Park, it is easier to do intervals when you're limited to just going around circles rather than explore roads. Thursday after dinner I had walked into a bike shop and had started talking to a young rider, that belongs to a group that meets at the base of the Brooklyn Bridge every Saturday at 7:30 a.m. for a fast ride. It's a "no drop" ride but it is a very fast ride, we stopped several times to regroup, there were 5 of us hammering up and over hills, and on the sprints... on roads that are "not on the map". Last year I was on that side of Manhattan and I had ridden up 9w, and had been on the main roads, not knowing all these little side roads (not that I know them now), makes riding with locals so much fun. We did stop at the halfway point for coffee and it was a town that I had ridden through. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JUF6-S8_sE0/UZjiJ6EOIbI/AAAAAAAAC40/Yyft8i8o0z0/s1600/2013-05-18+10.07.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JUF6-S8_sE0/UZjiJ6EOIbI/AAAAAAAAC40/Yyft8i8o0z0/s320/2013-05-18+10.07.06.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/54888159/embed/b0a8b327ed188d58b99a488a49ab299a8a88994b" width="590"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AGBDnJks59M/UZkNH_fs5EI/AAAAAAAAC5E/CmgGXkUCXXo/s1600/2013-05-18+11.27.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AGBDnJks59M/UZkNH_fs5EI/AAAAAAAAC5E/CmgGXkUCXXo/s320/2013-05-18+11.27.44.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FdXJTbxBkLU/UZkNMR-Fa3I/AAAAAAAAC5Q/a6-YvZnnUbc/s1600/2013-05-18+12.07.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FdXJTbxBkLU/UZkNMR-Fa3I/AAAAAAAAC5Q/a6-YvZnnUbc/s320/2013-05-18+12.07.58.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fl-nNbsXhl8/UZkNL-mxxYI/AAAAAAAAC5M/WsWFAmBot_E/s1600/2013-05-18+12.08.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fl-nNbsXhl8/UZkNL-mxxYI/AAAAAAAAC5M/WsWFAmBot_E/s320/2013-05-18+12.08.32.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This was one of the first rides that I finished and NEEDED a nap afterwards, and felt much better for it. I then chatted/texted with my daughter Céline while she was watching a Dr. Who marathon, then used my Skype to phone home and talk to my wife, after all the news from home went and picked up my laundry, then I did go out and have a good burger and fries for dinner, I figured I earned it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today it is pouring down rain, and I have to say I feel for all the cyclist who paid good money for the NY Grand Fondo, it's a cool wet day which is not my favorite to ride in, and I do avoid it if I can. A good day to catch up with reading and podcasts.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613145353616462144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656669225195939247.post-29800300287072585422013-05-12T20:39:00.000-04:002013-05-12T20:46:46.304-04:00Giro de ManhattanToday I decided to make it a point to ride around Manhattan. It's easy to get from the hotel to the Brooklyn Bridge and over into Manhattan and I had wanted to ride the <a href="http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/pdf/transportation/mwg_map1.pdf" target="_blank">Greenway </a>last summer but never got to it. <iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/53872583/embed/7bd500499889d967bcf5b2e2adb161fa2daa5210" width="590"></iframe><br />
Going clockwise around the the city covers a majority of the greenway and the first stop was off the bridge and before Battery park where there were two tall ships.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-To_KbGL5s0I/UZAwIMJtkcI/AAAAAAAACwg/qaJftJ1cBE8/s1600/2013-05-12+12.22.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-To_KbGL5s0I/UZAwIMJtkcI/AAAAAAAACwg/qaJftJ1cBE8/s320/2013-05-12+12.22.22.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tXl6p4xxPbU/UZAwJk0b11I/AAAAAAAACwo/4lsZ6Ws8M0c/s1600/2013-05-12+12.22.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tXl6p4xxPbU/UZAwJk0b11I/AAAAAAAACwo/4lsZ6Ws8M0c/s320/2013-05-12+12.22.47.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Going around the tip of Battle Park I noticed that the bike path was not as clearly marked as I would have liked, there is work going on and they are marking out parts of it much better, I got through and onto the west side. As I passed Chelsea I could see the Greenway and it looked very pedestrian, and full so that looks like another Sunday afternoon project. Next to my left I could see West New York, NJ and the condo complex where I stayed last summer. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WT7egSlkuDI/UZAyI3dY_tI/AAAAAAAACw0/o8ZSK6DpJSE/s1600/2013-05-12+13.06.24.jpg"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WT7egSlkuDI/UZAyI3dY_tI/AAAAAAAACw0/o8ZSK6DpJSE/s320/2013-05-12+13.06.24.jpg" width="320" /></a>I then came to the end of the West Side of the greenway, if I had gone straight over on Dyckman I could have gotten to the east side of the greenway but I wanted to cross over the river into the Bronx, at my turnaround point I got a little confused as about eight streets come together and when you're on 3 of them they all have signs "Bronx Zoo" so I was not sure what road I was supposed to take, I finally figured out one road that looked to head south, and chose that one. It lead me through a neighbourhood that I was quite happy that I did not get a flat in... as I'm not sure a tall skinny guy in lycra would be a normal sight. I then headed back over to Manhattan Island and through Harlem, making my way to the East side of Central Park past the Guggenheim. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SJLcczSiNOs/UZA02KgWhpI/AAAAAAAACxI/Rp0vocvVF2k/s1600/2013-05-12+15.13.24.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SJLcczSiNOs/UZA02KgWhpI/AAAAAAAACxI/Rp0vocvVF2k/s320/2013-05-12+15.13.24.jpg" /></a>I decided to make a loop around the park as long as I was there. It was not fast at all between the kids, people on slower bikes, people out for walks, people out with their dogs, etc. Then on to Times Square and the over to the United Nations.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zc9qkEAzyaA/UZA0VyMsXtI/AAAAAAAACxA/bKO6PXSz5zY/s1600/2013-05-12+15.58.10.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zc9qkEAzyaA/UZA0VyMsXtI/AAAAAAAACxA/bKO6PXSz5zY/s320/2013-05-12+15.58.10.jpg" /></a>Now somewhere after the United Nations I wanted to get back onto the East greenway but I failed to find the way that passed over/under the FDR. So I just headed down 2nd Ave. buzzing down to the Brooklyn Bridge and back home.</div>
Once home I had a good shower and went out for Pizza on 5th and it was very good way to end the day.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Z08VskHQE0/UZA11FyOsQI/AAAAAAAACxQ/Oa4xsDDHX_c/s1600/2013-05-12+18.21.50.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Z08VskHQE0/UZA11FyOsQI/AAAAAAAACxQ/Oa4xsDDHX_c/s320/2013-05-12+18.21.50.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613145353616462144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656669225195939247.post-79459579691275387652013-05-12T10:38:00.000-04:002013-05-12T10:39:35.223-04:00Packing and BrooklynThe <a href="http://ritcheylogic.com/dyn_prodfamily.php?k=503881" target="_blank">Ritchey Break-Away</a> has been a blessing, just like a suitcase through the airport, it is a lot easier to handle, but the packing has been a pain (last time it took me 1 hour 45 minutes plus!). This time I went outside at home with a cup of coffee and took to it. I figured the order to put everything in and it fit I was done in just under 45 minutes (still not the "claimed" 20 minute pack). Some time would have been reduced if I had my supplements right there and my kit already packed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KvpIU4oRTxA/UY-c5spthbI/AAAAAAAACsM/gZ-H08HJ3rA/s1600/DSC_0465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KvpIU4oRTxA/UY-c5spthbI/AAAAAAAACsM/gZ-H08HJ3rA/s320/DSC_0465.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm in a hotel, and I requested a fridge so I could eat salads yogurt and the like, and I found another GREAT grocery store (I wish I had a kitchen to cook) <a href="http://www.fairwaymarket.com/store-red-hook/" target="_blank">Fairway Market</a>. The apple isle and the olive oil/balsamic vinegar tasting section is just a little sample of the store!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_dTp2c04-kc/UY-d8vNbCyI/AAAAAAAACsU/1075zQhWNsY/s1600/2013-05-09+17.20.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_dTp2c04-kc/UY-d8vNbCyI/AAAAAAAACsU/1075zQhWNsY/s320/2013-05-09+17.20.39.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YhZVVuOVXP4/UY-d9wNbEBI/AAAAAAAACsc/blu7TmvxuLI/s1600/2013-05-09+17.26.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YhZVVuOVXP4/UY-d9wNbEBI/AAAAAAAACsc/blu7TmvxuLI/s320/2013-05-09+17.26.57.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And in front of the store is some Pavé, I also saw some in SoHo and further downtown.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3p4MPVXuhBY/UY-eax6u_FI/AAAAAAAACsk/fBvUobO6YJ8/s1600/2013-05-09+18.03.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3p4MPVXuhBY/UY-eax6u_FI/AAAAAAAACsk/fBvUobO6YJ8/s320/2013-05-09+18.03.24.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The hotel has bikes to check out and I took out a single speed bike and ventured around the "hood" and got my bearings on where laundromats, substations etc. were and how to get back to my hotel. Then that night I put together the Ritchey and the next day I was at work on scaffolding at 5:00 a.m. The Statue of Liberty is just outside the window of Restaurant, and I can see he from the staff cafe. Last month I could see the Golden Gate from the staff cafe. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thursday night I went to Prospect Park to pick on the locals and ended up getting my Butt handed to me on a platter by one guy doing sprint intervals (it was great). Best I did all night was 2 bike lengths behind him, If I had lighter bike, maybe I could have held his wheel a little bit longer but I've lost a lot of my kick.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/53346160/embed/492a2dd9c16984d409e023b70155765703144533" width="590"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Friday work and early to bed, then Saturday I hopped the train into town and at the terminal there were "real" break dancers. And they were just too fast for my silly little camera phone.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9iFBlHKCKoY/UY-h4PKMkYI/AAAAAAAACtI/LFBMO7a3ycQ/s1600/2013-05-11+14.42.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9iFBlHKCKoY/UY-h4PKMkYI/AAAAAAAACtI/LFBMO7a3ycQ/s320/2013-05-11+14.42.02.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once outside I started at the Empire State Building where I took photos of a bar that I had site dimensioned using the virtual space in AutoCAD, digital measuring device and laser level, along with CNC'd templates (a lot of technology for 2004). The bar fit perfectly, that is also saying a lot for Erk's cabinetmakers which were and still are some of the best I have ever seen.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bNCXTPHDsKg/UY-g6ri9M8I/AAAAAAAACs0/jT69v_-dl7U/s1600/2013-05-11+14.52.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bNCXTPHDsKg/UY-g6ri9M8I/AAAAAAAACs0/jT69v_-dl7U/s320/2013-05-11+14.52.03.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DjDlUBudw4s/UY-g80lBMmI/AAAAAAAACs8/mhUv8vgE7Ok/s1600/2013-05-11+14.52.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DjDlUBudw4s/UY-g80lBMmI/AAAAAAAACs8/mhUv8vgE7Ok/s320/2013-05-11+14.52.27.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I walked down 5th ave. and had lunch at Madison Square.. I spent 30 minutes walking between the booths trying to decide what to eat! All that good food!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iLIEGqBqdnE/UY-iujWzPQI/AAAAAAAACtQ/C-fFvz2V5xc/s1600/2013-05-11+15.26.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iLIEGqBqdnE/UY-iujWzPQI/AAAAAAAACtQ/C-fFvz2V5xc/s320/2013-05-11+15.26.17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then around Washington Square, Greenwich Village area (heading south) it started to rain, and like all good New Yorker's I had my umbrella at hand, but I decided to dive into a pub to get out of the torrential downpour, I was in the packed little place called <a href="http://www.themalthousenyc.com/" target="_blank">The Malt House</a> and had a pint. As the rain let up a bit, still using my umbrella, I headed through SoHo stopped in to get a coffee to offset that pint, and on my way to ground zero. Because of the rain and a water line break, the memorial was being worked on and was going to reopen in an hour... and there was an Irish Pub just across the road with happy hour. I stopped in and had a cheap pint of beer and talked to several tourist, and that hour flew by. I got into see the Memorial there are two identical waterfall units, with a spotlight in the bottom that shines at night.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bVKwQXOStA4/UY-lKJV1S1I/AAAAAAAACtc/dQbD5uX_oqA/s1600/2013-05-11+18.09.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bVKwQXOStA4/UY-lKJV1S1I/AAAAAAAACtc/dQbD5uX_oqA/s320/2013-05-11+18.09.11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-suAiDG0la4k/UY-lMXqYzZI/AAAAAAAACts/sU8iXdPgg48/s1600/2013-05-11+18.09.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-suAiDG0la4k/UY-lMXqYzZI/AAAAAAAACts/sU8iXdPgg48/s320/2013-05-11+18.09.33.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I then went down to Battery park, and over to Wall street... Hopped onto a Subway up to Little Italy and Chinatown (Chinatown was not so much), and decided to have dinner in Little Italy, There I found a place call<a href="http://www.paesanosoflittleitaly.com/" target="_blank"> Paesano's</a> where I had a nice Salmon Pasta and visited with the young couple at the next table who were from all places the (SF) Bay Area! After dinner you have to have a Gelato, and there just so happens to be a stand just around the corner, Hazel nut mmm...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-khwwWbHDBSs/UY-ofucUaUI/AAAAAAAACt8/sTJsQr38BD0/s1600/371a765d83bdc42dd5fe1a6a6964ead5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-khwwWbHDBSs/UY-ofucUaUI/AAAAAAAACt8/sTJsQr38BD0/s320/371a765d83bdc42dd5fe1a6a6964ead5.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zuoUhoZNDmc/UY-og-uOYNI/AAAAAAAACuE/kmZBMxz6FeE/s1600/de6931534f51dd70d89463502edc0bc2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zuoUhoZNDmc/UY-og-uOYNI/AAAAAAAACuE/kmZBMxz6FeE/s320/de6931534f51dd70d89463502edc0bc2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And then at the end of the day I found a vendor who gave me a good deal on a shirt so that my daugher can expand her wardrobe of places I've been.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUwYJv7Fa0I/UY-pERLaQqI/AAAAAAAACuM/Tv-h6XOHyvA/s1600/2013-05-11+22.36.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUwYJv7Fa0I/UY-pERLaQqI/AAAAAAAACuM/Tv-h6XOHyvA/s320/2013-05-11+22.36.18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then back to the substation and back home... I was a little bit tired by the end of the day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613145353616462144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656669225195939247.post-22367116181580906602013-05-08T22:13:00.000-04:002013-05-08T22:14:33.936-04:00In BrooklynI've arrived in Brooklyn, and I have work, and I have my bike. The trick is to find where to ride?<br />
Today it poured rain, twice, but the evening turned nice.<br />
I borrowed one of the Hotel's bike, a black, inexpensive, coster braked, single speed and put on my flashing lights (which probably cost as much as the bike). I headed out on the town, to take a look at Prospect Park, and over to Brooklyn bridge, which it looks like the bike overpass is on Manhattan bridge.<br />
after Sandy damaging the vending machines, Citi bike stations are up, no bikes yet but soon... these are just a great idea.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mw_OfTqRV5Y/UYsF9rJSa1I/AAAAAAAACdg/RRalfCF90sI/s1600/2013-05-08+20.17.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mw_OfTqRV5Y/UYsF9rJSa1I/AAAAAAAACdg/RRalfCF90sI/s320/2013-05-08+20.17.53.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tonight I got the Ritchey put together and I'll be buzzin' on it tonight.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613145353616462144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656669225195939247.post-58069987710290859012013-04-06T12:44:00.000-04:002013-04-08T10:00:46.499-04:00My last week in CaliforniaWith much colder temperatures back home I did try to find an IKEA co-worker to adopt me, but there were no takers... Oh well I have to leave 18°C and overcast for 7°C and rain (and I hope NO SNOW). It is what it is.<br />
<br />
The last two weeks have been very busy at work trying to get two stores finished, last week was a disappointment I could not ride as much as I wanted because it was very nice out, but this week has been quite cool and overcast or raining (and pretty hard for the Bay Area).<br />
<br />
First off in training you build and take an active rest week then start building again, so after doing a mountain a weekend for two weekends my body wanted a rest, and add to that long days at work a tired body just can not turn the pedals. The first ride after Hamilton Mountain was out of the loft to the bike trail. I got started rather late in the evening and I knew I would probably not get as far as I wanted and kept a watch on the time, even with flashing lights in a bike friendly city after dark on major roads is a bit dangerous. The trail itself in not too exciting but safe and nice to have such an asset so close to "home". The ride around the Lexington Reservoir was beautiful.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/46006308/embed/5ae16613c635f14ca420f8f856abb2cc214cc5bd" width="590"></iframe><br />
<br />
Friday I was able to finish work early, so I took a nap when I got back to the loft, made some coffee (this becomes a theme). And went out on the trail for the hills. There is one nasty little dirt hill on the trail just before you get to the damn that goes UP, last time I hit sand and had to walk, this time I used all my cyclo-cross skills, picked my line and got up on the bike. Then onto the highway to get to "the climb" The only thing I did not know about the road I was going to take is that it's 9-10% average with a fair bit of 13% and there was one hairpin at 15%, this is difficult climbing and I almost gave up... Remember when you're on a new road especially a climb you have no markers of when that 15% is going to hit you, or how much further you have to go. But once I got up to Summit Road, I was VERY glad that I finished. The only problem with a phone camera on a sunny day you can't tell when all your photos are blurry, so no visual memory's of that ride.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Saturday was pack, laundry (the loft had a VERY nice washer dryer) and move day. Once I got back up to Emeryville, people were driving crazy on the highway. A Saturday drive took me almost two hours to do a hour drive, I missed out on two accidents by being alert, whew. I then got checked into my hotel, got some groceries at the Berkeley Bowl, I will miss the grocery store with all of it's produce, it was late. The weather was not very nice but the roads around Eastbay are great for riding. So I called this one "A run from the Rain" it did catch me at the last of my decent off the hill so I had to slow down.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/46573725/embed/f5d183db3c4cbbcaea5d23c1077ae96afacada32" width="590"></iframe><br />
<br />
I decided that I would splurge and go out. I found this place calle <a href="http://bsidebbq.com/" target="_blank">B Side BBQ</a> and enjoyed an evening of good BBQ good beer (Thelonious Triple Belgian Beer), the night before Flanders.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ymTMrp9jnaw/UWBHkBidpfI/AAAAAAAACX4/ejsemc1XeHI/s1600/2013-03-30+20.21.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ymTMrp9jnaw/UWBHkBidpfI/AAAAAAAACX4/ejsemc1XeHI/s320/2013-03-30+20.21.11.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vM6ht7WMnRc/UWBHlPFd9dI/AAAAAAAACYA/JD_UXnbuegw/s1600/2013-03-30+20.28.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vM6ht7WMnRc/UWBHlPFd9dI/AAAAAAAACYA/JD_UXnbuegw/s320/2013-03-30+20.28.55.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I originally had plans for Easter that involved me being on the other end of the Bay on Sunday a.m., but I had no intentions of driving over an hour both ways for a church service. And I also planned on waking up early to watch Flanders, my body had different plans I slept like a rock and do not remember turning off my alarm. I decided to go for "brunch" and found this little hole in the wall café <a href="http://doylestreetcafe.com/" target="_blank">Doyle Street Cafe</a> and had Huevos Azteca's, and good coffee.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SUr0Z_bwkKE/UWBJZwDiaGI/AAAAAAAACYI/6nougz2iEM0/s1600/2013-03-31+09.36.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SUr0Z_bwkKE/UWBJZwDiaGI/AAAAAAAACYI/6nougz2iEM0/s320/2013-03-31+09.36.58.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The rest of the day was reading what I could about Flanders, a quiet time and doing two AutoCAD drawing for the next phase of work.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This week began long hours and DIRTY work, Monday was come home shower eat and bed... Tuesday I could have done the same but the evening was quite nice and I just wanted to be outside so I went out on the Bayview trail, for a coffee ride (nice little coffee shop at University) and up the bike shop to add air to my tires. I've got to find a floor pump that is lightweight and will fit in my luggage.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/46925068/embed/9efdac357049328d4fe801620d779fc3a80f632a" width="590"></iframe><br />
<br />
Tuesday I was hoping to ride but there were clouds over the hills (which are still there today as I write). It was just as well as I was just tired, but I found that the Bayview trail goes all the way to the San Rafael Bridge which has a bike lane and then you're in Marion County!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5NfiGYz_Bzc/UWBMeSs1BoI/AAAAAAAACYY/BDlG6jpJMEE/s1600/2013-04-02+18.30.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5NfiGYz_Bzc/UWBMeSs1BoI/AAAAAAAACYY/BDlG6jpJMEE/s320/2013-04-02+18.30.01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/47300503/embed/9f3a11219ff913924abe5132d3662ad4e35b52e2" width="590"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then the rain did come and just as well as I was in the need of rest, but come Friday I wanted to do the hills one last time, so after work (a full day), I came back took a nap and had some coffee and off to the hills. It only takes a tired rider 20 minutes to get to Claremont climb, so as I said it's a nice place to be. It was quite an overcast day and a bit cool but I packed my kit for the Bay Area two months ago and I've learned that I have to take stuff off to climb and put stuff on the flats and add more on the descents, and for the last two months I've been out of reach of the team car to take my gear or hand me my gear so I look like the Hunch Back on the climbs.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/47416623/embed/66d88dfdbdfdb18246e32a3e8ca5db48e4ace2c4" width="590"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After this ride I packed my bike... the Ritchey Break-Away fits into a suitcase, <a href="http://youtu.be/RPmgChjTW98" target="_blank">Ritchey's video</a> says it takes 20 minutes to pack, a Cyclingnews.com reivew says after a while it takes 20 minutes to pack... I'm at the one hour and 45 minute mark... though I think next time I may be able to cut some time off? maybe.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now it's time for my flight home to Toronto. Which before I even woke up this morning it was delayed an hour. I've not had one single flight this year that has not been delayed... Oh well the joys of travel.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613145353616462144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656669225195939247.post-26480594840886382302013-03-25T00:04:00.000-04:002013-03-25T00:05:18.177-04:00This week in TuttleFirst off, I'm posting the Strava maps because I do have several readers who enjoy looking at them... and some who do not, so if you don't just pass over them. This blog is also my personal cycling journal. And one day I do hope to connect up with George Mannus (Who is with me in the photo from 1983) and ride with him again. This is my journal of life and cycling. OK so that's out of the way.<br />
<br />
This week was Monday OFF, I could have and wanted to ride, but it was a busy weekend last weekend. Then Tuesday and Wednesday was rain and I just commuted, and worked. Then came cool and sunny Thursday. PR on Claremont! Yea, it's a pretty hard little climb but I've learned how it needs to be climbed. It was still quite cool out because of the rain and on the decent on Pinehurst was a bit damp and there was one corner that I was just a wee bit "hot" going into it... but I amaze myself on my bike handling (humbly I say this) and just made the corner... but was expecting the worse. And in the shade on the "dark side" of that Berkeley ridge BURR... its just cold.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/45360704/embed/445522b2ed4cd72933aaa5be2f96357e9c2cce81" width="590"></iframe><br />
<br />
Friday was a Friday and I was tired but when the weather is just SO nice that all you want to do is be outside... Plus, Sunday was planed for Hamilton Mountain, and Saturday was laundry, packing and moving to San Jose, so this was just a quick and easy ride... and I posted the photo on Facebook because the weather back in Brantford is not quite as nice (I hope spring shows up in two weeks... Stupid ground hog what does he know?)<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/45458950/embed/cb69d27aa026d41f7db1e1ec35a5538bcf2b49c3" width="590"></iframe><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4r3XevXHDyk/UU_GIU9fBKI/AAAAAAAACOM/bsEqRIo--Bg/s1600/2013-03-22+18.08.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4r3XevXHDyk/UU_GIU9fBKI/AAAAAAAACOM/bsEqRIo--Bg/s320/2013-03-22+18.08.34.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And Like I said Saturday was a busy day of packing and laundry... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sunday... was a bit more laid back in the a.m. and I had a good breakfast, and then began working on some AutoCAD drawings. Chatted with a friend, caught up with all that happened back in Brantford via Facebook and watched Gent-Wevelgem, chatting with my Scottish friends on Twitter during the race (btw, only time I tweet is during pro-races).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Finally... after cleaning the bike (with baby wipes), and checking all my bolts, and everything that the bike's fit and ready to go, I'm out to take on Hamilton Mountain, where the Lick Observatory is located. I think this climb is "easier" than Mt Diablo... but it only took me twenty minutes to get to the climb where as at Mt Diablo it was 2:15 before I was on Mt. Diablo road... what makes this climb difficult is the two dips where you go down, which one might think is a rest but what it does is it throws your rhythm and once I started climbing again it took a good 10 minutes before I could get it back again... so that was a new experience for me. One thing that I have noticed with climbing... when I was in Denver, we just climbed and when you were at the top you were at the top, you just did not know when you were there... Here both at Diablo (you could see the station at the top) and Hamilton (you could see the observatory) it makes it harder because you can see your goal, and it just does not get closer very fast. This week I had planned my climb and I had an ETA so I kept telling myself it's 30 minutes away, its 20 minutes away... and that really helped. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2XMwcbQuJHo/UU_KZrYFNXI/AAAAAAAACOc/G_TVDkDE2pE/s1600/2013-03-24+15.33.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2XMwcbQuJHo/UU_KZrYFNXI/AAAAAAAACOc/G_TVDkDE2pE/s320/2013-03-24+15.33.08.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ci9kbAf5Cc/UU_KZmPAv-I/AAAAAAAACOg/eqgB6m8iplI/s1600/2013-03-24+15.33.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ci9kbAf5Cc/UU_KZmPAv-I/AAAAAAAACOg/eqgB6m8iplI/s320/2013-03-24+15.33.17.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once I got there I had to see the observatory, I made the tour for the historic Lick observatory, from 1800's and the wood work in the place is cool, and the mechanics of the system is very cool. And the obligatory photo of me at the top... (it is my blog)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k8QP8sUVE_Y/UU_KyQ2nWJI/AAAAAAAACOs/o6cY4vNbZSk/s1600/2013-03-24+15.22.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k8QP8sUVE_Y/UU_KyQ2nWJI/AAAAAAAACOs/o6cY4vNbZSk/s320/2013-03-24+15.22.30.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HxRimmwkbjQ/UU_K24jmJxI/AAAAAAAACO0/BdUUZ6JiA5M/s1600/2013-03-24+15.23.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HxRimmwkbjQ/UU_K24jmJxI/AAAAAAAACO0/BdUUZ6JiA5M/s320/2013-03-24+15.23.27.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/45745205/embed/a5ef2945ca485040202c3ee7d6fcf8cf4bcd1cb4" width="590"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The decent required arm warmers the whole way down, and my MEC wind vest half way down which I took off very "pro like" passing another cyclist... yea I'm cool... but only when on a bike... Util I got to the last part... stupid cars go so darn slow... I was behind two BMW Motorcycles who were be hind a mini van and car that were just SLOW! Really pull over and let us by! Then on the ride home I hit every city traffic light red... AGRH!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I got home worked a bit more on my drawing while supper was cooking... a nice cracked peppercorn roasted chicken with green beans in a balsamic vinaigrette, al fresco, you have to have a good recovery meal...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7jD8E1SNtXE/UU_Mg6TQ1HI/AAAAAAAACO8/Ca3G9D-K9Y8/s1600/2013-03-24+19.16.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7jD8E1SNtXE/UU_Mg6TQ1HI/AAAAAAAACO8/Ca3G9D-K9Y8/s320/2013-03-24+19.16.29.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All ready for a long day of work tomorrow... Mondays!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613145353616462144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656669225195939247.post-21050135682793803812013-03-17T20:32:00.000-04:002013-03-17T20:33:52.199-04:00A lazy SundayI woke up and watched Milan - San Remo, and I was very glad I was not there! It was a good race to watch from the sofa.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pVTusAzAfZs/UUZf-IfjNVI/AAAAAAAACLM/OmGD2NvIuf8/s1600/2013-03-17+12.46.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pVTusAzAfZs/UUZf-IfjNVI/AAAAAAAACLM/OmGD2NvIuf8/s320/2013-03-17+12.46.11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I then headed over to San Rafael to do the Point Reyse ride for a recovery from yesterday. This area is pretty, I made a loop where the first round was open, at 68°F which is a bit too cool for me to have bare arms but I thought I'd go for a tan line today (kind of wish I took the long sleeve jersey), and then on the way back Major California forest, these trees are MAJESTIC! (could not get a good photo, camera phone just did not want to deal with the canopy and light shining through.<br />
<br />
I was surprised and happy how well my legs worked after yesterday. I'm getting in shape and this should be a good year for riding.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/44854185/embed/7dbcd1fb820f06a0ea4628ff955f40819aed9776" width="590"></iframe><br />
<br />
The weather is so amazing that it's hard to take a nap or rest... one just wants to be outdoors!<br />
<br />
Tonight I'm going to go treat myself to a pizza and a beer, I do believe I earned it and the place I'm going is pretty "economical"Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613145353616462144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656669225195939247.post-84447120843154937172013-03-16T23:45:00.000-04:002013-03-16T23:45:21.333-04:00My week back in CaliforniaAnd Mt Diablo is DONE!<br />
<br />
I arrived Sunday morning and the weather required a ride, and I wanted to get back on Claremont for some leg strength. I had a good recovery when I was back home so I got a few PR's<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/43959737/embed/b6d9ffabaf65e11a5c274acea09ab91cb7b03208" width="590"></iframe><br />
<br />
Monday was nice too.. So I went out for a bit easier ride. I wanted to see more of Skyline, and just enjoy the weather.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/44080721/embed/a7cd0f744a3cab2f875bb8c68a79ca8af762b6ef" width="590"></iframe><br />
<br />
Tuesday Cam and I went out for a "Tuesday night ride", back in Brantford these are quick and hard... and with a 25 year-old "carrot" in front of me on the climbs we got a really good workout with a bit of climbing. This is one of the rides my friend from IKEA Emerryville had suggested, and the bottom loop with the climb was just fantastic. Loads of great places to ride just out of the back door!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/44199842/embed/e434f8c4b710168f0fff555db7a5843ffc98e0f1" width="590"></iframe><br />
<br />
Wednesday was "warmer" 75°F but I needed a day off so I would be ready for Saturday.<br />
<br />
Thursday I wanted to climb easy and just have a good ride, But I had forgotten to charge up the bike computer and only the climb got recorded, Doh!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/44459848/embed/c6b18565c69d72856d883738c5e58572501f329a" width="590"></iframe><br />
<br />
Friday I had to take Cam to the airport early in the a.m. and work in East Palo Alto store, I took the opportunity to go and visit Palo Alto Bicycles. Back in the '80's they had a catalogue before the days of the internet, and Bike Nashbar was in its infancy, it was one of the few places you could get hard to find bike parts (which back then was almost everything needed for a bike).<br />
<br />
Saturday was sleep in a bit, and have a good breakfast, Mt Diablo is getting conquered today!<br />
I knew this ride would take at least 5 hours and any ride I did last year over 4ish hours I was dragging myself home the last bit, so I planned my fuel. Once I found out that Mt Diablo was the penulimate stage of the Tour of California and it was within "reach" of where I was staying I began planning for this day!<br />
<br />
Hammer nutrition has several products but I never fully understood what they all did, and I'm a cyclist who rides mostly 3 hours and if decently fueled I have no problem, but after 4 hours fuel is a huge issue, so I talked to some of my Ironman friends and phoned Hammer help line. This is the result, to start off with I had one 3 hour Perpetuem bottle and two bottles of Heed with Endurolites, I also had enough Endurolite fizz to make up four water bottles, and I had 6 Perpetuem solids. The idea is that the Perpetuem has so much good stuff in it that a bottle over three hours starts to go "rancid". In the end I went through the 3 hour bottle and the two Head bottles, and four bottles of Fizz, and this is the first 5 hour plus ride (early in the season too) where I was tired at the end from all the climbing but not dragging myself home! So I now know how to fuel myself for really long rides.<br />
<br />
I prefer not to drive to a ride if I don't have too, so I picked an easy pass over the ridge by me and then headed off to Mt Diablo, which when your half way there you can see it looming in the distance, just waiting for you....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-et7aOPvepXk/UUU48kDaWNI/AAAAAAAACKE/44PUtEcsFS0/s1600/2013-03-16+12.33.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-et7aOPvepXk/UUU48kDaWNI/AAAAAAAACKE/44PUtEcsFS0/s320/2013-03-16+12.33.01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I still had a way to go at this point but it is big. Just before I got to the base of the climb there was a community center and I filled up with water, I did not know what was before me and I wanted to be prepared. The grade is 4% average, as per the literature at the top so it's not really too hard, but it just keeps going, you come to the ranger station which is the park entrance and to that point it's not that much climbing, then it goes, when you get the the next station which is just before the turn to the summit, your feeling pretty good about yourself... But the summit climb is the second half of the climb and about half way through if you look up you can see the station at the top, and it's not getting closer very fast... several switchbacks and then the last bit is the WALL and it's a gift, it's not long but you've been climbing for almost and hour and it can only be done standing, then your there and Diablo is in your back pocket!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eOIefS2ijSg/UUU60_To5CI/AAAAAAAACKM/MC2QrkOmMIM/s1600/2013-03-16+14.38.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eOIefS2ijSg/UUU60_To5CI/AAAAAAAACKM/MC2QrkOmMIM/s320/2013-03-16+14.38.04.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EYS4WCJZY08/UUU61skn50I/AAAAAAAACKU/DuGn6C2Ed6Y/s1600/2013-03-16+14.41.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EYS4WCJZY08/UUU61skn50I/AAAAAAAACKU/DuGn6C2Ed6Y/s320/2013-03-16+14.41.15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uzCMnUOlWjs/UUU62KFIBuI/AAAAAAAACKc/eGdYtlOP0Ys/s1600/2013-03-16+14.46.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uzCMnUOlWjs/UUU62KFIBuI/AAAAAAAACKc/eGdYtlOP0Ys/s320/2013-03-16+14.46.05.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QCKrn9POf3Q/UUU62hz0-jI/AAAAAAAACKk/K_meCgnFCas/s1600/2013-03-16+14.42.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QCKrn9POf3Q/UUU62hz0-jI/AAAAAAAACKk/K_meCgnFCas/s320/2013-03-16+14.42.15.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/44704136/embed/204b4ecf3a90254c6520c1c7a73f2415cdbef6a9" width="590"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The decent is always the best part and I've gotten much more confident on descending so its just pure fun! I did not pick the best route home, and I had to make it up staying close to the 24 till I got to roads I recognized from earlier rides. The final climb before home I was a bit slower than the last couple of time but I made pretty good time, and I got a PR on my decent into Berkeley. Then home for Recoverite and "supper"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613145353616462144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656669225195939247.post-78146505841088024182013-03-10T20:26:00.002-04:002013-03-10T21:02:11.193-04:00Where I've beenI know that the last post was leading up to the weekend, but my bike computer crashed, and once I got home I spent an hour with tech support. Basically I had to reformat it and do a factory reset... technology is great until it fails.<br />
<br />
That weekend was a pretty good weekend, I attempted Mt Diablo, but my legs were not into it. Being a person not to waste great day enjoed the day and ride. On Sunday I went out to Alameda which is flat, it is also the home of the abandoned Alameda Navel complex where the Myth-busters do there car smashing. This was intended for a spin and an active recovery (it's hard to find flat here). Monday Robert and his son Cam arrived and we rode for a good 90 kms with good climbing.<br />
<br />
Then I went back to the frozen tundra of Brantford... weekday riding was motivated by my friend Greg where we got on our bikes in his basement a couple of times to keep/get our legs moving. The weekend was some good roller work for me. Yesterday was supposed to be a fairly nice day in Brantford, but at 9:00 a.m. it was pretty darn chilly (0°C) and it went up to 2, I bailed and planed to ride on rollers in my sunroom, I had wanted to do the <a href="http://www.thesufferfest.com/video-sufferfests/blender/" target="_blank">Sufferfest's Blender</a> using <a href="http://www.trainerroad.com/" target="_blank">Trainer Road</a> but alas I wimped out.<br />
<br />
Then today with daylight savings I got up very very early to fly to California... and when I got here it was +18°C and very sunny, so what do you do with a Sunday afternoon? Go riding. No great photos I was just out to enjoy myself clear my head and put in some klicks.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/43959737/embed/b6d9ffabaf65e11a5c274acea09ab91cb7b03208" width="590"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613145353616462144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656669225195939247.post-52705344042950482562013-02-17T21:51:00.000-05:002013-02-18T21:00:28.418-05:00A Busy Busy weekend.I started my weekend by going on a bike ride Friday afternoon still looking for the Three Bears, to no avail. That was O.K. because I did not have as much time as I thought and I had also plotted new accesses passes over this "hill" behind me. Then went out for Indian curry, yummy. Early to bed.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/41030798/embed/f2864c808a06635781af89779e2ede7ca4ede07a" width="590"></iframe><br />
<br />
Saturday a.m. time to Conquer the Three Bears, which were kind of anti-climactic, it was the climb after the three bears that was cool, winding and on back roads that I'll remember.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/41140982/embed/5a5c42bac7ce0291607cac185c5581def6f2794e" width="590"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
After this it's home for a shower and left-over lunch, then walk down to the BART station and head in San Francisco for the afternoon/evening. It seems every-time I get out of an underground it takes me a few minutes to figure where I am... no orientation underground and "tube" maps are not to scale. Just the same, at the base of Powell street is where the Trolley's are that go up to Bay street... HUGE line up, so I walked up to the next stop and caught this!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hAq0j_qRjIM/USBmPGIfJ4I/AAAAAAAACBg/goUKQmUkGlw/s1600/IMG_4985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hAq0j_qRjIM/USBmPGIfJ4I/AAAAAAAACBg/goUKQmUkGlw/s320/IMG_4985.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iYjV7s1nrs0/USBmPNaZbZI/AAAAAAAACBk/s9pH4p3T3Ow/s1600/IMG_4988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iYjV7s1nrs0/USBmPNaZbZI/AAAAAAAACBk/s9pH4p3T3Ow/s320/IMG_4988.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As you can see it's pretty open air and they are TINY! but pretty darn cool. I then got up to Bay street where I walked around Pier's 45 to the famous Pier 39... TONES of tourist and not really my cup of tea, but I saw Alcatraz, Sea lions and Buskers. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ag3g4Bb-msc/USBnSc8fn0I/AAAAAAAACB4/tPsFYzmn9z0/s1600/IMG_4994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ag3g4Bb-msc/USBnSc8fn0I/AAAAAAAACB4/tPsFYzmn9z0/s320/IMG_4994.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k2DPy561Zdc/USBnm-hvaaI/AAAAAAAACCM/VUW8m4gx1AI/s1600/IMG_4999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k2DPy561Zdc/USBnm-hvaaI/AAAAAAAACCM/VUW8m4gx1AI/s320/IMG_4999.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOzx1ftnY3s/USBnmiz5o7I/AAAAAAAACCI/nJDdJd5KsFg/s1600/IMG_4997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOzx1ftnY3s/USBnmiz5o7I/AAAAAAAACCI/nJDdJd5KsFg/s320/IMG_4997.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yObsUotfr4k/USBnSk8igrI/AAAAAAAACCA/hATV1Rb2GWw/s1600/IMG_4991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yObsUotfr4k/USBnSk8igrI/AAAAAAAACCA/hATV1Rb2GWw/s320/IMG_4991.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wNAc6yJb5dA/USBoFH0gG3I/AAAAAAAACCc/RnysXRD8X7k/s1600/IMG_5002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wNAc6yJb5dA/USBoFH0gG3I/AAAAAAAACCc/RnysXRD8X7k/s320/IMG_5002.JPG" width="240" /></a>Then back through town, stopping to relieve myself and off to China Town where I had a very inexpensive dinner and back on to the BART home again!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
And I did ALL that JUST so I could get my daughter this sweat shirt to add to her collection.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3IOki-gjYjs/USBoFU2UTsI/AAAAAAAACCg/Xc5rIw4QPYY/s1600/IMG_5012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3IOki-gjYjs/USBoFU2UTsI/AAAAAAAACCg/Xc5rIw4QPYY/s320/IMG_5012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sunday Morning I rode with Skye from the Emeryville store</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/41280248/embed/d3df7a0303bcb95e745989da2074b22f1f60b7b3" width="590"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yzq0YW35EJM/USGulF6b0CI/AAAAAAAACEk/pgsKNV7_HP4/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yzq0YW35EJM/USGulF6b0CI/AAAAAAAACEk/pgsKNV7_HP4/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love it when you can climb and descend this easy from one's front door, We had a good ride, it got Skye out of his house and it allowed me an easier Sunday ride. After we finished the ride I went out for Brunch at Rick and Ann's which is a half km walk from my front door, and sat a a communal table and enjoyed a good talk with my table guests. Then back home to the car, first time needed this weekend! Off to explore Highway 1, which I know people who have ridden it, and I did see cyclist but, TOO many cars and fast motor cycles on it for my taste, and to note any serious cyclist when asked if it can be ridden say "it could but.." Point taken, there are enough other fine roads around here without cars that make this not worth riding.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VZhJYEC3Wc4/USGW0qCOprI/AAAAAAAACDs/0PHOl8Ivzdk/s1600/IMG_5020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VZhJYEC3Wc4/USGW0qCOprI/AAAAAAAACDs/0PHOl8Ivzdk/s320/IMG_5020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DnJoITgFLBw/USGW0jkwq0I/AAAAAAAACDw/Qt5nWxRdXxk/s1600/IMG_5027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DnJoITgFLBw/USGW0jkwq0I/AAAAAAAACDw/Qt5nWxRdXxk/s320/IMG_5027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aUTsVZA9bew/USGW0_r9Z2I/AAAAAAAACD0/vfNH8QVLwSU/s1600/IMG_5023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aUTsVZA9bew/USGW0_r9Z2I/AAAAAAAACD0/vfNH8QVLwSU/s320/IMG_5023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OcSe3pSSojc/USGW1WInNeI/AAAAAAAACEE/Y2XkC7EKkNM/s1600/IMG_5028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OcSe3pSSojc/USGW1WInNeI/AAAAAAAACEE/Y2XkC7EKkNM/s320/IMG_5028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N0Re9vZmlMo/USGW1zJh6PI/AAAAAAAACEI/76RGQEcIEEg/s1600/IMG_5031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N0Re9vZmlMo/USGW1zJh6PI/AAAAAAAACEI/76RGQEcIEEg/s320/IMG_5031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Back to my Sunday Drive, I drove along the road, and it's a 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock drive for sure, keep both hands on the wheel. I drove out and past Stinson Beach, where the road turns inland a bit, and became much less scenic, and a lot less traffic... Stinson Beach is packed, so I decided to go in and see what it was all about, I walked on the beach and stopped at a restaurant and had some nachos and people watched a while before getting back in the car and heading back home. It was a very pretty drive and great to get to enjoy God's creation.</div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613145353616462144noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656669225195939247.post-10371755047097088352013-02-14T22:53:00.001-05:002013-02-14T22:56:37.566-05:00a Hooker ride<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8hWH53HoZog/UR2wR_MEJdI/AAAAAAAACAo/PEzqV2zQTQQ/s1600/2013-02-14+17.04.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8hWH53HoZog/UR2wR_MEJdI/AAAAAAAACAo/PEzqV2zQTQQ/s320/2013-02-14+17.04.28.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Well today to have a recovery ride I did a Jeff Hooker ride... you just go out and buzz around town... the only "flat' around here. I went through the campus and saw some of the sights and the bell tower... which I can see from the highway coming home from IKEA. I then went around a bit of town and then ran across a CHEAP Mexican food place and my plans were thwarted, I had a enchilada and taco with rice and beans and nearly free beer... then sat and listened to a cycling podcast in the beauty of the evening outside.<br />
<br />
I know that one of the Frat houses is the Thorsen House, built in 1909 it is one if not the last of the Greene and Greene homes built. I have seen in on my rides returning home and I do want to get a photo, if not get inside... I am a finish carpenter and I did do custom furniture for years... I do know my craftsmanship and this is a Greene and Greene home!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613145353616462144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656669225195939247.post-1667257692136866442013-02-13T22:45:00.002-05:002013-02-13T22:51:49.635-05:00Still have not found what I am looking for...I had plotted out my ride, loaded it up, and was out to do the three bears. Well, it seems the file did not save my new course so I ended up climbing, which is not bad but did not get my course I wanted. It seems most people around here do it clock wise, so Friday is the next attempt.<br />
<br />
BTW I have to send a big "shout out" for <a href="http://mikesbikes.com/contact/mikes-bikes-of-berkeley-pg49.htmhttp://mikesbikes.com/contact/mikes-bikes-of-berkeley-pg49.htm" target="_blank">Mike's Bikes</a>... Wednesday night is an open shop night where you can go and work on your bike... very cool when traveling to tune up the bike.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/40815441/embed/586c29574e50d84a8b270f5d56bf6b71b9fad99d" width="590"></iframe><br />
<br />
I stopped at Inspiration Point and took a photo of Mt. Diablo my goal before I leave, the first half is about like Claremont, which I've gotten good at over the last week, then the second half is a little more gradual, but still its after climbing, we shall see.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CZq0pFTmKSk/URxdMjSf5KI/AAAAAAAAB_w/Cs08cBjs48Y/s1600/IMG_20130213_154044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CZq0pFTmKSk/URxdMjSf5KI/AAAAAAAAB_w/Cs08cBjs48Y/s320/IMG_20130213_154044.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Valley to which I descend to NOT find Bear Creak Road.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cV36x3Zm7Og/URxdM_DsJrI/AAAAAAAAB_0/74F6zCu3QZw/s1600/IMG_20130213_170358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cV36x3Zm7Og/URxdM_DsJrI/AAAAAAAAB_0/74F6zCu3QZw/s320/IMG_20130213_170358.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And off to the Right is Mt. Diablo of which I am going to conquer</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613145353616462144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656669225195939247.post-73332650454498073272013-02-11T18:19:00.000-05:002013-02-18T21:01:37.678-05:00The Weekend in San Francisco areaThis was a weekend of visiting and fellowship.<br />
I started the weekend off by taking a drive with my bike down to San Jose to meet up with Clyde Floyd who is setting up a FCA Endurance huddle group for the Bay Area, we took a nice ride which included the climb and most of the 2011 (they were not sure of the year) Tour of California' Time Trial. We then stopped at David's house and had our photo taken. That is Clyde's daughter-in-law Christy, Clyde, me and the "other" David.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r4gpAfALxgs/USBrGJmMA0I/AAAAAAAACDA/5JEml9CfjTA/s1600/IMG_3353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r4gpAfALxgs/USBrGJmMA0I/AAAAAAAACDA/5JEml9CfjTA/s320/IMG_3353.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/40373426/embed/56f3d267ef421d47115fcd58f098b659b47ae24b" width="590"></iframe><br />
<br />
Floyd and I then spent the afternoon "fellowshipping" talking about how and what he hopes to do with FCA Endurance in the area, it looks like a lot of good work will come out of this.<br />
<br />
It was a quite night for me then I woke up to a cold room it was 3°C outside and my room was around 10! the two little heaters could not keep up with such freezing cold weather. I sat huddled under a blanket on the sofa reading part of the morning then went around the corner to have French toast with hippies, the had organic whole grain bread French Toast with free range egg batter, Free Trade Coffee and all for just a few bucks, by now it's warmed up to a very sunny 9°C and I figure with as much sun and NO clouds I can ride in the cold... So I pack up the bike and head over to San Francisco, I ended up taking the wrong exit so I got to drive through the Streets of San Francisco, once I arrived I had to drive around a while for a parking space, and then unpacked the bike and headed over the Golden Gate Bridge to the Golden Gate park. Where there are the "hulls" of WWII Batteries, the bunkers were built but the guns were not installed because the war ended.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/40499998/embed/b223c155e3daeafa23da85c5fc56380001991ce0" width="590"></iframe><br />
<br />
Once I returned to the car I then went back over the Bridge to Golden Gate Seminary, and met up with my friend Kevin Trick who is studying for his D.Min. We went out for lunch then spent the afternoon "fellowshipping" and catching up. He plans to do a half Iron Man in the fall so he wanted to get in a run before the sun set, and I wanted to get home before the sun set.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ilvfwrTpbo/URhOcxqyz7I/AAAAAAAAB9w/jcCpwsY1EiQ/s1600/IMG_4972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ilvfwrTpbo/URhOcxqyz7I/AAAAAAAAB9w/jcCpwsY1EiQ/s320/IMG_4972.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ZAB0lNmG4M/URhOdBrMpoI/AAAAAAAAB90/gWTu5VtG4XI/s1600/IMG_4975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ZAB0lNmG4M/URhOdBrMpoI/AAAAAAAAB90/gWTu5VtG4XI/s320/IMG_4975.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pWJMeVKrTxc/URhOdxfmupI/AAAAAAAAB-A/QD0AlMwCe2M/s1600/IMG_4976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pWJMeVKrTxc/URhOdxfmupI/AAAAAAAAB-A/QD0AlMwCe2M/s320/IMG_4976.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCcZlaTadSE/URhOedHv-LI/AAAAAAAAB-E/LBIGWbkp5q0/s1600/IMG_4978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCcZlaTadSE/URhOedHv-LI/AAAAAAAAB-E/LBIGWbkp5q0/s320/IMG_4978.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dufO_fNP7-s/URhOehzikpI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/zRuZxb0p0rg/s1600/IMG_4984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dufO_fNP7-s/URhOehzikpI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/zRuZxb0p0rg/s320/IMG_4984.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613145353616462144noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656669225195939247.post-87057489505012374362013-02-08T21:06:00.000-05:002013-02-08T21:06:10.182-05:00An After work ride againI repeated myself on the Claremont climb, but went up and around then down into Berkeley right by the university, it's dropped 10° since Thursday and the climb was still warm, but the decent was pretty darn cool. I the last part of the decent I got stuck behind a city bus that hogged the road and weaved all over, and I could not get around. Then in town I got behind a student that would sprint off a the lights then ram on his brakes between the cars, he hit 4 car mirrors, bike handlers like that scare the crap out of me... I took the hole shot on the next stop sign... I took this picture at more of an angle to the sun so you can see the valley and bay<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/40234503/embed/16e1a2c1d87b22bad7b394b77ae1c758ef1ccf7e" width="590"></iframe><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dJD2UP-TXTQ/URWu65ZjX1I/AAAAAAAAB8g/lHIrOnr_QJ0/s1600/1-2013-02-08+16.59.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dJD2UP-TXTQ/URWu65ZjX1I/AAAAAAAAB8g/lHIrOnr_QJ0/s320/1-2013-02-08+16.59.57.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613145353616462144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656669225195939247.post-51499632538926191692013-02-06T22:58:00.000-05:002013-02-06T22:58:10.390-05:00"spring training" in San FranciscoFirst off I know it's been a while, I missed writing about last fall's "wine tour" which was a BLAST, and a few other rides that were worth blogging.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xBRYgQn7cuk/URMlxM7TTWI/AAAAAAAAB7g/6zMQVBDxdRE/s1600/1-2013-02-06+Clarmont.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xBRYgQn7cuk/URMlxM7TTWI/AAAAAAAAB7g/6zMQVBDxdRE/s320/1-2013-02-06+Clarmont.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I am in San Francisco doing the commercial lighting in IKEA stores here, and it's "cool" 60°F or 16°C, which when climbing I could just wear a jersey, on the decent... I needed my long sleeve fleece lined jersey, and then a wind vest when I got on the back side of the "hill" this is just beautiful country, the views are amazing and the photo does no justice to the view, it was into the sunset, on a hazy evening with a cell phone so there.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/workout/230053712/" target="_blank">http://www.mapmyride.com/workout/230053712/</a><br />
<br />
The climb is less then a half kilometer from where I'm staying so there was no warm-up other than the climb... jump in with both feet! After the climb and getting off course a few times, the amount of self discipline to stay on course once on Skyline is tough, I could spend hours up there it's just fantastic, but alas being on major road descending in the dark is not very wise and I now have a few grey hairs so that means I have wisdom. I did use that wisdom and stayed the course. I arrived "home" safe and sound (I'm glad I have my mega bright LED rear light). I then grabbed my sling, wallet and my lock and headed out to explore Berkeley (and buy a chicken to roast), I zipped around town, talked to a young couple, popped into a few stores, and then went to the "other" Berkeley Bowl and got my chicken. I just would like to point out it's nice to walk through a store in a cycling kit, with helmet on your head and no one looks at you like your odd... it's somewhat normal here... just sayin'<br />
<br />
I am pretty darn sure that this area and the stay will bequeath a few more blog entries so stay tuned.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613145353616462144noreply@blogger.com0Berkeley, CA, USA37.8715926 -122.2727469999999837.7713236 -122.43410849999998 37.9718616 -122.11138549999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656669225195939247.post-21935129465917437692012-07-21T19:34:00.000-04:002012-07-21T19:38:14.108-04:00The LSD cell phone ride.I'm not sure if my head is always on straight when it comes to opportunities to ride my bike... This morning around 7:45 I received a text from my friend Greg:: "do you feel like riding to Georgetown and back? 160 kms approx." Me: "sure", Greg: "Agnes (Greg's wife) forgot her cell there", Me: "OK I'm in".<br />
<br />
Now this ride ended up being 183 kms. and that is a long way... Plus we went via the Three Sisters, which are three pleasant hills in a row, then once you cross the 6 there are a few more hills to deal with. Needless to say it was a long hard day in the saddle of 6 hours and 20 minutes (I think I have the right to say day).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ju-gCkYNNg8/UAs8QVrxTDI/AAAAAAAABts/k6kdbuk3Fk4/s1600/2012-07-21+12.48.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ju-gCkYNNg8/UAs8QVrxTDI/AAAAAAAABts/k6kdbuk3Fk4/s320/2012-07-21+12.48.30.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The destination is Greg's friend who has build a custom pizza oven... it's very very nice, and if I had time I'd have one in my backyard, with a custom smoking pit. mmm food.<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613145353616462144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656669225195939247.post-36115099404890538622012-06-21T17:41:00.001-04:002012-06-21T17:41:53.452-04:00Old College Mates....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of my dorm/house mates from LeTourneau University showed up on my doorstep Monday night. He's traveling around North America for two months, I'm one of the lucky people on his list. We were both in the DSP or Delta Sigma Si. and from there I went off to Texas A&M, but funny thing is most of my contacts of that era are still LeTourneau friends. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
John and his wife Donna showed up in Brantford Monday night and we had a nice visit. I had just rolled up to my house from a ride with my local friend Greg as they drove up in their van. The evening was just cooling off and we were able to sit in the back yard and catch up, as the dogs showed off in the grass. The next day I had work that had to be done, so we planed for a 3:00 bike ride to Port Dover and have supper. The "girls" did a quick tour of Brantford and walked around Port Dover looking at the shops. The Dover run is a pretty straight and flat run with, 4 "hills" and John's not too fond of hills so he was keeping me accountable to the hills... there a few "false flats" along the way too. Any how to Texas boys rode in the heat and has a good 50 kms (30 mile) ride down to Calahan's Beach House for perch dinner. Sitting out on the back deck we could not have ordered up a nicer evening. The sun was not too hot by this time and as it wend down it cooled off very nicely. Very good seeing old college friends. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Enjoy and have safe travels on the rest of your trip John.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QThOkjv3PSU/T-OSITABFbI/AAAAAAAABtY/Cg6jMnFhgr8/s1600/2012-06-19+18.24.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QThOkjv3PSU/T-OSITABFbI/AAAAAAAABtY/Cg6jMnFhgr8/s320/2012-06-19+18.24.41.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I1HWB1c88HY/T-OR9Yf4p3I/AAAAAAAABtQ/uEL1u2UcspU/s1600/2012-06-19+21.43.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I1HWB1c88HY/T-OR9Yf4p3I/AAAAAAAABtQ/uEL1u2UcspU/s320/2012-06-19+21.43.28.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613145353616462144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656669225195939247.post-40426584241538498252012-06-09T13:26:00.003-04:002012-06-09T13:30:31.324-04:00Out meeting peopleToday's intention was a recovery ride, after two harder days in the saddle. So I headed out my normal route, and saw a rider who was going about the pace I wanted for the day. I caught up with him and introduced myself. It was nice riding with an avid cyclist about the same age. Bob and I were able to talk about work, families and cycling. Quite refreshing after being around two 24 year-olds for the last three weeks!<br />
<br />
While traveling one forgets how nice it is to have a riding "buddy", and how much you miss all the "homies", that's you "Brantford Boys and Girls". <br />
<br />
Bob was out for about a 2 hour ride, and I was able to get on some roads that I had not been on before, and figured out the roads that I had gotten lost on last Saturday. This was a very good day to get out and enjoy the day between having company on a ride, talking about life at a level my age group is interested, it just made it better. I wish I had run into him last week, as he was telling me how to get down into Washington the "easy way" on a bike. With that information I could have ridden into D.C. and seen the sights but that would have prevented me from enjoying the day with Ben and Cam. Hopefully we can get another ride in when I'm back in the area.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ggAyH79QQpg/T9OHR7pLk3I/AAAAAAAABs4/OmfnKPqn8AI/s1600/2012-06-09+12.19.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ggAyH79QQpg/T9OHR7pLk3I/AAAAAAAABs4/OmfnKPqn8AI/s320/2012-06-09+12.19.18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/runs/10421266/embed/6a7ea18bfdeb304c12629b754f467fb98ff74e7c" width="590"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613145353616462144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656669225195939247.post-15474429686013581402012-06-08T16:24:00.000-04:002012-06-08T16:24:10.056-04:00A Fantastic Day for a RideWe had some time today, not much to do, therefore I mapped out a 96 km ride. Part of the ride ended up being big chip and no tar (or I did not see it), but at the risk of saving tires we took a detour along the bike trail which was the mule trail for pulling barges up and down the C&O canal system. Here we actually saw some cyclist out riding, it was very quiet and shady. We also went past an abandoned Ferry crossing used by the Union and the Confederates, and I also found out that Poolesville had a few confederate son's and a few skirmishes around the area to me this is all pretty cool as I studied Civil war history in University.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Not to mention today was as about as nice of a day as cyclist could ask for, if only the cars were off the road it would have been better.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/runs/10368266/embed/eb981d195c78c19eaf7062c138d1ba9e1e015adf" width="590"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KzCjwnFS-CQ/T9JfA2K3f3I/AAAAAAAABr4/Rk0DkKkG9KY/s1600/2012-06-08+13.19.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KzCjwnFS-CQ/T9JfA2K3f3I/AAAAAAAABr4/Rk0DkKkG9KY/s320/2012-06-08+13.19.03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4GWo13ylMPc/T9JfEe8h81I/AAAAAAAABsA/Bz6ElILbCWU/s1600/2012-06-08+13.25.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4GWo13ylMPc/T9JfEe8h81I/AAAAAAAABsA/Bz6ElILbCWU/s320/2012-06-08+13.25.36.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NBgrottHuOM/T9JfFu7SAkI/AAAAAAAABsI/VAHk5LzbdnI/s1600/2012-06-08+13.25.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NBgrottHuOM/T9JfFu7SAkI/AAAAAAAABsI/VAHk5LzbdnI/s320/2012-06-08+13.25.49.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s-mLy9HTTQI/T9JfHAXH0hI/AAAAAAAABsQ/5tRIygY6k8k/s1600/2012-06-08+13.26.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s-mLy9HTTQI/T9JfHAXH0hI/AAAAAAAABsQ/5tRIygY6k8k/s320/2012-06-08+13.26.15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uVsfx4pXuEw/T9JfIv8z4wI/AAAAAAAABsY/hNIAGGjJuVs/s1600/2012-06-08+13.26.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uVsfx4pXuEw/T9JfIv8z4wI/AAAAAAAABsY/hNIAGGjJuVs/s320/2012-06-08+13.26.46.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tuf1o3jGaQQ/T9JfJ5LfC9I/AAAAAAAABsk/AE_5WJZGDhk/s1600/2012-06-08+13.26.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tuf1o3jGaQQ/T9JfJ5LfC9I/AAAAAAAABsk/AE_5WJZGDhk/s320/2012-06-08+13.26.56.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613145353616462144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656669225195939247.post-72040100542688030602012-06-03T21:59:00.001-04:002012-06-03T21:59:57.166-04:00More Washington D.C.This time Cam did not join us and it was just Ben and I. We went off to Capitol Hill, then to the American History Museum.<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DZSGuAoXzUw/T8wWa4qqKDI/AAAAAAAABrA/3b9R6_utftc/s1600/2012-06-03+16.38.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DZSGuAoXzUw/T8wWa4qqKDI/AAAAAAAABrA/3b9R6_utftc/s320/2012-06-03+16.38.27.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kl6S_3n7ZQ4/T8wWbzlxLYI/AAAAAAAABrI/BJUCbuoAm7I/s1600/2012-06-03+17.32.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kl6S_3n7ZQ4/T8wWbzlxLYI/AAAAAAAABrI/BJUCbuoAm7I/s320/2012-06-03+17.32.22.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-otA45HnsU6k/T8wWdHS2D7I/AAAAAAAABrQ/gdwy0M-FilI/s1600/2012-06-03+19.34.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-otA45HnsU6k/T8wWdHS2D7I/AAAAAAAABrQ/gdwy0M-FilI/s320/2012-06-03+19.34.28.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AN61k01r6Sw/T8wWemVGCtI/AAAAAAAABrY/bIefQ1k84X8/s1600/2012-06-03+19.34.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AN61k01r6Sw/T8wWemVGCtI/AAAAAAAABrY/bIefQ1k84X8/s320/2012-06-03+19.34.35.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w_8UT2rBw2M/T8wWjAXpveI/AAAAAAAABrk/pC8EB-NhJwA/s1600/2012-06-03+20.12.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w_8UT2rBw2M/T8wWjAXpveI/AAAAAAAABrk/pC8EB-NhJwA/s320/2012-06-03+20.12.58.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
On my ride this morning I went past a restaurant in a small town west of us and they were having a great Sunday Brunch and the smoker was going preparing ribs for the evening rib special... BBQ has to be pursued in the South and if smells good in the morning it's going to be good for supper. All three of us got in the car and headed to Poolesville and the Basset restaurant and sat on the porch and drank REAL iced tea. By the time we went through all the food we were all full.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613145353616462144noreply@blogger.com0