A Z-Dog's Life

Copper 'Cross Race 9/14/08

2008-09-18T12:27:00.000-07:00

It's been 7 years since I last raced Cyclocross. The main reason I stopped is because my chronic back pain hurts the most when doing 'cross. I also needed a break after racing road and crits all spring and summer. And finally as the weather gets colder and wetter (perfect conditions for 'cross aficionados) I get less interested. But it's mainly the back issue.

Why did I attempt this hardcore intense racing discipline again? Well, I bought a new 'cross frame to be my new winter bike since my old Litespeed Appalachian was looking at retirement. And after building up a pretty nice Salsa Chili Con Crosso it was just screaming at me to race it at least once. The Salsa couldn't "just" be a rain bike. It's a bewdy with decent components and I thought I'd give it a go.

I practiced my mounting and dismounting with Rick up at St. Ed's. I just couldn't seem to hop on the bike. I always did a little stutter step or dragged my foot behind. After about 50 attempts with Rick suggesting I start really slow and simply swing my leg over I finally started getting it down.

Initially I was riding my 700x35 tires with 60 psi up at St. Ed' but Rick talked me down to about 52. When I showed up at the race yesterday a teammate talked me down to 44 and I'm glad he did. I was nervous about running low, but it was fine. It helped absorb all the bumpy terrain and helped with traction in the corners. No pinch flats.

I pre-rode the course a couple laps and thought it was great. There was lot of fun single track with a few swooping corners and some fun downhill stuff. Of course there were a couple run ups and one was very long, loose, and steep. And the infield near the finish had two barriers to dismount for. I enjoyed the warm up with no back pain.

At the start I hung at the back of 20 guys cuz I figured this was just for fun and I wasn't going to be in contention for a podium spot anyway. As soon as we hit those first barriers (less than a minute) I wished I had gunned it for the front. I got stuck behind a big cluster bungle of riders falling all over themselves. I got into a rhythm and was able to ride a short steep hill that followed a loose downhill with a 180 degree turn. Most everyone else was having to dismount. Right after that was one of the two "real" run ups so had to shoulder the bike. Soon after that I was cruising through the single track and riding fairly well, but my HR was basically through the roof! I was nearly at my max most of the first lap and probably came across in 11th or 12th. My back held up.

For the second lap I couldn't keep up that intense pace so backed it down a notch or two and got passed by a couple guys. I have a whole new respect for 'crossers now. I can't believe the high end cardio you have to have to finish well. It's way above what my system is capable of. During the second lap my back started hurting which I expected, but it wasn't too bad yet. On my pain scale of 1-10 (10 being the worst pain imaginable) I was at a 6 by the end of lap 2. I was in about 15th at this point for the third and final lap.

Shortly after starting the final lap my back hit a "8" and I was done. An 8 for me means I'm having trouble pedaling let alone going hard. I basically was forced to soft pedal the last 2 miles and came in 18th out of 20.

(In four of the races throughout the day our team had 4 wins)! Rick had one in the Masters 1/2.

All in all I'm glad I did the race, but probably won't do any more unless I can get Redd and Mo to join me for one. Or if my back didn't kill me so much I'd be inclined to do a couple more. I'm starting some new PT for my back. Hopefully that will help.

Locks of Love Donation

2007-07-30T21:20:00.000-07:00

I spent the last 2 years growing my hair out longer than I usually wear it. The intention was to donate the minimum 10" to Locks of Love for the disadvantaged kids who lose their hair due to different illnesses. I didn't want to cut my hair short like all the typical males afraid to express themselves, so I wanted it to be at least shoulder length. I managed to get 13.5" to help enhance the life of someone less fortunate.

Seward Park Summer Crit June '06

2007-01-31T21:34:00.000-08:00

Ravensdale Race Report July 9, 2006

2007-01-31T21:18:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's so cool to have so many Zoka teammates getting such great results! But like J Dub said, as long as you're having fun out there that's what counts. Well, maybe our sponsors wouldn't think that, but you know what I mean.

So, case in point, I did not finish well but I consider my race yesterday the best one I've had all year. It was a great course, the weather was awesome, people stayed upright, it was well organized, it was about 20 miles further than I've ever raced before, my back held up, and as Tom and Christine mentioned I had a great chase back to the field.

Both times up the Wall I felt relatively fine and passed most people around me, but I was toward the back when we started and got totally blocked by several slower people. After the second time up Tom, Gary, and I had a little ground to make up and we did that no problem on the down hill.

At about the 45 mile mark some vice grips flew up from the road and took a hold of my left hamstring. I actually yelled in agony as I literally couldn't pedal. I coasted to the shoulder trying to release the lock jaw grip on my leg. One of the follow cars asked if I needed help as I looked like I was having a seizure as I tried to straighten out my leg. I watched the peloton ride out of site.

I managed to get back on the bike and slowly got back up to speed. I put my head down and just kept at it. I reached way down deep in the race wallet. My only hope was if the pack slowed up for a bit which had been happening previously. I gave it everything I had for 4 miles and finally started closing in on them. My last effort to reconnect was spurred on by the 3 follow cars as they cheered me on out their windows!

Once in the pack I was able to recover. But at mile 60 going up the final hill with only 2 miles left my right quad decided to go for the death grip and once again I was off on the shoulder absolutely unable to pedal. Damn, 50 meters more and I would've been over the top and finishing with the pack.

I was well hydrated leading up to the race and drank plenty during so I think it was probably my lack of training at that distance. Most of my races this year have only been about 40 minutes.

I must mention I felt bad for Gary since he wasn't in the break and nobody would really work with him to bring it back. I went to the front once and worked with some Ti guys, but if I had any hope of finishing I wouldn't be able to do much with Gary. So, Gary, being the cool guy he is, helped us C/D guys out in the end and Tom got that great placing!

I'm always amazed that usually less than 1/4 of the guys out racing (that don't have a teammate in a break) won't go to the front and help drive the pace. I really can't believe it. And I can say this cuz I generally do go to the front and do what I can. But so many guys never go to the front and they also don't place at the end either. Oh well, it's up to us I guess.

For you PR regulars I'm skipping tomorrow night. My back and legs need a little more recovery. Cheers.

Z "cramp from hell" Dog

Time to update. Finally!

2007-01-31T21:08:00.000-08:00

It's been over 6 months since I've posted anything here. I had an issue with my PC, but beyond that I've had more pressing matters to attend to. Stuff won't be sequential but I'm going to start adding pics/posts as time permits from the last half a year. Oh, and Liza is sick and tired of having her butt be the centerpiece of my blog for so long!

Liza's butt

2006-07-14T17:08:00.000-07:00

The steepest ladder on the route.

2006-07-14T17:06:00.000-07:00

First beach section

2006-07-14T16:58:00.000-07:00

Seward Race Report 6/18/06

2006-06-23T17:28:00.000-07:00

Written by a teammate, Trevor.
That was a hoot! Zoka places two in the top 5 and takes all 3 primes at the Master's State Criterium in the C class. We had no real plan before the race, other than to be attentive and see who was motivated. Ken "The Animal" quickly demonstrated he was ready to go by attacking the first lap. Two laps later, Z is charging up the hill. The rest of us get to sit in. Nice.First prime and I drift to the front. I jump hard and the pack promptly throws in the towel. Drift to the middle and let Ken, Z, and Tom control things. Second prime and Z puts in a big attack. Tom follows along behind a TI Cycles, just in case. Score: Zoka 2, pack 0. Chris and I continue cruising along mid-pack. Third prime: Ken jumps hard only to have his chain start skipping. He's lunging and cursing like Lance on Luz Ardiden. We figure his chain is busted and he's gone. Suddenly, like the Phoenix, Ken arises from ashes and claims the prime!Now it's three to go and everyone's getting twitchy. Chris and I start moving forward. Bell lap and Ken moves to the front, while Z brings me forward. Two riders are away, but they're coming back quickly. I jump a little late, chasing a Byrne and a MoMoney up the hill. Close, but not quite and I'm in for third. Chris is right behind in fifth.

Start of the first trail. 1.4 mi down to the beach.

2006-06-01T12:58:00.000-07:00

Eliza, Mitch (Annastasia), Boo, Bet, Jack

The start of our hiking/camping trip along the coast

2006-06-01T12:54:00.000-07:00

Albert is behind me trying adjust some things better. I had way too much with me and a new misadjusted pack. Pretty much a newbie to extended primitive camping.

Warmin up out of the rain at Longbranch

2006-05-09T09:51:00.000-07:00

Greg, Trevor, Brian, & Don.

Race Report from Longbranch, WA

2006-05-08T14:04:00.000-07:00

Masters State Road Race Championships

Masters C, about 45 riders?, four 10.5 mile laps, 8 Zoka brothers, and two finished in the lead group top 12-15 or so.

There really wasn't a chase group of any kind. The other 30 or so riders had already been dropped. All the men in brown worked hard, but it was a tough race.It rained most of the time, but it wasn't near as cold as TST so I wasn't facing hypothermia this time.

The big hill was long, steep, (relative terms I guess) and I had a difficult time in a 39-25 by the third time up. And that's all she wrote. Plain and simple I didn't have the fitness, but I also had my worst back pain of the season and my left cleat was about to fall off so that didn't help matters.The follow car went by and there was no hope of catching back on. About half the field had already been dropped by this time, but I didn't find anyone nearby to ride with. I finished out the 3rd lap and went to the car to change out of my soaked clothes and watch the finish. (Luckily we left the key behind this time).Brian G and Don S were the sole Zoka survivors. Great job, guys!

z "hopin to avoid anymore rain races" dog

The End (of bus pics)

2006-05-08T14:00:00.000-07:00

Fierce competition between the drivers!

2006-05-08T13:58:00.000-07:00

A driver does his inspection.

2006-05-08T13:56:00.000-07:00

Bus Roadeo

2006-05-08T13:55:00.000-07:00

Bus Roadeo

2006-05-08T13:47:00.000-07:00

The last weekend in April I flew down to CA (Irvine) for a "Bus Roadeo". Sportworks was a sponsor so I was there to wave the company flag. Bus drivers from all over the country compete on a course made up of turns, stops, tight back ups, etc. They also do a pre-drive inspection of a bus that has "bugs" planted a ead of time. Our rack was on the buses and the pivot bolt had been taken out. Above are a couple pics. Note to self: next time research better where the hotel is. I didn't have a car and there was no place to eat nearby.

TST Race Report

2006-04-20T12:26:00.000-07:00

The following is what I sent to my team after last Saturday's (4/16) Tahuya-Seabeck-Tahuya road race. 65 miles, 4,000' of climbing. Winter conditions.

Short version: The weather conditions were bloody miserable. In a decade of racing that was the worst weather experience I've ever had. It sucked. I almost froze to death. I got dropped on the Seabeck hill and I think Jason took3rd.

(Really) Long version:Even though Rick and I had planned to leave at 7:30, pick up Christine, and get there in plenty of time for a good warmup that didn't happen at all. We left late, I needed gas, we stopped at Safeway (inBelfair), and before we knew it we were scrambling to get ready on the road near the church. I think Rick got 6 or 7 minutes on the trainer and I had maybe 12.

It was pouring down rain with no sign of it letting up. So much for the little sun breaks we saw halfway there. It was also very cold. We lined up and waited what felt like a half hour as we got soaked before even starting. Once we got going and the road spray came up I was totally soaked except my saving grace. Thank Buddah/God/Your Choice that I decided to wear my clear rain cape. That really saved my torso.

There was a lot of talk leading up to the race about all the big hills, but I was really concerned with the first one that didn't get talked about. It's only about 3 miles in and it's not major, but enough that other people I talked to said a lot of people get dropped right there and never catch on again. I sure as hell didn't want to get dropped 3 miles after the start and it was a real concern of mine. So, I made sure I was right near the front going up it and pushed it hard so that when I faded back I'd still be able to hang with the pack. That worked and I thought I'd at least make it to Seabeck now.

As we rolled along I went to the front and put in a hard effort to speed things up a little and to try and get warm. After that I drifted way back and was worried I was toast already. I rested up and went back up near the front. There were a lot of Byrne guys at the front. Two of them had gone off and had a gap. I didn't see any other Zoka's nearby except Rick. I thought, well, this is my job. Go get those guys now as they had been out there awhile and we weren't gaining on them while some Byrne guys were blocking. I asked Rick to get around the two blocking Byrne guys, and I grabbed a Second Ascent guy too. The 3 of us worked together for a bit and the SA guy was quite strong so I began slipping back into the pack again. Other SA guys came up and took over.

About 25 miles into it I looked back and saw that a lot of people had bailed out already. I was feeling pretty frozen at this point with my hands being the worst off. I had chemical toe warmers in my shoes so that helped a little, but my hands were going numb.I saw Adam nearby and asked him if he wanted to go get warm. He said yeah! So the two of us worked our way up to the front and began working together for a couple miles to bring the pace up again, but the main reason was to simply try and heat up our bodies. After that hard effort I felt okay except my hands. So we hit the Seabeck hill and I couldn't hang on anymore. It didn't help that my legs were having"cold" cramps, but we were all in the same boat, or water I should say. And by the way, it's pretty much been pouring this whole time! Visibility was very poor too.

I hooked up with a Garage guy and we worked it for a while with the pack just a hundred yards in front of us but we couldn't close the gap. At this point about40 guys had already been dropped or simply abandoned. And there were only 5 or 6 Zoka's left in the leadpack. The Garage guy dropped me on Anderson and then I pulled over at 44 miles because I absolutely could not feel my hands at all. I couldn't operate the shifters or brakes and could barely tell if I was holding the bars. I was envisioning frost bite and my fingers turning black and having to be amputated! I forgot to mention that it started snowing as well! I fumbled for some food and drink and tried rubbing my hands between my legs. I started getting a little blood flow back and my hands were stinging so bad I wanted to lay in the ditch and die, or at least cry. Okay, so I'm a wimp with the cold. But it was BAD!

Now I'm thinking how am I ever going to ride another 20 miles back to the finish. I really didn't think I could do it. Just then a car comes by and the window rolls down and I see Adam. He asks if I want in and I say, Yes, Please!! So this local guy that had picked up Adam makes room in his junky old car full of garbage, which I don't mind at all, and I jump in. The heat is cranked, but Adam and I were shaking uncontrollably. Thank you,Adam, for having this guy stop for me!!

This guy ended up being really cool, not to mention a life saver, and we was actually interested in the race and not pissed off that cyclists were all over his roads. He said the temp was 35 degrees! We caught up to the follow car and watched more and more riders get dropped going up Dewatto. A few more Zoka's were coming off, but I thought we still had a couple in the lead group. There was a flat bed truck/sag wagon of sorts in front of us and I could see several riders under a tarp with all their bikes strewn across the flatbed. There was a Zoka arm poking out, but couldn't tell who it was.

So in the end a solo guy won, second place was alone as well, and then our dedicated team leader, Jason W, outsprinted a few he was with to take third. I could be off on that, but I think that's what took place. Christine was at the finish line and said less than 15 people actually finished anywhere near the winner. I think a couple other Zoka's will be in the top 20 or better. I'm done racing in the rain this year!! Although, if it had been 55 today instead of 35 that would've made a huge difference.

Z "Soggy, Frozen, Frostbitten, Black Fingers" Dog

Stats from the CA Trip

2006-04-20T12:23:00.000-07:00

Total Days gone: 18

Total Miles Driven: 3,325

MPG: 16.3-19.5 (not very good, eh)

Price per gal: $2.33-$3.08

Money spent on petrol: $510

Days ridden on bike: 14 out of 18; 9 road bike, 5 mountain bike

Miles ridden on bike: 375

Nights spent at friends: 16

Nights spent in a hotel: 0

Nights spent in my car: 1

Road Kill: 37

Car wrecks seen: 6 (all in LA)

A shout out to all my friends on the CA trip!

2006-04-20T07:18:00.000-07:00

My CA road trip was not about sightseeing. It was about visiting my friends, soaking up some sun (which didn't happen), and riding my bike. Hanging out with my friends was awesome! It means so much to me to spend some quality time catching up and in some cases meeting their "new" kids. My friends mean a lot to me and it was so great to see them when they live so far away. The side benefit of staying with my friends is the massive amount of money I was able to save by not paying for lodging the entire trip. (I slept in my car once). That really helps make the whole big trip possible!

Thank you so much, JJ, Jennifer, Aaron, Jeff, Marc & Lisa, Willie & Bonnie, Doug & Weni, Chris, Kim, and Spike & Cara! I really appreciate it!

Narca "car" lepsi

2006-04-20T07:09:00.000-07:00

I'm pleasantly surprised I made it through over 3,000 miles of driving on my CA trip with only one episode of narca "car" lepsi. I fall asleep very easily behind the wheel and have driven off the road while dozing a couple times in the past. One reason I did better on this trip is because I had a cell phone and I called a lot of people while driving. Talking to people always helps keep me awake. I also had to rely on coke a few times. (I'm talking soda pop). :-) I don't normally drink pop, but the caffeine keeps me going on road trips. Another thing I do is make up game shows and I shout out loud the rules and the play by play which usually has to do with the cars around me on the freeway. So I only struggled really bad to stay away once on the entire journey. That's a lot better than I expected.

Pics out of order

2006-04-19T17:34:00.000-07:00

A bunch of pics are out of order now (due to matters out of my control). But if you follow along working from the bottom up it'll all make sense.

N. Umpqua River

2006-04-19T17:30:00.000-07:00

This is the river the trail runs along (or nearby) for 79 miles! It's a roller coaster of a mtn. bike ride.

N. Umpqua Trail

2006-04-19T17:29:00.000-07:00

Amazing NW mtn. bike trail.

Fern Fall on N. Umpqua Trail

2006-04-19T13:56:00.000-07:00

Douglas Fir along N. Umpqua

2006-04-19T13:53:00.000-07:00

A lot of trees were this big in here. It was awesome, especially bunny hoppin the ones that fell. I love big trees. They give me chills.

What speed limit?

2006-04-19T13:48:00.000-07:00

It was so weird/funny to me that I could drive 80-85 in a 65 zone on the freeway and just be in the "flow" of traffic. This mainly happened in and around larger metropolitan areas of CA. Most everyone drives fast. On the other hand, there are more CA drivers than WA drivers that drive slow in the fast/passing lane. It's ridiculous how clueless they are at times.

Dinner in Rancho Mirage

2006-04-18T15:06:00.000-07:00

The kids introduction to Margarita's! Spike, Blue-Dog, Cara, Moonie, Z-Dog.

One more tortoise shot

2006-04-18T14:51:00.000-07:00

Enlarge this picture and you can really see a lot of detail

Check out those flesh ripping claws!

2006-04-18T14:50:00.000-07:00

This desert tortoise is over 60 years old.

2006-04-18T14:46:00.000-07:00

Spike's back yard. Three of them live there and spend most of their time in a hole hiding from the sun.

Good tortoise

2006-04-18T14:35:00.000-07:00

Goat hug for the tortoise

2006-04-18T14:32:00.000-07:00

Gracie likes giving "Goat Hugs" where she kind of butts her head up to you. The name comes from when she first did it to a goat.

Stylin Swingin Moonie

2006-04-18T14:28:00.000-07:00

This is the playground in Palm Springs where Spike and I did our best as the gay couple with our kids.

Uncle Z-Dog with Blue and Moon

2006-04-18T14:26:00.000-07:00

Proud Papa Spike (in Cathedral City)

2006-04-18T14:24:00.000-07:00

Lil' Gracie Moon and Benno Blue

Batman the dog!

2006-04-18T09:50:00.000-07:00

Gas Lamp District

2006-04-18T09:47:00.000-07:00

Kim lives just a few blocks from here.

Z, Kim, Chris

2006-04-18T07:45:00.000-07:00

Enjoying Indian food in downtown SD.

CA Trip Day 18

2006-04-18T07:10:00.000-07:00

Final Day and finally I'll be caught up 10 days after the fact.

4/8

JJ and I decided to mtn bike on the N. Umpqua Trail east of Roseburg. It's about an hour north of his place so I followed him out there and would just continue on after the ride. This trail is divided up into sections, but in total has 79 miles of single track! It runs along and above the river for the most part. It's roller coaster fun and winds through lush forest with old growth Douglas firs. It's beautiful. I'll will definitely have to come back in the summer sometime with the boyz and camp out. The trail was still pretty muddy and after only a few miles I turned back. I still wanted to drive all the way back to Seattle. At the trail head I read the sign again and discovered the trail is closed to mtn. bikes Nov-May. Whoops!

Got cleaned up and got on the road for another 6 or 7 hours. Made it back home by 10:30pm.
Some random thoughts coming soon.

N. Umpqua Trail

2006-04-14T14:10:00.000-07:00

Z riding the N. Umpqua

2006-04-14T14:08:00.000-07:00

Near Roseburg, Or.

The North Umpqua Trail Head

2006-04-13T16:19:00.000-07:00

This trail is near Roseburg, OR. There's 79 miles of single track along the river!

Z & V

2006-04-13T16:17:00.000-07:00

JJ and the pup

2006-04-13T16:15:00.000-07:00

A Labradoodle

2006-04-13T16:13:00.000-07:00

Little puppy, Valkor.

Blue Jay? JJ's roof.

2006-04-13T16:09:00.000-07:00

CA Trip Day 17 BAD SEAT

2006-04-12T17:54:00.000-07:00

4/7

Aaron and I took BART (train/subway) from Oakland into San Fran with our bikes. We rode through the city and out to the Golden Gate Bridge. I've been across it before, but that was 10 years ago. Even though the weather wasn't very good again, I was having a good time until my seat nose mishap. I made a rookie mistake and slipped on my pedal while trying to engage my cleat. The nose of my narrow saddle rammed me in a place that was designed for exiting only if you get my drift. Maybe some of the San Fran community would have liked that incident happening to them, but not me! Ow!!It was almost like getting kicked in the jewels. I wanted to lay on the ground in the fetal position and cry. I was able to ride again very carefully. On the way back through the city it was a little crazy for a guy like me riding through downtown with lots of traffic, trolley's and tracks, construction, taxi's, etc. I have no problem riding in the street, but have only ridden in downtown Seattle once. We stopped to see Ellen briefly and then took BART back to Oakland.

I wanted to get on the road to Grants Pass so we didn't have a whole lot of time. Aaron sent me on my way with some excellent deep dish pizza from Zach's right around the corner from his place.

Drove about 7 hours and made it to JJ and Jenifer's for a night's stay again.

One more GG Bridge shot

2006-04-12T17:47:00.000-07:00

We rode across the bridge up to this point. We rode back across it and into the city.

San Fran

2006-04-12T17:46:00.000-07:00

2006-04-12T17:45:00.000-07:00

Z and the GG Bridge

Alcatraz

2006-04-12T17:42:00.000-07:00

Aaron with his former home in the background.

CA Trip Day 16

2006-04-12T17:37:00.000-07:00

4/6

A partly sunny day, a little cool, but I'll take it. I played with Jessica in the morning. We even danced together while she brushed her teeth. Her grandparents came by and it was great to see them again. Then I headed out Kanan road to the coast, near Malibu, on my bike. See pics below. My legs were still fried from the tram hill day, but I managed to climb all these rollers out to PCH and back totalling 44 miles.

Packed up and headed to Oakland to stay with Aaron again.

CA Trip Day 15

2006-04-12T17:33:00.000-07:00

4/5 Happy B-day Redd.

Guess what this day was like. Yep, RAIN! San Fran, LA, San Diego, and even Palm Springs. I got hit with the rain everywhere I went. What luck. Oh well. Played with Gracie Moon one more time, had lunch with VD boyz, and drove to Warshal's near Thousand Oaks

We had Mexican food for dinner. I love it!

CA Trip Day 14

2006-04-12T17:23:00.000-07:00

4/4

This was finally my day of heat and sun. It was near 80 and nice all day! Yea! I rode 43 miles including twice up the grueling tram hill. There's a couple pics below. I told Cara and Spike I was going to ride up it 3 times in a row. The first time was hard enough. It's pretty steep and almost 4 miles long. Three times was too ambitious for me, but I managed it twice back to back.

For dinner we drove into Rancho Mirage and ate at Las Consuela something or other. Cara and I loaded up on margaritas and talked about Spike and I trying her breast milk. But then little Benno Blue would miss out on all the fun. (That was a joke).

Capped off the night by watching Miami Ink and getting all kinds of new tattoo ideas.

Catch up cont

2006-04-08T10:31:00.000-07:00

CA trip Day 13
4/3

On this glorious sunny Monday morning Spike and I took the kids for about 3 hours so Cara could get some stuff done at the house. We went by Spike's brother's place, then his mom's place, and then played at the park. There's a big gay community in Palm Springs and Spike and I fit right in as a gay couple with our two kids in the park. :-)

Once back at the house we got ready for a mellow bike ride. At this time the sun was giving away to a lot of dark clouds. Damn, will I ever get a full day of sun and heat? We got a nice 25 miles in and at least it didn't rain.

I finally put the dumbells and Swiss Ball to work that I brought along. Got a decent work out in the garage. I got pumped up. Had a nice dinner in with the fam.

Catch up cont.

2006-04-08T10:17:00.000-07:00

CA trip Day 12
4/2

Since I have a lot to catch up I'll try to summarize a bit more. On Sunday morning Kim, Chris, and I (Maggie too) walked to the Mission for breakfast. It took forever, but it was really good.

On my way out of town I drove through OB (Ocean Beach) to check it out. I like the Redondo Beach neighborhood better. That's my quick version. But between the Bay Area, the LA Area, and the San Diego Area, I think I would like to live somewhere in the SD Area.

Drove to Cathedral City (near Palm Springs) next to stay with my ol' college buddy, "Spike", and his family, Cara, Grace Moon, & Benno Blue. Most of my pics with them got accidentally transferred from my camera to their computer so I'll need to get a CD from them to upload some of them.

This was my first time meeting the kids. Gracie is 1 and a half and Ben is just 2 months old. Great kids and Gracie already has an amazing vocabulary. It was great to see them all.

Catch up time

2006-04-08T09:42:00.000-07:00

CA trip Day 11
4/1
Woke up early at Chris's house in Carlsbad. Drove south to La Jolla to meet up with the San Diego Bicycle Club for their Saturday morning ride. They have 3 main groups; A, B, & C. I was told the A group was for the very fit and racer types. I decided to give it a go and figured if I got dropped I'd just fall back to the B group.

There was well over a hundred people in total and about 40 took off in the A group. I must say I was surprised at the flippant way this group treated traffic laws. I followed as they ran most red lights, barely slowed at stop signs, pissed off car drivers, and took over lanes when there was an empty bike path right next to it.

Anyway, the pace was fast as we worked our way out of the city. I got dropped on the first real climb, but it didn't help that I was already about 30 people back when it started. I passed at least 15 of them and at the top there was a short regroup. From that point on I was able to hang with the front group and I was real happy about that.

In my ongoing quest to avoid the rain it got me again. About 15 miles into the ride it started coming down on us. I was able to just laugh it off as yet again I'm stuck riding in the rain in SoCal. Luckily it only lasted about 20 minutes so it wasn't too bad.

Back at the sarting point I had completed 45 miles with a 22 average. Considering the hills and beach towns we slowed through we were really moving fast most of the ride to have that avg. I don't feel so bad missing the race back in Thousand Oaks cuz this was a little race in itself.

I met a few cool people, including one guy that agreed with me that we should obey the traffic laws better. There were some hottie's on the ride too. I could move down here and join this weekly ride!

Grabbed some lunch and headed for a nearby beach to eat and relax. Parked off of La Jolla Shores right next to Scripp's Institution of Oceanography. Watched the surfers and walked on the beach a bit.

Next I headed to Kim's in downtown SD. OMG! Check out the view from her condo. I posted pics already. She looks out over Petco Park, Coronado Bridge, and to the south you can see Mexico. Chris came down and met us and we went on a walking tour through the Gas Lamp District, and then along the Bay. I really enjoyed it.

That night we went to dinner at a really good Indian place. I finally decided to take a break from Mexican food. It was great catching up with Chris and Kim and I liked our conversations on life, relationships, jobs, and where the best place to live is.

Kanan Rd has several long climbs out to PCH

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The longest climb was 4 miles and a few others were 1-3 miles in length all averaging 8%. If you want a hard ride with rolling hills this one is killer.

Looking toward Malibu from Kanan Rd

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Near Malibu

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It was actually chilly, like 60, and less with the wind.

Just north of Malibu

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I rode down here from Warshal's in Oak Park.

Windmills around PS

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There are hundreds, or thousands probably, generating wind powered electricity. This is just one section of many.

Looking at PS from the Tram Hill

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I stopped on the way down to get this pic. This angle shows the steepness better than from the starting point. It's gotta be at least 10% grade if not 12. The 8% I went up today from Malibu was easier. Anyone know how to calculate grade?

Finish of the Tram Hill climb

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The Tram Hill in PS

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This road climbs about 2500' in 3.8 miles to the base of the tram. It doesn't look steep, but it is very steep indeed. I climbed it twice back to back for a little training. Five years ago I did it in 38 minutes. This time i did it in 33. The local record is 23!

A sunny day finally

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A few clouds around the peak of Mt. Jacinto in Palm Springs on 4/4.

Moon Child

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Spike and Cara's daughter, Gracie Moon, in Cathedral City.

Spike on his new '92 Klein

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Palm Springs: Where it's sunny all the time.

Cheeseboro Canyon

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Looking back to the spot in the pic below.

Cheeseboro Canyon

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See that road/trail climbing up through the yellow flowers? In the next pic, which will be above this one, I took a pic from that point looking to this spot here. That's Jeff's bike I'm trying out.

Cheeseboro Canyon

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Last Friday 3/31 near Jeff's house in Agoura Hills. Blue sky? Sun? No and No.

Z, Jess, Grandma & Grandpa (Terry & Roy)

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Warshal's in Oak Park (near Thousand Oaks/Agoura Hills)

Jessica & Marc

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At Warshal's again before heading north.

Another cloudy rainy day

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Leaving Palm Springs

Van Dijk Bros

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Ron (Spike) and Don in Palm Springs

Way behind

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Well, I'm back at Aaron's place in Oakland tonight (4/6) and haven't had an opportunity to post any text for almost a week. I think I'll throw some pics in and them maybe try to catch up a little tomorrow morn.

"Lost Pics"

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I accidentally moved all my pics from one of my cameras to a friend's computer and didn't get a chance to post any of them. I'll have to have them burn a CD for me of my pics since I "lost" them from my camera.

The Midway Museum in SD

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Petco Park right across the street from Kim's.

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Kim, Z, Chris, and Maggie. The park next to the stadium is open when no game is being played.

Home of the Padres

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View from Kim's condo!

Petco Park

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I think Levi and Craig would love to have this view. This is from Kim's condo with my zoom. Next pic without zoom.

View from Kim's condo in SD

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Those hills are Mexico.

La Jolla UCSD Scripps Inst. Oceanography

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Self-timer. Sucked in the muffin top.

Surfers in La Jolla

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Two little surfer girls

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These girls just came back from Hangin Ten with their dad.

La Jolla

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I assume this is a church. I thought it was cool so I snapped a pic.

Christine, Z, & Kim

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Friday night in Encinitas

CA Day 10 Will it ever be sunny?

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Friday 3/31 Woke up (at Jeff's) to another cloudy day and little light mist. Jeff went to work and said I could try his Giant Trance mtn bike if I wanted to. He lives right by Cheeseboro Canyon. I got stuck watching a dumb movie first and finally headed out about noon. I rode right from his place and within a mile the trail head starts. Did a couple short climbs and enjoyed the scenery. Pics coming soon of the rolling hills and beyond. Saw a rabbit and two coyotes. No black panthers this time.

I had been debating staying the night back at Marc's and then racing the crit in Thousand Oaks Saturday morning. But the weather report was calling for showers in the morning. My next destination would be San Diego and partly cloudy skies was the forecast. I decided to try for better weather further south. So I left about 1:30 going south through LA on a Friday. It took me 5 hours to get to Carlsbad!! The traffic was horrendous. 4 accidents plus rush hour. Without traffic that drive would take less than 2.5 hours.

So I finally made it to my friend, Christine Wheeler's, house in Carlsbad. We went to highschool together along with Kim Natale who lives in downtown SD. Chris and Kim have been great friends together for years and were living together in Carlsbad. I hadn't talked with them in a decade but chatted with them at our 20 year reunion and mentioned I was coming down in the spring. They said to look them up and that I could stay with them if I wanted. Anyone that knows me knows I will always take someone up on that offer. And I'm very appreciative of these opportunities!

Kim stopped by Chris's and the 3 of us went out to dinner in Encinitas at El Callejon for some good Mexican food. The Sonics were on the tube playing the Lakers and lost of course. Anyway, we had a great time visiting and catching up.

Way up there is where I was riding.

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My highest point

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Angeles Hwy 2

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You can see some of the road I climbed up.

View from Angeles Hwy

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A street by Doug and Weni's

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Gas pumps at the Rock Store

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The infamous dive bar on Mulholland Drive where a lot bikers hang out.

Z, An, Ted, & Jeff at BJ's

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Remodeled Kitchen at Doug and Weni's

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It's too dark really. And now I can't remember the name of the dealios in the upper corners of the framed entrances.

The separate guest house at Doug and Weni's

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Z and Chloe

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