memoryloot

Last weekend (before Labor Day weekend) was filled with Radiohead! I went to see them perform at the Hollywood Bowl on Sunday, August 24th. My buddy and I was seated in Section N1, Row 4.

The show had a great lighting display. Some songs flowed through the light show. Here is the set list for the first night.

We also went on August 25th’s show. I have to say that was the BEST Radiohead show that I’ve ever been (and I’ve been to 5). My friend also agreed. We were closer this time in Section J2, Row 11. The binoculars came in handy and the set list was amazing. They included songs from Thom’s album as well as a Neil Young cover song, “Tell Me Why”.

Our view for Monday’s show:

This past weekend on Sunday, I finally did one of my destination ride from the San Gabriel Valley to Seal Beach. My buddy Rich and I decided to do this ride from his home in South El Monte to Seal Beach. We took the Rio Hondo and San Gabriel bike path. Took us 4 hours and 33 minutes to do the 56 mile round trip. It was tough because on the way back, Rich started experiencing some back and knee aches. Not that I was doubting him but I was impressed that he was okay after the ride. Yes, he did take a few hours to recover but he wasn’t complaining and was up and about the following day. I was aching for a few days after my 48 miler 2 weeks ago. Big kudos to him on that.

Here’s one of our many breaks over looking the San Gabriel River on our way back from Seal Beach.

Next destination is a ride to Orange County!

We’re down to the last week of summer. Again it went by real fast. Seemed like it was just last week since we took Memorial Day off. I haven’t done anything but ride around LA with my bicycle. Reminds me of the summers I used to have during high school when my friends and I would ride to the mall on our bikes because no one had a drivers license.

I find riding so therapeutic. It let’s me wander away on my own free wheel without burning any fossil fuel or getting stuck in the mass of gasoline driven vehicles. Riding in the heat isn’t so bad. There’s constantly a breeze when you’re moving slowly and gradually. Of course, sun-block is a must. I’m not bound by the impact on gasoline prices. I find myself feeling guilty for driving. Especially if it’s a short distance. My limit now is to take the bicycle if I’m going somewhere 5 miles or below. Ridiculous driving otherwise. I even bike to the park to run and then bike back. My trips to the local store and bank are by bike now. I look forward to picking up mail in San Marino because it’s an adventure each time I jump on the saddle. In short, I’m so glad my love for bicycling has sparked such a different and new lifestyle. I am so much at peace with myself. I’m not ever in a rush anymore. Bicycling has taught me to sit back and enjoy the ride and not focus so much on the destination.

As a result, I have enlisted 2 others on a San Diego to San Francisco bicycle ride next year. Here are the break down of the cities we’ll be at:

• Day 1: Imperial Beach to Cardiff-by-the-Sea


• Day 2: Cardiff-by-the-Sea to Newport Beach (camp)


• Day 3: Newport Beach to Santa Monica (motel/hotel/hostel)


• Day 4: Santa Monica to Sycamore Canyon/Point Mugu (camp)


• Day 5: Sycamore Canyon to Carpinteria (camp)


• Day 6: Carpinteria to Santa Barbara – our day off to hang out there (motel/hotel/hostel)


• Day 7: Santa Barbara to Lampoc (camp)


• Day 8: Lampoc to Pismo Beach (camp)


• Day 9: Pismo Beach to San Simeon Village (motel/hotel/hostel)


• Day 10: San Simeon Village to Big Sur (camp)


• Day 11: Big Sur to Monterey (camp)


• Day 12: Monterey to Santa Cruz (motel/hotel/hostel)


• Day 13: Santa Cruz to Half Moon Bay (camp)


• Day 14: Half Moon Bay to San Francisco

It’ll probably happen around June, July, or August when the weather is less likely to be stormy. We still need to figure out what to buy to prepare for this trip. I’ve checked out several guide books that should help us get started. Actually, the destinations was from a guide book. I’ve also purchased Adventure Cycling maps for this trip as well. This is going to be such a great experience. I can’t wait to do it!

I did my first 32 miler on my road bike today. It took me a little over 2 hours and 15 minutes. This is the longest distance thus far that I’ve been on the saddle, EVER! It’s a big accomplishment and was very challenging both mentally and physically. I know around mile 11 to 18th was the toughest. Those had a lot of hills to climb. I know I was going about 6 – 7 mph through-out those 7 miles and had to stop several times to catch my breathe. From mile 18th until 32, it was fun because I got to explore an area that I was not familiar with. Not to mention it was straight down-hill ride so I was enjoying the coast and the speed without exerting too much energy. What’s next? I think I’m going to do a 40 miler and then eventually work my way to a half century and finally a century. This should prepare me well for my race and a potential touring trip next year. Yeah, I’m that crazy!

I recently started following @motogpblog on Twitter and he had announced a contest which we were to reply to him for a chance to win a free download of “Faster“, the movie. Even though I have the movie, I wanted to see if I would ever win anything so random and decided to respond. As a result, I won!

I decided to do a few things as part of my adventure for this beautiful Los Angeles Saturday. I pedaled up to my favorite train stop in South Pasadena and took the North bound train towards Pasadena. It was my first time riding the Gold Line up to the last stop in Sierra Madre. From there I made my way down 4 stories of car parking and rode over to Harbor Freight, Pasadena location. For those who don’t know what Harbor Freight is, it’s a store where you can find all sorts of miscellaneous tools and items you wouldn’t find at your local hardware store or even at an auto parts store. It was great because they had so many tools for all sorts of things.

I then cruised over to Sears across the street and bought a 15mm wrench. I finally used a gift card that had $0.94 of credit! One less card to carry. I made my way out of Sears and took the train to the Bike Oven. At the Oven, I had some time to work on my bike. I had to tighten up the chain ring bolts and rewrapped my handlebar. By time everything was over it was 5PM. Me and one of the volunteers decided to go get smoothies in Chinatown. We rode our bikes from Highland Park area and chilled out and chatted for about 30 minutes and went our separate ways.

I took the Gold Line and then transferred to the Red Line and got off Hollywood and Vine. From there I proceeded to the theatre that was having the 2008 Bicycle Film Festival. I was greeted by Mr. Rollers, a very well known photographer for the Midnight Ridazz. He offered to valet my bike and so I allowed.

First time getting my bicycle valeted and I don’t mind it at all, unlike car valets. I waited in line until 7:30 rolled around and we all finally got to see some movies about bicycles. It was inspiring. When we got out, the line for the next program was long! I wanted to stay back and catch this last showing but I was hungry and tired so I bolted out to the train station.

The train was crowded with families who spent their day at Universal Studios and were heading back home. I know because they were holding souvenirs. I got off at the Civic Center stop hoping to catch a bus and try using the bike racks in front of a bus for the first time. I waited almost an hour and no bus came so I got fed up and road home from Downtown LA to Alhambra. Fueled by popcorn, a smoothie, and a power bar from earlier in the day, my head was pounding as I made my 7 mile journey at 11PM. I quickly stopped by Yoshinoya and picked up a chicken bowl with a cup of water. A well deserved meal that eased the headache and my sore legs.

Not bad for a 19 mile day (according to my cyclometer).

Who’s the virgin group rida here? That would be me. Last Saturday, I participated in my first bicycle group ride. It’s funny because I’ve done lots of group rides on the motorcycle but never on the bicycle. Definitely different to say the least.

Every 2nd Saturday of the month, there is a Spoke(n) Art Ride that is put on by Josef @ the Bike Oven. This month’s ride also had the dual benefit of helping some folks raise money to go to the Burning Man. Our ride started at the normal place in Highland Park at the corner of York and Figueroa. I was first to arrive and chilled out w/some local homeless people. Then a couple named Liz and Rob shows up on their bike. Got to chit-chat for a couple minutes with them until people started flowing in from various location. We had all sorts of folks from your hipster fixie rider to your yuppie riders decked out with bags, helmets, and nice bikes. We even had a guy hauling with a stereo trailer to provide a ride sound track.

Josef shows up late and had to make a run back to the Oven to deliver some cases of wine. He’s got a real nice cargo bike. I’ll have to take pictures of that when I see it next time. This delayed allowed more people to join us. By the time he got back, we were about 50+ strong. There were some familiar faces in the sea of bikers who I recognized from the Oven. We eventually made our way up to Eagle Rock on Figueroa. I don’t remember any of the names of the art locations but I do remember the ride. It was the most amazing feeling in the world to be on a bicycle with a pack of other bicycles occupying an entire lane of the road. Cars were not honking, they were patient and curious while they slowly cruised by us. We were constantly stopped by drivers asking who we are. During the ride I got to mingle with strangers and acquaintances alike by either slowing down or speeding up in the pack to catch up to someone. Wherever we ended up, we basically ate every “free” snacks and wine that was left out for us. Talk about vultures.

We rode through Colorado Blvd in Eagle Rock and headed south on Eagle Rock Blvd to York. Made a left to Avenue 50 and the went straight down Avenue 50 to Marmion Way. We eventually made it back on Figueroa to chill out at the Bike Oven. We made it through 5 art exhibits in total accident free. The after party was kinda lame so me and a group of other riders who lives near S. Pasadena decided to take the train back to S. Pasadena. We tried looking for food but all the places in So Pas was closed. Eventually it was just me and another person named Efren who also lived near me. We ended up eating at a Chinese Cafe restaurant called “Cafe Spot” since he said he knew the owner there. It turns out Efren was a councilman of the city of Alhambra. Very nice gentleman and very genuine in his efforts to make the city a better place. It was nice to bike somewhere local with someone else but myself.

By the time I got home, it was 1 AM. Total mileage was about 20 miles for the night. I was beat! Unfortunately I had to wake up early to go to the beach. Needless to say, I was knocked out by Sunday night. I’m still tired and need some time to rest up and sleep today. As for future rides, I’m going to make it a priority to make out to at least 1 ride a month. I can see how this can be addictive.

As of July 3rd, 2008, I am without a motorcycle. My beloved Yamaha R6 is now in the hands of a new owner. It was a great ride for the past 5 years and I’m definitely going to miss it. Mark my word that I’ll be back on a motorcycle in the future. Most likely after I own a home or a couple of homes. But for now, it’ll just be me, my car, and my 3 bikes.

As I was sitting on the train today I was staring out in darkness and began to reflect what’s been happening in my life the last couple of months. I’m at a completely different phase in my life right now compared to last year. First of all, I’m sitting on a train to work! I’m sure I never thought I’d be doing this a year ago. I’m actually happy that I am doing this to help be more green and not contribute in the demise of our environment.

Last year, I was playing poker on a weekly basis. Now we’re playing once every 3 months as it seems. I miss the face time to BS with the friends and catch up. I got to do that 2 weekends ago when all of our schedules allowed it.

I’m 10lbs lighter than I was a year ago. I’m more active and enjoy running and biking this year. Last year, my bike was sitting in the garage collecting dust. I was coming with all sorts of excuses not to go to the gym. It was not until the blood results that came in on my annual check-up to wake my lazy ass up. I’ve already run 2 5K back-to-back weekends. I will be participating in my first sprint triathlon relay this year and hopefully the LA marathon next year. I’ve added 2 more bicycles to encourage myself to ride them. And ride them, I do. This is one trend I don’t want to forget.

This year we’ve been actively searching for a new home for my family. Unfortunately nothing has turned up and I may have to look for property for myself. I can’t help it when my folks are so picky about all the places we’ve seen. My second offer to potentially the last house of our search has been submitted. It’ll take a miracle for the seller to accept the offer but I guess we’ll see.

I’m in this weird purging phase. My motorcycle is listed on Craigslist still. I’ve had people who were interested inquire about it but no formidable offers that I can entertain. Lots of people want to trade me for another bike and even a boat. That does nothing to someone who doesn’t know how to swim. I’m also playing with the idea of selling my trusty car and get a more fuel efficient Honda Fit. I love the fact that you can carry crap in such a compact vehicle. Maybe after I buy my first property.

I’ve lost interest in gaming from last year. Yes I still play my XBox but it’s still the same game, NBA 2K8. I love that game!

In the work front, things aren’t looking so good. I’ve inherited more applications to handle and it’s starting to stress me out. The overall company politics is making it harder and harder for me to do my job. It’s only a matter of time where grinning and bearing won’t work. Until that time, I can only keep my head up and work through this tough time.

As promised, my new roadie for competition training. It’s definitely rides different than my commuter and the fixie. It’s smooth as butter but still needs a little getting use to. I changed the pedals on it so I can use my riding shoes on it. Hopefully I’ll put in some miles on it in this weekend’s training ride at Zuma!

Some specs on it:

2:00PM – The picture on the Lemond website shows a much more aggressive looking Reno. I’m gonna have to fix that when I get home tonight!

10:42PM – Much better! I thought it felt kind of weird sitting upright on the ride Sunday.

I finally removed 4 of my wisdom teeth this morning. The experience was very interesting because apparently, when I was sedated, I didn’t even realized it. One minute I was looking up at the light in the ceiling, the next I’m waking up with gauze in my mouth and ready to go home. The pain did not set in until I got home and had to change the gauze. Nice and bloody ordeal but still not as painful until I began drinking water and eating. The good dentist prescribed some antibiotics and and trusty ole’ pain-killers. I’ve been taking them round-robin as the time is required by the prescription.

Last week I went to the doctors to do some further testing on my HDL and triglyceride level. 6 months ago in my annual check-up I was told my HDL (good cholesterol level) was too low and my triglyceride level (fat that you burn for energy) was way too high. It made me more proned to getting metabolic syndrome which is a bad thing. So as part of my new life changing goal this year, I exercised more. This time, I’m not just doing your run-at-the mill weight training and cardio. I asked to participate in a marathon and a spring triathlon competition. I took it on myself to prepare for these events by being very persistent and running and now bicycling alot. To be honest with you I enjoy running and bicycling so much that it was almost natural for me to be doing this. At the same time, I rediscovered my love of bicycling and prompted me to be car-free during the week. Not to mentioned adding 2 more bicycles to my stable. I must digress. The results of this time’s check-up was everything was back to a healthier level just because I did one thing different, exercise. And this time I’m not going to stop.

Edit: I realized that I didn’t mention this but I did buy a new roadie for the triathlon training and for my greedy self. Pictures to come once I have a chance to take them.