Words

Today...
Work went by
Onto road bike for ride
Head out at 5:30
P.M.
Redwood Rd to Hess
To Bicycle Works
More friends join
Dry Creek To Veeder
Darkness Falling
Climb Veeder
Darkness Falls
I have no light
Moon almost full
Others leave lights off
Mostly...
Darkness
Descent
No lights
Fast
Faster
Too fast
Trust yellow line
Smile inside
and out
Home by 9
Life is good
This is just the start...

Sunday with Jake

Lookin' cool at Alston!

Today was the second weekend of the newly designated Jake and Daddy day (as he is with Cari on Saturdays). Our adventures today were around cycling as Jake wanted to ride Alston and I needed to head around town to take some pics for SSWC08 eating, drinking and sleeping establishments.

As is normal for weekends only, Jake was up super early and ready to go. I, on the other hand, was a bit slow and sore from the ride on Saturday. The bed felt so nice, it was hard to get up! But I did and headed to make some breakfast and start our day. Jake loves eggs so that's what we had. He also loves bacon (thereby proving without a DNA test, he's my son!). I figured oh, one eggs all he'll eat. Wrong! He had two eggs and 3 strips of bacon with OJ and loved it!

We did some playing with Hotwheels and backyard sally hunting before we settled into what to do. He voted for Alston, so that's where we headed. It was really windy again today and we found ourselves being blown around out there. After some ferocious headwinds, we even opted out of riding to the gnome homes in Alston, instead we'd hook up the tag-a long and get Curtis to ride downtown to eat at Taylors and take some pics, oh yeah and get a cone at Fosters Freeze!

While at Alston I have to say, Jake ROCKS on his bike! Starts are faster and cleaner and he hauls butt out there! Of course he lays down some tremendous skids which we'll have to curtail, but even those,in the midst of what looks like a full on fishtail to crash, he pulls it out and rides on. I am so proud!

We jammed home, hooked up the tag-a-long and headed downtown. Stop one was Napa River Velo for a chain Curtis needed. While he chatted, we found the sweetest pair of Fox full-finger gloves. Now of course I am a sucker for this stuff and they fit Jake, so we got em! Next we road the RR tracks across the RR bridge to Taylors for our $30 hamburger and coke. Jake was rarin' to go so he pedaled hard as we criss-crossed downtown Napa shooting places for SSWC08 folks to drink, eat and sleep in August. The ride was capped with a delicious cone at Foster's Freeze.

Jake muggin' for the camera with his Fox gloves!

We got home and outta the wind just in time to head out to OSH to buy some balsa wood so Jake could make a rocket. Unfortunately, they did not have balsa, but Jake did get a sweet saw that he can use (with my or his mother's supervision) on his projects. Needless to say he wanted to start right now! But bath, dinner and 7:30 (ish) bed-time were close, so we agreed to design it this week and work on it Friday when I am home with him.

As our lives transition away from the traditional family, I am more than happy to spend more time one on one with my son. He is an incredible little dude that constantly amazes, and cracks me up with his humor and intelligence....in short I love him with all my heart!

A little movie from the SD450 camera while trailing Jake one-handed at Alston...

Grasshopper #2

Here I am...Grasshopper #2
Photo courtesy of kimdow at Flickr

Quick one on Grasshopper #2 as I had a dead battery in camera and not too many pics to show the incredible ride we had Saturday.

The nutshell goes a little somethin' like this...

All the online weather folks were calling for the end of the world on Saturday--thunderstorms, lightning, 70% chance of rain and on and on...I was in until Curtis said Jeff and Cameron (much stronger riders and his barometers of whether to go or not) were saying no way (that was on Friday night)...I was fine either way, he agreed to call me first AM Saturday and we'd decide then.

7:00am rolled by, then 7:30...OK cool, I'm doing the Azzurro ride, no need to worry about braving the weather in Occidental...ahhhhh, then like 7:35, the phone rings..."we're going! and Peter's going too!"
Oh damn, it's on. At least with Peter I would have my familiar wing-man out there suffering along with me...so get up, dress, down coffee, down cereal, say goodbye to Jake and hop in Scion for trip out.

Rain? Uhhh, no. Try blue skies and wind. Still had jersey pockets stuffed liek a squirrel for winter with heavy-ass rain coat, food, electronics, money, license...There were a ton of people out there, at least 150. One dude stood out, none other than Levi Leipheimer was there to race. Mind you this is a free event, no support, no prizes...guess the lack of a tour invite puts him out with us folk--pretty cool I had to admit. By the way the only time I saw him was at the start. He won (of course), did 65 miles with 6,000 feet of climbing in 2:59:00...

My "spy shot" of Levi...I had dreamt I would be able to get a better one at end of race..maybe if I finished closer to him (which is physically impossible for me)

Out we headed in a neutral roll-out, although this time it was a bit faster paced and a little jumpy. We owned teh road for 8 miles until the fist pee-break. I was ready to pop and needed it. Of course with shy bladder, unit hanging out side of road-style and some other dude intent on talking to me while I tried to pee didn't help...it was a no go for too long. When I finally got the deed done, I was fighting to catch back onto the end of the pack. After a few miles I did, got up to Peter and just kept pedaling (sorry Peter, my nerves got the best of me). I ended up joining Alexis from Norcal Velo and a guy named Jim-we ended up staying together the entire time, and boy did we need it-the wind was a crusher and would have sucked to be alone out in it (again-sorry Peter, you are the man for doing it alone).

We rode in some really cool areas near Dillion beach, along Tomales Bay and out to the Marshall "Wall" lots of climbing and super fast descents with the wind blowing you side-ways. If you haven't guessed it, I hate the wind. It was maddening. I couldn't hear, it was in our face for like 2 hours at least and made things pretty tough all-around. With the course calling out 70 miles or so, at 63, I was stoked to know we were close. On last climb up to Occidental and Alexis and I rolled across the line together at a healthy 4:28:00, Jim was 2 minutes back after he discovered his seat bag was open!

Burritos and good company were in order as we waited for Peter. He made it across about 1 hour later and we headed back to Napa and saw at 4:00PM the first rain! Oh yeah, a necessary stop for fresh, organic bread at little bakery in Freestone was in order too, yummy goodness...

I really am glad I am getting out to do these rides and spend time with new friends and folks, it's a great spirit in the air and a wonderful time to be had while punishing yourself physically! See you all at #3...

As always, check out my Flickr, The Grasshopper Flickr Page or Motionbased for all the details I could acquire...

Designed in the USA

Quick one...

Saw this interesting link from Bicycle Design Blog, details to a good extent, where bikes actually come from. Having connections to the Taiwan side of the bike industry, a lot of this was not news to me, but still some interesting info.

Where was your bike really made?*

Personally, I try to buy American made frames and parts-nowadays though that pretty much limits me to King product and high-end steel frames. In my garage I take a certain pride in knowing where my bikes came from, and in the case of my Retrotec (still to be built), I know who made it. My overall reasoning is that I am supporting American workers who are (hopefully) getting paid reasonably well for what they are doing. And in the case of King, and employer who not only talks the talk, but walks the walk in terms of commitment to employees and environment.

Let's see I currently have the following bikes:

1. Intense Spider XVP+ King HS & Hubs—USA
2. Ventana El Toro SS+ King HS & Hubs—USA
3. Indy Fab Crown Jewel+ King HS & Hubs—USA
4. Cannondale XS800—USA
5. Kestrel 200SCi+ King HS—USA
6. Kestrel MXZ—USA
7. Surly Steamroller—China or Taiwan

Friends of mine have been fooled by the stickers that come on many bikes now-a-days, with the huge US Flag and smaller type that says "Designed in USA/California/Morgan Hill..."-a bit too misleading for my taste. I understand Taiwan to be a rising star in carbon fiber production and they've been doing aluminum well for a long time, so I am not saying the bikes are junk. I just choose to spend my money where it counts (more) to me and with manufacturer's whom (I hope) are more environmentally and socially responsible than some of the Chinese manufacturers I have read about (sorry for gross generalization before).

*So the list is not totally accurate according to those who know a lot more. My point still stands-know where you are buying from, don't be mis-lead by decals and such.

Too real

I have one more quote before I make the focus of this blog on riding and time with my son...

"The tragedies that now blacken and darken the very air of heaven for us will sink into their places in a scheme so august, so magnificent, so joyful, that we shall laugh for wonder and delight."

Authur Christopher Bacon

To all 4 of my observers/readers, what can I say? The ol' blog was my online journal, very cathartic to air out my life, both good and bad. Somehow, just putting it "out there" helps me to communicate and establish closer relationships with those I care about (sometimes, not always)...

The changes that are occurring within it now are very hard for me to deal with...ultimately I look forward to the best for all involved. In the coming year though, the focus will be a lot less personal as I relate more to a written journal, close friends and family and myself... Thanks for checkin' out what I have going on in my life, I enjoy sharing it...

Sunday's with Jake-Mo

Jake sporting the "trucker-style" hat option he told us about...

Saturday gave me a great idea, to head back to Marin and the Headlands and the Discovery Museum with Jake for our day together. I know uncle David likes to go along, so we invited him as well. Ahhh yes, "the boys"!

We packed up a bunch of food and snacks for a day of hikin', adventurin' and explorin'...things like PB&J sandos, banana chips, naan and hummus, grapes, dried cranberries, pepperoni, water and more! We definitely were not going to starve!

Our first stop was to be Cronkhite beach and a hike up to the old WW2 gun batteries sprinkled in the hills. Jake was a trooper as always as we hike in the 3/4 mile to the battery. What an incredibly large emplacement! The hills around the area are /were covered with tunnels and underground living/working for the troops that manned the guns during WW2. we kicked back and snacked while looking out to sea.

Jake really likes the Golden Gate Bridge so he was pretty stoked to learn we would be going right under it! First though was a stop at the Discovery Museum. What a cool place. Totally hands on for kids to try and do so many things. There were puzzles, word scrambles and more. Jake's favorite area was the Wave Room. Inside here there were all kinds of activities set up to show kids how waves and wind work. Jake was hooking up various figures (a boat, a dolphin) to a tether that then moved up and against a wind and back. He's so into how things work, I admire his tenacity to learn and understand exactly what is going on.

Of course there was a sweet play area outside, all framed by the GG Bridge in the background. Jake took off running around exploring. There was so much to see and do. A sweet maze/house all made out of living vines did it for me. As did the collection of sticks that kids could weave into a kid-sized birdnest. Jake played boat captain for a bit and then ran up to climb the crows nest.

A few more stops into the art rooms again opened the door to Jake's world--creating art and playing with simple sticks, rocks and natural objects. His school is all about the kinds of hands on creation the museum was showcasing. We colored some leaf block prints, played with some sandy clay substance and checked out the rooms full of rocks, twigs and logs for creating whatever their little minds can dream up.

From there we headed to a pier closer to the GG Bridge where Jake got to see people fishing for crabs wile taking in an incredible view of the city (SF). I'd say the highlight was when two sea lions/seals popped up and had Jake running back and forth to see them popping up!

Of course after all the excitement, my little trooper fell promptly asleep on the way home.

I have to say it is so incredible to watch him go about things. Trying to see it through his eyes has helped me slow myself down a lot more too. There's no need to "rush" through a day or an adventure...letting Jake take the time to really settle and enjoy the task at hand is really the best. As my life morphs into it's new shape, I am coming to grasp the true gift that was presented in the form of Jake and will continue to strive to do anything and everything I can for him...

Oh yeah, I have more pics on my Flickr page...

Saturday with Grady

Headed to Ess Eff on Friday night to prep for a good long road ride with ol' G-Sharp Saturday. He and his wife Dena have an incredible house in Bernal Heights neighborhood, and we planned to use our location to hang-out, get some food and maybe do a little drinkin' (something I haven't done for a real long time). I also remembered my good friend Rich lives in the same general area, so a call was made, plans enacted to meet later and off we went. How did it go? Reaaaaal nice. Sharp is one of my closest friends, and given what is going on, I needed a sound mind to share with. His advice and insight are always appreciated—essentially what the weekend was about...listening and sharing.

Anyway, there was some Al Green records to listen to, some red wine to be drunk and then off to eat some sushi at a place called Moki's. Real good place, really fresh maguro and large Sapporo helped out. Headed to a neighborhood bar where we met up with Rich, some Guinness, the old pal Jameson and very entertaining conversation with a transplant from Akron on her way to New Orleans...ah to be young and totally naive...

Morning came a bit too soon given the amount of drinkin', but Dena hooked us up with some good strong coffee, eggs and, you guessed it, BACON. God bless the swine. Thank you so much Dena!

Well there was nothing to do, but do it, so we headed out groggy and ready to test our mettle through the city. I am always amazed at the variety of neighborhoods, each one filled with new restaurants, shops and people...totally cool, totally alive.

Bernal is on one side and Marin on the other end, so the wiggle through neighborhoods and such was eye opening and helped get us out of groggy and into being alert. Soon we were dodging hammers on the GG bridge, thankfully Grady had full command of his bike bell... Another stop in Sausalito at Cafe Trieste for more coffee and we were off to Fairfax. There were a ton of riders out there that day, especially given how beautiful it was. Best part is getting out onto backroads, Alpine Dam and Tam. The climbs were rough given our night before, but the purpose was to cruise and enjoy the day which we did successfully. All told we got like 67 miles with a little over 6000' of climbing in on an incredible day. Dena again came through with a delicious dinner of grilled chicken covered in Tapatio, arugula and Goat Cheese salad on some grilled beets, and red quinoa with corn...My plate was cleaned!!

A huge thank you goes out to both Grady and Dena, your hospitality and insight are well received and much appreciated. I look forward to many more rides and times together.

More images on my Flickr page...

One more Grasshopper Pic

The cool thing about the interwebs is how much sharing you can now do. On the Grasshopper, I met another rider shooting the same spot I had just come upon. After looking around on flickr, I found his photos (very nice I might add) and this one of me (which I had no idea he took).

Anyway, it's visual proof I at least started...

That's me in fat-hiding argyle, next to the fastest Inglis out there.
Photo courtesy of Jon Suzuki

The People's President

Open mouth, show ignorance, repeat...Ol' GW is so in touch with reality.

"Wait, what did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gasoline? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that...I know it's high now."

—President Bush, responding in a news conference to a reporter last week, who said some analysts expected prices to climb that high shortly.

Quote courtesy of BRAIN

Eddie Vedder Song

I've always liked Pearl Jam and Eddie. Loved movie "Into the Wild" even after I read the book so many moons ago. Today on shuffle, my iPod hit me with this song...too close to home

Long Nights

Have no fear
For when I'm alone
I'll be better off than I was before

I've got this light
I'll be around to grow
Who I was before
I cannot recall

Long nights allow me to feel...
I'm falling...I am falling
The lights go out
Let me feel
I'm falling
I am falling safely to the ground
Ah...

I'll take this soul that's inside me now
Like a brand new friend
I'll forever know

I've got this light
And the will to show
I will always be better than before

Long nights allow me to feel...
I'm falling...I am falling
The lights go out
Let me feel
I'm falling
I am falling safely to the ground

Sundays with Jake

Today Jake and I rocked the whole day together...it was action packed and full of fun, I look forward to my Sundays with Jake more than anything.

There were no pictures to be taken today ( weird because I try to take as many as I can everywhere), too busy...where to begin? Jake woke me up at a brisk 6:44am--somewhat rough after my ride yesterday, but after telling him 20 more minutes for about 45 minutes, we settled into our day. There was some serious Lego building-we had a car for Mousey to get into and many small pieces to find. we worked together and made it happen. Next up was some lunch, circle cut toasted PB&J sando's, grapes and milk for dipping...yummy goodness.

I had a meeting with some ladies from Jake's school, to find out how I can help with the yearbook. Best part of that plan? We were heading to Kennedy park to play on the playset and get some riding in. Jake's plan was to have the meeting while we rode our bike, but I needed to sit and chat so he hit the pavement with one of their sons (a second grader nonetheless)! After the meeting Jake and I cruised our bikes and looked for frogs, lizards and sallys (to no avail).

Next up was a trip home, some more Lego playing and then off to Reptile Club. This club meets once a month at the little nature museum near our current house and Jake is a star attraction. Joe and Jeremy lead the meeting and it usually involves some reptile or reptiles being handed around and discussed. Joe runs "Joe's Rattlesnake and Reptile Rescue" and is a great guy and Jeremy always cruises in on his bike with a cool new boa variety to share. Tonight was "cornsnakes" and a great time.

Jake and I capped the evening off at Azzurro where he downed his usual pizza (no cheese, just sauce and bread) whole, had some caesar salad and for a topper, shared a bowl of vanilla ice cream with caramel and grey sea salt. Yum...mee!

The thing that trips me out is how much and how fast my son is growing up. The early years were harder for me to identify with him as I do now, although I have loved him all the same, I wish I could have slowed down and focused more intently on him since day one. With his entire life in front of us, I make it my goal, my life mission to make sure he has all the love, support, attention and respect I can offer and more...What an incredible little person!

Grasshopper #1

Today marked my second "race" of the year. I say "race" because for me, for my fitness level and shape, it is far from being competitive, it's closer to being alive.

As my life takes an entirely new direction, I made a vow to myself to not succumb to utter sadness and negativity. Although not easy and not accomplish-able everyday, I intend to honor my personal vow and do what I can not only for my mental well-being but my physical as well. That means riding my bike more. It means pushing myself a little bit harder than before to see what I can actually do when I set my mind to it. The application will be applied not only in cycling, but also in my highest priority, my son, and my everyday life.

To that end, I come to my second race this year. The first in a series known as the Grasshopper. Most are held in the rugged hills around western Sonoma county and involve a road bike at times, a cross bike at times and you guessed it, a mountain bike. Today's journey was 50 or so miles on paved and unpaved roads/trails via the recommended cross bike. All told there ended up being about 5000' or so of climbing which kicked my butt. The leaders crushed the course in 3 hours. I survived the course in 4.

My weapon of choice was my trusty Cannondale XS800 which has been with me longer than any of my bikes (had it for 8 years), taken me up and down Romero Canyon in SB, from Halfmoon Bay to SB on HWY 1 and all kinds of adventures in between. On Curtis' recommendation I swapped teh cross tires (knobby bits) out for my 28C Conti Top Touring 2000's. In hind sight, I think a knobby rear would have been a better choice, but I made it through upright and in one piece! Swapped seat out to my Fizik Arione for comfort and basically kept the headshock in the "on" position for 40+ rough miles---that 1" of travel is nice on rough roads--especially with the aluminum frame.

Walking was involved on the last climb as my upper legs were doing that thing they do just before a serious 2 legged cramp. I must say it was incredible! The feeling I got, being so far out into the middle of (seemingly) nowhere was awesome...mustering up my courage (I'm a bit shy at first) to meet new people is coming easier with each outing as I generally go with a group of much faster people and do the rides/races alone.

Anyway, there seemed to be about 200 riders out for a race that had no entry fee, no prizes and no support. We rolled out peloton style for about 7 miles—a neutral roll out which saved me I am sure. The pace was higher, but do-able. The road turned quickly to a supersharp driveway (essentially-it was a road, but very narrow and small) which designated the first climb. What a killer! The pavement went away after a gate and more climbing on leaves and rocks was under-way. The downhill that followed was a blast, I was doing pretty well until I heard my front tire blow out. Damn! My adrenaline and nervousness kicked in as I fumbled to change it as quickly as possible. The group, including my appointed (by me) riding partner flew by, never to be seen again.

Well I settled in and took a ginormous climb or two or three in stride and slowly and soon was back onto flat land headed to HWY 1. My map reading skills (we were all handed a laminated map to help not get lost on the small roads and trails) were lacking and I just wan't sure exactly were to turn. After waiting about 5 minutes another rider came along and we rode together.

My next enemy, headwind reared it's head as I tried to keep up and help pull the much stronger rider. Then, the rain came! WTF! Just minutes before I was on a ridge in 60 degree sun and now it's raining on me. I didn't have time to plop the arm-warmers back on and continued in short sleeve jersey. I was soon dropped by my riding partner, but picked up two more folks who I introduced myself to and joined for the remaining 15 miles or so.

The last climb seemed to go on forever, so a little walking was involved. Then just when I thought I couldn't take anymore, I saw Curtis parked by the final gate snapping my pic and cheering me onto the finish...Grabbed some more water, said hi to his dad and rolled onto the sweet paved downhill and finish line.

After the ride, Curtis said none other than Levi Leipheimer rolled up to him in full Astana gear and asked where the lead pack was! Crazy!

Damn fine. I wish Kirby, Steve, Grady and Johnoss could join me out on the next one...It's a true test of yourself and topped off with incredible views and great company. I'd like to thank the race organizers for a great day, a well organized event and a fun time...see you at the next one in a couple weeks

A little panorama from the day...

It's official, my time listed was 4:19, good enough for NOT last place! Looks like I was 112/~140...nowhere to go but up right??

Here's a link to the Grasshopper Blog/Info

I posted more pics on my Flickr page....

Fading Away

You

Entered into my life when I stopped looking

Touched me casually and I felt a spark

Where the friend and more that I never thought existed

Make me smile to myself when I think of how lucky I am

Spent every day with me since our first night together

Gave me a beautiful boy whom I cherish more than life itself

Bring an entirely new (and very challenging) perspective/eye to my world

Helped me see more and to be what I truly am

Have a heart for adventure and an eye for freedom you think you don't have

Are leaving me years before I thought it would end