The BatCruzer - 3 - BLoG                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                                    Since June 2005              

Dedicated to all the other obsessed,
bike commuters, photographers, health nuts,
shower singers, and folks who give a damn
about the world. 

AIDS LifeCycle 8 (2009) - Fundraising Progress
Please help me reach my goal of raising $3500 for the SF AIDS Foundation!

(click here to make a tax-deductible donation!)

Tuesday, 12/16/08  - A Magical Day

"Why?", you ask... I'm about to tell you.  First of all, it's been TOTALLY cold lately, and this morning, Jim (co-worker/friend) brought in a bag of SNOW from his house up in the hills.  I made a snow person (he was really a man, but I'm being politically correct).  He was a white man too.  Cold and not very long lasting... like many white men I have known.  Anyway... seeing and touching snow is always a bit magical.  

But the real magic happened when I was decorating my office.  I guess the snowman put me in the holiday spirit.  So I dug out my box of x-mas lights and such.  As expected the two bundles of lights I have were completely tangled.  So I made a light "clump" and put my mini-redwood tree in the center and decorated it with "stuff", and the mini characters from Rudolf the Reindeer.  By the way Jeffrey, it's "Hermey", and not "Herby".  Thanks for the dollar!  : )

I then decided to hang the second set of tangled lights from my painting on the wall.  There conveniently  happens to be an electrical outlet just below it.
So imagine this.  I'm in my office, Pandora is playing random music while I decorate.  I'm now hanging candy canes from the clump of lights that's supported by this beautiful painting that Noah created, a watercolor replica of  Van Gogh's "Starry Night".  I suddenly realize that the music playing in the background is Don McLean's "Vincent".. you know how it goes, "Starry starry night... paint your pallet blue and gray..."   I immediately got goose bumps and called my coworkers into my office to witness such a magical moment.  I'm not sure they got it, but I sure did.  It was a great way to start out my morning, seeing how I had not ridden my bike to work today : (

Friday, 12/12/08 (12:49 am)

I'm up WAY too late, but wanted to update this very outdated blog.  Yes, I've signed up for year FOUR!  Anybody care to join me?

Stay tuned for last year's video highlights (link on the left), upcoming training rides, and as always, thank you for your support! 

- Paulie

Saturday, 5/31/08 

Well, I am packed and ready to ride 545 miles down the coast once again.
Thank you all for your generous contributions this year.  Together we raised $2,885 for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.  And Team Slugs and friends raised over $30,000!!!

Be sure to log onto my PhotoBucket page where you can ride along with us (virtually) via pics and video clips.  Click on the "Ride Photo Links" on the left side of this page.

I'll see you when I return!

Paul

 Tuesday, 5/6/08 - 33% of goal!

Hello Friends and Family,

Less than a month to go (25 days to be exact)... YIKES!  I still have SO much to do before the ride.
I had signed up for a two-day ride this past weekend, but had to cancel.  A hot water pipe under my house decided to spring a leak, and I spent the weekend dealing with that instead.  I won't even get into finding a dead rat.. RIGHT where I had to repair the pipe.  Can rats chew threw Galvanized steel pipe?

Team Slugs at the Summit

Sunday, 4/6/08 - 25% of goal

This past weekend, we rode just 40 some miles..."Piece of cake", I thought.  What I had not considered was the climb to the summit. It was a perfect day, lots of climbing, gorgeous views, and a really fun ride back down!

Our team has been discussing food (fuel), what to eat, what to drink, when to eat/drink, and how much. I for one LOVE training for this ride, because I get to eat like a little piglet.

Here is what I consumed yesterday. "Oink oink"

Breakfast (1 hour before the ride) 
1 rather large bowl of Oatmeal with brown sugar and soy milk.
1 banana
1 tall glass of orange juice
1 English muffin with peanut butter and jelly
1 berry smoothie
1/3 multi-vitamin

Pre-Ride
Odwalla energy juice drink
1-Cliff bar
2 of Susie's delicious cookies (thank you Susie)

Morning Ride
2 Cliff bars
1/2 bottle of electrolyte drink (not Gatorade)
Almost a full camel back of water

Lunch 
1/2 avacado and cheese/vegie sandwich
Almost a full ziplock bag of asian mixed nuts and assorted other things from Costco
A few pita chips from Jeffrey (thank you Jeffrey)
Several squares of a Ritter Sport Chocolate cookie (yum)
Another Cliff Bar
Water water water

Afternoon Ride
1 more Cliff Bar
1 Cliff Shot
1/2 bottle of electrolyte drink
1/2 of my camel back (water)

Post-Ride
Two glasses of water
Tomato juice
Veggie/avacado sushi for dinner
tea
more water
1 Motrin

SLEEP

p.s. I think I tinkled 6 or 7 times during the ride. :)

Oh my GAWD.. I ate FIVE cliff bars yesterday?!?!?! (My favorite flavor is Apricot).

Next weekend... 100 miles! Will I be able to carry that many Cliff bars?

P

Sunday, 3/16/08 - 18% of ALC Goal 
Swanton Loop Ride - To the TOP!

Team Slugs woke up early and beat the gale winds, and rode 34 miles up the coast to the top of Swanton Road and back.
Other than wind...the weather, the view from the top, the treats at the Whale City Bakery, and the company were all wonderful!
Here we are celebrating our quest at the top!

Join Team on one of our many next rides!

Stats:
Ride-Out Time: 10:15 AM
Category: 2 -- medium pace (10-12 mph)
Terrain: 2 -- rolling hills
Climb: 2353.5 Feet
Miles: 34.21

Tuesday, 3/11/08
Where does all the money go?

A very common question among people I talk with about this ride.  "Where does all the money go?" In the past two years, I have raised over $9000 for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, thanks to you, and the event overall raised over $19 million dollars.  That is a lot of money, but until this year, even I didn't understand where all the money went. 

This winter, I attended an ALC kickoff party in SF. My eyes were opened as I saw the many displays from the various organizations supported by the SF AIDS Foundation.  And even more so, my heart was opened as I shook the hands and looked into the eyes of the many people served by these organizations.  Each of them thanked me personally for riding, and told me how much of a difference the SF AIDS Foundation has made in their lives. I would like to share these services with you.

Client Services assists people living with HIV/AIDS with the complex private and public benefits system, and offers transitional housing assistance and rental subsidies to nearly 400 individuals and families.

The California AIDS Hotline provides comprehensive, accurate information regarding HIV and AIDS, responding to more than 70,000 calls a year, and answering as many as 750 emails from more than 100 countries.

HIV Prevention Project, one of the nation's largest needle exchange programs, exchanges more than 2.3 million syringes a year at ten sites.  The incidence of HIV transmission via intravenous drug use in San Francisco is now less than 1%.

El Grupo sponsors a weekly peer support group for Spanish-speaking Latinos living with HIV and their families.  Reaching out to men and women, gay and straight, youth and old, El Grupo is the only ongoing support group of its kind in San Francisco.

Black Brothers Esteem, an HIV prevention and networking program, enables African American gay, bisexual and same gender-loving men to support one another and to become community leaders. 

The Speed Project provides harm-reduction outreach to gay and bisexual men in San Francisco who use crystal methamphetamine.  Peer educators share information and resources to encourage good health and safety.

The Stonewall Project offers nonjudgmental counseling to gay and bisexual men who are struggling with their use of crystal methamphetamine. As part of its outreach program, the website, tweaker.org, provides education and information about methamphetamine that reaches an international audience, receiving nearly 2300 visitors a day.

Magnet, a health center and community space in the Castro for gay and bisexual men, offers sexual health services including HIV and STD testing, as well as a myriad of community events and exhibitions.

Science & Public Policy Department provides up-to-date information about the most effective HIV/AIDS research and treatment, influencing local, state , national and even international policy.

Pangaea Global AIDS Foundation offers international consulting services for the development and execution of sustainable national HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment strategies in Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe.

Thank you once again for your continued support!

Sunday, 3/9/08
Corralitos Ride Planned for Sunday

Join the Slugs for a 33 mile ride this Sunday!

Meet Time: 9:00 AM
Ride-Out Time: 9:30 AM
Meeting Place: Corralitos to Playa Market via Calabasas and Hazel Dell
Corralitos Rd/Hames Rd/Eureka Canyon Intersection

Rain Cancels
Category: 2 -- medium pace (10-12 mph)
Terrain: 2 -- rolling hills
Climb: 1928.5 Feet
Miles: 33.58

Friday, 2/29/08 - 16% of ALC Goal
(Leap Day) 

Slugs/ALC Training Ride to Whale City Bakery - Saturday Ride... 3/1/08 
Join us for a leisurely ride up the coast to Davenport! 

Meet Time: 11:00 AM
Ride-Out Time: 11:30 AM
Meeting Place: Java Junction Coffee House in the Cost Plus/Office Depot/Ross shopping center
580 River St

p.s. Happy Birthday Rich!

Bring cash for some yummy baked goods.

Thursday, 2/14/08 - The Eagle has Flown

I write with sad news today..

Sheldon Brown, the cyclist, mechanical guru, web developer, artist, 
photographer, world traveler, father, husband, and crazy 
bald-headed guy with the orange beard and eagle on his helmet, has 
passed on.

http://www.velonews.com/article/71802

From the very birth of the world wide web, I have been relying on 
Sheldon's online mechanical advice, cycling reviews, and good humor. 
He shared his gift of gab, mechanical expertise, and love for the 
bicycle with so many. And now it is time to say good bye.

There is a memorial ride planned for this Friday evening, starting at the UCSC Bike Coop, and ending at the Town Clock at 6:30 PM

Wednesday, 2/13/08 - 10% of ALC Goal
New Team Name...

After much deliberation, discussion, brain storming, creativity, and difficult decisions. The NEW name that has been officially chosen by the people, for the people, to replace the old "Team Slugs" team name is......

TEAM SLUGS!

Now to decide on a mascot!... and team colors!!! Stay tuned :)

Monday, 1/14/08

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Someone told me "2008 is gonna be great!"  
At first I thought it was a cute rhyme, but then I though... why not?  What we have is what we make of it, right?  

I have officially started fundraising for the 2008 AIDS LifeCycle Event.  My goal this year is to raise $5000 for the SF AIDS Foundation.
This year, the ride goes from June 1-7 (SF to LA).  For the past two years I have turned my blog into my fundraising headquarters...
and I will do the same this year.  Stay tuned for training ride schedules, photos, and a running total of how much we've raised to date.
We're off to a quick start with $150 in the till.  Only $4850 to go!

Click here (or on the left, to make a donation).  Thank you very much!

Saturday, 10/27/07

Monterey Bay Coastal Trail

Team Slug etal on our ride from Castroville to Monterey for lunch and back.  Weather was PERFECTO, as was the company!

Saturday, 10/20/07

Fall sunshine from the Chicken Lady!

Thank you Chicken Lady for the gift you left on my bike during the AIDS ride last summer.  Noah and I finally got around to planting the seeds a couple of months ago, and now they are very happy and beautiful... just like you!  What a bright spot in our Fall !

Wednesday, 10/16/07

Team Slug - Monterey Bay Training Ride Planned

It's official.  We had our first Team Slug meeting today, and 7 warm bodies showed up, so I guess we have a team for ALC 7!  Four of us have signed up already, and the other two need a little more time and gentle persuasion.  The seventh was there for moral support and lunch.

Next Saturday, 10/27, Team Slug will embark on its second fall training ride, from Castroville to Monterey and back (weather permitting) - about 30 miles.  We'll start out somewhere in Castroville, and end up somewhere in Monterey (how's that for accuracy). If you are reading this and find yourself saying, "Hey, that sounds like fun!", then by all means, please join us.  This is a ride for the team and their friends.  None of us are competitive riders (unless you try to pass Susie).

If you have not been on the Monterey Bay Coastal Bike Path, it's a really beautiful, leisurely ride along the coast, through the dunes, the old Fort Ord, Sand City and into Monterey.  There are very few real hills to speak of, more like gentle rolling slopes.

We are very fortunate to have a graphic artist on our team.  She came up with several designs for our team logo.  Once we have decided on a final final, I'll post it here for you to "oooooh, and aaaahhh", and maybe others will be inspired to join in on the ride!

First Team Slug meeting topics were as follows:

Susie's top 100 list of fears for the ride
Alice's cupcakes
Eefei's Cookies
Porta Potty Humor
When riding north, are you really riding "up hill"?
What to wear on red dress day
Paul's ALC-6 DVD World Premier
Team Logo
FUNd raising.

Monday, 10/8/07

Amazon Waste!

Last week, I ordered a new keyboard and mouse from Amazon.com.  As expected, the order arrived within just a couple of days.  But it also came with a whole lot of other things that shocked and disappointed me.  Check out the pics below and tell me, is all this packaging really necessary for a keyboard and mouse?  Three different boxes, plastic, foil coated cardboard.  Oye... At least they didn't use Styrofoam peanuts!  

What did I learn?... Shop locally, even if it's more "convenient" to shop online.  And always recycle! 

The earth will thank you.

Thursday, 10/4/07

Santa Cruz Bike to Work day

The cold air and cold Jamba Juice couldn't stop this group from pedalin' their booties to work.
Pictured L to R, Michelle, John, Dan, Alice, Paul, Susie and Rich... Not pictured: Steve-O, he showed up a few minutes later!

Monday, 9/24/07

Tour for Woodside Bike Ride

This past weekend, Team Slug, or as Susie likes to call us, "The Spice Girls", rode our first official 32 mile training ride. The weather cleared up just in time for a nice overcast day.  Perfect riding weather.  This trip,  Rich rode the Batrike (shown displaying his buff legs) while I rode my Bianchi step thru.   A good time was had by all, but I learned that a townie 8-speed isn't really designed for long distance touring, and my bum is feeling it today. Next time, Rich rides his OWN recumbent!  So there we are below, looking happy after our BBQ feast.  Feel free to join us on one of our next rides...Monterey along 17-mile Drive,  Le Tour de Menlo, (Sunday, Oct 14) which offers some challenging hills, with a 30, 40, or 50 mile option.  

 
Pictured back row, L to R, Rich, Paul - front row L to R, Alice, Susie...        And Rich's infamous leg!

Wednesday,  8/29/07 - Lunar Eclipse

For those of us who stayed up (or set their alarm for very early in the morning) it was a real treat.
Photographing the moon is not an easy task when it's bright, but even more challenging when  it's glowing  dim red in the earth's shadow... but well worth the effort!

Zzzzzzzzzz

Tuesday, 8/7/07 - A very sad day

This morning a young man on a bike was killed at the corner of Bay and Mission streets in Santa Cruz.  The details are not yet clear, but he was hit by a semi truck as it was making a turn.  The cyclist was identified as a young man in his 20's.  This is an intersection that I commute through every day, and it is almost always congested and difficult to navigate.

Santa Cruz needs better bike lanes, better roads, and more education about the rules of the road... for both motor vehicles and bicycles.  This is the second accident at this intersection in less than a week, and now someone has lost his life.

Please be aware of your driving and your riding.  Sometimes we don't get a second chance.
 

Sunday, 8/5/07 - New Riding Friends!

This weekend, I went on two rides.  On Saturday, I rode on the Marin Century ride with my friend Rich.  The weather was perfect, and the scenery was beautiful.  I got to try out my new front tires (Schwalbe Marathon's), and loved the extra cushioning they provided.  They are not as fast as my  previous racing tires, but much more comfortable.  I also noticed a bit of slipping on the downhill curves, which was a little scary, but I managed to keep all three tires on the ground. I think Rich had a nice time, despite not feeling all that well during the first half of the ride.

Today, Ryan and I rode on the Tour de Peninsula in Redwood City.  The weather was foggy all day, but it was a rather hilly ride, so it was actually a good thing!
This was Ryan's longest ride ever, but he did pretty well.  He only yelled obscenities at me once after I somehow "tricked" him into riding 33 miles instead of 21.  But as soon as he was safely back at the finish line and got some food in his stomach, all was well again.  We saw friends Glenn and Joel on the ride, and rode with them part of the way.  Good times were had by all.  I got a new T shirt!

It felt nice to be back on my trike for  longer distances than back and forth to work.  I recognized a few people on each ride who were on the ALC ride, which was fun.  If felt like a little reunion of sorts. 

 Saturday, 7/28/07 - 35 years later

When I was just a wee lad, I remember finding a long, thin, flat, piece of metal in the road.  I didn't think much about it, but I did wonder what it was, and why it was lying in the road.  It was about the length of a drinking straw, and had the appearance of a wooden "swizzle stick", only made of steel.  I don't really remember the first one I found, but what I do remember, is finding more than one, and at different times.  That is what made me curious to find out what the heck this flimsy metal thing was.

I remember carrying it around, asking everyone if they knew what it was, but nobody offered any explanation.  Eventually I forgot about it and, as life has a way of doing this sort of thing, I grew up.

Well, lo and behold (which means, "look and see"), I recently ran across another one of these little flat metal sticks while riding up to work.  Because I practically sit on the ground on my trike, I reached out and picked it up.  I looked at it in disbelief!  "These things are following me!", I thought to myself.  The first ones I saw were back in Michigan, a million years ago, and now it appears that they have traveled all the way out to California, just to haunt me!!!  Now I was on a mission.  If these things are still around after all this time, I was going to find out what they were! So I tucked the specimen into my shirt and pedaled the rest of the way to work.  I stuck it into my pencil holder for later research.

A few days later, I found another one while riding up to work, but in a completely different area, on a different road.   Now the wheels were beginning to turn. I picked it up, and took it work to join its mate.  Maybe if I saw the two of them together, it would help me piece something together.  It didn't.  This went on for a few days, and then BINGO!  Like a bolt of lightning, it came to me.  "Of COURSE" I thought.  "How OBVIOUS".

Now I have started a bouquet of these metal bristles!

 Friday, 7/27/07 - Fade Away

The sun that burns us while we sleep
has left it's mark
on my aching soul.

A tumultuous voyage fades,
and a long deep breath subsides.
Without further movement 
my body lies still,
my mind wondering.

Thoughts scattered
like tiny particles,
carried away
in the arms of the wind.
No spoken words of calm.
The deafening quiet, my only escape.

Time passes slowly, 
and scars begin to form
from the carved out wounds
of silence.

Many suns rise and set.
More burns
More pain
More dried layers of flesh
peel away 
your wilted gaze.

The dark sky trembles
while I weep.
Fallen pebbles dam the trickling stream.
A pool of muddy water forms.
My own reflection
unfamiliar.

Gently,
one last tear falls 
but never reaches the sand.

Wednesday, 7/25/07 - Clean your chain... Cleanse your soul

After repairing my front derailleur this past weekend, I also removed and cleaned my chain (actually 2.5 chains linked together... that's one long chain!). I also degreased my entire drive train, cleaned and re-lubricated the derailleur sprockets (which the bike shop said was not necessary...WRONG, and then re-lubed the chain.  I used paint thinner to clean the chain.  Simply coiled up the long chain and placed it into a recycled Costo salad container (Why does Costco use industrial grade plastic salad trays, that 99.9% of the people throw into the trash?  What are people thinking?...) anyway, these containers make excellent chain cleaning trays... pass it on!

So there I sat on the back porch, soaking and scrubbing my chain with an old tooth brush.  Suddenly it hit me, as I watched the solvent turn from clear to black, I was washing away all the dirt, grime, oil, and tiny metal particles that were trapped inside my chain. But at the same time I was cleansing my soul.  About 1000 miles of dirt, and wear, and sweat, and memories... were all falling to the bottom of the little round Costco salad container.  Wow... what a total feeling of freedom!

When I was done scrubbing (wearing latex gloves, of course) I lifted the chain and admired it's newly reborn gleam in the sun.  My chain was clean, my soul felt renewed, and for just that second... everything was perfect.

Once the chain dried (solvent evaporated) I re-installed it onto my trike (I love those handy "PowerLink" master links).  I carefully added "just enough"  chain lube (bio-lube.com , made right here in Santa Cruz, and good for the environment!), and wiped the chain clean.  My drive train once again purrrrrs like a tiger, and looks like a hot rod!

So, if you find yourself bored on a some Saturday, and have an hour or so to spare... go ahead, and cleanse your soul.. your bike will love you for it!

Footnote:
I re-use the paint thinner over and over again by letting it sit long enough to let the dirt settle to the bottom (of the Costco tray). Then I carefully pour off the clean solvent into a glass jar with a lid, and save it for next time.  If you have less time to wait for the dust to settle, you can simply pour the dirty solvent into the glass jar with a lid.  Over time, the dirt, etc. will settle to the bottom. Then next time you use it, just carefully pour the clean solvent off the top.  Voila!

Friday, 7/20/07 - More Riding

I signed up for two more rides in August.  The Marin Century Ride and the Tour de Peninsula.  I have not ridden any further than back and forth to work since I returned from the AIDS ride.  I miss that "glowing" feeling I get from riding.  So between these two rides, I should get plenty of glow back.  

I need to replace my front derailleur, as it's pretty much out of commission.  I wrecked it when I hit a rather large pot hole riding down Bay Street.  My trike jumped off the ground, causing the chain to come off and jam into the derailleur, snapping the two sides.  It still works, but not good enough to ride 100 miles!  I emailed the City to inform them of the dangerous hole in the road, and they fixed it within 24 hours.  I was impressed with their response time, and I was also thankful that I was on three wheels rather than two, otherwise I surely would have been eating asphalt.    

Anybody wanna join me on one or both of these rides?  It promises to be fun, with some decent hills, and beautiful views of the bay area!!!   Ryan has promised to join me for the Tour de Peninsula, and two friends from work are thinking about the Marin ride... the beginnings of "Team Slug"!

Wednesday, 7/18/07 - Amaryllis belladonna

Computers, cable, DSL, cars, food, education, gratification... It seems like EVERYTHING is getting faster and faster, with far less quality, and yet claiming to give us more (More what?).  So why is it that while things are twice as fast, we have a net gain of ZERO spare time to slow down, relax and actually talk to people? Instead, we spend MORE time online, MORE time playing computer games, MORE time blogging (usually about nothing), more time "youtubing" (usually about nothing), more time watching "reality" TV. And by the way... what could be further from real, than reality TV?

Luckily, by some force of nature (let's call it... "Nature"), both my apricot tree and my yellow plum tree have decided to go WHACKO this season. Each has produced so much, that large branches have actually come crashing to the ground, under the weight of their own fruit! 

What does this have to do with fast cars and low quality food? 
EVERYTHING!

Somehow, I have no idea how, I was born with the genetic code that causes me to care. I care about other people, I care about animals, I care about nature. I even care about the gophers that are destroying my entire yard. This must be the year of abundance on many levels!  So, being the "Care-Bear" that I am, I was forced to look at these two trees, being held hostage by their own offspring, and make a decision... a "fast" one. If anyone has had fruit trees, you will understand, that a week's procrastination can and will result in a heap of rotten fruit on the ground below.  I can't stand the thought of wasted food, or more broken branches.

So after just a moment or two of thought, I swung into action, picking up the ripe, but not rotten apricots from the ground, and the soon-to-be grounded fruit from the drooping branches. Quickly filling a rather enormous bowl, I realized that I had more than I could work with for one night.  "But.... look at all those yellow plums!" I decided that I could probably wait a few days, as they were not yet "plummeting" to the ground.

"To the kitchen!", I shouted out loud, knowing that Noah would surely love to help me make a big ole batch of Apricot freezer jam, even though he had been to busy doing "other" things to help me gather the harvest. (This is beginning to remind me of the story of The Little Red Hen). Long story short. I picked, I rinsed, I pitted, I sliced, I cooked and I canned the fruit into little golden jars of heaven. Then I stuffed them into my freezer. Noah did help a little, knowing that his mom's birthday was one of the excuses we were using to make the jam in the first place. To his credit, he was working on other gift-like things for her while I was a whirlwind in the kitchen. And in reality... is there ever room for two once I get going?

So now, almost everyone I know has been given a jar of Paul's (soon-to-be-famous) West Side Apricot Freezer Jam.  If you have not received a jar of your own, don't panic...this story is far from over. Simply send a self addressed, postage paid, cold pack mailer box to me,  and I will ship you a jar! (while supplies last).  If you live close by... no need for the box, just stop anytime. (Recipe available upon request).

There are still hundreds of apricots falling to the ground, and now the plums are also exploding, right on the branch! Each rotten fruit that I have to leave behind becomes like a needle under my fingernail. I can't bear to see them go to waste (crazy-ass genes).

So last night, I gathered two more enormous bowls full of each fruit and carefully rinsed them and packed them into enormous zip lock bags, and placed them into my not-so-enormous freezer (for a time less filled with urgency). Tonight and many nights hereafter, I will surely do the same, until my freezer door will no longer close (Luckily, I have a chest freezer in my laundry room).

Is there really a point to this story, you ask? Yes indeed there is, I promise.

There's no better feeling than sharing home made things with the people you love. On top of that, the fact that I am canning fruit, makes me feel like I have stepped back at least 35 years to my friend Janet's grandmother's house in Grand Ledge, Michigan. I remember thinking,  at a very young age of 10 (now you know how old I am), that it was the coolest thing that they had a huge garden that they would actually eat from (what a concept). And Grandma Kingsley would always be canning something from the garden to save for fall/winter, when the once thriving garden laid dormant under the brown leaves, or the blanket of white snow. I feel so blessed with these memories, and that I can repeat the same "old fashioned" traditions that are all but lost in most homes today. I love knowing that Noah, though he seems to pay no attention to my weird ways, is at least getting a taste of what it's like to live slowly enough to smell the sweet scent of boiling fruit. And if even just for a moment, maybe he will realize what it feels like to live at the slow speed of sound.

Bon Appetite!

Footnote:
Yes, I am aware that the speed of sound is actually
quite fast. Faster in a liquid than in a gas, and
faster in a solid than in a liquid. However, for the
purpose of the above (one sided) discussion, the speed
I am referring to is actually quite slow. When we
slow down, we see, smell, and hear things, that
normally get missed or ignored. For instance, when I ride my
trike UP to work, I am traveling so slowly, that I see
and hear things that even other cyclists miss. Tiny centipedes
crossing in front of me, the sound of a single leaf as it lands on the road
beside me, the smell of the newly opened Amaryllis belladonna flower,
the little things that I find, pick up, and collect from the road...
 like a hawk feather, little BMW and VW emblems that must have  flown 
off someone's fancy hub cap, a ping pong ball, a beat up marble, 
an old IBM Selectric typewriter head... the list
goes on and on. 

Friday, 7/13/07 (Friday the 13th) -  Save the Whales

I read this little blurb on the net, and thought I would share it with ya'll.

Vegetarian on the Street:

I saw a car with a bumper sticker on it that read "Save the Whales... Ask me!".  So I did, I said, "I see you have a "Save the Whales" bumper sticker on your car...", "Oh yes", the woman eagerly replied, "Do you want to know how to get involved?".  I said to her, "I just have one question... are you a vegetarian?".  She looked puzzled, then she said, "No, but what does that have to do with saving the whales?"  (She asked for it).  I said, "Please explain why you are so concerned about saving whales, yet you participate in the daily murder of cows, pigs, lambs, chickens, fish, etc.?"  She gave me a frustrated look... and I whole heartedly expected her to say "duh".  Then she said, "Well, for ONE thing, whales are mammals, and cows and pigs are not near extinct. I reminded her that cows and pigs are also mammals, and the only reason they are not extinct, is because we raise them in captivity so that we can kill them and eat them."  She walked away shaking her head.  I smiled!

Wed, 7/4/07 - Happy Fourth!

Time flies, whether you're having fun or not!

Friday, 6/29/07 - There should be a LAW!

This month's bike commuting was not one without a couple of close calls.
I had one close call with an automobile, and one with an ipod.  Luckily for moi, and Apple Computer, I am alert, and have great breaks on my trike!

Incident #1 - The multi-tasker

I was riding UP to work, so I was not moving more than like 10 MPH.  As I approached a parking lot at work, a car passed me, and then proceeded to turn right in front of me into the parking lot.  This is fairly common, and I have become aware of this potential hazard, so I was prepared. Not only was I able to stop, but I also had time to HONK MY HORN (I have a very loud air horn on my trike).  Now I can totally understand why this woman who was driving the gray/green Toyota was far too busy to notice me.  You see, she was not only very busy driving, but she was also talking on her cell phone with one hand, and holding a coffee mug in the other hand.  "But Paul", you must be thinking, "How did she steer the car if both of her hands were busy?" ... Easy, with her WRIST!  I actually honked my horn until it ran out of air, but I'm sure that she never even heard it.  The music in her car was so loud, I could hear it clearly from the outside, and her windows were all rolled UP.
Could I have made a citizens' arrest for reckless driving?  I wonder if I should start carrying a CO2 pellet gun pistol, so I can shoot out the rear windows of these cars as they speed away!  

Incident #2 -  ipod idiot

You may already be familiar with my hatred of ipods.  This was the icing on the cake.
Riding down the bike path from work is a fast, fun, and dangerous adventure.  It's not easy to go slow, as the hill is long and steep.  I tend to be conservative, so I was probably traveling no more than 25 mph, but it's not difficult to get it up to 35!
So I'm zooming down the hill, and I see a pedestrian walking down the path a ways ahead (of course she is walking WITH traffic instead of against it, so she can't see me at all). I start ringing my bell to get her attention.  But I quickly recognize the white ear buds and wire... a tell tale sign of an ipod idiot!  So I start tooting my air horn... still no response, but she is walking on the edge of the path, so I am sure i will have enough room to pass.  I slow down to about 15 mph.  Well, just as I start to pass her, she decides to change directions and cross the path in front of  me.  Did she bother to look behind her? HELL no... there must have been a good song playing in her head... looking for traffic would have clearly broken her concentration!  Instead, she steps in front of me, maybe 6 ft away. So... let's pause here while you do the math... 6 ft at 15 mph... how much time do  I have to react?  All I remember is that everything suddenly became " slow-mo".  So, in an instant (which seemed like 30 seconds in slow-mo), both brakes were locked, and my rear tire was up off the ground.  I could feel the trike shuttering as it slid sideways toward the unsuspecting groovy ipod chick.  What seemed to last for a minute, really only lasted for a few seconds.  My front sprocket missed her legs by about 6 inches (that would have HURT), and as I eased up on the brakes to unlock the tires, she almost stepped onto me.  She jumped (I guess I must have startled the poor dear), and then said, "oh, sorry dude", and continued walking.  I have no recollection what adrenaline-driven words came flying out of my mouth at her, but most of them were not very pretty, I'm sure.  Did she hear me?  HELL no!  What an idiot!  What a complete, unaware, over-educated, ipod idiot! 
All the way home, I was pissed... thinking about the flat spots I must have created on my tires!

6/28/07

Letting go

Rather than grip a fist full of sand,
to watch in anguish, as it slowly escapes your tight hold...
Better to open your hand
and relish the feeling as it 
pours freely through your fingers.

Monday, 6/25/07 - Life gets back to normal

It's amazing what can take place in just a week.  Well, that's not actually true.  Yes and no.
I'm talking about my favorite topic.  The AIDS LifeCycle ride.  

So I signed up at the beginning of February... that gave me five months to obsess about the ride, get in shape, raise the money, ride ride ride, pack, get caught up at work (haha), and finally GO.  If you know me at all, you know that I tend to become obsessed with things, and they can sometimes take over my life.  Well, that's not always a bad thing, but the problem is... once the five months (and one week) comes to an end, I find myself feeling empty, listless, and without purpose.

Three weeks have passed now, and I finally feel like my life is returning to normal.  I cleaned my house, and I finally got all the AIDS ride stuff put away.  "Phweew"
Now I can begin my next project... But which to choose? Finish the painting projects around here, planting a vegetable garden, pruning the rose vine, finishing the fence I started building, trim the olive tree, fix the sump pumps, clean out the shed (or build a new one), remodel the bathroom, or relax.

THANK YOU!
    
$5400 this year!

ELEVEN MILLION TOTAL DOLLARS RAISED!

Another WONDERFUL Ride!

Well, I'm back home, safe and sound (but feeling a little blue).  I expected it, as I experienced it last year as well.
The ride was incredible, hard, fun, windy, cold, hot, wet, windy, achy, funny, windy, foggy, windy, windy, and of COURSE I will be doing it again next year!

I had some technical difficulties this year, but not with my trike... more like with my phone, my video camera, and with my knee.  All worked well in the long run though.
The vegetarian food was pretty good... some days better than others (just like at home), but I never went hungry, nor thirsty.  I did forget to keep drinking after the ride ended, and so I wound up a bit dehydrated.  So remember kids... DRINK DRINK DRINK! (water).  Very tired of Gatorade and Cliff Bars!

I kept a journal, which I wrote in each evening by flashlight. For those who know me well... I fall asleep in like two seconds, so I didn't write much, and most of what I did write looks like cave drawings... but I will try to translate and expand on my thoughts... read below.

THANK YOU ALL so much for your generous support, both financially and emotionally.  This year we raised $5400 ($1000 more than last year).  And thank you to all who helped Stephan reach his minimum.  

Ok... so here goes...

Day -1 (that's minus one) - 6/1/07

A day of last minute preparations, but success in most cases.
I spent two (or more) hours on the phone with Verizon and Palm, getting my phone to send video images... FINALLY!
Just as I was about to load my bike (trike), I realized that my rear tire was fairly worn, but not to the point of not being able to use... hmm, what to do?
So up to SF to pick up a couple of spares.  Luckily the folks, CVC, had them in stock.
Then off to SFO to pick up Stephan.
We got our bikes assembled and had dinner at a Thai restaurant - not as good as Saibing in Santa Cruz, but not bad.  
It's now 1:22 AM, and time for sleep.  Tomorrow is Day 0 (zero, not Day-O like the song).

Finally it's daylight.
I don't wanna get out of bed.
Luckily, orientation doesn't start until 10 AM.
This journal  smells good, like an old book... random thoughts, I know, but oh well... I didn't get much sleep.
At some point, I will have to drag my lazy A%% out of bed and get something to eat.  I can't see what I'm writing, and I'm sure I won't be able to read it later.
Oye..... (have no idea what I wrote there)......
I'm going to go back to sleep now.  I hope this trip turns out alrite (alright)... all right!

Day 0 - 6/2/07 - Orientation

I slept in today (yea)
I didn't get a lot of sleep, but I somehow felt rested anyway.
I went to orientation - nothing too exciting, but it was nice to see the familiar faces from last year.  The M&M guy (he's cute), the "Glory Glory Hallelujah" guy, later named "GGH" (last year he sang that song every day)... Mr. "Engage your core" (he was our stretch leader), and of course Lorrie L. Jean (my latest hero).
After orientation, it was off to the Park & Fly to drop off my truck.  I saw a big fire on the hillside in South SF... scary!  I wonder if we will be able to ride out tomorrow morning.  
Once back in SF, I realized that I had only eaten a power bar and brownie all day!  But the brownie was the best I'd had, ever! (could be because I was so hungry).
We ate at "California Pizza" - Nice. 
I learned how to make a "snake" out of a straw wrapper.  Fun, I can't wait to show Noah!
It's already 10:49 (approximately), and time to sleep fast.
Oh... Jerel called me tonight (my tent mate from last year) to wish me well.  It was very sweet to hear from him.
Nite!

Day 1 - 6/3/07 - SF to Santa Cruz

I woke up at 3:30 AM, had a power bar for breakfast and caught a cab to the Cow Palace.  The little old driver was so "lively and quick"...  We all thought we were going to DIE!
We started off on the road at around 6:30 AM.  The weather was foggy and cold, but it was still exciting.  We had a different route this year that lead us up to Skyline Blvd. 
The weather turned warm and it seemed like we climbed a hill for like FOUR HOURS!  Finally we reached the top and FLEW down into San Gregorio for lunch (yum).  
We had a tail wind (20 mph, at least), which blew us down Hwy 1 south all the way into Santa Cruz. That was NICE!
It was a longer route, like 97 miles - now my legs are tired and I'm sleepy (very hard to read my own writing).
Noah, Sarah, and Ruby came to Harvey West Park (our camp site) to visit during dinner.  I spilled some of my dinner, but still got plenty to eat.
Now I'm in the tent, writing in my  journal.
Nite!

Day 2 - 6/4/07 - Santa Cruz to King City

Today I questioned why I was on this ride! "Two -  one hundred mile days, back to back?  Are they crazy???... Am "I" Crazy?  This ride is H A R D !"
"I'm exhausted, grumpy and my knees hurt.  I feel OLD!... but I'm not at work... so life is good!"
I got up late, after sleeping on the dirt infield at HWP... thank you for that!  
I rushed through breakfast and every rest stop.  I was pretty grumpy in the morning, but by afternoon, I felt renewed.
Unfortunately, I missed seeing my lone fan, Rich.  He waited for like two hours at a crossing to greet me, but he had no idea that I didn't leave camp until 7:30 AM!
Sorry Rich!
We had a nice strong tail wind again today, so I could ride like 30 mph without a lot of effort... Wheeeeee!
Tomorrow is about 80 miles or so, but NOT 108 like today.
g-nite!

Day 3 - 6/5/07 - King City to Paso Robles

The roads SUCKED today.  I felt like I was riding on Mars!
"Quad Buster" was an easy climb, and we had crazy winds, which occasionally turned into head winds! (we don't ride in a straight line).
I got into camp in time to hear Lorrie Jean speak (my new hero, remember?).
Rod Stewart and the Dream Girls were at rest stops, and...
Zzzzz (I thiink I must have fallen asleep mid sentence this night).

Day 4 - 6/6/07 - Paso Robles to Santa Maria

The ride is going by so fast, but the mornings are hard.
Today I had more pain in my right knee, and had to get drugs, and stretch a lot.
The "Evil Twins" (two large hills, and half way to LA) were nice - and the sky was sooooooo clear, we could see the ocean from the top!
Ginger Broulet, a "bitchy" drag queen, was yelling at me during my photo shoot at the half way point.  I had to lift my trike over my head like four times before we finally got the photo with my camera phone.   Ginger forgave me later.
Gale winds almost tipped the trike over at one point, I swear! They were blowing from the side at about 800 miles/hour.
I met a sexy red-headed woman who wanted to date me.  That was flattering!
My 17 flags continue to be a hit, but they act like sails in all this wind.  Sometimes that's good, and sometimes it's not so good.
Yummy dinner - Burritos & Mexican salad.
More Laughs with Lorrie Jean, and I was able to read messages of support from all of YOU... very sweet!... though I was one of the last ones to read, and had to rush as usual, as they were closing. So I will have to go back to read them more carefully tomorrow.

Day 5 - 6/7/07 - Red Dress Day - Santa Maria to Lompoc

I woke up late (again), but this time I was not the last out of camp. 
I think it was yesterday when I was like the last out and I ended up being chased by the caboose for several miles!
The dresses were fun today.  I discovered however, that I was NOT out of battery power after all (I had left the vid cam ON in the camera bag one night, and recorded the inside of the bag... doi!).  So I was happy to be able to capture more video today!
The wind was strong again, and my skirt kept rubbing the chain of my bike.  I managed to make the 40 some miles anywho!
What I really want to know is... who the hell invented fish net stockings?  And what was I thinking for wearing them. I now have a sun burn in the pattern of a fish net on my legs!  And the body parts that get caught in the netting... Oh my!  Never again!!!
Casmalia (a tiny village near Lompoc) was fun, and I stayed to watch the dance party in the street.

In camp early today, to take a shower and dry off in the sun, and take a nap (why don't I remember taking a nap... I wrote it, but I don't think I actually DID it).
It felt nice to relax.
I've been farting for days - especially today.  One woman keeps passing me on the ride, saying "Ride to fart, and fart to ride".  Go figure!
Dinner was good, and the talent show was pretty horrible (but entertaining).  It did make me laugh, and the Asian guy across from me laughed a lot... even at parts that were not meant to be funny at all.  I gave him the nickname,  "I.L."  (short for Inappropriate Laugher).
It's 9:30 PM now, and the show is STILL going on, but I'm back in the tent, writing in the dark again.
Tomorrow is all too soon to come.
Good night!

Day 6 - 6/8/07 - Lompoc to Ventura

Today felt the best of any day so far.  I feel good, even though I'm burned from "Red Dress Day".
The candle light vigil was emotional, as expected, but very nice.  I stayed on the beach for about an hour while the candles burned down. 
I felt sad, as expected, but it was a very special event.
Tomorrow is the last day.  How very quickly it goes by.
Nite!

Paul

The rest of the pages are blank. But I will write now from memory of last week.

Day 7 - 6/9/07 - Ventura to Los Angeles

I was sad for most of the morning.  I cried as I rode out of camp for almost an hour I guess.  
Me, normally all excited, singing and saying hi to every passer-by... was silent as I rode.
The long journey, the candle light vigil, and the end of the ride, were all too soon coming to an end.

sigh

The afternoon was better.  After lunch, I pulled myself up by the boot straps and kept riding.
I arrived in LA to be greeted by a cheering crowd!  That felt very nice!!!

I arrived safely back in SF (the flight was delayed a bit, and the baggage was late).
I drove home down Hwy 1, where we had all ridden our bikes a week ago.  It felt strange to be back in a car (truck).
I got home safely to find Ryan waiting for me, and a note from Noah reading, "Welcome Home Dadda... Congratulations on the Ride!"

Day 8 - 6/10/07 - Santa Cruz -  Home

I was a zombie most of Sunday.

Day 9 - 6/11/07 - Work

I returned to work on Monday to find that my co-workers had printed photos of me from the ride and posted them on my office door.
My co-worker Michelle made me the most delicious chocolate (flourless) cakes in the entire world!  Thank you Michelle (aka, Science Cutie, or SQ).
I felt weak and tired and a bit nauseous in the afternoon.... One must remember to drink a lot AFTER such an event as well as while ON it.  Dehydration can sneak up on ya!

Day 11 - 6/13/07 - Normal

Now life is slowly returning back to normal... which is nice.
My co-worker Rich has already signed up for the ride next year!  There seems to be a lot of interest around the UC this year.  We are talking about forming a team.
"Go Team SLUGS!"

Ride Stats:

Top speed: FAST
Average Speed: AVERAGE
Miles: ALL OF THEM
Flat tires: NONE (and I have three to worry about, don't forget).
Gallons of water/Gatorade consumed: A LOT
Number of hours of sleep: NOT NEARLY ENOUGH

I have already signed up for next year's ride...so keep those cards and letters comin'!

THANK YOU for coming along on this journey with me!

All the best,

Paul

p.s.  Stay tuned for the DVD!

Saturday, 5/25/07 Sunday - 113% of goal!!!

Well my friends, I am once again amazed, and grateful for all the love and support you have shown.
This year's fundraising started out much slower than last year.  Initially, I was afraid that I would not reach the $4500 goal that I had set ($500 more than last year).
But once again, you have all come through for me, and for this incredibly important cause.  This year's total has surpassed $5000!  All I can say is THANK YOU ALL !

As you can see, from the new player window above, I have added a crazy voice message-blog thingy.  I tried and tried to create a live journal, where I would be able to post messages, and photos from the road, but even as geeky as I am, I could not get it to work.  Now I need to focus on packing and last minute adjustments of my bike.  But I will do my best to share my experience from the road, through voice messages to this page.  Cross your fingers.  If not, you will just have to stay tuned for next year's DVD :)

Once again, Thank you from the bottom, top, and all sides of my heart.

Ride on!

 5/20/07 -  107% of Goal.

Last minute repairs on the trike!  

Still working on the new drive train on my trike.  As it turns out, the idler pulley was also worn out.  Because I accidentally reset my computer just as last year's ride began, I lost all the data.  So I can only go back and estimate how far I have ridden. From what I can figure, I have ridden close to 2500 miles since I got the trike in March 06.  It seems like a LONG way to have ridden, and I can't imagine myself riding that far, but I guess biking eight miles to work every day, all the training rides, and last year's ride quickly added up.  I really should calculate how much I would have spent if I had driven to work every day... with parking and the  price of gas, I'm sure I have more than paid for my trike and the recent repair!  Plus... cars require maintenance too!  Beyond all that... it feels really good!!!

This past Saturday was the Santa Cruz Pedal Art Parade.  My friend Mia organized the event, and it turned out to be a really fun and colorful event.  Noah and I rode the "conjoined" bicycle that we put together.  Luckily, the parade was slow, and not long.  I don't think the bike would have held up for much longer, but it was fun, and we got a lot of attention.  :)

 Sunday, 5/13/07 - 104% of Goal.

Stephan has met (and surpassed) the minimum fundraising goal of $2500!  

Thank you to all who have made such generous contributions to both my fundraising effort, and for helping Stephan meet his.  With all of your help, I have raised $4680 for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.  It is not too late to make a donation.  With just 21 days left before the ride, now is as good a time as ever to click that blue button! 
I am touched by the donations and messages of support you have all sent.  

I have had some mechanical challenges with my trike, so I have not been riding as much.  After replacing the entire drive train ($300 later), I found out that I also need to replace the tension pulley.  Before this is over, I will be an expert in recumbent mechanics.  Good thing, as there are none here in Santa Cruz!  

Don't forget the Santa Cruz Pedal Art Parade, coming up this Saturday (5/19).  Parade starts at 10:30 AM and festivities follow.  Noah and I will be riding on our "conjoined" bicycle we made... hopefully with Tina riding in the trailer behind us. Hope to see you there!

Thursday, 5/10/07 -  103% of Goal!!!

THANK YOU to everyone who has been so generous.  Monday, 5/7/07 - 96% of Goal !

Now, between my fund raising and Stephan's... we have raised a combined $6216.  Thank you to all who have helped Stephan meet his goal.  He is just $64 away from reaching his minimum goal.  

I took the BatTrike in for service this week.  In one year, I have ridden close to 2,500 miles on my "new" trike.  Unfortunately, bike parts do wear out. I had to replace my chain (all three of them), two front sprokets, and the back gear cluster.  While they were at it, I had them change the brake pads and re-pack the bottom bracket. I should be ready for another 2500 miles!

Friday, 5/4/07 - 96% of Goal

Thank you for supporting Stephan (my tent mate for the ride this year).  Because of your generosity, he is very close to meeting his $2500 required fund raising amount.  Just seven days after I asked you to help Stephan, $875 was donated under his name.  Thank you!!!  We were both amazed with the level of donations and quick response!  It acknowledges two things.  One, that I have wonderful people in my life, and two, that we all realize that the fight against AIDS is not yet over.

As a team, this brings our total donations up to $6461...just $369 to go for Stephan to meet his minimum goal by the end of May.  He continues to ask his circle of friends and family, and he has talked about hosting a musical performance to raise more money.  His dedication toward this effort, and many others is truly amazing, as have  been your wonderful donations.  

We still have a few weeks left before the hard part (and the fun part) begins.  Your donations are welcome up until the start of the ride.  Just because I have reached my goal, does not mean you can't help surpass it!

Thank you all again for your support!

Paul

Sunday, 4/27/07 - 73% of Goal !

This weekend I rode 80 miles on a ride organized by the ALC event.  It was a fully supported ride, with rest stops, lunch, and a spaghetti dinner after.  Yum... for lunch, I had the best Peanut butter and jelly and banana sandwich I have ever tasted. Could be partly because I had just ridden 40 miles to get it.  

I was a bit worried about the ride this year, as I remembered being somewhat exhausted at the end of the same ride last year.  I have not trained as hard this year, but I actually had an easier time.  Maybe because I've had a year to realize that I'm not as fast as those road bikes, no matter how hard I pedal.  Maybe it has something about the physics of pedaling while in a totally relaxed, reclined position.  But I did manage to fly past several of them on the down hill,  who had passed me earlier on the uphill.  Not bad for my ego, and a reality check on theirs. This year, I will have more company...  There were six of us "low-riders" on this training ride.  I think I hear a song for this year's video... 

I'm not complaining one bit about my bike (trike)... after the ride, many of the people limped around as if their bike seat was still stuck to their cheeks.  The only pain I felt came later when I realized that my legs are not sun-proof.  I didn't even feel tired, until I woke up the next day, after sleeping for 12 hours.  Oops.  It was a great ride, and I officially feel ready for the trip! And I'm happy, because I found a tentmate who seems really fun!  (and he's a "vegeta-ma-tarian")

Thank you for your continued donations!!!  We are getting closer and closer every day!

Here's a peek of one of the beautiful views I got on the last of the 80 miles.

Saturday, 4/21/07 - 71% of Goal !

Thank you to all who have made such generous donations to the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. We have reached $3,205 in our fundraising so far! ... And with just over a month and a week to go, I'm feeling excited.  The weather has not been cooperating so well these days.  I love it when it rains, and we do need it, but it's not the most fun to ride in.  Despite the cold weather and cloudy sky, I set out on a ride, back up the coast, and along Swanton Road.  Still one of my all time favorite rides.  If only we could get them to close Hwy 1.  Can anybody say "Rails to Trails"??  Next weekend is a 75 mile ride up in Marin with the ALC group.  It will be nice to ride with other cyclists again and get used to how it feels to be passed by everyone  : )  I don't mind, as long as I am out there pedaling and get back in time for the spaghetti dinner, I'm cool.
Now to find a tent-mate for this year's ride!

Sunday, 4/15/07 - 67% of Goal!  

This weekend, it rained on Saturday, but Noah and I went for a short ride on Sunday, from Sand City to Monterey and back. 
What started out as a short, fun ride, turned into something rather unexpected. We loaded our bikes into the truck and headed south to Sand City.
Luckily we brought our warm up pants and jackets, because it was about 55 degrees and windy.  We stopped into a store to get some healthy snacks, and to get Noah a pair of sun glasses.  He seems to go through them like he does Q-tips.  Somewhere out there, there is a group of happy kids with fairly new sun glasses that Noah has lost, dropped into the water, or has otherwise made disappear.

As we finally exited the parking area, and headed up the first hill, Noah complained that he could not ride any longer.  The wind was at our faces and very gusty. (we had gone all of a quarter mile so far.)  Once we got to the top of the hill, I knew we would be fine, so we pressed on.  Now riding along the coastal bike path, we should be home free, right?  Wrong.  We were faced with a path that was covered in sand, and a  side wind was blowing at about 40 mph.  At times, it felt we were kites,  riding through a sand blaster.  Good thing we stopped for those sun glasses!  We sped through these areas as fast as our pedals would take us, until we finally stopped in a sheltered area to brush the sand from our faces, inside our ears, and our crunchy teeth.  "What have I gotten us into?", I thought.  But I acted like it was an every day occurrence.  

At last, we arrived in Monterey.  "When can we stop?" was Noah's plea at every pause.  "Soon", was my reply each time.  Eventually we reached the quaint little wharf in Monterey.  I would have loved to press on further, but I was afraid that Noah would never come with me again if we had.  It was still cold and windy.  So we took a break in the grass, huddled up next to a stone wall.  We ate some healthy snacks and then took a stroll out on the wharf.  Just before we left, I filled Noah with salt water taffy, A little sugar never hurt anyone, did it?  

Now with the wind at our backs, the ride felt much nicer for both of us.  Noah, with a song stuck in his head, sang the entire way back. We still had to pass through the torturous flesh-removing sand blown dunes, but we eventually arrived  safely back at the truck.

Thank you Noah for humoring me!

Friday, 4/7/07 - 53% of Goal !

Just over a month of fund raising, and we are half way to our goal!!!!! 
Last weekend I loaded the trike back into the truck and headed up to SF to meet a group doing a training ride from SF to Marin and through the hills.  Well, I learned a little late, that there are two Mason Streets in SF.  One downtown, and one near the Golden Gate Bridge.  I ended up in the middle of SF, thanks to MapQuest and my being in a hurry to leave the house without really checking.  It took me 1.5 hours to finally get to the GG bridge, but by then, I was far too late, so I just drove across the bridge and did some hill training in Marin City.  The climbs were steep and long, and the views were incredible!  I just kept climbing and climbing until I came to a sign that said Dead End.  I knew it must mean for cars only, but when I got to the very top.... I guess they were serious. 

This weekend I plan on riding at least 60 miles.  I would like to go back down the coast and ride the bike path North from Monterey.  I wish there were nicer (safer) roads from Santa Cruz.  

Wednesday, 3/28/07 - 31% of Goal!

Not much training this past weekend.  Last week, my feline friend Johnny, of 21 years, let me know it was time for him to move on from this life.  So last Friday evening, he peacefully fell asleep for the last time in my arms at home, and he was buried in the back yard next to his brother Timmy, who had passed similarly a few years back.  Needless to say, it was very hard for me to say good bye and I just didn't have the energy to get out on my bike to ride.  Even considering how difficult the past several years of Johnny's life have been on both of us, I still miss him, and I catch myself "seeing" him in the house, or "feeling" him under the covers in bed.  He was such a presence in my entire adult life.  I will miss him very much.  This is the first in my life that I have been without a cat!  It is amazing how much we take for granted. 

I promise to get back in the saddle this coming weekend.  Thank you for the continued ALC donations.  Only two months to go!

Wednesday, 3/14/07 - 21% of Goal!

It was a trip to Sand City this past weekend.  I Loaded the trike into my truck, and took a trek down south (trike, truck, trek... is there a pattern here?), and rode down the bike path into Monterey, and then down to 17-mile Drive and back.  This time, I took the long way home.  Climbing up to the Vista Point at Shepard's Knoll (not sure the elevation, but it was way up there).  The weather was perfect, and therefore, the roads were filled with cars, walkers and other bikers.  But it was still nice to get out and take in a few sites and climb a few hills.  Keep those cards, letters and donations coming in.  The hills feel a little bigger this year.  I'm going to have to cut back on the chocolate for a bit.  Or it could be that manly facial hair slowing me down.  :)  

Sunday, 3/4/07 - - 17 % of Goal!
This weekend I was able to get back out on the road for a couple of rides.  After three months of not being on my trike, It felt so nice compared to riding my mountain bike.  On Saturday, Noah and I went for a 15 mile ride.  We rode down the bike path to Wilder Ranch, up to the base of UCSC campus via Miramar St. (steepest street I know of in Santa Cruz), downtown for Jamba Juice (Peanut Butter Mood), and back home. Noah complained a little bit going up the hills, but in the end, he was proud.  This was his longest ride to date.  

Today I went  36 miles up the coast to Swanton Road and back.   This is one of my favorite rides, as Swanton Road is in a canyon off Hwy 1, and its so beautiful, with some rolling hills and nice scenery.  I watched a hawk hover over the ground for about ten minutes.  It was amazing that it could stay in one exact spot for so long.  For a while I wondered if it was a kite, but it finally flew down to catch what ever it had been spying on.  I also saw a bobcat, that ran across the road right in front of me, and heard two roosters announce that morning had arrived.  Even though it was late afternoon.

What a beautiful day for a ride!  Now I realize that I have leg and butt muscles again!  Keep those donations coming!

Thank you!

Wednesday, 2/28/07  - 14% of Goal!
The weather has not been cooperating for any pleasure rides.  I still bike-commute to work every day, which may not seem like much, but it IS up hill all the way!
On Monday night, on my way home from work, it was raining.  At first I didn't mind, as it's sort of nice to ride in the rain once in a while.  It makes me appreciate the rest of the time when it's NOT raining.  But this rain took advantage of my good attitude.  Almost like someone had decided to test me or something.  All at once, the gale winds began to blow, and the rain turned to ice.  Riding down hill felt like riding UP hill, with blasts of hard, icy rain beating against my face.  At one point, it was blowing so hard and I was so wet,  I just screamed out with laughter.  It was pretty ridiculous, but I guess when you are blessed with SO much nice weather, you really have to get beat up once in a while to really not take it for granted.  I am thankful for a dry warm house to come home to.

Saturday, 2/24/07 - First Donations are in!

The first two donations came in late on Friday night.  Thank you Ryan and Rob for being getting the "wheel spinning"!
If tomorrow is a nice day, I may take a ride up the coast.  My trike is back on the road after taking most of the winter off with flat tires.  I never imagined how hard it would be to find 16" road tires and tubes.  I think I will take a spare set with me on the ride... just in case! 

Wednesday, 2/21/07.  New AIDS Lifecycle 6 goal of $4500

From June 3-9, I will once again be riding my bike (trike) 545 miles,  from SF to LA, to raise critical money for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.
Last year, together we raised $4075!!!  So this year I am hopeful we can surpass that amount!

Thank you in advance for your generous contributions to this important cause. (Click on the link at the upper left).  
Yours (4" off the ground)... Paul

Thursday, October 26, 2006
NYC with Marder.

I just got back from a trip with my friend Mark.  We get together every couple of years for a trip.  Since I moved away from Michigan, he has come out to California, but this year, I wanted to go somewhere new.  Mark had never been to the Big Apple, and it is one of my favorite places in the US, so off we went.  We even managed to time our flights to arrive at the airport within minutes of each other.  All worked out well, except I was a bit under the weather during the trip.  Here is a pic of us standing at the world famous "Green Lady in the Bay", as I like to refer to her.  Check out my photo website link for more photos of NYC.  I will try to post some close ups of our green lady.

From June 4-10, I successfully rode 585 miles, from SF to LA.  Together with the help of many friends and family,  we raised $4,075 for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. 

Many, many, MANY thanks to all of you who supported me in this awesome adventure.

With love,

Paul

Saturday, 6/17/06 - One week after the AIDS LifeCycle 5 Event.

My tentmate, Jerel, and me in LA
(yup, that's an fuchsia mohawk I'm sportin')

Well my friends, I (we) did it.  We raised $4,075 for the SF AIDS Foundation, and I rode my trike from SF to LA in 7 days!  Overall, the ride raised over 8 million dollars!!!!!  A record high for any AIDS ride event.

The ride went by SO quickly.  It took me almost three months to fund raise, train, pack, decorate my trike, and get psyched up, and only 7 days to actually DO it.  

The experience was much more than I can even begin to describe in words.  But in two words, it was "life changing".  Never in my life have I felt so much love, support, enthusiasm, and dedication from so many different people.  I honestly can't remember one cyclist or one support person (called roadies) who was grumpy or unhappy during the ride.  Even the unfortunate ones who crashed on the ride, continued on with a smile on their bruised up faces. I guess when a group of different people band together for the same cause, that has somehow touched their lives, magic just happens.

I met some new friends, and re-kindled some past friendships on the ride.  Sharing the road, meals, showers, tents and even porta-potties, has a way of bringing people closer together.  All 1,800 of us.

The ride was fun, meeting new people was awesome, but I always knew that the real reason I was riding was for a cause much greater than any one of us.  Together, with the help from the people we love, the people who participated in this event raised 8 million dollars to fight this disease.   

I have been asked a dozen or more times, "You gonna do it again next year?".  Without hesitation, I say YES!  It was definitely not a vacation, it was not easy (physically or emotionally), but from it, I was given a feeling deep in my soul that I will never forget.  I have a  purpose, a cause, and finally a way to make a difference in the lives of my fellow brothers and sisters who have been impacted by HIV and AIDS.   

My 9-year old son Noah asked if he could ride with me next year.  I told him that he has to be 18 to ride.  My hope is that we will no longer have a reason to ride in this event together.  Nine more years is too long to wait for a cure!  So I told him that in 9 years, if there is still not a cure for AIDS, then we will ride.  But hopefully we will have to find another worthy cause that we can ride in together.

Same time next year?

My flags, carrying the names of loved ones lost. 
They rode every mile with me, and were honored
at the candle light vigil on the beach in Ventura, CA.

Friday, 6/2/06 (115% of new goal, 162% of original goal_

Well friends, this it.  I feel like I'm in line for a big roller coaster ride and wondering what I've gotten myself into.  I will be heading up to SF today to meet my new tent mate Jerel, and make final preparations, check ins, etc.  I will be pedaling back into Santa Cruz on Sunday afternoon... so tempting to sneak home and sleep in my own bed,  but I'm in for the whole experience. (thought sneaking in a shower at home might be a worthwhile thing).

I am so impressed with the outcome of this fund raising event.  When I first thought of raising $2500, it felt like a pretty big deal.  Soon I realized, all you need is to ask (and pester a bit) and have really generous and compassionate friends.  I guess I have chosen my friends well.  THANK YOU!

Starting on Monday, June 5th, the AIDS LifeCycle folks will post a web page that you can log onto to follow along the ride to see daily highlights, photos, blog entries, etc.  You can also send messages to participants.  I'll do my best to search out the hidden cameras and try to get my mug posted on the web site.
The link is:  http://experience.aidslifecycle.org/

See you after the 12th.

Peace!

Paul

Friday, 5/26/06 (102% of new goal, 143% of original goal)

One week left before the ride.  I am excited, I am nervous and I am ready!  The trike is  "almost" ready.    Except for a few "minor" adjustments...   See ranting details below.

Just a few last minute packing items, bike adjustments and decorative adornments, and I will be ready for 7 days on the road. (I'm still not sure about 6 nights in a tent though).  I will take one last ride tomorrow, probably up the coast along Swanton Road.  I have trained over 500 miles on the trike, so I think I pretty much got the feel for it.  Now that I'm used to it, I don't feel 4" off the ground.  Even though I really am!

Again, I want to thank each and every one of you who made donations, who sent kind words of support, and who have been so enthusiastic about me doing this ride.  I also want to thank the people who have been around me, and who have had to put up with my insane obsession with this event since the day I signed up.  I have a feeling that when the ride is over, I will have to spend some time de-compressing, both my muscles and my head.  I had no idea this event would consume so much of my time, my money and my brain cells.  BUT... every second,  every penny, and every cell, has been so well worth it.

Most likely, I will not have time post on this blog again until after the ride.  So stay tuned for Paulie's AIDS LifeCycle '06 Video... coming soon on DVD!  Talk about obsessed.  I've already started making the movie!

Also, I want to thank those who have sent me the names of their lost loved ones.  I will carry these names with me on the ride, and commemorate them at the candle light vigil on the evening of the sixth day.  

Oh, one last thing.  There is still a week left, for those procrastinators out there.  You can still make your donations online until the day of the ride.  I would LOVE it if we could surpass the $4000 mark!

**WARNING** I am about to go off on a long tirade... so prepare yourself...  If you would like to skip through the drama and get to the punch line.  Read the bottom line.

This past  week, I took my trike in for a tune up. Family Bicycle Center, on 41st Ave, Capitola. They charged me $20 extra because my bike is a recumbent. I guess I can see that.  They tend to be harder to handle, they don't fit onto a standard bike stand, and mine has one extra wheel to true.  But I must publicly advise you to take your bike, trike or otherwise, anywhere but Family Bicycle Center. After paying $89 for a tune up, this is what I was left with.

1. They lubed my chain:

They left my trike with a saturated, oily and dirty chain.  I have NO idea what kind of lube they used, but it felt and looked like dirty motor oil. There was black oil splattered all over the bike frame, sprockets and chain rings, and if you even slightly touched the chain, you were instantly "slimed".  I spent 45 minutes cleaning and re-lubing my chain, and cleaning the dirty splattered oil from the frame.

2. Adjust derailleur:

The mechanic said that the front derailleur was out of alignment and so he adjusted it (I didn't remember it clicking or having any problems shifting prior to the tune up).  Well, he definitely re-aligned it.  It would no longer  shift onto the small chain ring.  Try climbing up to UCSC on the middle chain ring.  I had to push the chain onto the small ring with my hands.  Luckily I had already cleaned the chain before discovering this problem!  I have since re-adjusted the derailleur so that I can, once again, use all gears without using my fingers!
I spent a half hour adjusting and testing the front derailleur.

3. They adjusted my disc brakes:

I knew the brakes were lose, and I had never adjusted disc brakes before.  I thought it was best to let a "mechanic" do that.  Well he tightened them alright.  So check me if I'm wrong, but aren't your wheels supposed to spin freely when the brakes are not applied?  Again, try climbing up 600 ft elevation change with your brakes rubbing.  I gave myself a crash course on how to adjust disc brakes.  Now they no longer rub.   Perhaps the mechanic thought I was going too fast down the hills and wanted to keep me safe?  I spent another 40 minutes reading up on disc brakes and then adjusting them properly.

4. They tightened the chain guide below my trike:

So much so, that it no longer could spin freely.  I had to take it apart to find that a washer was missing, causing the bearing to rub against the housing, causing the guide wheel to rub, and therefore, causing the guide to NOT spin.  I have NO idea if there was a washer in place before, but there was clearly not one now.  I had to go to the hardware store to buy a stainless steel washer to match the other side, and re-assemble the guide.  Now it spins freely again.  2 hours later!

5.  Lastly, I stood alone at the check out counter for 10 minutes, waiting to pay for this "tune up".  It seems that all the guys were too busy closing up the store, getting ready for their ride after work, or helping the young blonde woman who was looking at cycling gloves. Perhaps the real reason is that they didn't understand the concept called "giving a shit" about the one thing that will keep a company afloat... CUSTOMER SERVICE.

So now I will need to spend at least another hour, or more, going through the other things they "adjusted" just to make sure something is not going to either break,  or wear from being over-tightened or improperly adjusted.   So far, I have spent four hours fixing what I paid someone to "unfix"?  If I charge them their own rates, not only would I receive a full refund, but they would owe ME $89 or more!

I guess it's time to run off one of my famous "What is customer service" letters to the owner of Family Bicycle Center.  I actually met him once while buying the first of two bicycles I purchased from them.  He seemed like a caring, intelligent man.  Too bad he doesn't care enough about his business to properly train his staff.  I won't even get into how they over charged me for a bike bag I bought earlier.  the whole place just seems out of control.

And now for the GOOD news!!!  I stopped by SPROCKET'S bike store on Mission Street in Santa Cruz.  They were very helpful.  He helped me figure out why my chain was rubbing on the steering rod.  I took his suggestion, made a simple adjustment, and voila! (He didn't charge me for that btw).  I had planned on buying a bicycle computer from Family... but after waiting 10 minutes to get someone to rob me of my hard earned money, I decided to take my business elsewhere.  I bought one from SPOCKET'S instead.  The sales person (possibly the owner) was very helpful & knowledgeable.  I will be back!  Oh, he also said that they could work on recumbents!  I had called them earlier, but they could not get to my bike until late June.  Unfortunately for moi... that was too late.  

BOTTOM LINE_______________________________________________________________________

I will not be giving any more of my business to Family Bicycle Center!

Wednesday, 5/17/06 (101% of new goal, 141% of original goal)

  Once again my friends, we have surpassed our goal.  We started out with the minimum goal of $2500 and reached it within one month.  Then I raised it by $1000 and again, we reached it in less than one month!  Today, we stand at $3545 and counting.   I don't doubt that by the end of this month, we will break the $4000 mark!  

I truly don't know what to say.  I am grateful, I am impressed, I am very proud to be surrounded by such warm and authentic people.  Thank you all !

Sunday, 5/14/06 (88% of new goal, 124% of original goal)

We have reached the $3000 point, and now... only $500 left to go!

I have lived in Santa Cruz since 1989, and until this past Saturday, I have never been on 17-mile drive.  I am glad I waited to do it on a bike rather than in a car.  It saved me the $8.50 entrance fee (each direction), and gained me a lot of incredible slow motion views of things that are impossible to view or experience from a car.  If you ever get the chance, it's a pretty leisurely bike ride, with plenty of places to rest and enjoy the beautiful views (or ground squirrels, as most of the tourists focused on). 

I rode about 60 miles (59.3) to be exact, and today my legs felt no pain, no tightness, nada!  I would say I am ready for the ride. But I will continue to ride on the weekends if anyone would like to join me.  I typically go between 40-60 miles, but many of the rides have half way points where we could meet.  Don't worry.  I am not one of those "speed" riders.  I like to glide fast down the hills, but I'm still pretty slow climbing back up.

On my ride along the Monterey Bay Coastal Bike Trail, I saw a lot of really interesting wildlife, up close and personal (not including Mr. Squirrel who tried to scurry up my leg to steal my lunch!).
I saw many grazing deer, several soaring hawks (I watched as one swooped down to kidnap a small, soon-to-be-lunch, rodent), many little lizards, who seemed to be playing chicken with me on the bike path, and finally the completely un-aware giant stink bugs waddling down the lane, completely unaware of my fast maneuvering tires swerving around them.  

Did I mention the scenery?  I have never seen such crystal clear, aqua-blue ocean water in my life (I have not been to Hawaii yet), combined with a shoreline covered by a thick blanket of pink Lampranthus (commonly known as Ice Plant).  It was one of the most enjoyable rides I have been on yet!... Except for the strip of bike path running through Monterey.  WAY too many walkers wearing IPods with no clue that they are not the only ones partaking in a Saturday stroll down the bike path.  I was patient, and spared all but one from the blast of my air horn (I have to admit, it gave me great pleasure to watch him jump).

And last, but certainly not least was my close up view of the not-so-native California "Pinus cell-towerus"  (Don't let them fool ya... the tree is actually a cell tower in disguise, but at 75 mph, I doubt that many folks in cars even notice this beauty, standing so proudly next to it's big, naked brother).

Monday, 5/8/06 (82% of new goal, 115% of original goal)

This weekend, I rode up to Loch Lomond to see my old pals at the lake.  It was quite a climb up the steep 600 or so feet to the park entrance, but the ole legs kept on pumpin'!  It was nice to see some familiar smiling faces still keeping the place running (without me).  The ride home was fun, as it was all down hill.  I think I was going the speed limit most of the way!

The next day, I went to a Cinco de Mayo party.  I think I ate a month's worth of desserts in one day.  I've got a few miles ahead of me to work THAT day off.  

As always, thank you for your continued contributions.  With just 26 days remaining before the ride, we're only 18% away from the $3500 mark.  I have no doubt that we will probably surpass that goal as well.  You are all awesome!

Thursday, 5/4/06 (80% of new goal, 112% of original goal)

Generous contributions continue to come in... Thank you!  There is exactly one month left before the ride begins.  Last weekend I went on an organized, 75 mile ride beginning in San Francisco, and winding through the hills of Marin.  There were some pretty good hills to keep me honest, and some strong winds on the Golden Gate.  The ride was great, and I met some fun and friendly people along the way.  The trike got up to 44.6 MPH going down one of the hills, and that was just coasting!  It felt more like flying!  My Quads were a bit sore the next day, but I recovered quickly.  I was not the fastest rider, but not the slowest either.  I am hoping to train two days this weekend as well.  Thank you again for your support.  The contributions and words of praise have been wonderful !!!!

  Friday, 4/28/06 (76% of new goal, 106% of original goal)

Tomorrow is a 70 some mile training ride in Marin.  I am looking forward to it, as it's organized by the AIDS LifeCycle folks.  There are supposed to be 600 riders on this ride.  This will give me a taste of how the ride is run.  The only bad thing is that I have to wake up at 0 dark 30 in order to get myself and the trike up to SF by 5 am.  Luckily on the real ride, my tent mate Jerel, is bringing an alarm clock, so I'll have wake up service.  Does that include breakfast in bed (sleeping bag)?

I had my first flat today on the trike.  I handled it quite well.  In fact, I didn't even notice it right away.  Luckily my rim and the tire are in good shape.  The neat thing about this bike is that I can change a flat on either front tire without having to remove the rim!  I was back on the road in no time at all.  Thanks to the City of Santa Cruz for their roadside clean up, I hit a big rock after they had been weed mowing.  

Ok... off to bed.  Big day tomorrow.  Keep those donations coming!

Thank you... Thank you... Thank you!!!

Sunday 4/23/06 (100% of LifeCycle goal)  Time for a NEW goal !

Much to my surprise, today, almost exactly one month after I signed up to raise $2500 for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and participate in the AIDS LifeCycle bike ride, from SF to LA, I  have met that goal ! (How's that for a run-on sentence?).  When I say "I", I really mean "We".  My friends and family, you have been very generous and supportive, and I thank you!

Well, guess what?  If you read the fine print, you'll know that it's not quite over yet! In order to participate in the ride, each rider must raise at least $2500.  So, not knowing what to expect, I decided to shoot for that amount, seeing how I signed up a little late.  Well one short month later, we're there.  So, in order to not make anyone feel left out who, like me, have procrastinated just a bit, I have officially raised my goal to $3500.  So you still have another month to make a difference.

So  now, I take off my hat, and I thank you all for your generosity thus far.  My faith in humankind has been greatly increased by this event so far, and I have not yet even begun my journey down the coast!

Tuesday, 4/18/06 (95% of LifeCycle goal)

NINETY FIVE PERCENT!  We are exactly $120 away from meeting the initial $2500 goal!

Thank you to everyone who have made such generous contributions.  With just about 1.5 months left for fund raising, I would say we are in excellent financial shape.  Now to work on those leg muscles!  When I signed up for this event, less than a month ago, raising the minimum $2500 in donations seemed quite challenging.  I am proud to say that I greatly under estimated the wonderful people I know.   

Some have told me that I'm almost there, but in reality, I have only just begun.  Asking generous people for money for a worthy cause is easy.  I will continue to ask for, and accept donations until the first of June.  I would like to set a new goal of $3500.  What do you think... too low?  If we can do $2500 in one month, can we do it again?  Should we make it $5000?

I will accept ideas, suggestions, and more contributions.  Keep this in mind.  If everyone who visited my AIDS LifeCycle website (615 so far) donated only $10, we would be up to $6150.  So please don't think your donation is not going to be big enough or mean anything.  EVERY DOLLAR MATERS!  Tell your friends and family.  Let's see just how much money we can raise together.

Again, thank you for your support!

Sunday, 4/16/06 (87% of LifeCycle goal)

Happy Easter!  

(Noah last Easter... a little buzzed on candy)

Every day that another pledge comes in, I feel really excited.  It's almost like watching an Ebay auction.  But knowing where this money is going makes it ten times more exciting.  

I had a nice ride today, even thought it was cloudy.  At least it didn't rain on me.  I saw lots of other friendly bikers out enjoying the day.  I wondered how many of them were also training.  I bought some fun Hawaiian shirts today for the ride.  When I told the woman at "Once Around Lightly" used clothing store, what I was doing, she gave me a discount for my purchase, and threw a couple of fun things in for my ride.  I am beginning to realize that people like to give from the heart.  Even if it's just a little.  I'm also realizing that it feels good to give people the opportunity to give.  I am learning so much from this experience.  Geez... why has it taken 44 years?

I'd better get to bed before the Easter Bunny gets here.  

Thank you all for your support!

Thursday, 4/12/06 (75% of LifeCycle goal)

We are three quarters of the way to the $2500 goal.  Clearly we will make that goal.  I would love to see us reach at least $3000.  Thank you for all of those who have given so generously.  If you know of someone who might want to make a contribution, please feel free to pass along my ALC website (listed, top left side of this web site).  So far, I have received four nice contributions from people I have never even met, and one from one of my good friend's father. 

Remember...  Every Dollar Matters!  No contribution is too large nor too small.  If you want to give, simply give what you can.  If everyone I have asked donated only $10 (about the cost of a movie and a soda), We would be well over the $3000 mark!  

The weather forecast for this weekend shows a little graphic of the sun peeking out from behind a big ole gray cloud.  It looks like rain in the morning, and then clearing in the afternoon.  PERFECT weather for a nice ride. So, rain or shine, I'm on my trike.  I am planning on riding the 58 mile (round trip) Monterey Bay Coastal Trail.  It looks great!  So who's up for a ride?

 http://www.mprpd.org/coastaltrail.html

Tuesday, 4/10/06 (69% of LifeCycle goal)

This week we have almost hit the 70% mark!!!  Each day I am amazed at the generosity of the people I know. Not only monetarily, but the emotional support I have been given by friends, family and co-workers is nothing short of beautiful.

This past Saturday I took the BATrike out for it's first longish tour.  I rode up Highway 1 North to Davenport (life risking, to say the least).  Of course I stopped at the Whale City Bakery to grab a delicious brownie and a juice,  before continuing N. to Swanton Road.  If you have not ridden on Swanton, it's a really beautiful and quiet country road with rolling farm hills and almost NO traffic!.  Unfortunately, it's only about 7 miles long.  

On my ride, I saw several cows, who seemed a bit afraid of me, perhaps it was my shimmering flags!  I also saw some California Quails (is the plural of quail... quail, or quails?  Let's ask Dan... Anyway, you get the point, there were multiple birds) and a Red-Tail hawk, diving for either gophers or ground squirrels.  On my way back I saw a huge bobcat leap across the road in front of me.  That made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end!  

The Trike made it just fine, no flats and no mechanical problems.  My legs were a little tired the next day, but no sore butt, neck or wrists. Yay!  Weather permitting, I may try and go South this coming weekend.  I hear there is a nice bike path from Seaside to Pacific Grove?  Anyone game?

Thursday, 4/6/06 (65% of LifeCycle goal)

Good Day Sunshine!  After record breaking rainfall, we were finally blessed with the golden warmth of our friendly star!  I was bummed that I didn't have time to take in an evening ride, but at least I got in a nice climb up to work, and a speedy ride home.

Reflective tape and hand sewn multi-colored flags now adorn the BatCruzer 3.  Visibility on this baby is KEY to my survival in traffic.  I think I should rename it, The BATrike!  If Batman were to ride a recumbent, I'm pretty sure this is the one he would choose.  Now... where to install those "jet packs"?  
                                               

Tuesday, 4/4/06 (63% of LifeCycle goal)

Riding the recumbent trike has been nothing but a thrill!  It's a bit slower at climbing hills, but I'm hoping that will change as I build up my leg muscles.  Coming DOWN hill, on the other hand... oh  my, I feel like I'm in the Olympic bob sled races!  And almost everyone looks at me as I pass by... little kids say "cool", teenagers laugh at me, and adults twist their necks as they watch me breeze by.  Yesterday morning as I rode up "the hill" to work in the pouring rain, I stopped half way up the bike path to take a breath.  With rain beating down on  my body,  I lay there, completely reclined, for a couple of minutes.  I was so totally relaxed that I could have fallen asleep.  Another biker rode by and shouted back "You alright?"... 
"Even better", I replied with a big grin on my face.  I love the rain... and good rain gear!

Sunday, 4/2/06 (61% of LifeCycle goal)

Rain, rain, go away... come on back NEXT YEAR! 
I actually love the rain, but it is making it a bit difficult to get out and ride. Being on such a low rider trike makes me feel vulnerable enough.  I don't need to add the element of weather to my madness!  I did manage to get out on two rides this weekend. Now I understand what Frosty Wooldridge meant when he said, "Good morning legs".  

Day 9 of fund raising and we're at 61%  !!!  I am confident that we will not only reach our goal of $2,500, but that we will go well beyond it.  I am truly blessed by having such good people in my life!

Thursday, 3/30/06 (49% of LifeCycle goal)

Tonight, Noah emptied his charity savings bank that he had collected from his allowance.  (his allowance is split into three "accounts"  Mad Money, Long Term Savings, and Charity.)  He decided, on his own doing, that he wanted to give a donation to my effort to raise money for the AIDS Ride.  So we counted up the quarters, dimes and nickels, which added up to a very FAT $10, give or take a few extra coins.  I asked him how much of that he would like to donate to this ride, and he looked me straight at me (as if I was crazy) and said, without question, "All of it!".  I smiled, gave him a hug , thanked him and told him that I was very proud of him.  All the while, holding back my tears.  Noah is my 9-year old son, and I am VERY proud of him! 

 Wednesday, 3/29/06  (47% of LifeCycle goal)  

Tuesday, 3/28/06 (40% of LifeCycle goal)

My friends and family... you are awesome!  Less than a week and we're almost half way to the minimum goal!  Thank you, and keep up the great work!

Monday, 3/27/06 (27% of LifeCycle goal)

Another great day.  I got a flat on my mountain bike, and ended up breaking the Presta valve trying to pump it back up, so I had to ride old faithful up to work.  I forgot my raingear, so I got soaked riding home after work.  But it was fun being completely wet and cold, with the rain numbing my face as I crawled down the hill, knowing I had a hot shower waiting for me when I got home.  The simplest things we sometimes take for granted!  Today I am thankful for many things!

Sunday, 3/26/06  (18.8% of LifeCycle goal) 

Selecting the BatCruzer 3 bike.

I went to Watsonville, CA yesterday to test ride recumbent bikes by EasyRacer.  I was lucky, and felt privileged  to meet "Fast Freddy" Markham,  the dude who broke a couple of recumbent speed records (50 and 65 mph). I test rode a few of their long recumbent bikes and one, recumbent trike (Yes... three wheels).  I instantly knew that the BatCruzer 3 would be such a vehicle.

So today I went to San Francisco to met up with the friendly  and knowledgeable folks at CVC Recumbent Bikes & Trikes.  They had several trikes ready for me to test ride, and of course I fell in love with the Porsche of trikes... the "Catrike Speed".  Needless to say, I'm done shopping, and the BatCruzer 3 has been born.

Now it's time to retrain my legs to pedal in a whole new way.    No more sore butt  or numb toes for this boy! (By the way... while test riding today, I challenged a mountain biker to a race in the parking lot. And though he got a head start... the BatCruzer 3 gave him a surprising run for his money! (lucky for him, we quickly ran out of parking lot)  :)

Below are pics of me in my new sports car bike!

Friday, 3/24/05  (4% of LifeCycle goal)

The first LifeCycle Donation is in!

Thank you Ryan for being the first.  Just $2400 to go.  Tonight I will put together another mailing list.  It's amazing how unorganized I am (for being an anal retentive sorta guy).

Thursday, 3/23/06

Today, I signed up to participate in the AIDS LifeCycle ride (June 4-10, 2006).  A 585 mile bicycle tour from San Francisco to Los Angeles.  For several years, I have watched in awe as the 3000 some riders took the California roads by storm, and always wished I could be one of them, raising money for a very important  and worthy cause.  Well, this year, I will be watching from behind the handlebars , raising at least $2500, and pedaling my ass down the coast!!!.  See the side link (slink) if you would like to contribute to my fund raising effort.  Every dollar matters, and I thank you in advance!  

Tuesday, 3/7/06

"When the rain comes, you run and hide your head.  You might as well be dead.  When the rain comes.

When the sun shines, you slip into the shade.  And sip your lemonade.  When the sun shines.

-Long live the Beatles!

The fear of Friday the 13th is known as paraskevidekatriaphobia.  Isn't if funny that of all the  people who believe the day is unlucky offer no explanation at all, logical or illogical.  Sorta like breaking a mirror or stepping on a crack.  And yet so few adults believe in Santa Claus.  Shall we compare Santa to Jesus for a moment?  Nah... Don't wanna offend the Claus!

It's raining today and my bike is in the laundry room taking a nap.  Put lots of new reflective SOLAS tape on my bike.  If I get hit by a car now, it has to be deliberate.  This is the most durable and brightest reflective tape I could find.  www.identi-tape.com/solas.html  Good people to work with as well.

January 10, 2006 - Street interview from VegNow

Q: "Do you believe in eating dolphins?"
A: "NO!... Dolphins are intelligent mammals... they should be saved!!"

Q: "Were you aware that pigs and cows are also intelligent mammals?
A: "Um.. ya, I guess, but we raise them for food"

www.goveg.com

January 6, 2006 - Human Powered Transportation

Well, my first week of commuting 5-miles up hill without the assistance of an electric powered bicycle has been nothing short of wonderful (plus it was a four day work week).  I feel more alive when I get to work, and because of the increased cardio exercise I'm getting, I can eat more chocolate!  By the way... dark chocolate is now listed as one of the top 10 super foods! I don't remember where, but Michelle told me, so it has to be true! (Too bad I love Milk chocolate so much).    

So on my way up the bike path, I saw the most incredible Red-tailed hawk.  Not flying hundreds of feet above me, but about 10 feet away from me, perched on a fence post, right next to the bike path.  At first I thought it was a joke, but as I approached, it turned out to be VERY real.  I stopped to watch it, but another, less aware, biker rode past and the giant bird flew right over my head (I actually ducked).  The hair on my entire body (which isn't much to speak of) stood on end... partly from being startled, and partly from being in awe of the gracefulness and power this creature possessed.  For just a moment I wished I had my camera, but then I realized it was better to just observe this impossible moment.

I also saw TWO incredible sunrises this week, which I did manage to capture on my camera phone.  Doesn't even begin to do it justice, but that too gave me pause... and a good excuse to catch my breath midway up the hill.

Today, on my way home from work, I prevented someone else from being hit by a car.  Thanks to my handy new environmentally friendly bicycle air horn (Delta Air Zound).  If you commute in any kind of traffic at all, this baby is a MUST have.  NO more "ding ding... um excuse me, but I think you just cut me off" crapola.  
Now it's "HONK HONK... wake up and drive numb nuts!"  
I wonder just how many people are sending text messages while they drive.  So many people staring at their cell phones while they drive...  Could someone please fill me in?  Am I missing something here?

Well, as of today, I am no longer the proud owner of the world's most advanced electric bicycle.  I sold it to a guy in the bay area who already  has one... or two or three.  He bought it for his mom (lucky mom).  I guess from here on out I have to use my own power to commute up the hill every day.  But the good news is I got a really nice mountain bike that will now become the BatCruzer2  Stay tuned!  And Happy New Year!

October 31, 2005 - Halloween!

Need I say more?

Ok... time to go off a little bit here.  Bikers with iPods?  They're everywhere!  They are taking over the planet!  The other day... on my way down the bike path (most people ride at LEAST 25 mph) , there is this biker... stopped right in the middle of the path.  So I ring my bell "ding ding", he doesn't respond.  As I get closer, (now slowing down) I ring it more "ding ding DING DING"... still no response.  So finally I yell out at him.  He turns around, startled, as I hit my brakes and go around him... He's wearing the tell-tale white headphones.  Thank you Apple Computer for turning the world into zombies!  I think I'm going to buy one of those compressed air horns for my cruzer.  I guess just because someone commutes with a bike, doesn't automatically make them intelligent.  Why are people so hooked on listening to music 24/7?  What a way to disconnect yourself from your surroundings (including traffic).  The best (worst) one I saw was this guy wearing his iPod headphones, and talking on his cell phone while walking with a "friend".    Geez, can I be your friend?

Rumor has it that Tidal Force is not going to continue to exist.  Wavecrest is dropping their electric bike line.  What a waste.  This bike is by FAR the most efficient and high tech electric bike on the market.  I'm hoping that some other company with better marketing skills will pick it up!!!  

I added up the miles so far that I've NOT driven my truck to work... 750 miles!
I finally got my bike computer to work (needed to replace the little magnet on the spoke that flew off somewhere).  Now it works like a champ.  I clocked myself going 37 mpg down the hill from work.  I just pray that one of those little ground squirrels doesn't decide to commit suicide on my clock!
Oh ya... almost forgot.  I passed an e-Go electric scooter on the way up the hill the other day.  The guy almost shit a brick when I ended up ahead of him.  Again, "It's good to be the King"!

I've been lazy when it comes to my blog.  No updates for a couple of months, but also NO complaints.  I still love my BatCruzer.  
I'm gettin' ready for the rainy season.  I sewed a rain-proof cover for my bike bag.  I also sewed a helmet condom.  I used Yellow Tyvek shower curtain that I bought from someone on Ebay.    If I keep this up, I will have to change the name of this blog to SpongeBike SquarePants.

My co-worker has taken an interest in accessorizing my BatCruzer.  He taped a little windmill flower to the front of my bike, and hooked a SpongeBob candy dispenser to my rear bag.  Not a very Bat-like image I've got going on.  But who ever said Batman doesn't have a sense of humor?

After spending hours on the web researching bike trailers, Bob-trailers, Burley-trailers, I stumbled across one in the basement at work.  It had two flat tires and a huge trunk sitting in it.  They had not used it for several years... so long and short, I got a great deal on it.  It's even got a breaking system installed.  I rigged a little box so I can put groceries in it or my dog... depending on my mood.  Way cool !

Ok, so I've read several posts on how nicely arranged the controls on an e-bike brand bike are.  I would agree some extent, but I've always argued... who cares!  The rest of the bike looks like an old UPS moto-bike with a plastic gas tank!

So on today's 5-mile uphill commute, I passed the usual $1500+ mountain bikes and recumbents, when I heard in the distance this high pitched mosquito-like  sound.  I looked up the hill and I saw a guy standing up peddling his bike with a much force, so much that he was wobbling back and forth across the bike path as he passed all the other cyclists.  As I got closer, the annoying mosquito sound got noisier and noisier.  Finally when I glided past the mosquito, I realized it was an e-bike.  Poor guy, I thought to myself.   "Ding ding" my bike said as we blew by him in complete silence, sitting comfortably on the seat of my stealth cruzer without breaking a sweat. I can only imagine his feeling of "What the hell was THAT?" as he looked down at his neatly placed e-bike controls and then looked back up to watch me disappear over the top of the hill.  I don't mean to brag, but... "It's good to be the King!"

Well, I made it back up the hill and down on three LEDs.  Two days compared one on the last set up.  I'm happy
I'm still a bit confused how the regen works.  Sometimes it goes on even out of cruise control or breaks.  I also like the fat road tires.  It reminds me of my dad's old IceCream bicycle from yesteryear!

Did I mention the DOWNPOUR I rode home through.  Luckily I had read some of the posts on the MSN forum (Yahoo forums are SO much better... plus they work!).  So I was prepared with some plastic bags from lunch.  I covered the controller and the charger plug on the front wheel.  My BatCruzer has fenders, so I stayed dry (NOT).  But it made home without a single hesitation.

On my way back down the hill, I started out at a nice gentle and safe speed, and then I put it into cruise (cruz) mode.  NOW the little blue regen light is working.  I charged the battery the entire way home.  The hill was less of a thrill at 7 mph than it was at 25, but the thrill came more from watching that little blue LED.   I made it home still having three LEDs!  Tomorrow's climb  should be a snap.  :-)  We'll see.

I could not wait to get out of bed this morning.  I ate a light breakfast and packed a light lunch.  "On the road again...", I was singing as I strolled effortlessly down the road, pedals at rest!  I made it to work, but with three  LED's left.  Perhaps tomorrow I shall peddle harder.

Flying down the hill seemed a bit more like take-off than gliding.  It never felt like freewheeling for some reason, but based on the size of the hills, I guess that's a good thing. It only takes one ground squirrel stepping out  into my path to end the whole thrill.  Down to two LEDs.. I think I'm gonna be pushing my bike up the last half mile tomorrow!

It is a strange feeling having so much silent power at my fingertips.  I press the trigger and it goes... without making a sound.  It's nothing less than amazing.

I made my first commute to work today, a 5-mile uphill climb and a 5-mile downhill payoff.  I had tried to make the trip a couple of times on a non-powered 7-speed bike, and thought I was going to pass out half way up.  This time, I snickered as I blew by my previous rest stops, where I would have been peeling off my jacket and my sweaty shirt and shoes and socks!  Nope, today I am sailing uphill (Still peddling, of course).  

I used tree of the LED lights to get to work and one to get home.  I think I'll have to do more coasting on the way home tomorrow.  My goal is to get two trips per charge.  We'll see.  Time to plug that bad boy in.

When one buys a new toy, it's funny how they don't want to play with it TOO much.  Today my bike sat in my kitchen most of the day/night.  I did manage to take it out for a couple of short and fast rides, but then it was right back to the kitchen, where it could be proudly displayed... and charged!  Here's a question... Do you really think it's necessary to keep my New York Kyrptonite Lock on this bike while it's in the kitchen?  I do!

Ryan, Noah and I all spent the day floating around in Kayaks up at Loch Lomond.  Surrounded by serene wilderness, I spent most of my day wondering how many trips to work I could get on one charge, and what would be a good name for the newest member of our family.  Ryan was just slightly annoyed, as he wanted to obsess about Steinway pianos, but Noah got into it.  Runner up names were: The BatBike (sounded too much like a kids bike to me, with blue and silver streamers blowing from each end of the handlebars);  The BatSprocket (a little too mechanical, but I did end up using the sprocket as a graphic in the logo); The BatCraft (wouldn't that be more of a name for a pontoon boat?);  The BatPeddler (What, am I selling rodents with wings here?);  So The BatCruzer it is.  Some of you might think I have way too much time on my hands... Naming my bike and designing a logo for it, for Pete's sake!  Well Buddy, I've got news for you...  First of all, let's leave Pete out of this, and secondly, If you've read this far, YOU are the one with way too much time on your hands!  

Oh, and why the obsession with Batman? 
Why not? ^^

    9:02 am:  I woke up early today but not early enough.  Damn, it's 9 o'clock (is O'clock an irish word?).  I wanted to be in SF by 10!
Who really needs a shower?  And, of course, I forgot to get gas yesterday.
     9:30 am: Does anyone know how to drive?  I feel like I'm in Europe where every one just piles up in a "V" shape to fill their SUVz with $2.49/gallon petro.  That poor old lady doesn't stand a chance.  Sorry lady... I'm on my way to SF to look at a bike! 
    9:35 am:  $10 bucks should get me there and back, no?
    10:35 am:  Arrive in Noe Valley with gas to spare.  Now to find a parking spot.
    11:45 am:  I find the perfect spot.  Shit, it's 24 a minute metered parking spot.  Do you think I have a quarter to my name?
    11:03 am:  I'm finally parked and only 7 1/2 blocks away.  I should have brought my bike!  My tank is on empty!
    11:15 am:  Arrive at the bike shop.  I walk in, casually, trying not to look or act pissed off or too anxious to buy anything.  The two Tidalforce bikes are RIGHT THERE in front of me.  My very first two thoughts are "Holy" and "Shit".  These are BIKES?  They look more like beasts!  Before me was an Iron Black M-750, and a Superman Red iO Cruiser.  (Being the organized one that I am, I had called ahead yesterday to let them know I was driving up from Santa Cruz for a test ride.  So after spending an hour driving and a half hour parking, I was ready for the ride of my life!)
    11:25 am:  The friendly sales associates has collected my credit card and drivers license (he remembers me... "You're the guy who called from Santa  Cruz, right?"), I smile, "That would be me," I reply.   My helmet is buckled and my sunglasses are in place.  Enough of this small talk, I'm feelin' it!  I roll the M-750 out the door onto the sidewalk.  The weight and balance of the bike is impressive, to say the least.  I mount the rig, gently push the throttle and I'm off.  Down the driveway and up the street... almost... to    
the S t o p 
light.  
The battery dies, the bike starts to roll backwards and now this sucker is HEAVY!
    11:27 am:  I walk the bike back into the store.  The surprised salesdude remarks "that was a short ride".  Cute, I think to myself, sarcastically,  as I remember our phone conversation.  "I'll be driving up from Santa Cruz first thing in the morning.  Will you have a fully charged bike for me to ride?" ... "I'll have two" confidently replies the friendly salesguy. 
    11:30 am:  Hey, mistakes are made, and I'm a reasonable guy, right?  Besides, has the iO all charged up and ready to go, right?  (read on)
    11:35 am:  Out the door, up past the stop sign and on my way up one of SF's finest hills.  The sheer power of the cruiser under my butt is remarkable!  It's climbing... it's climbing... 
it's getting weaker... 
I look down at the flashing red light...
it's not fully charged, "DAMMIT!" I yell out loud. The bike stops in the middle of the hill. 
    11:40 am:  I coast down the hill back into the store.  The not so bright salesboob hands me my license and credit card and I walk out.  He asks (as I'm out the door) "Do you wanna stop back in about 6 hours?"  I don't bother looking back as I mumble "I've got a bike to buy! "
    11:55 am:  I arrive at a private residence where my future bike is parked securely in the garage.  (Saw the ad in Craigslist.org). The garage door sways open, and a friendly young man escorts me to a shiny, yet stealthy green work of art.  He explains its many features and proper operation techniques, and then sets me free to venture through the city streets.  He doesn't ask for my driver's license nor my credit card.  I guess my 4 wheeled vehicle in his driveway is enough collateral for him.
    12:04 pm:  The sound of the wind rushing through my hair, and my laughter is the only sound I hear as I glide up hills and soar back down.  All eyes are upon me at the stop lights as I silently roar away when red fades to green.  "Nothing can go wrong-O... I'm in the Cong-O... Nothing can go wrong-O.. I'm in the cong-O"  These are the words I chant as I make my way, block by block around the steep and crowded streets of San Francisco.  I pause for just a moment to wipe the tears out of my eyes (from the wind... of course) and them I'm back on my way... to no place in particular.
    12:39 am:  I finally climb my way back up the steep hill to where I once was a Tidalforce virgin.  Reluctantly I pull myself away from the bike without a name.  I fold down the heavy duty kick stand and give the machine a rest.  Deep down, I know that I'm the only one who needs a break!
    12:39:35 pm:  "I'll take it!"
    12:45 pm:  I'm driving south on 880 with a grin on my face and a monster in my rear view mirror.  I can't wait to get home.