Wednesday, August 6, 2008
It's been, fun?
You bet your arse it's been fun! Sadly, everything must come to an end. I'm starting over here. Join me to see if I can manage my perfect record in Portland of having not been run over (yet?).
Monday, July 28, 2008
MIA
Man, I've been such a pile since the STP ride. I've ridden my bike once and even then only for about 13 miles. My knee is still bothering me a bit, but that's just a crappy excuse. Truth is I've just been so lazy. That's all gonna change though over the next few days as I prepare for my next big ride.
Today I joined the Portland Wheelmen Bicycle Club. They do dozens of rides a week which include all sorts of terrain and fitness levels. I'm going to start picking up a couple of rides a week in order to 'train' for the Portland Century on August 24th. Hopefully by the time the 24th rolls around I'll be better prepared than I was for the STP. I don't ever want to be as sore as that again.
This past weekend here in beautiful Portland was the Oregon Brewers Fest, not to be confused with the North American Organic Brewers Festival which took place here in Portland back in June. Dani and I went to both. The one over this past weekend was huge. They estimate something like 60,000 people over the course of the weekend, which may not sound like a lot, until you remember they are only there to drink beer. Pretty much everyone is drunk or in the process of getting that way. Think Bill Bodmer on pretty much any of his birthdays - now multiple that times 60,000. Good times.
After the beer fest and still sober, we headed over to Voodoo Doughnuts. It was Sunday afternoon at 5 and there was a line probably 20 people deep waiting to get in. Voodoo is open 24 hours a day and they are without question the most popular doughnut place in Portland. They have several vegan varieties and with very little coaxing from Dani, I agreed to stand in the line for 20 minutes to have a vegan doughnut covered in broken Chick-a-sticks. Healthy? Shit no, but damn good.
Doughnuts in hand we went off to catch the bus back to Dani's place. We each bought two doughnuts, one to eat immediately and one for later. We waited about 10 minutes for the bus and by the time it rolled up, all 4 doughnuts were a fond memory. Yeah, they're that good.
You've seen what I'm eating, now here's what I'm reading and listening to:
My sister sent me a book called Marley and Me that I've just started reading. For those of you who live with a dog, want a dog or just love dogs in general this has been a really good book. It's made be both want a dog again and really miss Willis, Mudd and (to a lesser extent) Rudy.
Vashti Bunyan is a folk singer from the 60s. What little I know is she's British (or Scottish), she was discovered by the Rolling Stones, made one album, then disappeared from music for 30+ years. The music is folksy, but I really like it.
Lastly, my new favorite t-shirt is this little number I stumbled across yesterday.
Today I joined the Portland Wheelmen Bicycle Club. They do dozens of rides a week which include all sorts of terrain and fitness levels. I'm going to start picking up a couple of rides a week in order to 'train' for the Portland Century on August 24th. Hopefully by the time the 24th rolls around I'll be better prepared than I was for the STP. I don't ever want to be as sore as that again.
This past weekend here in beautiful Portland was the Oregon Brewers Fest, not to be confused with the North American Organic Brewers Festival which took place here in Portland back in June. Dani and I went to both. The one over this past weekend was huge. They estimate something like 60,000 people over the course of the weekend, which may not sound like a lot, until you remember they are only there to drink beer. Pretty much everyone is drunk or in the process of getting that way. Think Bill Bodmer on pretty much any of his birthdays - now multiple that times 60,000. Good times.
After the beer fest and still sober, we headed over to Voodoo Doughnuts. It was Sunday afternoon at 5 and there was a line probably 20 people deep waiting to get in. Voodoo is open 24 hours a day and they are without question the most popular doughnut place in Portland. They have several vegan varieties and with very little coaxing from Dani, I agreed to stand in the line for 20 minutes to have a vegan doughnut covered in broken Chick-a-sticks. Healthy? Shit no, but damn good.
Doughnuts in hand we went off to catch the bus back to Dani's place. We each bought two doughnuts, one to eat immediately and one for later. We waited about 10 minutes for the bus and by the time it rolled up, all 4 doughnuts were a fond memory. Yeah, they're that good.
You've seen what I'm eating, now here's what I'm reading and listening to:
My sister sent me a book called Marley and Me that I've just started reading. For those of you who live with a dog, want a dog or just love dogs in general this has been a really good book. It's made be both want a dog again and really miss Willis, Mudd and (to a lesser extent) Rudy.
Vashti Bunyan is a folk singer from the 60s. What little I know is she's British (or Scottish), she was discovered by the Rolling Stones, made one album, then disappeared from music for 30+ years. The music is folksy, but I really like it.
Lastly, my new favorite t-shirt is this little number I stumbled across yesterday.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
The Bike
I have been sore as hell all week - I still am, but not as much. Needless to say, I haven't even so much been able to look at the bike, let alone actually ride it anywhere. I'm hoping to get back on it this week, especially since I have another century coming in about a month and this time I actually plan to train a little. I'm going to try a couple of 50 mile rides, but first I have to feel well enough to go get a coffee.
On a completely unrelated note, I went to a bike shop the other day and ran into a girl there with a half-cast on her right arm that looked all too familiar. I asked if she was hit and she confirmed she was. I asked what she broke and she had almost the exact same injury I suffered in my accident, except she also severed her tendon - ouch. We spoke about the recovery process and how long it was likely to take and where I was at this point, some 5 months on now.
On a completely unrelated note, I went to a bike shop the other day and ran into a girl there with a half-cast on her right arm that looked all too familiar. I asked if she was hit and she confirmed she was. I asked what she broke and she had almost the exact same injury I suffered in my accident, except she also severed her tendon - ouch. We spoke about the recovery process and how long it was likely to take and where I was at this point, some 5 months on now.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Am I Crazy?
My legs are still so sore I can barely walk and yet I signed up today for the Portland Century, a 100 mile ride that takes place on August 24th here in beautiful Portland. Have I lost my mind? Did I ingest steroids by accident over the weekend?
My legs can't hurt forever, right?
My legs can't hurt forever, right?
Monday, July 14, 2008
What a Weekend
When I signed up for the STP ride, I genuinely thought it wouldn't really be that bad. 100 miles on Saturday and 100 more in Sunday - how hard can that be? Then I started to put it into terms that made more sense - Seattle to Portland is close in distance to Norfolk, VA to Washington, DC. While I've driven that more times than I can remember, I would never, under any circumstances think about doing it by bicycle. Then I remembered what I thought the last time someone told me they were going to do a 'century' (100 mile ride for bicyclists) - I thought they had lost their mind. And this was only a couple of weeks ago. Still none of this really started to make an impact until about the 50 mile point on day 1 - at that point, it really started to hit home just how far I had to ride.
Let me back up and start from the beginning on Friday. I left for Seattle after work on Friday at about 6. I sat in traffic for about an hour in Portland on I-5. Hoping to arrive in Seattle by 9, I didn't get there until 10:30. I had to get up really early the next morning to catch a bus to the University of Washington's Husky Stadium, where the event was launching from. Unfortunately, after I arrived and had the nice lady at the front desk check bus schedules for me, I found out the only possible way to get to Husky Stadium by bus on a Saturday was to leave my hotel at 4 a.m., arriving at the stadium some 2 hours later. Needless to say that was out. We then determined that the stadium was only about 5-6 miles away. I'll just bike it, I thought. Unfortunately, that meant carrying not one, but two backpacks all the way there, not to mention reading a map and my map-reading skills are severely lacking.
I was in bed at midnight and up at 5 for a quick shower and then off to the stadium. It wasn't a bad ride over, it was however really chilly and the 2 backpacks were uncomfortable, but I got to the stadium by about 6. I dropped my bag off with the event staff who were shuttling it to the midway point and by 6:30, I was off and riding.
I felt really good for the first 40 miles. I actually thought I had some kind of natural ability - an extreme athlete who could ride for hundreds of miles and not feel any different than if he'd ridden 4 miles to Whole Foods for groceries. But something happened between the 40 and 50 mile mark, I really started hurting. My neck mostly from leaning over and holding my head up, then my left knee, then my right Achilles tendon, then my ass. My body parts were turning on me and I still had 150 miles to go.
When I rolled into the midway point that evening at 4, I was a wreck. My left knee was my biggest concern. I couldn't put any weight on it Saturday night. At the advice of one of the riders I was staying with, I iced it a couple of times and he gave me some ibuprofen. On Sunday morning, I felt better and again the ride seem doable. Unfortunately, that only lasted for about the first 1000 feet, then my knee started to hurt like hell again.
Sunday was really hilly, which put even more stress on my knees. It wasn't unbearable, but it sure as hell hurt. At the midpoint Saturday night, I asked what accommodations were made by the race organizers to get people to Portland if they were unable to make it on their own - I was told there were none. You start the race, you finish it, either by bike or some other means that you yourself come up with. Knowing full well the horrible shame I would feel if I had to call Matt or Connie, I pretty much decided that I would get to Portland if it took me 20 hours on Sunday.
It didn't take me 20 hours. Actually I arrived Sunday at the finish line in about the same time it took me to ride Saturday, approximately 9 1/2 hours. I was really glad to be done with it and I certainly feel a sense of accomplishment for having finished it. Truth is, anyone can do it, barring a major medical problem that prevents you from continuing. There were folks of all sizes and ages participating. I got passed more times than I care to recount by people a lot heavier and older than me.
I didn't take a ton of pictures, but there are a few here.
Let me back up and start from the beginning on Friday. I left for Seattle after work on Friday at about 6. I sat in traffic for about an hour in Portland on I-5. Hoping to arrive in Seattle by 9, I didn't get there until 10:30. I had to get up really early the next morning to catch a bus to the University of Washington's Husky Stadium, where the event was launching from. Unfortunately, after I arrived and had the nice lady at the front desk check bus schedules for me, I found out the only possible way to get to Husky Stadium by bus on a Saturday was to leave my hotel at 4 a.m., arriving at the stadium some 2 hours later. Needless to say that was out. We then determined that the stadium was only about 5-6 miles away. I'll just bike it, I thought. Unfortunately, that meant carrying not one, but two backpacks all the way there, not to mention reading a map and my map-reading skills are severely lacking.
I was in bed at midnight and up at 5 for a quick shower and then off to the stadium. It wasn't a bad ride over, it was however really chilly and the 2 backpacks were uncomfortable, but I got to the stadium by about 6. I dropped my bag off with the event staff who were shuttling it to the midway point and by 6:30, I was off and riding.
I felt really good for the first 40 miles. I actually thought I had some kind of natural ability - an extreme athlete who could ride for hundreds of miles and not feel any different than if he'd ridden 4 miles to Whole Foods for groceries. But something happened between the 40 and 50 mile mark, I really started hurting. My neck mostly from leaning over and holding my head up, then my left knee, then my right Achilles tendon, then my ass. My body parts were turning on me and I still had 150 miles to go.
When I rolled into the midway point that evening at 4, I was a wreck. My left knee was my biggest concern. I couldn't put any weight on it Saturday night. At the advice of one of the riders I was staying with, I iced it a couple of times and he gave me some ibuprofen. On Sunday morning, I felt better and again the ride seem doable. Unfortunately, that only lasted for about the first 1000 feet, then my knee started to hurt like hell again.
Sunday was really hilly, which put even more stress on my knees. It wasn't unbearable, but it sure as hell hurt. At the midpoint Saturday night, I asked what accommodations were made by the race organizers to get people to Portland if they were unable to make it on their own - I was told there were none. You start the race, you finish it, either by bike or some other means that you yourself come up with. Knowing full well the horrible shame I would feel if I had to call Matt or Connie, I pretty much decided that I would get to Portland if it took me 20 hours on Sunday.
It didn't take me 20 hours. Actually I arrived Sunday at the finish line in about the same time it took me to ride Saturday, approximately 9 1/2 hours. I was really glad to be done with it and I certainly feel a sense of accomplishment for having finished it. Truth is, anyone can do it, barring a major medical problem that prevents you from continuing. There were folks of all sizes and ages participating. I got passed more times than I care to recount by people a lot heavier and older than me.
I didn't take a ton of pictures, but there are a few here.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
I Finished It!
I can't believe it, but I did it. 200 miles in one weekend. One hot weekend.
There were times when it was miserable and times when it was amazing. I'll write more when I not so tired.
Now I get to bike home another 5 miles from downtown.
Here I come Pants!
Alright, enough already
Less than 10 miles. Downtown can't come soon enough. It's hot as hell and still hilly. I'm so close...
Home Stretch (sort of)
I'm at the last official STP rest stop. Somewhere between 25-30 miles remain. It's in the 90s and there has been no shade and a lot of hills. I just heard someone say the last leg, this leg, is the worst. Awesome! Bring it!
40 Miles from Portland
The picture is of a huge group of riders waiting to cross the bridge from Washington to Oregon. I was pretty much in the middle of this group. Probably 500 or so people total.
Slow and Steady Wins The Race
Yeah, I'm in another rest area. I know what you're thinking, that lazy bastard sure does take a lot of breaks. Well you can bite me. It's 9:15 a.m. and I've already ridden 1/3 of the way for today. And that's with jacked up body parts.
Thing is, today has been really hilly. So overall it's been harder than yesterday. I'm hanging in there though, because I'm all man. Except for my knee, that's old man.
Off and Running
Actually riding, but you get my point. Yesterday I seriously thought I would not make it all the way to Portland because my left knee was so sore - I couldn't put any weight on it last night at all. I iced it a couple of times and this morning it felt better - at least for the first 1000 feet anyway, then it started hurting like hell again.
It still hurts, along with pretty much everything else, but getting to Portland seems possible. Of course I'm only at mile 120. We'll see how I feel at the midway point today.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Seriously WTF?
Why do people ride this much? My knees are experiencing a whole new level of fucked. My Achilles tendon in my right foot is pissed. My neck is sore from holding up my melon head all day. Don't even ask about my arse.
And you know what, I'm only half-fucking-way there! I'll be a giant meatball by the time I get to Portland tomorrow. Assuming I get to Portland tomorrow.
Holy God
I'm only at the halfway point for day one and I want to die.
It's not the next 50 miles I'm scared of, although I'm sure it's going to suck, it's getting up tomorrow and having to start all over again.
WTF was I thinking when I signed up for this goddamn thing?
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Can't Un-Read It
So I was poking around on the Seattle-to-Portland Ride website today looking for specifics on a few things, when I stumbled across an article entitled, "Suggested Mileage: Group Health STP 2008 Training for One or Two-Day Riders." My first reaction was just to laugh and wish I hadn't seen it. Now I'm wondering what the hell I've gotten myself into?
This article suggests a pretty regimented training plan for riders who hope not to die during the 200+ miles from Seattle to Portland. Needless to say, I'm a little late to the game and my training consisted of occasionally biking to Tiny's for coffee and vegan coffee cake. I'm seriously wondering if I can do this ride. I mean, I'm going to ride and I'm going to give it my all, but will I end up finishing under my own strength? Or in the back of an ambulance?
This article suggests a pretty regimented training plan for riders who hope not to die during the 200+ miles from Seattle to Portland. Needless to say, I'm a little late to the game and my training consisted of occasionally biking to Tiny's for coffee and vegan coffee cake. I'm seriously wondering if I can do this ride. I mean, I'm going to ride and I'm going to give it my all, but will I end up finishing under my own strength? Or in the back of an ambulance?
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Sweating Bullets
Not a lot going on at the moment. I am still trying to get some loose ends tied up for this weekend's STP ride. I still need a place to stay in Seattle for Friday and it looks like I'm going to have to drive up, which sucks, but I don't have much choice. All the group transports are full and I've yet to find someone to carpool with. So I'll likely drive, leave my truck in Seattle and take the train back up Monday or Tuesday to get it. Again, sucks, but what are my options?
I'm a little nervous about the ride. I keep going over it and no matter how you look at it, 200 miles is a long damn way. I'm sure I'll be fine - tired and sore, but fine.
I'm a little nervous about the ride. I keep going over it and no matter how you look at it, 200 miles is a long damn way. I'm sure I'll be fine - tired and sore, but fine.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Prepping for the STP
Actually, I rode very little over the weekend - maybe 15 miles since Friday. Next weekend will certainly be different.
I spent a good deal of time e-mailing folks. I got a place to sleep at the mid-way point next Saturday night - it's on the floor, but beggers can't be choosers. I still need a ride up to Seattle and a place to stay Friday night. Hopefully Monday will bring a solution.
I spent a good deal of time e-mailing folks. I got a place to sleep at the mid-way point next Saturday night - it's on the floor, but beggers can't be choosers. I still need a ride up to Seattle and a place to stay Friday night. Hopefully Monday will bring a solution.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
STP
No, not the crappy 90's band - the Seattle-to-Portland ride. I've been debating signing up for this thing for a couple of weeks. It's sold out, but there are lots of people selling registrations on Craigslist and the STP message boards. Well, this morning while perusing CL, I came across a guy selling his registration - I figured, why not. So I grabbed it up.
I may be biting off more than I can chew with this one. I mean, 200+ miles in two days? I get sleepy just thinking about driving that much, let alone biking it. I'm looking forward to it, though.
Now I'm trying to find a ride to Seattle, a room near the start line and a room at the half-way point, none of which is proving easy. I'm sure something will present itself.
I'll be posting here from the road. Blogger has a neat way of allowing you to e-mail posts. So I'll be posting from my iphone during the many breaks scheduled during the ride. Should be interesting.
I may be biting off more than I can chew with this one. I mean, 200+ miles in two days? I get sleepy just thinking about driving that much, let alone biking it. I'm looking forward to it, though.
Now I'm trying to find a ride to Seattle, a room near the start line and a room at the half-way point, none of which is proving easy. I'm sure something will present itself.
I'll be posting here from the road. Blogger has a neat way of allowing you to e-mail posts. So I'll be posting from my iphone during the many breaks scheduled during the ride. Should be interesting.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Fireworks
I don't know what the law is in Oregon on fireworks, but I have never heard so many bangs leading up to the 4th of July in my life. These people are either terribly patriotic or just love blowing shit up. You'd think that the South would have these dirty hippies beat on patriotism (phony or otherwise) and blowing shit up, but you'd be wrong. It's like Beirut outside my window.
Tonight I rode down to the grocery store to pick up a few things and stopped off for coffee on my way. I've already racked up 38 miles, so I'm well on my way to beating June's final mileage tally. We shall see.
I decide that in the spirit of giving up stuff, I'd give up Diet Coke (and all colas) for the month of July. I tend to drink about 4 cans a day, so for me this is tougher than it sounds. I'm sticking strictly to water at home and anything but cola when I'm dining out.
Tonight I rode down to the grocery store to pick up a few things and stopped off for coffee on my way. I've already racked up 38 miles, so I'm well on my way to beating June's final mileage tally. We shall see.
I decide that in the spirit of giving up stuff, I'd give up Diet Coke (and all colas) for the month of July. I tend to drink about 4 cans a day, so for me this is tougher than it sounds. I'm sticking strictly to water at home and anything but cola when I'm dining out.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Car-Free July?
Don't mind if I do! Actually, I went to the doctor yesterday about my gnarled paw and weighed in at a buck 73 on the scales. Not good. I've gained ten pounds since arriving in Portland. Undoubtedly, some of it (like 10-12 ounces) is muscle gained from peddling up the hills here, but I'm sure the other 9.4 pounds is all vegan junk food.
So tonight I biked down for coffee and then on to the grocery store to try and pick up some less fattening shit to eat. I did pretty good - didn't buy my usual cookies. I'll have to try and lay off the sweets, but it won't be easy. I rode a total of 13 miles tonight. I'm going to try and beat 266 for July.
So tonight I biked down for coffee and then on to the grocery store to try and pick up some less fattening shit to eat. I did pretty good - didn't buy my usual cookies. I'll have to try and lay off the sweets, but it won't be easy. I rode a total of 13 miles tonight. I'm going to try and beat 266 for July.
Monday, June 30, 2008
266 Miles
That's what the odometer reads on my bike. Not bad for a month of riding. Did I go strictly by bike for the entire month - shit no. But I did the vast majority of my running around by bike. Sure, I cheated and rode the motorcycle a few times and drove my truck once or twice, but overall I deem my little experiment a success.
So the question I keep getting is, 'what now?' Now that June is over, what am I going to do? I guess I should've named the site something else, like "Car-Free Summer", but at the time, that seemed like a impossibly long time. Now it seems doable.
I'll continue to ride as much as possible. Trying to do all my errands by bike with the exception of those that must be done by car, like long distances or hauling something big or heavy - like if I ever commit to actually buying a bed frame. I'll continue to write here, but would like to get www.ecphelps.com going. I have a wysiwyg web site editor and with any luck, I'll figure out enough to start putting entries over there.
I've definitely gotten back in the grove of riding, learned a lot over the last month and seen some amazing things. I'm glad I did it and I've really started to enjoy riding again - like I did when I was a kid and did everything by bike.
So the question I keep getting is, 'what now?' Now that June is over, what am I going to do? I guess I should've named the site something else, like "Car-Free Summer", but at the time, that seemed like a impossibly long time. Now it seems doable.
I'll continue to ride as much as possible. Trying to do all my errands by bike with the exception of those that must be done by car, like long distances or hauling something big or heavy - like if I ever commit to actually buying a bed frame. I'll continue to write here, but would like to get www.ecphelps.com going. I have a wysiwyg web site editor and with any luck, I'll figure out enough to start putting entries over there.
I've definitely gotten back in the grove of riding, learned a lot over the last month and seen some amazing things. I'm glad I did it and I've really started to enjoy riding again - like I did when I was a kid and did everything by bike.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Organic Beer Fest
Today Dani and I went to the North American Organic Brewers Festival. It was pretty good. Tons of samples of organic beer - some good, some tasted like booty, but overall a good time. Tofurky had a booth there selling their beer brats, Italian sausages and whatnot. Pretty nice not just to have something to eat, but something good to eat at a festival. Beats the shit out of freedom fries and cotton candy.
We got a little tipsy on the samples and had to cut ourselves off. We ending up giving away our our last few tickets so we could still drive home. I made it - but I haven't heard from Dani, so I'll assume she's in jail.
Here is a random video I took of Pants yesterday. He was sleeping so hard I actually thought he might have expired, but he didn't and he's fine. He never woke up, but did start to convulse uncontrollably, which is how I knew he was still alive. Enjoy.
We got a little tipsy on the samples and had to cut ourselves off. We ending up giving away our our last few tickets so we could still drive home. I made it - but I haven't heard from Dani, so I'll assume she's in jail.
Here is a random video I took of Pants yesterday. He was sleeping so hard I actually thought he might have expired, but he didn't and he's fine. He never woke up, but did start to convulse uncontrollably, which is how I knew he was still alive. Enjoy.
Critical Mass
Friday night I rode downtown to the Critical Mass ride. Critical Mass is a ride that takes place in cities all over the world on the last Friday of the month. Depending on where you live there could be just a handful of folks to several hundred, to over a thousand. Friday there was a hundred or so riders. I was expecting more, but wasn't disappointed by the turn-out.
We rode all over downtown with a police escort, which is unusual. In most cities, typically the point is to do it without the police escort, tie up traffic and generally chuckle at the people in cars who actually get really pissed. Having the cops there was good, because several cars charged the group at a couple of different intersections and the cops pounced on them, yelling at them to stop or back-up. I don't think anyone got a ticket, but they damn sure could have.
About ten minutes into the ride, the group pulled into a parking lot. It wasn't clear at first what was going on - then a guy pulling several wheeled towers of donuts came out and everyone went crazy. One of the organizers had arranged for Voodoo Donuts to pass out a bunch of free donuts to the riders. It was pretty awesome. Voodoo Donuts makes several vegan varieties, but I was more interested in snapping a few pictures than eating.
After the donuts and back on the road, the ride went on for about an hour or so altogether. I'd guess we covered about 8 to 10 miles. It was a pretty long ride and it was pretty warm out too, so I was glad when we arrived back at the starting point.
You can see a few pics from the ride here.
We rode all over downtown with a police escort, which is unusual. In most cities, typically the point is to do it without the police escort, tie up traffic and generally chuckle at the people in cars who actually get really pissed. Having the cops there was good, because several cars charged the group at a couple of different intersections and the cops pounced on them, yelling at them to stop or back-up. I don't think anyone got a ticket, but they damn sure could have.
About ten minutes into the ride, the group pulled into a parking lot. It wasn't clear at first what was going on - then a guy pulling several wheeled towers of donuts came out and everyone went crazy. One of the organizers had arranged for Voodoo Donuts to pass out a bunch of free donuts to the riders. It was pretty awesome. Voodoo Donuts makes several vegan varieties, but I was more interested in snapping a few pictures than eating.
After the donuts and back on the road, the ride went on for about an hour or so altogether. I'd guess we covered about 8 to 10 miles. It was a pretty long ride and it was pretty warm out too, so I was glad when we arrived back at the starting point.
You can see a few pics from the ride here.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
The DMV
When I first got to Portland I wasn't too concerned about going to the DMV to get my Oregon drivers license. That all changed when I found out that by law it was supposed to be done within 30 days of arriving in Oregon. Learning that I also had to take the written exam for not just the car, but also for the motorcycle license only served to heighten my anxiety. So I studied the book (all 120+ pages - car only, I figured the motorcycle test would have to be done another day) and headed down to the DMV with all my paperwork in tow.
Upon arriving (this was my second trip - the first is where I learned what I would need to bring and that I would have to take the tests) I presented my paperwork and was promptly told that despite now possessing a letter from my power company with my name and address on it (used for address verification) that I would not in fact be able to use this letter because the power company had not dated it. Being that this was my second time being turned away at the DMV, I was a little pissed - to say the least. I explained that I didn't have anything else to verify that I now resided in Oregon and the young woman behind the desk was less than sympathtic. I was also steamed of course, because I had just read the damn book cover to cover and wanted to take the test while the knowledge was still fresh and before my own terrible driving habits could muddy the information waters.
It was at that point that I decided I would just do it when I got around to it. Well, today was that day. Now, with even more paperwork in hand and a fresh, if someone glancing, familiarity with the book, I headed back to the DMV to have another go at it. I decided while I was there that I would go ahead and take both the car and motorcycle tests together, even though I hadn't even so much as looked at the motorcycle book - a revelation that inspired a shockwave of 'oohs' and 'aahs' from my fellow citizens. I was instantly projected to hero-like status for having the courage to take both tests together, at one sitting. Very few Oregonians were even able to pull this off and here I was a foreigner from some 3000 miles away - a distant land to these people.
I was called to the counter, signed a few places, and off I went to the testing booth.
The car test went well. I aced it quickly with 97%. The motorcycle test - not so much. Turns out you really should open the book at least once before attempting the test. I missed the first question - then got a few right - then missed two in a row - skipped a few - got a few more right and wrong and I was done. 83%. However, you only need 80% to pass. So yes, I went to the DMV and rocked 'em. I also aced the eye test and I didn't even know there was going to be an eye test!
What was my prize for acing not one, but three tests? A paper drivers license. I'm not kidding. I couldn't even take the goddamn test initially because I didn't have the proper verification for living in Portland and they hand me a paper drivers license? A document so easy to forge, anyone with an inkjet printer or enough spare change for Kinko's could become me. My permanent license is supposed to arrive in 10 days by mail.
The moral of this story is that DMVs are really the same where ever you go, I guess. Actually, the one in Virginia was much more advanced and a little easier to navigate through.
Despite having everything in order today, I still have to go back with my motorcycle to have them verify the VIN number. I guess it was my fault for not driving both my truck and my motorcycle to the DMV this morning.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Funky
I've been in a kind of funk since the weekend. I've really not gone anywhere, but when I did, I rode the motorcycle, mostly. Tonight in a effort to try and snap out of it, I'm riding down to Tiny's for coffee and coffee cake and to read a little.
The weather has been really nice, so no complaints there. Maybe the last time I went to acupuncture Courtney (my acupuncturist) stick a needle in the wrong place or too deep. Actually the last time I went may have been just that - the last time. It hurt like hell and I don't think it can be completely blamed on my needle-phobia. I'd like to give it a while longer, but it's having the exact opposite effect and makes me even more nervous and anxious when I go.
In any case, I haven't been hit by a car. I was posed that by two different people because I said it I stopped writing, it means I'm in hospital. I'm not. I'm just lazy with not much to report.
The weather has been really nice, so no complaints there. Maybe the last time I went to acupuncture Courtney (my acupuncturist) stick a needle in the wrong place or too deep. Actually the last time I went may have been just that - the last time. It hurt like hell and I don't think it can be completely blamed on my needle-phobia. I'd like to give it a while longer, but it's having the exact opposite effect and makes me even more nervous and anxious when I go.
In any case, I haven't been hit by a car. I was posed that by two different people because I said it I stopped writing, it means I'm in hospital. I'm not. I'm just lazy with not much to report.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Boring
Nothing really to report from the weekend. I rode the motorcycle around a good part of the day Saturday - I really should have been on my bike, but I was really looking forward to riding the motorcycle.
Saturday night I went to see Indiana Jones with Dani downtown, which I did ride down to on my bike and not motorcycle. The movie was so-so. I think they tried a little too hard to re-capture the magic of the original movies. The movie started at 10, so I was riding back after midnight and arrived home a little before 1. Kinda scary being on the road at that hour with concerns of drunk drivers.
Today, I completely cheated and drove my truck to the grocery store. I know, I suck.
I also went to dinner with my co-worker Matt and his wife Leslie and Felix, their daughter. We went to Vita which is a mostly vegan restaurant not too far from their house. It's a pretty good haul, so I went by motorcycle.
I'll have to get busy back on the bike tomorrow.
Saturday night I went to see Indiana Jones with Dani downtown, which I did ride down to on my bike and not motorcycle. The movie was so-so. I think they tried a little too hard to re-capture the magic of the original movies. The movie started at 10, so I was riding back after midnight and arrived home a little before 1. Kinda scary being on the road at that hour with concerns of drunk drivers.
Today, I completely cheated and drove my truck to the grocery store. I know, I suck.
I also went to dinner with my co-worker Matt and his wife Leslie and Felix, their daughter. We went to Vita which is a mostly vegan restaurant not too far from their house. It's a pretty good haul, so I went by motorcycle.
I'll have to get busy back on the bike tomorrow.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Westside
I rode out to Dani's place last night in the NW. She lives about two city blocks from one of the entrances to Forest Park, which is this huge 5000 acre park here in Portland. I wanted to see a bit of the park, more of the NW, plus Dani was buying me coffee and a brownie for helping get her computer running again, so I jumped at the chance to bike over.
It was quite a long ride over - about 10 miles one way. The ride wasn't bad, although it did get a little hilly close to her place. It was nice to see the swanky neighborhoods of the NW - like the Pearl District, which I rode through a little of. That side of the Willamette really is a different feel than my side. My side, the SE and NE, is grungier with a lot more tattooed, hipster-douchebags. The NW is more polished and refined. Also more expensive.
I don't have any real plans for today. I may head down to the water for Chariot Daze, which is part of Pedalpalooza. There are a few things going on today with Pedalpalooza that sound good, so I may head out to multiple events. I'm also kinda jonesing to go for a ride on the motorcycle, so I may do that, too.
It was quite a long ride over - about 10 miles one way. The ride wasn't bad, although it did get a little hilly close to her place. It was nice to see the swanky neighborhoods of the NW - like the Pearl District, which I rode through a little of. That side of the Willamette really is a different feel than my side. My side, the SE and NE, is grungier with a lot more tattooed, hipster-douchebags. The NW is more polished and refined. Also more expensive.
I don't have any real plans for today. I may head down to the water for Chariot Daze, which is part of Pedalpalooza. There are a few things going on today with Pedalpalooza that sound good, so I may head out to multiple events. I'm also kinda jonesing to go for a ride on the motorcycle, so I may do that, too.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Ni Hao
I start Chinese class tonight downtown. When I looked around for a class to take I found several offered all around Portland. I signed up for the one I start tonight because it's being offered free, for the Summer only, but hell, free. Hopefully it won't be a case of you get what you pay for because it's a long ride down and this part of downtown is a little sketchy, especially after dark. I may come out to find my bike stripped to the frame. Hopefully not. I should probably learn the Chinese word for "godamnit" just in case.
Since I have to go right by Whole Foods on the way, I'll probably stop off and grab a few things on the way back. No sense in having an easy ride home, right?
Since I have to go right by Whole Foods on the way, I'll probably stop off and grab a few things on the way back. No sense in having an easy ride home, right?
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
It's a Beautiful Pizza
Yesterday was a complete wash - I never left the apartment. I was busy working on getting copies of Undercover TV digitized so I can more easily duplicate them and start getting them uploaded to GoogleVideo. Plus I have 3 Netflix movies that have been here for like 2 weeks I need to watch and return. I got through 'Before the Devil Knows Your Dead', which was pretty good.
For those that don't know, Undercover TV is a project started by my predecessor, Gabe. Each 30 minute episode is a compilation of animal rights videos from different groups. The intention is to get them aired on public access stations. Pretty smart idea. The video can be tough to watch, but I encourage anyone who reads this (vegetarian or otherwise) to check it out. It's just insane the absolute torture animals endure at our hands. I don't know how anyone can see these images and not be changed. Unless you're Ted Nugent. Evil fucker.
Alright, I'm off the soapbox - but please do check out UTV.
Tonight I'm going to It's a Beautiful Pizza with the MeetUp group. It's probably a 6 to 8 mile ride round trip. I may go cruise around afterward depending on what time it wraps up. I feel like I need to get out and ride after doing nothing yesterday.
For those that don't know, Undercover TV is a project started by my predecessor, Gabe. Each 30 minute episode is a compilation of animal rights videos from different groups. The intention is to get them aired on public access stations. Pretty smart idea. The video can be tough to watch, but I encourage anyone who reads this (vegetarian or otherwise) to check it out. It's just insane the absolute torture animals endure at our hands. I don't know how anyone can see these images and not be changed. Unless you're Ted Nugent. Evil fucker.
Alright, I'm off the soapbox - but please do check out UTV.
Tonight I'm going to It's a Beautiful Pizza with the MeetUp group. It's probably a 6 to 8 mile ride round trip. I may go cruise around afterward depending on what time it wraps up. I feel like I need to get out and ride after doing nothing yesterday.
Monday, June 16, 2008
MeetIn Portland Ride
I finally got a response to an e-mail I sent James over the weekend about meeting at the Pride Parade. He told me there was a ride tonight downtown sponsored by MeetIn Portland. Everyone was fully clothed, but I went anyway because I was looking for a ride tonight.
The ride started off at the waterfront, on the Willamette River and wound around on a multi-use trail that ran parallel to the river called the Springwater Corridor. It was really pretty and went on for miles and miles. Overall it was a really good ride. I'm looking forward to hitting the trail again at some point.
The weather was beautiful today and there were a lot of people out enjoying the trail and the parks the trail wound around through. It was funny - everywhere I turned it was like someone was filming a TV commercial for a new anti-depressant - two couples enjoying a picnic, the lady and her dog playing fetch, 3 guys playing frisbee, people feeding geese, a group of people doing Tai Chi.
Completely unrelated, I've racked up 50 miles since Friday night on the bike. The odometer now reads 150+ miles. I rock.
The ride started off at the waterfront, on the Willamette River and wound around on a multi-use trail that ran parallel to the river called the Springwater Corridor. It was really pretty and went on for miles and miles. Overall it was a really good ride. I'm looking forward to hitting the trail again at some point.
The weather was beautiful today and there were a lot of people out enjoying the trail and the parks the trail wound around through. It was funny - everywhere I turned it was like someone was filming a TV commercial for a new anti-depressant - two couples enjoying a picnic, the lady and her dog playing fetch, 3 guys playing frisbee, people feeding geese, a group of people doing Tai Chi.
Completely unrelated, I've racked up 50 miles since Friday night on the bike. The odometer now reads 150+ miles. I rock.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
You Go Girl!
Today was the Gay Pride Parade downtown. It started at 11:15 and by about 12:30, the sun was cooking my neck, so I hit the road. It was pretty conservative by Pride parade standards. I've been to the one in NYC and today's was way more PG-13. It was still good - just not as many ass cheeks as I was expecting. But after what I witnessed yesterday, I guess everything will seem pretty damn tame.
I've uploaded some pics here. Enjoy.
I've uploaded some pics here. Enjoy.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Nekkid Jousting
I was in San Francisco a few years ago and stumbled completely by accident onto a Critical Mass ride. There were hundreds and hundreds of riders. However, there was one rider in particular among the masses that really stood out - he was wearing a Lone Ranger mask and was completely nude. I was standing in Union Square, one of the busiest places in SF, especially on a Friday night, so there were thousands of on-lookers. As this chap passed, I snapped a quick picture and he flashed me a peace sign. It was pretty awesome and has stood out as the craziest thing I've ever seen on a bike. That is, until this afternoon.
I was looking at the calendar of events for Pedalpalooza and noticed there was a little something called the 'Sunny Nekkid Ride'. The starting point was only about 60 blocks down from me, so I wandered down to check it out. Slowly clothed riders trickled in and slowly each disrobed. Some down only to underwear, but most, nearly all, completely nekkid, as the name would suggest. It was insane. Keep in mind, the ride started on a busy, heavily trafficked round-about in the middle of a very busy area. This was not an out-of-the-way location at all. The point was to be seen and by as many people as possible. It must've been legal, because a couple of bike cops came over, and laughing, started high-fiving the nude cyclists.
The ride got underway and since I was still clothed, I went off in different direction, headed towards another event called 'Stumptown Joustdown' - which is exactly what it sounds like, but way funnier. I snapped some pictures, which can be seen here along with Nekkid Ride photos, and shot several video clips in addition to the one below, which can be seen here. And yes, they did this naked, too.
Tonight is the World Naked Bike Ride downtown. The website says they're expecting between 1200-1500 people to participate.
I was looking at the calendar of events for Pedalpalooza and noticed there was a little something called the 'Sunny Nekkid Ride'. The starting point was only about 60 blocks down from me, so I wandered down to check it out. Slowly clothed riders trickled in and slowly each disrobed. Some down only to underwear, but most, nearly all, completely nekkid, as the name would suggest. It was insane. Keep in mind, the ride started on a busy, heavily trafficked round-about in the middle of a very busy area. This was not an out-of-the-way location at all. The point was to be seen and by as many people as possible. It must've been legal, because a couple of bike cops came over, and laughing, started high-fiving the nude cyclists.
The ride got underway and since I was still clothed, I went off in different direction, headed towards another event called 'Stumptown Joustdown' - which is exactly what it sounds like, but way funnier. I snapped some pictures, which can be seen here along with Nekkid Ride photos, and shot several video clips in addition to the one below, which can be seen here. And yes, they did this naked, too.
Tonight is the World Naked Bike Ride downtown. The website says they're expecting between 1200-1500 people to participate.
Vegan Prom
Dani and I had a good time. It wasn't as well attended as I would have hoped, but it was a first time event, so maybe next year it'll be even bigger. James and Rachel from the Veg Meetup group were there, as were my co-worker Connie and her cousin Jennifer. I tried my hardest not to dance, but Jennifer wasn't having any of it and dragged me out to the dance floor a couple of times. Thankfully, I was holding the camera so no one got any pictures of it.
There was some food, which was all really good and lots and lots of late 70s and early 80s music and clothes. We made a relatively early night of it and left around 11. Dani was going to Seattle today and trying to get an early start, plus I'm just not the party guy I used to be, so 11 is late for me.
I've posted a few pictures here.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Pedalpalooza Kickoff
Tonight was the Pedalpalooza kickoff ride downtown. Pedalpalooza is basically two weeks of all kinds of bike related stuff. There's even a vegan cyclist pub crawl, but I won't be able to attend because I'll be at the Vegan Prom. The route for the ride tonight wound around from NW to NE all through downtown. I racked up 18 miles altogether, but the actual ride itself was probably only like 6 or 7 miles. I've posted a few photos of the event here.
The odometer on my bike reads 97 miles - which means I've actually been more like 110, since I installed the odometer late. I've already racked up over 100 miles and I'm not even halfway through the month. That's pretty awesome.
I'm also trying to remember to take photos of Portland in my travels. I'm off to a slow start, but you can see what I've collected so far here.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Bad Yoga, Bad Hand
Man, I did not want to go to yoga tonight. I had to ride right by my apartment after hand therapy and it was so tempting to just forget all about yoga. I went though and I was glad I did. It was a really nice evening and the ride down was really quite lovely. Afterwards I stopped by Tiny's for coffee and read a little. I was also on and off the phone acting as liaison between Every Creature Counts in Denver and Doll at Project Hope in Mississippi. It's crunch time for the transport this weekend and I was still trying to get the final tally worked out.
Hand therapy went pretty much as I had expected. Mel extended me for another three weeks. I'm not thrilled at this prospect, but as a pregnant little birdie keeps telling me, "better to fix it now than deal with the aggrivation later." Thanks mom (or mom-to-be.) It's true, I guess, as long as there's still hope of it getting better, probably best to keep trying. Mel acknowledges that I won't get back full functionality, but if we keep going, it should at least improve from where it is now. And so I go.
Hand therapy went pretty much as I had expected. Mel extended me for another three weeks. I'm not thrilled at this prospect, but as a pregnant little birdie keeps telling me, "better to fix it now than deal with the aggrivation later." Thanks mom (or mom-to-be.) It's true, I guess, as long as there's still hope of it getting better, probably best to keep trying. Mel acknowledges that I won't get back full functionality, but if we keep going, it should at least improve from where it is now. And so I go.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Out My Window
Yeah, that's rain. I wouldn't mind so much if Pants and Bonnie had some cat food. But sadly, they do not. So I have to run to the store. They're also running low on litter, but I think that might be too much for me to bear in a single trip. Besides, I also need a few things for myself - like another couple of pounds of sauerkraut.It'll be alright. That's what I keep telling myself to get motivated. Truth is, it will be alright, but it might suck a little, too.
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I'm back - and it wasn't that bad. It did rain - a lot, but I was prepared. It was actually kinda nice. Most importantly Pants has food so he can stop his 'alms for the poor' bit.
Dani stopped by with her broken laptop. Fortunately I was able to at least get it working again (for now.) The screen had gone out on it, but it has an external VGA port, so I plugged in a LCD monitor and voila! I loaned her the monitor and a flash drive to get her by. Man is her computer a piece of shiznit. It's an IBM Thinkpad that's probably 6 or so years old and looks like it's been dragged through a war zone. Hopefully my patch will get her by for a while longer. Keep those back-ups current, Dennenberg, because it's just a matter of time.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Hand Therapy
I just got back from what is supposed to be my second to last hand therapy appointment. My guess is we're going to extend it for another few weeks. Progress has been really slow and my damn hand still hurts, too. I can't believe that some 4+ months after the accident my hand is still sore - and not just at the break, but my ring and middle fingers as well.
My therapist, Mel, is ever optimistic and tells me it's getting better - slowly, but is improving. I don't really see it. I see the numbers and they're different from the numbers I had when I first arrived, but my hand is still a constant source of pain and frustration. I still can't count coins in my left hand without them dribbling out all over the floor. Gripping handlebars is also a real problem. I suppose we'll just keep moving along and hopefully, eventually it will at least stop hurting.
On the biking front - I caved and bought a new helmet. I finally got tired of the old one leaving black shit on my forehead and in my hair. I bought a Giro Pneumo - this helmet is bad ass. It's super comfortable and has a ton of vent holes. Honestly, I forget I'm wearing it most of the time. I think the reason it's so comfortable is I bought a medium. I have a tiny peanut head and usually go for a small, which is tight because a medium has always felt too big. The Pneumo is big like a medium and close to being too big, but it fits and seems to fit really well. It wasn't cheap, but having a comfortable helmet can make all the difference in the world.
I also stopped using the CO2 air cartridges for filling tires. I read in Bicycling Magazine that the environmental impact of producing them is significant, plus the waste of spent cartridges. So I'm back to using strictly a pump. Of course, I hope I don't get another flat tire, but if I do I'm prepared. Just doing what I can to cut down my environmental footprint.
My therapist, Mel, is ever optimistic and tells me it's getting better - slowly, but is improving. I don't really see it. I see the numbers and they're different from the numbers I had when I first arrived, but my hand is still a constant source of pain and frustration. I still can't count coins in my left hand without them dribbling out all over the floor. Gripping handlebars is also a real problem. I suppose we'll just keep moving along and hopefully, eventually it will at least stop hurting.
On the biking front - I caved and bought a new helmet. I finally got tired of the old one leaving black shit on my forehead and in my hair. I bought a Giro Pneumo - this helmet is bad ass. It's super comfortable and has a ton of vent holes. Honestly, I forget I'm wearing it most of the time. I think the reason it's so comfortable is I bought a medium. I have a tiny peanut head and usually go for a small, which is tight because a medium has always felt too big. The Pneumo is big like a medium and close to being too big, but it fits and seems to fit really well. It wasn't cheap, but having a comfortable helmet can make all the difference in the world.
I also stopped using the CO2 air cartridges for filling tires. I read in Bicycling Magazine that the environmental impact of producing them is significant, plus the waste of spent cartridges. So I'm back to using strictly a pump. Of course, I hope I don't get another flat tire, but if I do I'm prepared. Just doing what I can to cut down my environmental footprint.
Bennie Rosario
Bennie is a friend of mine. We met at the Norfolk SPCA, he is the husband of Selina, a girl I worked with at the shelter. Bennie, or B-Nasty as I called him (he called me E-Money or E$), helped me on a few projects at the SPCA. I loved working with Bennie because he was really funny - our senses of humor were similar. Although he was younger than me by a decade, we got along quite well. At an age when a lot of guys are full of machismo and bullshit, Bennie was sensitive and caring. Although he'd probably prefer I didn't write that. Not a lot of folks could pull this off and garner the kind of respect Bennie did. He is without a doubt one of the genuinely nicest people I've met. Bennie was killed in a motorcycle accident over the weekend. He leaves behind a wife, three young daughters and a lot of very sad people who will no doubt remember him in much the same way I do.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Spawn of Bodmer
Such a beautiful day today - total contrast to yesterday. Today was 70 and sunny. Unfortunately, I was terribly unmotivated to do much of anything. I finally got off my ass and went for a ride. Man, was I glad I did. I cleaned and lubed the chain and gears before I left and it made all the difference in the world. The Shimano 600 shifters still suck, but the bike sounded so much better and did shift a little better.
I rode down to Food Fight to pick up a few things to mail to Doll in Mississippi. She's a huge fan of the Stonewall's Jerkee and needless to say there is nowhere in Mississippi to buy it, so I like to surprise her every now and then by mailing off a bunch. She's got a big transport coming this weekend to Denver so I'm hoping if I mail tomorrow it'll arrive in time for her trip.
I spoke with Doll today and she was telling me they are swimming in animals. Lots of puppies, cats and kittens at the moment. She told me people keep dropping cats and kittens at the front gate and driving off - at least one has been killed by the 'grazer' dogs at the sanctuary. The desperately needed transport this weekend is to Every Creature Counts in Denver. They're a terrific group and help out a lot by taking quite a few animals from Project Hope. Hopefully Doll can get a lot of the young ones out this weekend. Of course the never ending problem is there are more coming in right behind them - especially in Mississippi.
After Food Fight, I rode over to Hawthorne to have a coffee and read a little. It was only like 4 and I had a movie commitment downtown at 7:30, so I decided to try and stretch it out rather than run home. It worked out pretty well - although I was at the coffee shop for longer than I had planned. I arrived at the movie a little early, so I returned a call to Mr. Bodmer, where he informed me that Gretchen was preggers. I was shocked. I mean look at that photo for chistsake! Does that look like a man that would get a woman pregnant? As it turns out, that photo of Bill was taken years before he enrolled in a course that turns homosexuals straight. They've got classes for everything these days.
Of course, I'm just kidding. Bill is straight as an arrow (I think.) Congratulations Bill and Gretchen. I didn't think it would happen this quickly, but I'm happy for you both.
I rode down to Food Fight to pick up a few things to mail to Doll in Mississippi. She's a huge fan of the Stonewall's Jerkee and needless to say there is nowhere in Mississippi to buy it, so I like to surprise her every now and then by mailing off a bunch. She's got a big transport coming this weekend to Denver so I'm hoping if I mail tomorrow it'll arrive in time for her trip.
I spoke with Doll today and she was telling me they are swimming in animals. Lots of puppies, cats and kittens at the moment. She told me people keep dropping cats and kittens at the front gate and driving off - at least one has been killed by the 'grazer' dogs at the sanctuary. The desperately needed transport this weekend is to Every Creature Counts in Denver. They're a terrific group and help out a lot by taking quite a few animals from Project Hope. Hopefully Doll can get a lot of the young ones out this weekend. Of course the never ending problem is there are more coming in right behind them - especially in Mississippi.
After Food Fight, I rode over to Hawthorne to have a coffee and read a little. It was only like 4 and I had a movie commitment downtown at 7:30, so I decided to try and stretch it out rather than run home. It worked out pretty well - although I was at the coffee shop for longer than I had planned. I arrived at the movie a little early, so I returned a call to Mr. Bodmer, where he informed me that Gretchen was preggers. I was shocked. I mean look at that photo for chistsake! Does that look like a man that would get a woman pregnant? As it turns out, that photo of Bill was taken years before he enrolled in a course that turns homosexuals straight. They've got classes for everything these days.
Of course, I'm just kidding. Bill is straight as an arrow (I think.) Congratulations Bill and Gretchen. I didn't think it would happen this quickly, but I'm happy for you both.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
I'm Bringin' Lazy Back
I blame Dani - we were supposed to go shopping at 2 and she e-mailed me all frantic at 11 saying that she could go earlier. I had to quick take a shower and leave so I could meet her. I mean I had to leave like 10 minutes ago! Seriously. There was no time to ride my bike - honest. So I took the motorcycle. I know, I know I suck. If it helps at all, I felt really awful riding it over. I kinda got over it on the way home because it was really fun - but I still felt a little bad.
We went vintage clothes shopping for the Vegan Prom, which is 70s/80s themed. Dani knew the best vintage shops on Hawthorne - gotta give her credit. She found a really cute dress and I found some awful pants and a hideous shirt, but that's what it's all about, I guess. Shoes are gonna be tough - Dani's got some, but I'll have to get some Converse or something neutral. There aren't a lot of men's, affordable, vegan, 70s/80s themed shoes.
Since I was already on the motorcycle, I figured I may as well make use of it, so I stopped by Performance Bike to pick up a degreaser, chain cleaner and gear/chain lube. The drivetrain on my bike is making some god awful sounds, so I'm going to thoroughly clean and lube it.
We went vintage clothes shopping for the Vegan Prom, which is 70s/80s themed. Dani knew the best vintage shops on Hawthorne - gotta give her credit. She found a really cute dress and I found some awful pants and a hideous shirt, but that's what it's all about, I guess. Shoes are gonna be tough - Dani's got some, but I'll have to get some Converse or something neutral. There aren't a lot of men's, affordable, vegan, 70s/80s themed shoes.
Since I was already on the motorcycle, I figured I may as well make use of it, so I stopped by Performance Bike to pick up a degreaser, chain cleaner and gear/chain lube. The drivetrain on my bike is making some god awful sounds, so I'm going to thoroughly clean and lube it.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Be Kind Rewind
Well, we didn't see Persepolis, although about ten minutes into Be Kind Rewind, we all wished we had. How does shit like this even get made? You'd think someone with this little vision, whose judgement is this bad could not possibly have risen through the ranks to become a director. And was there no one else on set who could speak up? Wow. Do yourself a favor here folks and avoid this pile.
The ride totaled out to just shy of 8 miles round trip. The ride down was OK, but I wasn't really feeling it. That was until this dude rode up behind me at a stoplight. Something about having someone ride behind you makes you try much harder. One minute I'm riding an Eddy Merckx, the next minute I am Eddy Fucking Merckx! Calling my helmet-less companion on the Trek hybrid a pussy for falling back on the hills. Come on, bitch, you gotta keep up! At least that's how it went down in my head. Truth is he kept up - and was right behind me the whole way downtown.
The ride back was not so fun. I came out of the movie theater to a pretty steady drizzle, which turned into a full on rain the closer I got to home. By the time I got home my jeans were pretty well soaked. I have rain pants, but it's a pain in the ass stopping and putting them on. I guess I'd rather be wet.
The ride totaled out to just shy of 8 miles round trip. The ride down was OK, but I wasn't really feeling it. That was until this dude rode up behind me at a stoplight. Something about having someone ride behind you makes you try much harder. One minute I'm riding an Eddy Merckx, the next minute I am Eddy Fucking Merckx! Calling my helmet-less companion on the Trek hybrid a pussy for falling back on the hills. Come on, bitch, you gotta keep up! At least that's how it went down in my head. Truth is he kept up - and was right behind me the whole way downtown.
The ride back was not so fun. I came out of the movie theater to a pretty steady drizzle, which turned into a full on rain the closer I got to home. By the time I got home my jeans were pretty well soaked. I have rain pants, but it's a pain in the ass stopping and putting them on. I guess I'd rather be wet.
Persepolis
Tonight I'm riding down to the Laurelhurst Theater for a Meetup movie night. The movie is Persepolis, which I didn't know a lot about until I found that link. Who knew they speak French in Iran - interesting.
The weather is much like last night - windy, drizzly (or drizzly looking at least) and chilly. Of the three, I'm not really sure which I hate the most. I guess it depends on how I'm dressed, how far I have to pedal and how I'm feeling at the time the question is posed. It also depends on the degree to which I'm facing any of those elements. Like, 'raining like a sumbitch' probably sucks worse than, 'a little windy'. 'Drizzly' is probably a lot more bearable than 'colder than forty hells'. I suppose they all suck in their own special way.
The weather is much like last night - windy, drizzly (or drizzly looking at least) and chilly. Of the three, I'm not really sure which I hate the most. I guess it depends on how I'm dressed, how far I have to pedal and how I'm feeling at the time the question is posed. It also depends on the degree to which I'm facing any of those elements. Like, 'raining like a sumbitch' probably sucks worse than, 'a little windy'. 'Drizzly' is probably a lot more bearable than 'colder than forty hells'. I suppose they all suck in their own special way.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Cat Treats and a Scratching Pad
Pants is not pleasedAs I was leaving earlier, Pants reminded me not to forget (yet again) to get him some cat treats, so I booked it over to the cat treat store. I gathered my items, including a third scratching pad for the apartment and made my way to the register - only to find I had forgotten my damn wallet! Son of a... Back home to get my wallet. Fortunately the pet store is only about two miles away, so I hadn't really gone that far. I grabbed my wallet and back out I went.
Everything fit fine in my backpack, including the 'double wide' scratching pad. For those that don't know - Pants spent his first ten years cooling his heels at an animal sanctuary in Mississippi. While there he lived the life of a juvenile delinquent with a group of other free-roaming cats and he, like the others, scratched his claws on whatever he felt like. Now living in a fully carpeted 600 square foot apartment, he continues this behavior. He's already torn the carpet a new one in several places, jacked up a sit-up bench (mind you I was only using it for clothes storage, but that's not the point) and last night I caught him using my Ortlieb backpack as a scratching post. I was not thrilled. So we now have Ikea rugs thrown over several shabby spots on the floor and 3 scratching pads. I'm going to break him of this habit, I only wish I would have done it before I lost my security deposit - which at this point is a fond memory.
After the trip to get the cat's stuff, I headed back over to Hawthore St. This time I went to a little coffe shop called "Common Grounds". I think every city in America and perhaps the world has a coffee shop by this name. The coffee was pretty lousy, but they had a big comfy sofa and there weren't a lot of people there, so that made up for it. I sat down and read a little more Sedaris for awhile.
The total mileage accumulated, according to my new cyclocomputer, was just shy of twelve miles. This was a pretty short trip, not counting the four extra miles racked up going back and forth to the pet store, so I'm surprised it was almost twelve miles. I think I need to ride at least ten miles a day to really get in the habit of riding. On a side note, my legs were sore as hell on the bike tonight because of the yoga yesterday. The instructor made us do this really silly pose where we just laid on our backs like dead cockroaches with legs up in the air for an extended period. It felt more like the Army than yoga and today my legs were burning on the as a result.
Coffee
The weather is really crappy - windy, drizzly and chilly. I want a coffee though, so I'm going to have to suck it up and get out there. Plus I ordered a cyclocomputer to track my mileage and it arrived today, so I want to get it installed and give it a whirl. I settled on this model because it was cheap (30 bucks on sale) and wireless. I've had cyclocomputers in the past that weren't wireless and I can tell you that dealing with a cable can be a real hassle. I was also drawn to this model for it's simplicity. One button - four settings. I don't need heart rate, cadence and all that fancy shit - just tell me the time, how far I've been and how fast I'm traveling.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Post-yoga
Yoga was OK. The teacher was really quite attractive - which only served to make me more self-conscious. The ride down was nice, not too chilly. Afterwards I rode over to Powell's Books again on Hawthorne for a coffee. I read for a while, window shopped at the book store, then came home my usual route - Burnside Street. Pretty uneventful.
There seem to be a few inherent problems with yoga. The language the instructors use leaves me puzzled. Maybe it's just that way where I'm going because it's sort of a hippy commune, but she kept saying things like, "breathe through your spine" and "feel your breath leave the top of your head." What the fuck does that even mean? I breathe with my lungs - doesn't everyone? And my breath comes out of my mouth or nose - if it came out the top of my head, I'd probably need to trip to the emergency room.
Another of my concerns is the whole process of breathing in general. You'd think this would be pretty easy because I've been doing it for so long, but apparently I've been doing it wrong and I can't get the rhythm of how I'm supposed to be doing it - not in yoga class anyway. I breathe out when I'm supposed to be breathing in - I raise my stomach during an out breath when I'm supposed to be sucking my stomach in - I'm not breathing out of the top of my head slowly enough, etc. It seems so damn simple, but no matter how hard I concentrate I cannot get it right.
Maybe in time, I'll understand the lingo and get my breathing under control. That's assuming I go past the five visits I prepaid for. Two down, three to go!
(My friend Bill Bodmer thinks I'm less of a man because of the yoga. He also has a problem with my sauerkraut purchases. Well, suck it Bodmer! I'm going to keep doing my crappy yoga and buying my sauerkraut by the pound.)
There seem to be a few inherent problems with yoga. The language the instructors use leaves me puzzled. Maybe it's just that way where I'm going because it's sort of a hippy commune, but she kept saying things like, "breathe through your spine" and "feel your breath leave the top of your head." What the fuck does that even mean? I breathe with my lungs - doesn't everyone? And my breath comes out of my mouth or nose - if it came out the top of my head, I'd probably need to trip to the emergency room.
Another of my concerns is the whole process of breathing in general. You'd think this would be pretty easy because I've been doing it for so long, but apparently I've been doing it wrong and I can't get the rhythm of how I'm supposed to be doing it - not in yoga class anyway. I breathe out when I'm supposed to be breathing in - I raise my stomach during an out breath when I'm supposed to be sucking my stomach in - I'm not breathing out of the top of my head slowly enough, etc. It seems so damn simple, but no matter how hard I concentrate I cannot get it right.
Maybe in time, I'll understand the lingo and get my breathing under control. That's assuming I go past the five visits I prepaid for. Two down, three to go!
(My friend Bill Bodmer thinks I'm less of a man because of the yoga. He also has a problem with my sauerkraut purchases. Well, suck it Bodmer! I'm going to keep doing my crappy yoga and buying my sauerkraut by the pound.)
Yoga
Well it's 5:15 and I'm off to yoga. This is only my second trip and I'm still at the stage where the bike ride is not what keeps me from going, it's the embarrassment of having my face down and ass up on a yoga mat in front of a room full of strangers. Not to mention, I have no yoga skills whatsoever - in fact, I'm pretty awful. I'm sure the people in the class think I'm there secretly filming a skit for Jackass. Yeah, I'm that bad. The ride down is only about 80 blocks - maybe 4 to 5 miles one way? That's a total guess. The one and only reason I'm actually going - I've promised myself I'd go to Powell's Books again tonight and get a coffee and read. (Normally, I'd just say 'fuck it' and go get the coffee, but I'm making a whole-life attempt at being better at a few things.)
Speaking of the ride down not being so bad - it's kinda chilly out. It's really tough getting used to the cold - it's easy to over-dress and have to stop to take stuff off. It never seems to fail that the rides start out cold only to become hotter than a Bikram Yoga class ten minutes later. I guess there's no easy answer and you just have to get used to changing clothes often. For the record, I am not taking Bikram Yoga - at the moment I'm having enough trouble with the yoga at room temperature.
Speaking of the ride down not being so bad - it's kinda chilly out. It's really tough getting used to the cold - it's easy to over-dress and have to stop to take stuff off. It never seems to fail that the rides start out cold only to become hotter than a Bikram Yoga class ten minutes later. I guess there's no easy answer and you just have to get used to changing clothes often. For the record, I am not taking Bikram Yoga - at the moment I'm having enough trouble with the yoga at room temperature.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Sweet Jesus
I broke that old universal cardinal rule - don't go to the grocery store hungry. It's even more important for poor bastards on bikes. I got a little carried away at Whole Foods.
It may not look like a lot, but that goddamn jar of sauerkraut alone weighs 2 pounds! You'll just have to trust me on this - this shit was heavy. (Yes, that's 2 boxes of cookies - I've been eating like a wolverine ever since I started riding - cut me some slack)
The vast majority of it fit in my backpack, but I did have to cram some stuff into a small bag I picked up at Performance Bike on the way to Whole Foods. Had I not gotten the bag at Performance, I would have been screwed. I wish now I had gotten a bigger one - but then I'd just be tempted to fill it - probably with 2 more pounds of sauerkraut.
The book pictured is David Sedaris' new one called, When You Are Engulfed in Flames. I stopped off at Powell's Books on Hawthorne to pick it up on my way to Whole Foods. I grabbed a coffee and quickly read the first chapter. So far, so good - typical Sedaris humor. I can't imagine there's anyone who hasn't heard of David Sedaris, but if you are unfamiliar with his work you must go get Me Talk Pretty One Day and/or Naked. I would advise you not read them in public so as to save yourself the embarrassment of uncontrollably laughing out loud while people stare and think you've gone batshit. (Thanks Danielle for letting me know this was coming out today)
It may not look like a lot, but that goddamn jar of sauerkraut alone weighs 2 pounds! You'll just have to trust me on this - this shit was heavy. (Yes, that's 2 boxes of cookies - I've been eating like a wolverine ever since I started riding - cut me some slack)
The vast majority of it fit in my backpack, but I did have to cram some stuff into a small bag I picked up at Performance Bike on the way to Whole Foods. Had I not gotten the bag at Performance, I would have been screwed. I wish now I had gotten a bigger one - but then I'd just be tempted to fill it - probably with 2 more pounds of sauerkraut.
The book pictured is David Sedaris' new one called, When You Are Engulfed in Flames. I stopped off at Powell's Books on Hawthorne to pick it up on my way to Whole Foods. I grabbed a coffee and quickly read the first chapter. So far, so good - typical Sedaris humor. I can't imagine there's anyone who hasn't heard of David Sedaris, but if you are unfamiliar with his work you must go get Me Talk Pretty One Day and/or Naked. I would advise you not read them in public so as to save yourself the embarrassment of uncontrollably laughing out loud while people stare and think you've gone batshit. (Thanks Danielle for letting me know this was coming out today)
Monday, June 2, 2008
Large package
My trip to the Sex and the City movie last night has inspired me to use suggestive titles. It's not quite as exciting as it may sound, I just had to go to the post office to mail a large package. The box, which was full of VHS tapes and kinda heavy, wouldn't fit in my backpack - fortunately I have a quick release rear rack. Problem solved. It was a little unstable, but I made it without having to turn back to pick the box up out of the road.
On my way home I stopped off quickly (I had to rush home to meet a guy buying something from me off Craigslist) to pick up a 12 pack of diet Pepsi. I was amazed that the 12 pack fit in my backpack with lots of room to spare. I could've gotten at least one more in there and maybe two! That's one of the things about going strictly by bike, you get a real education on what you can and cannot carry. While the 12 pack easily fit in the backpack, I'm glad I didn't have to carry it more than a few blocks.
Tomorrow night, however, I have to go to the grocery store for a bunch of stuff. New Seasons Market is my favorite 'big'* grocery store in Portland. Unfortunately, there isn't one close to me. So tomorrow I'll go to Whole Foods, which is by no means close, but closer than New Seasons. I very well may be completely crippled by the time I get home with my groceries.
I've seen several people using bike trailers. While there are a couple of companies that manufacture them (see Burley and Bob), most folks just make their own. The ones by Burley and Bob are a little expensive to justify and the homemade version is probably out for a guy in a small apartment, not to mention a little too Burning Man for me. So for the time being I'll just load the backpack and strap whatever won't fit to my rear rack - or do without.
The day I have to get cat litter is going to be a sad day indeed. This might change my perspective on trailer costs, construction and/or whether or not people see me as a Burner.
*The best grocery store in Portland is Food Fight. Although it's referred to as more of a convenience store. It has everything a junk food loving vegan needs to pack on the Portland 15 (like the freshman 15, but for vegans who move to Portland.)
On my way home I stopped off quickly (I had to rush home to meet a guy buying something from me off Craigslist) to pick up a 12 pack of diet Pepsi. I was amazed that the 12 pack fit in my backpack with lots of room to spare. I could've gotten at least one more in there and maybe two! That's one of the things about going strictly by bike, you get a real education on what you can and cannot carry. While the 12 pack easily fit in the backpack, I'm glad I didn't have to carry it more than a few blocks.
Tomorrow night, however, I have to go to the grocery store for a bunch of stuff. New Seasons Market is my favorite 'big'* grocery store in Portland. Unfortunately, there isn't one close to me. So tomorrow I'll go to Whole Foods, which is by no means close, but closer than New Seasons. I very well may be completely crippled by the time I get home with my groceries.
I've seen several people using bike trailers. While there are a couple of companies that manufacture them (see Burley and Bob), most folks just make their own. The ones by Burley and Bob are a little expensive to justify and the homemade version is probably out for a guy in a small apartment, not to mention a little too Burning Man for me. So for the time being I'll just load the backpack and strap whatever won't fit to my rear rack - or do without.
The day I have to get cat litter is going to be a sad day indeed. This might change my perspective on trailer costs, construction and/or whether or not people see me as a Burner.
*The best grocery store in Portland is Food Fight. Although it's referred to as more of a convenience store. It has everything a junk food loving vegan needs to pack on the Portland 15 (like the freshman 15, but for vegans who move to Portland.)
Craigslist.org
This has little to do with biking, but I have sold a ton of shit on Craigslist (CL) lately. I actually sold some bike parts to a guy in Chapel Hill, NC last week who saw my ad on CL Portland. The trick with CL is you have to have an active community of folks who use it and Portland is really active. It's great. When I was in Norfolk I tried selling a few things on CL there, but got no takers on anything - here it's like a giant, super busy yard sale! Best if all, it's completely free to post!
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Flat tire
So I've been warming up for my month long challenge for a little less than a week and in that time I've already had 2 flat rear tires. WTF? The first time this happened I was on my way to the NW for a memorial ride for people hit and killed by cars. I got a flat about 30 blocks from the ride. I changed the tube, being extra careful to sweep the tire first to remove any tacks, staples or whatever that may be stuck in the tire. Got the new tube in, rode for about 20 blocks only to go flat again. Seems I missed a staple. I pumped it up and rode about half of the memorial ride before having to bail out.
So tonight after the movie I come out to find yet another flat rear tire. Terrific. I pump it up and started on my way home - I got about 40 blocks and completely flat. So I opted to change it by the side of the road. Fortunately I carry enough shit to open up a small bike shop, but I gotta tell ya, I'm getting pretty damn tired of changing tubes on the fly.
So tonight after the movie I come out to find yet another flat rear tire. Terrific. I pump it up and started on my way home - I got about 40 blocks and completely flat. So I opted to change it by the side of the road. Fortunately I carry enough shit to open up a small bike shop, but I gotta tell ya, I'm getting pretty damn tired of changing tubes on the fly.
Gear
Here's the stuff I'll be using to get me through...
The bike - 1996 Eddy Merckx titanium AX frame, Look carbon fork, Shimano 600 group, Fizik Rondine saddle, SKS Raceblade fenders, Mavic Cosmos wheelset, Crank Bros. Egg Beater pedals. I've also added a beefy top tube pad since I'm undoubtedly going to be locking it up a lot.
I love this bike - it's light, bullet-proof and really comfortable. The only problem at the moment is the Shimano 600 shifters kinda suck.
The bag - Ortlieb Waterproof Messenger bag.
See more here.
This bag is enormous - which is good and bad. I'm inclined to always fill it up which of course makes it heavy as hell to carry.
The jacket - Showers Pass Elite 2.0
See more here.
I've wanted one of these ever since I read a review in Bicycling Magazine a few years back. So far, it's great. It does fit snug which took a little getting used to.
The shoes - Sidi Dominator
See more here.
The link takes you to the newest in their line, but I've actually owned these shoes for close to 10 years. I've used them a lot and they're terrific. Most of of Sidi's stuff is vegan (including their line of motorcycle boots), is really tough and very well made. I've never had any problems with these shoes and highly recommend them.
The helmet - Giro E2
At the moment I'm using a helmet I bought about 8 years ago. The helmet I was using was damaged when I got hit by the car back in February, though I didn't realize it until I used it about a week ago and the damn thing finally gave out while I was out on a ride. The padding on the E2 I'm using at the moment is dry-rotted and leaves little black specks of foam on my head and forehead when I wear it. I like this helmet, though it is a little small and unless I can find replacement pads for it I'll be forced to buy a new one.
The pants - Novara Express Bike Pants
I'm getting lazy with the pictures (just click the link to see them.) I've ridden in these once so far and they were really great. Tapered legs keep them from getting caught in the gears. The waist is kinda high and I found myself damn near pulling them up to nipple level a few times though.
Security
I just bought a Kryptonite NY Fahgettaboudit lock. This thing weighs a ton, but if it helps keep my bike secure, it'll be more than worth it. I also switched the front skewer to one that uses a special tool to remove it. My hope is that during the times I can't lock the front wheel, this will keep it secure. I am a little worried about losing my pedals, seat/seat post and anything else not nailed down, but you can't account for everything. Just hope for the best and always keep enough change for a ride on the Max.
Miscellaneous bits
I'm also riding with the usual stuff you should not be without while riding: spare inner tubes (I have 2), inner tube patches (from Park), small tool kit (from Crank Bros.), tire levers (set of 2 - Park), pump (presta/schraeder compatible.) I'm also trying, for the first time, a compressed air cartridge system for filling tires. Fortunately, I haven't had to use it yet.
I also have gloves for cold nights and an ipod. There are several schools of thought about riding with an ipod, but sometimes you just gotta have it.
The bike - 1996 Eddy Merckx titanium AX frame, Look carbon fork, Shimano 600 group, Fizik Rondine saddle, SKS Raceblade fenders, Mavic Cosmos wheelset, Crank Bros. Egg Beater pedals. I've also added a beefy top tube pad since I'm undoubtedly going to be locking it up a lot.
I love this bike - it's light, bullet-proof and really comfortable. The only problem at the moment is the Shimano 600 shifters kinda suck.
The bag - Ortlieb Waterproof Messenger bag.
See more here.
This bag is enormous - which is good and bad. I'm inclined to always fill it up which of course makes it heavy as hell to carry.
The jacket - Showers Pass Elite 2.0
See more here.
I've wanted one of these ever since I read a review in Bicycling Magazine a few years back. So far, it's great. It does fit snug which took a little getting used to.
The shoes - Sidi Dominator
See more here.
The link takes you to the newest in their line, but I've actually owned these shoes for close to 10 years. I've used them a lot and they're terrific. Most of of Sidi's stuff is vegan (including their line of motorcycle boots), is really tough and very well made. I've never had any problems with these shoes and highly recommend them.
The helmet - Giro E2
At the moment I'm using a helmet I bought about 8 years ago. The helmet I was using was damaged when I got hit by the car back in February, though I didn't realize it until I used it about a week ago and the damn thing finally gave out while I was out on a ride. The padding on the E2 I'm using at the moment is dry-rotted and leaves little black specks of foam on my head and forehead when I wear it. I like this helmet, though it is a little small and unless I can find replacement pads for it I'll be forced to buy a new one.
The pants - Novara Express Bike Pants
I'm getting lazy with the pictures (just click the link to see them.) I've ridden in these once so far and they were really great. Tapered legs keep them from getting caught in the gears. The waist is kinda high and I found myself damn near pulling them up to nipple level a few times though.
Security
I just bought a Kryptonite NY Fahgettaboudit lock. This thing weighs a ton, but if it helps keep my bike secure, it'll be more than worth it. I also switched the front skewer to one that uses a special tool to remove it. My hope is that during the times I can't lock the front wheel, this will keep it secure. I am a little worried about losing my pedals, seat/seat post and anything else not nailed down, but you can't account for everything. Just hope for the best and always keep enough change for a ride on the Max.
Miscellaneous bits
I'm also riding with the usual stuff you should not be without while riding: spare inner tubes (I have 2), inner tube patches (from Park), small tool kit (from Crank Bros.), tire levers (set of 2 - Park), pump (presta/schraeder compatible.) I'm also trying, for the first time, a compressed air cartridge system for filling tires. Fortunately, I haven't had to use it yet.
I also have gloves for cold nights and an ipod. There are several schools of thought about riding with an ipod, but sometimes you just gotta have it.
Oh Crap
June 1st. Did I say I'd start June 1st, or July 1st? Unfortunately, I've told several people I'm doing this, so now I'm kinda screwed. Man, it's raining and kinda chilly, too.
Well, this is it - day 1. I don't have any real plans today, except I did agree to go with Dani to see the Sex and the City movie tonight way the hell downtown. I know, I know, Sex and the City. I'm trying to nourish my gay side. I've already e-mailed Dani that she's going to have to make it up to me by going to see the new Indiana Jones flick. She has yet to respond to that e-mail.
The ride yesterday was nice. The weather was beautiful and perfect for riding - sunny and probably 70. I rode downtown using my usual route, Burnside St. I met Dani for vegan brunch, which was amazing, then went to Matt's house to help with a computer that died. I also stopped by Cycle Path and test rode a Vamoots just for fun.
Most of the roads in Portland are really good for riding. I feel pretty safe being in traffic on most of them. Burnside has a bike lane a good portion of the way downtown. It's a little hilly and going downtown is the easy part - mostly down hill. Coming out of downtown is a pretty steady climb with a couple of steep sections leading back to my apartment. They seem to get a little easier every time I ride 'em. Since this this is my favorite way to come and go, I'm going to get a lot of practice.
Well, this is it - day 1. I don't have any real plans today, except I did agree to go with Dani to see the Sex and the City movie tonight way the hell downtown. I know, I know, Sex and the City. I'm trying to nourish my gay side. I've already e-mailed Dani that she's going to have to make it up to me by going to see the new Indiana Jones flick. She has yet to respond to that e-mail.
The ride yesterday was nice. The weather was beautiful and perfect for riding - sunny and probably 70. I rode downtown using my usual route, Burnside St. I met Dani for vegan brunch, which was amazing, then went to Matt's house to help with a computer that died. I also stopped by Cycle Path and test rode a Vamoots just for fun.
Most of the roads in Portland are really good for riding. I feel pretty safe being in traffic on most of them. Burnside has a bike lane a good portion of the way downtown. It's a little hilly and going downtown is the easy part - mostly down hill. Coming out of downtown is a pretty steady climb with a couple of steep sections leading back to my apartment. They seem to get a little easier every time I ride 'em. Since this this is my favorite way to come and go, I'm going to get a lot of practice.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
The Warm Up
Tomorrow is the big day. Tomorrow I officially swear off cars for a month. Technically, I'm also supposed to give up my motorcycle, but my friend Connie tells me that if I don't ride the motorcycle in June, I may not get much riding in or at least much dry weather riding. I'm going to proceed as if I won't be using the motorcycle.
I've been riding a little to prepare me for tomorrow and the days to come. I rode downtown (100+ blocks or about 15 miles round trip) the other night for dinner at the Vegetarian House, an all vegan Chinese food joint. I rode to the office a couple of days ago (about 14 miles round trip). It's been good so far. Tough to get back into the routine of riding, but not as hard as I thought - you just have to remember to leave super early for appointments.
The toughest thing so far honestly has been getting used to being in traffic again on a bike. After having been hit by a car at an intersection some four months ago, it's a little scary being at intersections with cars. I can't say I've had close calls yet, but I have had people pull out in front of me and ease into several intersections as I approached. It's frightening when people aren't looking at you and are easing out into the roadway ahead of you. It only takes a second or a few feet to completely ruin your whole day.
This morning I'm riding down to Veganopolis to meet my friend Dani for lunch. It's downtown across the water about 7-8 miles one way. I have a few errands to run afterwards so I'll probably rack up 20 miles or more total. I probably should get a bike computer and count my mileage. Maybe I'll add that to my list of errands.
I've been riding a little to prepare me for tomorrow and the days to come. I rode downtown (100+ blocks or about 15 miles round trip) the other night for dinner at the Vegetarian House, an all vegan Chinese food joint. I rode to the office a couple of days ago (about 14 miles round trip). It's been good so far. Tough to get back into the routine of riding, but not as hard as I thought - you just have to remember to leave super early for appointments.
The toughest thing so far honestly has been getting used to being in traffic again on a bike. After having been hit by a car at an intersection some four months ago, it's a little scary being at intersections with cars. I can't say I've had close calls yet, but I have had people pull out in front of me and ease into several intersections as I approached. It's frightening when people aren't looking at you and are easing out into the roadway ahead of you. It only takes a second or a few feet to completely ruin your whole day.
This morning I'm riding down to Veganopolis to meet my friend Dani for lunch. It's downtown across the water about 7-8 miles one way. I have a few errands to run afterwards so I'll probably rack up 20 miles or more total. I probably should get a bike computer and count my mileage. Maybe I'll add that to my list of errands.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Car-Free June
I had a bit of an epiphany a few days ago - I would go the month of June by bike and bike alone. Now, I realize this may not sound like a huge deal - I realize there are hundreds, thousands even, just in Portland that bike it every day. My disadvantage? I'm terribly, terribly lazy. And while I'd like to believe I'm a rugged, out-in-the-elements kinda guy - truth is I'm a complete pussy. I'm a creature of habit and at the moment my habit is lazy, comfortable and above all, dry. And riding a bike in Portland means hills, discomfort and rain - basically the opposite of everything I hold so dear.
Follow me on my path to a car-free June.
Follow me on my path to a car-free June.
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