Taxi777’s Bike stuff and other musings
Tandem Couples Of NorCal
December 22, 2008The Tandem Couples of NorCal
The Tandem Couples of NorCal
A solo’s perspective:
Taxi777
Have you ever noticed that this unique breed of couples seem to be having all the fun at times? You can pretty much count on any long ride, or century that you’ll be in your worst state of misery and one of these crews will zip past, or clip clop merrily by “good day my fine sir…Top O the day to ya! and a pip pip…goodbye!” That’s about the time I’m completely broken and utter two words and they’re not “Merry Christmas!”
Still my favorite line or cliche by now is “Whatever direction a relationship is going, will get there faster on a Tandem.” I think in a way I’m a bit jealous. There are many times and moments you so much want to enjoy and share with another person that is right there with you. There is so a lot of responsibility for each other. You have to care for the other person and no matter what, from what I hear develop a deep wonderful relationship on a whole new level, even if you’ve been together 20 years.
Some questions go through my head every time I see one of those grand flagships of cycling go whizzing by me…I very rarely if at all pass them! I think every soloist or perspective Tandem couple would love to know the answer to some of these pertinent questions, so I’ll let these unique couples answer those questions we always ask of them. Maybe It will inspire some significant others to consider taking this step into a whole new beautiful relationship and direction with someone they truly care for.
Maybe this should be one thing a couple in a troubled relationship should try before walking out that door. relationship counseling on wheels!
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1. How long together riding a tandem?
Ray & Steph - We started riding tandems in 1986 after reading a review on the Kuwahara tandem in Bicycling magazine.
We used to ride quite a bit but laid off after starting a family. Did a
few tandem rallies and centuries in the past. So fast forward to today,
our rides are usually short 20 to 70 miles and at a recreational pace.
We are definitely not hammerheads!
Rich & Mary Ellen - We purchased our first
tandem in 1981 living in San Diego – 27 years. We have been riding off
and on since then. Major rides and tours have been:
San Diego:
Tecate to Ensenada - San Diego, Tacate to Ensenado and back to San Diego (Self supported tour) and Monterey to Santa Monica.
San Mateo:
Solvang Centure - Sonoma tour – Tuscany Italy Tour -Mallorca Spain Tour
Dave & Lisa - 10 months
Jack & Wife - Approximately 3 years now.
Eric and Jen - We’ve been riding tandem since July 2008.
David & Felicia - My wife and I have been on the tandem for 1.5 years.
She decided that she wanted to join in on my cycling, as I have been
racing and riding since 1979. (The racing is over by the way.)
Miguel & Andrea - We just started about 6 months ago. buildrunbike was kind enough to loan us his Cannondale tandem.
Brett & Lisa - Three Years
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2. Type/Brand of Tandem
Ray & Steph
- after reading a review on the Kuwahara tandem in Bicycling magazine.
We bought one and were instantly hooked! A year later we bought a
Santana Arriva S, their racing model. In 1989, we purchased a Santana
mountain tandem; the Picante. We still have all 3 of our
tandems and I’m thinking about buying a 4th one, a 2009 Cannondale RT2!
Rich & Mary Ellen - Santana Sovereign aluminum frame with a carbon fork
Dave & Lisa - Co-Motion Periscope 700
Jack & Wife - First tandem was a Schwinn beach cruiser and then an old Santana. Now we have a Raleigh bought from Red Rider.
Eric & Jen - 2. Co-motion periscope torpedo 26″ from Crank2 - AKA the Yellow
Submarine
David & Felicia - We have a Santana Team Niobium.
Miguel & Andrea - Currently own a Co-Motion Periscope Hammerhead (the Alu frame model w/ Carbon fork)
Brett & Lisa - We ride a Trek ProjectOne
tandem. The frame was found on Craiglist and I built it up from there.
(We started riding together on a Cannondale tandem that we bought off
of EBay.) It’s black with flames. We’re not types who are into flames,
but it has grown on us.
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3. Most difficult to date, ride together Physical/Mental/emotional (little story?)
Ray & Steph - Most difficult ride to date…….humm, I believe it would be one of our recent rides with lots of climbing in the heat. It doesn’t help to be out of shape, overweight and much older! But back in our younger days, it had to be our rides up to the very top of Mt Tam via Fairfax from SF.
Rich & Mary Ellen -Mary Ellen and I discussed this and it is difficult to pick out any ride as “most difficult”.
We are very conservative and prepare to the max for tours and events. We agree that the most epic, inspiring and to a degree difficult was our climb to Cape Formento in Mallorca Spain.
We had both competed in the Mount Tam Hill Climb so we were ready for most anything that Mallorca had to offer. The climb to Cape Formentor started with a 9.5 mile flat section. We climbed our first ascent which is a slightly smaller Old La Honda with a similar grade. We stopped for pics and enjoyed a great view of the Mediterranean Sea in the background. We traveled through a totally dark tunnel only seeing the light at the end of the tunnel to guide our path and hoping the pavement below did not contain any potholes. After cresting the top of the first climb, we descended a series of challenging switchbacks into a valley and started our ascent to the light house. We went up a series of clmbs / false flats and then the road pitched up and narrowed. We were mostly climbing with some descending on a small two lane rode with no protection from falling down the side of the mountain on the rocks if you went off the side of the road. The views were spectacular. It required total concentration and confidence in our ability as a team - no mistakes. We came around a bend in the road and there was the lighthouse sitting on another rocky peninsula summit surrounded by blue water and sunny skies. We descended and made the final climb to the lighthouse.
It was a great feeling and
the views were magnificent. The descent down the narrow road was
exhilarating and required the same concentration and focus. The ride
was truly an epic ride and like nothing we had done before.
Dave & Lisa - Most difficult to date, ride together Physical/Mental/emotional.
Sea Otter Classic Century 2008 (DNF). Thinking that since I (the captain) have been doing so well in longer rides (~80 miles), the SOC shouldn’t be too difficult on the tandem. It turned out that after 2 flats and missing most of the group, we were in so much trouble that we could barely do the main climb. I bonked halfway up, and Lisa (the stoker) didn’t know what was going on, so she kept complaining that I kept complaining. It was a nightmare of tandem proportions. At mile 86, we threw in the towel and Sagged it back.
We were two of about 11 people who DNF’d, out of a full field of more than 200 (I think). I swore revenge, and someday we will try it again, but this time it’ll be different … The lessons learned at SOC 2008 would stay with us to this day, while we are continually improving and fighting the early off-season problems such as the flu.
Jack & Wife - Most difficult to date, ride together Physical/Mental/emotional (little story?)
- The first time we hit the road. Timing was off, communication was ‘ya know, screaming at each other LOL.
Eric & Jen - Most difficult was probably the first real ride we took after
bringing it home. I screwed up twice in a five mile ride and the
second time was really scary — we were going on a wooden bridge
underpass and I started wobbling over the rough boards. The
oscillations got worse fast and I thought we were going over — Jen
urges me just like Bryon (At the bike shop) said — “PEDAL PEDAL!!” and
she cranked on it, got us moving faster and stable again. WHEW.
Everything since that has been cake.
David & Felicia - The most challenging rides so far have been metric century rides.
Miguel & Andrea - We did OLH on the loaner
tandem (46lbs) in 34 minutes and just finished it on the new one
(34lbs) in 32 minutes. So losing 10 lbs got us 2 minutes
Any sustained climbing really puts a hurt on quickly.
Brett & Lisa - We rode Seattle-to-Portland
this past July. We crashed at mile 60 at a set of train tracks, but
still managed to limp the remaining 140 miles into Portland, 15 hours
after we left Seattle. Here’s a picture of some of the carnage. (I had
a similar contusion, but I don’t photograph as well.) I also included a
picture of Lisa with Elvis.
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4. Relationship improved?
Ray & Steph - think our relation improved because riding tandems gave us one more activity to do as a couple.
Rich & Mary Ellen - Yes. Tandem riding is about working as a team. We love the teamwork and tandeming is ideal for tours and long event rides.
Dave & Lisa - Definitely!
Jack & Wife - Yes. Physical fitness too.
Eric & Jen - Yep definitely - We just need to find more time to take it out, we
have a 4 year old who’s too little to stoke but too big to tow in the
trailer very easily.
David & Felicia - Our relationship has not changed, it is always good.
Miguel & Andrea - I’d say so. No more waiting for the other person to catch up to the other.
Brett & Lisa - We bought our first tandem when we were engaged. She still married me! And we’re still married!
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5. Would you ever want to change places ie. Stoker to Captain or reverse?
Ray & Steph
- I definitely would not be a stoker today. Did a ride once and fought
the captain all the way. It was a habit of trying to steer from the
rear and his Italian made tandem was flexing like a wet noodle! 
Rich & Mary Ellen - Mary Ellen said no way and Rich would stoke for another captain. However, due to our size differential and the sizing of our tandem, Rich must be the captain for our team.
Dave & Lisa - Can’t, bike won’t fit.
Jack & Wife - NOOOOOOOOOOOO
Eric & Jen - Sure. She’s gotta learn to shift STI though. Little known fact:
Tandems are controlled from the back, they just happen to be steered
from the front 
David & Felicia - We would not change positions as she has no interest in working so hard in the front.
Miguel & Andrea - We do it regularly. Typically I captain for about 90% of the ride. Thanks to our equal heights, we can switch places if desired. I just switched with her after descending 84. My hands were a little numb from gripping the bars and I was able to stretch out for about 20 minutes in back.
Brett & Lisa - Nope.
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6. What made you decide to purchase a tandem?
Ray & Steph - I bought the tandem in 1986 so that she would be able to do the group rides with the guys. Otherwise she’ll be sitting home waiting for me. LOL It was our best investment at the time and our tandems have brought us many happy and fun adventures. In the past, we have done a few camping trips with our Kuwahara tandem too. Such romantic times!
Nowadays, we ride so we can
simply do some exercise together. I’ve gain so much weight since
starting a family and being lazy. I have been trying to lose a few
pounds this past year and lost 25 lbs and hopefully another 30 for 09.
We’ll see………
Rich & Mary Ellen - 1981…Mary Ellen and I were both running and she was focusing on marathons and I was focusing 10K. We were both cycling but I was more into cycling than running. When we would cycle together, I would want to go faster. I would either ride behind her or slow down and lead. I got the idea to get a tandem to equalize abilities. A friend of mine and I rented a tandem at Pacific Beach and tried it. It was terrible and when we applied power the frame twisted and the bike snaked along the PB boardwalk. A local bike shop arranged for us to try a real tandem and we test road another couples Santana. We bought the Santana and the idea of riding as a team was born.
Dave & Lisa - N/A
Jack & Wife - She can not ride a bike on her own.
Eric & Jen - Jen wanted to spend bike time with me and she’s not up for road
riding on a solo bike (yet!). I started researching tandems and the
bug caught us.
David & Felicia - We bought the tandem to spend more time together.
Miguel & Andrea - Being able to cycle
two-gether. You really can carry on a conversation in a more relaxed
atmosphere of not having to worry about riding 2 abreast. Also, the
model we purchased will allow our family to grow into the bike with us
and hopefully ride as they get bigger. I have already hooked up my 7
year old in the stoker area and put my 3 year old on the trail-a-bike
for one long train.
Brett & Lisa - N/A
If you want anything changed or added let me know-pm me or email best, taxi777@pacbell.net
Ahhh…Much better; My Vitamin Cocktail
December 21, 2008Ahhh…! Much better….My Vitamin Cocktail
Maybe it’s all in my head, but I think the correct vitamins are working!
I guess I’m a doping cyclist? Or just a dopey cyclist!
I dosed 2 hrs. before riding.
Bottom line I think my aids drugs are tearing me up at a nuclear
level and the vitamins are cleaning up and helping my body repair
itself. I’ll report back after 2 weeks of treatment.
Today was my first day utilizing my vitamin cocktail. I think it’s a winner!
a. numbness in hands at an all time minumum.
b. No exhausted feelings over 6o miles, with climbing.
c. minimal lactic acid build up and quick recovery.
1. Biotin- Biotin is necessary for cell growth, the production of fatty acids, and the metabolism of fats and amino acids. It plays a role in the Citric acid cycle, which is the process by which biochemical energy is generated during aerobic respiration. Biotin not only assists in various metabolic reactions, but also helps to transfer carbon dioxide. Biotin is also helpful in maintaining a steady blood sugar level. Biotin is often recommended for strengthening hair and nails. Consequently, it is found in many cosmetic and health products for the hair and skin.
2. B-12- 500 Mcg, 1000 Mcg, Vitamin B-12 is a water soluble vitamin with a key role in the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system, and for the formation of blood. It is one of the eight B vitamins. It is normally involved in the metabolism of every cell of the body, especially affecting DNA synthesis and regulation, but also fatty acid synthesis and energy production.
3. Folic Acid- 400 Mcg, Folate is necessary for the production and maintenance of new cells.[2]
This is especially important during periods of rapid cell division and
growth such as infancy and pregnancy. Folate is needed to synthesize DNA bases (most notably thymine, but also purine
bases) needed for DNA replication. Thus folate deficiency hinders DNA
synthesis and cell division, affecting most notably bone marrow and
cancer, both of which participate in rapid cell division. RNA
transcription, and subsequent protein synthesis, are less affected by
folate deficiency as the mRNA can be recycled and used again (as
opposed to DNA synthesis where a new genomic copy must be created).
Since folate deficiency limits cell division, erythropoiesis, production of red blood cells (RBCs) is hindered and leads to megaloblastic anemia
which is characterized by large immature RBCs. This pathology results
from persistently thwarted attempts at normal DNA replication, DNA
repair, and cell division and produces abnormally large cells
(megaloblasts) with abundant cytoplasm capable of RNA and protein
synthesis but with clumping and fragmentation of nuclear chromatin.
Some of these large cells, although immature, are released early from
the marrow in an attempt to compensate for the anemia caused by lack of RBCs. [3] Both adults and children need folate to make normal RBCs and prevent anemia.[4] Deficiency of folate in pregnant women has been implicated in neural tube defects; therefore, many cereals sold in developed countries are enriched with folate to avoid such complications.
4. Iron 65 Mg,
Most of the iron you consume goes to form hemoglobin, the substance that helps your red blood cells transport oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. The rest is stored in the bone marrow, liver, spleen and other organs.
Because iron also plays a key role in helping to prepare your immune
system’s infection fighters for battle, a deficiency may lead to colds.
Low iron levels can also cause 
fatigue,
pallor and listlessness–hallmarks of anemia, says Dr. Sherman. In
children, low iron levels can cause stunted growth and impaired
learning. Other symptoms of iron deficiency include split nails, a sore tongue and cold hands and feet. An annoying condition called restless legs has also been linked to low iron.
I had a really exceptional ride today…Hopefully cause of these dietary changes.
I Rode With Levi!
December 21, 2008
Levi Strauss!…got your’re attention!
Alan, Tom and I decided to get a close to the city ride in today…Unfortunately couldn’t do Ron’s Penguin ride : (
Alan enjoying freedom
Alan and Tom
Ran into Johnathan’s Team n’ Training buddies on Tam…
Off course ran into the Femme De Jour “Christine” She’ll be racing San Bruno…She was right behind me going up Tam
Dork Shot 200
At the Dam
Great ride, and thanks for inviting me last second guys.
I felt great today…I think the supplements work for me…
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly also The Very Good : Ward 86
December 19, 2008The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
…I start the climb…Holy crap, 40 yards and I’m skunked! I can’t get oxygen and my legs are leaden. This sucks.
I’m doing a training ride on Mt. San Bruno and it’s not going well. I barely made it down here and my heart and soul are in the mud…by the time I get to the half-way point, I’m done! I bail and go home. I try to take a short cut but a couple of wrong turns…Bleechh what a mess I am.
Well I figured out one reason why I’m bonking so bad…
My last two blood work ups have shown a steady decrease in red blood cells,
but everything else is great! Even my HIV is undetectable! That’s freaking awesome after only a year on meds.
I’m on B-12 vitamins, drinking milk and eating red meat hoping I can
get my red blood cells back up. I just plain suck now. Could be a
training slump too. I’m hoping I find a magic bullet, like “Grandma’s
magic Man-o-pause relief tonic”
In the mean time it’s all working against my psyche. I’m afraid I’ll really blow up on the San Bruno race…
Speaking of “blood”. I’ve gone through a little nostalgia trip
lately with what I’ve been through this year. The reason I’m alive is
because of a wonderful place called “Ward 86″
Back
when I was driving a cab, everyday it seemed like I’d get a call to
pick up for a fare going to “Ward 86″ If you don’t know about “Ward 86″
check this link and come back to my blog…
The History of Ward 86 and patient 0
UCSF Positive Health Program at SFGH
…As I look in the mirror at the ghost in my backseat…a skinny
thing coughing incessantly and her sarcoma showing like purple tatoos
all over her body. She tells me of her boyfriend that would give her
the chip shots of Chrystal meth into her thighs almost everyday. She
was afraid to shoot herself up, so he would do her after shooting himself
with the same needle. One day she just started coughing and didn’t
stop. She had a rash up and down her legs and she just felt like shit
all the time…
We talked and I knew while I chatted up this ghost that this was her
last cab ride…I dropped her at “Ward 86″. Everyday for a long long time
this went on. I never knew that one day I would myself be dropped off
by cab to “Ward 86″. I’ve
experienced the darkest moments and the happiest moments in my life
here at the Ward. I’ve met some the most beautiful and inspirational
people I’ve ever known here. Best of all…I’ve survived. I’ve had serious mental issues due to my background, growing up, and going through
what I’ve experienced in life. There are people who have tried so hard
to help me and make my life better. They are the saints of Ward 86.
Without them I would never have made it this far.
Karena
is my social worker and therapist who I’ve been going to for the last
year. No words can describe how wondful, giving and comforting she’s
been for me. My life is a lot different than I ever thought it would be
because of her help. She’s become my friend, put up with my craziness
and She knows everything! More than anyone in the world…That’s trust
baby!
Then there is Anna my guardian angel who has been with me through this
trial every step of the way. She takes all my fear away. She alway’s
says to me “let go and let God”…that’s Anna! She’s in charge of keeping
track of my medications and everything that has to do with my progress
through this trial.
Just really wonderful people…The beautiful Dr. Annie, Diane (who
dropped the bomb on me) Lisa, Roland, Dr. Baker, Dr. Bacon…on and on
and on…
What a Haven…The place I was so afraid of and now I look forward to going to…Life is strange…and wonderful.
BTW I’ve decided to give myself over to be a willing “Lab Rat” for anything they want to try out. As far as I’m concerned they’ve given me my life.
Pete
A Funny Thing Happened On The Way…
December 15, 2008A Funny Thing Happened On The Way…
Read on…
A funny thing happened on the way to 10,000 miles in one year on my bike(s).
I “Bonked”. Plus I don’t really care anymore it’s just a number, a happenstance…an inevitability when your life revolves around your bike and you have the flex time that I do, well sort of. I sacrifice a lot too. You have a could chance of making those numbers happen.
So Saturday I go out feeling really
bad. It definitely is this medication I’m taking, so I’ll change the
time again to try and get it right. It’s 20 mils of ablilify and 10
mils of time released paxil. I have a body that is stingy with the
dopamine and won’t produce serotonin
So the Psychology is that I look at a half glass of water as empty!
I’m such a downer with legs. I think the crap is working to some
extent, I mean I haven’t killed myself or anyone. The stuff makes you
really sleepy, kind of like when you’ve been in the sun for awhile you
get nappy, but this makes you seriously nappy.
So I’m nappy and kind of bored riding.
For some reason I want to be on my Singlespeed Taxi bike, so I turn
around and go back and get it. When I go back out my legs feel like
lead and I’m nappy, so I say “F” it! I could do the 10,000 if I really
wanted to, but really?
I think I’m going to change the workout program too. Less miles more “high intensity”. I’m toying with the idea of racing next year, so that would be the best plan.
Wouldn’t it be kind of cool to get a sponsor for the NorCal group? We’ve got some great talented riders, Male and Female. Hmmm? an idea to ponder. I always thought about being a coach would be really cool. I really like helping people dig down and find what they’ve got. I like to encourage and teach and when people succeed in their personal goals whether it be their weight or how fast they can go in a hundred miles, I always feel like a proud dad! I mean think about it. Maybe Ron can be manager…we seem to work well together and know how to have fun. Ron keeps me from getting too serious and I like to give him confidence and point out the good things about himself, which usually just makes him laugh! “NorCal Gladiators” has a nice ring to it.
My other goal besides racing is to do a Triple double
Solvang
Eastern Sierra
Davis
Maybe-Mt. Tam Double, so four altogether.
Oh yep, want to ride with the SoCal’s
specially Mary…”The One and Only”. I actually want to ride with some
other regional groups just for the fun of it. Maybe even back east
sometime.
Well its raining and I’m
about to do my first indoor ride of the winter. I like the CTS time
trial dvd. It’s a great workout and plus there’s one really hot sweaty
chick who really sends me. She’s really cute cause she’s shy. and she
reminds me of Veronica Lake…That kind of sexy. I really like when woman
are soaking wet with sweat…makes me want to lick all the salt off!
Woman are like one big Potato chip and I love the chips!
Dark Horse & Performance Anxiety & My WorryStone of Ice
November 28, 2008Dark Horse
Her money’s riding on this Dark horse…She knows he needs to run. They met 32 years ago.
Her heart said it was the right thing to do. Together they’ll love and live on. His true colors will show someday, but he has to run and she knows cause her money’s riding on this dark horse.
He’s a wily one, with a restless soul, but his Philly jumper keeps him from going away. He’s pulled mercilessly from all points and greener pastures. This little farm is where his heart resides. Near this little river.
He’s a dreamer looking for dream… She says; ” I believe in you and I can’t even count the ways that I do…I will hold you I will help you stand and so he stays, for he believes one day she will believe in herself.
His money’s riding on this Philly…He knows she needs to run.I love my Philly jumper…
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Performance Anxiety & My WorryStone of Ice
I almost feel paralyzed from doing anything because I’m goin F’ frigginteen mph in a zillion different directions.
I want to do Hamilton tomorrow, but can’t get a car and the train doesn’t get down there early enough to register for the start of the Low Key Hill Climb Challenge! I’m going to do it anyway just cause I need to ride my SSpeed Langster up that one more Bay Area mountain to feel complete. I know I can make it, I have no doubts, but I’m so excited about it I can’t sit still!
My camera is becoming more than a camera to me…More of a “Worry Stone” Remember when you were a kid and you could buy those stupid “Mini Pet Rocks.” I did like them though! I wish I had stuck with them and not gotten into the hard stuff for which I’ve paid dearly!
My camera gives me …ha ha “Focus”…I love that! It’s an Ice breaker
and an Ice maker depending on who you’re shooting… So tonight I skipped
out with my camera to take some shots and came across some speaking of
Ice… 
Whoever did the windows in “Tiffany’s” knocked it out of the park! I
love these displays. I’m not really big on jewels, but Ice and Sex
together really set me off! Yep! I’m weird. Cold, smooth wet blue ice
and pale skin…I’ll take that over fur and a cozy fireplace any day! I
just wonder where that proclivity comes from?
Well, here’s what turns me on besides cycling music and photography!
See some of you tomorrow…
Pete…As cold as ice tonight and lovin it. 
Of course in the middle of
all this I get an emergency plumbing issue that took me out of the
“Zone” and put me in my place with a plunger in my hand. Fortunately it
wasn’t that big of a deal and the woman was super hot from
pakistan…freaking beautiful…arrrggghh!
Her niece and nephew were coachng me through it all…talk about shot out of a cannon!
…Satori
November 26, 2008
A spiritual awakening sought in Zen Buddhism, often coming suddenly.
There’s a lot going on behind the eyes of this face that only a mother could love.
Since I’m trying to eliminate shame along with the filters of inhibition in my life, but still not quite sure of where the boundaries of inappropriateness actually lie. (I’m constantly testing them). You are all my virtual lab rats and I thank you for that.
I decided to start something kind of cool, well at least I think so. I sort of initiated it over a year ago, but due to factors that derailed my idea I had somewhat forgotten about it.
I’ve decided that everytime I transport into “The Zone” that to remember the ocassion I’ll take a snapshot of my face. Maybe if I live to be 80-90 years old, I’ll be able to remember how I felt at that one moment in my life and I’ll be happy that I lived to the fullest, or at least tried.
I have a “Zone” fetish. The Zone can be called many different things…Satori, Nirvana or Jesus in a Taco shell! It’s all the same. When the mind, body and spirit converge and human emotion cannot be contained. I cry sometimes. I laugh, or talk to myself. Music is a huge trigger for this. Cycling too. Combine the two and It can get overwhelming. I reach it through being around people that are happy. I say stupid things when I’m “high” in the zone. I don’t care anymore…I don’t want to keep this hidden. I love it when I’ll say something profoundly silly to someone I love or in groups of people that I feel comfortable with.
I think my bike friends have incubated this thought process in me. They don’t care and are not that embarressed by me. Maybe cause they are older and understand, but probably are more comfortable with themselves that if something is stirred up in them that gives them shame, I become a conduit to let that thought rise to the surface and make it easy to deal with.
So what I’m trying to say is I don’t mind being the jester and taking the bullet you’re afraid to take and maybe you like that? So in return you come with me into the Satori and there’s nothing I like better than partying in the “Zone” with my friends!
I hope this isn’t too abstract for you, but those who are my friends
(the one’s I love) I think you get me…So you can smile at that goofy
guy in front of the lens and you know that you’re there with me…
I had a nice time training on Mt. San Bruno…Picts for you…
Looking forward to the riding this weekend with everyone and I think something really special will happen…Your guess!
“xSplodie” pills & Popping Shoulders!
November 25, 2008
Now on to my ride today:My friend Chris Phipps (aka Pizza man-local hero and racer extraordinaire) asked my friend H enry (Blast Radius, CX racer) and I to be course marshal’s for an annual Golden Gate Park Cross Country run.
I picked doing sweep since I was on a one speed and I’m kind of a farm dog and my nature is to herd and protect people. It started off exciting but got really boring real quick going around and around behind the last place person for 5 miles over 3 races.
The first 10 seconds was great when I was behi nd a bunch of leggy jumpy girls
…best view
in the house! The end was a relief when I finally got something to eat.
In between….Runners are a weird bunch, sorry but I don’t get it? I’ll
probably piss off some runners but that’s ok the feelings mutual with
cyclists I’m sure. Some people
can crossover, like Chris, but I never could. They’re just as geeky as
us in their own way.Chris and Henry suggested that I do the Cross race
here next weekend but, since it’s World Aids Day next Sunday, I sho
uld do something special Sunday. I had called a ride but, I might call it off and be by myself just to think…Believe it or not the jury’s still out about my situation. I’m still having trouble coming to terms with myself and I still have a lot of mixed emotions that I’m working on…What a fucking mess I am sometimes! Oops! goin dark here…time to switch gears…Eight thousand, Eight hundred and six miles!
My year to date on the bike. Not sure if I’ll make my goal of 10,000 miles by Jan. 1st, but we’ll see.
xSpLodie pills, as in Not exploding when I do these pills…I had my dosage upped and I do notice the difference. I’ve had a couple of episodes of splodiness as Cathy calls it. When nervous energy meets frustration and self-hatred cuts it off at the pass which turns in to a nose dive, fla mes and crash&burn=SPLODINESS-Evil Elvis has left the building.
Still having trouble sleeping. I had the major Night terrors (they’re back). Followed by really creative periods where ideas pop out of my head and large blocks that I try to wrestle into som e form of lucidity. I think there’s someone else I know who has something similiar to this issue…Won’t mention any names…
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Brazil
I love Hi-def! I was watching a PhotoTravel show on National
Geographic. Just for the hell of it I took a shot for my point and
shoot…Holly crap! Picture perfect with a little nudging in Photo Shop
viola! So I was inspired to change my opening graphic to a shot of
Brazil. That’s where I really want to ride a bike some day. I love the
music the jungles and the androgyny of the peo ple.
Such a sexy hot place…I could get in a LOT! of trouble there! To bad
it’s such a scary place with it’s poverty, crime and politics.
BTW
Plus a telephoto view down my little neighborhood street…I like my little town!
I am off to work on some music today for a change…I’m giving my body a break! It really needs it.
Later… Read the rest of this entry »
The Beaker Ride
November 23, 2008The Beaker Ride
I must say. Since I’m known for delivering the poop on a consistant basis, this was right up my ally. 
Yep Justin had committed a “H’anus” act!
One thing though…That was really gross! I don’t think I’ve stooped that low for a shot…ever! Ok I’m lyin!
Going back a bit In the day, we talked about flat tires, even with Richard knocking on wood,
We had talked about the accident last time these guys did this ride, so the Jinx needed to be broken. That is when I decided to scream down Lucifer’s Avenue and spit in his face!
After we all got down to the bottom safely, we bid our “Muchos Gracias” to the El Diablo grande and decided celebrate with a good cup of Joe at Starbucks in Orinda. The gang had their tongues hanging out at all the woman and I was forced to keep em in line!
George had to bail at this point, so the rest of us headed down
Camino Pablo for some Bear action. For me I unfortunately was heading
down the road into a mild bonk. Lucky for me Brently hung back to cheer
me on and we traded some war stories and we got to know each other a
bit. I think that was one of the best parts of the the ride, getting to
meet and commensurate with some new soul who is rich with personality
and good viewpoints. That’s what it’s all about…The rest of the guys
stayed out front I think Brent had probably let them know that he’d be
hanging back with me. The Jinx caught us again when we arrived upon
Justin falling victim to the next flat of the day…(it turned out to be
a thorn and a slow leak). I welcomed that break and in the short time I
waited my body recharged and I came right out of my bonk and slammed
papa bear to the suprise of Justin…( He must have thought I was sand
bagging him). Justin is a Wicked climber along with Chris and Richard.
It blows my mind when these guys tell me how long they’ve been riding!
Holy crap! They should be really proud of their accomplishments in such
a short amount of time.
Pete
Now….The beginning: 
They don’t know me, but I’m actually a pretty inhibited nervous anxious guy. I don’t like being around new people, it’s pretty scary for me. When Richard, Justin, Cliff and especially Brent who I didn’t know at all showed up I was quite nervous…I think it’s that’s the “Border Collie” thing that Cathy has me labled with and she’s right. It takes a lot for me to overcome the anxiety and feel comfortable. Once I trust you though you’ve got a friend for life…that’s the upside!
We started out a little fast, I’m still stiff and hurting from a
pretty intense training week. I started to whine a little in the
beginning, but caught my self and shut up! I got dropped a little in
the beginning, this was a super strong group and they made me feel my
age…right away I did start to feel comfortable, and the scenery was so
peacful and relaxing! 
It was great to catch up with George and might I say he looked dazzleing in his colorful deathride jersey. I hadn’t ridden with Cliff in a long time, I’m sorry that he wasn’t feeling up to spiff today. Ride again with us soon Cliff, I didn’t get to talk with you too much!
BTW Chris is scary, He’s like…ummm….I got it! “BABY LURCH!” from the Addams family but can climb like “cousin it!” Let’s definitely get you doing some century riding next year.
Justin both times riding with you has been a pleasure! You’re as nut’s as me!
We headed up Skyline and along scenic Grizzly Peak…We stopped to watch George fix a flat from afar -and discussed the “Great Fire” , “89Quake”…kind of in the disaster mode?
Well things moved along and we ended up at the end of the LowKeyHillClimb where I ran into “Team Alameda” Friggin Legion! A million of them. I want to do a combined ride with them sometime, it would be fun. At this point we moved on and I was feeling my groove and really enjoying the day! It was then that we met up with destiny at Inspiration point and “The Incident”
……and there’s the poop…Adios- Taxi777 report 
Picture Perfect Day
November 22, 2008
Daniel aka “LanceOldStrong
Picture Perfect Day!
To think I almost didn’t make it today! I started the day really trashed. Long night dealing with my job. some how I managed to stay awake long enough to get off at the right stop. Dan got there just about the same time, John a few minutes later. Weather was great with clear skies.
Our first Coffee of the day.
Dan trying to be inappropriately sexy “El Monte y El Diablo.”
Dan and I had some coffee before taking
off. We took time to admire the pretty Senora behind the counter and
did manage to get some flirting in even with slow sleepy brain. I
wasn’t really into riding, but once I got the circulation moving in my
body I got more into it. The route that Can brought us on was really
scenic! I’d done the upper road but not this lower route… much better!
There was very low traffic and lot’s of photo ops.
The property with all the sculptures was really neat and John getting attacked by “Lola the BiPolar” dog was funny!
Riding across the Bridge for my first time in Carquinez was a fantastic experience!
The three of us were a great combination for the day. Melo & middle aged youngsters with lot’s in common. We were the “Blabbiators.” Probably the best part of the day was stopping at the “Valona Deli”…They had the tastiess sandwiches in the world!
If I look a little distracted here…I had the camera set for
automatic, but right when the shutter clicked a very hot looking lady
walked by the window!
Distracted by the beauty walking by the window
I was sleepy and spacy most of
the day, falling into silence and a little out there…I was hoping Dan
and John were’nt getting too bored with me.
I had to end the ride early for myself, I was just too tired even
though I was really enjoying myself, so I bailed out in Orinda. I kept
falling asleep on the Bart…I was hopless.
Thanks you guys for the company I really enjoyed myself and I’m ready for some more “Hookey days”
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Mt Tam Ride
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Pete MT. Diablo
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Mt Tam Race 08
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Flickr Photos
More Photos
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Posted by: Achilles | February 08, 2010 at 12:41 PM
Remember:Whatever happens,happens for a reason.
Posted by: coach suitcase | June 28, 2010 at 02:46 AM