| Star Wars Horoscope for Scorpio |
 You are a powerful character. You tend to be possessive and lusty - which explains your greedy nature. You feel threatened when people try to order you around or control you. You are prone to suspicion and jealousy - but your resilience and passion get you what you want. Star wars character you are most like: Han Solo |
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
LA Bike Tour -- Men in Tights
"You're crazy," said my friend Jim when I announced that I will be joining the Los Angeles Acura Bike Tour. In retrospect probably I was but I was not alone in my madness.
As it was, on a chilly Sunday morning, more than 16,000 like-minded cyclists gathered infront of the Los Angeles Sports Coliseum to participate in the 13th Acura LA Bike Tour. A 23 mile bike ride that will take the riders in a circuitous route of Downtown LA along the path of the 22nd LA Marathon.
Way back in the Philippines, I was an avid cyclist logging in more than 30 kilometers every day and to my mind 23 miles does not seem that much. I even joined a cause-oriented group which biked from Manila to Cebu in three weeks to raise funds for children afflicted with the big-C.
But then again that was seven years ago when I was at the peak of physical condition. Fast forward to 2007. Now I have a beer belly and I have not been on a bike for quite some time.
So there I was at 4:30am with my mountain bike, camelback, spandex padded cycling tights, coolmax jersey, helmet, gloves and a lightweight jacket lining along with other cyclists waiting for the start of the bike tour. The official start of the tour was pegged at 5:50am but I wanted to be at the front of the pack since I know the dangers of being in the middle of a large group of mixed skill riders.
And a mixed group of riders it was that joined this year's tour. There were the Lance Armstrong wannabes in their colorful team uniform and lighweight road bikes, rugged mountain bikers and burly downhill fanatics with their dual suspension or hardtail bikes, and there were the casual cyclists in a mishmash of bikes ranging from tandem bikes to recumbents and even some with baby buggies.
Needless to say it was the greatest concentration of spandex clad people that I have ever seen.
Most of the riders, including me, were itching to start the tour since we were freezing in our next to nothing cycling wear. So after the long winded speeches and the ceremonial blah-blah, the fireworks went off signaling the start of the bike tour.
It was a pretty orderly start and the road rules were that you should be able to maintain a minimum speed of 9 miles per hour else you have to drop out of the course. In the physical state that I was in, I opted to do just that and coast along enjoying what LA has to offer. This was not a race after all but a chance to cruise Downtown LA's normally busy streets on a bike.
It was therefore no surprise when I systematically began to hear "on your left" or "stay your line", as we cyclists say to each other when we need to overtake, from the road cyclists and fitter riders. But to hear it from a girl on a store bought Barbie bike really riled me. Here I was in my fancy-schmansy custom built mountain bike being passed by an eight -year old girl. The nerve.
In my mind, there was really no doubt that I could finish the tour, but after a measly five miles, I began to doubt myself. I needed to push my speed up to 15 mph and I know I might bonk out from the exertion but I just can't bear the thought of coming in last and being passed by children.
Normally in pack riding you would need to latch on to a strong cyclist and let him cut air resistance while drafting behind a few inches from his rear wheel. I know at this time that I have to drop my normally anti-social demeanor and join a group but I can't seem to catch up to one. So I ended up jumping from rider to rider concentrating on their butts to catch a good draft, therefore missing the chance to see the beauty of LA's streets.
In fairness it was a scenic route especially when we crossed the 6th street bridge offering you a good view of the LA skyline. Fortunately it was downhill at this stage, freeing me from my frantic wheezing to enjoy the sight.
The bike route was fairly flat except when we hit Figueroa and 6th street where there was a steep climb. It was probably mile 12 on the route and by this time I was fairly gasping and my butt was pretty sore. I tried to climb that steep hill but I know that would be the end of me, so I ended up walking up the hill. I was not alone, so it kinda soothed my wounded pride.
By this time the streets were being filled with the early-bird spectators and performers for the LA Marathon. It was uplifting to hear them scream and cheer you on. Quite a break from "hey fatso move your butt."
Glancing on my bike computer I knew it was just a few miles to the finish line and when we reached the corner of Normandie and Exposition Blvd. I stopped hyperventilating.
In the end victory was mine as I crossed the finish line and received my finisher's medal after two hours of cycling. So thanks to you little girl in the Barbie bike that pushed me on to never quit.
Would I do this again? Probably but I would rather run and take my chance in next year's marathon.
"You're crazy," said my friend Jim when I announced that I will be joining the Los Angeles Acura Bike Tour. In retrospect probably I was but I was not alone in my madness.
As it was, on a chilly Sunday morning, more than 16,000 like-minded cyclists gathered infront of the Los Angeles Sports Coliseum to participate in the 13th Acura LA Bike Tour. A 23 mile bike ride that will take the riders in a circuitous route of Downtown LA along the path of the 22nd LA Marathon.
Way back in the Philippines, I was an avid cyclist logging in more than 30 kilometers every day and to my mind 23 miles does not seem that much. I even joined a cause-oriented group which biked from Manila to Cebu in three weeks to raise funds for children afflicted with the big-C.
But then again that was seven years ago when I was at the peak of physical condition. Fast forward to 2007. Now I have a beer belly and I have not been on a bike for quite some time.
So there I was at 4:30am with my mountain bike, camelback, spandex padded cycling tights, coolmax jersey, helmet, gloves and a lightweight jacket lining along with other cyclists waiting for the start of the bike tour. The official start of the tour was pegged at 5:50am but I wanted to be at the front of the pack since I know the dangers of being in the middle of a large group of mixed skill riders.
And a mixed group of riders it was that joined this year's tour. There were the Lance Armstrong wannabes in their colorful team uniform and lighweight road bikes, rugged mountain bikers and burly downhill fanatics with their dual suspension or hardtail bikes, and there were the casual cyclists in a mishmash of bikes ranging from tandem bikes to recumbents and even some with baby buggies.
Needless to say it was the greatest concentration of spandex clad people that I have ever seen.
Most of the riders, including me, were itching to start the tour since we were freezing in our next to nothing cycling wear. So after the long winded speeches and the ceremonial blah-blah, the fireworks went off signaling the start of the bike tour.
It was a pretty orderly start and the road rules were that you should be able to maintain a minimum speed of 9 miles per hour else you have to drop out of the course. In the physical state that I was in, I opted to do just that and coast along enjoying what LA has to offer. This was not a race after all but a chance to cruise Downtown LA's normally busy streets on a bike.
It was therefore no surprise when I systematically began to hear "on your left" or "stay your line", as we cyclists say to each other when we need to overtake, from the road cyclists and fitter riders. But to hear it from a girl on a store bought Barbie bike really riled me. Here I was in my fancy-schmansy custom built mountain bike being passed by an eight -year old girl. The nerve.
In my mind, there was really no doubt that I could finish the tour, but after a measly five miles, I began to doubt myself. I needed to push my speed up to 15 mph and I know I might bonk out from the exertion but I just can't bear the thought of coming in last and being passed by children.
Normally in pack riding you would need to latch on to a strong cyclist and let him cut air resistance while drafting behind a few inches from his rear wheel. I know at this time that I have to drop my normally anti-social demeanor and join a group but I can't seem to catch up to one. So I ended up jumping from rider to rider concentrating on their butts to catch a good draft, therefore missing the chance to see the beauty of LA's streets.
In fairness it was a scenic route especially when we crossed the 6th street bridge offering you a good view of the LA skyline. Fortunately it was downhill at this stage, freeing me from my frantic wheezing to enjoy the sight.
The bike route was fairly flat except when we hit Figueroa and 6th street where there was a steep climb. It was probably mile 12 on the route and by this time I was fairly gasping and my butt was pretty sore. I tried to climb that steep hill but I know that would be the end of me, so I ended up walking up the hill. I was not alone, so it kinda soothed my wounded pride.
By this time the streets were being filled with the early-bird spectators and performers for the LA Marathon. It was uplifting to hear them scream and cheer you on. Quite a break from "hey fatso move your butt."
Glancing on my bike computer I knew it was just a few miles to the finish line and when we reached the corner of Normandie and Exposition Blvd. I stopped hyperventilating.
In the end victory was mine as I crossed the finish line and received my finisher's medal after two hours of cycling. So thanks to you little girl in the Barbie bike that pushed me on to never quit.
Would I do this again? Probably but I would rather run and take my chance in next year's marathon.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
LA River Bike Path
One thing about LA is the diversity of its places. I mean who would have thought that a place like this can be seen within the city limits.
The LA river though cemented is teeming with wildlife. Along the 10+mile exclusive bike path are burbling waterways filled with ducks, herons, and some other bird species I can't identify.
The path is cemented and is an easy trek for all agess and a great starter trail for roadies and mountain bikers as well. Though there are portions wherein the roots of the trees lining the path have broken through the concrete the path remains relatively smooth with a couple of rest stops strategically emplaced for you to enjoy the view and catch your breath.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
| Advanced Global Personality Test Results
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personality tests by similarminds.com
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Me, Myself, and I
The funy thing about Valentine's Day is that you don't notice it till you you have to suffer thru it alone.
I was not the kind of person who gives a frak's ass about this oh so "special" day. In fact it is just another day for me albeit fraught with an unbelievable amount of traffic and the often not so subtle hints from your love one.
Usually no special plans were made, no flowers, no reservations in a fancy restaurant.
Until one day, you are suddenly alone and then you long to make that call to a romantic hole in the wall restaurant, go online and choose that perfect gift, dream about the spark, the magical moment when your hearts and mind intertwine.
I guess the old adage remains true, you never know the value of something/someone till they are gone. . .
The funy thing about Valentine's Day is that you don't notice it till you you have to suffer thru it alone.
I was not the kind of person who gives a frak's ass about this oh so "special" day. In fact it is just another day for me albeit fraught with an unbelievable amount of traffic and the often not so subtle hints from your love one.
Usually no special plans were made, no flowers, no reservations in a fancy restaurant.
Until one day, you are suddenly alone and then you long to make that call to a romantic hole in the wall restaurant, go online and choose that perfect gift, dream about the spark, the magical moment when your hearts and mind intertwine.
I guess the old adage remains true, you never know the value of something/someone till they are gone. . .
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
You Are Cookie Monster |
 Misunderstood as a primal monster, you're a true hedonist with a huge sweet tooth. You are usually feeling: Hungry. Cookies are preferred, but you'll eat anything if cookies aren't around. You are famous for: Your slightly crazy eyes and usual way of speaking How you life your life: In the moment. "Me want COOKIE!" |
| You Are a Chimera |
 You are very outgoing and well connected to many people. Incredibly devoted to your family and friends, you find purpose in nurturing others. You are rarely alone, and you do best in the company of others. You are incredibly expressive, and people are sometimes overwhelmed by your strong emotions. |
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Back in the Saddle
I still remember my bike I left in Manila. It was a 1999 GT Zaskar decked in full xt gear with a manitou fork and shimano 747 clipless pedals.
I really loved that bike and when I was handling the Petron gas station in Bulacan I managed to squeeze in 30kms or about two hours of biking in rough farm roads everyday.
The bike was my constant companion during the 2000 Bike for Life wherein a group of us raised funds and awareness of cancer by biking from Manila to Cebu.
Pity I can't bring it here to the US.
Recently I bought a replacement for my Zaskar, a measly Avalanche 2.0 decked in a mish mash of parts but with a terrific Marzochi Comp fork and Tektra Aquila mechanical disk brakes.
It's not as light as my Zaskar which probably weighed in at around 26 or 28lbs. This is probably around 30 or 32lbs.
I bought it in Santa Monica and as a test I biked from Santa Monica to Downtown, roughly the same distance I biked before. But, and a big but at that, I was so woefully out of shape and not even in the proper gear. Add the fact that it was also raining last Saturday and it truly was an interesting ride.
Long story short, my legs and specially my ass still hurts from sitting for 2+ hours on that damned bike. But what the hey, it was a glorius sort of pain borne about by exertion and sweat. A pain that I pretty much missed.
Its good to be back in the saddle again.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Greetings from Chub-chub Land
It seems that it was a long time ago since I last saw my toes.
Like hello tum-tums.
When i left Manila I was a burly 150lbs. After a couple of months in the land of milk and honey I have balloned to 165lbs. I now have prominent man-boobs but luckily i still retained my basketball sized ass-cheeks.
* sigh *
I miss my bikes . . .
It seems that it was a long time ago since I last saw my toes.
Like hello tum-tums.
When i left Manila I was a burly 150lbs. After a couple of months in the land of milk and honey I have balloned to 165lbs. I now have prominent man-boobs but luckily i still retained my basketball sized ass-cheeks.
* sigh *
I miss my bikes . . .
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Which Card am I?
You are The Wheel of Fortune
Good fortune and happiness but sometimes a species of
intoxication with success
The Wheel of Fortune is all about big things, luck, change, fortune. Almost always good fortune. You are lucky in all things that you do and happy with the things that come to you. Be careful that success does not go to your head however. Sometimes luck can change.
What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Friday, September 15, 2006
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
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