Seal Beach SGRT

 As usual,  setting out for a mellow ride but the wind never let's it happen,  as usual.  A little dizzy yesterday into today so hoping a ride would make it go away. I think it worked. 😄 Trying out the new Phoenix jersey.  Felt good 👍 

                                        

                                                                          Youtube video

Heat Acclimation Tour 🔥 & A Flat (video tomorrow)

 Heat Acclimation Tour 🔥 Solo 37 miles.  Boy it was hot. Felt the fatigue in my shoulders and hips. Average 95 but my GPS said 101 at the top of the trail.  I could feel the heat radiating from my face and chest. But I survived. I almost had 37 miles so I went back on the trail for a couple tenths.  Right at the end felt something was wrong.  Yup, tire was soft. I had a FLAT.  Itty bitty little thorn. 🤨 There was a Heat warning today but nobody said anything about a Flat warning. 🤣

Not till I was logging my ride on Strava did I see Ron said the F word. 🤣

This kid and his brother (they look alike) were out there riding in the heat and wind. Used his image on the YT thumbnail giving him credit for riding than being inside playing video games like a bunch of wussies ha ha ha!

My GoPro covered with the silicon cover made by Telesin, about $15 and has served me well with a couple of drops. Plus I just started using a wrist strap as a tether having had an aluminum mount break in the past. And the little tripod I use to pan around while riding.

Ah, love the leg shots captured unknowingly while setting up the recorder. Sometimes Gina tells me that my legs look cut walking around the mall but I never see it so it's cool to capture it so that I can see what she's talking about ha ha ha!

Heading back, I ran across this dude riding a single speed into the wind and a 91 degree hot day. He was rolling hard at one point.

Azusa Cyn/Pico with Mark & TC

 Good ride with TC and Mark. 2nd in a series of comeback rides for Mark. Surprised me doing so well figuring this ride is mostly a grind heading up to Azusa Cyn. And TC, he always does great and he's good looking too! 😆😄😆

Adding this: I met these guys in HS. been friends for 50 years now! 🤓

Ha, going to leave it. Mistake, no capital B. One would even wonder if I went to high school ha ha ha!

Funny though, Mark is one year older than I but I graduated a year ahead of him, in 1980. I'll let you figure that one out and no, Mark didn't flunk a grade. 😆

A video short from TC's cell. Commentary as well seeing he has a way with words. 😁

Well, the story goes is that Mark was the one who got us involved in cycling back in about 1992. I've been riding ever since consistently but Mark hasn't. Tony mostly over the years as well but breaks here and there but I think I've been the most consistent. So Mark has had plenty of time off but years ago, he was the first to do Ride Around the Bear before they wussified it.  Back when the ride would start in Redlands by the 10 fwy then go up and around to Onyx Summit. Sadly the organizers stopped it and now a new version Tour de Big Bear has taken over. Riding circles around the lake but  not like back in the day.  Yeah, I did the real version 4 times over a 10 year span, was my favorite ride. If they still did it, I would try it again . 

But Mark not having been on the bike much has not kept fit over the years and wanting to ride again, he did a few rides here and there. I invited him to do a ride last week and surprisingly he accepted. So we did a ride on SART from the train station to HB and back. He did very well. When we were close to the finish, he mentioned feeling much better than the ride attempt a week or two earlier. He and Tony made it to Moon Park then headed back. I'm not exactly sure what happened there but.... I told him that he should ride with me and I guarantee he'd have no problem finishing. 

Anybody that rides with me pretty much knows that I ride TOGETHER. 28 years with Gina and I don't think I ever once left her behind. If she got tired, I'd back off giving her a chance to recover. That's the way I ride, sadly so many don't. I can't count the times over the 28 years that I was riding with someone taking a long pull then instead of taking the front to help, they'd sprint off forcing me to close gaps which is no rest at all. Especially when the rider pops as soon as I catch up, like a minute later.

Mark had mentioned having a problem getting out on his own and some frustrations. I told no ma,, that's bull! Get you bike out there, ride with me! If you struggle or get tired, take my wheel, I'll hold a pace that allows you to recover. Again, I'm the ride together guy!

So we did on SART a couple days earlier and he did great. Even took the front when he felt good knowing that if he started to fade, he could take my wheel again to recover. Heck,, he even ended up pulling me some. When he felt good, he'd go to the front and do what he could which gave me good rest.

So I invited him and TC on this ride. I didn't expect that Mark would accept at all but again, I said RIDING TOGETHER.  Surprisingly Mark accepted so we headed up. Rode together and he actually did very well on the first section where it starts to head up. Then the dam, the 9 1nd 11% grades for about 1/3 of a mile. I know seasoned riders who will at times go around the climb riding on a dirt road rather than climb the dam ha ha ha! So I wasn't sure what he would do after that. I thought it might kill his spirits ending up in the 25 mile ride I advertised. I did think that once we got to the Santa FE nature center, he might, might think about going all the way to Azusa Cyn which is another 5 miles of a gentle grade.

We stopped at the SF nature center for a rest and refill. Didn't take much coaxing and he was ready. I was surprised but he had mentioned trying some gentle climbing so here we were and he was game. Heading up no problem which is good as I know a few others who dread the section of the trail and especially not knowing what to expect. I will say that on the flat SART trail, hundreds of bikes. On the flatter section of this trail, SGRT, hundreds of bikes. On the section to the dam, maybe 50 and at the times I ride, maybe 10. But above the dam, there are times I see 5 other riders. AND ABOVE Encanto Park to Azusa Cyn, there have been days that I have seen maybe 1 or 0 riders. Nothing tough but too many riders will find there way out of any kind of climbing ha ha ha!

But Mark went all the way no problem. I was surprised but not surprised knowing what he has done on the bike in the past. So we headed down and the wind is always there but this time, not really too bad.  So it made the ride more pleasurable and good thing Mark got to see this side before we do it again because it's almost always so windy that going down can be tougher than the gentle climb going up.

34 miles, I think is Mark's longest ride in a long time so it was a goal achieved type ride. I did see some fatigue on the last mile or so but I slowed down and rode along so that it was nothing close to discouraging. So even at the end of the ride, he was still looking pretty good and the mission, set it up for a little more mileage in the future. But heck, I told him, ride with me and you'll get there!

Gotta say good job Mark!

10% grade with one hand! 😆 I was actually trying to get my camera out of my pocket on the top section so I could snap a pic of Mark coming up the Dam Climb. But, I was too late. By the time I got it out, he was over the top....Couple of stills from TC's video.

Ain't That A Peach Tour

 Ain't That A Peach Tour (Mark's Comeback Trail) Met Mark on the Santa Ana River Trail for 26 miles then I headed back South solo for another few to hit 40. Mark did very well 👏 Mostly chatting on the way to the beach but he picked it up a bit heading back. Working together pretty well so giving each other a chance to recover. I could see it really helps because he was able to lift the pace when he took the front after some recovery on the bike. Easily finishing the ride. When I headed back out, it was pretty windy so you should be happy I survived. 😊 Looking good Mark, still strong after all these years. Saw Pastor Sammy at the end . Gave me an ice cold peach 🍑 and orange. Boy this guy got some quality fruit. And of course, a little thankful prayer after another great ride. The GPS image is of Mark's final stats after 26.

One thing I found cool was a comment Mark made. I had mentioned recording his rides on Strava or equivalent but he said no way, he didn't want other to see his activities. Then he said, "well if I could do what you do, I would post it all over the place!". Very cool, I'll take that as a compliment. Actually Mark is the one who got us riding, TC and I and a few others back in about 1992. He and I did my first Ride Around the Bear before they wussified it. Of course I did it 4 times over the years just to make sure I still could ha ha ha!

So the three of us being about the same age, TC 65, Mark 64, and I the baby at 63, we all went to high school together. Class of 79 and 80. Damn that was a long time ago! But the 3 of us riding over the years, Mark said that I have been consistent and had not stopped riding yet. So it's all good! He said if he could do what I do, not sure what I do but I guess I do it ha ha ha!

Mark was and is a very strong rider. But as I told him, I am riding for health nowadays going into my later years. I ride to ride for health maintenance and sometimes I don't even feel like riding but I do just knowing it's good for me. So every now and then, I will push myself hard just to test myself but many of my rides nowadays are just exercise miles trying to stay healthy. I guess it is working because I feel great!

Mark says he is at the same point but finding it hard to get out though he knows he needs to and should. Heck, we all feel that way. So I told him anytime he wants to do the ride on Saturday, we can and if he wants to do some gradual hill stuff during the week, there is always my new stomping ground. Well, has been for 3 years now, the San Gabriel River Trail heading up to Azusa Cyn during the week. He's a little concerned about the hills right now but hey, I ain't racing nobody! We can ride just to get in some exercise, it would be great for all of us. Riding together like we did today.

It was actually really cool and beneficial. On the return, he took my wheel at about 18. He took a pull or two then I returned to the front once I noticed he was getting a little gassed. That would give him time to recover.  At one point I was doing about 17 and asked if he felt ok. He said he did but that if I slowed a bit more, it would be better so I slowed to 16.5. He sucked my wheel till he recovered then returned to the front at about 17.5 to 18. I was good and because he is much like me, smooth transitions, I was able to easily take his wheel and recover. Rinse and repeat worked really well. 

Near the end of the ride I asked how he felt. He said at the point where we were close to the end, he is usually suffering but today he was good. So that is a good sign and a good sign I'm right about actually "RIDING TOGETHER."  I'll  have to  think about trying to find a small group of riders to work together once again. It really is a good feeling when we are all rolling fast and smooth without too much effort.

That all sounds good but actually, it is pretty hard to do as many, most of the riders I try to ride with have no clue. Heck, I rode with a rider that I thought and knew was very strong but didn't want to take it in. It was more like I was at the front then when I needed to recover, the rider would pull up on my side instead of taking the front. All cool if one decides not to do so but if one constantly mentions wanting to go faster and further but won't comply, it doesn't work and ends up being a waste of time and effort.

Oh well, someday I'll find another good partner.

One thing that shocked me today. Ran into a couple other cyclists at the rest stop. Mark and I were chatting with one dude who had a bunch of ride stories, cool! He started talking about my bike and having one just a tad older. So being 63 years old, I'm looking at the guy and thinking having an older bike than my 1997 Cannondale, that he must be older so I am thinking 70 years old. But because he is talking plenty about old bikes, I asked his age. I was totally shocked when he said 62! 🤣😂🤣

Holy cow, I was thinking 70 and as soon as he said 62, his voice was like the teacher in Charlie Brown cartoons. Whah whah whah whah is all I heard as my mind sprinted over to my head saying to myself, "Now I know I don't look that old!".  I was just about to tell him that I need to keep cycling as it had done him well for 70. 😫

Another thing I notice is the amount of motorcycles on the way back. Oh, I'm sorry, e-bikes. So Mark and I are rolling back and I'd say about 10 e-bikes blew by us. No warning, no alert, nothing! OK, I believe that when cyclists, those that actually pedal go by, some don't shout out and that is ok knowing that if one is a disciplined cyclist, the others can pass no problem seeing the speed difference is minimal.

But, WTF!!! Every one of them flew by without any kind of shout. These people are going by, surprising us at about 30, oh excuse me, 28 mph. Every single one of them, not even one stroke of the pedals. OK, bug don't go on the net and claim you're getting the same kind of workout as if you had been actually pedaling a bike. Sad pathetic world out there. I even saw a kid and his father rider a pair, neither one pedaling and the kid looking back at his father heading towards me at a good clip drifting into my lane head on. Stupid kids, stupid parents, and pathetic riders, excuse me,  motorcycle riders.

Ha ha ha, this is so funny and strange at the same time to me. Society is not what it used to be or maybe I'm missing something. This dude is so cool! Works at Sizzler and often does little favors for us, yeah I am a good tipper so sometimes, the servers will fuss about where we sit and in whose area.

This dude was primarily a cashier and they don't get the tips like the servers so every now and then, I'd give him a little something as he would carry our tray to to table for us. I'm healthy and not that old yet ha ha ha but they insist. But he being a super cool pleasant guy ended up being a server as well. We usually don't get him as the girls will seat us in their area but this dude, not even being our server would come by to greet us with a fist bump and actually ask if we needed anything. Usually don't as we are well taken care of by the girls. But a couple of times I might have asked for a refill on my tea and if it is not yet there, he will run to get it. Sometimes even bring a spare bowl or plate. Yeah, I always get the complimentary spare dish for a salad after my meal. But again, this dude is cool and really good to us though most times, we're served by the others.

So this day, I intentionally sat in his area. The girls looked a little sad probably wondering why we sat in a different section. Hey, I'm spreading the love. So he serves us well and the usual, I finish my post salad then go the the boy's room to rinse my mouth and wash my hands. I return to the table, thank them, leave a tip then the usual is getting hugs from the girls as we get ready to leave.

But this time. because this dude is so cool, I told him to sit down and take a selfie with me. I had my arm up on the back of the bench seat. I wasn't really expecting it to happen that fast  but as soon as I said, dude, take a selfie with me" he said OK then jumped onto the bench and leaned against me. I was shocked as it happened so fast but I snapped the pic anyway thinking it was funny how fast he agreed and jumped on into the pose. Heck, he was pretty much laying across the side of my chest. I laughed  after for the longest time because back in the day, heck if someone jumped on top of you like that, another dude, it would be way out of the norm.

After chatting with the girls over time, I have learned how different society is nowadays. So being a little funny to me, it was a bit scary ha ha ha! I was thinking how funny it was that he tucked himself under my arm as if he was my girlfriend ha ha ha! I know people my age would agree, well the guys my age would agree. If a dude laid across your chest or you body like that, you'd be sure to get or expect a punch in the balls ha ha ha!

Just so funny how times have changed. He didn't think twice about it, not even once about it. It was cool,  I just have to remember what generation I come from and how times have changed ha ha ha!

And yeah, the dude has a long time girlfriend so no worries, just a strange experience for me.

Another one of my little hacks. After carrying store bought gummies on my rides for a little sugar, I place some in a little rubber flask type container I got at Wally World. It's actually a travel shampoo carry type container. It worked for about 3 weeks but once the heat hit, I had a hard time as I carried it in my jersey pocket. The gummies were melting. The Skittles were seriously melting trying so trying to dig them out with my finger was a mess. Smeared a gummy all over the exit of the bottle and my finger a couple of times. Having to clean off my finger, glove, and trying not to get it on my shorts was nasty.

So I was looking for something to carry gummies without too much of a mess. Saw some interesting containers that MIGHT work but then I saw this, a pill box dispenser thingy. Once again at Wally World.

6 compartments that hold 3 to 4 gummies in each section. I use anywhere from 12 to 20 gummies on a ride. Only 80 calories or so and a little sugar boost to avoid bonking. The compartment container thing slips inside the sleeve. Tried it twice now and I really like it. Slips easily into my jersey pocket and easily retrieved being smooth. I can remove it from the sleeve, open 1 of the compartments and retrieve the gummies there. Easily able to replace all the parts back together then back into the jersey nice and easy, no fuss. 

The gummies have remained rather well in the compartments on the last couple of rides that have been rather warm. So I'm liking it and hopefully continues to perform well. Heck, life is just so full of fun little things to take along on the bike. 

Yeah, gummies are not much different than the Shotbloks that cost $50 per box while the gummies are $4 or $5 dollars per bag that more than equal the amount of servings in a Shotblok box.

Late BD Gift / TC & Alyce on SART 43 video on YT

 SART with TC. 43 miles 16.0 average speed. Cool little plaque gift from TC for my BDay back in May. 😎 Conversation pace but ran into Alyce at the coast. She left 1.5 minutes ahead of us. Playing rabbit, tried to catch her on the 14 mile return but she was rolling! Teamed up with TC. TC sprinted ahead catching her but Alyce poured it on pulling away. I recovered then got close to Alyce after TC dropped back but then I popped and Alyce rolled away once again looking pretty strong. I think we all had our heart rates up. 🤣 Some video and images later.

This is my story and I'm sticking too it. Tony and I did the 43 starting out at a conversation pace from the train station to Yorba Park then back to Edna Park. After this, I was still conversatiin' (yeah I know, it's conversing,, but just to be cool) when Tony picked it up and took off. Surprised me a bit though I usually know he's going to lift the pace at this point of the ride. I think I was in mid sentence when he picked it up.

But we worked together well to the coast. I have to say TC's style can make it a little rough to recover at times. When I take the front,  I go smoothly without lifting the pace so my partner has a good chance to recover and take my wheel knowing that it's tough to fight the wind. When I go around, I can hear my tires on the pavement and know I'm going smooth. When TC takes the front, I hear his tires swooshing as if he's sprinting so I have to work hard to close the gap after having been in the front for a bit. After a few times, it starts getting rough but I think it's part of his plan to tire me out ha ha ha!

I figured he was swapping every mile but at times, I will hold the front when I see a rough swapping point coming up. Like if my mile is up on a short steep little ramp in the road, I will stay on the front to the top. But a couple times, TC would swing around me on the steep section then stand and sprint up the ramp. This would make it tough to take his wheel so once at the top, I'd have to work extra hard to close the gap if he opened one. Even if he didn't as I was able to lift and match his pace, it was still fatiguing. After a couple times, I knew what he was doing so I made sure I didn't not end up in the same sit0chee-ation.

We made it to the coast in the wind and I think we were both feeling the headwind at this point.  He says something in the video about holding 16.5. Doesn't sound like much but with the wind, it was a good effort. Funny though, I usually only ride SART on the weekends so I kept thinking it was Saturday and not Wednesday. So I was really shocked when Alyce rode up, I was really thinking it was Saturday as usually, there are not too many riders on the weekdays ha ha ha!

Alyce Sat with us for a bit and we had a good time and some laughs. What really impresses me is when I see a woman working so hard that she is sweating. I don't know what it is, maybe my competitive side but I think that is so cool! She was dripping mad so I took a couple of minutes to praise her and even get it on video ha ha ha! I believe the still image shows more than the actual video but she was dripping sweat.

Of course Alyce has lost 75, a whopping 75 pounds in the last couple of years to improve her health and fitness, amazing! So she has gotten really strong on the bike. She was on a 35 miler so she missed a section heading out to Yorba Park. I think this got me later on, you'll see ha ha ha! I was surprised that she was heading back the same time we were as when she was approaching the rest stop, it seemed as if she was continuing on down the coast trail tot he pier. But she said she was only going to the next rest stop as it has been drastically improved. Not being a weekly regular on this trail any longer, I did not know that but nice to know, next time!

As we were getting ready to roll, Alyce got up as well. Took me a bit to leave the stop as Alyce rolled out. TC and I did a warm back up pace leaving the coast. But 2 miles later approaching the first wooden bridge heading north, TC mentioned that she was 1 1/2 minutes ahead of us. Then he said he like to play this game, The Rabbit Game. Letting one rider go then the other two trying to catch him/her. Though Alyce probably did not know TC's plan, I know her well enough to know she was not going to let anyone catch her is she could help it ha ha ha! Yeah, I know Alyce!

So we were rolling pretty good and catching Alyce slowly. She did average 19.2 on the final 10 mile Strava segment heading back so she was rolling too. We were getting close and closing in when I was on the front. Then I heard TC go around, his tires where whooshing and I was like, NOOOOOOO! He ended up pushing hard and catching Alyce taking her wheel. I couldn't take his wheel at this point so I just watched him roll away trying to keep my pace hoping I would catch Alyce as well. 

But TC says when he caught Alyce, she noticed him then lifted the pace dropping him. So I tried to keep a good pace but had to recover at this point. TC dropped back so when I went by, I actually slowed a bit so he could catch on. He didn't so after realizing he wasn't going to take my wheel at this point, I rolled on trying to catch Alyce. She had pulled away pretty far but I was closing in again after having recovered. TC fell far back and out of sight so I kept on myself.

I closed the gap, maybe 50 yards and closing thinking, I GOT HER! But nope! She looked as if she was trying hard so I figured she was tired and I's surely catch her now. I'm guessing 2 miles left at this point and seemed I was closing in but all of a sudden, my legs were frying. I tried to keep t he pace because watching Alyce, I could see she slowed and looked tired. I got her, I got her, but I didn't ha ha ha!

All of a sudden, my legs felt fried and she seemed to have lifted the pace. Now if I had been tired and she tired, I could see that but she LIFTED the pace again ha ha ha! Last mile, all I could do was watch her float away. Darn Alyce! All I can think is that if we hadn't had that extra 10 miles on her, I probably could have still had enough juice to catch her. But I think the biggest thing was that TC took off and sprinted around to catch her. He had timed how long it took to catch her, something like 13.5 minutes.

But my thoughts and as I have mentioned many times, my style of riding together, we could have rolled up on Alyce, kept up and more than likely even lead her back. But TC was impatient I guess wanting to catch her sooner for some reason. Had we continued to ride together, no doubt we would have been stronger together like the peleton.  Keep consistent and eventually, the catch. Oh well, he caught her but didn't keep on. I ride with a plan for a reason but Alyce torched us this day ha ha ha!

I'm glad Alyce worked hard though. I noticed a while back on Strava that she had a really low HR on all her rides over a good period of time. I asked her about it after she mentioned being at a stand still. She said she was doing it as part of a plan. OK, but my thoughts are that if your plan is not working, one needs to change it a bit.  Her HR was average 110 and her high 135'ish. Heck, mine was 135 average and highs of 160. We are about the same age so I would think she could be a little higher if she was wanting results. I cruise a lot but if I were trying to get faster or improve, I'd be running up my HR at times and going low for recovery rides.

So it was cool to see that on this ride, she was pushing it and sweating up a storm. Heck, our high should be about 155 but all 3 of us on this ride had a max of 163 or 164. 3 different devices so that can't be a mistake. We all wen above and beyond for a bit ha ha ha! I think she was really happy with her workout today. 

                                                                              The video

Digging Alyce's sweat and hard efforts

Of course they start showing up when we're leaving.

These are pretty cool. Using them for my GoPro mounts now. I have others that work well but these are even better. Same system, DJ OSmos but this brand has really good stuff. I also have tripod  swivel balls and stuff for my camera. NIce!

But the Telesin brand works well and has a good solid connection but the tabs on the side are a little hard to press when connected. So trying to hassle with getting the proper grip reaching over the handlebars can be a little scary at times. But these have a more pronounced orange tab that allows for better grip while squeezing to release the recorder.

I bought the first one,, the single image below to try out. Worked great on the ride so I ordered the two piece set that are fixed. Good for connecting to the hb mount. The single piece image is about the same thing but is all aluminum vs the nylon of the others. So the alum folding tabs can be folded in to use with the 1/4 screw hole for attaching to a tripod. Which is what I use for my hand held shots, a small 5 inch tripod that fits in my jersey pocket while connected to the recorder. I can easily disconnect it with the system then connect to the hb's rather easily.

Thanks to Paul who had mentioned the Osmos system a while back. Pretty cool working with the GoPro once one has the adapter that replaces the original connector of the GoPro allowing use with  multiple systems.

So really happy to find this stuff on ebay, K&F concept store with a bunch of nice camera stuff.

I also did use these batteries for the first time on this ride. Well, actually one battery as it had no issues and lasted quite rightly. I think after the ride I still had 80%. 

I just wanted an inexpensive charger to charge my authentic GOPRO Enduro battery as it acts weird sometimes after it's charged. After reading that they heat up while charging and can't behave abnormally,  I decide to go with a charger. They say it's supposed to be better for the battery and the camera as it does not heat up. I found this charger on ebay for $20.  I really only wanted the charger but the 2 batteries were included. Heck, can't fight about that. I figured even if they sucked, I still got the charger and seeing a few others in the $30 + range, I figured I won't miss the batteries if they suck.

But I was surprised. The ORIGINAL battery supplied with mhy GoPro 10 would only last about 45 minutes. These aftermarket batteries claimed to last longer and some even compare themselves to the Enduro battery. I have one so we will fine out. So I charged to 100 percent then left it running in a room to see what the batteries would do. The first I stopped after 1 one and it had 45% left. I was surprised and happy. The second lasted 45 minutes before it overheated and cut off. It was in an enclosed room and I knew it was hot so I figured it would be like, well maybe like being out in the heat of the sun. But it worked and the way I record, I shoot for a minute or two then shut it off and place back into my pocket.

And actually, the Enduro battery had acted weird on the road when I kept it in the HB mount. Also read that could vibrate some misbehavior as well. So now I don't leave it on the bars too long. Usually in my jersey pocket now where I'm sure my body absorbs the shock. It has acted much better with no issues.

So the new battery was perfectly fine not being on the bars long and the heat did not affect it, again the way that I use it. So I was a bit impressed not having any issues with cheap aftermarket batteries. Actually free I guess only wanting the charger.

The charger worked well enough. I found that I have to reinsert or open and close the lid making sure it's closed really well to get it to register the charge properly. Had a couple false readings at first showing fully charged but placed in the recorder only to see it was at 65%. Now I know and hasn't happened again now that I verify a good charging connection. Some reviews said it did not charge to 100% but both batteries were fine and placed in the recorder to get an accurate reading and yeah, both were 100%. Getting lazy and not riding when I planned, the battery sat inside the recorder for a couple of days. The first full day, I checked and still 100. The next day, still 100. The third day, it was 98% but I'm guessing it lost one or two percent by turning it on to get the power reading. So all is good!

The Enduro battery charged well too and hasn't had any issues since I started with the charger. I had a charger for earlier models but figured why if they charged in the camera as well. Now I know and see that it is more than likely better for the GoPro.  Heck, don't want to ruin it though Gina often tries to talk me into buying a new one. Always tempting but why not get all I can out of my GP10 when I've only had it for a couple years now and working fine. 

Though the GP13 is about $20 less than the GP12. That was strange to me so I looked it up and they say yeah, it's a sales pitch trying to spread the word about their new attachment system. Of course that would be like the Osmos magnetic clamp thing. But heck, with the things I mentioned above, I still got it. OF course the adaptor is sweet. Gives me the aluminum tabs to connect with the GP screws and folded in, fits on a tripod as well. I'd rather spend a few dollars to get the attachment system that hundreds to get a new GP just to get the same thing.