Happy Face Fat Bastard Solo Tour

 Solo Fat Bastard Happy Face Breakfast Tour. 20 miles. Nice breezy happy ride. How could it be any different when your wife makes you breakfast with a smile? 🙂

Another nice breezy ride,  16.0 average speed.  Felt really good on the Mr.Beanz Mobile. 

My clamp/claw with a ball joint swivel and red aluminum cell phone holder. Pretty cool stuff on ebay. Each part about $10 to $15. Just some toys I play with on my rides and not needing a photographer ha ha ha!

Team Fat Bastard 

Forgotten of how much I love to ride this CAD3 Cannondale. Plenty of memories on it. Couple good ones, kicking the crap out of a big mouth on the cycling forums named Big Kahonies or something stupid like that. Thought he had big cajones till I spanked his ass on a few rides. 

Standard double 53/39 12-26 rear cassette. Did Ride around the Bear 4 times and Breathless Agony on this bike and set up.

Back to Big Cajonies.  Dude was on the forums saying I did nothing but sissy rides on the Santa Ana trail. Said he had bigger climbs, more wind, tougher conditions where he lived in Camarillo. Invited me and a couple friends to do a century with him on his home turf. Thought he was going to show us up, I guess. Double century rider blah blah blah, back to back centuries 12 hours flat. OK great!

Wen to ride with him and after 10 miles, the dude was toast. Trying to show off, blew his wad. Hit the first tough climb he boasted of, waited for about 15 minutes at the top ha ha ha! Me, Larry, and Anna had to wait for him. OK, where is the awesome dude we heard so much about? The dude that was going to spank me and my sissy training habits?

Spanked his ass pretty good and waited all day for him to catch up riding him off our wheels time after time. Wow, OKAY!

So he whined about having a bad day inviting us back to do it again. Only I went as the others thought it was a waste of time. So I went and he did a little better but sucked wheel for about 80 miles. I called him to the front but he wussed. So finally at one point, as Gina was filling my water bottles, he took off as I was still off my bike at the support vehicle. Wow, OKAY! So I took off slowly catching back up without too much trouble but not wanting to pull ahead after his cheeseball move.

So Gina saw me a bit behind and asked if I was ok as I rolled by with him about 50 yards ahead. Yeah, watch what I do to this cheeseball ha ha ha! I let him hang out there till about mile 90. He had been out there ahead for about 7 miles. Then I caught up just as we were about to get to a little, very little hill. Then he stood up and shouted,? C'MON BEANZ, LET'S SEE WHAT YOU GOT!!!!".

OK, remaining seated, I started to pound the pedals and immediately he fell behind. I kept on hammering and dropped him clean out of sight within a mile or two. I got to the end of the ride, cleaned up, sat and chatted with Gina for about 20 minutes before he showed up ha ha ha! 

Still didn't learn so he challenged me on GMR, WHAT ?!?!?

The 20 mile climb, 5,000 ft of gain on the ride, mostly  on the way out to Baldy Village. I got the the village and waited a while but he never showed. So I headed back and met up with him about half way up the climb ha ha ha! OK what about all that tough climbing you did in Camarillo? I guess they don't have a GMR over there ha ha ha! So he quit the ride wanting to head back. 

Then later, he said he wanted to do a flat century with us on, get this, my sissy ride, the Santa Ana River trail. We did, about 5 guys and after 20 miles, Big Cajonies couldn't keep up. Seriously, he was almost in tears after the first 20. The stupid thing was, he started criticizing the set up of some of the riders. Claiming we should get bike fits like he did to increase power. OK, what? You can't keep up! He pissed off my buddies so they all left him. I did as well riding with my buddies but then felt sorry for the fool, dropping back to tow his ass back knowing he was going to suffer alone. I shouldn't have but being a soft hearted guy, I figured I'd help him out. And yeah, the guys that went ahead, I've dropped them on centuries before. Not sure what Big Cajonies was thinnking but no, he couldn't compete with me.

Funny thing is, some stupid big mouth chick on the forums claimed that Big Cajonies was a super strong fast rider but said she would love the chance to race me. Uhh OK, you think Big Cajonies is fast? Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Baby, you would have had another thing coming had we raced.

The other favorite memory. Some SUPER rider, once again on the forums. A double century rider, brevet rider, long distance rider that competes in other countries and even did Race Across America like 5 times. 5 time finisher. Back in 2005, an $8,000 Colnago with special climbing gears, wheels, descending gears claiming races can be won on the downhill. Big time rider followed by many.

He saw that I had once again signed up for Ride Around the Bear (before they sissified the ride into Tour de Big Bear) 100 miles with 10,000 ft gain. He said on the forums that if he had a bad day and I had a good day, I MIGHT  keep up with him. Funny thing, he started an hour before me with the time window and I passed him 45 miles up ha ha ha! On my $1,000 bike, the Cannondale, Mr. Beans Mobile!!!!!

We stopped at the lunch stop in Big Bear. Then I gave him a head start before heading out knowing I was going to pass him again. I did even before reaching the 7 mile Onyx Summit climb. SO right at the bottom, I pulled over and stopped to hug and kiss on Gina as he rolled by. Gave him ANOTHER  head start going up the 7% climb.

Passed him again. This time, he said he was going to pass me on the downhill. OK, serious???

It's practically a 40 mile downhill. I'm a pretty good descender. I have good weight but most of all,, good balance and technique on the descents as far as roadies. Different story offroad but still decent. But on a paved road, I can more than hold my own. Not to mention there are two short 1 mile climbs on the downhill. This would cancel any kind of advantage he would have on me ha ha ha!  And of course, he never showed up on my descent. 

Got back to the finish line where he later showed up. I beat him by more than an hour. Ha ha ha, the day I realized those high end over priced bikes would not make a difference for a recreational rider like me. Maybe a big time Race Across America rider like him, but not me ha ha ha!

Then after realizing he got spanked, we ended up on another ride together, Cool Breeze. He chose the flat century and I the double metric with 7,000 ft gain. There he invited me to join him on the flat century saying he would pull me along the course. Uh yeah OK ha ha ha!

He boasted several 5 hour centuries.  Umm, I've done several flat centuries solo in 5:45. I guess he thought riding in groups of 50 plus riders made him stronger than a solo ride. I guess he learned his lesson.  But I had planned on the double metric with climbing and invited him to join us. He declined but this ride was once again, Big Cajonies decision to try riding withe me and a friend again.

Again, a disaster. Ended up waiting at the top of every climb along the ride. A few canyons, Casitas Pass, I think it's called. Nothing like GMR climbs but they were all a disaster for Big Cajonies, as little as they were. The entire day dragged on waiting for his ass along the ride. Pretty shameful display of strength and riding on his part, so this was the last invite and ride I agreed to do with him. His fancy expensive bike, wheels, bike fit, couldn't make big Cajonies any better of a rider and I didn't have the time to be waiting around ha ha ha!

So those are my favorite memories riding this bike, my CAD3 Mr. Beans Mobile. I wonder if those guys even ride anymore.

Some budget stuff I use. The Cetaphil or Equate cream from Wally World. About $6 for a 16 oz tub is just about identical to an 8 oz tube of Paceline Chamois Butter but far less in price. FTR, the Cetaphil at Walgreen's was grossly overpriced, $21 for a 16 oz container. I got it at Costco, 2 containers, 1 at 16 oz and the other at 20 oz bonus size for $14, coming out to $7 each.

The Mennen Speedstick is about $2 at Wally World and works just like the sports roll on stick that cost about $10 to $20 for 1.5 oz. This is 3 oz for far less, much less.

I roll on the speedstick onto the chamois before getting dressed. Then before the ride, some cream on my cheeks and on the chamois. Why be uncomfy?  For this price, I can use it cheaply on every ride, from 20 to 50 or more. I can also carry a little extra cream in a small tuck away container like one of those old film containers. The little black things, or for the diabetics, the little containers that hold the test strips.

The HR chest strap. I bought one on ebay for about $7 and it worked better than the Garmin strap that was given to me when my bud Tony gave me the Garmin HR monitor. He said it didn't work well then bought another. I cleaned it up, read on how to use the strap effectively, wet the rubber section and part of the strap around the sensor area, worked fine. But was a bit damaged so I bought one of the ebay models to see if it made a difference. Yes, so I bought like 4 more. Gave one to Tony but one of the straps had a snag on it. So I contacted the seller about it so he said keep it and he would send another free of charge. So I made out and keep it in my equipment bag as a back up spare in case I forget my usual strap. Which I did today so I pulled the spare out of the bag and used it. I did forget my usual strap as I always take it in the shower with me after a ride. Supposed to rinse them out or wash them every so often, which I do. So I hung mine up to dry then forgot it today having rode yesterday. 

So the extra spare strap in the bag worked. Not the first time I've forgotten it after having placed on a rack to dry. But I do have about 4 straps so I guess I'm set for several years ha ha ha! My usual did separate a little on the rubber section so a dab of superglue did the trick and still going strong not having come apart again. Heck, 2 years use out of a $7 strap, I can't complain even if it exploded today ha ha ha!

Test strip container

Aww, how cute, Gina made me a smiley face on my tortilla this morning. She didn't plan it, just worked out that way. :-) 

Ah, a little midweek relaxation strolling the mall with Gina after a little din din at Sizzluh! 

Solo Windy SART

 Solo 43 at 16.0 or 16.1 depending on who you ask, Strava or Garmin and Bryton ha ha ha! Either way, very windy but felt great once again. Riding the oldie Mr. Beans Mobile.

Ran into Bad Bob (Rob), always a pleasure and good things to say. Well, other than showing a little dislike for the motor bike idiots of which I must agree. 

Saw Ron and Dixie going the opposite way, twice. Soo hard to catch them as I am always expecting them then it's not them then the second I put my recorder back in my jersey pocket, they pop up around a turn or an  underpass ha ha ha! So I only got a glimpse.

But thinking of these guys, Ron over 70 and Bad Bob at 70, it's good motivation to keep riding seeing cycling seems to keep one looking younger and healthier.  Must keep riding ha ha ha!

Very windy at Yorba. Very windy! I did stop and chat with one of those guys that stand out on the trail passing out water to passing athletes. From a church, guys getting out and mixing it up with the community, nice! Good guys!

So it was heck going north on the trail but heaven going south with a big tailwind. At one point doing 23-24 without pedaling much ha ha ha!

The video

Another Kootu saddle arrived in the mail today. Been enjoying the first one I put on the Madone. Since it is out of commission till I feel like fixing it, I bought another Kootu for the Cannondale. Of course, the Spoon Charge saddle is also feeling good right now so I'll just keep the new one on the side in case I want to install it a bit later, maybe. But darn, the Kootu and the Charge Spoon saddles are only about $24 on ebay and love them far more than the $180 Terry saddle that I purchased. Gave it over a year but just not liking it. Not sure what happened because the first 3 I had a few years back were very nice. This one though being very expensive, it sucks ha ha ha!

Then Millie's with Gina for dinner. Flat bread chicken fajita tacos. Pretty good but the salsa there pretty much sucks ha ha ha! So I took some Cecee home made salsa, much better. MIL always making a snappy salsa.

Only ate a few of the fries not wanting too much junk food. Had the coleslaw last couple times instead of fries, but today, the thought of the salsa mixed with the ketchup sounded like fun!

Gina with some Talapia fish, some kind of sauce and capers on top.

Well Damn, I'm Feeling Like a Bad Muthuh Fokker !!!

 So 61, diabetic type 2, diagnosed 9 years ago. After 3 years of testing blah blah blah, I felt good and figured since I hadn't gained much weight, I was doing good. But started feeling a little sluggish and not feeling like myself on the bike. Figuring it was old age, can't stay young forever.

But returned to my Kaiser benefits and right away, they were on me wanting to continue where we left off.  Bothersome but I guess it's better to know where you stand, especially entering old age. I will say, getting a new and better paying job 6 months ago, Gina and I were living it up. Eating out several times per week and good stuff ha ha ha! But knowing I am type 2, I knew it would come to an end when it caught up with me.

I don't want to and can't see myself taking medication, never want that so if there is a way to avoid it, I'll do it and knowing natural is best, I even rejected offers for meds when I first found out. Still no meds but the big dinners did catch up to me as expected. I knew it would so it was no big problem or worry for me. Control is the key!

So I did test 3 months ago and was not happy with the results, a high A1C reading as expected. So that day, I stopped the bad habits. Figure I've had like 2 ice cream cones in the last 3 months which is excellent for me being and ice cream and cookie lover. Matter of fact, don't think I've had a cookie since.

A man has got to know his limitations as Clint would say, I do!  Fancy food, junk food is sheot! I know it but enjoy it physically but mentally, I know it's sheot so I was actually looking forward to bad news knowing it would give me a good reason to shape up. I did! 

SO 3 months later, damn I'm a Bad Mother Fucker just like Samuel L Jackson ha ha ha! Took another A1C and dropped 4.2 points! Yes, 4.2 points and just about where I should be, on target.  The doctors see me drop my numbers every time without meds and are like WTHF! What did you do?

I'm Mr. Beanz dammit! I do what I want to do ha ha ha! Yes, control and actually  looking forward to the day where I knew I would have to shape up. Being 61, I am very aware that my sheot diet has to come to an end. Seen too many people on dialysis suffer in bad ways to think I will let myself get to that condition knowing I can help it. One thing about always being active and competitive, I don't just go down without a fight. 

Figure I'll have to eat this way the rest of my days. Dry Cheerios on the way to work, easy to handle and good for cholesterol, better than bacon ha ha ha! Then a cucumber, small turkey or chicken sandwich for lunch. Half a lemon for a snack first break then 3 crackers with good quality peanut butter for second break. Read about a it and who would have thought, PB was good for diabetics. Small pc of meat for dinner, a cup of rice or potatoes, salad, and another cucumber. Maybe one or two small Jello sugar free cups for a snack depending on how I feel, to satisfy the urges or cravings thought they come less and less as one cleans up.

Not to be so graphic, but as one cleans up the diet, eating clean, the poop is clean as well. I laugh when mentioning it to others but, seems one doesn't need toilet paper after a visit to the throne. I mean it is an awesome feeling, not needing toilet paper. Again, not to be too graphic but when I eat this way, I don't even need to wipe my ass after taking a dump ha ha ha! I mean, I do but really, I could get away with not using TP if I really had to ha ha ha!

But the thing is, the brain tells me that I am done with eating the poison at my age. It's for keeps now! I'd be a fool to let myself think that I am doing everything I can while eating shit food and poison. Like I have always know it's poison and bad for the body but yet, we still do it. I'm done!

I will have an ice cream cone once a month maybe. Maybe a cookie but I'm done. Like I said, I'd be a fool to fool myself then end up on dialysis because I was stupid. Seen too many people do this to themselves then make excuse, Oh I couldn't help it! Uhh, yeah you can!

So after putting some good effort into eating better and some mind control, dropping my A1C by 4.2 points, Yeah I'm going to say I'm a Bad Mother Fucker! I ain't stupid and I ain't fooling myself. Especially after noticing the positive changes in my body.

Thinking I was getting old and tired on the bike, I accepted the struggle of trying to feel good on the bike. But making the changes really points out the differences and the benefits of eating well. I feel like night and day after making a few changes. I actually feel like I did 20 years ago. My riding is feeling more effortless and the average speed creeping back up. The heart stress is feeling less and less, the legs feeling free again and still, no Viagara hoping to keep it that way ha ha ha!

So many people in my life have made excuses to keep themselves in poor health. I can't eat healthy but I can drink beer, seems to be their motto. Bull shit, I am keeping on top of my game and know it's for keeps so I ain't making excuses. At my age, the game is serious and for keeps now. If I fail, it's my fault!

But hell no, I'm a Bad Mother Fucker, I ain't making excuses! I can drop and maintain if I want to and I do! Staying on top of my game from now on, can't afford any more bad habits. Thankfully mine would only be food and not alcohol or smoke. I don't put any to that sheot in my system either.

Getting poked and tested, I pretend and joke about crying like a little baby but really, I'm a Bad Mother Fucker!

Gina actually eats more than I do ha ha ha! Got myself conditioned to eat a small pc of meat, rice, and a salad. Actual salad, lettuce and other little veggies. No chicken wings etc. I don't even eat salad at Sizzler, I wait till I get home then eat it with vinegar or low sugar dressing. 

Funny, making stupid faces but they seem to be my better pics ha ha ha!

I must be doing something right. Speaking with another cyclist on the trail the other day, he said something about thinking more about his family getting older and being 46. I told him that I understood now that I am 61.  He was like what, 61??? You look very strong for your age. I was like, thank you ha ha ha!

Solo Mr. Beans Mobile

Solo 25 Pico to Liberty Park

 So my Madone decided it wanted to be high maintenance yesterday. Started a ride Saturday but it was being stubborn so I turned back ending the ride then swapped it out for the Beans Mobile for Sunday till I feel like fixing the Madone. 😄 Forgotten how much I love to ride this bike. Been 3 years but still feels great being 28 years old. 😉 Fueled by Sizzluh with Gina last night. Got a budget under layer, Under Armour for $15. I'm a budget kinda cyclist. 😄

Boy, my legs are getting skinny.

Originally I was nicknamed Mr.Beans  but since signing on cycling forums and the net in about 2002, Mr. Beans was taken by the comedian so I used a Z instead of an S. This bike is from 1998, a 97 purchased in 98. I have since replaced just about everything but the crank and front hub that are Ultegra 600 equipment. I have Dura Ace that I purchase at Supergo years ago. Shifter/brake levers for $199 and rear derailleur for $64 no tax. I bought 2 and still have one in my tool box. I miss Supergo!

Baselayer budget buy, 15 bucks

Love this gal!

Wasted this pasta meal on Friday eve because my bike pooped 💩 out Saturday morning. 

New Year's Day Ride

 Just a short 20 miler from Pico to the SF Dam. Man, I am feeling great! Though going easy, I did manage to feel great going against the wind. The way I used to feel on the bike.. Great to be back after taking control of my health and fitness by eating the way I should while avoiding all the celebration food and bad eating. Too old now to risk health issues so I'll just keep it up!

Did test a little power bank light that I got from Rock Bros. I do my business on ebay with RockBrosusa22 as the dude has been cool shipping good times and even giving me a couple of small parts that I needed to replace after breaking a part on a new light not realizing how to operate it properly. Dude sent me a couple of replacements free of charge so being the loyal customer I am, I only buy from his if he has the part which most times he does. Several Rock Bros stores on ebay but I  deal with this dude, reasons mentioned.

A bit weak though, would want it a bit brighter but some crazy run times. High beam 48 hours, low 72 and strobe is 200 ha ha ha! If it ain't too bright but it will shine forever ha ha ha! The power bank works seeing I tested it by charging my Samsung earbuds and case.

But wow, feeling GREAT! And a Happy New Year to all my friends and people that like me. Those that don't, you suck ha ha ha!

A new mount extension, cut out light weight like I need it ha ha ha!

Sizzluh and the mall NY eve, mall only open till 6 pm so we had to eat fast ha ha ha!