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'm Rich !!! Meeting Tasha

 1st of July Ride, well 2nd of July but 1st of July Ride 😁 40 miles. Just more exercise keeping healthy. Nice easy HR but I am surprised it wasn't much higher with the wind. Someday....I'll get a ride without so much wind. 🤣 Pico Rivera to Azusa Cyn & back.

Did meet a lady named Tasha out walking for exercise. We started chatting and wow, what a story. She's had some serious back issues, arthritis, this and that and all kinds of wicked life experiences. She found Jesus and has some success stories in her life. Good for her! Mexican American lady almost my age so we had some good conversation about the way life used to be growing up with Grandma making tortillas and always eating as a celebration or a visit. Probably why our families are riddled with diabetes. Now that we know better, we can only improve and again, good for her, she's on the right track.

We talked about her past experience being married twice, bot bad sadly. Some other misfortunes that I won't go into seeing it doesn't matter but a great success comeback story. I did tell her that it's sad the way that MANY men treat women. I told her about my family experiences and told her that I did not understand why so many men treated their wives that way. So I told her that Gina is the most beautiful person I have ever met. Probably the sexiest as well and being so humble and shy, it just makes her qualities shine even more. I told her that she had misunderstood me when we met being scared to take some steps that would have set us up for life. I followed her and here we are!

But I told her that though we were not rich, we were happy and set well enough that I really don't want for anything. I have bikes and everything I have ever wanted for my toy collections though I never really wanted too much. There is more to love and life than just spending money on expensive toys. I told her how I would by Stroop Wafels instead of Honey Stingers, RockBros gloves instead of Pearl Izumi. Heck, the stuff works so I use it and don't need to impress anyone with possessions.

I told her that I wasn't rich but I had more than what I need to get by then she said, "I can tell you are different, you ARE RICH and you give me hope that someday I might find someone that loves me the way you love your wife." Aw, that was nice but it's true because Gina is so sweet, she deserves it. I told her that even though I love the female anatomy and highly admire it, I have no reason to risk what I have over another woman. Heck, I've never known anyone that treats people the way Gina treats loved ones. I told her that even when I met Gina, she thought I was dating all kinds of women. Far from the truth, people thought I was but not that kind of guy. Heck, even one of my uncles told me when I was about 22, "I bet you get all kinds of pu$$y". Nah, I told him, I just like to have fun and be safe. Kind of a crazy uncle from the ghetto but at least he had faith in my abilities ha ha ha! And yeah, being a confident person, I could have had a lot but just not my style wanting something that meant more than just a one night thing. Something special and I found it in Gina. I guess knowing I felt this way about Gina really impressed the lady.

Wouldn't be the first time I heard that, been told that I am rich in more ways than one. I believe it knowing there is more to life than impressing people with possessions, income, and/or status. Heck, whenever something happens or some sit-chee-ation or person that challenges me, Gina will say, "they don't know who they are messing with!" ha ha ha! Funny but I see it as true and nice to know that she feels that way. So cool lady and we had a good relationship right off the line. Always cool to meet someone that is pretty near you in life and experiences.

Speaking of saving money in my cycling life, I just can't help buying things that save money.  I mentioned stroopwafels before.  I looked for them in our nearest Wally World but couldn't find them realizing that this was not the location I purchased them so Gina just about demanded that I buy a box of honey Stingers. 6 for $9. Sure I'm happy but I just missed saving money. 

So we went to the bigger Wally World where I previously purchased them.  Ah, there they are! On sale for $4. 50, Gina suggested I buy 2 boxes. Now that's my pleasure,  2 x 8, 16 🧇 waffles for $9. 👌

I had 3 honey Stingers remaining in one box. I use them for certain rides and the stroopwafels more often being budget friendly. 

So now I have 3 left from one box and a new. 2 new boxes of stroopwafels.  So in my stash right now,  I have a grand total of  25 waffles 🧇.....😆😄😆

Oh well,  I see it as motivation to ride! 👍

Fairly easy heart rate.  I'm surprised with all the wind.

No, those aren't MY  fingers. 😁

Exercise Exercise C'mon Everybody do Your Exercise / Remembering Grandpa / Gina's Freaking Car

 Another solo 40. Back to my exercise mode. Had a chance to play games with other riders last week but now, let's just get in some exercise as I had been for a good while now. Did run into a dude named Jerry at the top of the trail. I was taking pics with my claw/clamp/swivel arm set up that is so fun to play with clamping onto posts and whatever is available to snap a few pics with the remote.

Jerry went by saying hello as I was posing. He was on the way up but then when I finished, I remounted my bike then started heading down. I didn't expect it but he came flying by. He was flying vanishing into the distance. But when I stopped at the SF Nature Center to refill my bottles, he was there so we started chatting. Cool dude, somewhat new to cycling so there was a lot he didn't know. I had to explain a few things to him as I was telling some of my stories. He's not up to date with the cycling lingo.

After, we headed out and as we approached the dam, once again he flew away. Pretty fast, has an aero bike with aerobars and some really deep rims. I had left a minute or two after he did from the nature center and seeing him fly away earlier, I wasn't going to try to keep up with him. I was on an exercise ride not really caring about keeping up with others but I will say that if I had tried to keep up with him, I think he would have dropped me. He was flying!

Me? I really didn't feel like riding today or getting out of bed but being the last day of the month, figured I might as well to get in some final monthly miles. Finished with 470, I'm happy doing 300 per month that keeps me feeling good on the bike.

It was a good day to ride in "California". 😆

Nice easy ride but the wind as always, made it a bit tough wanting an easy ride. But dark and cool for a California Summer day. I'll take it!

Gina's freaking car! 🫤 Broke down last week, again. But dodged a bullet. She thought it was toast but luckily found a guy that actually figured out what was going on. So instead if fitty thousand dollars, it was only $450. So we could afford dinner tonight. Funny thing that last week my truck was running funny. ​I replaced the air filter, nothing. I cleaned the throttle box, ran better. Then I cleaned the MAF (mass air flow sensor) then did the ritual that resets the ECU (brain of the engine). Running great like a new truck on the freeway. Very happy then of course Gina's car takes a dump so drove my truck to work last week. At least one of us got to enjoy it. 🤣

Had to pick up Gina's car from the mechanic after the ride and her work so we ended up going out to eat. Nothing fantastic at Millie's for dinner but convenient after Gina changed her mind about cooking at home. Oh well, just a lazy day so why not?

Gina does like the Tilapia though.

Did use the new replacement light sent from RockzbrosUSA22. Pretty bright light but used it today just to get it going. Make sure it lasts a while. I did buy it for night riding but will test it on day rides to make sure it lasts. Kind of funny riding in the day light with a big-o-bright light ha ha ha! But I better USE this one unlike the last one I just let rot in storage. I'll try to keep this one going and active. I do use a light during the day as well but was just a little funny running 3000 lumens during the day.

Next morning, breakfast at Millie's thinking about Grandpa!

One thing I learned today! 😄You don't talk sheot about my Grandpa. I remember him being about 76 years old chopping wood with a big axe in the backyard. Physical work all his life and eating stuff like alfalfa sprouts and healthy foods. Well, this waitress at Millie's is named Adela. I told her a while back that I had only known one other lady named Adela and that was my grandpa's girlfriend when he was like up until 80 years old. My grandma had passed about 30 years earlier so Grandpa deserved some honey. 😁

I had told this lady that I always remember her name because of that. But the reason I always remember my Grandpa's girlfriend's name was because he spoke mostly Spanish but knew plenty of English with an accent. So living with us in his older age, he would call on the phone when he was going to spend the night at Adela's house. He would call and ask," is jou mama home? No, tell her I'm going 'LEEP over Adela". His was going to SLEEP over Adela's but his accent sounded as if my Grandpa was going to LEAP over Adela. 😆😄😆

Man, we would crack up laughing after he hung up the phone. Even for years after he passed, we would laugh about it with all our cousins laughing so hard we'd almost bust a gut. Tell jou mama I'm going to LEAP over Adela. 🤾

We'd laugh at the thought of my Grandpa Leaping, jumping over his girlfriend Adela. 😂🤣😂

Well, this morning I went to Millie's for breakfast. I had the usual but then saw Adela serving another table. I remember I had told her the story then the words, "I'm going to LEAP over Adela1" came to mind and I started to bust up with the image of us and my cousins busting up over telling the story.

Just then, my coffee cup slid across the table about 2 inches. 😧😲😧

I thought about it a second then though that the bottom of the coffee cup might be wet causing it to slide. I lifted the cup and saw it was not wet and no moisture that would cause the slide. Oh SHEOT!!!

I thought about it then realized, we better not be talking sheot about my Grandpa! 😡😠😡

Truly though, my Grandpa was a Bad Ass. I remember him being way up there in age and still chopping wood with a big axe out in the sun, eating good healthy foods and stuff, and having a girlfriend into his 80's. I remember him getting into an argument with my uncle, his son saying when he was almost in his 80's saying, "well at least one of us still needs a woman!". What does that tell ya?! 😁

Don't even think about talking sheot about my Grandpa cause he can still get ya! 😎

Solo 47 on SART

 Just some exercise on my old stomping grounds. Felt good but of course the wind always sucks, well....blows ha ha ha! 

It's crazy, as I have said before, the biggest threats to me on the bike, is other bikes. AS SOON as I get on the bike and travel about a mile, I hit an underpass with a slight curve making it hard to see. A big group of wannabes is coming my way and look to be in a double line. Cool but 3 guys on the wrong side, my side, wow! Amazing that  these guys that wannabe pros can't figure out the it is not good to be on the wrong side on a blind turn or section of the trail. Seen it too many times. Another moron a few miles down the road. Wrong side, dude it's a trail and there are other cyclists on the trail. Then another group stopped on the side of the road inspecting a bike blocking the lane.

OK now, if it was a car inconveniencing a cyclist, it would be all over the cycling forums, FB bike pages, and the 5 o'clock news. I get tired of the whiney guys because cyclists are just as guilty. Everybody is a pro and expert cyclist but they suck. Not me though, I am pretty close to an expert ha ha ha. Kidding but I make sure I don't do stupid sheot like so many others on the road and trail.

Just doing my thing today. But leaving the coast, I hit the first bridge not seeing anybody around for a mile back. Crossing the bridge from one side of the river to the other so one can see pretty far back. Nobody around but about 1/4 from the bridge, some dude blows by me pretty fast. He must have come from out of a park or something.  Oh yeah, another idiot! He came up right behind me as if he was using the draft for a second or two. Bad thing is that he came at a high rate and swooped a foot behind my wheel as I turned my head to the side seeing what he did. I didn't even know there was somebody back there so I was surprised but why get so close? I guess he was stupid and didn't care if he took someone down.

So he raced off like a pro heading north. He was way up there but a few miles down the road, he was looking tired. Just because he was an idiot, F it, I'm gonna try to catch him though he was probably 150 yards ahead at one time. I did push pretty hard but I was catching fast. Then we hit the big downhill before Moon Park/405 (?)

As I was approaching, he looked back and tried to lift the pace up the steep little ramp. Yeah, the ramp can hurt some. Only 50 yards maybe, but it stings. So I caught him right at the start, the bottom of the climb. He tried to power up but I gave it all I had and passed him like he was standing still. I got to the top and figured, take that fukker!

He fell back a bit but I relaxed and continued a good pace. I actually didn't think he was going to come back but he did. He passed me as I was getting a drink. I actually probably got the drink just to relax showing him, he ain't all that ha ha ha! I didn't really care if he passed me again, or did I?

He had a sweet bike so it was all good riding my oldie 1997 Canni. But he passed me and put the hammer down. Got pretty far ahead and I thought to myself, not a big deal, I just wanted to pass him on the hill. Almost always the best place to pass another ride, stamp your authority on the hill ha ha ha!

So he went around pretty aggressively again as I returned to my usual pace. I was close to 140 BPM so I knew I was not overworking myself. Continued on my way as he pulled away.

BUT!!!! He had gotten pretty far ahead again but right before hitting Edna Park, he faded and I could tell from far away. I picked up the pace and planned to pass him before Edna, he wouldn't be expecting that, so let's do it!

I picked up the pace, in the high 140's and right before the final underpass before Edna North, I caught him and he was not expecting me to be there as he stood up to climb the underpass to the bridge. HA, I GOT YOU, MOFO!!!! I rolled right by him on the uphill as he saw me and tried to lift the pace, ain't happening ha ha ha!

I was actually burning pretty good and thought if he did it again, not sure if I could respond but only 3 or 4 miles left, I would try just to give him a hard time ha ha ha. But when we crossed the bridge, I sat up and took a drink. Preparing for the remainder of the ride and allowing him to pace me again if he tried. I would use it to recover once again. But he turned and went down into Edna Park. I wondered if he was out of gas or that was his turn around point. I was happy, got in a good workout, passed him like I wanted and he turned out. 

Heck, I would have been happy anyway competing my oldie to his new high tech sheot. Sadly, he was not on Strava to look up his stats.

Speaking of the high tech stuff. I saw two guys at Edna talking about organized rides. They mentioned then I mentioned the ones I completed, 4 times Ride Around the Bear and Breathless Agony. They had some sweet looking bikes, rims and all, very nice. One guy said that he was the prime example of a guy who had too much bike, too much for his abilities. 

Cool guys though! They headed out of the park a few minutes before I did. No way would I catch them, too windy and two guys working together? Fighting the wind alone for 47 miles gets a bit rough. But keeping my own pace, HEY!!! Look up yonder, there they are!

I rolled by and said hello being friendly as they were cool guys. But they looked very tired and seemed to be struggling into the wind big time. So I rolled by and just because they had sweet bikes, I nonchalantly lifted the pace. You know what cyclists do, ride by pushing hard but smiling so it doesn't seem that way.

I passed them, again on a steep climb, south of Moon Park, locals will know the stinger. I rolled by them saying hello then put my hands down in the drops and lifted the pace as much as I could. They fell back really quickly, I was shocked. Actually thought they might team up and catch me but they didn't just looked toasted. By the time I got to the coast, they were out of sight and did roll up a few minutes later. They were very friendly at the park so I thought they might wave but they didn't ha ha ha!

Of course, the little steep hills or the really stiff headwind sections are where a rider can usually give it a go to separate the men from the boys ha ha ha!

I don't usually play games much with other riders but hey, been feeling great on the bike. More riding, better eating habits, it's all good so I'm taking advantage of it. Of course, riding an oldie and actually being an oldie, if I can pass you, maybe your fancy $15,000 bike is a little too much for you ha ha ha!

Not much happening at the beach today. I did bring my GoPro recorder and shot a few clips of cyclists here and there but nothing too interesting. So I'll pass on the video this week.

Wow, Sunday morn/afternoon, went to breakfast with Gina at Tepeyac in City of Industry. Wow, I could not eat all my food. I guess it is a good thing ha ha ha! Before, I could pack this away no problem. But lately, it's actually been a challenge finding places to eat because it's just way too much. Never thought I'd say that but.............it was too much. Didn't finish all my food, left most the beanz and little bit of rice. 

I guess that is a good thing knowing when to quit and when one is full.  I actually did try hard to finish the enchiladas and egg that I had. I did but really wasn't happy afterwards. I guess that is why I like Sizzler so much lately. Good enough portion and mixing in a small salad after my meals.

Guess all the riding and eating better has been paying off. Feel good on and off the bike. Staying healthy into my old age.  

Had in some good hard efforts playing with some of the riders out there but the best thing is to just go ride my bike.  Just being consistent is the key!

40 with George and His E-Bike / RockBrosUSA22

 36 with George then continued for another 4 extra credit. 

George showed up at the start with his e-bike. Good cruise up to the top but windy of course on the return. George invited me to draft somewhere around the last couple of miles. Didn't at first but then figured I'd better. Till the legs really started burning after 1/4- 1/2 mile, I'm not sure. But a good ride. 👍 Had to settle for BK this morning not having a chance to make my Oatmeal. But it does the job. Heating up and humid so of course, plenty of salt on the gloves. Funny, I get notifications that someone snagged the Local Legends but as I finish and record my ride, I get them back ha ha ha. 😄 Stole George's pic. 😃

In all fairness,  I wasn't doing that silly duck lips thing people do nowadays.  I was chewing a waffle 🧇 

Pretty cool of these guys, ebay sellers. RockBrosUSA22😎 

I've purchased a lot of things from them and always nothing but good service.  Some dude had mentioned RB products after I mentioned buying some lights. I bought an $80 Cygolite that was really a disappointment.  So I tried an RB headlight 1000 and really enjoyed it. I bought another ending up giving one to a needy cyclist.  About $35. Then I tried another 1000, and a 1500. Really worked well. 

But I thrashed a little piece with the provided screw. Sliding mount design.  Well darn! So I contacted the seller asking if I could purchase a replacement fixture. Just a little button type thing.  The dude said he would send one free of charge.  Cool, it was my fault.  Got it but incorrect part so I sent a picture.  He sent that as well free of charge. I offered to ship the other part back but he said, don't worry about it. 

So I ended buying from this RockBros seller only seeing there are a few others.  Glad I did.  Great customer service and quick responses.  👍 

I've bought glasses,  bags, gloves, tights, and I mean several,  not just one of each. Let's say I have 6 headlights ha ha ha. 

But I bought a 3000 lumen double beam headlight back in December.  Doubles as a power bank 10,000. I used it once on the trail to test it but no night rides though I had done a few. I should have used it but riding with a couple partners,  I didn't want to blind anyone. 

I pull it out once I a while just to light up the dark room laying in bed. If you're actually a cyclist,  you understand. 😄

No problems but then I used it as a power bank to charge up earbuds. Wth!!! The thing shut off smelling like the internal stuff burned out. Recharged kind of strangely and finding out it wouldn't hold a charge.  Well darn! Having bought it back in December   I figured I was screwed and lost $56. So bright too. 

But I looked at the purchase history for some reason then noticed the 1YEAR WARRANTY. 👍👍👍

I sent a message to the seller explaining the sit-chee-ation asking how I could take advantage of the warranty.  Many times I just take the loss but this light was so bright.  The seller responded quickly asking me to make a video of the light's behavior. Sure, I did and of course,  happened to capture all of my RB lights in the video shot. 😁

Next day they sent a message saying that they created an order for a new one. They mentioned maybe a replacement or refund originally but I would be happy with either for $56.

So I sent them a big thank you message telling them how awesome they are,  how I enjoy all their purchased products, and that I only buy from their store solely.

Then sent a cool response.  Of course my account is under Virginia (Gina for short) but the account has my cycling picture on it. So they may be a little confused wondering why anyone would name their boy, Virginia,  or Sue. 😆😆😆

Either way, awesome people 👏 

Old Cannondales (George C. To Encanto

 Old Cannondales and Old Guys.  😄 First time riding with George.  He's stronger than he claims riding up the hill and down into a STIFF headwind. He made it look easy considering the elements.  Actually about 31.5 miles.  2 minutes after explaining the importance of restarting one's GPS, I forgot to start mine leaving Encanto Park and not realizing till we were around the nature center.  😁

So maybe I'm the old guy. George is only about 56

It was funny after the ride.  George was looking at my gearing ⚙️.  He said he noticed that I never even went out of my small ring,  the 39. Then he said he was trying hard to keep up and said he noticed I wasn't in my big ring. He said while riding,  he looked at my chain or the small ring thinking to himself, if this guy clicked it up to the big ring, he could drop me like nothing. 

Ha ha ha I told him that I don't ride to drop friends,  I'm always trying to keep it together unless some clown comes along. 😁

As we were packing up in the ⛳️ parking lot,  David from last week rode up. I introduced them to one another then the bike chat continued.  They were comparing their big rear cogs. Then they looked at mine, a 26. Not that small from others I've seen but they were impressed ha ha ha.  Then the standard 53/39. David was talking about how I stayed in my small ring. Funny that it's strange to them though I have met a couple hundred riders that don't spin like I do. I often wonder why,  I told them it's just very comfortable. 

Then David turned to George saying, "if you want to get better at cycling,  ride with this guy, he can go the distance, he's smart and really good with the cycling etiquette, and he really knows how to ride, he should be a trainer or something so if you want to get good at riding. " 

Awe shucks, but I'll take it.  I even told George, "write all this stuff down so you can post it on Strava!". Sure he won't so I'll post it on my blog.  Who knows,  maybe I'll write a book someday. 😄 Just good stuff to look back and remember what people who actually ride their bikes think of Mr. Beanz. 😁

George's pic

What a rough morning.  Got Gina up at 3;30 AM for work.  Sleep then woke me up for goodbye.  Sleep then woke me up because her car was sputtering pretty bad.  Darnit! 

Took the second weapon of choice to work. Sleep,  woke me up letting me know she made it safely.  Sleep,  well tried to sleep but at this point,  thinking about cars and not sheep. By the time I felt sleepy again,  it was time to get up.🤣

Stressing a bit about her money pit but ended up coming to the conclusion that maybe it's time she looks for a new car? Toyota Rav4, but no more Mazda.  Thing ran great for a few years then boom, money pit! 🤣

So we'll see what kind of deals are out there.

Always a freaking bummer the day after a good day. Gina didn't feel well late Sunday night  barely slept an hour maybe.  So I talked her into a sick day.  She slept while I cut my hair. Another do it yourself hair cut 

She woke up, I put on one of my best AC/DC shirts then we headed out to lunch. Figured we'd make the best of the day so we hit up a movie in Montclair Plaza.  

Obsession 🎬.  A coworker told her it was really good so we watched it. Good but not great.  Maybe even a good but not REALLY good. Some creepy scenes and good creepy actors but maybe a little predictable.  Then the idea that if I encountered the situation   I'd been gone 5 minutes after the sheot started.   I've dealt with a creepy date before,  bye! 😆😄😆

But always good spending time with my Honey. 

Don't worry,  I took the pic before the show started 😉 

Nothing like cutting your own hair then listening to some AC/DC.😄