Solo 40 Azusa Cyn and Fish Cyn 🐟

 Solo, well me and my monster.  😁 Feeling achy and icky the last couple of days so worried I wouldn't feel good on the bike but.....Man  I FELT GREAT!😄 Must have been the oatmeal. Last day I'll start from the golf ⛳️ course as it's a day or two from closing for services etc. 😌

I actually had thoughts of riding up GMR from Encanto Park the night or two before. But freaking Roku TV, got suckered into watching a couple of movies that I shouldn't have. The first ending at about midnight, I still had plenty of time to sleep but got caught watching a second movie. I thought it might be 1 am or a bit later and yeah, it was a bit later! Like an hour and 45 later. Heck, trying to go to sleep at 2:45 knowing I had to wake up at 3:30 am to get Gina up for work. She's terrible with alarm clocks and getting up. Had some of the best alarm clocks in the world over the last 20 years and she still can't operate, set them, properly, or keep herself from hitting snooze too many times. So I have to wake up and get her up or she'll fall back asleep. And those double alarm clocks only mean she has to hit snooze more than once ha ha ha! So I mush have fallen asleep about 3 then up at 3:30. Then I set my alarm as usual, at 4:55 to make sure I'm awake to get her text verifying she got to work safely. Then 8:30 was my planned time to get up but I woke up at about 7 am and couldn't go back to sleep.

Then I was thinking no way could I feel tip top on the bike so I opted for the trail and figuring it might be the last time I can start there and ride there as that section of the trail will be demolished as well. So I did but heck, felt much better on this day than I have for a while. Doing GMR would have felt good, well maybe maybe not. So who knows, but the sleep didn't affect me. I do remember doing Ride Around the Bear, 100 miles 10,000 ft of gain years ago on only 2 to 3 hours of sleep.

But oh well, had  good ride anyway and felt great! I am actually shocked having a section of achy back the last couple of days. Gina has been sick with a cold and everyone around it seems. I didn't get a cold but my back feels achy like it has before when having a cold. But not an issue on the bike. Later at night feeling it again but great on the bike so I won't complain. Just thinking maybe I had some cold traces thought not noticing. Just enough to make the back a little stiff.

The ride was good, saw some gal heading up as I was just turning around at the top. Friendly hello then later as I stopped to mount the claw on a pole for a pic, she tolled by. I wasn't expecting it but she stopped and we had a little chat.  Mainly about where the trail leads and what other courses can be had along the way. Seems she lived in the area and had done some of the local routes but she seemed to think there was more somewhere in the area besides the mountains. I named a few places that she already knew so I wondered if she was fairly new in the area and knew some but still thinking there was more to the trail. I did forget to ask if she had been below the dam as she mentioned riding to the dam and back. Friendly lady though and a good pleasant chat.

Later as I was leaving Encanto Park, I got back to the trail entrance and saw a couple coming up form off the trail. I had to waif for a couple of cars to go by to enter the trail safely from the street so I knew it was clear. As I entered they were hitting the exit so I let them know it was clear of cars both directions. The dude was cool and said thanks, have a nice day but the chick was silent. Then later on Strava viewing the flyby's, I noticed it was Sandra's friend. Probably doesn't know who I am as I have seen her a few times and don't know who she is until I see it on Strava. But who knows, maybe she does and thinks bad things about me ha ha ha!

But as always, a good ride is better than no ride. Though the last couple of days, I wouldn't consider no riding a bad thing. I think I got to let my body rest fairly well and that's why I felt so good today.

Just snapping a few pics with the golf course in the back ground before they demolish it. Which is planned to start in October as well as the trails being closed and demolished.

Little did I know I would be getting a text from TC asking to start there on Saturday. OK, one more chance and a video I hope. Historical ride ha ha ha! Final one with the golf course in it.

Posser ha ha ha! The claw mounted on a post

Hey, how did I know she was going to stop? 🤣 Smiled crossing paths earlier then she rolled up while I was setting up my camera and timer. I thought she was going to ride by so I hit the remote for a shot but she stopped suddenly dismounting her bike. Oh well,  got in a good friendly little chat. 

Oatmeal, strawberries, and a scoop of peanut butter for protein. I've read it's a good idea to add protein. I can taste it but as far as being good for me, I don't feel anything other than a sticky upper pallet ha ha!

Last Ride to Seal Beach ⛱️ For A While (video on YT)

Solo 42, well almost solo. Ran into Mark at the coast then rode back about 4 or 5 miles till his turn off. Must be nice living in the beach area avoiding the 107 degree temps ha ha ha!

Just another ride to the beach before they tear down the Pico golf course. I won't know where to park after that if I want to do the southern section of the trail that leads to the beach. I will park at Encanto Park to do the northern section which I prefer anyway being smoother and a little elevation. From there, the foothills are more accessible so I'll probably end up riding there mostly. Never really cared for the southern section anyway since the trail has a whole lotta cracks in the road. But ya know, gotta ride somewhere. Heck, maybe I'll be more inspired to do GMR some since it's right there, BUT when it cools down a bit.

Good news, received another pair of Aerotech shorts in the mail today. Don't know what happened to the Black Bibs, pad quality gone down. So I'm finding even the first pair of Aerotech I bought about a year and a half ago feel better than the new BB's. Sad but true. Now I have 3 pair and plan on a fourth that should carry me through a year or two.

This gal was a ham ha ha ha! Taking pics with her male partner then started posing alone. She did look up at me when she started posing alone. She knew I was there but I don't think it bothered her as she was having too much fun. Heck, she posed for about 30 minutes. Not that I am complaining ha ha ha!

                                                                             The YT video

Nice easy effort. Did feel really good. Trying to eliminate as much sugar as possible. Looking for a routine that suits me. Keep me fueled but with less sugar. Today it was sugar free Liquid IV rotating each drink with water while riding. Back and forth getting a good mix. Then a wafel after about an hour, then fig bars at the coast, 20 miles into the ride. Then another wafel half way back. Did it today and felt pretty good finishing strong. Good for a 40 miler maybe a little more for now. I think the heat has something to do with having to fuel a little extra. When it cools a bit, I'll try to get by with a little less on the wafels ha ha ha! I'm thinking since I don't eat a whole lot like I used to, I'm missing some carbs for me ride so very unlike me, I rarely ate anything on a 40 miler. Maybe one bar 20 miles in and a bottle of Gatorade. That was it, now it seems I need a little more fuel on the bike. Getting old I guess, ha ha ha!

Gal was all smiles!

I think this gal liked the camera more than I did ha ha ha!

Return from Vacation 🔥

 Solo 34 miles after vacation. Vacation from what, I don't know ha ha ha. Gina did have 5 days off so I got lazy. But back on today going as easy as I could considering the heat and wind. 107 I saw on my device, 102 average on Strava. Banged up my knee on the weekend. Small scrape and a little stiff.

Cool little chat with David after the ride in the golf course patio. He was walking 4 miles to meet some friends then stopped on his way back. 8 miles along the trail,, crazy! He rides and hikes along the trail most days. Good chat wondering about what is going to happen once the trail along the gc is demolished. He's more familiar with the area so I just listened to some alternate alternates ha ha ha! Well, a good little chat, little 2  hour chat. Arrived at the patio at 2 pm and didn't leave till 4 pm when Gina called that she was on her way home from work. 

After David left, I was packing up my electronics when a couple came from the golf course area. They asked about my ride and we had a good little chat with the lady saying she rides in the area. The dude looked more like a golfer then made a comment about my usual 35-40 mile rides 3 or 4 times per week. He said, "wait till you get to my age!" I thought about it thinking I know Ron is around 76 and is still kicking butt on the bike. Jimbo is around 72 or 73 if I recall correctly but probably not, so I know he's in his 70's and still kicking but running, riding, tri type stuff so I am thinking, maybe I might not be riding into my 70's, who knows but hopefully!

So I'm thinking the guy is in his mid 70's thinking there is still hope for him. So I asked, "well, how old are you? and he replies ," 63". 😧😯😧 HOLY COW, WE'RE THE SAME AGE!!! He was a little surprised that we were the same age, so was I ha ha ha! I told Gina about the conversation when I got home asking if I looked that old. She said no, and that she has told me that I don't look like the average 63 year old. Thank goodness, I hope she isn't lying if that is the average looking 63 year old dude. Forget golf, I'm sticking to my cycling ha ha ha!

Gee, a little banged up, a bit stiff but doesn't bother nearly as much as the small slight little itty bitty scrape. When the salt and sweat rolls down into the scrape, it burns like a MOFO!!! 🤣😂🤣

Then the usual chicken dinner at Sizzler. Gina tempting me with the chicken wings but NOPE....must be good! Heck, just for health's sake, switched to chicken and once in a long while, the small steak. Just trying to stay healthy for the future. Seems I'm off to a good start so why blow it now with yummy delicious chicken wings? 🤪

Did use the Aerotech shorts again, 8 hour plus rated pad worked nicely. I might have said 6 hours previously but looking again, it's 8. Feel nice and much smoother than the Black Bib shorts. I was impressed with the first couple I bought of BB's but seems the new green pad isn't as nice. It sticks to my skin and feels a bit like a rash so the Aerotech are much nicer. A bit more expensive but worth it.

I mentioned to Gina how much nicer they felt and she said good, I should buy a third pair. Who am I to argue? Ha ha ha! I see little discounts here and there, reg $119 and $8 for shipping so a little 15% or $15 off is good.  Gina is so sweet. She said though they are almost 3 times the price of the BB's, it's worth it to spend a little extra if I'm comfy then said I should order a third pair and I haven't even gotten the second pair delivered yet. She's so sweet!

Now that I remember, the pair I bought about a year and a half ago is feeling better than the new Black Bibs I've bought recently.  The pad seems to be a pad on the Aerotech where the BB's seem to be little pads stuck inside a pad sewn together and a couple of pair, the little pads have gotten loose. I sewed them back into place on the older ones and seems to work but shouldn't have to do that. But oh well, lesson learned and I haven't had to use those since I have several new pair of them. Just digging the Aerotech much more nowadays. The first pair I bought has the cargo net on the side of the thighs. I bought them to see how they work but I just don't like things on my legs while riding so I don't use it but the pad is still pretty comfortable.

After a few tears in the shower washing off the salt.

More Miles / Anniversary

Ahhh yes, before I forget, just ordered another pair of Premier long distance shorts on Aerotech dot com. Code LABORDAY to save $15 on orders over $100. Just in time so I ordered another pair. At this point, I am feeling much better in the Aerotech shorts vs the Black Bibs. Nicer smoother pad for comfort. $119 plus delivery, with the code, $112 delivered. Not bad for comfy shorts.

The video on YT

So Saturday, just another ride to rack up some miles. Staying healthy through exercise. Figuring I better ride from the Pico Rivera golf course before they destroy it. So heading south to the coast which I really don't like but doing it anyway figuring it might be harder to get there after the gc parking lot is gone and the surrounding trail destroyed.

So just another ride but headed to the pier to see what was there knowing there is never really much at the river's end section. Headed to the pier only to see a chick that I think was the same one I caught about a year ago, maybe 2. Nice big butt, yes, I'm an ass man ha ha ha! Nice big butt but maybe a little too big and bigger this time than last time but hey, it'll get me views on YT.

I did get a message from a fellow on YT saying something like it ain't fair because he doesn't get the sights like I do to use as thumbnails on YT, click bait ha ha ha!

But I did feel really good on the ride. The day after a blood test so that's good figuring I got stabbed and the huge loss of blood ha ha ha! Always nice to feel good on the bike. It was strange the previous ride but I'll chalk it up to being a little tired. My heart rate seemed low through the entire ride. I would push to raise it but my heart wouldn't stress though the legs would fry. So I figure my heart was strong and it was the legs that were tired refusing to push hard enough to raise my HR. A good sign I guess knowing the heart is strong. Yeah, strong heart is better than weak legs and a weak heart. But this ride, I started with a low HR for about 10 miles then went up once I the wind. Felt back to normal.

One thing on the ride, wow what a bunch of scary a-holes on those e-bikes. Yeah, many of the young kids are idiots but even the adults are idiots. Idiots with very little skill and consideration. First incident, I was passing and e-bike, actually 2. A couple riding together, the lady in front. The guy behind  riding right in the center of the path on the white line. I came up from behind and shouted kindly the Onyerleft. Sure enough the idiot didn't pay attention so I hung in his rear view mirror for a few seconds so he could see I was there hoping to pass safely. But the idiot just sat on the line with no idea. So I waited till he seemed a little steady then passed giving him the stink eye and a shake of my head. Idiot number one!

Idiot number two! Wish I had my recorder on at the time. Heading north about 2 miles from the coast. Father and child heading north as well. Kid about 20 yards in front of his father. I see him, small kid about 8 on a smaller bike looking a little unsteady but in his lane, the center of the lane.

Looking ahead, I see  small family walking south, 2 abreast and pretty much hugging the edge with 2 kids. I am doing about 17 but see the traffic so I slow big time to about 5 as the kid looks unsteady on the bike. Better to slow than hurt the kid or myself. OK, so the kid is 8 years old and I surely don't want to mess up a kid so I slow for a careful pass for all. 

Just as the two sets of kids meet, I wait a couple seconds for enough room to pass safely. But the idiot on the e-bike, about 45 years old just races through between the traffic without slowing. I say about 20 mph, are you kidding?! He shouted something to the kids as he flew through. I didn't hear him clearly but don't need to know what he said because I already know he's an a-hole. Freaking people always trying to blame just the young e-bike riders but I've seen plenty of older riders that are total a-holes.

As I roll by the parents walking south, I gently start to increase my speed but say to the father, :bunch of idiots on e-bikes are too stupid to slow down for kids!".  He just shook his head with a few words of agreement. Too many idiots!

Later on, I cross paths with a father and a little kid on an e-bike, I think. Then a couple of little girls on an e-scooter riding safely. The little girl on the scooter waves as she sees my recorder. Ha ha ha, always cute to see little kids wave to the camera. Sometimes is shocks me that they are so friendly thinking that most kids would be a little shy or intimidated by the camera. Caught them on video, the friendly smile and wave.

I think the paleta lady thought I might buy something if she photo-bombed my shot. I waited for her to move but seemed she wasn't and I had to go!

He he he the little wave and a smile.

Friday was our wedding anniversary so we went to Northwoods Inn. Same place I took Gina on our first date 40+ years ago. Lobster that won her heart I guess because it was game on after that night ha ha ha!

Steak and lobster for me. Steak is OK so I just get it cause I don't think I can live on lobster alone. I was worried being so rich that I might suffer on the bike the following day but I felt really good. Maybe I should eat lobster more often ha ha ha!

Mixing the purple marinated cabbage with the green lettuce and bleu cheese dressing.

Toast was a little under cooked and not so crispy so I asked the waiter to have it toasted. He brought us new stuff and a bag of new bread for the road, cool!

Before the mix!

Half way through our meal, a friend walked in alone, Jae. She happened to get seated right behind us. Didn't notice for a few seconds but what a surprise. I did offer her a dessert and had the waiter put it on our bill. She was happy and we will get together again for a dinner later on.

I had the steak and lobster, Gina just the lobster dish

Saw dust on the floor so once you eat the complimentary peanuts, you just toss the shells on the floor. Kinda neat, I guess!

The 30 mile test ha ha ha! The peanut and butter sandwich flavor Honey Stingers get pretty soft in the heat being carried in my jersey pocket. I do place them under my cell in the pockets hoping to somewhat shield them from the sun. But th P&J flavor really gets soft and flimsy. The salted caramel stays pretty firm. I guess I'll be sticking with those from now on not to mention, the P&J version tastes like a stale P&J sandwich ha ha ha!

Sunday. Changed it up a little bit today. But our friends still tossed in a salad 🥗 for me. 😁 Ribs, steak, and shrimp 🍤. Gina had the shrimp dish and a salad bar. Tired today. I think it's from the blood loss on Friday. 🤣 Got a little bruise on my arm from getting stabbed 🔪 at the lab. 🤪

And a nice thing, with the holiday weekend, Gina took off a couple of vacay days for our anniversary. So 5 days off for my Honey. She deserves it after working 11 hour days. She's such a hard worker. Patience is a virtue they say and she's got it!