Way Above A Recreational Rider_Just Another Old Man with a Cycling Problem Tour

 😄 Having fun with the new jersey. 😄 Powered by last night's Los Jarritos. 😋 Just another 34 miles.

Book of David 😁

I have had a few good chats with a dude named David that I met at the GC patio after rides. Very cool mellow pretty soft spoken dude. Knows plenty about cycling etiquette and riding safely. Good chats about dangerous ride habits and experiences. I had mentioned a certain ride and my concerns of safety. I gave the person the benefit of the doubt but David pointed out several times, that one needs to make things clear and if that rider doesn't comply, say goodbye because nothing good can come out of it. He was right and time after time, not showing any concern for instructions, nothing goo came of it so I had to cut ties.

So David and I had never ridden together and he says he prefers solo as most riders he has encountered scare him and lack skill. We chatted on and he seems to know his stuff. Well, on this ride, I saw him go by as I was filling my bottles at the SF nature center, the Cycling Hub. I didn't recognize him right away as a group of kids rode up on bikes and my attention was on them and their ride leader. But after filling my bottles, I headed off and I could see  rider far ahead on the little hill heading away from the rest stop. Maybe 150 yards ahead, on a rise so one can see far ahead. I saw him again later  heading towards Encanto Park. Seems we were doing about the same speed so I figured I would see this rider at the top as I was not gaining. 

About 50 from the top, I saw David heading down with a shoutout. But he turned around and met at back at the top. Had a good chat then as we were getting ready to head down, he asked if he could tag along. I was surprised but he said he wanted to observe my ride habits. Umm ok! He said pretend that he was not there. I pointed out a few obstacles and a little concerned about his safety and distance behind me seeing I had never ridden around him before. But he seemed very well situated and stable, very well placed. 

Heading down I was in the big ring pedaling but not too hard. Then we hit the dam and he said that he would take the front on that section, about a mile and a half (?). It got windy so I just enjoyed it. He seemed pretty steady in pace so I got to relax. 

Then we hit the trail, the final 9 miles. I was in my small ring, 39 even though we are heading down but if anyone knows this trail, down is ALWAYS WINDY!! 🤬 He mentioned that I looked very comfortable in the small ring. Yup, I like to spin rather than mash. He was enjoying the draft I could see. But later down the road, I started feeling the strain so I asked him to take the front for a bit. Kind of a test too as another rider I was hoping to condition as a ride partner always had an excuse why the front was not an option. Or if so, it was a sprint away instead of a controlled pace where I could recover before taking the front again. Really, it's hard to find a good rider that understands 'WORKING TOGETHER".

So he took the front and kept my pace about 2 minutes then down about one MPH lower. He kept steady but asked me, "how is this pace?". I told him that it was perfect and that as I had tried to explain to the other candidate that even if it is a tad slower than my effort, it allowed me to recover faster and then I could return to the front to pick it up again then we all win!

So I stayed on his wheel for about a mile even after I was rested. Making sure that I had plenty in the gas to finish off the final 3 windy miles. It worked, I felt great. Sometimes a rider will take the front and try to kill me rather than give me a chance to recover which usually ends in a bit of discomfort. David did great and I recovered quickly. I noticed his pace slowed another 1/2 mph but that was fine. At this point as I have mentioned to other riders, if you help me, no way will I drop you ore even TRY to drop you.

I moved back to the front taking over smoothly so he could latch on easily. Seems he  had a bit of trouble at this point and I understand that. Sheeesh, sometimes I might be leading at 17 into a stiff headwind when another rider will take over kicking it up to 21. No way is that recovery! By the time I close the gap and even start to catch my breath, they move off claiming to be done. Uhh ok, your helping me was making me sprint for 1/4 mile to catch on then calling it quits? Very frustrating and a big reason why I enjoy riding alone nowadays. That and realizing my ride times and speeds are just as good riding alone ha ha ha!

So David fell back for a second and I didn't realize it at first. But knowing, I looked back to see him about 15 yards back, uh oh! I soft pedaled for a bit so he could catch back on. He did and recovered just fine before I returned to my pace. Then at one point about a mile before the end, he asked me to go into the big ring as he wanted to observe something. OK, I did then about 1/4 mile later, I shifted back down to my 39 ring. I told him that if I stay in the big ring against the wind, I would fatigue sooner.  Later we would discuss this. When  I went down to the small ring, he dropped back and seemed to struggle to stay on. I wondered why but thought maybe he couldn't find the draft as it gets really windy in this final section.  

So we get back to end the ride then sit in the patio for a bit to chat. He told me once again as he did on the ride, that he could see I was very comfortable spinning the small ring. I explained the comparison to squats in weight training. You can squat 500 pounds once but 135 pounds, at least 20 times. The big ring will fatigue the muscles sooner. I explained learning it back in 2002 and how I did drills on a trainer hoping to develop a "spin" technique. It worked. He said he can tell. 

Then he asked about when he asked me to big ring it. I told him that I could feel that it would fatigue my legs so I switched back. He said he understood and it was smart of me to go back before I did fatigue. Yup, exactly! But then he asked if I noticed he fell back when I went back to the small ring. I said yeah, I wasn't trying to drop him. He said there was no way he could spin fast enough to keep up in his small ring.  I looked at his bike and said I understood. He has a compact crank with a 34/50 and I have a standard 39/53. He was a bit  surprised and maybe even felt a little silly from his response and the expression on his face ha ha ha!

He then asked how his form was looking. I told him that I could see he was a very good safe rider and that he read me well. He had an even steady pace behind me. Good safe distance and predictable so I could tell what I could do and not do.  I told him that his etiquette was good as I didn't even bother to point out some things as I could tell where he was at all times. Good position so if I wanted to veer left for some reason, I know I could without taking out his wheel. And I knew exactly what to point out, like and old man walking along the ride side of the lane. Of course something out of the ordinary, must be safe. Left to avoid a sand pile knowing where he was the entire time was no issue, he was well placed. Heck, I wish some of the other riders I tried to teach would understand that. It's not about trying to lok fast to one another, it's about using the smarts to recover and benefit from the other rider rather than trying to impress. even if another rider impressed me with speed, if it's not a benefit to the both of us to finish strong and well together, then it's totally useless in my opinion.

Then he said he could tell that I was very smart and knew my stuff.  He told me that he was just a recreational rider so he was just riding. I told him that I was and have always considered myself just a recreational rider as well. Then he said," OH NO WAY, YOU'RE WELL BEYOND AND ABOVE A RECREATIONAL RIDER!".  Ha ha ha thanks but I told him that I'm just riding for exercise and recreation.  But he went on to say he could tell that I was very experienced, knew my stuff as far as etiquette, and a very strong rider.  Hmm, wanting to be modest but it's always a good thing to hear what others think.

Then he said that he admired my thoughts on bikes. He said he could see that my bike was just a bike but a classic, it's a 1997. He went on to explain how he has met sooooo many riders with fancy bikes, wheels, equipment but can't ride their bikes. He said I was the classic example if "it's not the bike, it's the engine". Heck, good to hear that too seeing I learned that a long time ago.

I even had fun telling the story of Big Kahunas and the 5 time Race Across America finisher and heavily decorated long distance rider. Big Canoies telling me on the cycling forums that I did nothing but sissy rides, he had bigger hills, stronger winds and finished all bad azz on some organized rides. Then the RAM racer who said I didn't train properly and signed up for Ride Around the Bear (100 miles, 10,000 ft of gain) along with his $10,000 bike back in 2004 (?). Heck, I was riding this same 1997 model, $1,060 Cannondale CAD3.

He posted on cycling forums that IF I GOT LUCKY, I MIGHT KEEP UP WITH HIM and his bike with special climbing wheels, carbon Colnago, his special descending gears. That was way too funny! I started an hour later, a timed event with scan bars. Past him, then stopped up the road before the last final climb to Onyx Summit, 6 or 7 miles at 6 or 7%. I let him pass while watching him go by chatting with Gina, my arm around her giving her a little peck on the cheek as he rolled by. Gave him another head start then passed him once again on the climb where he shouted he would catch me on the final 40 mile down hill. He had special descending gears. A 60 chain ring and an 11 cog in the back. I had my standard 53/39-12/26 gearing. His thoughts were on cycling forums is that a race can be won on the descent and he is a good descender. Uhh ok so am I and if I smoke your ass by an hour on a 62 climb, no way are you going to beat me on the DH. Umm, I'm a good descender as well and I doubt a rider who can't push custom gears up a mountain is going to have the power to pedal harder on the DH. That was funny, sitting at the post ride BBQ with an arm around Gina and another around our other female cycling partner, eating while enjoying the BBQ and glancing over at him like, you loser ha ha ha! Ended up doing another organized ride later that year. He chose to do the easy version without the climbing, with the girls and I did the 7600 ft ride with the men.

Then the Big Kahuma story ha ha ha! Again, a nice expensive carbon bike, custom fit blah blah blah dissing my bike and ride habits. Invited to a century, went with a buddy, SemperFi (on the forums). We started the ride and BK started out of the gate like a bat out of hell. Just kept up for about 5 miles till he faded. Then we approached the 5 mile canyon climb of which he boasted. Uhh ok, training on GMR vs a 5 mile canyon?  So SemperFi cruised up to the top and waited about 15 minutes for BK. He couldn't keep up at all on the ride and even had his mother come out after the ride making excuses for him.

OK, so maybe he had a bad day. He invited me back 2 weeks later to prove himself. Just he and I this time, I think he bored the other riders ha ha ha! So we rode together, He did a little better though I towed him for 80 miles. Stopped at the Gina SAG support driving my truck for us. He filled then took off as I was filling my bottles, OK! I ended up about 50 yards behind him along the coast, Point Magoo area. Gina pulled up and asked if I was ok. I told her yeah and watch what I do to him at the turn around point. He was being a bit obnoxious at this point thinking I was tired. Nah, I just letting him play himself for a fool.

We got to the turn around together after letting him hang out in the wind for a bit. Heading back up a couple little hills, he must have thought he was feeling strong. We hit a little hill then he stood up and shouted," C'MON BEANZ, LET'S SEE WHAT YOU GOT!!!".  Freaking fool 😆😁😆

I just remained seated but dropped the hammer on the final 10 mile stretch. Got back about 10 minutes before he did. This time we ended the ride right there rather than at his house so I didn't have to hear his mom come out and make excuses again ha ha ha!

Of course, he still didn't learn. He insisted on trying a 5 hour century with a couple of my strong friends. As soon as the fool showed up, he started dissing my buddies' 'bikes. They didn't have this and that, no pro fit like him, wheels not up to par, blah blah blah! My buddies did not like him from minute ONE.

We started the ride and he flatted at mile 15. An experienced double century rider blah blah blah, he could not patch his tire. He started to panic so I insisted that he let me do it as he stood watching in tears. So finally, we start rolling again after his tears dry up. About 35 miles into the ride, the dude could not keep up with us. Mile 60, he was once again crying saying he was going to call his wife to pick him up. Dude, you drove 2 hours to quit and call your wife to drive another 2 hours to pick you up so you can quit? Nah!!!

I told him to hold my wheel but my friends had enough of him so they rolled ahead. I had to keep it down about 14-15 mph so the dude could struggle but barely hold on. Funny thing was that he had done a ride with some forum members and they were all impressed at how fast he was ha ha ha!

But the guy insisted he was a cycling god so he asked to ride along with SemperFi and I on Cool Breeze. A double metric, 124 miles with 7,000 ft gain. Let me just say, we did a lot of waiting then he called it quits about mile 110. Didn't want to finish the ride so we took a shortcut back to dry up the tears in his eyes once again.

But the clown still didn't learn, he CHALLENGED ME TO RACE UP GMR!!!    Are you serious, not sure what he was thinking but because he had claimed on the forums that his hometown climbs were more serious and had called me a sissy, I was up for the challenge. Like Mr. T said, "I accept the challenge because it is no challenge!". 😄😄😄...sorry, I had to insert some laughing emoji faces here!😄

So,, GMR is 21 mile total climb with nearly 5,000 ft gain. First 8 is 2300 ft at 6%. The next 13 a bit gentler but kicks back up at mile 15 for a serious 3 mile effort like the first 8 but rough as one is already tired from the first section. FTR, it's a good climb and SEVERAL FORUM MEMBERS HAVE REJECTED INVITES and yeah, Gina has done the total climb a couple of times and planned 1/2 distance rides about 100 times.

So BK and I started the ride. Right away within the first 1/2 mile, I had left him behind. But he set the challenge so you got it ha ha ha! I got to the top of the climb, 21 mile, waited a few minutes but he was not showing up. I waited a few more then decided to go down, maybe he had bike trouble. Nope!

I got down to the 14 mile point and there he was, totally wiped out! Uh c'mon, you can do it, nope he quit! AGAIN!!!!! He didn't break into tears this time but he insisted on heading back down. OK! 

I climbed 21 miles, 5,000 ft, waited, descended about 7 miles all in the time he could only do 14 miles. But the good thing that came out of the experience was that he finally learned his lesson. I would say #1, don't call people sissies on cycling forums. #2, don't underestimate other riders and finally #3, if you can't even do or compete with Gina has done on the bike, don't even freaking think about challenging Mr. Beanz ha ha ha!

So hearing David mention the things about some strong riders riding their bikes no matter what they are, is really cool. Like Lance says, it's not about the bike!

I did tell David that I like to consider myself a recreational rider but he didn't accept that ha ha ha! Nice but I like to be modest. 

I do remember another popular well known double century rider who told me after Ride Around the Bear that he was shocked with my performance. I beat him by 2 ours on the timed event. But he has always been cool, not a obnoxious pr!ck like the others so I won't mention his name. He said that everything that I said on the forums lead him to believe I was a big crybaby on the bike. He said he thought he was going to beat me thinking I was a baby and that I clearly understated my abilities on the forums. He was cool, a really good guy and made me laugh. 

Of course like I told David, most times I am just riding my bike and most of my time probably riding with Gina. I only come out to fight when some mouthy dope on the forums starts in on me. Sometimes you gotta beat someone down just to teach them a lesson ha ha ha!

So it was very cool to listen to David praise my riding. He was impressed saying I was super smooth and steady and looked very comfortable while riding strong. Heck, I'll take it and hopefully I can remain somewhat strong into my older ages.

Of course, I posted the PR's topic on strava and received a comment from Jimbo, Saying that I should expect to get several more to come. Exact words not sure, too lazy to look back but he should know, he's in his 70's now. And last time we rode together, he was still freaking strong, still doing triathlon stuff as well. Well disciplined strong rider who set some of his PR's in his 60's and still topping mine ha ha ha so he should know! Great thing knowing I have something to look forward to as far as cycling!

                                        

Exercise 36 (Video on YT)

 Just some exercise, another 36. But due to a sit-chee-ation beyond my control, had breakfast at Bugger King. Sandwich not too good but I can see how people get hooked on the tato tots. 😄 But I did miss my Oatmeal, peanut butter, and blueberries breakfast

Ran into some cool cyclists and Omar Chalan. I ran into some guy at the hub taking a break.  He started asking about my ride distance so it ended up being a pretty good conversation.  I thought he was older than me but when I asked, I said 63 then he said, "wow you look good for your age!". Why thank you 😊 He was 58 and just as we mentioned our ages, a young dude in his thirties I would say, said we both looked good for our age. Heck,  I'll take it!

Then the 58 dude rode off but rolled back asking if I could hear the squeak in his bike.  Pretty basic,  sounds like the chain and pulleys need some lube. Later as I stopped at Omar's Chalan rest stop,  he rolled in asking Omar to take a look at it. Yup, Omar said the same thing.  I told them that I diagnosed it so I should get the diagnosis fee. Probably the language barrier but they didn't get it.  Oh well,  I thought it was funny. The dude's bike in the Omar image above. 

Just before leaving the nature center,  a couple came up asking for directions on how to get to the dam.  They seemed enthusiastic about seeing it. Pretty simple if you been there but thinking back to the first couple times I rode through the area,  I remember I was puzzled.  Though there is a big billboard with a map from the mountains to the sea outlining the trails, I can see where it's still confusing.  So I drew a couple of maps in the dirt for them with the actual directions coordinated accordingly.  Had a pretty good chat with them as well  then they headed off with a few directions.  Make a right at the first stop sign, follow the ugly section of road around as it curves to the left,  then ride THROUGH  the second stop sign and it will ramp you up right onto the dam, then the dam will lead you west to the 605.......😄 Obviously they found their way as I caught up capturing them in the video. 

The dude in the red, I see him out there about half the times I ride out there.  I remember seeing him for the first time about a year ago.  I think he was a new rider seeming a little off and struggling big time into the wind.  But a year later,  seems to have improved dramatically.  Back about a month ago, ran into him on the same dam climb. Though I wasn't trying to race him,  he flew up the climb and smoked me ha ha ha.  I think he remembers me being out there when he was struggling so it seems every time I see him out there,  he wants to crank it up to show me what he can do now ha ha ha.  But good for him,  it's a great source of recreation and surely a healthy one.

Talking about the climb, I had to do the upper section 3 extra times to get the shot I wanted.  First,  rode up, set the recorder   down and up only to find somehow I didn't hit the record button correctly.  So down and up again.  Stood up for the second half and though I knew I had to pass the recorder,  I sat down too early realizing I didn't stand as long as planned.  So, down and up again.  Last time after the dude in red made his way up.  So I recorded him then my final attempt.  At this point,  my 4th time up the 9% grade,  I was just happy to remain seated making it beyond the recorder.  So the standing images are from my second time up ha ha ha.  Oh the things we do for fun! 😄

Some still images. Omar at the Chalan rest stop. Some dude I see out there very often,  in red.

And me. I did the second part of the Dam Climb in order to get the footage I wanted ha ha ha. 

Some new jerseys today.

Kinda cool! 63 years old, Strava since 2012 when I found out about it, done this segment over 200 times but still set a PR in my old age. Done plenty of climbing in my time but this steep little section they call The Damn Dam Climb on the San Gabriel River Trail near the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area (for the foreigners 😁) is a PITA for many riders. I have friends that will go around it in order to avoid doing the stinging climb on their rides. Pretty proud of myself after 34 years of consistent cycling, getting old and still able to set a PR on a little stinger like this! 1/4 mile, 6% average grade but 9% and 11% kickers that burn. 9.7 MPH best in my old age. Not bad for a 6'1 230 pound dude that comes from a family that is lucky to have relatives who can still walk after reaching the age of 60. 🤣

🏆🥇🏆

I did order one of these compression base layers. Fit very well,  3XL as a Chinese sizing. Nice fit and long to stay tucked,  no plumber's crack. 😄 I have several base layers but the are a bit baggy in the sleeves so I wanted something more snug. 

Funny that I have a few newer Under Armor and a Columbia.  But these Chinese suckers feel much better and only about $15. I ordered a navy blue to match one of the new jerseys.  But, I liked it so much that I ordered a couple more.  A black and another navy because the color is hard to find.  I looked at Nike stores, UA, even Wally World with no luck trying to find navy blue. 

And Aero too, if I were going to race anyone,  I'd wear one of these.  😄

Solo 37 Chatting with El and Buddy

 Another Solo 37 miles of smiles. 😁 One of those go easy days but the wind and heat makes sure that won't happen. 🤣 Upper section of the San Gabriel River Trail, Pico Rivera to Azusa Cyn.

Felt warm,  device says 90 something but forecast said 80 something.  I dunno,  it Felt warm and dry. Strava said high of 91.

Did run into a dude I met a few months ago. Think I'd seen him a few more times but not exactly sure as he was riding with other buddies at the times I saw him. But today, I pulled into the Chalan rest stop to ear my stroopwafel and he was there. An older dude but says he is well known in the cycling community and has been for years knowing many of the riders out there. I remember last time we chatted, he pulled out his old expired race licenses from over the years.  He always has some stories to tell and pretty good ones being cycling related. Also another dude there but I don't remember his name.

But he was cool too and we all had a good chat session. El headed up to the dam and we headed back. Not together. He headed out about a minute before I did and good thing I didn't try to ride with him. He was pretty fast. The first 5 miles I could see him ahead about 200 yards. After we hit the little dips around Valley, he vanished into thin air ha ha ha! Cool dude and pretty strong too. The headwinds were getting tough seeing I had a late start but he seemed to ride as if they didn't exist. Good ride dude!

I've been having a hard time getting out of bed. Roku TV keeping me up watching late night movies ha ha ha! I think I fall asleep about 2 am then get Gina up for work at 3:30 am. Then I set my alarm for 4:50 so I am awake to get her text verifying she got to work safely. Then I fall back asleep setting my alarm for 8:30 hoping to get out of bed for a ride. But my schedule was messed up today as the neighbor was walking by as I packed my bike stuff. He started chatting and didn't stop ha ha ha. I can talk when I get going but when I'm heading out for a ride, I don't like to chat. But he got me and I started much later than expected. Oh well! 

Funny how some people are so sensitive. Can't say that I would never ride a motor. That's just me but if I say it, so many people get offended. So many people saying when I get old and disabled, I will ride an e-bike. Uh no, never! I don't feel that I am legit unless I propel my own body weight 100%. Gott a be 100% me or it didn't happen. If one knows me, they know I have done 99.5% of my centuries solo. I'm not the guy that will sit in a group of 30 riders then say I did a 5 hour century either. I'll do it solo and claim my 5:45 but all under my own power 100%.

So I joined a bike group and posted this pic of me with my Real Men Don't Need Motors jersey. Most people were liking the jersey and several even asked for a link to get one themselves. Lots of laughs and likes but there is the one guy who says, "wait till one of those real men runs you off the road."

Uhhh ok! So someone, as most have claimed to use one being disabled or physically limited, is going to run me off the road?! Ha ha ha!  That would be the biggest mistake any disabled physically person would make. I would not take it laying down, literally ha ha ha! For one thing, I don't think anybody is willing to risk the confrontation and the other is, I'd hunt down the MOFO if he ran. But honestly, what disabled person is going to start something they know will not end well for them? Just about everyone I have seen give a reason for riding an e-bike is being disabled. So no, don't think anybody is going to risk a boxing match with me ha ha ha!

Then another guy, not in my post but started his own. Of course, there was no negativity in my posting other than that one comment someone made. But this guy posted something about hate for e-bikes saying he rides one because he is 61, a combat vet and stabbed in the knee. Looking at his profile, my guess would be that he was stabbed in the knee with a beer bottle at a local bar ha ha ha! 

But anyway, he says that he really hates it when people talk about about e-bike riders because they never know the circumstance. The rider could be disabled, sick, injured, whatever but really stresses the face about not knowing the reason. But yet, in another post he's dissing people who drive to the gym to ride the indoor bikes. OK, sounds pretty hypocritical to me. Same sit, am I right? I say that bad ass dude needs to quit crying ha ha ha! Of course I won't reply in his post. Just letting the toxic people bury themselves.

I have received far more supportive and funny responses encouraging the jersey seeing so many actual cyclists are fed up with the motor dependent weenies. Some in other posts have mentioned that it is mostly young kids who irritate people who actual pedal. But I will add that way too many times I have been passed by some clown with a motor then starts looking back at me like I'm stupid enough to think that I have a chance of beating someone with a motor. Actually, the stupid goes more for the moron riding a motor who thinks someone who is actually pedaling a bike would want or care to race them. Bunch of fools!

Jus' S'mo Exercise Tour / Lucky You Got a Tailwind 😆

  Solo 41. Just getting out though the bed 🛌 was begging me to stay. 🤣 Pico to Azusa Cyn and back. 🚲

Funny guy! I had seen him before about a year ago. I think I placed it on my blog. But as I'm warming up into my pace, the first half mile or so, some dude comes flying by me. A few years older than I am and a sweet looking bike with a race jersey. Not sure if he was in the Sea Otter Classic or just some wannabe that bought the jersey thinking others would be envious that he raced or something silly.

Of course I'm in my Crank Old Bastard jersey, not too serious a rider, just having fun. So same thing as last time, the dude goes flying by then looking back at me as if we were racing. Yeah, I race off the line with people I have no idea of how far they've come. But we all know the dude who sees some big guy out there and tells himself he's going to wipe the floor with the big guy. So remembering what happened last time, I didn't sweat it and I KNEW I'd be catching him when the road turned up 6 mile later. So like last time, the dude got about 100 yards ahead and this time, I'm just cruising cause I know I will be catching his arse on the incline.

Sure enough, about the same place as last time, he starts to fade and I see that I'm catching up with not too much effort. I think he blows his wad on the flat section trying to impress others. So I'm about 7 miles in, looking at the graph when it kicks up a little, when I end up behind him with one of the little steep ramps. Like 15 yards, nothing major or actually a climb. Just a little kicker in the middle of the road. I could have passed him 30 yards back but chose to wait for the kicker ha ha ha! So perfectly timed on the incline, I rolled around him. I figured he was going to try to keep up like last time so this time, I just lifted the pace. A little too early in the ride but what the heck, going to have a little fun with this guy.

Last time he did the same thing but when I rolled around him, he shouted, "IT'S A GOOD THING YOU HAVE A TAILWIND!". Which really didn't make any sense to me as if I did have a tailwind, so did he. He tried to keep up that time but knowing he was a game playuh, I worked hard to leave him behind. So this time, I rolled around him and kicked it up giving him no chance like last time to even TRY to take my wheel. He did last time for a bit but just couldn't handle any kind of an incline, even in it was just a little short ramp.

But this time, I just rolled around and pushed the pace making sure to leave him behind ASAP. It worked! So I did work pretty hard to the top of the trail wanting to leave him as far behind as possible. It worked. If you knew the area, you would know the final 2 miles of the trail is a stair stepping climb that tires one out. But in that distance, I got so far ahead that I went up the dam which is another 1/8 (?) of a mile ahead. I was half way up the dam when I looked back noticing he was just arriving at the Chalan rest stop, turning in for a rest. 

Oh c'mon man, I was hoping he would climb the 11% dam but nope. I looked down at him and I know at that distance, he couldn't see the grin on my face. The climb goes out and cuts back across the trail so he could see me climbing the dam. I kept looking that way hoping he could see me looking down at him ha ha ha! Either way, I was hoping he would climb the dam but nah! It was just funny remembering the guy and his attitude last time, and his comment. I know this time we didn't have a tailwind so that gave me an even better advantage.

On the final section, half way up the peak in the graph, I did feel my earlier effort. I did want to keep my average speed at this point and somehow managed to recover and was able to lift my pace a little more to the top. I was happy and felt good enough on the windy to return to turn the 35 mile ride into 40. So I'm happy.

At the top, I did roll by a guy on a mountain bike type. Big fat balloon tires. I rolled by him trying to maintain my uphill average speed. I hoped he didn't think I was an arrogant butt hole. I was just keeping my pace and actually going a little harder at this point. So when I got to the top, I decided to eat my fig bars. Nature's Oven, good stuff but I hate the raspberry with all them tiny little seeds that choke me every now and then. So much I have to worry about puking to dislodge them. So I prefer the blueberry and Cinnamon apple, non choking stuff ha ha ha!

The guy reaching the top a couple minutes behind me pulled up and was rather quiet. So as most times, I started a chat. Turns out his name is Frank, hey I'm a Fred. I told him that I knew he was getting a good workout with the fat tires and the mtb style bike. He lightened up really quick and started yapping along with me. Had a good conversation. Says he is a regular on the trail and rides fairly often, 70 years old, wow didn't look it at all so I hope I can keep riding into my 70s. He made it a point to state that he was just riding his bike for exercise and not racing anyone. Ah, I can tell and told him that I miss my hybrid as I used to just do some cruising rides. Not that I am racing, heck I'm just cruising most times nowadays. Being retired and just trying to stay active, I'm just getting in the miles now though every once in a while, I'll bang one out with some dude out there that I know is going to try to race me.

Frank was cool though. Growing up in LA and having seen plenty of stuff I saw and experienced growing up, it was easy to relate. Heck, I though he was old school Oldies type music, he did mention attending a Rush concert not long ago. Ha ha ha like me, growing up in the barrio, I was probably one of the only ones that listened to rock music back then. Pffft, was hard rock back then. Then into classic rock and now listening to Pandora, this stuff is now considered soft rock ha ha ha! I guess I am getting old.

                                                              Top of the trail, Azusa Cyn

Did have dinner with Gina at Sizzler again. Funny because we have some good waitresses there that really take good care of us. All the extras and special favors but hey, we take good care of them. We have had one waitress though that just doesn't get it right but tonight, she must have learned something or someone told her something.

We sat down, got extra bread though we don't eat the extra and feel bad wasting it. But it showed that she was going above and beyond it seemed at that point. Heck, got my lemons, my sweetener sub, and extra ice as usual from the others. But this gal came up today with an extra bowl and plate. We didn't ask but the others know after I finish my meal, if they throw in a little bowl for a small salad, I really appreciate it and it's a win win sit-chee-ation.

Usually they will ask me if I want an extra bowl but today, this gal just showed up with a bowl and a plate then asking if we want MORE. Oh no no no thank you, gave us more than we needed. Our drinks never went dry, just like I like it and offered far more than we could eat so it was all good.

Usually we tip her really good for just being two of us, but she stepped it up today placing herself in the BIG GIRL TIP STATUS. Gina and I were laughing thinking she must have asked the others why their tips were double of what we were giving her. Either way, now she knows and it was great today. We were both happy, I got my stuff and all the extras and she got the double big tip like the others. Hey, if they earn it, I'm more than happy to make it worth their while.

Pretty cool, one of the cashiers knows I like extra ice for my tea and thin steaks. So when he serves us, I get a cup of extra ice and he will take the time to go back notifying the cooks that I want a thin steak, butterflied medium well. I toss him a little something just about every  3 times we go in so he takes good care of us too. Even when he isn't taking our order, he will prepare the extras without asking. The managers is very cool too and he knows that staff takes good care of us. I'm guessing the word is around about our tipping standards so he doesn't have a problem with them throwing in the extras. Heck, they're trying to make a living too so I'm pretty sure they appreciate it and everybody wins!

When we walking out, she said, I appreciate it!" so knowing she stepped it up to BIG GIRL status, I put my hand out for a little fist bump. I have to say, she had a pretty good strong fist going on ha ha ha!

Solo 40 Pico Seal Beach / Another Sizzler B-day (video later)

 Solo Exercise Tour..40 miles, Pico to Seal Beach and back. Tried to go easy hoping to keep the HR down.  Just exercising but ya know,  the wind. 🤣 Steady HR , not too strenuous. 🤪 I had thoughts of stretching it to a 50 miler. Maybe head upward after returning to the golf course. But once I got there, I figured it wasn't that important. Heck, 3  rides, 40 milers this week so I am good. 120 miles per week would give me 480 miles for the month but I'm sure I'll get lazy along the way ha ha ha! I am happy to get in 300 per month and have for some time now but over 4f00 in a few or couple of months which is good. Anything is better than 0.

This is Our Girl ,Angelina. So Sweet. She was on vacation the day of my birthday so we didn't see her till today. She said she had a present for me. Really cute little mug that says I PREFER LIFE BEHIND BARS, ha ha ha! I have seen the t-shirt before but didn't realize there was a mug. Now I know!

Angelina so thoughtful. She thinks she's our daughter. I guess she is ha ha ha! Funny though, I showed this pic to our coffee friend at the mall, another nice lady. She said Angelina actually looks something like Gina ha ha ha! Maybe she had a daughter I didn't know about ha ha ha! And yes, we always get the royal treatment at Sizzler with our Girl there.

video on YT. Sadly can't be viewed in Russia due to music copyrights. 🤪

Just some dude at the park with some peace signs.

Ted in the middle. Often chat with him after the rides at Pico golf course parking lot. One of those dudes that does like 75 mile rides and doesn't use a gps device. Heck, I couldn't do it. I need to know my stats, distance and speed etc. How would I know I did a 50 miler ha ha ha!?

Cool dude though. He was sadly surprised when I told him that the GC was going to close in October. Like most cyclists, his first reaction and concern was, where are we going to park?

Some cheesy selfies with the cell.

Friday Morning 

Wow, what did Gina put on the ribs last night? 😆 She made dinner about 5 PM, ribs and BBQ beanz. Putting Famous Dave's Devil Spit flavored sauce. Used to seem very hot but now I even add Tabasco Sauce to them to spice them up a bit. She also puts the sauce in the BBQ beanz for some flavor. Really good!

But then we fell asleep watching old reruns on TV. About 8 PM. Slept all the way through to morning when it was time for her to get up. Even missed my salad. Got her up at 3:30, then went back to sleep getting up at 9:30. Went to Millie's for the $6.99 special. Pretty busy, I'm thinking due to graduations as it is usually around this time. 

Maybe because of the bike ride as well but i could have stayed in bed all day. But nah! Breakfast then a visit to the mall to fart around on my computer. 😁 Hope I can get our of bed tomorrow to do another slow ride so I can get faster. 🚲

Ahhh just the way I like my steak 😋 Got a mug from Angelina of Sizzler. Late bday gift. She's the one who thinks she's our daughter. 😄

DJ Cycling Champ American Hero /60+ CYCLISTS GO SLOW TO GET FAST TOUR

  Seen a bunch of cycling tips on Facebook telling 60+ riders they need to go slow to get fast. At this rate, I'll be ready for the Tour de France in a couple months. 😆 Actually just exercising because it's healthier than staying in bed 🛌 Tried to go easy but the wind makes you work, ride or fall over!🤣

Of course there are signs at various sections of the trail but people with motors can't follow rules.  I will say far less motors on the upper section of SGRT than the lower section and SART. 

Pretty cool after my ride. I was packing up when a dude rode up asking how my ride went.  We started chatting then I noticed his pierced ear and he looked familiar.  

I asked him if he happened to be a road race champion.  He said yup, his name is Dennis,  forgot his last name ha ha ha.  I asked if he knew Bad Bob and the Legend Greg (sadly passed some time ago). He knew them then we got into some pretty cool cycling chat. 

I ran into him back in about 05, maybe.  I was in good shape coming off Ride Around the Bear, climbing event.  I was leaving Huntington Beach when I caught a pace line of about 5 guys. They invited me to jump in so I did.  

Then DJ, Dennis came up from behind us. I had no idea who he was but he was strong.  We all worked together for a few but he and I ended up dropping the other riders.  So he and I rode together for about 5 miles.  Chatting pretty good finding out who he was, a California road champ.

He ended up telling me that I was a strong rider so that was cool coming from the champ. I remember we were around Anaheim and he was riding back to Valencia,  by Magic Mountain.  Man that's a long ride. 

He was on a sweet bike I remember and I on my old Cannondale,  still riding it today,  a 1997 model. But he was telling me on the ride how, at that time,  his favorite bike was a Cannondale but he had to ride his team bike.  Cool guy and a cool chat.

I remember years ago talking about the ride,  to Bad Bob then he said," oh that's Dennis!". All those fast guys know each other ha ha ha! 

But today was another good chat.  83 years old, wow! Still racing with the fast guys. Told me stories about riding with Lance.  Then we chatted about some of my past rides and experiences.  He agreed with many of my bike thoughts so that's pretty cool ha ha ha. 

But a really good guy with lots of stories as well as GMR  experiences.  And, he's a really good listener to ha ha ha.  Cool guy just like he was 20 years ago. 

Oh yeah,  he was wearing a CHAMP jersey.  🏆 

EDIT: I received this comment from a viewer.  Thanks for the information, always respect for an American Hero.  👍👍👍

Fred - it’s Dennis Barrenna and besides being a good guy, fast cyclist, he’s an American Hero, was an Army Ranger in VietNam. Glad you ran into him and hear he was out riding, he’s been having some health issues

Did learn a couple of things about myself yesterday. One, I could have had hundreds of women had I wanted. 👄 Read a post that popped up on FB about signs that women send when they want a man. One is that the women look at a man then look away. Had I known I could have had hundreds of women because in my adult life, I've had hundreds of women get one good look at me then turn their heads away. 😂🤣😂

Two, people think I look professional. Even if wearing and AC/DC 🎸 t-shirt. The guy that makes my tacos at the mall said I look professional carrying my computer bag around the mall. Another gal told Gina last night that she sees me most days working on my computer at the mall. She asked if I was the work from home type because she always saw me working on my computer. Gina told her that I just bring my computer to the mall to goof off. 🤪😆🤪 I guess I have a different idea of what professional looks like ha ha ha!

Taking it Easy on the Stiff Legs.

 Legs were stiff after the last ride so went easy on them. Must be getting old, all my rides have been easy lately. 😄 I'm smiling in the waffle snack not because of the yummy gooey stuff,  but because they're so cheap. Stroopwafels at Wally World.  And of course,  oatmeal with blueberries 🫐 for breakfast. 😋 

At least the water was on today at the SF Dam Rec Area. 💧 

God honest truth! I ain't exaggerating. Shower after my ride then about to put on my Muhammad Ali t-shirt, I shook it out with a flick and POP!!!! 😲 Super loud pop like Ali threw a knock out punch 👊. Kinda scared me there for a second. Maybe there's something to this t-shirt. 😄 GOAT Oooo I'm so purty. 😁 Then dinner. 😋