Azusa Cyn/Pico with Mark & TC

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

Ain't That A Peach Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                                                              The video

Digging Alyce's sweat and hard efforts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!