Double feature!

Last week I rode with Team OC Saturday morning. It was not my finest hour, the short ride was supposed to be 45 miles. I accomplished 30. (Three miles of which were walking uphill.) Anyway, after that embarassment, I've learned some new ways to handle hills.





Total milage 30.3





Last night...


Team OC instituted weekday training rides. This time I am happy to say I survived the hill. Same one in fact, only going the other way. At least this time I got to sprint down it at 25 miles per hour. On a bicycle that is flying!

Total milage 20.something, followed by a delicious mahi mahi burrito.

Back on the saddle...

Hey guys,
Its been a while. Well today I braved the weather, my odd mood, and a general funk. Toodling around the neighborhood, I did about 6.5 miles in a half hour. Not too bad I guess. Now to get on it and do more tomorrow...

Oh yes, almost forgot. Today's impressions:
-Teenage neighbors down the block were having a jam session in the garage. Not bad for surf rock.
-A 5 year old boy sucking a lollipop looking unsettlingly like Napoleon Bonaparte.
-Someone driving a 1952 Chevrolet torpedo back.
-And a Trojan Magnum wrapper right by the oil wells. How romantic.

Makeup post.

So on the 20th I did a Team LB event. Unfortunately the only photo from that is on a roll of C-41 film I've not sent in yet. It was 36 miles, with a headwind fighting me from Newport Beach all the way to Alamitos Bay. So strenuous.

It was one of those moments where I wondered if I can manage the real ride. And I'd have never gotten through it without prayer... and red Gatorade.

Longest Ride Yet en blanc et noir

A few shots taken with my new Franka Solida. Its fun taking pictures with a camera that weighs as much as some bike frames!

Longest Ride Yet!

Sorry for the two day wait. Somebody's got a headcold. Anyway, Sunday I went up to West Hollywood for the I. Martin to Playa del Rey and back ride. In true Rini fashion, I was late and out of gas. Nevertheless, I got there, found a parking spot, and got the bike out hasta pronto!

In my haste, I sorta parked in a no parking zone. I also sorta forgot my pads. I bought a pair of Cannondale ones, and we carried on.

My bike was covered in sand still from its previous ride, so I did a very quick rinsing, and away we went.

The ride down was uneventful, going through some pleasant neighborhoods. Eventually we hit the bike trail. That was gorgeous. Nice and mellow, and it allowed some spinning. Fifteen miles later we were all at the bridge. I got out my new photographic toy and took some photos.

Then we pushed on and rode to LAX. Nothing like being right on the flight path! Then it was time for bagels and stuff in Playa del Rey.

And then the ride home where it was the exact same thing in reverse. I had some cramping at about 30 miles, but I made it back!

So here we are, I. Martin, ocean bridges, 35 miles!

And two days later my legs are still tender.

Today was a surprisingly enjoyable ride for a number of reasons. I believe I'm starting to mature as a rider.

-First off, I am aware of the "steering with your hips" principle. This doesn't mean I can do it every time, but it makes turning easier. I think it will become natural eventually.

-Second, I put myself up to the weather. Another storm system is rolling through Socal. I went out the door and thought what a beautiful afternoon it was, and, sure enough, buy the time I got to Warner Ave the headwind was in my face. I didn't understand why I was so out of breath until I got to PCH. Then I saw the wind in full force: lots of whitecaps, a sand haze, and a grey weather front the likes of which I'd not seen before. So, like a fool, I rode into the weather. (Everyone else was going away from it but no, do I ever follow common sense?)So anyway, I got some drops at the jetty, and it was definately coming down by the end of the dog beach.

And I wasn't afraid at all. It was actually quite fun.

So three things learned: 1) I'm not afraid of the rain, 2) Sand is a treacherous jerk, and 3) When you ride in the rain you will get a roostertail and a very soggy butt.

Oh well, fun day! 12.3 miles.

Oh and I got a new bell.

Well yesterday was 16 more miles. I created a little route using the coastline, and it was quite pleasant. Here's a couple photos. Highlights, learning that after the first 5 miles I'm golden, sprinting at 22 miles, and flying down Goldenwest Hill at 26mph!