With some of the snows we had this winter, the city/county authorities used sand instead of salt solutions because the temperatures were too cold for the salt to work well.
At least that is the reason they gave.
All I know is that at almost every corner or intersection there is a buildup of sand. And we know how dangerous that can be to 2 wheeled riders.
I'm here to remind you that it is not just the wheels of your vehicle that you need to worry about.
But remember that when you stop at a light or stop sign, what do you do?
You put a foot down, don't you.
Make sure that foot doesn't end up on a pile of sand! OK?
Ride Safe and Carpe Diem , my good friends.
Showing posts with label commuting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label commuting. Show all posts
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
A Word of Caution, Long Shadows
Oh, that sun, this time of year, on that morning commute, is pretty low in the sky.
If you travel west in the morning, like I do, then the sun isn't in your eyes, but it still can be a problem because those traveling east have to look at the low sun and they might not be able to see you.
Ride On and Carpe Diem, my friends.
If you travel west in the morning, like I do, then the sun isn't in your eyes, but it still can be a problem because those traveling east have to look at the low sun and they might not be able to see you.
 |
| Long Shadows in the morning |
Monday, August 19, 2013
Finally, The Rain Has Backed Off !
We've been in a pretty bad drought here. It was worse in western Kansas and other areas, but the nearest Army Corps of Engineers reservoir was at 62% of capacity just a few months ago. We get some of our drinking water from that lake and city planners were starting to worry.
We also had unbelievable heat the last 2 summers. Last year wasn't as bad as 2 years ago, but still not fun.
This year though,
Temperatures have not been as hot
and it has rained....
and rained....
and rained....
and rained....
It has had an effect on my riding ability. Now, mind you, a little rain while riding a motorcycle/scooter isn't really all that bad, but I prefer not to. I've said this before: It's not the water that bothers me as much as the lightning. I hate lightning. I have a "thing" about lightning. I might be sort of a "tough" guy, but when it comes to lightning...... well you get the idea.
And the rain we've had was mostly thunderstorms (with, you guessed it, lightning). Storms at all times of day and night. Sort of blowing up at random, raining a bit, then pooping out only to start up again a few miles away. Very unpredictable.
For the past 3-4 weeks it has rained almost every day, at least sometime during the day or night. We might receive 1/4", sometimes 1/2", other times 1", even a few times where we received 2", 3", even 3 1/2" of rainfall. The cumulative effect is well into the double digits of rainfall in the last few weeks. Unfortunately, I haven't ridden hardly at all because of this.
Yeah, I know, the people in the pacific northwest will tease me for being a weenie, and I deserve it. But as I said, I have this "thing" about lightning. I hate lightning! I hate it a lot! And if it is raining, I figure that somewhere there has to be some lightning associated with the rain. Here in Kansas, there usually is associated lightning. Hence, part of my justification for not riding much lately.
But the weather forecast this week is, shall we say, much better! Temperatures near normal! Rainfall, nonexistent!
For the next 7 - 10 days!
Officially, the drought has been declared at an end for the immediate area. That nearby reservoir I mentioned is now over 90% of capacity.
I may be able to ride all this week and well into the next week. I don't have to tell you what a positive effect that has on me. I like riding! It's good for me!
Maybe I'll see you on the road!
Ride On, and Carpe Diem, my friends.
We also had unbelievable heat the last 2 summers. Last year wasn't as bad as 2 years ago, but still not fun.
This year though,
Temperatures have not been as hot
and it has rained....
and rained....
and rained....
and rained....
It has had an effect on my riding ability. Now, mind you, a little rain while riding a motorcycle/scooter isn't really all that bad, but I prefer not to. I've said this before: It's not the water that bothers me as much as the lightning. I hate lightning. I have a "thing" about lightning. I might be sort of a "tough" guy, but when it comes to lightning...... well you get the idea.
And the rain we've had was mostly thunderstorms (with, you guessed it, lightning). Storms at all times of day and night. Sort of blowing up at random, raining a bit, then pooping out only to start up again a few miles away. Very unpredictable.
For the past 3-4 weeks it has rained almost every day, at least sometime during the day or night. We might receive 1/4", sometimes 1/2", other times 1", even a few times where we received 2", 3", even 3 1/2" of rainfall. The cumulative effect is well into the double digits of rainfall in the last few weeks. Unfortunately, I haven't ridden hardly at all because of this.
Yeah, I know, the people in the pacific northwest will tease me for being a weenie, and I deserve it. But as I said, I have this "thing" about lightning. I hate lightning! I hate it a lot! And if it is raining, I figure that somewhere there has to be some lightning associated with the rain. Here in Kansas, there usually is associated lightning. Hence, part of my justification for not riding much lately.
But the weather forecast this week is, shall we say, much better! Temperatures near normal! Rainfall, nonexistent!
For the next 7 - 10 days!
Officially, the drought has been declared at an end for the immediate area. That nearby reservoir I mentioned is now over 90% of capacity.
I may be able to ride all this week and well into the next week. I don't have to tell you what a positive effect that has on me. I like riding! It's good for me!
Maybe I'll see you on the road!
Ride On, and Carpe Diem, my friends.
Monday, July 8, 2013
New Digs
Part of the reason for not posting as much to this blog recently is because we just moved the office.
Ugh!
Double Ugh!
Remind me not to do this again in the next 10 years.
On Friday the 28th of June, the movers came and did the "heavy" stuff.
We're still sorting and putting things away, but we are here now.
Just east of the main downtown area is an older warehouse district where many of the buildings have been converted to offices, restaurants, bars, condos and other uses. It's been pretty successful and this part of town has become much more dynamic than the core downtown area.
This is my first day to ride to the new location.
But when it comes to parking there are some options. There's an outdoor lot dedicated for motorcycles near the front of the Airbus building. It usually has 4-5 cycles parked there. But a block away is a parking garage, also with dedicated motorcycle parking. I opted for that spot.
There didn't seem to be many people, first thing in the morning, parking their motorcycles indoors and then walking a way to their offices, but later that day........
Ugh!
Double Ugh!
Remind me not to do this again in the next 10 years.
On Friday the 28th of June, the movers came and did the "heavy" stuff.
We're still sorting and putting things away, but we are here now.
 |
| We are on the second floor |
This is my first day to ride to the new location.
 |
| Jack Riepe would like it here. This shop is on the first floor of our new building. |
Airbus has a rather large engineering facility in the area. Sort of remarkable because Boeing was such a fixture in this community for so many years. They are phasing out and moving people to Oklahoma City and San Antonio. Lots of people don't want to go, so some of the employees have latched on to Airbus here.
 |
| There's even some archways over some of the streets
|
 |
| Indoor motorcycle parking. Max was a little lonely first thing in the morning
|
 |
| But later in the day Max wasn't lonely at all. Only problem with this spot is that there are pigeon roosts in the ceiling. Might have to watch out for that. |
And finally a view inside.
 |
| And finally from inside my new office.
|
Ride On, and Carpe Diem, My Friends
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Philosophy and the Cold Morning Wave
Weatherbug says it was 32 degrees farenheit.
Then, the Weatherbug said it "felt like" 32 degrees farenheit. (obviously no wind chill)
But you and I know that on 2 wheels at 30 mph, even if it says it's 32 degrees farenheit, it will not feel like that when in motion. It feels much, much colder!
I was about 2 miles on my way (part of a 5 mile commute) and riding in fairly heavy traffic this morning. The sun was very low in the sky behind me as I traveled west. As I rode, I noticed up ahead, a few blocks away, another person on a motorcycle, turning east onto the street. Knowing we would pass each other, I identified an opportunity for a wave.
So I did my usual, left arm extended out just a bit, index finger slightly pointed to acknowledge the other rider. It was quick, just a couple of seconds, traffic was busy, other things to keep an eye on.
He responded with an almost identical quick wave (hardly a wave, just like me, a slight extension of the arm).
Whole incident, probably no longer than 2 or 3 seconds in length.
So, why was that brief little encounter meaningful?
Was it because it was cold outside, and we recognized each other to be adventuresome and hearty souls of some sort?
Was it because we both saw each other as crazies?
Was it because there was some sort of "connection" with each other in the vast realm of the cosmic universe?
All I know was that it was nice. I liked it. I have always liked the wave. Not everybody does it, but many do, and I just like it. It's fun!
I'm excited for this week. The weather looks fantastic for the rest of the week. Highs in the 70's later on this week. Lows in the 40's.
That's Real Good!
Zehr Gut!
Ride On and Carpe Diem, my friends!
Then, the Weatherbug said it "felt like" 32 degrees farenheit. (obviously no wind chill)
But you and I know that on 2 wheels at 30 mph, even if it says it's 32 degrees farenheit, it will not feel like that when in motion. It feels much, much colder!
I was about 2 miles on my way (part of a 5 mile commute) and riding in fairly heavy traffic this morning. The sun was very low in the sky behind me as I traveled west. As I rode, I noticed up ahead, a few blocks away, another person on a motorcycle, turning east onto the street. Knowing we would pass each other, I identified an opportunity for a wave.
So I did my usual, left arm extended out just a bit, index finger slightly pointed to acknowledge the other rider. It was quick, just a couple of seconds, traffic was busy, other things to keep an eye on.
He responded with an almost identical quick wave (hardly a wave, just like me, a slight extension of the arm).
Whole incident, probably no longer than 2 or 3 seconds in length.
So, why was that brief little encounter meaningful?
Was it because it was cold outside, and we recognized each other to be adventuresome and hearty souls of some sort?
Was it because we both saw each other as crazies?
Was it because there was some sort of "connection" with each other in the vast realm of the cosmic universe?
All I know was that it was nice. I liked it. I have always liked the wave. Not everybody does it, but many do, and I just like it. It's fun!
I'm excited for this week. The weather looks fantastic for the rest of the week. Highs in the 70's later on this week. Lows in the 40's.
That's Real Good!
Zehr Gut!
Ride On and Carpe Diem, my friends!
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Something a Little Different
Don't think I'd want one,
but sure is unique and interesting.
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2013/03/my-next-motorcycle-is-a-toyota-with-video/
Ride On and Carpe Diem, my friends
but sure is unique and interesting.
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2013/03/my-next-motorcycle-is-a-toyota-with-video/
Ride On and Carpe Diem, my friends
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Really Nothing to Prove
So why do I occasionally feel the urge to ride when it's cold outside. Stingy finger cold!
After all, it seems that most riders have put away their bikes for the winter, seldom making an appearance on the roads of the city. Last Saturday afternoon, the temperatures rose to about 60 F, and there were lots more riders out than I had seen in a long time. Even the sport bikers were out. But on Monday after it had turned colder again, none of those folks were to be seen.
And I admit that I haven't commuted to work as regularly on Max as I have in past years. That first year in particular saw me out there almost every day unless there was snow or ice on the roads. I rode in 10 F weather. I mean really brisk, stark days that your dog wouldn't even want to venture out in.
And do I have something to prove?
I'm not sure. Deep in my psyche maybe I want to prove that I can still do it after a heart attack and 2 cardiac arrests. It really is more dangerous for me to be out there when it's that cold. But I can tell when I am feeling up to it or not, and some days I know I am not ready for the cold, therefore I don't ride.
And then maybe I am just trying to puff up my chest and tell the world what a tough guy I am, out there riding in silly cold weather. Something "Tribal" to prove. Strutting the colors of my denim winter jacket like some peacock would display its feathers. Are we really that much different than the animals?
So today the Weatherbug App on the iPhone said it was 22 F when I left the house. I had to get some gas on the way in. I took a little different route downtown, a little slower and less traffic. I heard a flock of birds chirping at one intersection. The sun was bright. My visor and eyeglasses were fogging up regularly so I rode with the helmet visor partially open most of the way. (Are some of my helmet vents open?, Or closed?, need to experiment with that a little more)
I was actually quite warm, 5 layers on top, 3 layers on my legs, feet fine with boots and boot socks.
It was just my fingers that got cold and that's usually the way it is. Now many of you have suggested in the past and could again mention today that I should invest in some heated gloves or some other clever device with the goal of aiding the warmth in my fingers.
To that I say, Naaaahhh!
Its only a few minutes of discomfort. I suppose if I were going to be out there for a really long ride, then sure, I'll invest in some warmth farkle, but for a 15 minute ride?
After all, maybe I'm out to try and prove that I can endure some pain. At age 56, I'm still one of the baddest of the bad!
Yeah? A Badass?
Well I doubt that, too, but I know one thing. Pirsig alluded to the fact that when you were out there riding, you were actually living and part of the world, experiencing much that you would miss if you were looking out the window of a cage. Today I was living and experiencing and even if it was cold, it was well worth it!
The afternoon ride home should be even more fantastic!
Ride On and Carpe Diem, my friends!
After all, it seems that most riders have put away their bikes for the winter, seldom making an appearance on the roads of the city. Last Saturday afternoon, the temperatures rose to about 60 F, and there were lots more riders out than I had seen in a long time. Even the sport bikers were out. But on Monday after it had turned colder again, none of those folks were to be seen.
And I admit that I haven't commuted to work as regularly on Max as I have in past years. That first year in particular saw me out there almost every day unless there was snow or ice on the roads. I rode in 10 F weather. I mean really brisk, stark days that your dog wouldn't even want to venture out in.
And do I have something to prove?
I'm not sure. Deep in my psyche maybe I want to prove that I can still do it after a heart attack and 2 cardiac arrests. It really is more dangerous for me to be out there when it's that cold. But I can tell when I am feeling up to it or not, and some days I know I am not ready for the cold, therefore I don't ride.
And then maybe I am just trying to puff up my chest and tell the world what a tough guy I am, out there riding in silly cold weather. Something "Tribal" to prove. Strutting the colors of my denim winter jacket like some peacock would display its feathers. Are we really that much different than the animals?
So today the Weatherbug App on the iPhone said it was 22 F when I left the house. I had to get some gas on the way in. I took a little different route downtown, a little slower and less traffic. I heard a flock of birds chirping at one intersection. The sun was bright. My visor and eyeglasses were fogging up regularly so I rode with the helmet visor partially open most of the way. (Are some of my helmet vents open?, Or closed?, need to experiment with that a little more)
I was actually quite warm, 5 layers on top, 3 layers on my legs, feet fine with boots and boot socks.
It was just my fingers that got cold and that's usually the way it is. Now many of you have suggested in the past and could again mention today that I should invest in some heated gloves or some other clever device with the goal of aiding the warmth in my fingers.
To that I say, Naaaahhh!
Its only a few minutes of discomfort. I suppose if I were going to be out there for a really long ride, then sure, I'll invest in some warmth farkle, but for a 15 minute ride?
After all, maybe I'm out to try and prove that I can endure some pain. At age 56, I'm still one of the baddest of the bad!
Yeah? A Badass?
Well I doubt that, too, but I know one thing. Pirsig alluded to the fact that when you were out there riding, you were actually living and part of the world, experiencing much that you would miss if you were looking out the window of a cage. Today I was living and experiencing and even if it was cold, it was well worth it!
The afternoon ride home should be even more fantastic!
Ride On and Carpe Diem, my friends!
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Motivation in Colder Weather
When I first bought the scooter I was very determined to ride in all weather except for ice and snow.
40 degrees F? Yes, no problem!
30 degrees F Hell Yes!
20 degrees F Well maybe not hell yes, but okay!
10 degrees F Well now you're pushing it, but I've done it
This year? Well.....
I admit to being less aggressive in the cold this year. Oh, I've been out there, but not near as regularly.
Potential excuses:
I've needed the car more when at work. Somewhat true.
I've been walking more. True but does not account for the that much of the difference
Weekends have been busier, less free time. True definitely
The heart doesn't like cold weather quite as much. True
The weather hasn't been cooperative. Somewhat true
But then again, most of those are just what I say they are, Excuses!
I need to ride more!
I got Max out this morning. It was about 30 degrees. Hadn't ridden in about 3 weeks. He started up as if to say, "Hey, How You Been!, Where we going today?" Fired instantly on the first push on the starter.
I've been trying to make some plans for the summer and fall. Maybe some longer type trips. Been thinking about even coordinating some of those with a little camping (which I haven't done in ages) and even some long hikes. Saw a movie recently about hiking. Sort of liked it. It's healthy for my heart. Hmmmm.
And another book report might be on the way soon, but the book wasn't near as good as Jack's book.
But for now, we are heading into another "tax season" at work. Lots to do, little free time. Most riding will just be to work and back.
But I hope to do more of that!
Ride On and Carpe Diem , my friends.
Jim
40 degrees F? Yes, no problem!
30 degrees F Hell Yes!
20 degrees F Well maybe not hell yes, but okay!
10 degrees F Well now you're pushing it, but I've done it
This year? Well.....
I admit to being less aggressive in the cold this year. Oh, I've been out there, but not near as regularly.
Potential excuses:
I've needed the car more when at work. Somewhat true.
I've been walking more. True but does not account for the that much of the difference
Weekends have been busier, less free time. True definitely
The heart doesn't like cold weather quite as much. True
The weather hasn't been cooperative. Somewhat true
But then again, most of those are just what I say they are, Excuses!
I need to ride more!
I got Max out this morning. It was about 30 degrees. Hadn't ridden in about 3 weeks. He started up as if to say, "Hey, How You Been!, Where we going today?" Fired instantly on the first push on the starter.
I've been trying to make some plans for the summer and fall. Maybe some longer type trips. Been thinking about even coordinating some of those with a little camping (which I haven't done in ages) and even some long hikes. Saw a movie recently about hiking. Sort of liked it. It's healthy for my heart. Hmmmm.
And another book report might be on the way soon, but the book wasn't near as good as Jack's book.
But for now, we are heading into another "tax season" at work. Lots to do, little free time. Most riding will just be to work and back.
But I hope to do more of that!
Ride On and Carpe Diem , my friends.
Jim
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
A Cold Ride, The Edge of The Fiscal Cliff and a Right Wing Prius
Okay, so I put in all the liners in my jacket and pants this morning. I had been putting this off and with the recent relatively warm weather (Hell, it is almost December), I had been able to survive on the bike without all that extra gear. But this week has been colder, in fact the overnight lows had been in the 20's (wind chills in the teens) and I admit to having wimped out a couple of days on riding to work.
Now I have often thought of myself as a "Rounder" (a year round rider) and unless it is really cold (by my definition, single digits and below), the cold weather doesn't usually stop me from riding. This morning the temperature was below freezing, but just barely and it was sunny with almost no wind. Very nice! But I did take more precautions against the cold. I got out the fleece glove liners and even the nylon balaclava. Both liners in my pants and the fleece liner in my jacket. Max started right up like it was any other day. I think he actually likes the cold weather.
And I took out onto the street fighting a bit of fog in my visor, not bad, just a bit annoying. But I had this nagging feeling that I had forgotten something. With all the extra stuff I did this morning to get ready for the ride I knew it was likely that I would forget something, but at that moment I couldn't figure out what it was, and maybe it was nothing anyway.
At one of the first stop light intersections I pulled up behind this little Dodge something or other with a frosty back window. I thought to myself, Fantastic, Not only do I have to watch out for and fight people trying to talk and text on their cell phones, but now I have to watch out for people who are too damn lazy to even scrape off their windows. Oh well, I try a zen moment to calm myself, after all this is is supposed to be fun, and it really is.
And just next to the Dodge was a Prius. And the only reason I noticed it was because of the bumper stickers on it, one of which I couldn't read very well (small print), but the other was a "Fair Tax" sticker. Now it is never safe to generalize about anything and people will always surprise me but I was struck by what appeared to me to be a sort of incongruity between the concept of a Prius and the concept of the "Fair Tax". What I was thinking was that it might be more common for a Prius to be driven by a quote "liberal" person, you know, someone that believes in global warming, wants to save the planet by not using too much in the way of fossil fuels, etc. And then to see a "Fair Tax" sticker which I would associate to someone with more of a right wing sort of conservative bend to their political beliefs. Well it just seemed a bit odd. Probably just me.
Then, as it were, the Prius and I seemed to kind of parallel each other down the street on the way downtown. At some stop lights I would arrive first, at others the Prius would get there first. It was a woman driving the car, but I could never seem to get her to look over at me, she always faced away. (Bitch!?) Then I was thinking, "Okay, who is really trying to save the environment here today?" You in that Prius, at times traveling silently, but probably getting maybe 45 mpg as you move along toward your destination. Or me! Having a blast on my Taiwanese scooter, in cold weather to boot, but probably doing about 75 mpg.
Huh?! Who's the Environmentalist Now?!
Then I take another deep breath. (Ommmm)
I remembered listening to NPR as I shaved this morning and they were interviewing various people talking about the upcoming "Fiscal Cliff". Now I remind you that I am a tax accountant. I am very aware of the changes that will or will not happen at the end of the year this year. I even spoke at about 15 little mini-seminars about this very subject. And you know what? In my humble opinion, all the politicians are crazy and don't have a clue. Most of them have no business calling themselves statesmen and I really would not be surprised that we just end up careening off the end of the cliff because the silly bastards won't have the guts to do anything about it. And you know what else?!
The world will not end!
Generalissimo Francisco Franco will still be dead!
The Kansas City Chiefs will still Suck!
And I will still try and ride to work on a mostly year round basis.
So There!
Whew!
Oh, the things I think about as I ride to work some days.
And as I arrived at the parking garage this morning and was taking off my helmet and gloves, one of the people who work for the parking lot company saw me and yelled at me about it being "Pretty cold to ride a scooter on a day like today".
I said, "Naah! It's a great day to Ride!"
And it was! And it will be this afternoon when the temperatures are expected to be in the 50's. I might even get hot with all those liners being used.
And then I remembered that nagging thought that I had forgotten this morning. And I realized it was my office keys that I had forgotten. Oh well.....
.
Ride On and Carpe Diem, my friends.
.
Now I have often thought of myself as a "Rounder" (a year round rider) and unless it is really cold (by my definition, single digits and below), the cold weather doesn't usually stop me from riding. This morning the temperature was below freezing, but just barely and it was sunny with almost no wind. Very nice! But I did take more precautions against the cold. I got out the fleece glove liners and even the nylon balaclava. Both liners in my pants and the fleece liner in my jacket. Max started right up like it was any other day. I think he actually likes the cold weather.
 |
| The winter gloves with the liners next to my Ride To Work bandana. |
And I took out onto the street fighting a bit of fog in my visor, not bad, just a bit annoying. But I had this nagging feeling that I had forgotten something. With all the extra stuff I did this morning to get ready for the ride I knew it was likely that I would forget something, but at that moment I couldn't figure out what it was, and maybe it was nothing anyway.
At one of the first stop light intersections I pulled up behind this little Dodge something or other with a frosty back window. I thought to myself, Fantastic, Not only do I have to watch out for and fight people trying to talk and text on their cell phones, but now I have to watch out for people who are too damn lazy to even scrape off their windows. Oh well, I try a zen moment to calm myself, after all this is is supposed to be fun, and it really is.
And just next to the Dodge was a Prius. And the only reason I noticed it was because of the bumper stickers on it, one of which I couldn't read very well (small print), but the other was a "Fair Tax" sticker. Now it is never safe to generalize about anything and people will always surprise me but I was struck by what appeared to me to be a sort of incongruity between the concept of a Prius and the concept of the "Fair Tax". What I was thinking was that it might be more common for a Prius to be driven by a quote "liberal" person, you know, someone that believes in global warming, wants to save the planet by not using too much in the way of fossil fuels, etc. And then to see a "Fair Tax" sticker which I would associate to someone with more of a right wing sort of conservative bend to their political beliefs. Well it just seemed a bit odd. Probably just me.
Then, as it were, the Prius and I seemed to kind of parallel each other down the street on the way downtown. At some stop lights I would arrive first, at others the Prius would get there first. It was a woman driving the car, but I could never seem to get her to look over at me, she always faced away. (Bitch!?) Then I was thinking, "Okay, who is really trying to save the environment here today?" You in that Prius, at times traveling silently, but probably getting maybe 45 mpg as you move along toward your destination. Or me! Having a blast on my Taiwanese scooter, in cold weather to boot, but probably doing about 75 mpg.
Huh?! Who's the Environmentalist Now?!
Then I take another deep breath. (Ommmm)
I remembered listening to NPR as I shaved this morning and they were interviewing various people talking about the upcoming "Fiscal Cliff". Now I remind you that I am a tax accountant. I am very aware of the changes that will or will not happen at the end of the year this year. I even spoke at about 15 little mini-seminars about this very subject. And you know what? In my humble opinion, all the politicians are crazy and don't have a clue. Most of them have no business calling themselves statesmen and I really would not be surprised that we just end up careening off the end of the cliff because the silly bastards won't have the guts to do anything about it. And you know what else?!
The world will not end!
Generalissimo Francisco Franco will still be dead!
The Kansas City Chiefs will still Suck!
And I will still try and ride to work on a mostly year round basis.
So There!
Whew!
Oh, the things I think about as I ride to work some days.
And as I arrived at the parking garage this morning and was taking off my helmet and gloves, one of the people who work for the parking lot company saw me and yelled at me about it being "Pretty cold to ride a scooter on a day like today".
I said, "Naah! It's a great day to Ride!"
And it was! And it will be this afternoon when the temperatures are expected to be in the 50's. I might even get hot with all those liners being used.
And then I remembered that nagging thought that I had forgotten this morning. And I realized it was my office keys that I had forgotten. Oh well.....
.
Ride On and Carpe Diem, my friends.
.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Thoughts While Giving a Final Exam
I had suspended my teaching activities for awhile after I became a Cyborg. Just too many things going on. Had to let loose of a few of them. But this year I decided to try it again and as I am writing this, my students are taking an Auditing Final Exam.
They are working very diligently. (I am goofing off, blogging, dontcha know)
Recently it has been difficult to ride with much regularity. Work has been busy and I have been doing some speaking engagements that has required the use of the automobile to get around. Teaching has also complicated the issue.
But this is the last night for the class, and my speaking engagements are winding down. So hopefully back to riding some more. I missed a beautiful day for riding today. Cool this morning, temperature about 40, but sunny and 75 this afternoon. Damn!
My speaking engagements have been about changes in tax laws (many changes this year, very many). Sounds pretty boring, and it is, but the response from clients and others has been very strong. But, indirectly, the speaking has also been about politics, and there, I have to be a little careful. Clients run the gamut of liberal vs conservative. I try and walk the line and not offend anyone. All are entitled to their opinions, just so long as they don't get nasty with each other. After all, we are all Americans, Right?
In Kansas, we don't get to see all the television ads. The race is pretty well decided and has been for a long time. That's good, I suppose. But I sure wish some of the so-called statesmen at the federal level would get off their dead asses and figure a few things out rather than just bitch and argue with each other.
I was thinking about my generation earlier today. How we are leaving an incredible legacy of debt to our children, something our forefathers didn't do to us. It's embarrassing to me, and the politicians just seem to gloss over it and not do anything constructive about it.
Reminds me of a song by Sting
"You could say I've lost my faith in the politicians
They all seem like Game Show Hosts to me"
.
Ride On and Carpe Diem, my friends
.
They are working very diligently. (I am goofing off, blogging, dontcha know)
Recently it has been difficult to ride with much regularity. Work has been busy and I have been doing some speaking engagements that has required the use of the automobile to get around. Teaching has also complicated the issue.
But this is the last night for the class, and my speaking engagements are winding down. So hopefully back to riding some more. I missed a beautiful day for riding today. Cool this morning, temperature about 40, but sunny and 75 this afternoon. Damn!
My speaking engagements have been about changes in tax laws (many changes this year, very many). Sounds pretty boring, and it is, but the response from clients and others has been very strong. But, indirectly, the speaking has also been about politics, and there, I have to be a little careful. Clients run the gamut of liberal vs conservative. I try and walk the line and not offend anyone. All are entitled to their opinions, just so long as they don't get nasty with each other. After all, we are all Americans, Right?
In Kansas, we don't get to see all the television ads. The race is pretty well decided and has been for a long time. That's good, I suppose. But I sure wish some of the so-called statesmen at the federal level would get off their dead asses and figure a few things out rather than just bitch and argue with each other.
I was thinking about my generation earlier today. How we are leaving an incredible legacy of debt to our children, something our forefathers didn't do to us. It's embarrassing to me, and the politicians just seem to gloss over it and not do anything constructive about it.
Reminds me of a song by Sting
"You could say I've lost my faith in the politicians
They all seem like Game Show Hosts to me"
.
Ride On and Carpe Diem, my friends
.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
I wish I would have....
The early morning television weatherman said it was about 40 degrees at 6:30 am when I got up to feed the dogs.
The "Weatherbug" app on my iPhone said it was 42 degrees when I arrived at work (about 8:30am). Not unbearably cold at all, but probably the coldest ride in to downtown Wichita that I had experienced yet this Fall.
I wish I had gotten out the warmer gloves. No, dummy me, I still had the Aerostich Hot Weather Vegans in the top case. I know where my other gloves are, but just didn't take the time to dig them out. My summer gloves are mightily perforated and not worth a damn in cold weather, but, well you know, they are my favorite gloves, and.... Not to worry, fingers a little cool when I arrived downtown, but tolerable for a 15 minute ride.
I wish that I had grabbed my balaclava on the way out the door. Oh, it wasn't bad, but my neck got chilly on the way in. I had at least remembered to close up the vents on my helmet after the last time I had ridden. Gotta be proud of myself for that. I actually have a new (last year) balaclava that I haven't yet worn while riding. I'm not actually sure it will fit because my helmet fits pretty tightly. But it would definitely keep my neck warmer. I have another older balaclava that I have ridden with many times. It is nylon and fits fine in the helmet, but it's sort of an obnoxious blue/purple color. Just not the image I want to convey. Oh, the vanity of it all.
I didn't put the heavy liner in my pants, and I can't really say I wish I had. I was plenty warm in the leg department. If it had been a longer ride, I would have put the liner in.
I also didn't put the heavy liner in my denim jacket, nor, again, would I have wished that I had done so. Just didn't need it. Again, though, if it had been a longer ride......
I had my boots on. My laptop was bungeed to the seat in front of the topcase, but just behind my butt as I rode. Nothing on the "Man Bag Hook", but plan to stop by a couple of stores on the way home this evening for a few groceries. Will need the hook then.
I think Max likes running in cooler weather. He started and ran flawlessly, without a hitch, like he usually does.
Expecting the temperature to be in the upper 60's for the ride home. Ought to be a glorious experience.
I wish every day could be like today!
.
Ride on, and Carpe Diem, my friends,
.
The "Weatherbug" app on my iPhone said it was 42 degrees when I arrived at work (about 8:30am). Not unbearably cold at all, but probably the coldest ride in to downtown Wichita that I had experienced yet this Fall.
I wish I had gotten out the warmer gloves. No, dummy me, I still had the Aerostich Hot Weather Vegans in the top case. I know where my other gloves are, but just didn't take the time to dig them out. My summer gloves are mightily perforated and not worth a damn in cold weather, but, well you know, they are my favorite gloves, and.... Not to worry, fingers a little cool when I arrived downtown, but tolerable for a 15 minute ride.
I wish that I had grabbed my balaclava on the way out the door. Oh, it wasn't bad, but my neck got chilly on the way in. I had at least remembered to close up the vents on my helmet after the last time I had ridden. Gotta be proud of myself for that. I actually have a new (last year) balaclava that I haven't yet worn while riding. I'm not actually sure it will fit because my helmet fits pretty tightly. But it would definitely keep my neck warmer. I have another older balaclava that I have ridden with many times. It is nylon and fits fine in the helmet, but it's sort of an obnoxious blue/purple color. Just not the image I want to convey. Oh, the vanity of it all.
I didn't put the heavy liner in my pants, and I can't really say I wish I had. I was plenty warm in the leg department. If it had been a longer ride, I would have put the liner in.
I also didn't put the heavy liner in my denim jacket, nor, again, would I have wished that I had done so. Just didn't need it. Again, though, if it had been a longer ride......
I had my boots on. My laptop was bungeed to the seat in front of the topcase, but just behind my butt as I rode. Nothing on the "Man Bag Hook", but plan to stop by a couple of stores on the way home this evening for a few groceries. Will need the hook then.
I think Max likes running in cooler weather. He started and ran flawlessly, without a hitch, like he usually does.
Expecting the temperature to be in the upper 60's for the ride home. Ought to be a glorious experience.
I wish every day could be like today!
.
Ride on, and Carpe Diem, my friends,
.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
A Much Needed Mental Health Ride
I had lunch with a friend yesterday who used to ride a lot, but doesn't anymore. He has a very fine old BMW motorcycle (1970's vintage) just sitting in his garage gathering dust. I've coveted that bike a bit, but it would be a "project".
At any rate, he asked me if I had been riding much. He knew I hadn't ridden much for a year or so after my heart problems developed last year. I said I had been riding some, but not much, and not near as much as I would like to, but...
We've been really friggin' busy lately, both at work and at home. I hadn't even been commuting on Max to work very often. Last week the weather didn't cooperate on some days, but there were other days I just needed the car for one reason or another.
But the point is, I needed to ride. Bad! And today was the day. Ne need for the car. No big appointments with clients. Hell. I might even take the afternoon off! And go for a ride! No fixed destination! Just Ride! Go ahead and burn some gasoline!
I tell friends that riding is a form of mental therapy for me. It renews me. It makes me forget about problems. It is hugely meaningful to me. And when I don't get enough of it, well, things just sometimes don't go right. I get cranky! Bitchy! I throw things! I curse!
But when I turn the key and hear that engine come to life, well, you know, you get a little smile on your face, and you start thinking about more fun things. Things like just noticing the weather a little bit. 47 degrees this morning. Thought about switching to a heavier glove, but just thought about it and didn't pull the heavier ones out from storage. (Now just where did I put them?).
The vents were still open on my helmet. At 40 mph the breeze on portions of my chin and head were noticeably "cool". The denim jacket was plenty warm, no problem there. Feet and hands just fine. But I really like riding in this kind of temperature. It is just cool enough to be invigorating and keep you awake. But you don't sweat.
But best of all....
I didn't think about the tasks that awaited me at work,
I didn't think about the do it yourself projects we have going on at the house,
I didn't think about changes in tax laws,
I didn't think about the problems with my heart, (even though I'm doing much better, physically),
I didn't think about the upcoming elections (One of those silly dudes is going to win, unfortunately!?),
I didn't think about global warming (One of my neighbors thinks it is some sort of commie plot),
I didn't think about the fact that my neighbor is a moron (Okay, maybe I did),
I just rode!
And I watched the traffic!
And I followed a dude on a Vespa for a mile or so!
And I pulled up to a stoplight next to another dude on a Harley (Did his motor have to be so friggin' loud),
And I had to make a rather quick stop at another light when it turned yellow on me rather abruptly,
And I had to keep an eye on what was behind me when I made that quick stop,
And I heard some birds,
And I noticed some kids on a school bus,
And I noticed the sunlight reflecting on some of the downtown buildings,
And I noticed a building being remodeled and wondered what the new purpose of the building was,
You get the drift!
And you know what else?
There'll be more mental health benefits this afternoon!
Ride On, and Carpe Diem, my friends!
.
At any rate, he asked me if I had been riding much. He knew I hadn't ridden much for a year or so after my heart problems developed last year. I said I had been riding some, but not much, and not near as much as I would like to, but...
We've been really friggin' busy lately, both at work and at home. I hadn't even been commuting on Max to work very often. Last week the weather didn't cooperate on some days, but there were other days I just needed the car for one reason or another.
But the point is, I needed to ride. Bad! And today was the day. Ne need for the car. No big appointments with clients. Hell. I might even take the afternoon off! And go for a ride! No fixed destination! Just Ride! Go ahead and burn some gasoline!
I tell friends that riding is a form of mental therapy for me. It renews me. It makes me forget about problems. It is hugely meaningful to me. And when I don't get enough of it, well, things just sometimes don't go right. I get cranky! Bitchy! I throw things! I curse!
But when I turn the key and hear that engine come to life, well, you know, you get a little smile on your face, and you start thinking about more fun things. Things like just noticing the weather a little bit. 47 degrees this morning. Thought about switching to a heavier glove, but just thought about it and didn't pull the heavier ones out from storage. (Now just where did I put them?).
The vents were still open on my helmet. At 40 mph the breeze on portions of my chin and head were noticeably "cool". The denim jacket was plenty warm, no problem there. Feet and hands just fine. But I really like riding in this kind of temperature. It is just cool enough to be invigorating and keep you awake. But you don't sweat.
But best of all....
I didn't think about the tasks that awaited me at work,
I didn't think about the do it yourself projects we have going on at the house,
I didn't think about changes in tax laws,
I didn't think about the problems with my heart, (even though I'm doing much better, physically),
I didn't think about the upcoming elections (One of those silly dudes is going to win, unfortunately!?),
I didn't think about global warming (One of my neighbors thinks it is some sort of commie plot),
I didn't think about the fact that my neighbor is a moron (Okay, maybe I did),
I just rode!
And I watched the traffic!
And I followed a dude on a Vespa for a mile or so!
And I pulled up to a stoplight next to another dude on a Harley (Did his motor have to be so friggin' loud),
And I had to make a rather quick stop at another light when it turned yellow on me rather abruptly,
And I had to keep an eye on what was behind me when I made that quick stop,
And I heard some birds,
And I noticed some kids on a school bus,
And I noticed the sunlight reflecting on some of the downtown buildings,
And I noticed a building being remodeled and wondered what the new purpose of the building was,
You get the drift!
And you know what else?
There'll be more mental health benefits this afternoon!
Ride On, and Carpe Diem, my friends!
.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Just One of Many Little Commutes
The Sometimes Frustrating Left Turn
As soon as I leave the driveway I need to make a left turn onto a fairly busy street. Some mornings the traffic seems to just form a big hole, like the parting of the Red Sea in the bible story, allowing me to quickly enter the flow of traffic. Other days? Not so much. Today? One of those Not So Much days.
Seemed like I was there forever. Don't want to get impatient. Can't afford to make a mistake. The collision of a motorcycle with a car or truck is a simple exercise in physics, the vehicle with more mass will always win. So I wait.
And I wait some more.
Okay, the right side of the street is opening up, maybe I can make a move. I look back left..... Well, Crap!
Wait some more.
To pass the time I adjust the mirrors a bit, even though they really didn't need it.
Geez, now it looks like just a slow steady stream of cars in both directions.
And I wait,, (thinking, what am I going to do today at work)
Okay, now it looks a little better, there's a hole in traffic developing to my left
And a hole developing to my right,
But then i realize that the holes will not get here to my street at the same time.
Don't the traffic engineers of this city know I am trying to make this little left turn on a lot of mornings? Can't they somehow re-program the street lights a half mile away in either direction to make my life easier?
Come On? It's most every day just before or maybe a little after 8:00 am. Why? Why? Why?
Oh you get the drift
I err on the side of caution usually. I try not to be in a hurry.
As usual, eventually, I am able to enter the street and start making my way downtown.
Whew!
The Frequently Annoying Foggy Visor
We had a touch of rain overnight last night. Just a touch. Officially 2/10 of an inch. Big Damn deal. I'm not complaining. We badly need the rain. And it will still be a good day to ride to work today. No rain predicted during the day today.
But the upshot was that it was pretty muggy this morning. Every time I breathed into the helmet, yeah, you guessed it, Foggy Visor. In fact a good part of the time I was waiting to make that left turn previously mentioned, I had to leave my visor partially opened. Not all the way open, but partially. And as soon as I would close it, the fog would return. At just about every intersection I encountered today where I had to stop, I had to open up the visor a bit. Not bad, just a bit annoying. Oh well, there are worse things in life.
The Surprising Water Puddle
There was a lot of traffic today. Some days are like that. I left the house this morning a little after 8:00 am. Lots of cars. I had to wait a little bit just to make a right turn at Central and Woodlawn. Usually I get right through there. At this time of year, the sun is low in the morning sky. Not a problem for me, I ride westerly in the morning, but I am cautious about drivers going the other way being able to see me sometimes. Don't take everything for granted, you know. But people seemed to be careful this morning, just lots of people.
At one intersection there was a pretty good size puddle of water from last night's rain. The streets were otherwise dry as a bone, but this one puddle was creating splashes as cars went through it. This also cause the pavement to be wet for awhile after the puddle as the cars dropped the splashes back on to the street. There was enough traffic this morning that I wasn't able to see the water puddle until just before I encountered it. No real problem, just sort of a surprise. As I rode past I wondered how long it had been since Max's tires had been wet. It's been awhile, I'm sure. Just not sure how long. But, long it had to be.
The Aggressive(?) Lane Change
The ride downtown was largely uneventful, just lots of traffic this morning. I usually just maintain my space in the flow, keeping an eye out for what is around me, front, back, left or right of me. As I approach the downtown area, it is necessary to make another left turn and ride south a few blocks to get to where I park. I can make this turn at about 3 different intersections, just depending on my whim, but I do have a favorite place to make the turn.
But this morning there was a steady stream of cars in the lane left of me and I could tell I was going to have a little difficulty just changing lanes in order to be able to make the left turn. Now this has happened before, and on rare occasions, I just let the flow of traffic take me along even if I go past my favorite street to turn on. It's no problem to go back a bit. But I could see that it was pretty tight in the lane next to me and I didn't want to move into too small of a space and freak out the other drivers, much less me.
But then a red light appeared ahead. I was going to be first in line (in the right lane), and all those other cars were in a long line in the left lane. So I decided to gun it a little when the light turned green, hopefully get far enough ahead of the car to the left of me to enable the lane change. Now, I knew this wouldn't work if the guy to the left of me at the light was going to also take out a little fast from the red light. But he didn't. And I easily got well in front and was able to change lanes. I hope I impressed the hell out of them! Oh, not really, but it worked out safely and fine.
The Smelly Parking Garage
Last week Max and I went together almost every day to work. On Thursday last week though, we arrived at the parking garage to a strong and distinct smell of a skunk. Yeah, you know what I'm talking about. Well, with the Labor Day weekend just past, I was hoping that the smell would have abated to just a distant memory, but alas, a faint smell of skunk still lingers in the garage. We narrowed the smell down to a pickup truck that we think is the culprit, but given the nature of the smell, our investigation didn't last long. We just wanted to get out of there and away from the smell. We have considered leaving a note on the windshield, but didn't think it would do any good, and we're not completely sure it was that truck.
In Summary
So today's ride was 1) Sometimes Frustrating, 2) Frequently Annoying, 3) Surprising, 4) Aggressive (?), and 5) Smelly.
Oh and I forgot to mention that the temperature was about 68F, sunny skies, almost no wind, and with clean crisp air after last night's rain. Just about perfect conditions with the possible exception of numbers 1 thru 5 above.
In short, it was a great ride!
.
Ride On and Carpe Diem, my Friends,
Jimbo
.
As soon as I leave the driveway I need to make a left turn onto a fairly busy street. Some mornings the traffic seems to just form a big hole, like the parting of the Red Sea in the bible story, allowing me to quickly enter the flow of traffic. Other days? Not so much. Today? One of those Not So Much days.
Seemed like I was there forever. Don't want to get impatient. Can't afford to make a mistake. The collision of a motorcycle with a car or truck is a simple exercise in physics, the vehicle with more mass will always win. So I wait.
And I wait some more.
Okay, the right side of the street is opening up, maybe I can make a move. I look back left..... Well, Crap!
Wait some more.
To pass the time I adjust the mirrors a bit, even though they really didn't need it.
Geez, now it looks like just a slow steady stream of cars in both directions.
And I wait,, (thinking, what am I going to do today at work)
Okay, now it looks a little better, there's a hole in traffic developing to my left
And a hole developing to my right,
But then i realize that the holes will not get here to my street at the same time.
Don't the traffic engineers of this city know I am trying to make this little left turn on a lot of mornings? Can't they somehow re-program the street lights a half mile away in either direction to make my life easier?
Come On? It's most every day just before or maybe a little after 8:00 am. Why? Why? Why?
Oh you get the drift
I err on the side of caution usually. I try not to be in a hurry.
As usual, eventually, I am able to enter the street and start making my way downtown.
Whew!
The Frequently Annoying Foggy Visor
We had a touch of rain overnight last night. Just a touch. Officially 2/10 of an inch. Big Damn deal. I'm not complaining. We badly need the rain. And it will still be a good day to ride to work today. No rain predicted during the day today.
But the upshot was that it was pretty muggy this morning. Every time I breathed into the helmet, yeah, you guessed it, Foggy Visor. In fact a good part of the time I was waiting to make that left turn previously mentioned, I had to leave my visor partially opened. Not all the way open, but partially. And as soon as I would close it, the fog would return. At just about every intersection I encountered today where I had to stop, I had to open up the visor a bit. Not bad, just a bit annoying. Oh well, there are worse things in life.
The Surprising Water Puddle
There was a lot of traffic today. Some days are like that. I left the house this morning a little after 8:00 am. Lots of cars. I had to wait a little bit just to make a right turn at Central and Woodlawn. Usually I get right through there. At this time of year, the sun is low in the morning sky. Not a problem for me, I ride westerly in the morning, but I am cautious about drivers going the other way being able to see me sometimes. Don't take everything for granted, you know. But people seemed to be careful this morning, just lots of people.
At one intersection there was a pretty good size puddle of water from last night's rain. The streets were otherwise dry as a bone, but this one puddle was creating splashes as cars went through it. This also cause the pavement to be wet for awhile after the puddle as the cars dropped the splashes back on to the street. There was enough traffic this morning that I wasn't able to see the water puddle until just before I encountered it. No real problem, just sort of a surprise. As I rode past I wondered how long it had been since Max's tires had been wet. It's been awhile, I'm sure. Just not sure how long. But, long it had to be.
The Aggressive(?) Lane Change
The ride downtown was largely uneventful, just lots of traffic this morning. I usually just maintain my space in the flow, keeping an eye out for what is around me, front, back, left or right of me. As I approach the downtown area, it is necessary to make another left turn and ride south a few blocks to get to where I park. I can make this turn at about 3 different intersections, just depending on my whim, but I do have a favorite place to make the turn.
But this morning there was a steady stream of cars in the lane left of me and I could tell I was going to have a little difficulty just changing lanes in order to be able to make the left turn. Now this has happened before, and on rare occasions, I just let the flow of traffic take me along even if I go past my favorite street to turn on. It's no problem to go back a bit. But I could see that it was pretty tight in the lane next to me and I didn't want to move into too small of a space and freak out the other drivers, much less me.
But then a red light appeared ahead. I was going to be first in line (in the right lane), and all those other cars were in a long line in the left lane. So I decided to gun it a little when the light turned green, hopefully get far enough ahead of the car to the left of me to enable the lane change. Now, I knew this wouldn't work if the guy to the left of me at the light was going to also take out a little fast from the red light. But he didn't. And I easily got well in front and was able to change lanes. I hope I impressed the hell out of them! Oh, not really, but it worked out safely and fine.
The Smelly Parking Garage
Last week Max and I went together almost every day to work. On Thursday last week though, we arrived at the parking garage to a strong and distinct smell of a skunk. Yeah, you know what I'm talking about. Well, with the Labor Day weekend just past, I was hoping that the smell would have abated to just a distant memory, but alas, a faint smell of skunk still lingers in the garage. We narrowed the smell down to a pickup truck that we think is the culprit, but given the nature of the smell, our investigation didn't last long. We just wanted to get out of there and away from the smell. We have considered leaving a note on the windshield, but didn't think it would do any good, and we're not completely sure it was that truck.
In Summary
So today's ride was 1) Sometimes Frustrating, 2) Frequently Annoying, 3) Surprising, 4) Aggressive (?), and 5) Smelly.
Oh and I forgot to mention that the temperature was about 68F, sunny skies, almost no wind, and with clean crisp air after last night's rain. Just about perfect conditions with the possible exception of numbers 1 thru 5 above.
In short, it was a great ride!
.
Ride On and Carpe Diem, my Friends,
Jimbo
.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
A Perfect Balance
A recent post by Richard Machida got me thinking, and that's always dangerous.
Here's the Link: http://blog.machida.us/2012/08/is-riding-unhealthy.html
After the driving restriction from my heart problems was lifted, my goal for getting to and from work was to ride Max, walk or take the famous Canadian Subaru (Monty) in roughly equal proportions. Lately though I have been failing miserably at attaining that goal. I was riding Max too much. (Is that even possible?) For the last 3 weeks I had ridden the scooter almost every day. The walking hadn't been entirely abandoned because I walk the dogs frequently. It was poor Monty (the famous Canadian Subaru) that was being ignored.
So today I took out on foot to maybe achieve "A Perfect Balance". To hell with the car, I wanted to walk.
I track my exercise with a phone App called Endomondo. It uses the GPS device in the phone to compute distances, calories used and all sorts of not very useful information. But it's fun and it shows that I have walked almost 500 miles in the last year or so. Not spectacular, but not bad. I have to admit I feel better for it. When I walk, I think. It helps clear out the cobwebs in my mind. Today as I walked, I was thinking about Richard's post. I was considering the balance in my life. Almost a Zen feeling. It was a beautiful morning, not quite as hot today. As I walked along, I crossed over a creek with not much water in it.
I was thinking that it would be more of "A Perfect Balance" to have a little more water in that creek. Not so much as to flood it, something more in the middle. We could sure use some rain.
Walking is an excellent form of exercise. Here's a pic of the dogs on a recent evening walk. After dinner and a short nap, they are always ready to go and see what has happened in the neighborhood. My wife and I alternate nights to walk them, but we do it almost every evening.It's good for them, too.
Recently we were in the Taos, New Mexico area and did a little hiking near a ski resort. Now there's some walking for you. Uphill at 7,800 ft elevation. The dogs loved it. The humans did too. (Even me, the Cyborg)
Now some people are interested in extreme sports. I own a Subaru and a motorcycle (scooter). The next picture has a Subaru and a motorcycle, could it be me? Naaah. A little too extreme for me, not quite "A Perfect Balance".
But I admit to doing something a little more extreme lately. My daughter and her husband have been doing some riding on mountain bike trails and have encouraged me to try one of the courses out. So on a Sunday evening we headed out to Millers Meadow.
http://www.kansascyclist.com/trails/MillersMeadow.html
Endomondo says we did the 5 mile course in about 44 minutes averaging about 6.7 mph. Now that may sound slow, and it was, but let me tell you, some of it was pretty gnarly. (Yes, I said Gnarly)
Some of the gullies that had very unsettling bottoms to them. At times the path was just wide enough for your handlebars, not to mention ruts from the parched earth.
Will I do the course again? Probably, but I think I prefer just a nice smooth bike path. Maybe something a little less extreme, but it was fun and I hadn't done anything like that since I was a kid. I never fell that evening, but I admit to stopping and walking the bike through a few really deep and scary gullies.
Now, you have to realize that there are at least two ways to achieve "A Perfect Balance" Balances can be achieved in both a physical and a spiritual sense. Take this next picture for instance:
If you drank beer and ate hot dogs all the time, obviously that wouldn't be too good for you physically. But moderation is possible in my book. Spiritually, though, spending an evening at the ball park with my son can be very rewarding. Some hat, huh?
When I was in college, as an elective, I took a course in nutrition. Thought it would be easy, it wasn't. Thought it might be boring, it wasn't. The professor was really good and I learned a lot. One thing I always remember is that she used to say that your body has a tendency to know what it needs for you. It will make you hungry for things that it needs. Now some nutrients, like most sugars, in excess can be very bad for you. But in moderation, all things can be good.
As I walked this morning I went by this fast food restaurant, popular in this area. They have nice greasy hamburgers, shakes and fries. But they also have fairly healthy turkey on pita sandwiches. I bet they serve more burgers, but at least they maybe try to achieve "A Perfect Balance".
Then right across the street from the eatery and at the end of my morning walk is the ER where I spent some time 18 months ago. A lot of this "Balance" stuff is my attempt to try and avoid this place in the future.
Maybe the best way to achieve "A Perfect Blance" is to spend time with your loved ones.
Ride On and Carpe Diem, my friends.
..
Here's the Link: http://blog.machida.us/2012/08/is-riding-unhealthy.html
After the driving restriction from my heart problems was lifted, my goal for getting to and from work was to ride Max, walk or take the famous Canadian Subaru (Monty) in roughly equal proportions. Lately though I have been failing miserably at attaining that goal. I was riding Max too much. (Is that even possible?) For the last 3 weeks I had ridden the scooter almost every day. The walking hadn't been entirely abandoned because I walk the dogs frequently. It was poor Monty (the famous Canadian Subaru) that was being ignored.
So today I took out on foot to maybe achieve "A Perfect Balance". To hell with the car, I wanted to walk.
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| East Central Avenue in the early morning. Not too much traffic yet on a Friday. |
I track my exercise with a phone App called Endomondo. It uses the GPS device in the phone to compute distances, calories used and all sorts of not very useful information. But it's fun and it shows that I have walked almost 500 miles in the last year or so. Not spectacular, but not bad. I have to admit I feel better for it. When I walk, I think. It helps clear out the cobwebs in my mind. Today as I walked, I was thinking about Richard's post. I was considering the balance in my life. Almost a Zen feeling. It was a beautiful morning, not quite as hot today. As I walked along, I crossed over a creek with not much water in it.
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| This creek never has a lot of water in it, but it's damn near dry right now. |
Walking is an excellent form of exercise. Here's a pic of the dogs on a recent evening walk. After dinner and a short nap, they are always ready to go and see what has happened in the neighborhood. My wife and I alternate nights to walk them, but we do it almost every evening.It's good for them, too.
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| Madeline (in front) is 16 yrs old. Sophie is 3. |
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| The dogs tried to be in charge of the route, but seemed more interested in chasing small creatures. |
Now some people are interested in extreme sports. I own a Subaru and a motorcycle (scooter). The next picture has a Subaru and a motorcycle, could it be me? Naaah. A little too extreme for me, not quite "A Perfect Balance".
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| Taken from UK's "Top Gear" website |
http://www.kansascyclist.com/trails/MillersMeadow.html
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| My daughter looking pretty fierce just after our ride. She's a helluva rider and was my guide for the evening. |
Some of the gullies that had very unsettling bottoms to them. At times the path was just wide enough for your handlebars, not to mention ruts from the parched earth.
Will I do the course again? Probably, but I think I prefer just a nice smooth bike path. Maybe something a little less extreme, but it was fun and I hadn't done anything like that since I was a kid. I never fell that evening, but I admit to stopping and walking the bike through a few really deep and scary gullies.
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| A little blood was the result, but it was a lot tamer than it looked. You see, taking heart medications, including a coagulant, makes it a little harder to stop bleeding. This was just from brushing up against a tree branch. |
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| Just like from "A Field of Dreams", having a dog and a beer at the ball park. |
When I was in college, as an elective, I took a course in nutrition. Thought it would be easy, it wasn't. Thought it might be boring, it wasn't. The professor was really good and I learned a lot. One thing I always remember is that she used to say that your body has a tendency to know what it needs for you. It will make you hungry for things that it needs. Now some nutrients, like most sugars, in excess can be very bad for you. But in moderation, all things can be good.
As I walked this morning I went by this fast food restaurant, popular in this area. They have nice greasy hamburgers, shakes and fries. But they also have fairly healthy turkey on pita sandwiches. I bet they serve more burgers, but at least they maybe try to achieve "A Perfect Balance".
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| Fast greasy food here with a balance of some healthy options. |
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| A place to avoid if you can, but pretty fantastic people there if you really need them. |
Maybe the best way to achieve "A Perfect Blance" is to spend time with your loved ones.
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| At the ball park with my wonderful wife. We tested out a few beers that night. Everything in moderation. |
Ride On and Carpe Diem, my friends.
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Wednesday, August 8, 2012
The Guy at the Gas Station
There was this guy in a suit at the gas station filling up his SUV.
He was just standing there with his arms folded.
Staring at me. Watching me.
Not sure if he was admiring me, or thinking I was crazy. Ask me if I care.
I had ridden Max to work almost every day for the past 3 weeks. In very hot weather, too. But as long as you are moving, 110 degrees doesn't seem so bad , does it? At least it only takes me about 15 minutes to get home. And Thank God for Mesh Gear.
But I needed gas this morning and there was that guy filling up his SUV. I rode up and he was already there. Arms folded, watching me ride up.
I can do this pretty quickly. I don't even take off the helmet, just pop up the visor. Had my wallet in my jacket with my card ready to go, no need to even open the top case. Key out to open the gas cap. Done. Selected the mid-grade fuel, entered my pin #, popped the hose in my tank. I fiddle with the angle of the hose to maximize the fill. The guy in the suit is still watching me, arms folded.
A couple of minutes later, I'm done. Pop the gas cap back on. Key back in ignition, press start,
Vroom Vroom, I maneuver Max off the stand and start to move off.
As I ride away I notice the "suit" is still watching me, arms still folded, gas pump still pumping away in his SUV.
I wondered about him as I rode to the office. What was he thinking. We made eye contact, but I could not tell what his mood was. I thought for a minute he was maybe impressed that I rode a scooter and was doing my little part in saving planet earth by not using as much fuel as other people. Helping out with greenhouse gases, you know.
But then I thought, maybe he was thinking that I was an idiot to ride a two wheeled vehicle in such ridiculous hot weather. And he might be right about that. I thought about him riding on into work, in his air conditioned SUV, cold air blasting in his face, wearing his suit and tie. Thinking about all the other suited people he would interact with today. Lots of them riding their SUV's to work, cold air blasting as they wore their suits and ties.
But then I thought as I said before:
"I don't really give a S&%T what he was thinking"!
He just doesn't know.
He doesn't know the feeling of freedom! He can't really appreciate how cute that blonde is, in the Honda next to you at the stop light that you just pulled up to. He doesn't smell the aroma of the bakery you just passed by. He doesn't see the color of the trees, how really green they are. He can't imagine the exhilaration of blasting down a country road with no traffic on a beautiful day. He's got windows between himself and the rest of the world while he's in that SUV. As Pirsig says, those windows are like TV screens that insulate you from the real world around you.
He just doesn't get it.
But I do.
Ride on and Carpe Diem my friends!
Jimbo
PS. I bet he spent a lot more than $5 at the pump this morning! Man, He really doesn't know!
..
He was just standing there with his arms folded.
Staring at me. Watching me.
Not sure if he was admiring me, or thinking I was crazy. Ask me if I care.
I had ridden Max to work almost every day for the past 3 weeks. In very hot weather, too. But as long as you are moving, 110 degrees doesn't seem so bad , does it? At least it only takes me about 15 minutes to get home. And Thank God for Mesh Gear.
But I needed gas this morning and there was that guy filling up his SUV. I rode up and he was already there. Arms folded, watching me ride up.
I can do this pretty quickly. I don't even take off the helmet, just pop up the visor. Had my wallet in my jacket with my card ready to go, no need to even open the top case. Key out to open the gas cap. Done. Selected the mid-grade fuel, entered my pin #, popped the hose in my tank. I fiddle with the angle of the hose to maximize the fill. The guy in the suit is still watching me, arms folded.
A couple of minutes later, I'm done. Pop the gas cap back on. Key back in ignition, press start,
Vroom Vroom, I maneuver Max off the stand and start to move off.
As I ride away I notice the "suit" is still watching me, arms still folded, gas pump still pumping away in his SUV.
I wondered about him as I rode to the office. What was he thinking. We made eye contact, but I could not tell what his mood was. I thought for a minute he was maybe impressed that I rode a scooter and was doing my little part in saving planet earth by not using as much fuel as other people. Helping out with greenhouse gases, you know.
But then I thought, maybe he was thinking that I was an idiot to ride a two wheeled vehicle in such ridiculous hot weather. And he might be right about that. I thought about him riding on into work, in his air conditioned SUV, cold air blasting in his face, wearing his suit and tie. Thinking about all the other suited people he would interact with today. Lots of them riding their SUV's to work, cold air blasting as they wore their suits and ties.
But then I thought as I said before:
"I don't really give a S&%T what he was thinking"!
He just doesn't know.
He doesn't know the feeling of freedom! He can't really appreciate how cute that blonde is, in the Honda next to you at the stop light that you just pulled up to. He doesn't smell the aroma of the bakery you just passed by. He doesn't see the color of the trees, how really green they are. He can't imagine the exhilaration of blasting down a country road with no traffic on a beautiful day. He's got windows between himself and the rest of the world while he's in that SUV. As Pirsig says, those windows are like TV screens that insulate you from the real world around you.
He just doesn't get it.
But I do.
Ride on and Carpe Diem my friends!
Jimbo
PS. I bet he spent a lot more than $5 at the pump this morning! Man, He really doesn't know!
..
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Storm Troopers and Tuesday Thoughts While Riding
I was listening to the television before I left for work today and they said that gas prices dropped overnight to roughly $3.45 per gallon. I thought, "Good for me", Max needs gas. Well, wouldn't you know, the price dropped everywhere in town, except where I got gas this morning. But the good news is that I only took 1.6 gallons, so I don't think I was overcharged too much. I was thinking that Max (the scooter) gets about 3 times the gas mileage that Monty (the Subaru) gets, and the Subaru is pretty good at 25mpg. Both beat the hell out of a lot of the soccer-mom Suburbans and other monster SUV's that everyone seems to own around here. Our family must be crazy to not want to spend more $ on just plain old gasoline. We have a neighbor with a big F-250 pickup that starts it up each morning and lets it warm up for 5 minutes before he even gets into it and drives off.
It is getting to be that time of year when the outside temperature is nice and cool in the morning, but warm (in the 80's) in the afternoon. It can be a bit of a dilemma as far as gear. My jean jacket can get hot, but I like wearing it more than my mesh jacket. The day will come this summer when the jean jacket will be put away until fall arrives, but not yet. I love riding when the temperature is in the 50's. It can be brisk when the wind chill effect hits you as you ride, but not so cold to be a bother.
I took a different route downtown today, East Douglas Avenue. I wrote about that street last summer while I was relegated to riding a bicycle. Its an interesting route, not too heavily traveled, and with a few interesting things to look at on the way. There are 2 school zones at 20 mph on the way. In a couple of weeks school will be out and the speed zone lights will not be flashing. I always reduce speed in these school zones, many other drivers only half-heartedly observe the rules. A Ford Mustang sort of blasted by me this morning in one of the zones. Alas, maybe he had a pill to take.
Sometimes its surprising what kinds of thoughts enter your head when you are riding. There is a particular topic that I have always wanted to write a blog post about, but have never gotten around to. It would take a little tech expertise to accomplish because it might involve a video taken while riding, or at least the assistance of another person. I thought about how to do this post while I rode this morning. Maybe someday I'll pull it off.
Sometimes I think about work while I ride, but am always a little afraid that my mind will not be attentive enough to the hazards of the road, i.e. other damn drivers on cell phones. On a morning like today, I am traveling west and I know that east travelers have to battle the low sun in the sky. I'll see someone approach the street from a side street and have to look into the sun as they decide on a spot to enter traffic. I hope to hell they aren't talking or texting on a phone at the same time.
As I rode I thought about the absolutely fantastic Mother's Day we had last Sunday. The kids fixed us lunch and afterwards we went to a local public garden know as the Botanica. The flowers were amazing and I got a few good pictures. Our son in law wasn't able to be with us (he was doing something for his mother), so it was just the 4 of us, sort of back together again, like old times. And we did really miss the son in law, but it had been a long time since it was just the 4 of us, and we had a great time.
Also, as I rode this morning, for a few moments, I watched my shadow on the road in front of me. The sun was behind me and my shadow was long enough to get a really good outline of Max and me on the pavement. I even practiced a few "waves" to see what they might look like to an approaching motorcyclist, and chuckled to myself as I was doing this. What a silly thing to do.
Watching my shadow, with the gear and helmet on, its easy to imagine that I look a little like a Storm Trooper from the old Star Wars movies or a football player riding a motorcycle. Kind of beefy in the shoulders, you know. So I though I would end up this post with this picture stolen from George Takei's (Sulu, on Star Trek) Facebook page. I don't think he will mind because I imagine he stole it from someplace else, from someone who stole it from someplace else, who stole............................... etc.
It is getting to be that time of year when the outside temperature is nice and cool in the morning, but warm (in the 80's) in the afternoon. It can be a bit of a dilemma as far as gear. My jean jacket can get hot, but I like wearing it more than my mesh jacket. The day will come this summer when the jean jacket will be put away until fall arrives, but not yet. I love riding when the temperature is in the 50's. It can be brisk when the wind chill effect hits you as you ride, but not so cold to be a bother.
I took a different route downtown today, East Douglas Avenue. I wrote about that street last summer while I was relegated to riding a bicycle. Its an interesting route, not too heavily traveled, and with a few interesting things to look at on the way. There are 2 school zones at 20 mph on the way. In a couple of weeks school will be out and the speed zone lights will not be flashing. I always reduce speed in these school zones, many other drivers only half-heartedly observe the rules. A Ford Mustang sort of blasted by me this morning in one of the zones. Alas, maybe he had a pill to take.
Sometimes its surprising what kinds of thoughts enter your head when you are riding. There is a particular topic that I have always wanted to write a blog post about, but have never gotten around to. It would take a little tech expertise to accomplish because it might involve a video taken while riding, or at least the assistance of another person. I thought about how to do this post while I rode this morning. Maybe someday I'll pull it off.
Sometimes I think about work while I ride, but am always a little afraid that my mind will not be attentive enough to the hazards of the road, i.e. other damn drivers on cell phones. On a morning like today, I am traveling west and I know that east travelers have to battle the low sun in the sky. I'll see someone approach the street from a side street and have to look into the sun as they decide on a spot to enter traffic. I hope to hell they aren't talking or texting on a phone at the same time.
As I rode I thought about the absolutely fantastic Mother's Day we had last Sunday. The kids fixed us lunch and afterwards we went to a local public garden know as the Botanica. The flowers were amazing and I got a few good pictures. Our son in law wasn't able to be with us (he was doing something for his mother), so it was just the 4 of us, sort of back together again, like old times. And we did really miss the son in law, but it had been a long time since it was just the 4 of us, and we had a great time.
Also, as I rode this morning, for a few moments, I watched my shadow on the road in front of me. The sun was behind me and my shadow was long enough to get a really good outline of Max and me on the pavement. I even practiced a few "waves" to see what they might look like to an approaching motorcyclist, and chuckled to myself as I was doing this. What a silly thing to do.
Watching my shadow, with the gear and helmet on, its easy to imagine that I look a little like a Storm Trooper from the old Star Wars movies or a football player riding a motorcycle. Kind of beefy in the shoulders, you know. So I though I would end up this post with this picture stolen from George Takei's (Sulu, on Star Trek) Facebook page. I don't think he will mind because I imagine he stole it from someplace else, from someone who stole it from someplace else, who stole............................... etc.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Less Formally Attired
It's a good thing that I wore less dressy pants today. The cargo pants will go well with my boots today.
They'll have to. I left the shoe bag on the kitchen counter when I left home this morning.
Today I get to ride a few extra miles. I have an eye doctor appointment this afternoon on the west side of town. I may not even go back to the office afterward.
Damn! :)
Its Thursday Morning.
3 1/2 commuting trips down ; 1 1/2 to go for this week!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
I thought I left it at ......
I've been known to leave Max's keys in the ignition switch on Max overnight while he sits in the garage.
I guess you could accuse me of being absent minded sometimes. Or maybe I am just sleepy first thing in the morning. Or maybe I am just getting to that age where memories are harder to come by or retain. Or maybe it is because of all the lab rat drugs I now take. Lots of potential excuses.
This morning, though, I found myself wondering what the heck I did with my little bag that I have been using to transport my shoes to and from work when I am riding.
I guess you could accuse me of being absent minded sometimes. Or maybe I am just sleepy first thing in the morning. Or maybe I am just getting to that age where memories are harder to come by or retain. Or maybe it is because of all the lab rat drugs I now take. Lots of potential excuses.
This morning, though, I found myself wondering what the heck I did with my little bag that I have been using to transport my shoes to and from work when I am riding.
For a long time, in my hardcore commuting days, I used to leave my dress shoes at the office all the time. That way I could take off my boots when I get to work and just slip on the dress shoes. Since I have started riding again, I have just been taking the shoes in a bag each day.
This morning as I was getting my gear on for the ride to work I realized that my shoe bag wasn't where it normally was. Was I worried? No!
I just thought I probably left it on the purse hook on the scooter overnight in the garage. After all, what harm is there in that?
Well, space cadet me, (sleepyhead) , I didn't realize until I was parking the scooter at the office that the silly bag wasn't on the purse hook. Was I worried? No!
I just thought that it would be okay to wear the boots all day long. Maybe not quite the fashion statement, but who cares.
So then I walk into the office, and there on my table is my bag that I had never even taken home the night before. Was I worried? No! (Well, yes, maybe a little.) (Maybe I am "losing it"?)
Ahhh, Who Cares!
By the way, I am aiming to ride to work every day this week. Will be the first time in well over a year. The weather forecast is fantastic for the week. I'm not like Keith, I hate riding in the rain. (It's not the rain that bugs me, so much as the lightning.)
Two days of commuting are down, three to go.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Take a Chill Pill
At the beginning of Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" is a scene where Gandalf arrives at the Shire and is greeted by Frodo who says "You're Late!"
To which Gandalf calmly replies "I am not late, a wizard arrives precisely when he means to!"
I was thinking about this scene in the movie as I rode to work this morning. It will be a beautiful day and I was having a lovely time riding.
However, some drivers seemed, as usual, to be more in a hurry than really necessary in my opinion. Oh, nobody was really being careless or driving dangerously, but, compared to me, they were more intent on getting to where they needed to go than I was.
You see, I like to take my time a bit. If I fancy something on a side street, I just might turn and take a look. If I take a small detour, I will still arrive at work in time. There will be plenty of time to "Git R Done".
I just wish other drivers would sometimes just "Take A Chill Pill"!
To which Gandalf calmly replies "I am not late, a wizard arrives precisely when he means to!"
I was thinking about this scene in the movie as I rode to work this morning. It will be a beautiful day and I was having a lovely time riding.
However, some drivers seemed, as usual, to be more in a hurry than really necessary in my opinion. Oh, nobody was really being careless or driving dangerously, but, compared to me, they were more intent on getting to where they needed to go than I was.
You see, I like to take my time a bit. If I fancy something on a side street, I just might turn and take a look. If I take a small detour, I will still arrive at work in time. There will be plenty of time to "Git R Done".
I just wish other drivers would sometimes just "Take A Chill Pill"!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
The Ride In
The temperature was in the upper 30's. Almost no breeze. A cloudy sky was supposed to clear off and be sunny later in the day. The high temp was supposed to be almost 70 degrees.
The ride home should be( to use an overused word) AWESOME!
I put in the fleece glove liners even though I wasn't sure I would need them. Turned out to be glad I did. I remembered from the last time I rode that all of the vents in my helmet were open. I decided to close them before I put on the helmet. Glad I did, again (even though my neck got a bit chilly).
As I left the driveway, one of my neighbors was walking out to his driveway to get his newspaper. I don't know the guy well, but like him and we waved at each other. He very well knows that I haven't been able to ride to work for a long time because of my medical issues and we both seemed to realize that it had been a long time since we had seen each other this way in the mornings.
A space between cars opened up on the busy street close to our home, and I sort of gunned it to get into the flow of traffic. The acceleration felt good and I proceeded south on Woodlawn.
I then turn west on Central Ave to head downtown. Central Ave is not my preferred way to go, but when schools are in session, my favorite way to go is not as fun because there are 2 schools on that route and there is lots of traffic at the schools. So Central it is this morning. That's okay. It's a little faster, not as much time to watch the sights, but okay. I get behind a long line of cars and wouldn't you know it, the car immediately in front of me is just a bit slower than most of the rest, but traffic doesn't provide any option to get around him.
Alas, I'm in no hurry. And that is part of how my life has changed. A friend uses the term :"carpe diem" a lot and I have taken to that a little bit. At a stoplight I take a moment to look up and watch some birds, take a look at the clouds, and generally take in the surroundings a bit. How often it is we don't do that.
It's trash day for a lot of people and a lot of trash carts are pulled up to the street. I notice one has fallen over and the contents (consisting mostly of filled plastic bags) are lying on the ground. For a moment I think to myself about how those plastic bags decompose very slowly in landfills. How they accumulate in ocean and lake waters. Ahh, better living through chemistry.
As I ride I feel the sensations on my body. I am not cold. The winter gear has kept me warm and it is not a long ride, just about 15 minutes. My neck is a little cool, but it is exposed to the air. My fingers are feeling some chill, but not bad at all. Max is running like a top.
A little later I notice a Subaru following me, much like my famous Canadian Subaru, the one with the heated seats. The main difference is that the one following me is red, mine is blue. There is a lady driving and I wonder whether her speedometer speaks in kilometers rather than miles.
I eventually change into the left lane and she passes me on the right. Yep, it's the same year as my car. Then behind her is a guy in a black Porsche Carrera. Really Nice Car! Max seems to puff up his chest as we ride near the Porsche. I wonder what would happen in a race! LOL
A few blocks later I get behind a cement mixer. There is a new YMCA being built downtown and I wonder if the cement truck is headed there, but it turns off before getting to the construction site. I think briefly of stopping to take a picture of Max near the fence at the construction site, but decide, Naaah. Maybe some other day.
I am now close to my parking garage so I proceed on. I make the turn to the garage and enter it having to go to a lower level to my parking space. As I get "downstairs" I notice that Max will have a friend to talk to for the day. They don't normally park very close to each other, but today I parked Max for a moment next to his friend to take a picture.
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