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Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Merry Christmas
I haven't posted in some time so here's wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a great New Year. Be safe.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
The skipper sees rocks and charts a course toward them
Now that the government witch doctors have sold congress and the Prez on the 3/4 trillion dollar golden parachute for the rich phuckz on Wall Street, all that is left to do is the crying.
Skipper Bernanke has decided to steer the ship toward the rocks once more to try to give the goons a fighting chance of saving their tails
While the upside to all this meltdown is that the dollar has staged a comeback of sorts against other currencies. It has battled back in recent months as other markets have had to choke down their share of the mortgage derivative nonsense that has plagued the US market for the last 13 months.
What we have realized has been a relaxation of the unabated price escalation in fuel and some sectors of the food market. Corn, soybeans and wheat have dropped about 30%-50% since February and energy prices have moderated a bit as well. For most of us regular folks, that has been the only good news lately.
Now Bernanke has tossed about the idea of lowering the interest rate once again in an effort to stop the bleeding. Now, if I may ask, is this supposed to do to bring back investor and consumer confidence. If we keep feeding the populace that everything is gloom and doom, it will fuel the markets and everything related to follow.
We just forked over approximately $2333.00 for every man woman and child in this country to try to stabilize the market. It was supposed to take some time. 2 freaking business days isn't any time. Get a freaking grip already. I compare this to that time in the summer when the water moccasins are breading. STAY OUT and STAY AWAY until the frenzy is over. People are doing that and then stupid people are taking the hit and abandoning all their positions.
How about a little calm please.
Someone find a dirty sock and stuff it down Bernanke's pie hole so we can't hear him anymore. He is like an oncologist who walks in and says: You're gonna die. Gee fucking thanks Doc. I appreciate the uplifting message. You are most likely good at what you do but you obviously don't do motivational speaking engagements.
Things are going to be okay once again. Just don't panic sell everything you own. Keep making your payments if you can and keep a positive outlook. You and all the rest of us have a lot of money invested in this "plan" working.
What is going to have to happen is we are going to have to quit trying to milk the bulls and and feeding the bears. Everyone is confused. What is going to have to happen is that someone is going to have to take the first step and spend some money on a weathered but not broken stock. Someone is going to have to step to the plate with making money as their mission for the day. Bernanke needs to take a trip to the moon or something. Every time this goof speaks, confidence wanes and the general direction of everything is down.
Skipper Bernanke has decided to steer the ship toward the rocks once more to try to give the goons a fighting chance of saving their tails
While the upside to all this meltdown is that the dollar has staged a comeback of sorts against other currencies. It has battled back in recent months as other markets have had to choke down their share of the mortgage derivative nonsense that has plagued the US market for the last 13 months.
What we have realized has been a relaxation of the unabated price escalation in fuel and some sectors of the food market. Corn, soybeans and wheat have dropped about 30%-50% since February and energy prices have moderated a bit as well. For most of us regular folks, that has been the only good news lately.
Now Bernanke has tossed about the idea of lowering the interest rate once again in an effort to stop the bleeding. Now, if I may ask, is this supposed to do to bring back investor and consumer confidence. If we keep feeding the populace that everything is gloom and doom, it will fuel the markets and everything related to follow.
We just forked over approximately $2333.00 for every man woman and child in this country to try to stabilize the market. It was supposed to take some time. 2 freaking business days isn't any time. Get a freaking grip already. I compare this to that time in the summer when the water moccasins are breading. STAY OUT and STAY AWAY until the frenzy is over. People are doing that and then stupid people are taking the hit and abandoning all their positions.
How about a little calm please.
Someone find a dirty sock and stuff it down Bernanke's pie hole so we can't hear him anymore. He is like an oncologist who walks in and says: You're gonna die. Gee fucking thanks Doc. I appreciate the uplifting message. You are most likely good at what you do but you obviously don't do motivational speaking engagements.
Things are going to be okay once again. Just don't panic sell everything you own. Keep making your payments if you can and keep a positive outlook. You and all the rest of us have a lot of money invested in this "plan" working.
What is going to have to happen is we are going to have to quit trying to milk the bulls and and feeding the bears. Everyone is confused. What is going to have to happen is that someone is going to have to take the first step and spend some money on a weathered but not broken stock. Someone is going to have to step to the plate with making money as their mission for the day. Bernanke needs to take a trip to the moon or something. Every time this goof speaks, confidence wanes and the general direction of everything is down.
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Tuesday, July 15, 2008
creation.jpg (JPEG Image, 307x371 pixels)
My favorite Far side cartoon.creation.jpg (JPEG Image, 307x371 pixels)Nothing more needs to be said.
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Tuesday, June 10, 2008
[Interesting Article
I looked to see if anyone felt the same way as me on addressing the cause rather then the effect. I found this little lewel.
[READ FULL ARTICLE.]
[READ FULL ARTICLE.]
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Saturday, May 24, 2008
The biggest piece of crap legislation
Known as the Enron Loophole, this piece of crap was the brainchild of the wife of Senator Phil Gramm and the Wife of Tom Delay.
Hopefully, there will be some action to repeal this scrap of legislation that has allowed to commodity futures markets to create their own self fulfilling prophecies. We are all paying a price when the market are creating shortages on paper that translate to higher prices for consumers but no real shortage of actual supply.
As tankers loaded with crude sit in the gulf of Iran waiting for someone to buy them, we are paying brutally high costs for things that are supposed to be in short supply.
H. R. 5660
Dallas News -Oil Insider Manipulation by fear
ICE, ICE, Baby - Ed Wallace | Star-Telegram.com
ICE, ICE, Baby, conclusion - Ed Wallace | Star-Telegram.com
We should be really angry. I am.
Hopefully, there will be some action to repeal this scrap of legislation that has allowed to commodity futures markets to create their own self fulfilling prophecies. We are all paying a price when the market are creating shortages on paper that translate to higher prices for consumers but no real shortage of actual supply.
As tankers loaded with crude sit in the gulf of Iran waiting for someone to buy them, we are paying brutally high costs for things that are supposed to be in short supply.
H. R. 5660
Dallas News -Oil Insider Manipulation by fear
ICE, ICE, Baby - Ed Wallace | Star-Telegram.com
ICE, ICE, Baby, conclusion - Ed Wallace | Star-Telegram.com
We should be really angry. I am.
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Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Didya ever feel as if some was trying to hoodwink ya?
I was at the bike shop last Saturday for a ride. I arrived early but on the way, I noticed I needed some chain lube. I was already down the road aways when I came to this conclusion. Anyhow, I asked if they would throw some lube on my chain. The shop manager did and I thanked him. It was what happened next that caught me off guard.
While my bike was on the rack, and him going through the gears with the shifter, he decided to try to sell me on a shifter overhaul. I wasn't sure what prompted that question may answer was: Why? Oh the shifter's seem a little soft, "the Ergo rings sometomes crack" when So and So's shifters get like that, he has me rebuild them right away. First, these are Campy Record shifters that I know inside and out. Second, the bike is on a rack not on the ground. Bikes do tend to behave a little different on the road than what they behave like on the rack. Next, the Campy shifters aren't "one size fit's all" like the other brand. I can use cable tension as a tool for adjustment available for on the fly adjustment at any time. I tend to run mine a little softer than others may do but that is just me. I just don't like listening to the heavy "clunk" of the shift all the time.
I took off on the ride and had a great time. What was more impressive was just how crisp and clean the bike shifted, just as it generally does, unless both g-springs are broken.
I guess this was just an attempt to drum up business.
Anyhow, after the name drop of So and So, I ran into So and So at the park the next day and mentioned the conversation from the shop a day earlier. Anyway, So and So said I would probably be rebuilding his shifters the next time rather than the shop. He was tired of getting hosed.
While my bike was on the rack, and him going through the gears with the shifter, he decided to try to sell me on a shifter overhaul. I wasn't sure what prompted that question may answer was: Why? Oh the shifter's seem a little soft, "the Ergo rings sometomes crack" when So and So's shifters get like that, he has me rebuild them right away. First, these are Campy Record shifters that I know inside and out. Second, the bike is on a rack not on the ground. Bikes do tend to behave a little different on the road than what they behave like on the rack. Next, the Campy shifters aren't "one size fit's all" like the other brand. I can use cable tension as a tool for adjustment available for on the fly adjustment at any time. I tend to run mine a little softer than others may do but that is just me. I just don't like listening to the heavy "clunk" of the shift all the time.
I took off on the ride and had a great time. What was more impressive was just how crisp and clean the bike shifted, just as it generally does, unless both g-springs are broken.
I guess this was just an attempt to drum up business.
Anyhow, after the name drop of So and So, I ran into So and So at the park the next day and mentioned the conversation from the shop a day earlier. Anyway, So and So said I would probably be rebuilding his shifters the next time rather than the shop. He was tired of getting hosed.
I got robbed!
Cyber-crime has struck me and I am pissed.
I got online this morning after a premonition and a conversation. I looked at my balance and said WTF happened to my money! I opened my account tab on the website and apparently I paid 820.00 to some company on the east coast for some web seminar. I hit the ATM this morning insearch of $20.00. I opted not to get a receipt, I usually do. As I drove away, I thought, what if my account had some fraudulent action on it like in 2006? I got online at work and found the little issue and just thank my lucky stars I was vigilant enough to catch such an issue.
After a few minutes testing the maze that is telephone customer service, I finally reached someone who could help me. I also called the merchant regarding the issue and after some questions they confirmed that the transaction was initiated from Ghana (in Africa) for those unworldly travelers, and that they would credit my account but it may take days.
Anyhow, I found the banks to not be open after 4:00 unless it;s Friday. That bites, I now have to take off early in order to get a new debit card. No ATM card at the moment and I feel DIRTY!!!!!!!!
I got online this morning after a premonition and a conversation. I looked at my balance and said WTF happened to my money! I opened my account tab on the website and apparently I paid 820.00 to some company on the east coast for some web seminar. I hit the ATM this morning insearch of $20.00. I opted not to get a receipt, I usually do. As I drove away, I thought, what if my account had some fraudulent action on it like in 2006? I got online at work and found the little issue and just thank my lucky stars I was vigilant enough to catch such an issue.
After a few minutes testing the maze that is telephone customer service, I finally reached someone who could help me. I also called the merchant regarding the issue and after some questions they confirmed that the transaction was initiated from Ghana (in Africa) for those unworldly travelers, and that they would credit my account but it may take days.
Anyhow, I found the banks to not be open after 4:00 unless it;s Friday. That bites, I now have to take off early in order to get a new debit card. No ATM card at the moment and I feel DIRTY!!!!!!!!
Economic Warfare
Well, if there was ever a time in this world that could ever be called Economic Warfare, we are now at the lions gate of such a beast. We now have economic giants of the world trying to topple governments by ruining currency values, overturning economies, ruining public trust and generally making life rather unpleasant for many.
We are now finding that fear is playing a tremendous role in various economies by spooking investors triggering the most volatile trading of commodities this country has ever seen. This is being brought on by massive dollars leaving the US and heading to the middle east as oil money and coming back as speculator money to keep the price escalating.
There needs to be some drastic action and it needs to happen very soon. First, someone needs to figure it out, we are at Economic War. Our very existence depends on quick and decisive action. First we have to figure out our weapons. No, it isn't conventional weapons of war or nuclear arsenals. It is the very earth, rather, what comes from it that holds the key to economic stability and recourse.
Now that the farm bill is going to be law, we need to stop feeding the world. Yeah, there are going to be some people hurt, some will even starve. Guess what, if it ain't them, it will be us. We need to make the dollar worth something again and sending it overseas ain't getting it done. Take care of ours at home, quit worrying about some mouth in Bangladesh or Rwanda. Let the wealthy bastards in Saudi Arabia handle it, if they muster the energy to lift a finger.
If the world can't afford fuel, economies of continents will stop. If the world can't eat, it won't matter.
It is time to kick OPEC's collective ass and take them on. If Hugo Chavez wants some shit, give him some. If Ahmadinejad wants world domination, lets give nothing but grief. They want to play hardball, lets play. Quit sending our domestic product overseas and quit sending money as well. Do not allow foreign investment on domestic energy and commodity markets and screen who plays the game. If some dentist in Sheboygan wants to buy 800000 barrels of West Texas Crude, he must have the means to store it at the time of purchase of the futures contract, otherwise get out. If you want to buy grain, buy it US dollars and transport it to US markets.
It is time to say FUCK the world, we are taking control of our situation. Creating worldwide panic has been their method now let it be their undoing.
We are now finding that fear is playing a tremendous role in various economies by spooking investors triggering the most volatile trading of commodities this country has ever seen. This is being brought on by massive dollars leaving the US and heading to the middle east as oil money and coming back as speculator money to keep the price escalating.
There needs to be some drastic action and it needs to happen very soon. First, someone needs to figure it out, we are at Economic War. Our very existence depends on quick and decisive action. First we have to figure out our weapons. No, it isn't conventional weapons of war or nuclear arsenals. It is the very earth, rather, what comes from it that holds the key to economic stability and recourse.
Now that the farm bill is going to be law, we need to stop feeding the world. Yeah, there are going to be some people hurt, some will even starve. Guess what, if it ain't them, it will be us. We need to make the dollar worth something again and sending it overseas ain't getting it done. Take care of ours at home, quit worrying about some mouth in Bangladesh or Rwanda. Let the wealthy bastards in Saudi Arabia handle it, if they muster the energy to lift a finger.
If the world can't afford fuel, economies of continents will stop. If the world can't eat, it won't matter.
It is time to kick OPEC's collective ass and take them on. If Hugo Chavez wants some shit, give him some. If Ahmadinejad wants world domination, lets give nothing but grief. They want to play hardball, lets play. Quit sending our domestic product overseas and quit sending money as well. Do not allow foreign investment on domestic energy and commodity markets and screen who plays the game. If some dentist in Sheboygan wants to buy 800000 barrels of West Texas Crude, he must have the means to store it at the time of purchase of the futures contract, otherwise get out. If you want to buy grain, buy it US dollars and transport it to US markets.
It is time to say FUCK the world, we are taking control of our situation. Creating worldwide panic has been their method now let it be their undoing.
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Sunday, April 20, 2008
I saw 192 this weekend
In the ongoing saga of trying to lose most of the 30 lbs I put on in the later part of 2007 and early 2008, I reached another milestone. 192#. This number represents 20 lbs taken off. I will temper this by saying that this is an empty weight. Just off the bike, just showered and no meal.
Some might not agree, there will just be some days when I will perform empty or real close to empty and that's just how it is going to be. On the really long rides, I would eat really heavy the night before doing them. That seemed to be a root cause of the excess tonnage. Anyway, I am sticking to the shorter 200k rides as a benchmark maximum so I don't have to take in 5000 calories the night before.
Saturday's 200k started close to home so I did it with some of the RUSA K-hounds. There were five in attendance. We rode from North Arlington out to Aledo, Willow Park and back along the Trinity Trail system and familiar roads in Parker County. Generally speaking, I had a good ride until about mile 100. I started to feel weak and the bonk was inevitable. Fortunately, the route had a tailwind the majority of the way home from that point.
Link to Activity on Motionbased
Some might not agree, there will just be some days when I will perform empty or real close to empty and that's just how it is going to be. On the really long rides, I would eat really heavy the night before doing them. That seemed to be a root cause of the excess tonnage. Anyway, I am sticking to the shorter 200k rides as a benchmark maximum so I don't have to take in 5000 calories the night before.
Saturday's 200k started close to home so I did it with some of the RUSA K-hounds. There were five in attendance. We rode from North Arlington out to Aledo, Willow Park and back along the Trinity Trail system and familiar roads in Parker County. Generally speaking, I had a good ride until about mile 100. I started to feel weak and the bonk was inevitable. Fortunately, the route had a tailwind the majority of the way home from that point.
Link to Activity on Motionbased
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Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Does Bernanke get it?????
Dear Ben,
The way you are handling the Federal Reserve Banks monetary policy stinks. You have escorted the US dollar to a level lower than the Swiss Franc, the Canadian Dollar and the Euro. I suppose the Ruble and the Peso are the new target lows you wish to accomplish. In the meanwhile, the dollar has lost 50% of it's value and forced the investors of this country to evacuate the plunging dollar as a benchmark of financial stability in favor of commodities such as energy, food and foreign currency. The counter effect of this is now we are paying extraordinary prices for gasoline, grain and related products and higher and higher prices as the trickledown effect hits all sectors of the economy.
Greenspan took the heat when the Fed raised interest rates in the summer of 2000. This was done to loosen the labor market when conditions at hand suggested a contrary form of action. Guess what? Between the vacuum of the dot bomb, the Cinderella effect of Y2K and the act of raising interest rates combined to shut down the economy. The difference now is that monetary policy is being compromised due to foreign entities abandoning their dollar holdings and flooding the economy with unwanted currency and you are printing billions to bail out Bear Stearns and lend to other shady Wall Street investment brokers to leverage their shaky holdings. This one is on your shoulders mister.
The economy is merely a measure of confidence, that of consumers and that of investors and financial institutions. Guess what Ben? No one has confidence in you. Every time you speak, the dollar becomes a little more worthless. It's time for some tough love for the rich bastards who make forty million a year running scam loan deals duping consumers into real estate purchases that leave the US taxpayer holding the bag. The US taxpayer and the average citizens aren't ready to float liquidity to those bastards at the expense of our own small little insignificant lives.
Take a look at the personal computer industry in 1995. A consumer buying guide for PC's in 1995 had no less than 200 PC manufacturers listed. Guess what, the herd got thinned out by natural order market conditions. The strong lasted or got bought while the meak perished and disappeared into oblivion. No one saved their ass.
When I get my economic stimulus check, there is no telling what I will do with it. I may hold and wait for you to step aside, I may decide to send it to the middle east in return for filling my tank. I may buy non perishable food because anything fresh is going to be so damned expensive I can't afford to waste it.
The flip side of this is that now gas is over 3.25 a gallon, I drive less, I drive slower and others seem to be as well. Who knows, maybe we will revert to more community oriented society. That might not be a bad thing.
Mr. Bernanke, It is time for you to go away quietly before you get nailed crossing the street. Your actions are really starting to piss of America. You can defend yourself but you are still the one causing the financial decay to spread.
The way you are handling the Federal Reserve Banks monetary policy stinks. You have escorted the US dollar to a level lower than the Swiss Franc, the Canadian Dollar and the Euro. I suppose the Ruble and the Peso are the new target lows you wish to accomplish. In the meanwhile, the dollar has lost 50% of it's value and forced the investors of this country to evacuate the plunging dollar as a benchmark of financial stability in favor of commodities such as energy, food and foreign currency. The counter effect of this is now we are paying extraordinary prices for gasoline, grain and related products and higher and higher prices as the trickledown effect hits all sectors of the economy.
Greenspan took the heat when the Fed raised interest rates in the summer of 2000. This was done to loosen the labor market when conditions at hand suggested a contrary form of action. Guess what? Between the vacuum of the dot bomb, the Cinderella effect of Y2K and the act of raising interest rates combined to shut down the economy. The difference now is that monetary policy is being compromised due to foreign entities abandoning their dollar holdings and flooding the economy with unwanted currency and you are printing billions to bail out Bear Stearns and lend to other shady Wall Street investment brokers to leverage their shaky holdings. This one is on your shoulders mister.
The economy is merely a measure of confidence, that of consumers and that of investors and financial institutions. Guess what Ben? No one has confidence in you. Every time you speak, the dollar becomes a little more worthless. It's time for some tough love for the rich bastards who make forty million a year running scam loan deals duping consumers into real estate purchases that leave the US taxpayer holding the bag. The US taxpayer and the average citizens aren't ready to float liquidity to those bastards at the expense of our own small little insignificant lives.
Take a look at the personal computer industry in 1995. A consumer buying guide for PC's in 1995 had no less than 200 PC manufacturers listed. Guess what, the herd got thinned out by natural order market conditions. The strong lasted or got bought while the meak perished and disappeared into oblivion. No one saved their ass.
When I get my economic stimulus check, there is no telling what I will do with it. I may hold and wait for you to step aside, I may decide to send it to the middle east in return for filling my tank. I may buy non perishable food because anything fresh is going to be so damned expensive I can't afford to waste it.
The flip side of this is that now gas is over 3.25 a gallon, I drive less, I drive slower and others seem to be as well. Who knows, maybe we will revert to more community oriented society. That might not be a bad thing.
Mr. Bernanke, It is time for you to go away quietly before you get nailed crossing the street. Your actions are really starting to piss of America. You can defend yourself but you are still the one causing the financial decay to spread.
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Monday, April 14, 2008
Austin to Fort Worth bike ride
April 12-13
Austin to Fort Worth is a bike ride loosely associated with the Fort Worth Bicycling Association. It occurs every year sometime after Easter. I attended for the third time this past weekend. At the request of Gary Gottlieb, I shared a room for both nights of this trip that spent the first night in Austin and the second in Waco, Texas.
We stopped by Art's house before heading to Austin to see him probably for the last time. We all went to see him knowing the battle of the last 10 years has taken about every ounce of strength left the man had left in past few months. His family was there at this side as we spent about 15 minutes visiting. Art has been the clubs' greatest ambassador for many years and he welcomed me on my first trip with FWBA at Austin to Fort Worth in 2005. Art touched everyone he met. It will truly be a sad day here in the near future.
About 24 people rode various stages of the two day event. The main topic and main obstacle for the festivities was a very imposing north wind that moved into the area over the weekend. It was a far cry from the tailwind festival it has been in years past.
Day 1) We had a pretty functional group the first day for many miles. I am guilty of ratcheting up the pace to rid myself of the dead weight sometimes but that didn't happen Saturday, at least not on purpose. Gary and I worked most of the trip together and the first day, the effort lasted the entire ride except for my time on the tandem with John's wife, Susan. I run gps on my bikes for long trips and I had the entire course preloaded for the weekend so getting lost was out of the question. For the most part of Saturday we really didn't slow down at all covering the 102 miles of the ride. The wind kept it civil but we kept the hammer down to get in with a 15.1 mph average. We all made it over to Olive Garden to settle the tales and hear the lies of the days adventures as told by the cast of characters.
Day 2) The day started out OK but went south pretty early. Phil Schenck went down on the road in Waco on a section of Waco Drive that is pretty dangerous with some gaping cracks that have taken down other riders on different days. He was taken to the hospital and found to have 3 broken vertibrea. It definitely put a damper on the riding for a little while. Once we got back to riding, it appeared the wind was a little more of an obstacle than the day before. Our early path was to the northeast but would eventually turn to the northwest putting in direct headwind for the longer portion of the ride. We made it to Penelope with two engines and a rudder. Gary and I were trading pulls and the guy in the racing kit was sitting in and not taking a single pull. It kind of drove me nuts. Steve Gray and Bobby Emmett followed the sag van motorpace style. The van passed us and I was riding alone again. I pulled into Malone about three minutes after the motorpace crowd and filled up my bottle with cytomax and grabbed a cookie or two. I waited a couple minutes at the road before starting off again on the road to Malone. The direct headwind now around 20 gusting over 30 mph was beginning to set the tone for the rest of the day. I made it to Malone around 1:30 and Michele, David and Brad were there. Jim, Mark, RoRo and Jim Burrows had all ridden past me riding the tailwind.
I spent about 20 minutes there before heading on alone. Next was the section I call "eleven miles of hell", a portion of hills, chip seal, and usually a southerly headwind that just makes life difficult when coming from the north. The table was turned but the same rules applied coming from the south and the wind barreling in from the north. Downhill stretches of this road were about 18 mph and that was while peddling while uphill stretches were anything from .01 to 10 mph going uphill. David, Michele and Brad just slid right past me. I knew what I had been dealing with for the last 150 miles and I knew what I had left. I did my pace. It was nice once I made to Maypearl since they repaved 157 all the way to Venus. New pavement didn't make me any faster though. It was still a tough headwind and I was getting tired. David, Michele and Brad were stopped in Venus when I pulled up to the light but I didn't stop. It was nice once I got north of 67. It was less traveled roads and familiar roads making it feel like the ride was just about over. I began seeing other riders, who rode out to meet us, once I got closer to Rendon. A spot light kept me from catching them until I got to Forrest Hill. It was Vernon, Katrina and couple others as we stopped at Shelby Lane. I gave Vernon a break out front before he released me to take off to the finish.
It took right at 8 full hours of ride time to finish this course. 12.5 mph average speed.
Austin to Fort Worth is a bike ride loosely associated with the Fort Worth Bicycling Association. It occurs every year sometime after Easter. I attended for the third time this past weekend. At the request of Gary Gottlieb, I shared a room for both nights of this trip that spent the first night in Austin and the second in Waco, Texas.
We stopped by Art's house before heading to Austin to see him probably for the last time. We all went to see him knowing the battle of the last 10 years has taken about every ounce of strength left the man had left in past few months. His family was there at this side as we spent about 15 minutes visiting. Art has been the clubs' greatest ambassador for many years and he welcomed me on my first trip with FWBA at Austin to Fort Worth in 2005. Art touched everyone he met. It will truly be a sad day here in the near future.
About 24 people rode various stages of the two day event. The main topic and main obstacle for the festivities was a very imposing north wind that moved into the area over the weekend. It was a far cry from the tailwind festival it has been in years past.
Day 1) We had a pretty functional group the first day for many miles. I am guilty of ratcheting up the pace to rid myself of the dead weight sometimes but that didn't happen Saturday, at least not on purpose. Gary and I worked most of the trip together and the first day, the effort lasted the entire ride except for my time on the tandem with John's wife, Susan. I run gps on my bikes for long trips and I had the entire course preloaded for the weekend so getting lost was out of the question. For the most part of Saturday we really didn't slow down at all covering the 102 miles of the ride. The wind kept it civil but we kept the hammer down to get in with a 15.1 mph average. We all made it over to Olive Garden to settle the tales and hear the lies of the days adventures as told by the cast of characters.
Day 2) The day started out OK but went south pretty early. Phil Schenck went down on the road in Waco on a section of Waco Drive that is pretty dangerous with some gaping cracks that have taken down other riders on different days. He was taken to the hospital and found to have 3 broken vertibrea. It definitely put a damper on the riding for a little while. Once we got back to riding, it appeared the wind was a little more of an obstacle than the day before. Our early path was to the northeast but would eventually turn to the northwest putting in direct headwind for the longer portion of the ride. We made it to Penelope with two engines and a rudder. Gary and I were trading pulls and the guy in the racing kit was sitting in and not taking a single pull. It kind of drove me nuts. Steve Gray and Bobby Emmett followed the sag van motorpace style. The van passed us and I was riding alone again. I pulled into Malone about three minutes after the motorpace crowd and filled up my bottle with cytomax and grabbed a cookie or two. I waited a couple minutes at the road before starting off again on the road to Malone. The direct headwind now around 20 gusting over 30 mph was beginning to set the tone for the rest of the day. I made it to Malone around 1:30 and Michele, David and Brad were there. Jim, Mark, RoRo and Jim Burrows had all ridden past me riding the tailwind.
I spent about 20 minutes there before heading on alone. Next was the section I call "eleven miles of hell", a portion of hills, chip seal, and usually a southerly headwind that just makes life difficult when coming from the north. The table was turned but the same rules applied coming from the south and the wind barreling in from the north. Downhill stretches of this road were about 18 mph and that was while peddling while uphill stretches were anything from .01 to 10 mph going uphill. David, Michele and Brad just slid right past me. I knew what I had been dealing with for the last 150 miles and I knew what I had left. I did my pace. It was nice once I made to Maypearl since they repaved 157 all the way to Venus. New pavement didn't make me any faster though. It was still a tough headwind and I was getting tired. David, Michele and Brad were stopped in Venus when I pulled up to the light but I didn't stop. It was nice once I got north of 67. It was less traveled roads and familiar roads making it feel like the ride was just about over. I began seeing other riders, who rode out to meet us, once I got closer to Rendon. A spot light kept me from catching them until I got to Forrest Hill. It was Vernon, Katrina and couple others as we stopped at Shelby Lane. I gave Vernon a break out front before he released me to take off to the finish.
It took right at 8 full hours of ride time to finish this course. 12.5 mph average speed.
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Sunday, April 6, 2008
I love 195 now more then 198
After a couple pretty tough weeks of hammering away about 700 miles on the bike the blubber seems a little tough to get burning. I guess it will just take heat to melt it away. We haven't actually seen it but I know it's coming. I have made a little progress and fair progress I guess. About a pound a week is about all I can realistically expect.
I had 360 miles two weeks ago when I participated in a 200k brevet. Last week I had 275 and this weekend with inventory at work on Saturday, I just rode 101 miles on Sunday. I am still avoiding the really long stuff because I am still trying to catch my shadow. On the longer rides, my shadow is pulling me because I am going so slow!
Next weekend is Austin to Fort Worth and that should be fun but I do have some other pressing issues that hopefully end up being okay.
Saturday didn't go to well at work. My boss had something to say and what she had to say could have been said better. Unfortunately, she didn't spend the last 10 weeks figuring what to say and what came out really came out wrong. She really didn't like my response and said I didn't show her respect. I do respect her but not more than I respect myself.
I had 360 miles two weeks ago when I participated in a 200k brevet. Last week I had 275 and this weekend with inventory at work on Saturday, I just rode 101 miles on Sunday. I am still avoiding the really long stuff because I am still trying to catch my shadow. On the longer rides, my shadow is pulling me because I am going so slow!
Next weekend is Austin to Fort Worth and that should be fun but I do have some other pressing issues that hopefully end up being okay.
Saturday didn't go to well at work. My boss had something to say and what she had to say could have been said better. Unfortunately, she didn't spend the last 10 weeks figuring what to say and what came out really came out wrong. She really didn't like my response and said I didn't show her respect. I do respect her but not more than I respect myself.
Blogged with the Flock Browser
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
I love 198
I might as well get used to it, 198 is a place on the scale where it appears I am going to have to get used to for a while. Every day, I see 198. I guess I will call this the 198# WALL. I expect it to take 2-3 weeks before it is in the rear view mirror.
I know this can be a grueling task at times but the psychological wear and tear just doesn't get a rest when you are trying to decrease weight. So far this week, I have put in a little over 160 miles on the bike. I can maybe do 70+ tomorrow but the wind in the morning will make that very tough. The ride home should be charged with jet fuel but we'll see. Once back in the hood, I can opt for 1 or 2 runs to the back of the park to get either 60 or 70. The push to the south tomorrow will be quite tough with the wind blasting up from the gulf.
I know this can be a grueling task at times but the psychological wear and tear just doesn't get a rest when you are trying to decrease weight. So far this week, I have put in a little over 160 miles on the bike. I can maybe do 70+ tomorrow but the wind in the morning will make that very tough. The ride home should be charged with jet fuel but we'll see. Once back in the hood, I can opt for 1 or 2 runs to the back of the park to get either 60 or 70. The push to the south tomorrow will be quite tough with the wind blasting up from the gulf.
Blogged with the Flock Browser
Sunday, March 23, 2008
The winds of Texas are upon me
Well, the Texas winds have returned. Not just a little breeze but full fledged winds. From the south. from the east northeast, from the north, the winds have returned. I am beginning to regain my headwind prowess. The fluidity is beginning to return in the face of a 20 mph headwind.
I am not really trying to ride many miles per day, rather opting for a steady flow of output to get back to the 250-300 miles per week. It's has been almost a year sine I had a 1000 mile month. They used to happen all the time. I have ridden about 400 miles in the last 11 days so I am beginning my move. The pounds will begin to follow.
I am not really trying to ride many miles per day, rather opting for a steady flow of output to get back to the 250-300 miles per week. It's has been almost a year sine I had a 1000 mile month. They used to happen all the time. I have ridden about 400 miles in the last 11 days so I am beginning my move. The pounds will begin to follow.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
More miles on the dam
Today's ride was more mileage on the dam. The wind heading east was a conspirator, the wind heading west was a collaborator. It was a tough day to be on there because the wind can play such active role in how fast you can go. I decided to work consistent and just patiently play it against the wind. Once on the tailwind side of things, a more amplified effort was put forth.
My last few rides are beginning to see the fruits of the shorter rides I have been doing lately. Although I am a long way from my goal, the building blocks are being put down to carry through the phases to come.
I managed to make a few adjustment to the Prince SL
for a little run, it's first in some time. I think I last rode this bike in Leakey last October.
My last few rides are beginning to see the fruits of the shorter rides I have been doing lately. Although I am a long way from my goal, the building blocks are being put down to carry through the phases to come.
I managed to make a few adjustment to the Prince SL
for a little run, it's first in some time. I think I last rode this bike in Leakey last October.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Another step losing..
Since going on the attack against the excess blubber I have been lugging around for the last few months, a psychological barrier was crossed this week. I presently reside on the right side of 200 lbs. Although my goal is getting back to 175, every little step is progress and that is the key. We all wish there was a magic step or shortcut in the process but there isn't.
I commuted to work by bike on Thursday and did an extra 20 before heading home. This gave me 62 for the day. It sure is pleasant heading across Arlington before anyone turns on the lights, I just wish it was 15 degrees warmer. A few cars are out and all have been courteous. Once I get in the country, the cars are more numerous because it is now after 6:00 but most of them are heading in to town while my path leads opposite. The big payoff is the tailwind I catch on the return trip after work.
Fridays ride was on the dam. While I am taking off the weight, I probably won't do the long rides. I might do a few but not as a general rule.Today's ride was in the wind. I consider rides on the dam to completely neutral. The wind helps and the wind hinders equally. Although it is boring on the dam, I do manage but today I forgot sunscreen so I cut it short at 33 miles at 18.1 mph. That includes turnarounds and maneuvering back to the truck.
I will recruit the concept of bankrupting the fat stores by burning far more calories than consumed. It has worked in the past. The key is to know there will be walls. There isn't just one rather there are many. About every ten pounds I run in to walls. Hopefully this time will be different but I am counting on walls. I have had walls take three weeks to break through. It can really test you.
Two theme songs run through my head: John Mellencamp's: "When the walls come tumblng down" and the Door's: "Break on through to the other side". Each plays a key role in psychologically keeping me motivated. I will wear my Ipod, for a little variety, with the around the neck headphones worn around the neck so I can hear other things going on.
I commuted to work by bike on Thursday and did an extra 20 before heading home. This gave me 62 for the day. It sure is pleasant heading across Arlington before anyone turns on the lights, I just wish it was 15 degrees warmer. A few cars are out and all have been courteous. Once I get in the country, the cars are more numerous because it is now after 6:00 but most of them are heading in to town while my path leads opposite. The big payoff is the tailwind I catch on the return trip after work.
Fridays ride was on the dam. While I am taking off the weight, I probably won't do the long rides. I might do a few but not as a general rule.Today's ride was in the wind. I consider rides on the dam to completely neutral. The wind helps and the wind hinders equally. Although it is boring on the dam, I do manage but today I forgot sunscreen so I cut it short at 33 miles at 18.1 mph. That includes turnarounds and maneuvering back to the truck.
I will recruit the concept of bankrupting the fat stores by burning far more calories than consumed. It has worked in the past. The key is to know there will be walls. There isn't just one rather there are many. About every ten pounds I run in to walls. Hopefully this time will be different but I am counting on walls. I have had walls take three weeks to break through. It can really test you.
Two theme songs run through my head: John Mellencamp's: "When the walls come tumblng down" and the Door's: "Break on through to the other side". Each plays a key role in psychologically keeping me motivated. I will wear my Ipod, for a little variety, with the around the neck headphones worn around the neck so I can hear other things going on.
Blogged with the Flock Browser
Monday, March 17, 2008
BS sells for $236 million
Want to buy some BS?
Apparently the Fed does. JP Morgan Chase buys the firm for stock valued at 236m and the Fed gets to hold the bag in the event of any losses, which appear almost certain. Bernenke, feels that fueling the fire that is eroding the core of our financial system is helping. Open your eyes idiot, it's eroding the confidence every time you open you mouth or act. Greenspan held public confidence even through his errors. Not saying he was perfect, just far better than this knucklehead!
Hopefully, this crisis will help open the eyes of consumers on the brink of buying houses. Simple math says 1%. Teaser rates that claim "buy a 148k house for $625 per month" are just there to tease you. When the rate expires shit happens. Our current situation is a prime example of too much shit happening all at once. BS profited from the situation, it is only fitting that they fall buy the same situation. Who's next?
Apparently the Fed does. JP Morgan Chase buys the firm for stock valued at 236m and the Fed gets to hold the bag in the event of any losses, which appear almost certain. Bernenke, feels that fueling the fire that is eroding the core of our financial system is helping. Open your eyes idiot, it's eroding the confidence every time you open you mouth or act. Greenspan held public confidence even through his errors. Not saying he was perfect, just far better than this knucklehead!
Hopefully, this crisis will help open the eyes of consumers on the brink of buying houses. Simple math says 1%. Teaser rates that claim "buy a 148k house for $625 per month" are just there to tease you. When the rate expires shit happens. Our current situation is a prime example of too much shit happening all at once. BS profited from the situation, it is only fitting that they fall buy the same situation. Who's next?
Blogged with the Flock Browser
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Bike Commuting and a rant
Have you ever felt the urge to ride your bike to work?
Most would answer this with "No".
In light of the highest gas prices I have ever seen in my life, driving is more and more becoming a unnecessary deed... to some degree. I live 20 miles from work. If I get out at 5:20 or so, I can haul across the vacant streets of Arlington, Texas and off in to the country to Burleson, Texas. Getting back home is a mish mash of turns and side streets avoiding the main arteries of the 4-5:00 rush hour. The real upside of this is that by the time you get home, I have already had two workouts of over an hour each and my weight will come off doing that.
I use Light & Motion ARC LiON and ARC Nimh battery powered HiD lights along with twin Cateye tail lights. In order to lighten the load, I will drive to work on Monday and carry clothing and groceries for the week ahead. This keeps me from having to lug a huge load from home on the back of my bikes. So far, I have only commuted on the DeRosa with a rack trunk in tow. Once it warms 10 degrees in the morning, the rack trunk is history. I may even ride one of the studs to work.
My strategy for doing this isn't to totally get away from driving but rather to curb my driving expense and put off maintenance issues. If you could save 20% or 40% of your weekly gas expense, would you? In September 2005, I spent around 30 dollars in gas. That was right after Katrina and before Rita. A very tough stretch for gas prices. I rode to work about 14 times in that month.Now, however, with Bernanke rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic, the price is inching closer to &4.00 per gallon. I am not thrilled spending $45 to fill up. $64 bucks to drive one week is total crap.
I wonder if Bernanke rides a bike to work. Perhaps at his next job working overnight at 7-Eleven, he gets the opportunity to reap what he has sewn.;
Most would answer this with "No".
In light of the highest gas prices I have ever seen in my life, driving is more and more becoming a unnecessary deed... to some degree. I live 20 miles from work. If I get out at 5:20 or so, I can haul across the vacant streets of Arlington, Texas and off in to the country to Burleson, Texas. Getting back home is a mish mash of turns and side streets avoiding the main arteries of the 4-5:00 rush hour. The real upside of this is that by the time you get home, I have already had two workouts of over an hour each and my weight will come off doing that.
I use Light & Motion ARC LiON and ARC Nimh battery powered HiD lights along with twin Cateye tail lights. In order to lighten the load, I will drive to work on Monday and carry clothing and groceries for the week ahead. This keeps me from having to lug a huge load from home on the back of my bikes. So far, I have only commuted on the DeRosa with a rack trunk in tow. Once it warms 10 degrees in the morning, the rack trunk is history. I may even ride one of the studs to work.
My strategy for doing this isn't to totally get away from driving but rather to curb my driving expense and put off maintenance issues. If you could save 20% or 40% of your weekly gas expense, would you? In September 2005, I spent around 30 dollars in gas. That was right after Katrina and before Rita. A very tough stretch for gas prices. I rode to work about 14 times in that month.Now, however, with Bernanke rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic, the price is inching closer to &4.00 per gallon. I am not thrilled spending $45 to fill up. $64 bucks to drive one week is total crap.
I wonder if Bernanke rides a bike to work. Perhaps at his next job working overnight at 7-Eleven, he gets the opportunity to reap what he has sewn.;
Eliot Spitzer and the P
Yo Eliot, what were ya thinking?
Have you ever seen the movie : Gone in 60 seconds? That can now be said about you law career and your reputation. No doubt you did some good things but who will remember?
In politics as in life, you have to have allies. You alienated all of them and it brought you down. The only way you could feel like a man was to hit the street and the web looking for some little hoochie mama that could make you dick hard. How's it hanging now fella?
It's probably a little chilly around the house too at this lovely time of the New York winter.
Although you won't be slumming any time soon, it will be interesting to see how far and how fast the mighty will fall if they think with the little head.
Have you ever seen the movie : Gone in 60 seconds? That can now be said about you law career and your reputation. No doubt you did some good things but who will remember?
In politics as in life, you have to have allies. You alienated all of them and it brought you down. The only way you could feel like a man was to hit the street and the web looking for some little hoochie mama that could make you dick hard. How's it hanging now fella?
It's probably a little chilly around the house too at this lovely time of the New York winter.
Although you won't be slumming any time soon, it will be interesting to see how far and how fast the mighty will fall if they think with the little head.
Blogged with the Flock Browser
Getting back in shape
Dang, I know this is subjective but it still is hard to get back in shape. People ask: what do you mean, get back in shape? you just rode 180 miles on a bike. Well, there is a difference in being in fighting shape and be in shape for survival. The latter is the kind of shape I am currently in. Ever since late 2006 when I became unemployed, I went in to hibernation as far as working out was concerned. I just showed up for the main event on the weekends. It worked alright until mid year 2007. After that, I really began to fall off.
Last years' unusually tropical weather in North Texas meant that it rained very frequently from February until October or so. It took a couple weeks off in August but it remained wet for most of the year. Wet weather an bike maintenance do NOT compliment each other too nicely. Rather than tear my bikes down on a regular basis, I just rode on the weekends. Sometimes, these rides were 60-100 miles, sometimes they were 200-400 even 600k.
I rode 4 completed brevets in 2008 and called it quits. I was having a good time but something just changed a couple weeks ago. It stopped being fun. Once that happens, I have to turn my attention in another direction. Riding is still a part of the picture, a big part of the picture but I will ride differently from now on.
Last years' unusually tropical weather in North Texas meant that it rained very frequently from February until October or so. It took a couple weeks off in August but it remained wet for most of the year. Wet weather an bike maintenance do NOT compliment each other too nicely. Rather than tear my bikes down on a regular basis, I just rode on the weekends. Sometimes, these rides were 60-100 miles, sometimes they were 200-400 even 600k.
I rode 4 completed brevets in 2008 and called it quits. I was having a good time but something just changed a couple weeks ago. It stopped being fun. Once that happens, I have to turn my attention in another direction. Riding is still a part of the picture, a big part of the picture but I will ride differently from now on.
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