The Central Coast

Pismo Beach, January 29th...

Once again, I have fallen behind in posting. Between work schedules; a trip to Pismo Beach; and then this past weekend a trip to Utah for the Walk to Emmaus Retreat, there just hasn’t been much time to do any writing. The picture folder keeps filling up, and eventually I get around to sharing my latest landscapes with you.

Pismo Beach, long, flat, and quite shallow for 100 yards out!

A beautiful Cammelia...

Our trip to Pismo Beach was a lovely weekend away to celebrate our 33rd wedding anniversary. We enjoyed touring to Solvang, the central coast of California, and had a nice browse around San Luis Obispo. We enjoyed not having a schedule, a computer, and basically just had a nice relaxing time.

A Callalilly, At the Mission of San Luis Obispo
My training schedule has been a bit disjointed, but I have been getting some work done. Three days a week I do spinning intervals on the ‘Tri Bike. The DVD’s that my sister Sue gave me are particularly evil, and it has taken quite a few attempts to complete a 30-minute session without hitting the “pause” button! Later this week I am going to attempt a spinning workout, then switch shoes and head out for a 15-minute run. That’s how triathlons progress, so it will be a good experiment.

And a magnificent Magnolia tree that was covered in flowers!
I also have been more consistent in riding to work. Here in California, the price of gas has skyrocketed, and the gouging due to the unrest in the Middle East has just been outrageous. So, the higher the price of gas, the more I ride to work!

A file photo of the pool. I forgot to bring the camera!
Speaking of riding the Surly, I swam tonight. I rode the Surly down to the pool and got in around 1100 yards. It was a lovely evening, chilly, around 45 degrees, but no desert wind! It was pleasant to swim in the gently steaming pool, and only 3 lap swimmers too! I am making progress, but the stamina for intervals longer than 200 yards is just not there as yet. I can swim a 30-second 50, but I can only do it once!

And of course, a Curlew...
That’s the news for now; enjoy all the nice pictures from the Pismo trip.
Jim

Tailwinds and Taillights

Your's Truly...

Well, I finally got off my lazy butt and got back to the routine of bike commuting. There really hasn’t been any valid excuse for not commuting. We have had barely any rain since the grand snow event on January 3rd and the wind has been almost non-existent. I guess the chilly 25-degree mornings kept me away. No excuse at all as I have ridden in those temperatures for years.

The battery mount for the headlight...
What got me started back on the road was a photograph on a cycling blog I read. The picture of the rider with the frost building up on his beard was enough for me to get off the snide and get moving. As I was putting on my wool base layer at 5 AM, I could hear the vinyl fence creaking in the wind. The wind? Where did that come from? By the time I made it out to the morning news, the high wind watches were all posted for the Antelope Valley.
But it all worked out! On the ride in I enjoyed a marvelous 10-15 mph tailwind. Nothing more fun than spinning easy at 19-20 mph! Of course I worried about the high wind watch and the payback headwinds that the afternoon would bring. But then FROPA happened. For all you non-ATC types, FROPA means frontal passage. FROPA occurred about 8 AM, and by quitting time, the winds had switched 180 degrees out of the east and I had a lovely tailwind to push me home. A double-tailwind commute; Almost unheard of in cycling lore, but I’ll take it!

My new blinkie. I was told by a co-worker who passed me on the way, that it was so bright, he thought it was the Sheriff!

Along the way, I was able to perform my civic duty and pick up some things off the road as I breezed along. It reminded me of a long ride in 2008 or so, where over the course of a 30-mile ride, I picked up a knife, fork, and spoon!

A nasty nail, a crisp dollar, and some lead for Jon!
And, finally, as I was near the house, coming through the neighborhood, I came across two Mormon missionaries riding their Walmart mountain bikes. They were friendly and greeted me, and I returned the favor by greeting them and giving them a quick rendition of the Utah State Aggie fight song. Ranked #17 in the country, we are still loyal here!

More news later this week.
Jim

New Links and a few Extras..

Eucalyptus bloom...

Just time for a brief note this week. Enjoy a few extra pictures from our trip to Goleta two weeks ago.

I still enjoy black and white...

Also, you may (or may not) notice the updated link tab. Today, I am adding The Argyle Sweater, a completely random cartoon that a coworker shared with me. It's pretty funny, and when you need a laugh, the tab is there for you.

And for you folks that are in need of Rum Therapy, check out my brother and sister in-law's new link. The page is full of excellent travel and relaxation ideas.

Three straight weeks of sunshine, minus the blustery wind! Most odd, most enjoyable.

See you next week,

Jim

A Mile a Month

January below the Ellwood Bluff...
Before I get on with this week’s post, enjoy a set of photographs from the beach near Goleta, CA. We spent a lovely day last Saturday celebrating my sister, Nancy’s birthday. A picnic, RC gliders, and a nice walk on the beach is a perfect way to spend an afternoon.


We had cake!

Looking west, at Ellwood...
Well, the snow sure didn’t last long. In fact, since the snow came (and went), we haven’t had a drop of rain, and none forecast in the near future. So much for rainy season, I guess. With the return of the nice weather, Kathy and I have been spending a lot of time outdoors. Everyday after work, Kathy and I have been power-walking 3-4 miles each day, and I have been going up the hill to towards the aqueduct for some hill work and intervals.

The big 120 Meter long hill above my house. A wonderful place for intervals...
Why all of the roadwork? Well, during the Santa Barbara Triathlon last August, and the Palmdale Aquathon Last July, my worst section was the running part. Every week in the Aquathon, I routinely finished in the top 10 in the swim, and the bottom 10 in the run! That has to change. So, with hopes of competing at a higher level while wearing running shoes, I am trying to emphasize running.
Here is Sue's friend Kent demonstrating how to fly a remote-controlled glider....

It looks easy, doesn't it!

Just launch and fly!

Looks easy, trust me, it isn't...
How’s it going so far? Not so good. Really. I never have been a runner, so there is a long, long way to go in this department. My initial goal is to be able to run one-mile by the end of January, two-miles by the end of February, 4-miles by the end of March. This would help me prepare for a possible 5 Km or 8 Km running event in April.

Along the way I have been riding the new ‘Tri Bike. Last Sunday I rode the Aqueduct in perfectly calm conditions. All I can say is “WOW.” My friend from RAAM, Denny Voorhees once told me: "I never knew I wanted a Carbon Bike, until I got one!" Well, he is right! What a rush. The engine riding the bike is a bit suspect, but the bike is fast as heck.

The Pool. Yes, I have made it to the pool too. I am just as fast as I was at the end of the summer, but my endurance level is kind of lacking. So, I can swim a 31 second 50, but I can only do it once! And finally, I am taking a survey. If you made it this far and are actually reading this blog, drop me a note here, will you? Just a thumbs up (or down for that matter). Just curious to see if I am just broadcasting in the blind.
That’s the news for now. More as I run down the road.
Jim

Indoor Training...

My thoughts about snow in Palmdale...

Hi all,

"It never rains in southern California." A great lyric from a great old song. Not very accurate, but a nice lyric. We don't get a lot of rain here in Palmdale, we average about 6.5 inches of moisture per year up here in the desert.

Lovely Flowers!

Except for this year. Three weeks ago, we surpassed our water year average in a mere 4 days! And then, there is the New Year. 2011 started out as a lovely day, so nice that Kathy and I made a quick trip to Pasadena to enjoy viewing the floats from this year's Rose Parade. Temperatures were around 60, and we had a lovely time enjoying the craftsmanship and imagination of these wonderful floats.

Mmmmmmmmm Pie!

But, storm clouds were on the horizon. The afternoon of the 2nd the snow started to fall. Snow? We thought, will it really snow? Probably just a flurry, then it will rain, and the sun will return to the desert. Not so. 4-5 inches later, we got to break out our snow shovels that we brought with us from Utah. Turns out we are the only people in the neighborhood that even own snow shovels!

Not Layton, Palmdale!

Actually, kinda fun to see again...

So, with this wonderful start to the week, I will spin on the trainer, and run the treadmill! Indoor interval training is a great way to develop some new skills, and some good base fitness. Until the sun comes back, that is. Then, it's back outside!

Shoveling before work, I remember this!

Jim

The End of the Year

Things are lookin up for the New Year!
Hi All,
Well, welcome to the end of 2010, and a welcome to the new 2011. The new year brings new challenges, new triathlons, new bikes, and a new focus, too.

Play, Play, Play, Play!
We ended this year with joy and happiness as Amy, her husband Jon, and our granddaughter, Andy came and spent Christmas with us here in Palmdale. We had a wonderful few days and spent way too much time playin, and not a lot of time sleepin! Sadly Jon and family are safely back in Marana, and we will count the days until we see them again.

Today, I commenced my spin training regimen on the new 'Tri bike. With the new body position out over aero-bars the bike is a much different animal than I am used to riding. So, with help from my sister, Sue I am now going to spend a few weeks spinning indoors and really getting comfortable on the bike before I launch off on a 20 mile ride. The fact that we are in a very cold and windy time here helps to motivate me to the trainer.
I have also assembled my cold weather gear for commuting to work on the Surly. Gas in Palmdale has passed $3.30 a gallon, and that also motivates me to get off my duff and back into the habit of riding to work.

My Redline Needs a New Home!
Lastly, The fleet currently stands at four bikes, which means one has to leave. There is a three-bike limit here, and since I never have time to ride it the Redline Single-Speed has to go.
Here are the details...
2008 Redline 925 Single-Speed/fixed Gear
Size: 54 Cm
Wheels: 700 x 23.
Price: $250.00
A few minor scratches from commuting warfare on the train along with a few scars from the moving truck, but otherwise the bike runs pure and smooth. If you are interested, drop me a comment here. E mail or cell phone always are fine, too.
Let's get the New Year started!
Jim

Like Lafayette, I Have Returned

Sabaka says: "Thanks for stopping by!"

Hi all,
8 months. That’s how long it has been since my last post on this blog. It almost sounds like a confessional, but in this new age of social networking, Twitter, Phone Aps, etc. It is hard to keep up! Add in the fact that I ran out of things to say for a while, and 8 months have passed.

The 2009 Orbea Aletta 'Tri Bike
A lot of things have happened in those 8 months. The grandkids are bigger, the bike fleet is bigger, and my dreams of a second triathlon are bigger. There is almost too much news! So, for now, I will spend a few posts getting you up to speed, and moving forward.
The bike fleet has changed, and the plans for riding that fleet have changed too. The bike fleet is currently thus:

Recumbent: Barcroft Virginia GT. For enjoyable comfortable long rides.
Commuting: Surly LHT (Long Haul Trucker): Steel is Real, and nice saddlebags too.
Racing: Orbea Aletta Triathlon Bike. New to the fleet, a “Black Friday” bargain, composite aluminum/carbon frame. Built for SPEED, and Triathlons
Redline 925-Fixed Gear/Single-Speed. A nice moseying around bike; currently for sale. No time to ride, it, it hangs lonesome in the garage, begging for a ride.

A November rose. Lovely! (Then it dropped to 19 degrees...)
Winter is here in the desert, too. Our gardens from the spring posts have bloomed, grown, and wilted after a heavy freeze here in the Antelope Valley. I now base my workouts on the weather forecast, and the gardening can wait for planting in February.

The Surly ride to work, bike.
So, buckle your seatbelts. A new blog, with a new theme; riding all three bikes, training for triathlons, keeping you up to date on the grandkids, and no politics unless I am desperate to write an opinion. Throw in some of the local flavor of this windy desert place and there you have it. I welcome comments, witty asides, useful training advice, and even just a friendly wave.
It’s nice to be back.
Jim

Color in the Desert

The California Poppy Reserve...

I am stuck on flowers these days. Flowers blooming in my back yard, flowers that are blooming in the desert. Now, I could write about the horrific ride yesterday; riding the Redline fixed gear bike home from work into a gale force wind, and I can show you a nice picture of the half-flat tire that made the ride so memorable. But, instead, I will show you pictures of Joshua trees in bloom, and pictures from the California Poppy Reserve 20 miles west of here. Once a year, the whole Reserve blooms to life in poppies and all sorts of assorted wildflowers. Kathy and I enjoyed a lovely outing hiking around the Reserve, enjoying the flowers and the hundreds of folks who came out to just walk and sit in the flowers!

That's it for Joshua Trees.. After this, just scraggly loooking for the rest of the year...

As far as the eye can see...

I can't remember what these are called...

So, once again, skip any pictures of bikes, and enjoy the poppy pictures. Of course, there might be an Andy picture or two here, too.

This cactus flower was in Tucson, where we went to play with...

Andy! So happy in the morning...

And playin in the pool...

And channel surfing...

Before and After...

My first bloomed Ranunculos!

Hi All,
Well, it happened again. A whole month passes without posting. Chalk it up to being busy…again. There is a funny phrase in our house; which is, we’ll get around to something when life settles down. And you blink, and life never settles down!

Gerbera Daisies...
But, today’s post is kind of special. No, it’s not a post about a gripping 50-mile bike race, or a 300 Km Brevet, it’s about how we have been spending our weekends, and the joy of accomplishing something.

The second set of Ranunculos' Will they last in the summer heat?
We have been landscaping on the weekends; propping up the local economy, and keeping Home Depot and Lowe’s in business. The last few weekends we have been very diligent in planting flowers, laying drip line irrigation, raking gravel, and making our back yard pleasant and homey. Here in this post are some pictures of the yard to show you “before”, and “after”. I tell you, it sure made us smile looking at the “before” photos, to see how far we have come. There is a certain sense of joy after 4 weekends of getting filthy, dusty, and sore from working with all the drip lines. Now, there are still jobs to do, creating the walkway, and building the covered patio. So, there are more weekends of work to come.

Before...

After...

Before...

After...

Before...

After...

So, please excuse the lack of posts about riding. I am commuting a few days a week, and trying different bikes in hopes of deciding which bike to ride in the Santa Barbara Triathlon this August. This month, at Kathy’s suggestion, I am commuting on the Redline, with the bike configured as a Fixed-Gear bike.

Sabaka supervises the work...

Riding to work has been a blast. The bike is light, fast, and configured as a fixed-gear, a completely different riding experience. The ride home into the 25 mph westerly winds is the total quad workout. A great ride, but then I walk funny for two days!

Meet our next-door neighbors, Leena and Shaffy...
More news later this week. (No, really!) We are having family visit for Easter, and I hope to have some photographs to share of celebrating Easter with neighbors and family.
Jim