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Category Archives: Current Events

At 65…

Thinking of former President Bill Clinton on his 65th birthday today, I would have imagined he’d enjoy one of those chicken fried steak dinners I discussed earlier this week, if not a nice big filet or rib eye.  But no!  Nothing of the sort is in store for the now-health-conscious former burger lover on this occasion, or any occasion for that matter.  Bill has apparently, to my and perhaps your surprise, gone vegan!

I certainly recognize the need to adjust and monitor one’s diet in the wake of clogged arteries and bypass surgery.  At the same time, I must wonder if doing so really requires foregoing all items derived from animals.  Is this not taking healthy eating to the unnecessary and unenjoyable extreme?  There’s plenty of “good” meat in a healthy diet, no?  Even though he’s in far better health today than a decade ago,  Bill is now looking TOO thin, and dare I say older than his age.  At 65, he appears he could use a little…er… meat, on his bones.

But that’s just my carnivorous opinion.  Happy Birthday Mr. President, cigar or no cigar!

 

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City Cycling

More bicycle lanes in San Francisco are a good thing, but as a car owner I certainly do not want to see parking spaces eliminated.  As such, it looks like I’ll just continue to ride through traffic as usual, at least for now.  As this article indicates, change is forthcoming.  We’ll just have to wait and see what ultimately happens!

No, that's not me.

 
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Posted by on July 29, 2011 in Cycling, News, San Francisco

 

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C’est Histoire

After three weeks of getting used to a routine, come tomorrow morning my “usual” reason for turning on my television will no longer exist.  The 2011 Tour de France is now an illustrious chapter in history.

The Final Podium in The 2011 Tour de France

Wikipedia works at lightening speeds, summing up the basic details of “the most epic race ever” quite succinctly:  Australian Cadel Evans won the race, having gained the lead in a time-trial on the penultimate day. He became the first Australian to win the race, and at 34, the oldest post-war winner. Andy Schleck of Luxembourg was second for the third successive year, and his brother Frank Schleck third. Mark Cavendish was the first British winner of the points classification, and Samuel Sánchez of Spain won the mountains category. (Wikipedia)

The overall final standings are right here on letour.fr.

I’m happy to be able to say that from July 2 to 24, I “spun my legs” for the same number of days as the Tour riders, a symbolic move on my part in the spirit of the great sport of cycling.  While I did not cycle this weekend, they had two rest days on which I remained in the saddle.  As such our total days match, even if my own mileage comes up about 1750 miles short.

I raise a virtual glass of champagne to toast an amazing and most memorable Tour.  With this, it’s back to morning news tomorrow morning, or better yet, no TV at all.  I think I’ll go with the latter and get out on the bike!

Congrats to the 2011 TDF winner, Australian Cadel Evans!

 
 

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Day of… Fear?

As printed on letour.fr, this succinct and accurate analysis by race director Jean-Francois Pescheux labels Stage 19 as the one everyone is afraid of.

“Today’s route runs in the opposite direction to yesterday’s. The riders tackle the successive climbs of the Col du Télégraphe and the Galibier, and then finish with the climb to Alpe d’Huez, which returns after an absence of three years. It is a short stage. Nevertheless, all of the riders will be afraid of it. Those who aren’t going so well will be concerned about the cut-off time for elimination and the favourites will know that they will pay a heavy cost for any sign of weakness. The shortness of the stage allows the climbers to attack from very early on, which is not something they will be used to. This stage will be thrilling and, bearing in mind that it comes on the back of two other tough days, there is a chance that a lot of damage will be done today.”

The Road to Alpe d’Huez

The infamous, feared and celebrated climb of Alpe d’Huez has been completed for the year, with now a new man in yellow!  And it’s not last year’s Tour winner.  But who am I to spoil your own viewing?

 
 

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Day of Highs

The highest point of elevation in this year’s Tour happens to be followed by the highest-ever location for a stage finish.  So distinguishes today’s memorable Stage 18, aptly described as the “Battle of the Alps” and a day in the Tour history books.

From the Col Agnel to the Col du Galibier, 168 truly battle-tested riders hammered up mile after mile of steep climbs, then of course flew down some equally lengthy descents, carrying the pack ever closer to Paris!  It will be here before you know it, unless you already know Paris comes this Sunday.

The question remains:  Who will take yellow to the big finish?  Today’s stage winner proved yet again that anything could happen.  Go Andy!

Andy Schleck wins Stage 18

 
 

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My “Tour”

Fourteen stages completed in France.  For me, fifteen rides around the Bay Area accomplished.  I must say, Le Tour has been quite a terrific source of motivation to get me cycling on a daily basis once again.  Today marks my 15th consecutive day out on the road, sometimes in a group but largely on my own.

After 335.6 miles over the past 15 days, for a modest daily average of 22.37 miles, my latest “mini tour” hasn’t been so much about the actual distance covered in one day, but more about my average speed and overall workout.  Most of all, I’ve readily welcomed the renewed self-discipline of being back in the saddle everyday.

Unfortunately I’m approaching the imminent need for a new crank set.  Alas, it’s doubtful my current streak will reach the 50 consecutive days I hammered out in 2008.  Oh well… there’s always my next “tour.”

Last year's Tour rides into Paris

 
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Posted by on July 16, 2011 in Cycling, Daily Activities

 

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But Weight, The Climbs

Spaniard Samuel Sanchez wins on Bastille Day

I imagine the French might be a bit “agace” that on this Bastille Day, a Spaniard won stage 12 of the Tour de France.  Fortunately for the French, their man Thomas Voeckler holds onto the yellow jersey, which should no doubt help keep today’s celebrations going.

It’s been said Le Tour really begins today, considering the first mountain stage of this year’s journey.  Now we see the climbers really go to work.  After all, there’s certainly a big difference between sprinting and climbing, while each rider has his own strong suit.

Today’s stage winner Samuel Sanchez weighs 140 pounds, as does defending TDF champion Alberto Contador, definitely a climbing advantage over other riders who weigh 165, 170 or more.

Meanwhile, congrats yet again to Mark Cavendish on his third stage win of the year yesterday.  The leading sprinter lagged a bit behind today on those climbs, even though he’s down to 150 pounds apparently.

Let’s just say the climbs carry a lot of weight in the Tour, so to speak. At my weight I guess I’d have to drive up the mountain!

 
 

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Remembering Betty Ford

The death of a former president or first lady typically brings together a good number of the others still living, though apparently not all of them this time around.  As such former White House occupants as Rosalynn Carter, Nancy Reagan and George W. Bush pay their final respects to Betty Ford today in Palm Desert, California, others are not in attendance.  In fact, no first couple is there together, thanks to the unexpected absence of one notable individual for seemingly absurd reason.  Bill Clinton has been forced to miss today’s service, reportedly because of mechanical trouble with his plane out of New York.

Really, I ask?  A former president must fall victim to such inconveniences of the masses?  Doesn’t his wife have some connections to get him another plane toute suite?  Looks like it’s a good thing President Clinton was not on Mrs. Ford’s handpicked list of speakers at her eulogy. Good for her, by the way, for making such thoughtful and detailed preparations for this day.  And good for her again, for including politics on this occasion.

Mrs. Ford’s body will be flown tomorrow to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she’ll be laid to rest alongside her husband, of course.  Coincidentally, both of them lived to the same age of 93, President Ford passing away in December 2006.  No age record for this first lady, however, as Bess Truman holds the title for living to 97, followed by runner-up Lady Bird Johnson who lived to 94.  And no sooner did I mention on her 90th birthday last week that Nancy Reagan was not the oldest living first lady, than now she is!

This ABC News piece presents a decent look back on Betty Ford’s life and legacy.  To say the least, she was a unique and pioneering woman who certainly deserves to be remembered well.

 

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From Carnage to Rest

The aftermath of an unexpected type of crash.

Crashes are commonplace and largely expected in competitive cycling, but not crashes like this one!  The car and its driver have been removed from the remainder of the Tour, and rightfully so!

Stage Nine was definitely another day of carnage, the worst of the year yet in fact, wiping out eight riders in one day!  The Tour’s total number of riders has now dropped from 198 to 180.

All 180 of them certainly deserve today’s day of rest, after nine days of hard and crash-filled racing and before tomorrow’s 98-mile stage 10.  Unfortunately for Norwegian Thor Hushovd, he lost the yellow jersey yesterday to French favorite Thomas Voeckler.

Thor Hushovd loses the yellow jersey after stage nine.

In the spirit of Le Tour, I’m heading out now for my 10th consecutive ride day.  No day of rest pour moi!

 
 

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Pictures Tell The Story

Sometimes you just need to let the pictures do the talking!

Sorry to see you go Chris…

 

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C’est Le Tour

A true photo finish in stage four.

Following yesterday’s dramatic photo finish in stage four of the Tour de France, came “crash day” in today’s stage five, an aptly reported day of carnage, ten times over to be exact.  Two more riders are now out altogether, while defending champion Alberto Contador picked himself up, literally threw aside his damaged bike for an immediate replacement, and continued on his way, slightly bloodied and kit-ripped.  Too bad for him he couldn’t catch today’s winner, Mark Cavendish, who emerged victorious in another suspenseful stage finish.

All things considered, for better and for worse, as it’s been said and will be said again:  “C’est le tour.”

Grab new bike, wipe blood (or not), and get going!

 
 

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American Victory

How perfectly fitting for an American cyclist to win not just any stage of the Tour de France, but stage three,  which happened to fall on the fourth of July.  Way to go Tyler Farrar.  Keep it going!

American Farrar’s July 4 Stage Three Win

 
 

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Je L’aime!

Energy.  Endurance.  Truly Amazing Speeds.  My favorite sporting event of the year is well underway and going strong, with the first three stages now complete.

Every July, transfixed in front of my television, I see more French countryside than most vacationers probably ever do, that is when my eyes happen to drift from the peloton.

The 2011 Tour de France is here!  Suffice to say, my free time is taken for the next three weeks.  Je l’aime!

 
 

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Her Half-Century Mark

The first day of the second half of 2011 has come, bringing with it of course a very special occasion on which to reflect.  Sure, the U.S. Postal Service introduced five-digit ZIP codes in 1963, Hong Kong reverted to Chinese rule in 1997, and Vermont’s civil unions law took effect in 2000, but this day surpasses all of that.  Today, more memorable to many than any other first-of-July moment in history, is what would have been Princess Diana’s 50th birthday.

The tributes are flowing, both online and on location.  As People Magazine writes today“The occasion is hardly going unnoticed in London, where remembrances in the form of cakes, candles, cards and other tributes are being left outside the gates of Kensington Palace…”  The aptly titled blog, princess-diana-remembered.com, pays lovely tribute to her today as well.  And naturally, Life Magazine has a collector’s edition on sale, titled “Diana at 50.”

While thousands upon thousands of Diana’s admirers wonder what would have been had she lived, I join them in wishing the late princess were here to celebrate her half-century mark.  At the same time, recalling my cherished experience of seeing and videotaping her up close on the campus of Northwestern University in June 1996, I remember her today for the beauty she radiated, both inside and out.  Like so many cultural icons who died young, Diana is forever young and beautiful, immortalized in our minds and hearts forever.

Happy 50th Diana.  Your spirit lives!

Outside Kensington Palace today.

 
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Posted by on July 1, 2011 in Current Events, Famous People, News

 

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Happy Pride Indeed.

Pride celebrations in San Francisco and New York always happen to take place simultaneously every year, on the last Sunday in June.  How perfectly fitting that on the eve of this year’s Pride, New York finally legalized same-sex marriage, fueling the weekend’s overall merriment on both coasts!

The New York Times sums it up quite easily

While New York lawmakers deserve plenty of praise for their decisions late last week, so too comes credit to certain Republicans who apparently had a significant if not determining hand in the process.  Along the winding and often challenging road to New York’s marriage equality, what appears to emerge now is a greater sense of bipartisanship to serve as a model for other states’ workings on this matter.  Personal relationships don’t hurt either.

In the meantime, same-sex marriage is now legal in one more state, with understandable religious exemptions in place.  Another triumphant Pride weekend has come and gone, with thousands of overjoyed gay couples now planning their nuptials.  As numerous details of the process exist to be read and contemplated, along with varying sides and outlooks to consider, nothing can take away from the happiness of this moment in history, for so many New Yorkers especially.

Congratulations New York.  Happy Pride indeed.  I look forward to all that’s yet to come, no matter the path and with all the players, in every state in the nation.

 
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Posted by on June 27, 2011 in Current Events, News, Politics

 

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What’s Next?

Regarding the FDA’s new required “design” for cigarette packaging, CNN this week posed the question:

“Are the images effective, or do they go too far?”

Any guess on my answer?  Most of us– or perhaps I should say most of us who live life enjoyably– do things we know full well are dangerous, unhealthy or just somehow “bad” for us, but we choose to do them anyway.  Think about this– it could be just about anything.

Personally, I am not a cigarette smoker, not because they might kill me, but simply for the fact I happen to dislike their taste and smell.  Still, cigarette smoking is legal, and sufficient health warnings already exist on the packaging.  Need smokers be reminded, again, of something most of them certainly already know?  The fact that other countries already have such packaging should not instantly justify the use of it in this country.  And let’s not argue second-hand risks in this instance.  The packaging is still there for smokers alone inside their own homes.

I appreciated an e-mailer’s input to a news program this week:  “What’s next?  Fat people on donut boxes?”

 
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Posted by on June 24, 2011 in And That's My Opinion, Current Events, News

 

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One More Thing

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For all those great things I recently shared here about Martin Macks, here’s one more.

This one can speak for itself!

 
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Posted by on June 23, 2011 in Daily Activities, Restaurants

 

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Sometimes You Win

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San Francisco’s mad dash for revenue has recently translated into some overzealous parking enforcers.  While they’ve been instructed to write tickets for even the smallest and often invisible infractions, sometimes they go too far.  In other words, the “parking police” can be wrong.  And when they are, it’s the wrongful ticket recipient’s job to put them in their place.

Such has been my experience over the past three months, finally ending today in my favor, I’m happy to report.  The keywords are there in the above letter:  Valid, referring to my claim.  Dismissed, as well I always knew the citation should be.  And as an added bonus, inconvenience, for which the city apologizes!

That’s right, three months I said.  The erroneous citation appeared on my car in mid-March; my carefully and clearly worded letter, along with photo documentation, went out within a few days.  I received a reply about a month ago, telling me my claim was being processed and would take a bit longer than usual to resolve.  What this said to me was that I stood correct, and that the city was now coming to terms with this fact.  Then today, my vindication was sealed.

I share with this you as encouragement to contest any citation you yourself might receive, in any municipality, if indeed you truly feel you have a valid case.  Some people might just shrug their shoulders and pay the fine, perhaps quietly admitting guilt that isn’t there, or just finding the cash loss to be easier than taking the time to write a letter.

While the City of San Francisco might expect this attitude, I’m here to say:  “I don’t think so!”  For a few extra minutes of my time, I saved $65.  Plus, it feels good!  After all, sometimes you lose, but…

 
 

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Really? When?!

We haven’t been hearing much lately about the TSA and airport security, perhaps to the dismay of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Anthony Weiner.  Nevertheless, it looks like technology is well at work, as the airport security “checkpoint of the future” – or at least the concept thereof – begins to show itself.

I most certainly concur that such enhancements to the airport process of today are long overdue.  My first question of course:  Just how far in the future are we talking?  The sooner the better, I say!

Read the article, watch the video, and see what you think.  One of these days it will all be very different, while hopefully less eye-roll inducing.

 

 
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Posted by on June 7, 2011 in News, Transportation

 

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Bridge to Bridge Shift

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Now into my eighth month of living in the City by the Bay, I continue to be impressed not only by interesting “new” cycling climbs still being discovered – as was the case around Bernal Heights Park this morning – but also by how very, VERY quickly the weather here changes.

Quite a shift it was today, no doubt.  As I pedaled out of Bernal Heights and headed north past AT&T Park toward the Bay Bridge, my jersey, shorts and gloves were very wet from the drizzle that had turned into rainfall.  The sky remained gray overhead well after the drops ceased.  Then, merely minutes later when I reached the Golden Gate, clear blue sky dominated the view.  By this time my bicycle, clothing – and body – were dry.

From one bridge to another, today’s weather shifted faster than some of my gears!  I’d add this to the list of great reasons to live in San Francisco, if it weren’t on there already.

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Posted by on June 2, 2011 in Cycling, Daily Activities

 

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Finally.

A 250-mile roundtrip motorcycle ride between San Francisco and Monterey happens to be a fantastic way to spend a sunny Memorial Day Sunday. This particular excursion proved all the more memorable, not just for my riding companionship, nor merely for our lunchtime company, but also for the fact my odometer hit 20,000 miles. (I’d say it rolled over, except for the fact we’re talking digital in this case.). In any event, my SV is now heading into the 20 thousands, one year after first hitting five digits. To this I simply say, finally.

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Posted by on May 31, 2011 in Daily Activities, Motorcycle

 

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Goodbye & Hello

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Watch the sun disappear on the horizon over Kona, jet 2300 miles across the Pacific in a fast and smooth 4.5 hours, and be on the ground well in time to see the brightest star reappear over San Francisco Bay. Such the case it was for me last night into this morning, following my relatively late decision to choose the red-eye KOA-SFO flight over the usually more comfortable daytime crossing. Given the current off season’s openness of seats, my choice proved positive. I do not, however, recommend this nocturnal journey in the dead of summer or during the holidays, at typically full capacity. Either way, it’s a safe bet the sun will be there for you, to say goodbye and hello!

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Posted by on May 24, 2011 in Travel

 

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“Nou Kou Hale”

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The final day of my short trip to the Mauna Kea this past weekend could not be ending more beautifully or peacefully. For 30 years now, the Island has brought me home time and again, to a magical spot of relaxation and rejuvenation, filled with memories old and new. The unparalleled spirit of the property is very much alive and ready to welcome you, whether once again or for the first time.  This I joyously offer you:  “Nou kou hale.”

 
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Posted by on May 23, 2011 in Travel

 

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Island Tears

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At 2:30 PM the sky yields solid gray, the ground quickly grows more wet, and the wind of yesterday has ceased, as drops continue to bounce off the stillness of the suddenly darker ocean water. Not since 1994 have I personally witnessed such steady and prolonged rain on the usually sun-filled Kohala Coast. This weather is more rare than my filet last night, to say the least. The Island is crying, for reasons unclear. Nonetheless, of course my limited and cherished time back at Mauna Kea remains untarnished.

 
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Posted by on May 22, 2011 in Travel

 

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Another Day, But Not

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Poolside always comes through as the prime spot for a comfortable afternoon nap, aided by a chilled Pinot Grigio no less. Plus with a rather sudden flare up of trade winds today, the grassy area around the pool has proven all the more a welcome refuge from flying sand. Not that I’m complaining; trade winds are a trademark of the Kohala Coast. And today they’ve come to wish Mr. Todd Mitchell a most happy 50th birthday. In paradise, another day it is, while any other day it is not.

 
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Posted by on May 21, 2011 in Travel

 

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Serenity Unchanged

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At least the most important things don’t change. The Batik Room and the Mauna Loa Suite are no longer, and the price of a Hau Tree mai-tai continues to creep upward. Beyond this, however, comes the unmatched serenity of being back home at Mauna Kea. This above all else remains, along with the view from 736.

 
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Posted by on May 20, 2011 in Travel

 

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Like Riding A Bike…

There’s always something very rewarding about a full day in the saddle, leaving me with positive feelings of sustained exertion and expected though by no means day-ending fatigue. It’s even more satisfying when such a lengthy cycling trek has not happened in a while, which was indeed the case for me yesterday.

Most simply, despite my few extra pounds and frequent selection of the less-taxing throttle, I’m happy to say I still have it in me. My body’s overall physical performance has by no means failed me, as I remain, as I often like to say, “permanently trained?” I’ll include the question mark, mindful it may not last a lifetime, at least not without continued effort.

My cycling career has made a distinct shift in the past few years. That is, I clearly transitioned from the sustained long distances of centuries, to the much shorter and faster world of races. In 2007 century events, meaning cycling 100 miles in a day, were my most frequent choice of cycling recreation. Come 2009, I was most often pedaling as fast as I could to try to beat my competition in road races that spanned anywhere from 15 to 40 miles. Suffice to say, these are two very different types of cycle exertion.

No change for the worse after two years, thankfully enough.

My own rides have most recently remained shorter and faster for the most part, with the very occasional 50 or 60-miler thrown in. Then came yesterday, yielding me 85 miles in the saddle altogether. Looking back in my very complete ride records, the last time I rode this distance or more was on the Solvang Century in March 2009. The precise type of fatigue I felt last night, I have not felt since that last century. This feeling is by no means a bad one; in fact it’s quite thrilling and adrenaline inducing. The fact my legs felt heavy and stairs were exhausting is merely an observation and not a complaint. I ended up dressed for the evening and out late, on my motorcycle no less, with merely an extra yawn here and there. Many thanks to muscle memory, no doubt!

My body knows how to perform when called upon, even infrequently. While there’s always space for performance improvement, I’m in a self-satisfying and “permanently trained” physical place. It’s, um, like riding a bike. What more could I ask?

Well, here’s one thing: Another fast descent down Panoramic Highway into Stinson Beach. It’s truly the best I’ve found in the area thus far! Check it out for yourself, and I’ll be there to race you to the finish! 😉

 
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Posted by on May 15, 2011 in Cycling, Daily Activities

 

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Gua-La-La!

A one-of-a-kind living room window view.

After almost a year of intent, I finally made it.  The small coastal town of Gualala, some 120 miles north of San Francisco, welcomed my motorcycle and me for a brief yet lovely stay this week.  Actually, it’s my fabulous lifelong friend and her hoot of a husband who did the welcoming.  The town itself, fortunately, seemed to be on board with my arrival.

Altogether, this 250-mile roundtrip motorcycle journey was scenic, relaxing and of course on some stretches of twisty Hwy 1, challenging!  Coming just after an oil change, new brake pads and new brake fluid earlier this week, my sturdy and reliable SV could not have performed better, at least not at the still-somewhat gentle hands of its cautious handler.

With a business appointment already scheduled in Santa Rosa this week, I figured I was already halfway to the residence of my dear friend, so why not?  My conclusion:  A trip most worthwhile, especially thanks to ideal weather conditions.  The route to Gualala is beautiful, the town warm and inviting, the views spectacular, and last but certainly not least, the food absolutely delicious!

If and when you find yourself rolling along the northern California coast, whether by two wheels or four, or more, make Gualala one of your stops.  If you’re lucky enough to hit the town on taco night at Trink’s, you’ll be in for a true and unexpected culinary delight.  Crab, shrimp, pork or beef, or one or several of each, these generous and flavorful gourmet tacos far surpass any that I can recall in the “big city.”  Be sure to get there early or prepare to wait, because despite any visible life on the streets, the place was packed!  And on a Wednesday no less!

Join me sometime soon, preferably on your own motorized set of two wheels.  You too might just find yourself saying “Gua-la-la!”

 
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Posted by on May 12, 2011 in Motorcycle, Restaurants, Travel

 

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Not Another Sunday

A sad sight to see.

Driving back into San Francisco yesterday afternoon, I exited the freeway onto Harrison St. at 4:55pm.  In another minute the corner of Harrison and 12th “greeted” me– or would have I should say– on this somewhat warm and very sunny Sunday.  At this moment my own eyes caught for the first time what many people throughout San Francisco hoped never to see.

The first word on the sign taped to the door is the only one that really speaks, boldly presiding over all others, lunging out like a slap in the face to all who approach it.  At just about 5:00pm on a bright and clear May Sunday, the corner of Harrison and 12th was practically lifeless; I didn’t see a soul around.  What an ugly and unwelcome difference, I thought as I drove on, compared to the several hundreds of Sunday afternoons preceding this one.

Anything could happen, the future remains uncertain, and at least a few shreds of hope remain alive in the face of some largely concealed wheels of business negotiation.  Whatever comes tomorrow, however, does not change the fact that today, right now, the door notice remains up.  San Francisco has lost a historical and iconic gathering spot, and I along with several of my friends have lost a favorite– and most certainly unmatched– social space.

The Eagle Tavern is now closed, as of May 1.  While yesterday marked the second Sunday of this current and quite possibly permanent situation, socially and emotionally speaking this was not another Sunday at 12th and Harrison.  Unfortunately, however, it looks like we’ll be seeing more Sundays like this one for the foreseeable future.

 
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Posted by on May 9, 2011 in News, San Francisco

 

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Long Live The Hats!

My favorite hat of the day.

Unbeknownst to me it was going to happen, in the final preceding hours it did.  And here I am now to admit to it.  This is to say, the strong undertow of Royal Wedding current pulled me in, drowning me in a sea of fixated early-morning delight.

I must say I really do love all the hats.  The wedding’s collective display of such “unique” headpieces simply makes me wish for such bold proclamations of fashion more regularly by American women.  Sure, there’s always the Kentucky Derby, though this is by far not enough.

British socialite Tara Palmer Tomkinson has earned my nod for number one in the Royal Wedding guest headdress department.  Then, while much has already been said about Princess Beatrice’s headpiece and the ridiculous nature thereof, of which I do not necessarily disagree, she nevertheless earns plenty of points in my book for “individuality.”

From striking, to silly, to relatively tame.

A fantastic, stand-out color choice.

Taste and elegance.

On the male side, the groom appeared positively stunning in his Irish Guard uniform.  Of course I’m always partial to any formal dress of bright red.  The now Duke of Cambridge stood boldly and brightly in his own right, wonderfully complementing though of course not upstaging his beautiful bride, who herself appeared most tasteful, elegant and at least superficially at ease.  The groom’s brother emerged not half bad himself, might I add.

Her Majesty made her own cheerful and refreshing color choice, I must say.  The yellow proved more fetching to me than her usual runs of ivory or robin-egg blue.  Speaking of usual, however, the Duchess of Cornwall left me squarely unimpressed.  Camilla’s predictable choice of champagne (she wore almost the exact color in her wedding six years ago) merely washes her out.  Then again, perhaps she knows better than to “shine” in the public eye, especially on this occasion.

The media coverage was thorough and satisfactory all around, as I bounced between CNN, FNC, MSNBC, TLC and E!  I did gasp when a TLC commentator referred to “the mother of the groom” in speaking of Camilla, continuing on to say she assumed the role in Diana’s unchosen absence.  Really?  Au contraire!  Diana would surely spin in her grave at such an assertion, one most certainly unfounded and with which few if anyone would agree.  As such, I’ll let it go.

A lovely springtime choice for HM

Needless to say, all the planning and preparation has come and gone.  The Royal Wedding has happened, Prince William is a married man, and hopefully Prince Harry made it to his “survivor’s breakfast” in good company this morning.  Now for the “Royal Recovery,” and perhaps the start of wagers on whether or not William’s first child will arrive as quickly as he himself did!

I’m happy the wedding occurred, I’m thrilled to have watched it, and I look forward to the next gathering of positively outrageous hats!

In the meantime, do a Google Image search of “Royal Wedding Hats” and enjoy!  Here, I’ll do it for you!

 
 

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