Share the Road - On the road - Day #3

Day 3 Glamis, CA to Quartzite, AZ Tuesday, June 28 The ride today was very smooth. Got up early - 4 AM and got on the road at 5:30. I would have liked to have gotten going more like 5 -- the light was good enough by then -- but as this was a team get-out-the-door-all-as-one type of deal, I let it flow. I think tomorrow I’ll let the guys take off -- no, I take that back...I’ll just shoot them on the 3-chipper (that's my Sony TRV-900 - the main camera I'm using to document this trip) taking off, then I’ll get the show on the road myself. 5:30 AM start -- 11:45 AM finish. I finished well ahead of the team (with a serious commitment on my part to stay out of the heat by pacing and taking very brief pit stops in the RV). I ended the ride up at a Subway where I had lunch while waiting for Chris to catch up to me. It’s a great feeling - this ride today; it restored confidence in my body and mind and the ability to complete this trip (though I'm really forcing myself to be one day at a time right now -- looking too far ahead at the idea of actually crossing the entire country via bike might just stop my heart). There was a serious question in my mind about my ability because of the amount of pain I was in yesterday -- my knee was part of it. I'm pretty sure now much of the overall discomfort was about the heat. It was truly a stressful ride. It’s work either way -- don’t kid yourself. I’m sweating, I’m grinding, I’m logging miles. I feel burning in my feet in a major way. I’ve got some rashes in my groin area -- I’m using the “butt butter” and I assume that’s helping (though I’m not going to test what it feels like not to have it). My feet are probably the worst right now. My knee is the other question. I just don’t know what is the deal with it. Today it was almost a non-factor in terms of pain. There was a little bit of throbbing in the 42nd mile, but it subsided. I think rest is a key there and I’m getting more of that today and plan on getting a good night’s sleep tonight. I may pitch the tent and go out there (could be hot...). We’ll see. My eyes are really red -- I think it's mostly because of the heat and wind (even with riding glasses). That’s kind of funky to look at. I enjoy looking at the pictures I’ve take so far. The video is good in pieces. I had a great rack focus shot today on Gary and Geoff (followed by the curse out -- Gary blew up at Chris and I for checking in on them to make sure they had water and what they needed for the last couple of miles of their ride versus having the camp ready for them when they arrived). The heat does things. As does stress. I'm okay with it as I didn't take it personally. I was interested in what it did to a piece of my "little boy" psyche. He was scared. He felt like "daddy" (projecting Gary as daddy because he's the leader/authority figure on this trip) was mad. We did our best to make sure the camp site was ready when they finally did show up. I think we did well. The funny thing is -- it’s not like I didn’t do the ride, too. It’s not my fault I was able to complete the ride 1.5 hours earlier. Anywho -- I’m here now and it’s all good. Being in this RV park is a gentle reminder of humanity -- not because of the place, but rather, because there’s a lot of nothing to do right now (nice). This free time and space is allowing my head to cool. I’m feeling some flow. It’s nice just to be sitting here typing. It would be good to get internet service, but that may not happen (through my computer, anyway). We’ll see. I leave a lot of things open to faith. That’s good, to me, because I sure don't know what's going to happen next and I'm not going to try to pretend to control it. Intake: Breakfast: Cereal, banana, 3 multi vitamins, 1 cq2, 2 mushroom (anti-inflamatory) 6 Ultimas 1 Gu 1 Apple 1 Clif 1 Veggie sandwich (Subway) 1 Recovery drink 1 Bowl Veggie Chili Lots of water Tuesday

Share the Road - On the road - Day #2

Monday, June 27th Live Oaks Springs to Glamis (Above route is approximate, not necessarily exact route taken) There was so much today. Although we got off to a late start (didn't leave until about 9am even though we planned on leaving more like 6 or 7am...too busy patting ourselves on the back for a good ride yesterday, I think), the ride was very exciting right out of the gate. Starting off with a whoosh - * I hit 46.8 MPH, my fastest clocked speed ever (blowing down a hill with cross winds that felt like linebackers skipping across the road just beneath me, trying to fling me into the road). * We rode on Interstate Highway 8 -- my first highway -- as that was the only available road. Yes, it is legal for bikes to be on the highway when there is no other reasonable road in proximity. Adding big rigs flying by at 70+MPH to the day was a wee bit disconcerting. * Then my front tire starts wobble on the first downhill on Highway 8 -- was the problem me or the bike (or those big wind linebackers)? There are also a fair number of niceties on the right side of the white line (what car drivers passively dismiss as the shoulder) including (but certainly not limited to): machine parts, glass, roadkill and rumble strip. Rumble strip is the intentionally cratered asphalt put in to wake up drifting drivers who have floated a little too far to the right. If any drivers happen to float on us, we'll become rumble kill. At the end of the first big downhill decent (where the tire wobble incident occurred), I had to pee under the nearest bridge/overpass as I was a bit spooked by the whole affair. There was no crash, but there were ghosts whispering to me, I swear: "Lay it down!", "You're going down!" or "Look out!" Going down "Big Hill #2" was not as big of a deal (I corrected by shifting my weight to a more centered position on the bike and not allowing an absolute free roll (meaning I used my brakes a bit)). However, I compensated the good with the bad by exiting in the wrong place. I was ahead of the pack (which has happened more than a few times so far, but we always meet up along the route). I checked in with Chris and he told me to just keep going forward -- rather than double back and catch up with the guys. Apparently the road they were on was really bumpy and it didn't look that far out of the way the direction I was going. I'll say this much -- the road I was on was nice. The sign that read "Welcome to the Mojave Desert", however probably should have served as a disincentive. It didn't and I (unknowingly) began my trek down on the road to Calexico (flip Mexicali - read: Bordertown with Mexico...not good). It was about 1:00 in the afternoon. It's summer time. So the temperature is 110 (easy) and still running (not walking) up. I'm getting low on water. BIG TIME and wondering if I would make it or not. ISOLATED. Not terrified but considering the possibility of death. It is brutal country, the desert -- nothing to play with. Our barely familiar Sally came tearing road. A clearly shaken Chris told me to get in quickly because he had to go get Geoff and Gary. What's going on with them? I asked. It's good to see you. He said, then kept driving. We rolled on and found the other guys under (sort of) the meek shade of a Joshua Tree. The road they were on was uneven to the point they were simply shaken off of it. We were all drained. We took the rest of the way in ten mile pulls, sticking together the whole way and stopping every ten miles over the last 30 just to make it in. We needed that much water (and escape from the heat). A note on heat exhaustion (click here). It was a beautiful end spot in Glamis -- the desert dunes look like Tatooine (Geek check). We got in just as the sun was going down. I don't think any of us is even sure exactly where we are parked...we're not on the highway (I think). Breakfast: Oatmeal, peanut butter toast 1/2 grapefruit (at casino) Lunch: PB and watermelon (interesting) Dinner: Veggie Burgers and Beans Daily sups. Clif: 1 Gu 3 Ultima drinks 11 (at least!)

Share The Road - On the road - Day 1

			DAY ONE  San Diego to Live Oaks Springs, CA  (Above linked route is approximated, not actual) Total Mileage: 70.97  Sunday, June 26th It is beautiful being out on the road. I am free of my thoughts of the daily grind and can release myself to being present to everything that's going on all around me. It was hard to say goodbye to my lovely Annamaria, certainly. Being apart for an extended period of time (again) is not either of our favorite things - but this is an adventure that will add more to our lives. San Diego (where the trip started and where Annamaria and I said goodbye for now) seems like it’s a million miles away at this point. This is a very different kid of feeling than last year on the Boys of Summer tour as I am not producing -- I'm here to ride, document and participate in whatever manner Gary sees fit. Today's ride was approximately 70 miles. Lots of climbing. Tough stuff at times, I must say. The hydration is so key -- but so is the good food. And, too, is a good heart. It was wonderful to hear from Annamaria this morning that my heart sounded strong. It feels strong. My body feels strong. Though I pride myself in being an athlete and staying in some kind of shape, I've never been this fit before. I've never attempted an endurance sport before. This is (I think) a good transition for me as a lot of my workouts in the past have been geared toward the shorter, more explosive activities (like basketball). I know, as I get older (gulp), that I won't be doing my body any favors to continue playing like I'm younger than I am. I also know that's no excuse not to be active -- it's about being realistic about my age and what I'm capable of. I will continue to explore new ways of working out and engaging my body. I have one concern -- my knee is aching. It’s a pain I had once before -- a few weeks back on my birthday. It’s nothing I can’t get past, certainly. I do remember David Lee Roth and his story about his knee vs. Motrin: basically, he and Van Halen had finally arrived on the big stages and as a major act. His knee started acting up and he had a conversation with it that went something like: Knee - I don't think I can do this. I hurt too bad. Dave - Yes, you can. Knee - I don't think so. Let's call of the show. Dave - F*#@ you. I have Motrin. As for me, I remain present as possible. Tomorrow’s ride will be upon us in no time at all. So I do now. I breathe. I enjoy. I experience. I love. Thank you for this moment. Stayed at Golden Acorn Casino. Breakfast: Fruit, Oatmeal Lunch: PB&Banana Dinner: beans/rice, Caesars Salad, avocado Extras: 4 Clif Bars, 5 Gu's, 10 Ultima bottles 4 Green Tea Tabs

Share The Road - Training #22

June 22, 2005

The Samsung Sports Cam arrived yesterday -- what a beaut! It attaches just about anywhere and for now I'm testing it out on my helmet. I'll put it in other areas for different interesting viewpoints. I can see (after my first morning of test photography) one of the major difficulties is going to be getting a non-shaky image. That just may be impossible and I'll have to do the best I can. Or it becomes part of "the look" of the film. I don't see this footage being a major component of the film, anyway. I just need a couple of good minutes to give some unique viewpoints. The most important part of the story? The story -- and we have a great one.

The ride this morning was very good in terms of pace when I was actually riding -- felt very strong. I stopped several times to check the camera and what I was shooting. I had a great flat run to end the ride where I was averaging 26 mph for a couple of minutes in a forward crouch.

June 23, 2005

I made a few adjustments, mounting the camera on top of my helmet, rather than the side and extending the cord to give me more freedom. I still think the camera's going to shake an awful lot on my helmet. I'll try mounting it on the bike tomorrow -- off to Home Depot today to try to find some makeshift clamp with a peg to put the camera on!

The ride really was about the technology this morning -- that and my head. My body is a no-brainer on a 23 miler like today, but my mind is so refreshed just getting up and out first thing. One thing I'm going to push for in this doc (and probably continue on) is for companies to really examine encouraging people to ride their bikes to work. If companies would provide laundry service, showers and prime (secure) bike parking (which is a pittance for what they'd save in providing parking not to mention the positive benefit the employee would have by showing up energized and ready for work -- and everyone likes "rock star" parking), this could become a reality.

Share the Road - Training #21

June 20, 2005

A little more on that hill yesterday

is in order. Annamaria and I went to see "Cinderella Man" yesterday. Excellent film -- truly moving. Beautiful in it's simplicity and deft touch by Ron Howard -- he continues to grow and really impress me as an artist. Watching what he went through, in whatever strange way, harkened back to my ride that morning. It was a very, very difficult challenge -- the toughest I've gone through yet. The long rides are a different kind of challenge and truly (in my experience) not as bad as short, physically, "are you capable of getting past this moment?" challenges. I'm not understating the difficulties we will be facing as we head out next week. It's a long road. The beauty of it is, we're giving ourselves the time to do what it is we're setting out to do. Yes, we do have some comittments in terms of speaking engagments and I will be getting my work done, editing short pieces for the website along the way. But the biggest focus is, pedal and get where we need to get, see the amazing things there are to see and be present within that. We have allowed the time for that. That makes it possible and much more harmonious. This morning's ride was a 30 mile jaunt around the southbay. Nothing of any real note to report except my pace was (according to my technology) a bit sluggish. Not sure what that was about. Fatigue from the hill? Perhaps. June 21, 2005 I'm putting in 20-30 miles a day now -- trying to pace it up when and where I can. This morning was a very good ride -- held 22 mph for a good portion of it. Averaged around 19. I felt strong. I thought I would take this morning off, but after the pain of some realizations last night, I needed the ride as much for my body as for my head. There are some areas in my life I have not become fully formed in and I need to keep developing them. It's interesting walking this line of integrity -- choosing to be fully conscious. Every time I think I have something going pretty well, something new pops up and I realize -- hmm, I need to look at that. And it's scary because it means peeling back layers, being vulnerable and teaching my old dog mind some new tricks, whether it likes it or not. There are often "old tapes" in my head that keep repeating the same message, telling me "that's who you are" (the equivelant) of "that's just the way it is". I think "that's just the way it is" is one of the all-time great cop-outs and I don't subscribe to it. I can change me and the way I handle things and see things. That's completely within my grasp. To deny that is to deny my power and my responsibility and I will not live that way. I won't blame others. I will take responsibility. I will do my part. Let the chips fall where they may. The story of the tortoise and the hare came into my mind this morning as I was spinning my wheels. It often does when I see other riders. I've been doing this enough to recognize other riders who are out there on the L.A. roads in the morning. It's kind of fun, that familiarity. My competetive juices get flowing (okay, gushing) when other riders are around and I definitely kick it up a notch. That will be something I have to check with Gary and Geoff 'cause there's no need to race on the ride we're doing -- it's about being safe and getting everyone in in one piece. The thing that got me this morning was that in the stoy of the tortoise and the hare, the tortoise is often thought of as the wise one because he takes it slow and steady. With his constant pace, he wins the race. Okay. I see that and can see how that makes sense. But in applying it to life, it assumes a race exists. If there is no race -- no end point -- nothing but a constant flow of time that we are participants in (almost certainly, in my mind, in more forms and on more levels than we currently perceive) then both approaches, slow and steady AND quick burst/rest, are equally valid so long as both the tortoise and the hare continue. There will be times the tortoise leads and times the hare leads. They are yin and yang -- balanced and equally important. Life, itself, is a constant journey, never ceasing -- not even in death.

Share the Road - Training #20

June 14, 2005

A road block on PCH kept me to a shorter jaunt. I could have gone up Temescal, but I got the workout in I needed to. Talking to Gary yesterday he said it's time to reel it in a little bit to make sure our bodies are rested as possible for the trip. I have had a lingering cough that I want to make sure is completely kicked by next week, so I'll take tomorrow off. I meant to add this a while back: The line between working out or not is extremely thin -- there are always going to be voices in one's head giving the negative chatter and excuses as why not to go. The difference between working out or not is often a goal -- hope/inspiration. Without these things, we are merely spinning our wheels. June 15-17, 2005 We're in to the "maintenance" rides at this point. I'm doing shorter stints to keep my energy tight. The training has happened and now it's just getting out there enough to feel the road and keep myself warm. It's just a great way to start the day if nothing else. T-minus one week from San Diego. June 18, 2005 What I think I'll vs. what I actually end up doing  is an interesting comparison. This morning, I rode up Sepulveda to Mulholland. It's a good hill and on a Saturday, a pleasant ride as the morning rush is not there. So up on top I'm at the point, once again, where Mulholland ends and the "death hill" of Encino Hills begins. I call it that because the grade is STEEEEEEEEEP. The steepest and longest (save for Mt. Diablo) that I've been down. The first time I went down it, I was concerned -- would my brakes melt down? Would there be some crazy driver pulling out of a driveway (very residential)? Etc.... This time I had the feel for the hill and I wasn't worried, but I did want to find Mulholland's continuance. According to the map -- and I've studied this thing as closely as I can, it connects just a short jaunt down the hill to the left. Au Contraire, mon frier (sic). Before even braving the hill to find out, however, I went up a dirt path to the right as there appeared to be aroad that crested the Mulholland hill -- wouldn't that just rock? Rock, being the key word, in actuality, as it was a lot of them and this trail was for Mountain bikes and hikers. I went a 1/2 mile riding, then a half-mile hoofing, saw some beautiful lookouts and decided it wasn't worth the effort of seeing where it let out. Back down the hill. Back to the judgment spot. It didn't take me long to say "screw it, we're going for it". Down the hill. Going to find Mulholland for sure - good ride and good times coming. And we're picking up speed... No Mulholland. Yes Wayvenhurst, aka, the bottom of the hill. Shiznit. So I cruise down Hayvenwurst, hoping for a connector road. I run into Escalon which sounds familiar and looks hopeful. I don't want to ride through the valley on the traffic-laden Ventura, so I'll give it a shot. Besides, there are some bikers up ahead on this road. That's a good sign, right? Up the hill...up the hill...up the -- oh my goodness. I should have checked these bikers credentials before I chose to follow them -- or their sanity level at least. Mind you, these weren't the world-class riders I do see from time to time on the road (as they blow by me -- I can now say I'm a good rider, but not nearly in that class). They were older gentlemen, actually, and they were quite on the mission to conquer this death hill that I swore against a moment ago, just on a slightly western-placed version of Encino Hills. Damn it. I know my ego too well to think I'm going to do anything but ride this hill. Nose down, go. I didn't check the time or the distance, but my heart rate was a steady 182 -- that's working, ladies and gentlemen. At the top of Escalon...there was another choice -- more hill up to the right (pointing back to L.A. - home - or downhill to the left back to Encino. I am not   giving back what I just made up. Up Encino Hills Dr to -- hey! What do you know? There's Mulholland Dr. after all. Making it to the top was quite satisfying, actually. From the bottom of the hill: http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/51916184/ The total miles for today were not huge, but the challenge and the accomplishment made for a great ride.

Share the Road - Training #19

June 9, 2005

The gear has arrived...and all that entails. The bike is now fully loaded with computers (two ride monitors that gauge time, distance, speed, heart rate and probably about 10,000 other things I don't understand yet), v-bars that stick straight out -- giving me the opportunity to ride forward -- though in my first attempt at it today it didn't do much for me -- new water bottle holders and I had my new shoes that clip in (as opposed to the slip-ins I had before). So today was...experimental. I had a hard time at first as much of my equipment didn't seem to be working. There were just a few adjustments that needed to happen in order to make them go. By the end of the ride, all was well...I think. The shoes are nice -- not as big of a change as I thought they might have been. I've been told I will fall. That's nice. The biggest thing of note for me was my fatigue. I've had two days off this week (sandwiched around a short ride) and I felt sluggish. I had some sort of illness yesterday and we've been on the road quite a bit -- Vegas turnaround trip plus the excitement when sis was here. All that adds up to...take it easy on m'self. I'll get out again tomorrow for a better ride I'm sure. Not sure where I'll go yet. I am taking the bike up to the Bay Area this weekend. That will be good as I can test some roads like Mt. Diablo again and see what they feel like this time around. All good -- spin on! June 10, 2005 Took a nice two hour, 35 mile spin up to San Ramon from my folks place today. The technology on my bike is becoming more familiar to me, though this thought came to me today: regardless of technology, you still have to sweat. And that's the truth, Ruth! Tomorrow I might give myself a little longer stretch -- we'll see. Could challenge Mt. Diablo again. I was near the back (south) side entrance this morning, but didn't want to over do it as there are things to take care of this morning for the Boys of Summer screening. In fact, I think it's time to hop on some of those right now. June 12, 2005 A short jaunt through Pleasant Hill and Lafayette this morning. I got a late start and, frankly, wanted to spend time with my folks and my Uncle Bill -- he's a "pisser".  I felt a bit disoriented today, actually. I think the biggest part of that has to do with time -- when I can't connect with my ride because I'm so concerned about where I'm going, I get lost (in my head). When I release time as an important factor and engage in the moment -- ride for the sake of riding, that's when things are zen. June 13, 2005 We're down to less than two weeks before we hit it. Got in 35 this morning down to the beach -- felt good once I got going. There's a definite difference between logging miles and adventuring. Logging miles is doing the work for the sake of the work. Necessary sometimes as I only have a restricted amount of time and my body needs the work to have me ready to achieve the higher goal, cycling as part of the Health Awareness Team. Adventuring is where my heart is. That's when time goes away. That's when I see everything for what it is and "the road" opens up in front of me incredibly. That's what I want to share with everyone with this documentary -- possibility! That lends to inspiration -- and if I can offer that, I feel great.

Share the Road - Training #18

June 5, 2005

A light ride

was in order today. I was feeling a bit of the burn from yesterday. Just a long beautiful day. I hit up to Malibu, but only scraped the south end of it, instead traversing up Temescal Canyon. It's a bit of a climb, but with low energy it's much worse. Today was low energy for sure. I rolled down Sunset and over to 25th before rolling down San Vicente for a mile east, then coming back down the other way to Pacific, Rose and home. Probably between 90-120 minutes today. Not exactly sure. Wasn't breaking any records. It was good to be out on the road. I'm going to start another page where I detail more of the routes I go on for other West-Side LA folk to check out. I know the information I've found has been helpful to me and if I can pass it along, beautiful. June 6, 2005 My sis came to town for a birthday visit and we had SO much fun. It's terrible to have to say goodbye to her. At any rate, I didn't have much to offer the bike yesterday morning so I just spun for 90 minutes -- probably only about 20 miles or so. I could have done more, but we had some scheduling issues to push through. Today I'm off as the bike is being retooled at the shop here in Vegas. Came out here for Annamaria's brother's graduation from the Metro Police Academy -- that was awesome. Congrats to Tullio! The bike will be geared up with the rest of it's goodies, as will I. I got a ton of supplements from Geoff, one of we three riders on the trip, and tonight I'll get the bike and my shoes (finally be clipped in instead of using the harnesses -- I hear it makes quite a difference (we'll see tomorrow!). We're also going through some repair stuff tonight -- hopefully no more than an hour or so as we have to drive back to L.A. tonight, too. The screenings for "Boys of Summer" happen this week -- first in Concord on Sat. June 11th at my alma mater High School, Ygnacio Valley (755 Oak Grove Road, Concord, CA 7PM if you're interested -- $5 donation requested) and then in Los Angeles for a private "Industry Screening" next Thursday. I'll be busting it hard to get industry folk out to that one...they'll both be very interesting crowds. Can't wait to see how it plays. I will have the domain name for "Share the road" soon -- may be sharetheroaddoc.com -- I'll let you know. We got our first moneys in for the film -- $500. Great start! I need $3000 more to get on the road. We're a little over two weeks away...I believe!

Share the Road - Training #17

June 3, 2004

Familiar beach beauty...

along the coast of Redondo Beach. I pushed hard this morning in terms of speed. Did the route at a good clip -- a little under 2.5 hours. It's funny, when I get to the end point (south end of Redondo), I often stop to fill up with water or take a bathroom break. It's always about 90 minutes in by that point. That 90 minutes may as well be five it goes by so quickly. I know this route very, very well by this point, but, I suppose, there's something I just like about the Manhattan/Hermosa/Redondo area. Even though, as a biker, there are an annoying number of stop signs and lights. But...'tis part of the cycle. Tomorrow promises to be a new adventure. I turn 35 -- yikes! -- and will be cruising down to the Huntington area. I've mapped out portions of the trip, but, after yesterday's misses, I have to do a little better job of that it seems. June 4, 2005

Turned 35 day. Another click on the great wheel that keeps on churnin' and turnin'. I feel so good since I've begun riding the way I am. I know I probably won't be able to keep this up after the tour -- I don't have the financial means (at the moment). But man, getting up first thing in the morning and just spinning out is a great way to get your buzz on. So today was an adventure -- perfect birthday present to me! I rode the first half in familiar grounds, riding down through the south bay and Rancho Palos Verdes. Instead of turning around in San Pedro, however, I kept on keeping on, rolling down to the shipping docks. If you ever want to see what the monster of industry looks like, go to your local shipping yard. If you want to see some royalty of that ilk, come to San Pedro. DAMN! It's big, black, smelly -- and then there's the industry! Hello! Uh...anywho, back up and give me some birthday room to float some jokes, yo. Cruised through some 'hoodish parts of Long Beach, including passing the intersection of MLK (as Chris Rock says, anytime you're near MLK in any city, "RUUUUUUUUUUUN!"). Biking's even better. Made my way to PCH and kept cruising. There was some amazing riding at that point -- Seal Beach, Huntington and Newport. Wow. Great roads, perfect weather (slightly overcast, light, if any, breeze) and all good. I have the mileage dowstairs (Annamaria met me down there and we drove back as close as we could to my route). I think it was about 70 miles. Nice. Felt great. Met some nice bikers on the road. We talked and spun for a while. All good. Afterwards, Annamaria and I went to Sharkeez in Newport -- very cool little beach grub and pub. We went to Huntington for some waves after that (nice) and finished off with an ice cream cone at DQ. Word to the bird. It's now mellow time. I think I'll lay low, watch a flick, listen to the A's try to pull this win out for my present (come on BOYZ!) and that will be that.

Share the Road - Training #16

In the Malibu Canyon. I have long wanted to cruise along the beautiful hills of Malibu Canyon. I have been riding along PCH looking up at them for long enough. So, when I studied the map last night, I discovered my error from the other day (Mulholland goes over Sepulveda rather than intersecting with it), I thought I had unlocked the door. Perhaps I did. I just didn't bring the other keys with me...or I wasn't looking for the next door...or road... At any rate, I busted my butt up some pretty steady climbing hills to the point of Mulholland and Encino Hills Dr./Rd.. I was WAAAAAAAY up top at this point and looking down on the valley. Pretty. The turn down Encino Hills was a serious turn down by what I could see -- a steep grade. However, there was no alternative for Mulholland -- it seemed to end there. So, I thought it might just connect with Encino Hills for a moment, then reconnect with Mulholland later. Fair enough. Whoosh, off I go...oh...my...goodness... This is a SERIOUS hill with no signs of letting up. Lots of sharp turns, very residential, a car could pull out at any second. My brakes are beginning to heat up (you feel them get soft and can, at some point begin to smell them). The fact that I'm on the wrong road is a given at this point. The question is whether or not I'm going to survive the downhill. I do. Cool. Deep breaths. And now...where am I? I have no map. I am NOT about to try going back up that hill -- my truck would want to kick my ass for pointing it up that direction and pressing the gas pedal. So I go down what appears to be a major road: Hayvenhurst. I think I've heard of it. Thankfully after a mile or so, it lets on to Ventura. All good, I know where I am. Way off course, but I know where I am. I cruise Ventura up to Topanga Canyon Road, thinking the whole while -- how far off course am I? I really didn't allow for myself (timewise) to have too much of an adventure this morning... Made it to Topanga Canyon, up I go into the wild Malibu yonder. I reconnect with Mulholland -- hello, sir! How have you been? -- and find Old Topanga Canyon Road. Nice. Some good climbing, then some serious downhill with curves enough to make me queasy. All the while, it smells like nature up there -- some pretty, some not so pretty. But it isn't the typical gas and asphalt. Cruising down the PCH side of Topanga was a little hairy as traffic had picked up and the roads were wet in places. That always makes me a bit nervous as a slide-out is one of my worst nightmares. No slide. All safe. A three hour journey all told. I don't know how to compute the miles -- or I don't really have the desire to do so. It's enough to know I worked hard, adventured, got lost and overcame. A good ride.

Share The Road - Training #15

May 30, 2005


Bouncing back is a term used for the day after the "big ride" -- essential to be able to do this especially on the kind of ride we're planning. I'm happy to say I bounced back just fine this morning, dropping 45-50 miles in the bank without much difficulty. The bigger issue to me, as per usual, is time. I'd loved to have kept riding today, but I do have pressing work -- especially with "Boys of Summer" (the Bay Area Screening and L.A. screening are coming up very soon!).

One thing I did this morning was a spiritual cleansing of my bonk ride the other day (where I nearly wiped out in the LAX tunnel). I re-rode that route up to the point of the tunnel and, as I was wondering if it was legal or not to ride through, I decided (this time) to go left up Imperial Highway. Still not the easiest are to traverse -- one merge across two semi-blind 55 MPH lanes was part of the deal, but, it all worked out. Got a nice two-mile headwind for my efforts -- and I did feel very good about rewriting my history, so to speak, to a positive, strong ride.

By the by, the investors proposal for "Share the Road" is ready. If you're reading this and would like to get involved financially, please contact me. It will be an outstanding documentary. 

May 31, 2005

Gary Erickson writes about "riding the white roads" in his book, "Raising the Bar"http://www.clifbar.com. Gary is the owner of Clif Bar, a sponsor of both "Share the Road" and "Boys of Summer". I'm not writing this to blow smoke or say how great he and Clif are because they gave us some of their product for these trips. I truly believe I've found a mentor in this man and his path so far. His book arrived at my doorstep last Friday completely unexpectedly. Clif had given us the go on 1,000 Clif Bars a month ago for our ride, which I was very excited about. But this book... It was sent by Rick Wilson, the field marketing manager in Los Angeles. No note. Doesn't need one. The book speaks volumes. Gary writes of this in literal terms of riding (white) roads in Switzerland and Italy that are smaller and that you must look for on a map with greater detail to find. They often lead you in remote places where most people aren't looking. They also usually take longer to traverse than the "red roads" (read: main highways). But the rewards these backroads offer are the rewards of life, experience and adventure. If you are a person who is only interested in arriving, not the journey itself, red roads will be your way. I know I'm a white road person -- in so many ways that speaks to my core. I'm coming up on birthday #35. Many of my friends are financially well off, married, have kids (or kids on the way) and careers with retirement plans in place. I have my art. I have my freedom. I have my journeys and adventures. The business side of what I'm doing has come alive in a major way, especially since "Boys of Summer". Isn't that amazing? By doing a project that I CAN NOT make money from, I'm growing faster toward my business and financial freedom. Read that again -- I think it's worth a second look. This documentary this summer, too, though I am planning on making money from it (and hopefully quite a bit as I feel there's everything right with honoring one's art and sweat), is one that comes from the heart. I believe in the road and sharing it. That is exactly what Gary is doing with his book. And that is what I will be doing in my documentary. I will show that there are other ways to go than the red roads. There are alternate paths that speak toward higher good for the community of all living creatures; that we are interconnected in nature; that by seperating ourselves and taking a dominant approach rather than a respectful one, we are making our environment and therefore NECESSARILY ourselves sick. It's time to take a look. Today's ride was a bit of a white road for me -- though that's metaphorical as there was tons of traffic. But I allowed myself to get a little lost, to adventure around where I wanted to go. Though I never found my way onto Mulholland, I really enjoyed where I did get and am thankful for the trip.

Share The Road - Training #14

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the newest member of the 100 club! Woo Hoo!

I did it! Today I rode a century ride -- beginning in the homestead and rolling all the way up to Oxnard AND BACK! I had been to Oxnard last week with the lovely Annamaria joining me in Malibu. That ride was about 60. This one was the whole ball of wax -- probably a solid 35 more than I've ridden before and I pulled it off in five hours. Cruisin', boy!

There were many phases on this ride, but most of them were handled with focus on breathing or the phrase "pick 'em up and put 'em down". I thought about many things, not the least of them being Stephen King's (as Richard Bachman) novel, "The Long Walk". If you haven't read that, I highly recommend it. I'm working on getting to meet Frank Darabont (Dir/Writer, Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile) so I can be involved with his adaptation of "The Long Walk".

When I began the ride, it was quite moist outside -- not wet, really. The morning marine layer was thicker than usual and my helmet and sunglasses (which I wear even when it's not so bright because I know it will get there -- plus bugs bounce better off my glasses than my eyeballs) were dripping.

It was a bit cool -- but I prefer that to the heat any day.

I had in the back of my mind that this might be the day to do it -- to roll out 100. In the meanwhile, I concerned myself with keeping a good pace and making sure there were no more grates in the road -- GRRRRR !

The ride was relatively uneventful, frankly. I felt the desire to keep going once up in Oxnard, but I had to remind myself that every mile travelled had to be returned. Once I was sure I had gone far enough to qualify for fifty (best estimate based on time and distance travelled last week), I pulled a U-E and started the comeback.

The sun began to emerge and it was warmer, but not hot. By the time I was in southern Malibu/northern Santa Monica, I felt incredibly empowered. There was never more than a creeping doubt, but just knowing I was well on my way to completing this goal was a wonderful feeling.

A half-hour or so later, bam -- at the homestead. Great food, a great shower and now sharing it with you. Here's to hoping the body bounces back well tomorrow .

Share The Road - Training #13

Hit a metal grate today - ouch.

Back it up -- I was feeling very strong on the bike today -- happily as I feel like I've been struggling the past 3-4 days. I decided I wanted a little adventure and took Sepulveda Blvd. from Redondo Beach instead of going back the beach trail (as I have every other time). It was fair enough -- some decent hills and all -- 'til I got to LAX. I stopped at a light just shy of the tunnel that runs underneath the tarmac and saw a couple of police cars with a pulled over vehicle across the road. I began to wonder if bikes could even legally ride this road at this point or not. My ego kicked in and said, "Even if it's not legal, you're a GOOD rider at this point. They only post those signs to keep less experienced riders and idiots out. You'll be fine."

Aaaahh, the ego.

So I roll into the tunnel and everything goes a little crazy: the lighting conditions are weird -- those dirty yellow lights reflecting orange nightmare onto the road are really something. Then my sense of hearing, which I had no idea I used so much of until it was taken away from me, was shot. There were sounds bouncing off of sounds, and every engine sounded mic'd and amped.

My heart started going pretty good. I do as I do in these situations -- remembering to breathe as much as possible. The air in the tunnel, though...

The one thing I didn't account for (or react well to, it turns out) was a large metal grate near the right hand edge (which I was clinging to). Up ahead I knew I would have to merge left to get out of the "left turn only" lane I was currently in (difficult in any traffic-heavy situation, much more so when hearing and seeing are impaired).

By the by, I'm cruising at about 25 mph. I see the first grate and notice that the right side of it is missing the necessary "teeth" to properly be called a grate. In other words, it's more like a pit. I do a quick swerve (VERY dicey as I have no idea if there's a car on my ass doing 50+) and avoid it. More noise. Heart's beating faster. Here comes the next grate. This one has teeth -- meaning I should be able to ride across it.

Just as I get up to it, these teeth have a little more space than I realized between them. Too late though -- I'm committed. I pull up the front wheel and clear but the back wheel -- THUNK! It felt bad right away. I was still riding but there was the familiar repetetive rubber slapping the road of a flat tire going on behind me. I hit the brakes when perhaps I should have "gently depressed" them and nearly slid out into the road. Nice.

Off the bike quickly. Onto the two foot "sidewalk" hugging the wall and let's scramble out of here.

Turns out I tweaked the rim to the point of no return. Also turns out shops around here don't sell just one rim -- you have to buy the set (even though the front one's fine). D'oh. $405 later...I was able to get a shop to turn around the repair today so I won't lose any road time. Thankfully I have a wonderful team in Gary and Geoff to back me up and they told me to get the repair done and the project would take care of it. They need me on the road.

It is VERY nice to have a team.

Share The Road - Training #12

May 23, 2005

I had heard about "the hill" (Mandeville Rd.) but had never quite discovered it. This morning...I discovered it. I'm in a place where I'm really wanting to go on new and different trails as that's a large part of my enjoyment. It's nice being out, it's great getting exercise, but better than all those things is seeing roads I've never been down -- exploring! That's a true, deep and resonant part of my soul.

This hill is a steady climb for about 5 miles or so. It gets progressively steeper all the way to the top where it becomes ridiculous just before hitting two driveways. What a bummer! To come all that way and not even be able to enjoy the crest of the hill because they're privately owned.

Such is L.A..

May 24, 2005

There are lots of canyons I want to explore in Hollywood and Malibu -- time to start checking the maps. 


is a fair stretch and one I'll explore further for my birthday ride (just a week and a half away now!). The idea for that morning is to ride from Venice (home base) to Laguna Niguel, then the lovely Bella will join me there with body boards in truck and we'll enjoy the ocean! Good times.

This morning was a bit over 60 miles.

One of the interesting experiences that I have every morning is the odd feeling on the bike when I first sit down. I think it's because the last memory I have of being in the saddle is so connected and the first one the next day is just the opposite -- akward. I almost get the feeling like I'm forgetting to put on a belt that connects me to the seat or something. 

May 26-27

Thursday afternoon I rolled down to Redondo/Palos Verdes (about 35 miles) and today I went north to Pepperdine (about the same).

I'm hitting a bit of a wall right now and I don't know how to break through. I know I could ride longer, but the time is prohibitive (based on the number of other projects I have going). It will be great to be on the road and have only one thing to worry about -- being on the road.

Share the Road - Training #12

May 19

Back in the hood (L.A.) and it's all good. Rolled out about 50 miles, maybe a few more, this morning. Went up to Palos Verdes and, again, was mesmerized by the beauty -- sight and smell. Really something up there. I felt very strong this morning, which was nice. I would have liked to have gone quite a bit further, but time was of the essence (as always). It was a good ride, regardless. May 21 Fa real, doe! Whoo! What a ride! That was the way I really like doing it -- not having to go up and back exactly the same way. Actually -- I went all the way past the Naval Base in Ventura. I don't know how to equate the mileage exactly -- I'm guestimating 60 miles in about 3.5 hours. Not a bad clip -- had two stops including one really weird one as a car tire came flying off PCH, bounced through a parking lot and landed in the sand -- WHAT?! Seriously... It flew off this ladies VW -- and by off it, I don't mean the spare. I mean her rear right tire just came off! I was really close to it when it came flying by. It was bizarre. Thankfully no one was run over. There was a while that I was cruising today where I forgot I was even on a bike. I was just flying along. Man that was an amazing feeling. I rolled back to Leo Carillo State Park and met Annamaria there. She had the body boards so we took them out for a bit in the CHILLY waters of N. Malibu. Don't know why it's so much colder up there, but NO JOKE, it is! What a great day ! May 22 Rolling along   the Manhattan/Redondo Beach area. The waves were really pumping this morning -- had me yearning for a day like yesterday -- long ride followed immediately by some boarding. That's okay -- there'll be more of that to come. The crowds were a bit of a bear this morning. I allowed/forced myself to sleep in a bit since I worked past midnight last night dealing 21. I had some really annoying dreams. They weren't bad or scary -- just dreams that I wished I could pull the plug on 'cause they seemed so trivial. I had a very hard time getting going this morning. Probably took me 10-12 miles to feel right on the bike. The whole first 10-12 I was thinking, "Maybe I should just cut it short". My legs were sore, I felt slow and sluggish. The great thing is having enough experience to know that's just part of the game. There are going to be mornings I do not feel like getting going -- and that's okay. Not going is NOT okay . Thoughts of songs and plays and such roll through my head as I spin along. It's so great to have the body occupied and sweating so my mind can fly where and how it needs to. Connected yet seperate. Nice.

Share The Road - Training #11

May 15 


Just wasn't in the cards (or the legs) this morning. A lot of times I have to shake my blahs when I get going. I just push one foot in the circle in front of the other. Just go. Figure out the details later.

I had some good moments this morning, but a lot of nagging stuff too. My ego got bruised as I got passed on two seperate occasions. Shouldn't be a big deal, but it bummed me out as part of me really enjoys passing others. I know better than to make this into some sort of competetive thing...but it's part of my hard-wiring.

The good news: I was out there for three hours. It was good. I was doing my work. There's going to be up and down days. No biggedy. Do the damn thing. 

May 16

and feeling the wind. Unrelenting, say I!

The ride went a solid 35-40 miles this morning -- up the hill as close as I could touch to Boulder City, then rushing back down, including a little side jaunt toward Lake Las Vegas. Didn't actually go too far down that road, but put a couple of extra miles in.

I came up with the title I'm going with for now for the documentary: "Share the Road". I will use the art work that is a combination of the classic green and white sign or yellow and black sign -- simply drawn and within that form. There's great familiarity there and I like the double entendre of "Share the Road" (NOTE: always stretch out before attempting a double entendre -- you could pull a hammy).

I had thought of this title back when I first started writing but for whatever reason it didn't stick too hard then. I saw a sign this morning and it just felt right. It's a good feeling to have a title I like -- helps with the investment package. I'm going to send it out today to one friend. I need to get more aggressive with it, though. I'm also applying for a couple of grants. If I can just get enough to get out there, I'll let the rest take care of itself (finishing fund grants are available -- got to apply...).


May 18


Went out to Jean again this morning -- and one mile beyond just because I always like to add a little...even if it is just a very little.

It was funny, though, as I rode out I felt very strong. I hadn't been feeling great about my last several rides -- just missing that high I had been getting pleasantly used to. But this time, I had it. It's like floating. The closest I can come to it in terms of past memory is when I was scuba diving. When you get equalized and your neither floating up nor sinking down, one kick of the fin can send you rushing through the ocean -- amazing.

When it's "on" for biking, it feels like that. Yesterday felt like that and what was truly amazing about it was that this road out to Jean is not an easy one -- it's slightly uphill for most of the way and, from what I remember, just a grind on the way out (followed by a rocket blast on the way back in).

So I pull into Jean, having made up numerous reasons for why I was able to ride so well -- I was well-rested, I have achieved another level of growth on the bike, I'm Superman, etc. -- when I look up and see the American Flag stiffly blowing south...the direction I'd been travelling.

Oh.

You mean, this was "wind-assisted" as they like to put next to sprinters who have...what, more than 5 mph at their back? Something like that. Sigh. So the ride back was not quite like being shot out of a cannon...more like riding up the side of one, but that's okay. I had the great punch line of me and my ego to laugh at all the way back.

Share The Road - Training #10

May 9, 2011


A two hour pull this morning in Las Vegas. I'm missing L.A. and my Bella. 


Tues, May 10th

It was about a 50 mile ride, all told. The way out was a bit rough in patches along the Blue Diamond Hwy. The two lane highway becomes quite narrow in places and the trucks rolling along it have varying degrees of tolerance for we two-wheelers (I think that's just something I'll have to get used to).

The wind, as per always (it seems in my small sample size) in Vegas, was a factor. Also, the fact that Vegas is in a valley -- a true valley -- was never clearer to me than these past few days as every single ride began with a slow steady climb out of the valley (and usually against the wind!). I'd much prefer to have it that way than have the tough stuff on the way back, though.

Too bad I had to call it early -- I was just getting into the actual Red Rock area when I noticed I had made it to my half-way time. I had a meeting with Gary -- a conference call with numerous members of this bike riding clan -- and so I had to hustle back.

The bad news of the day? I didn't book the commercial I had gone out to Vegas for -- BUMMER! It was a national and a SAG gig at that -- a little bit of dough and a fun spot, to boot. Ah well...it made the decision to come back to L.A. easier and quicker.

Wed., April 11th

A shorter ride this morning -- about 1 hour and 45 due to an early recording session with a friend down in Long Beach (a couple of great new songs!). It's nice to be back in L.A. -- back with the Bella.


Sat. May 14

Two hours -- approx. 35-40 miles -- nice ride. Went from the house down to lower Rancho Palos Verdes/Redondo. Had to work on "Blue Collar TV" today -- quite the thrill (actually very cool 'cause it was two hours and out the door). "Had to" isn't really fair. I chose to do the work and I'm thankful for it. It sucks not getting paid. I had work yesterday (preventing a ride) and today and have more on Monday/Tuesday, so for that, I'm thankful.

Tomorrow will likely be an "extender" ride -- maybe 75 miles. We'll see.

I'm thankful for the day, today.  

Share The Road - Training #9

May 8, 2005

So was the ride today -- and anyone who made the trek from LA to Vegas in the mid to late '90s knows exactly where I'm talking about by the subject line. Kind of funny -- to find the address of where I was (because I'm always guestimating with the google maps, having to get close enough to see a familiar street name/ area then begin to make up the #'s) I used the Prison Rd addy. No numbers mind you. There are no #'s in this prison...besides the ones used to keep count of the inmates, I suppose .

It was about a 60 mile jaunt today -- good stuff! Took me 3.5 hours, a little longer than I would have liked, but that included a 10 minute stop in Jean for a bathroom break and water fill-up. Interesting that the ride out there took two hours and the ride back was 1.5 -- all about the wind and a steady incline out of Las Vegas. In a car, I never really paid it much mind. Steady incline? Hit the gas.

It was funny, too, because I gave this ride a partial attempt the other day and made it about half way. When I hit that point today I bit down a little harder ('cause though the wind seemed a bit lighter when I began, it wasn't by the time I got up there) and away I went.

A really, really good ride all told because I think it represented much of what the road is going to be like for us. It was a highway (55 speed limit), not a lot of traffic, but you do get buzzed from time to time, a fair amount of roadkill (I do my best to just keep the eyes averted there) and a lot of pretty desert chaparral.

My biggest concern after these rides out here is the wind. Is it going to play a big factor on the road? That may just be a day-in, day-out call. No control -- NO CONTROL!? Imagine that...

Share The Road - Training #8

So it's a plus-minus deal being out here for maybe longer than I intended. I got called back on the audition I went to (plus) and the callback is on Monday (minus). The real minus of the situation is my lovely Bella already paid for a ticket to fly out here on Friday 'cause I drove here a day early and now either needs to fly out on Sunday or early Monday AM or I have to drive her back, then drive right back...

I think I'll bite the bullet and buy her ticket. I hate doing that, but it just seems that's the best solution.

Why I mention it here? Training-wise, I'm getting adjusted to different conditions. It is a bit odd riding in the desert after riding by the ocean for all my training up until now. It's a good thing that I'm doing this because the continued factor I just hadn't had to the degree I have these first two days is the wind. It was much less a factor today, but still very noticeable.

I pulled about 36 miles or so today -- best guestimate off the google maps. Not bad, but I was lookin' for more and tomorrow I'll go that way. Can't believe they want to charge me to ride my bike through a campground! What kind of freakin' joke is that?! Same with Red Rock, I understand. That is enough to pull bikers off the road. It's not like it's a lot of money -- $20 for the season -- but that only goes further to validate my point: It's not like it's a lot of money! And it's not like bikes are high-impact like cars. I'm in and out like a double-double.

Anywho...went to the gym afterward, lifted a few weights then took a yoga class. MUCH needed. It was an excellent class and something I need to start making more of a regular practice out of. It also opened my mind to more elements of this story.

The driving force of the piece is the bike ride of course. Whenever I tell people about it, their eyes really light up. You're going to go ALL that way? Good -- it's got the "Wow" factor. Where the meat for those bones is going to lie is in the human element. I want to find fitness heroes -- people who have overcome tremendous odds, ailments, etc. and have made a committment to fitness in their lives, having seen the other side of things and knowing how limited they were without it.

This speaks on so many levels -- there will certainly be the stories of those who have battled weight-gain, and they are valid. However, they're only part of the picture -- partially because the stories are so done on everyday talk shows. I want to feature people who may be "handicapped" and special olympics children, too. People that make those who have the excuses (e.g., "too busy", "too tired", "don't get it") take a hard look at their blessings and say, "maybe it's time for me to get off my ass".

I agree.

Share The Road - Training #7

Riding Las Vegas (Blvd.)

May 6, 2005

If you head south off Tropicana (toward the Luxor/Mandalay Bay), you can follow the sacred "Strip" (a.k.a. "Las Vegas Blvd.) out of town along an increasingly lonelier highway.

The idea was to ride to the two casino, one prison town of Jean, about 15-20 miles south of Las Vegas. After getting -- I don't know for sure -- about 10-12 miles into it, though, I was toast. Why the woosy behavior?

THE FREAKING WIND!!!

I know I've mentioned it before, but the wind is truly a beast for a cyclist. It's different than a hill because it's not tangible. It blows up and grabs hold of you, as if a parachute had suddenly become unfurled behind. Then it lets go -- for just a moment, before -- WHOOOSH! up it rolls again!

Weird stuff.

It's weird riding in Vegas, too. Just being here is strange. My feeling driving into town yesterday was, "Did I really live here?" Yeah, for many moons, as a matter of fact. It feels very different than L.A.. The one thing I'm so glad for in L.A. is the beach. Getting to ride next to the beauty that the Pacific provides every day is cleansing -- necessary in the urban jungle.

But for anyone who can't see the writing on the wall here in Vegas, let me clue you in -- this place is the desert/urban jungle and just getting nastier. With the limited resources this place has geographically, I find it unfathomable that it continues to grow seemingly unchecked. New casino? Come on in! New high rises? Come on in. Need employees for those places, right? Come on in (from Mexico, largely...).

The dollar makes it all "worthwhile".

Now don't get me wrong. I very much enjoyed living here. It was an awesome experience and I'm glad to have it feel as comfortable (in terms of my being able to get around) as it does. I love the idea of coming here to work and/or play every now and again. There is lots of energy -- that's for sure.

I just know for me, to get done the things I am getting done, L.A.'s a better fit.

Someday, soon, I'll be writing about Cambria...

Share The Road - Training #6

May 2, 2005

All good in the hood. Not a long distance pull this morning -- a little concerned with the business of the day, so I probably pulled a solid 30-35 in a little less than two hours. That's not bad. Tomorrow morning might be a great time to pull out the long-awaited ride to Leo Carillo. It's about 64 miles round trip and just as pretty as anything. There are some serious hills along the way -- the Pepperdine hill not the least of them. But you know, the great thing is after riding Mt. Diablo, I've gained a lot more confidence so that these other hills don't seem nearly so bad.

This morning was a great example of that. I rode up Temescal Canyon from PCH (south Malibu/north Santa Monica). I rode that same hill about a month ago and it about killed me. It was good work this morning, no doubt, but I had the experience and confidence within me that I could handle it -- I knew how, I had trained properly and I would do it if I just set my mind to it. And I did.

So tomorrow -- we'll see. I'll try to get an earlier start so I don't get too blasted by the sun -- maybe 5 AM. A little ride in the darkness, but it keeps me out of the heavier traffic, too -- always appreciated. 

May 3rd, 2005

Man -- I had the hardest time getting going this morning. I know I've been pushing harder the last week and a half or so and that just might be it -- I'm going for longer rides now so it's just taking more out of me (and I do feel that during the day). I'm acutally really hyped up in my mornings (now) and okay in the afternoon, but I hit the wall around 6-7PM. That's a bit early for my taste...then again, I am getting up at 5:30 for the training.

It may just be a tradeoff I'm getting used to.

At any rate, the ride ended strong -- I think I was somewhere in the 40 mile range today. It's really hard to tell because many of my paths twist and turn and don't follow major roads so I can't mapquest them. Hopefully I'll have my meter reader soon so I can get a more accurate feel of my speed and distance. 

May 3rd, 2005

A note from a friend:


Dear Rob,
You keep going man. Sounds crazy, but if you got the heart, you can do anything!

Mark Tarrant

May 4th, 2005

Logged about 55 miles today and felt great. I really wanted to push for more but I had an interview with an agent today and the need for money is pressing, big time, so -- it is what it is.

Actually, my goal was just another 3-4 miles up the road -- Leo Carillo State Beach. The reason it's a goal is that it's one of my favorite places to camp -- just simple and nice and right across the freeway from the ocean -- nice.

It's fun to feel myself growing as a rider. I got a tune up yesterday and felt the difference in the ride. I get tired, no doubt, but my recovery time is quicker. And ya know -- that's the same way with life. We're going to have hills and be out of breath and struggle, but how we handle the hill and how fast we recover from the hill is the dealio.

It's all a journey.

Share The Road - Training #5.1

Holy Shnikes! Let's take a look at that Mountain one more time... on second thought, no. Once was enough.

So I'm up in the Bay Area visiting mom and dad and shooting the final scene (or "denuemont", which is French for "My film is better than yours") for "Boys of Summer" and I bring the bike to keep the training on and poppin'. It's a kick to be riding my bike around the old neighborhood as I used to when I was a kid. I know some of the old tough stuff -- like say cruising up Treat Blvd. -- and so I run at it. It's a good hill and gets my heart going for sure. I roll on into Clayton and out to the Concord (kiss my Chronicle butt) Pavillion and start up Kirker Pass. Now this hill is no joke, either, as I remember. But I don't know exactly where it lets out and there is a median divider (as it's a pretty rippin' speed limit for los automobiles -- 55 I think). So I turn it around and roll back down Ygnacio. Down Ygnacio is pretty intense as the hill is fairly long and I'm cruising at a high enough speed for a long enough time to begin to question how much skin I'd donate to the asphalt society of this hill if I made a goof. That starts an ugly downhill in my mind of it's own...

So I get to the bottom of the hill and realize I've been riding for about an hour. Not bad, but I'd like to get at least 90 minutes in -- probably more like two hours. I head toward Northgate and Mount Diablo. For those who don't know Mt. Diablo, you are more than welcome to look it up here. I'll wait...

Now, I know Mt. Diablo quite well, having grown up in it's shadow. I've driven up it many a time and enjoyed hiking in Rock City. I've also seen those who I've deemed to be "suckers" actually trying to ride their bikes up this nasty hunk of rock.
So as I near the gate, nearly out of water, I ask the ranger if there is water available nearby. He says no, but there is some about six miles ahead. Six miles in the bike world isn't much -- figure 20 MPH so about 15-20 minutes. 

There's just one problem here -- I'm not going to do 20MPH uphill for 7.5 miles. Of course, I'm not thinking that way when I begin. I'm just thinking -- I'll go for a bit. And after a bit I think, I'll just go for a bit more. And then later, well, I've gone this far. And then, where the F*&@ is this drinking fountain!!!

Over 2000 feet of elevation and the aforementioned 7.5 miles (not 6, thank you) later I reached the fountain and the junction where many riders take a break and decide which way to go. You actually can keep going up to the summit. Ummm...no.
Rock City is another option. This was the cool place I went to as a kid to go climbing. I started to go that way -- then realized I was cruising downhill. Not a problem except for the fact that if I go downhill now...and I have to come back...THIS IS ANOTHER HILL I'M GOING TO HAVE TO CLIMB!!!

No, thank you.
 

I turned around about a half-mile down, rolled back up to the junction and said, okay, time to hit the downhill...
Downhill is fun -- don't get me wrong. However, when it winds the way it does down Mt. Diablo and at the decline it does...lets just say the brakes got a good workout. A good enough workout, in fact, to where I began to wonder if I wasn't riding them too hard.
 

What if they heat up?
 

What if they get soft?
 

WHAT IF I CAN'T STOP AND HAVE TO CRASH INTO A COW?
 

Poor cow...
 

Suffice to say, I made it. I'm here (and the cow is there -- still mooin'). Woo hoo.
 

It was a great ride. I don't know the overall distance, but I was "in the saddle" for about three hours. I may have earned the day off tomorrow. We'll see.