Monday Morning Weigh-In X-80

That felt as good as losing 10 lbs. earlier in the year. I was able to enjoy the holidays, crank up the workouts a touch and hold.

No Grasshoppers This Time

Cecelia and I hit the trails at the tree farm today. Ethel (and you thought the 'e' in ebike meant exercise) and I are not speaking as she is doing unspeakably painful things to my butt lately. Since I upped my daily ride to 12km my butt has been very uncomfortable, so with the cooperation of the weather I headed out to the golf course via the bike paths on Saturday and loaded her onto the car rack for a run out to the 25th Side Road today. I rode until dark tonight, got nipped 3x by a large black poodle named 'Angus' but could not have had more fun in an hour. The city keeps the bike paths plowed quite nicely and the MNR pushes the white stuff off of the narrow roads among the young forest. It sure beats watching dvd's and going nowhere fast.
I'm hoping that not missing any workouts, not even Christmas day, will make tomorrow's weigh-in a respectable one.

I Know What I Want Next Christmas

This is the answer to winter riding, $400 for the ski and tractor kit, its called the Ktrac. Gotta be a dealership here in the Bay for this.

Monday Morning Weigh-In X-81

Another week in the holding pattern. Not much to report, evening rides and morning walks continue and I still wish it was spring. The next couple of days will be the big challenge, I want to enjoy the holidays but not too, too, too much (to quote my fav Ginko). If it's warm enough I'd love to take a short ride sometime in the days I have off.

Santa at the Gardens

The annual Northwood Hockey Christmas Skating Party was this afternoon and everybody seemed to have a great time. My old partner and past president, Ken Sutton who I haven't seen in 3-4 years dropped in. Tom Petrie gave away a $100 stick to a player who had brought in their skates for one of the 2 free sharpenings we gave them. Parents brought baking and snacks for the kids, there were some small draws for toques and sweatshirts and lots of tunes. And of course St. Nick made an appearance. Ginko dropped in but he missed 'hockey papa', I can't imagine why.

Riding With Some Old Friends

Last night I found myself watching youtube clips of Rush in concert. I looked for the dvd today but didn't find it. I did find one of Yes in concert so I thought I'd give that a try, the next 6 discs of '24' are rented out for a week.
Since I missed the treadmill this morning I decided to go a bit further on the ebike and threw on the Yes disc. It was recorded in '04 so the band is pretty old looking but they still sound tight. They were labelled progressive rock and their music can be anywhere on the map from heavy to classical, their musicianship is second to none and their songs are very intricate. I always wondered how long they would have to rehearse to be able to go from full speed ahead to a full stop, start and do it all again in a live setting. They pull it off very well. The ride went quickly even considering the extra 5km.

Monday Morning Weigh-In X-80

Well I guess if I can hold for another 2 weeks through the holidays I can get back to it in the New Year. I finally got the second season of '24' going, my first attempt had no sound. I rode with some network tv and a movie but the '24' episodes are timed almost perfectly so it keeps the routine solid. I want to add some situps and other exercises suggested at the Conquer Cancer riders page. The ebike is fixed. With AJ's help I got the belt on but then the pedals simply would not move. I took it off and tried it another way with the same result. So I tried eliminating the small pulley (what I think caused the destruction in the first place) and she rides better now than when new. Nice and smooth.

Unless I Win Some Big Cash...

Unless I come across some big cash I've decided to stick with Bridget for the ConquerCancer ride. I had a talk with Farsum this afternoon regarding high pressure tires. They can be used and will improve the way the bike rolls quite a bit. The knobby Kendas Koyotes on her now have a maximum pressure of 60psi and the tread makes them slow on pavement, but Schwalbe makes a tire in the right size that can take 100psi with more of a smooth tread that will roll nicely on pavement. I have a set of Panracer Cross Town tires for Eyowen that will hold 75psi with a smooth tread design so she'll best the test rig for tires. I ordered in the Ergon grips (pictured) with built in extensions which are supposed to be the cat's pjs for hand comfort and eliminating numbness. Now I just need a saddle that is a bit more comfy, either a Specialized Body Geometry or Brooks leather B17 but I have a lot more reading to do in that area.

EBike Saved

Good news on the stationary ride. I pulled it apart in about 15 min. and found the belt badly damaged. Everything looks to be lined up so I'll size it up at work (just a normal fan belt style) and should be ok to ride again.

Monday Morning Weigh-In X-80

Another week in the holding pattern, not that I'm down about it. Winter is proving to be a b***h, and now the ebike feels like the guts are going to seize up. Oh well, as we learned from buying a bike earlier, you gets what you pays for and at $99 the ebike was no huge outlay of cash. The treadmill time pretty much flies by until I hit the 4mph part of the program, but I'm running it now. Walking at 4mph is tricky, very easy to trip.

Why is this man smiling?

He had a free day and decided to ride his faithful steed in the cold and snow.

I wanted to go out to the tree farm but the temp was -17 and windchill of -27 so I said heck I'll just ride to the video store and return some movies. An hour and a half later I came home after a great ride. My toes were just starting to get cold as the sun hit the horizon. I got a bit aggressive with the new front brakes and kissed the pavement for the first time all year leaving a few inches of skin on the right pedal, and then parked myself in a snow bank but in the cold nothing hurts for long. As Eyowen emerges Cecelia will be retired and I thought one more ride would be a great way to retire her. Who knows maybe if the weather stays like this she'll get out again. I loved every minute of it, now that I'm warmed up it hurts like hell but its a small price to pay for 90 minutes of fun.

In a Perfect World

Project Eyowen: Ready to start Paint Stage

I have the frame totally strippped down, the crank and fork removed and she's ready to be shot blasted. I decided on a nice gloss orange as the main colour and the front fork will be black. I have almost everything ready and just have to find a few hours to get this stage done.
I'm looking for a scrap bike with drop handle bars to cut and flip. If the bearing in the bottom bracket are good I'll order a new single speed crank and a higher gear for the other side of the flip/flop hub.

Insane

This video is called "Bike Messengers are on Crack". It starts off a bit slowly and then they start dodging traffic, I was waiting for the inevitable "crash". Give it a look, its a bit long but totally insane.

Project Eyowen

A few weeks ago I was in a customer's shop and noticed a Giant Acapulco bike off in the corner. I asked about it and the owner told me to haul it away if I wanted it. I stripped down the frame and used the handle bars and stem on CeCelia, along with the new brakes I imported but the new setup only saw about a half dozen rides before the snow hit. I decided to give the Giant frame some fresh paint and then switch the singlespeed setup from CeCelia over and create a new bike to be named Eyowen (Ay-o-when), you'll have to guess the source of the name. I'm torn between my fav colour orange and a nice classic tan for the job. Once I get into a paint store I'll decide. The frame is in at FCD where it will be shot blasted, primed, painted and then clear coated. I'll have some pix up as Project Eyowen progresses.

Monday Morning Weigh-In X-81

My first week without any rides, I sure do miss it. It's hard to replace on the e-bike but I managed to finish 24 episodes of '24' in 29 days, so 240km sitting in one spot, yippee. I did the last one tonight and have the first 4 episodes of season 2 ready to go. I have been hitting the treadmill almost every day, every day that I don't have 32 cm of snow to shovel that is. That dump has to be worse than all of the last 2 years combined.

Monday Morning Weigh-In X-81

Feeling like crap must be good for something. I'm back into my regular routine and the cold has just about had it, pretty quickly for me as they usually hang on for weeks. Rode CeCelia to work this morning and it was cold but not too windy so not bad. May not get another chance this week as the wind is picking up and the temps are going down. Riding the ebike is almost something I look forward to so that will help keep things going over the long snowy season. The x-81 means I've lost 25% of the weight I started at. Putting it that way feels pretty damn good.

Hooray for Cold & Flu Season

A brutal week, got hit with somebody's cold. Off the bike until Friday night when I forced a 10km ride on the ebike and then decided to bring CeCelia to work this morning. I put on a set of new brake calipers and levers which make her a lot more stable. I added a riser bar off the scrap bike I picked up a week ago, dropped the stem a couple inches and that tightened up the front end a bit. It felt good to just get out and pedal a bit. I still feel like I would rather crawl back into bed with a book but that won't happen for a bit.

Monday Morning Weigh-In X-79

I was hoping for X-80 this week but I'll take the progress. Today was a rough one. I slept 4 nights without the apnea mask and thought I was free of that. But all day I was out of it and just didn't feel myself. I drove to work for the first time in November. I rode back at lunch and felt 100% better but that didn't last. I came home at 5 and went to bed for 3 hours and feel a lot better now. Oh well, sleep is something easy to fix in this case.

Committed to a Long Ride

After checking with Sal, mom and work I've decided to throw my name into The Ride to Conquer Cancer. It is a 2 day, 200km ride from Toronto to Niagra Falls in June of 2008. I now have something worthwhile to work towards. I'll need to be in much better shape than I am now and have committed to raising $2500. I have some work ahead of me but am really looking forward to this. Once I have my page up and running on the Ride site I'll link from here. The link below is a short video with information on the event.
conquercancer.ca/video

Monday Morning Weigh-In X-77

Well I got back on track this week, I hate losing ground! The '24' program is going very well, I missed only once this week but had a 24 (npi) hour flu bug so I'll take a pass on that one. I got B'Ridge out on Sunday after an hour on the ice with the anklebiters and some grocery and SOCK shopping. (I bought the ugliest socks I could find so that maybe I can actually have some to wear!) After Sal left for work I changed into my riding shorts and dragged B'Ridge out of the basement and headed west on the bike paths with a thought of beating her to work. I got there in 45 minutes, fixed her cash register and then pounded all the way home in another 45 minutes. After riding CeCelia M. for 6 weeks the Marin absolutely flew, felt like the Gary Fisher back in August. Once I got her going I never even shifted, went 40km singlespeed. My legs felt incredible, my butt not so much.

Monday Morning Weigh-In X-73

What's the dumbest thing you can do after losing 75 lbs. You got it, slack off. I never missed a single ride to work last week but I guess I must have been cheating a bit in the intake department. I started the '24' plan on Sunday. I've been renting the first season episodes of the show and watching one every morning since Sunday while riding the e-bike. At least its not too boring. I picked up my grandfather's treadmill on Saturday but other than test it I haven't tried that seriously as yet. Once the snow piles up and I can't ride to work I'll take a walk on it every night. So far the cold weather gear I grabbed last week is working beautifully. I have ridden to work and home for lunch every day this week and haven't frozen yet. I'm hoping for the end of November but if this first snow is any indicator that might not materialize. The cold weather rides are very invigorating but safety will eventually be the issue. I feel great after riding especially into the wind. CeCelia makes it a great workout. She got a new rear fender so I can ride a bit quicker in the slop and not get wet pants. Anyway the 2 lbs. are gone back to wherever it is they go. I'll be damned if I'm going to let this slide now.

Monday Morning Weigh-In X-75

Only a couple of pounds this week but a bit of a milestone I guess. I went to Mom and Dad's Sunday for a very relaxing supper and a bit of a ride on CeCelia M., though the ski trails I tried at Mink Mountain were too grown over and wet to move her butt through. Still got in a ride around the camp road there and then one with Dad to the end of Margaret St. and then a couple quick ones. A very mellow day with all that has gone on, no hockey to worry bout. It was good to see Wendy and Brian even if only briefly. My miles for the week were approximately 50, the cyclometer is on B'Ridge and I haven't even gone to pick her up yet. I hope the weather holds like last winter, no snow or real cold until after Christmas. Well maybe snow on Christmas Eve would be okay.

Singlespeed Update

I rode to Petries at lunch and Farzum changed up the front gear to the larger 48 tooth, although reluctantly. He doesn't think pushing harder is necessarily better but I need just a bit more quickness. I was able to go from a dead stop to full speed in about 10 revolutions before but now I have to take 3 hard stokes in a stand and then settle in for the ride. I rode over to Mission Marsh mostly to see how I could handle the bridges and I was able to go up fast while standing on the way there and even topped both from the saddle on the way home. I can't explain what it is but I can't get enough of the new/old girl. I think maybe when you have 24 gears to play with the ride is whatever you want it to be, fast or slow, relaxed or punishing. With the singlespeed the ride is what it is, if its windy you'll be slow, downhill a bit faster. The conditions determine how hard you have to work to get there, the bike never changes. Anyway I love it.

Riding Singlespeed

I've done a lot of web reading on the joys and pitfalls of getting rid of the gears and riding a singlespeed. I have to admit I love it. It is really a different experience. Not having to shift (or not being able to) really gets the mind back on just pedalling. The bike is 18 years old and I was looking forward to every ride today, like having a new bike again. I'm going to try and put a link or 2 in the chain and move to the bigger (harder) crank gear and see how that goes, sometimes I feel pretty silly pumping like mad and not going very fast. I want to have to stand to get her moving and be able to get up some more speed and achieve the better workout. I still remember the black single I had as a kid with "Ron's Taxi' painted on the chainguard, I used to be great at double riding my buddies.
There are a lot of little sayings regarding singlespeeds thrown around the web on blogs and forums, but I like mine best, simplicity is bliss.

CeCelia M. Hits the Road

Man was it cooool this morning, -3. I wore a head band for the first time and it helped keep the ears warm but made my helmet awfully tight. I guess a toque is next, stick to the sidewalks and go slow at least in the dark. I ran B'Ridge over to Petries at lunch to talk over the fixup on CeCelia M. We decided to go with a singlespeed freewheel rather than a coaster brake as that is pretty restrictive. Farzum said he could have her ready at the end of the day he just needed a tire, so I zipped home slung it over my shoulder, grabbed a banana and headed back for the drop off and then to work. I rode back at 5 in a steady rain and swapped bikes, B'Ridge needs adjusting again. The cables stretch and the gears start burping and farting, not good when you stand up to get some speed. I rode CeCelia M. home and I'm not sure I like the gearing as its pretty easy to pump and can't go very fast, I can still add a link or two and move up one on the front, we'll see in a day or two. A set of grips and bar ends and she was ready to go so B'Ridge can stay out of the rain and I have something I'm not worried about locking up and leaving for a bit. Switched over the lights and she's ready for the rest of the week as AJ is heading south for the Van Halen concert in the Monte, lucky s.o.b.

Monday Morning Weigh-In X-73

Now I really can't figure out this dieting thing. My mileage for the week was the lowest since I started tracking it at 46 and I ran only 3 miles. I must have managed not to eat much during the wonderful week of rain. The old CCM (CeCelia M.) is in getting a singlespeed rear wheel so B'Ridge can stay out of the rain and for the rest of the year my ride to work will be a better workout. I got all of the shifters stripped off but it's cheaper to have Farzum throw on the wheel, too many things to adapt and order. I'll sweat it out pushing it to work and probably gain 5 pounds!

Monday Morning Weigh-In X-70

Now that's the way to start off the week. I took my a run at 6:45 and when I got back stepped on the bubbameter and was surprised. I ran 4 miles this week and biked 68.5 despite the lousy weather earlier. Still feeling great and I'm really used to the way I'm eating so it's getting easier.

Making Up for a Bad Week

I took to the roads on Sunday as all Northwood teams are drafted, the season is scheduled and this would probably be my last free day where I can take a long ride for a while. I headed north on Memorial and then up High to River, swung back south as it turns into Junot and finally Edward. I made a turn onto James and pushed out to Chippewa Park. It was pretty cool in shorts and riding in the shade was almost cold. I put in about 24 miles to boost my weekly mileage back to just over 65. Soon enough I'll be working on a new bike project instead or riding. I'm going to turn the old CCM into a singlespeed commuter so B'Ridge can stay out of the rain and get the damn ugly lights off her. If the CCM gets stolen I might be out a few bucks. Singlespeeds are getting more and more popular as they give a better workout (no gears/shifters to make pedalling easier) and much less maintenance. Some guys even go for fixed gear (no coasting) like they use in the Olympic track events but I think that would be a great way to become roadkill around Tbay. So far I have the front shifter removed but the crank won't come off so I'll be looking for a puller of some sort to aid in dismantling. I'll put some pictures up as things progress.

New Idea Coming Along

My idea for a new career or at least a backup is coming along. 'They Don't Byte' is the name I've settled on. I started helping out my neighbours and really enjoyed it. Something as simple as installing a printer can mystify people and scare them off. I have lots of free software for everything from word processors to registry cleaners and optimizers so I can go in and either set up or clean up a system. Business cards are designed and now its time to start getting them out and hopefully word of mouth will get things off the ground. Once hockey season is off the ground I may even run an ad in the paper and test the waters a bit.

Monday Morning Weigh-In X-66

Another week another pound, kinda boring. 74 miles pedalling this week and 6 running. Got in 45 minute free skate on Saturday and my legs still felt like jello even with all the riding. The good thing is I can run a mile or skate that long and not get winded.

Monday Morning Weigh-In X-65

It's only a pound but progress none the less. I rode 76+ miles last week including 12 on the e-bike (yuch!) I really want to see -70 by the end of October so I might just have to start running or spending more time on the ice instead of just at the rink as the chances to ride are getting fewer and fewer.

Order One For Me

Monday Morning Weigh In X-64

I finally got off that -62 plateau. 65 miles with B'Ridge this week and a new recorded top speed of 53.4kph on the bridge to Mission Marsh. I made a run there on Sunday and it was another perfect day. The deer were all over including a large buck with an impressive set of antlers. Nothing like a clear, windy fall day with the leaves crunching under the tires and the geese honking overhead and that smell of fall in the air. Even after two hours on skates I wanted to keep riding.
I've had B'Ridge just over a month now and logged 193 miles.

Taking Advantage of a Great Day

After work I rode over to Staples to make some copies for the rink, then back to work to organize everything and off to the PA Arena for 2pm. After 3 hours of scouting out the kids things started to fall into place as the extra goalie we had decided against playing in net and the extra skater decided to pack it in until he gets a bit older. Only one coach to start the day but the others dragged their butts in eventually.
I jumped on B'Ridge at 5:20 and headed home. I noticed the wind had died down and the sun was still warm so I quickly changed and headed north, through the college and up to the university. I tried a bit of off road riding and had some fun along the river at LU. I wound my way through PA and ended up climbing the hill to the bluffs. There are some trails up there but the sun was getting low and the ground was really wet and muddy.
I zipped down the hill and into Boulevard and tried a few trails behind the LPH. I came across a couple who could not find their pair of 8 year old girls and tried to help but they must have found them. I headed for home and arrived at about 7:45. I put in 30 km and really enjoyed the evening and especially the sprint home.

Monday Morning Weigh-In X-62

Two weeks off and nothing gained, bonus! I logged more than 70 miles this week and about 85% of them in just two days. This is the first time my legs have felt a bit sore the day after all summer. After being gone 2 weeks I hoped work would have changed somehow, no luck there. While off I had an idea to start helping people new to computers with finding and using some of the free software I've come across, maybe on a paid basis. I've thrown a few names around in my head but nothing has really hit me as THE One. PC Coach, Computer Tutor...these have probably been done a hundred times. It will come to me eventually but names aside I think the idea might just be a good one.

Long Rides, Back on Track

After a week of cool wet weather combined with being away I decided to put in some long rides to try and get my weekly mileage back on track. Saturday I left at about 4:30 and headed west on Oliver Road planning to reverse one of my earlier routes. I got to Mapleward Road and kept on going to Twin City Crossroads and then south to Rosslyn Road. Turning back to the west with the wind finally at my back and kept a nice pace of about 24kph all the way to town. A total of 42km in about 2 1/2 hours.
Sunday I headed over to Boulevard and rode in the Terry Fox. The event is definitely a great cause but not meant for bikes. It's just "go" and the mass of walkers, joggers, runners, bladers and the occasional biker head off on the trail for the dam which bottles everybody up. The first lap was slow and I spent most of my time in the grass avoiding the crowd. It's too bad they can't have everybody on the trail going in the same direction as many pedestrians not in the event made a congested trail that much more confusing as they wandered about against the flow. I managed 7 laps in a 2 hour ride and then headed for Delaney arena to make sure the roof hadn't fallen in. For the day another 51 km. The cyclometer is a blessing.

The Ugly American

After another visit to Duluth I'm really sort of of po'd by the attitude there. Canadians are not 100% responsible for the things that they have there but you have to admit that the millions we have spent there over the last 25 years or so must have been a major source of the funds required to build the infrastructure upgrades, the waterfront, the malls etc. Go ahead and whip out your colourful (yes I spelt it right on purpose) Canuck cash and see what kind of reaction you get. You might as well rob the kid's Monopoly game and try to go on a shopping spree with that.
Not only do they not accept it, when you ask they turn their noses up about it. I'd love to see the merchants in Thunder Bay tell the few Yanks that will come here now that their not so mighty greenback is teetering, "sorry we can't take that". At least we would be polite about it. Too bad our economy won't allow us to be picky about the cash we get.
Note: the bank in Miller Mall charged 10% to exchange, you get a better rate at Ryden's

Which Would Be Worse

Which would be worse, trying to climb this or trying to descend?
Stelvio Pass Road
Height - 2757 meters
Location - in the Italian Alps, near Bormio and Sulden, 75 km from Bolzano, close to Swiss border. (The road connects the Valtellina with the upper Adige valley and Merano)
Claim to fame - "the highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps, and the second highest in the Alps, after the Col de l'Iseran (2770 m)"

Monday Morning Weigh-In X-62

Well I held with only 50 miles on the bike this week but for vacation I guess that will do. I finally found an inexpensive cyclometer so keeping track of kms should be much easier. I did a 10km ride Monday out at the Feller's but the weather has been a bit lousy. I got B'Ridge up to 50.7km/hour on one of the hills on 591 and she is very stable even when flying. The season is winding down and soon I'll be riding the e-bike in front of the tv which I'm not really looking forward to. Mom had some great rice crackers last time out and I picked up a couple of packs, only 80 cal in 10 and they are really crunchy so I love 'em.

Tuesday Afternoon on Mountain Road

The best day weather-wise in our first week off was Tuesday the 4th. With the fun and excitement of another hockey registration looming I decided B'Ridge needed to get out. I headed over to Petrie's to see if our cards were ready and then headed West on Victoria Ave. I thought of heading through Northwood and up to LU but turned south on Mountdale and crossed the tracks and into Westfort, over the James St. bridge and out Chippewa Road to Mountain Road. I took the 15th Side Road back to 61 and then the Chippewa exit and back to Gore St. and Kingsway. Approximately 2 and a half hours and 18 miles. I can't wait to get a cyclometer to track all this.

A Little Off the Road

As the first week of our holiday slipped by we made a quick trip to Flatland Harbour to visit the folks and took Brandyn with us. I took B'Ridge in the back of the truck just in case the weather was dry enough for a ride, and after a great lunch and 3 full hours without rain! I headed out. I had mapped out a plan the night before and was hoping to ride for 3 hours or so. I headed back up Margaret St. and then took the Sturgeon Bay Road which meant an immediate climb and then the longest and steepest decent I've made all year. Both of the hills that had me walking on my ride out earlier in August were on the menu today but first I got to go down them. The climb out was much worse than either of them, especially around Mink Mountain. That one seemed to go on forever. I would crest a portion and another would appear. After realizing that Marin put a 'granny' gear on for just this reason I got my second wind and was good for the rest of the ride.
I made the 10.6km back to Walker Road (generously named) and headed south. After a km or so the gravel road narrowed, and then narrowed again and again until I found myself negotiating two rock filled ruts through the bush. My only fear was hitting a sharp rock with 60 lbs. in the tires, my weight on the frame and picking up a flat 5km from nowhere. I finally turned back to face the waiting hills after a fallen birch blocked the trail. B'Ridge and I climbed the hills and arrived back after about 2hrs and 45 min.

Monday Morning Weigh-In X-62

A good week except for a lack of biking as B'Ridge went in for a scheduled tuneup and I had to spend 2 evenings at LMHA registrations. I got in 47 miles this week. Hopefully our vacation will allow enough riding to hold off the pounds of being ...on vacation.

Never Say Never

I bought something I never thought I'd wear today, lycra biking shorts. They feel very strange until your butt hits the saddle. I was looking at more comfortable saddles and Farzum suggested trying shorts first. So I bit the bullet and tried on a couple pair, man did they feel weird! I know what a sausage feels like from the inside. Once the butt gets on the bike everything that feels weird is secondary as the padding makes things much more comfy and keeps you in one place. I took a ride to Boulevard Lake and met Sal for a lap around the lake and then rode home. Felt pretty good, sort of like wearing a glove when you golf, it just seems to feel right.

Monday Morning Weigh-In X-57

Back on the cheerios and dried fruit with pepper. I want to get to 60 this week so its time to go back to a bit stricter input. Its going to be tough with two weeks of vacation so I better go hardcore this week. I rode 77+ miles last week and loved every minute. B'Ridge is doing her part to get me there.

Silver Harbour

After taking off my apnea mask at 4am I got up at 6:30 and had a few peaches and juice and then loaded up B'Ridge. The rack I got in Duluth works far better with her frame than it did with the CTC tank. I drove over to the corner of Arundel and Hodder and headed east on Lake Shore Drive. I thought I was over dressed but it was pretty cool for the first half hour or so. I stopped at Silver Harbour Conservation Area, about 11 miles from the car. I took some pictures, had some water and a vector bar, called Sal and then headed back. The return was a bit of a climb but I was warmed up and felt really good as the miles slipped by. Lakeshore has a fairly wide shoulder and little traffic early in the morning. I was very tired all afternoon but I'm sure that was because I took off the mask too early.
Details: start 7:30/Silver Harbour 8:30/return to start 9:45/total length 21.76 miles

B'Ridge Flies

Sal picked up the new ride for me and then swapped for the ole'CCM at FCD. I rode home and then after answering and sending a ton of emails took a ride over to the East End, checked out the minor playoffs and then headed for Mission Marsh. The baby flat out flies. Once you go through the gears and get into 24th you can ease back and just keep them going around and hold on. I thought the wind had changed on the way back and realized I was going fast enough to create a breeze no matter which way I was going. Where I need the smallest gears going up the bridges with the other tank, B'Ridge goes up easily with no downshifting on the front gears at all. May just have to take another run to camp to really see how fast she really is. WEEEEEEEE!

She's Ready!!

Farso called today and the bike is ready to go. 'She' is a Marin Bolinas Ridge. Marin names their models after trails in Marin County California where mountain biking was born. I checked a few blogs and found this picture of a ride on the Bolinas Ridge Trail which goes into the redwoods. I told Sal I want to take the bike home. No not our home, her home.

Monday Morning Weigh-In X-55

Another surprise. I hadn't checked all week and other than the ride at CTDog I didn't really do anything special. I have a bike being put together at Petrie's. The mechanic that has been there for decades, Farzo is so interesting to talk to. Sal and I spent a half an hour with him yesterday and the bike was no more than 3 minutes of the discussion. I'm riding my 10 year old CCM in the mean time and actually enjoying it. The frame is shorter than I'm used to so it feels like my whole body is over the handlebars but it's a sturdy steel frame and other than lots of wear and tear it is keeping me going.

Conquered the Dog...Eventually

Well it was a bit different than I expected. Not too many of the people entered were of the 'non-serious' crowd. When your bike is one of the only ones with a kickstand and definitely the only one bought at CTC you know it's going to be a long day. I wasn't the oldest rider but in the neighbourhood. I got off to a decent start as our kayaker tagged me and I hopped on. After 4km I could tell I was pushing way too hard and backed off a bit, crossed the bridge to the far side and jumped on the pedals to get up the first hill. After another hill or two (about 7km into the ride) I felt something knocking in the pedals again and thought loose crank, again. But this time the pedal arm actually came right off, the nut was gone and my day was over. I found a nice big rock and pounded it back on a couple of times and then just resigned myself to a long walk back.

I rolled/walked back down the hills and most of the other riders slowed to ask if I was ok and then just smiled when I held up my pedal. I got back to the 5km point and was told someone was bringing me a bike if I wanted to finish. Tom Petrie pulled up with a Gary Fisher on the roof of his wagon. He told me I wasn't getting off that easy, we lowered the seat and away I went. Now I know the difference between a quality bike and the one I was cursing. The GF flew and took me with it. I never touched the front changer as I reclimbed the hills back to the point where I had been earlier and pushed on to the halfway-9km point, turned around and headed back. I just wish I had been able to get a real time and that Wendy's run wasn't cut short. Sorry Wendy.

As a side note: I returned the CTC bike for a full refund and am looking at a real bike. The mechanic at Petrie's is the only one who actually asked me what I weigh and told me he would build a bike with some stronger components where he knows a failure is imminent. Now I just have to get the ok for the extra $450 from Sal.

Monday Morning Weigh-In X-51

I would have thought Sunday would have been good for a few pounds but I guess not.

Made It

A week ago I was was thoroughly disappointed when a 25¢ piece of plastic on my helmet kept me from the ride. This week the bike was in getting fixed and I never got in any extra rides so my confidence was a bit shaky. But after almost 3 hours I was sitting on the side of the Sturgeon Bay Road having some water. The ride seemed to go so fast while on Hwy 61 but the hills on the gravel road were a b*t*h. I ended up walking partway up 2 of them. I was chased by dogs, spooked a horse and rider and somehow my support crew was m.i.a. but all in all it was everything I had hoped. It felt very good to crest the last hill and know that another 100 feet and I was home free. 32.9 miles according to Google Maps.

Monday Morning Weigh-In X-50

I was surprised to hold at x-50 after a week off and not really staying with any set plan. I did get out for tennis twice, golf twice and 2 ten mile rides. My equipment failure for the camp ride was a big disappointment but it will just have to wait for next weekend. I even got Sal out on her new bike (in May). We went down Hardistry to the waterfront off Syndicate, across to Vickers Park and then home. Getting up this morning it sure feels like summer is over. It was dark and cool. We had a great time with Mike, Mel, Ralph and Susan last night. Brandyn was kicking butt at Wii bowling.

Training Rides

After not touching the bike for 3 days I jumped on Thursday night and made a trip over to the Mission Marsh, about 9 miles return. It was pretty windy especially on the new bridge to the island. I saw one deer who scared the heck out of me, I was riding into the wind with my head down just watching the shoulder and when I looked up, there she was!
Friday I had Sal drop me off at the tree farm on the 25th Side Road. I gave the trails there a try but grasshoppers were everywhere, bouncing off my spokes, my legs and arms. I made the trip back to town down Rosslyn Road and in through Westfort, about 10 miles. One more short ride tomorrow and I hope I'll be ready for the big ride on Sunday.

New Ride

This is a freeware plane designed for FSX. It is a WWII vintage Douglas A26 Invader which was a light twin engine bomber. For FS Ecomony it is a great choice as its fast, can handle up to 8 pax and is fairly easy to fly. Other than having no navigation systems it is great for making some quick $$$. I picked this model up in the Bahamas and am working my way back to the mountains. I'm currently in Miami.

Ginko's Stuff

Another Finally...Monday Morning Weigh-In X-50

Despite being couped up in the press box behind home plate at Charry Park for 3 days with nothing but burgers and sausages tempting me, I made it this week. With the 24 days left to my 50th I'm shooting for another 10. I have the 'ride' to camp and Conquer the Dog in there so I'll have to stay on the bike a fair bit. Thanks for all the support, it really helps. It does not feel like a diet any more, as Nina said I'm just eating healthier.

Finally...11 Days Off

Vacation, gotta love the sound of that word. Working the baseball tournament will be a bit of a slow start but the rest of the time is mine. Biking, tennis, golf, a day away...who knows. The only real planned event is the ride to camp.

Monday Morning Weigh-In X-47

Nope not yet. Even with riding every day to work and the 20 miles on Sunday I haven't hit it yet. With 31 days to go on the calendar I still have a few to lose. I've been a bit less strict over the last week so this week I'm going to get back to hard core just to get over the hump. With Mike and AJ getting back to town and 11 days of vacation on the horizon the next couple of weeks should be fun. Hopefully we can get out golfing and to the tennis courts a few times.

FS Economy

I've used this program before but have now got the knack. It's a set of tasks for flite Sim that pays virtual$. You pick an airport, look for assignments, rent the plane of choice, fill 'er up and then try and deliver the goods or passengers to the required destination. The program tracks gross weight, fuel mileage and costs like landing fees, maintenance and weather factors. Once you land safely you are given your salary less the costs. With the cash made you can buy or rent planes and build a fleet. It gives flying around some purpose and tests your navigation skills as not every plane is loaded with GPS etc. I've been using a Cessna 172 that has AP but navigation is mostly VFR or by looking at the ground and comparing to a chart or map. This is a Google map of recent flights in and around BC/Washington.

Test Run Completed

I mapped out a 20 mile route which is about the distance to Sturgeon Bay Road, using Google Map's new distance measuring feature, I left at 7:20am and headed south through Westfort and then west out Rosslyn Road to the 20th Sideroad. I had planned to stop and have a drink every 5 miles but totally missed the first stop and ended up stopping at Holy Cross School for a drink. At first it felt like I was riding in quick sand and I kept looking for a low tire but things picked up after I turned on some music and let Zeppelin provide a beat to pedal to.
I never realized that Mapleward Road had so many hills, the climb was definitley the toughest section. Once I got to Oliver Road I called Sal, had a drink and an energy bar and then headed back east on Oliver road. I broke the rule I had set and upshifted into the highest gear range for more speed and thought I was cruising along quite nicely until some 30 year old passed me like I was sitting with the kickstand down. I arrived home at 9:50am with a sore butt but feeling great. The trip to camp is a definite go, I just have to pick a date.
Follow this link for a look at the route on Google maps.

Monday Morning Weigh-In X-46

This wasn't a great week weight wise but something to look forward to for the future. I managed to lose 2 even with 3 nights out to eat and a breakfast. Once I get where I want to be I may be able to stay there and eat somewhat normally, though what I'm eating now feels pretty comfortable. My Sunday bike ride went from Centennial Park through the trail to Trowbridge, down Hodder Ave. (weeee) around Boulevard Lake and back into Centennial. My trips back and forth to work seem like about 5 minutes now and my legs don't feel the ride unless I push it for a light or going up some of the hills around Boulevard. Next weekend I'm heading to the trails on the tree farm on the 25th side road. My goal is to ride to camp on my week off but I'll need a support crew if anyone is interested. I can't wait to hot the ice this winter for practices.
38 days to go til I hit 50 and 4 pounds left. Maybe this week...

Morning Morning Weigh-In X-44. For some reason the titles are not working here right now. I had to get off and on the beefometer 3 times to make sure but it didn't change. I guess that means I have to up my goal for August 23rd to X-60. The continual munching on carrots and grapes must be doing the trick.

Input

• Bagel
• juice
• grapes
• banana
• 4x500ml water
• chicken and pasta
• cereal snack

Output

• 2 bike rides to work

48 To Go

Output

• 2 pieces of toast
• juice
• carrots
• banana
• veggies and rice
• grapes
• 6x500ml water

Input

• 1 bike ride to work

49 to Go

Input

• 2 pieces of toast
• juice
• carrots
• banana
• ribs and baked fries
• 4x500ml water

Output

• 1 bike ride to work
• lawn work with my assistant

50 Days to 50

Input

• nectarine
• juice
• banana
• carrots
• 6x500ml water
• salad

Output

• 2 bike rides to work
• bike ride to city hall

The Most Amazing Software Idea...Ever?

This is actually two projects being merged together, and both are too difficult to explain without actually seeing what they can do. Follow the link to the TED talk on Seadragon and Photosynth.
I can't wait until this is available.

Monday Morning Weigh-In X-37

I guess I better get back on the blogging habit. This week showed great progress late Saturday and then almost none by Monday. I admit I took Sal for a small Merla Mae cone but I thought a round trip on the bike to Boulevard would pay that back in spades, apparently not. If I can somehow get to 50 pounds by my 50th birthday I think I'll be pretty satisfied.
I've got 51 days to go.

Tired of Your Desktop...

Check out the Bumptop Desktop

Update

I hope that not getting the daily blog is not a sign of weakening. I have stayed true to the cause this week but have had few chances to get it in here. I took Brandyn to McD's last night and even though it smelled great I didn't chance it. I had a salad and believe me Wendy's has nothing to worry about in that department, it was ok but nothing compared to the salads Wendy's offers. Brandyn ate just about nothing as he was ready for a good nap. I guess I'm on my own from here, thanks for all the support and helpful comments.
Dr. Hartford gave me a clean bill of health after my yearly checkup in May this morning. One extra blood test and wouldn't you know it the lab tech is a hockey mom I don't see eye to eye with. She couldn't find a vein so she asked another to help out. The other one has a son living in the East End with a sister and wonders why Little League won't allow him to play All Stars. Maybe try the jugular, that's where you really want to go isn't it girls?
I took off today so I could get some things done. Walked over to the Spence Clinic for my appointment then started to clear the clutter from the house. I'm going to have a yard sale in the morning and then cart away anything that doesn't sell to the dump. Having Brandyn here has got the backyard nicely tuned up, I want him to have somewhere to play. He really likes the green sandbox and helping with things outside.

Monday Morning Weigh In X-36

I guess you were right, eating more at lunch keeps the metabolism going. I tried it this week and it seemed to work. Picked up a new bike on Saturday while searching for parts to fix the old one. Every time I tighten a bolt on her the damn things snaps. The sale price on the new one was just too good to pass up. Has a lot of bells and whistles, indicated gears and full suspension. It sure makes the long rides easier on the big old butt, after I took off the butt floss of a seat that came with it that is.

Day 48

Input

• 2 pieces of toast
• 1 coffee
• 4x500ml water
• fish and salad

Output

• 1 hr. 15min. bike ride
• yardwork

Day 47

Input

• 2 pieces of toast
• juice
• banana
• 4x500ml water
• handfull of goldfish
• fried rice and stirfry from LLCC

Output

• yardwork

Day 46

Input

• cheerios and raisins
• grapefruit juice
• banana
• 1 thinsations
• cheerios, raisins and almonds
• chicken and pasta
• 4x500ml water

Day 45

Input

• cheerios and dried cranberries
• grapefruit juice
• 5x500ml water
• banana
• 1 thinsations
• chicken and pasta

Output

• 45 min. yard work

Mr. Bush Can We Have Our Water Back?

I used to take Bailey for a swim at this location in the East End. The water was right to the shoreline but now the water's edge is about 60' farther out. George it's time to turn off the tap. The other shot is from Marina Park during the latter part of my bike ride.

Day 45

Input

• cheerioes milk and dried cranberries
• grapefruit juice
• 6x500ml water
• banana
• nectarine
• stir fry
• grapes

Output

• bike ride thru East End and to Marina Park

Day 44

Input

• 2 pieces of toast
• grapefruit juice
• banana
• 1pk thinsations
• cherios, almonds and raisins
• soup, rice, crackers and broccoli
• 5x500ml water

Output

• bike ride to/from work

Day 43

Input

• 2 pieces of toasr
• grapefruit juice
• 4x500ml water
• banana
• pork chop, rice and broccoli

Monday Morning Weigh In X-32

A disappointing week considering all the time I spent on the bike. It is getting harder to get Output into my days right now, especially with the rain. Walking home is not an option so I have to stay on the bike as much as possible.

Day 42

Input

• 4 pieces of toast
• 3 cups coffee
• banana
• carrots
• ribs and pasta
• 3x500ml water

Output

• 5km on ex bike

Day 41

Input

• 1 coffee
• banana
• 1 pk thinsations
• cereal snack
• 5x500ml water
• salmon, potatoes and salad

Output

• 45 min. bike ride

Day 40

Input

• 2 pieces of toast
• grapefruit juice
• banana
• 5x500ml water
• cereal snack
• 5 baby carrots
• pot roast, potatoes and buns

Output

• bike ride to/from work
• 3 skids of rotors @work

Day 39

Input

• bagel
• grapefruit juice
• 4x500ml water
• pasta and crustini
• cereal snack

Output

• 45 min. bike ride

Relax, Your Memory Is Fine

Dave was asking me about 'that show in Vegas with the old TBird', the name was on the tip of my tongue but I couldn't get it before I googled Robert B. Parker, the author who wrote the books that the tv show was based on. I remembered the author but not the show. I told Dave it's not the memory that gets bad, it gets full. There are just too many things in there to pull out the info as quickly, like a hard drive that is near full. It can't find the program you want as fast as it did when it was new because there's more to sift through.
So if things are not coming to you as fast as they once did it's not because your memory is getting bad, it's just that you have so much knowledge up there it takes a while to find the piece you want. That's my story and I'm sticking with it.

Day 38

Input

• 2 pieces of toast
• grapefruit juice
• 5x500ml water
• 1 pk thinsations
• fish and salad
• handful of goldfish crackers

Output

• bike ride to/from work

Day 37

Input

• 2 pieces of toast
• grapefruit juice
• 4x500ml water
• 1 pk thinsations
• meat loaf, potatoes and corn
• glass juice

Output

• bike ride to Charry
• 45 min. yard work

Day 36

Input

• 2 pieces of toast
• grapefruit juice
• 4x500ml water
• banana
• meat loaf, potatoes and corn
• 1.5 glasses of juice
• grapes

Output

• bike ride to/from work

Monday Morning Weigh In X-30

Just feels great, riding the bike irl takes less time than walking and is more exercise. Filling in the days where I can't get out on the ex bikes is also helping.

Day 35

Input

• 2 pieces of toast
• 2 sausage links and scrambled eggs
• 1 coffee
• 3x500ml water
• soup and toast
• grapes
• lemonade

Output

• 45 min bike ride
• 30 min walk with the new guy

Just Call Me Bill...

As AJ prepares to leave for Calgary, Jen and Brandyn have moved in. The first day involved getting some of their things moved in and settled. Brandyn slept over Friday night after having supper at camp with Mom and Dad. the ride home zonked him out. Early Saturday morning Sal and I were hugging briefly in the hallway and he came past on his way to the kitchen. He stopped and looked up, then shook his head as if to say "o my God" and carried on. Things are changing pretty quickly for him but so far he seems to be taking everything in stride.

Day 34

Input

• bagel
• juice
• banana
  
• 3x500ml water
• 2 pk thinsations
• cereal snack
• salad & pasta

Output

• bike ride to work/back
• 45 min. yardwork

Day 33

Input

• 2 pieces of toast
• grapefruit juice
• 3x500ml water
• banana
• chicken, potato, asperagus and salad
• 100 cal popcorn
• 1 sm glass flavoured water

Day 32

Input

• bagel
• juice
• 5x500ml water
• granola bar
• bowl of soup, 2buns
• 100 cal of popcorn

Output

• 5km on ex bike

Day 31

Input

• 2 pieces of toast
• juice
• 4x500ml water
• granola bar
• salad and 1 fish fillet
• 2 cups of coffee (to warm up from output)

Output

• bike ride to/from Central Diamond (soaked on the way home)

A New Blog

I've been looking for a new project and after reading through a stack of blogs I decided I would start one with a subject I am familiar with. Check it out here, in my links below or on the RSS feed at the bottom of the page., pretty dry unless you are looking to jump into volunteering or sports.

Only in America

10 Ways to Listen Better

I am confessing to being a horrible listener. Having ears that are about 50% doesn't help, I should be getting tubes again anytime. Hopefully these tips will help.

1. Interrupting the speaker.
2. Not looking at the speaker.
3. Rushing the speaker and making him feel that he’s wasting the listener’s time.
4. Showing interest in something other than the conversation.
5. Getting ahead of the speaker and finishing her thoughts.
6. Not responding to the speaker’s requests.
7. Saying, “Yes, but . . .,” as if the listener has made up his mind.
8. Topping the speaker’s story with “That reminds me. . .” or “That’s nothing, let me tell you about. . .”
9. Forgetting what was talked about previously.
10. Asking too many questions about details.

Day 30

Input

• 2 pieces of toast
• grapefruit juice
• 4x500ml water
• granola bar
• penne and sauce
• grapes

Output

• 1 hr. yardwork
• 5km. on ex bike

Day 29

Input

• 2 pieces of toast
• grapefruit juice
• 4x500ml water
• granola bar
• homemade spaghetti & bun
• grapes

Monday Morning Weigh-In X-21

The meetings this weekend were terrible for this project. I didn't go astray, eating salad and rice while the lunch banquet was going on, toast and eggs instead of sausage, bacon and home fries. But somehow I went up 2 from Friday. This is the first time I've been frustrated.

Day 28

Input

• scrambled eggs and toast
• 1 coffee
• apple juice
• 2x500ml water
• banana
• cereal snack
• soup & toast

Output

• 5km on ex bike
• 30 min. walk

Day 27

Input

• muffin
• 2 cups of coffee
• 6 glasses of water
• salad and rice
• chicken and pasta
• glass of juice
• sm. cereal snack

Day 26

Input

• bagel
• grapefruit juice
• 2x500 ml water
• cereal snack
• banana
• chipotle chicken salad, baked ravioli and toast
• 2 glasses lemonade

Output

• 30 min. yard work
• 30 min bike ride thru east end

Long Weekend of the Wrong Kind

This weekend should prove to be a long one as I have the HNO annual from 8am-5pm on Saturday and the again from 9-12 on Sunday. Follow that up with the LMHA annual on Monday. I have to decide if I want to continue with the secretary's position. Earlier I was thinking I want out but now I'm not sure. I have to make up my mind by Monday and this weekend will probably do it one way or the other.
LMHA appeared to be in turmoil but things have calmed somewhat and if the HNO meeting goes well I may hang in for another year. With Northwood commitments I have enough to do in my spare time but with the CPAP and the diet contributing to higher energy levels I may just take on the position one more time. I enjoy the work, the relationships and the organizing, being the go to guy in some cases where not having AA teams allows me to play Switzerland in the political wars of kids hockey. If nothing else they are an entertaining bunch.
The biggest concern for the other 6 members is losing AA teams due to a lack of kids. I gave the chair 1 idea, loser is the team on the bubble and he developed the idea. I threw in a points system, sort of a pain in the a** award. Points are awarded to an association whenever they bend or break the rules, get behind financially, miss deadlines etc. all divided by the number of teams in the association. The association with the most points is on the bubble if a team is lost. If that one gets voted in I'll be back for sure as I volunteered to administer and report on the whole thing. that would be a challenge.

New Gadget(s)

I have been looking for a good deal on a new phone and found one a few weeks back but just picked it up Monday. The Sony-Ericsson W810i does everything I want, cell phone, mp3 player, 2mpix digital camera, and a few options I didn't evn realize it had. An fm tuner, headphone with a switch for taking incoming calls, voice dialing and 1 gig of memory with a free 4 gigs on the way. Uploading music files is a snap though it takes a bit of time. The camera is not the best but it can take a simple snapshot or video for those times when I don't want to lug around the Olympus. The Dell sees the unit as just another usb mass storage device so I can even transfer files etc. It sure makes the walk home better as my Ipod shuffle has no control over how music is played and the 810i has full playlist views and can shuffle all tunes in memory or just play the album in original order. So far I love it. My new cell number is 472-2042.

Day 25

Input

• bagel
• grapefruit juice
• 4x500ml water
• 1 pk thinsations
• banana
• pasta and lite crustini

Output

• 30 min. walk home

Day 24

Input

• bagel
• grapefruit juice
• 4x500ml water
• 2 bananas
• salad, fish
• cereal snack

Output

• 5km on ex bike

Day 23

Input

• 2 pieces of toast
• orange juice
• 4x500ml water
• 1 pk thinsations
• ribs and wild rice
• banana

Output

• 40 min walk from work
• (bikes are ready to go)

Stanley Cup Prediction

Even though the Sens dropped game 1 I'm still picking them to bring the cup home to Canada. The scheduler and his magic have messed up again. They should have started Saturday. If the Ducks arena wasn't available they should have lost the home advantage.

Day 22

Input

• 2 pieces of toast
• orange juice
• 4x500ml water
• steamed pickerel, mashed potatoes, carrots & rice (Prospector)
• 2 buns, thanks for reminder WK
• 3 cups coffee

Monday Morning Weigh-in X-19

I missed my goal by 1 lb. but all in all I'm happy with the results as I didn't get to walk anywhere enough this week. The 5k session on x bike have made the real thing much more fun. Now if I could just get some air in the tires I can start riding to work when time won't allow walking.

Video Call with M&M

Sal and I just spent 40 minutes or so talking with Mike and Mel over Skype with the web cam on. That is so much better than email or messenging. They are still the same, laughing, fighting and kidding around. Mike took us on a walkaround the apartment. He has missed a few days work with the bad weather but should be back in a day or so. It sounds like AJ will be heading out that way soon, according to Mike he has a job with Jess Hansen at the hospital.

Day 21

Input

• 4 pieces of toast
• 3 cups of coffee
• 4x500ml water
• salmon steak, wild rice & salad with made from scratch maple-mustard dressing (made it all myself and it was hit, used the Angry Trout cookbook, even did the shopping/really enjoyed the process, wild rice is a bit daunting first time tho)

Output

• 30 min. yardwork
• 1 hr. bike/walk with Sid

Lake Mead

I made this flight on the 13th but haven't had time to process the pix. I left Boulder City and headed back over Lake Mead on my way to the Grand Canyon. I switched to an amphibious version of the Beaver.
This was my first flight with SP1 and it has improved performance of the software quite a but. I get better frame rates with higher settings.

Day 20

Input

• 2 pieces of toast
• grapefruit juice
• 3x500ml water
• hot dog (had to support FWA)
• cerreal snack
• 1 pk thinsations
• salad, 2 lite chicken fajita

Output

• 45 min. yard work

New (Old) Favourite

It seems Mike's love of the CSI series got him interested in the Who, especially the 'Who's Next' album. I found it in his old desk drawer today and quickly added it to my dedicated music hard drive. It is one of my favourite albums and even though it is 30+ years old it still rocks (released in '71). "Won't Get Fooled Again" is the song to listen to if you want to know what Pete and the boys are all about. They have gotten back together for (another) reunion but with original members Moon and Entwhistle having past away they'll never be the same. Check out the link for more info.

Day 19

Input

• bran muffin
• grapefruit juice
• banana
• 1 pk thinsations
• 5x500ml water
• pork roast, carrots, steamed rice
• cereal snack
• 2 glass. juice

Output

• 40 min. walk from work
• 30 min. bike ride to Charry

Day 18

Input

• 2 pieces of toast
• grapefruit juice
• 4x500ml water
• banana
• chicken breast and rice

Day 17

Input

• bran muffin
• grapefruit juice
• banana
• 5x500ml water
• 1 pk thinsations
• chicken parm pasta

Output

• 5km on exbike

Day 16

Input

• 2 pieces of toast
• grapefruit juice
• 5x500ml water
• salad, ribs, potatoes
• sm bowl cereal snack

Output

• 30 min walk with Brandyn, Sid and wagon
• 5km on ex bike

Day 15

Input

• 2 pieces of toast
• Viking omelette
• 4 cups of coffee
• 2x500ml water
• salmon chowder
• salmon steak, salad & wild rice

Output

• does browsing count?

Grand Marais

We decided to spend the day in the states so we gassed up the truck and headed south. The weather was less than perfect but we're not into sun tanning so it wasn't a big deterrent. We had brunch at the Blue Water and then browsed the shops, went out to Artists Point, up the highway to the closest wayside rest for some wandering on the beach, a few more shops (including both grocery stores) and then to the Angry Trout for an early supper. We headed for the casino where it took longer to park than Sal took to donate her $5. We arrived home and tried to watch a movie but between baseball phone calls, panicking hockey bingo managers, some family issues and Mike's post of plans to go to Cuba, the movie was only a temporary distraction. I guess it will all sort itself out but what was to be a relaxing day ended up being very nerve racking.

Monday Morning Weigh-In

After 2 weeks I'm now X-13. I feel great not only because I'm seeing results but because I'm feeling a difference in my energy level. I'm doing things instead of thinking about them over a tube of pringles. The blog idea is working because when I am tempted and actually feel like I'm letting you all down. Thanks for the continued support.

Day 14

Input

• 3 pieces of toast
• 2 cups coffee
• cereal snack
• bran muffin
• ribs, salad, potatoes
• 3x500ml water

Output

• 45 minutes yard work
• 5 km on ex bike

Day 13

Input
1 bran muffin
1 coffee
2x500ml water
2 thinsations
1 banana
steak, potato, corn & mushrooms

Day 12

Input

• 2 pieces toast and grapefruit juice
• 1 pk thinsations
• 4x500ml water
• cereal snack
• chipotle chicken salad (BostonPizza)
• french onion soup
• iced tea

Output

• 40 minute walk from Central Auto (bye bye Silver Ghost)
• 20 minute walk from Can Tire (hello Sal's new bike, thanks for the full trunk AJ)

Day 11

Input

• 2 pieces of toast
• grapefruit juice
• 4x500 ml water
• 2 pk thinsations
• 2 chicken breasts & pasta
  
• cereal snack
  

Output

• 45 min walk home from work

Day 10

Input

• 2 pieces of toast
• grapefruit juice
• 4x500 ml water
• banana
• 1 pk thinsations
• strawberries
• the big salald

Output

• 2x 45 min walk to/from work

Hoover Dam

I finally got a half hour to get out of Vegas. Leaving Nellis for the Hoover Dam was just a short hop and after three passes over the dam I touched down in Boulder City. It was good to get up even if I didn't have much time. The SP1 patch for FSX is due out this week. Hopefully the support for duo-cores will tack on some fps.

Day 9

Input

• 2 pieces of toast
• 3x500ml water
• banana
• lite mints
  
• 1 100 cal pk thinsations crackers
• meatloaf/peas/corn/taters
• popcorn
• 2 pickles

Output

• 5 min ride on bike (pedal broke)
• 10 min walk home

toughest day so far

Day 8

Input

• 2 pieces of toast
• small juice
• 4x500ml water
• banana
• meat load with mashed taters, corn and peas

Output

• 30 minute walk to Heather's

A Day With Ginko

Sunday was a busy one for Sal so I decided to visit Mom and Dad at camp. Brandyn tagged along and made the day one to remember. He sat in his seat and Sal gave him a candy and she always has him check how big it is before she lets him bite it up. Of course he asks me before we leave the parking lot "is it small yet".
Once we hit highway 61 I could see he was ready for a nap, so I asked him if he wanted to give me the candy and have a sleep and he did. On arrival he woke up and said somewhat groggily "camp!"
We went to the beach to throw some rocks in ol'Superior, the water is lower than I can ever remember it. We sat around the edge of the lawn and he was inquisitive about everything including some bugs that were no bigger than this . . Great Nanny had some small pebbles in her hand and showed them to him after naming them among other things, Pablo. She told him she was sad because she lost Pablo and he told her, "you no sad, you got me" They took a walk into the bush looking for bunnies, deer and moose and found a crocodile, pink I think he said.
For supper he ate pretty well and really enjoyed the pudding and whipped cream. He left half of it and when Dad and I cleaned up a bit it found the garbage. Of course he decided 30 minutes later to finish his pudding and was upset to find it gone. A piece of tort solved the problem.
Then has asked to go outside and then to see the tractors. Dad offered a ride but he declined until Nelson hopped on and showed him how. He shyly sat in front of Dad for a few laps around the yard.
He stayed on watch for moose and deer all the way back to the restaurant. He really likes Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon. If you know it he was looking all over for the helicopter he thought he heard in the intro but he found Rush's Caress of Steel boring on the way out as he slept through it.
It was a great day and fun to have him by myself and to be able to share with Mom and Dad.

Monday Morning Weigh-in

After one week I'm now X-7. I guess that's pretty good and I'm feeling better already.

Day 7

Input

• 3 pieces of toast & the crust of a 4th (thanks Ginko)
• 3 sm. coffee
• 3x500ml water
• Mom's cannoli
• salad
• toast
• pudding & whipped cream (lite)
• cereal snack

Output

• a day with Ginko but that's too much fun to count

Free Software Update

If Adobe Acrobat Reader slows down your system like it did mine there is a great alternative found in the PC Mag best free software link poster earlier. Acrobat reader 8.0 is great but huge, it constantly attempts to update itself and can be slow. Acrobat Reader weighs in at 157mb. Foxit Reader does everything the average user will ever need and is only 3.5mb, along with being much faster. Give it a try and then unload the heavyweight

Day 6

Input

• 2 pieces of toast with jam
  
• small juice
• 3x500ml water
• taco salad
• baked potato
• cereal snack

Output

• 45 min. yard work

Day 5

Input

• 2 pieces toast with jam
• small juice
• 3x500ml water
• banana
• chicken parm and pasta (thanks Sal)
  
• large juice
• cereal snack

Output

• 45 minute walk home from work

Satellite Pix of Minnesota Fire

Satellite imagery of the fire at Ham Lake in Northern Minnesota from the NASA Earth Observatory, with the smoke we're all smelling blowing in a bee line to Thunder Bay. Click the picture for a bigger look or here to see a full screen image.

Day 4

Input

• 2 pieces toast with jam
• small juice
• 3x500ml water
• banana
• leftover salmon, stuffed shell and chicken
• large juice
• cereal snack

Output

• 45 minute walk home from work

Day 3

Input

• 2 pieces of toast with jam, peanut butter w/o butter is pretty dry
• small glass of juice
• 3x500ml water
• 4 'lite' candies (not my idea)
• salmon filets
• baked fries
• large juice
• cereal snack

Output

• 20 minute bike ride (wobbly legs)

PC Mags List of Best FREE Software

Most of the free software I come across is actually found with 2 resources. PC Magazine will send out email daily that features any new free programs but there is a lot of tech industry news that might not be of interest. A list of the editor's favourites came through today and is quite extensive, click here for a look.
The other source also lists new and useful webpages. Appsource is also a PC Mag site so you may see the same thing more than once, click here for a link.

Third Round Predictions

I did pretty well getting 3 of 4 correct in round 2. For the conference finals I'll take the Ducks over the Wings, if the Ducks can get to Luongo they should have no trouble getting into Hasek's head. Detroit's defence will run out of gas along the way.
In the east I think The Senators are going to surprise everybody and put down the Sabres. The Sabres have not played as well as they did in the regular season and the Sens have gotten better as the playoffs go on.

Day 2

Input

• 2 pieces toast w/peanut butter
• sm. juice
• 3x500ml water
• stuffed shells, crescent roll
• juice
• cereal snack

Output

• 1/2 hour walk around neighbourhood

Wachovia Classic Round 1

A horrible start with a bogie on 1 and an OB on 4 for a +3 after 4 holes. An eagle on 6 and a bird on 7 got me back to even and then 3 more birds over the back 9 for a final 69. Have to hit the fairway a bit more often.

Day 1 X

Input

• small glass of juice
• 2 pieces of toast/hint of jam
• 3x500ml bottle of water
• bowl of grapes
• chicken, corn, stuffing, stuffed shells

Output

• 1/2 hour walk to Charry Park
  

Can I Embarass Myself Into Dieting?

Since I know there are a few people reading this occasionally I'm going to try and embarass myself into losing some weight. Starting Monday the 7th I will be posting what I consume and what I do to try and lose some weight. I'm not going to post my weight but just a big X.
X will be the starting point and hopefully it will soon be X-??lbs..

A New Tour

It seems that the PSGA has folded or something has happened to the fellow that ran the tour. No updates since mid-March. I've joined a new high tech tour that features dynamic scoring and instant updates through their own server. What I wouldn't have given to have a programmer on board back in the SSGA days. My first tournament at KISS tours will start tomorrow at Wagga Wagga, wish me luck.

OUCH!!! X4

AJ went for the removal of 1 wisdom tooth on Monday and ended up having all 4 yanked. For most people this is a lost week. Thanks to the help of Mom and his personal nurse Heather, he was out and about at 5pm the same day. Talk about a high pain threshold.
ps those aren't his teeth

Mechanic for Hire/At Least We Can Sleep

Brandyn was fixin' his bike with a plastic stick yesterday so we decided it was time to get him some tools. Seems Auntie Mel needed his services out in Calgary but he was nowhere to be found so she had to take her car to somebody who charged a small fortune for the work.
We were watching Nanny's favourite game show 'Deal or No Deal' late Saturday night and the contestant's husband was in Falujah Iraq with the US Marines. His mom and dad were in the audience and they linked via satellite so the husband could help play the game. His mom and dad were in tears almost the whole time. It made me think that the worries we have for Mike are nothing in comparison. How could you possibly go to sleep every night with a loved one in harms way? Somehow Calgary and the middle east just don't compare.