My Take.... Reality, Sports & Mountain Biking

Convergence

2010-04-03T16:17:00.000-07:00

It can be hard living in the Western Megalopolis. High end housing developments have been sprouting up for years. The highways & malls are crowded, you watch TV, read news, blogs, forums getting the impression that nature is being beaten into submission.

Woa Dude... Stop all that watching, go outside and do something!

It is a paradise of hiking and riding trails here in Southern CA. Lands set aside in the San Gabriel's before and after 'The Great Hiking Era' (around 1900) have been augmented repeatedly in our Modern age. Recently Developers and City Planners have set new precedents for open space. The South Coast Wilderness Area in Laguna Beach is 20,000 acres set aside as wild forever. 40,000 acres of the Irvine Ranch have been designated as the first California Natural Landmark. This does not include the Cleveland National Forest (470,000 acres) with over a dozen trail heads here in the OC ! These are just a few examples.

Now there is a plan to join some of these resources together and one key part was executed last month. The City of Irvine opened the Quail Trail from Shady Canyon at the 5 Freeway into Little Sycamore Canyon, Serrano Ridge and the beautiful Nix Nature Center. It can also be used to access the Laguna Wilderness Area and Crystal Cove State Park.

We are outside riding in different open spaces every weekend, usually within 15-20 minutes drive from the house. When you ride 20 miles of trail and see 5 or 6 people its more like what I've felt hiking around Boulder, CO or New Paltz, NY. The fact that you are close to 20 million other humans ends up being the farthest thing from your mind. I recommend taking advantage of the great gifts given to us by Benjamin Wilson, James Irvine, Grover Cleveland, as well as today's Conservators of Nature.

(3) Photos by Roy Wallack :).

OC Parks Wilderness Parks, California Natural landmark, Irvine,
Cleveland National Forest, Hiking Mt Wilson

Where have all the flowers gone ?

2009-02-22T21:18:00.000-08:00

Well here I go not posting for months, whatever things I am not doing, I am riding. Last year and this winter have been the best I can remember on two wheels. We started with Mt Wilson via Chantry, Gabrielino & Rim trail then went back again and again, 3 different ascents measuring about the same 4000' of gain in 6 miles. The decent of Sturtavant twice was a blast but my ill conceived run down the Mt Wilson Trail was a dangerous mess of abandoned sun baked ridge trail and decomposed granite fall lines.

OC Parks opened a sweet single track at Nix on Laguna Canyon rd. We eventually connected it, though overgrown trail, into El Moro down to PCH and back at 16 miles and over 3000' of gain. Whiting reopened in July re born, followed by Santiago and The Luge downhill, revamped and livin large. The ride I had missed the most of the fire closures is also ours again. There is a high meadow above 4000' on Maple Springs, surrounded by pines and laurel that brings me back to the Catskills. We have ridden it 3 times in the sun & snow since Nov. the last time going all the way to Santiago peak 5687'.

The San Juan Trail defines single track with dozens of switchbacks, it commands attention in so many ways. Today the canyon was filled with warm moist air making the lower trail tacky. Turning onto the southern exposure did not bring its normal blast of hot air, the cloud cover persisted so the ride across to the top was literally a cool breeze. 7 miles out, 3500' of gain, then return stopping to soak in the views and some rare Southern California silence.

Almost a year... After the Fire Storm

2008-09-07T22:58:00.000-07:00

Whiting Ranch re opened in July and we have been taking full advantage. There is no doubt that the fire swept through the entire park but there are areas that have been spared. The stream bed along Borrego Trail has retained allot of trees and some brush. But the erosion from higher slopes has filled the stream with sand. More work for sure, stay light on the bike, pac some momentum in your Cammelback, give it middle chain ring speed before you sink in. The top end of Mustard Rd. is now in sight because most of the brush and trees are gone. Now you can see just how much more of this punishing climb you have left to enjoy .

The County has done a great job of making improvements & adding trails along with their repairs ! Most importantly, there is life popping up everywhere. New buds growing out of burnt melted cactus'.... Live Oak's, some in this grove are 100s of years old, with black trunks but green leaves.... Fresh Sage & other native vegetation.

In-Bev cracks open Beer Powers Act...

2008-08-27T14:55:00.000-07:00

US Beer Super Power Coors-Miller, aspires to North American dominance but has been dealt a blow of international proportion by In-Bev. The Belgian conglomerate has made a preemptive strike, adding Anheuser Busch to its arsenal of strategically placed brewing giants. Already blanketing Europe, the Eastern European states and Asia, In-Bev's South American and Canadian operations are now fused geographically by Budweiser. Reports of possible connections to the US Presidential race are unconfirmed but would result in further erosion of the balance of beer powers.

Perhaps the most troubling finding however, is In-Bev's establishment of its 'Antarctica' brand. Belgium was an original signitor of the Antarctic Treaty in Dec 1959. Article -7 grants free access but does not allow branding or proliferation on the Continent. Al Gore is concerned about the melting ice pac, that may be the result of chilling stockpiled suds. Jamaican brand, Red Stripe made an apt description of the tense situation; "Its Total Gridlock Mon."

Our investigation has uncovered evidence that may lead to dangerous confrontations:
Bud has a history of First Strike ability.
Top Secret Coors-Miller video leaked.
Cycling mobility may be a factor:

Independent Delivery Systems:

Beer rocketry science
Secret Plans & Camouflaged ICBM's (intercontinental BEER missiles)

Original Beer Industry Detente post

Olympic.... not just a Pool Size

2008-07-11T18:39:00.000-07:00

The Olympics always spark debate and this year we have hit the Mother Lode. I read an interesting commentary today on Marketplace, the excellent no BS business+ site & radio program. It got me thinking about Sports. In the last 2 weeks I recorded and watched hours of the US Olympic Trials, so I'm primed for Track & Field for sure. Even though I have some strong views on China (see my, 1freetibet.blogspot.com) I'm not really ready for the Pundits telling me how pure, A-Political and non commercial the Games were 2,700 years ago.

The most astute historian has little chance of seeing the Olympics from the perspective of person X, Y or Z living in that time. The fact is, the games do include the realities of the age, in which they occur. The Marketplace Commentary and pointed remarks illustrate this well enough for our age, so what is left ?

The imperfections of our world do not stop during the Olympic Games but they are of no concern to the Athlete that got up at 4 AM to train for years. That person knows its time to Execute and as fans, we see the miracle of their abilities, attempting perfection. The feeling I get watching, sparks a connection to the best in me. The human archetype is uncovered repeatedly during the Olympic Games and it gives us each the stamina to take up the tasks necessary to improve our world.
:).

2008-07-03T19:22:00.000-07:00

BC Bike Race.....

Beyond Comprehension

This traffic sign could be from the BC Bike Race that Roy & Ed are riding. I'm not sure if its: A warning, description of the trails, or just a friendly reminder.

These guys are pretty well hardened trail heads so from reading Ed's Post's , I can tell that Pain is right between Agony and Suffering in the race brochure.

The Links..... Hugging your Chain Ring

2008-07-03T12:46:00.000-07:00

If you are reading this instead of riding I can only imagine that; You are dead tired from hammering trails all day; Its 2 AM your battery pac failed so you had to ride home in the dark; or you are still traumatized after being saved from a cougar attack by a rattlesnake in the middle of the most recent Socal forest Fire. However it is, that you arrived here I thought you might like to check out some Mountain Bike Links.

There is now something called GeoLadders where you can watch a GPS log of riders completing trails recording times, posting pics and reviews. This site basically lays down the goods on how you may stack up against other MB mutants in your area. The excitement of Pink passing Blue on Black Star was riveting !

Check it out, the pics appear as you would see them on the trail.

Here is a site with links to OC trails and mines with map links http://www.geocities.com/dash_ripprock/Mojeska_Canyon.html

or just enjoy the Silver Crest double wide mobile estate.

Local Hikes.com has 242 hikes in LA, the 909 & OC, not to mention the rest of the USA

Mountainbikebill.com has Socal trails, even goes international, then pushes ur pulse up w/ helmet cam video.

Low Rider ?

Bacteria Viris, Fungus & Mold.... Oh My

2008-06-20T18:24:00.000-07:00

Remember that kid on your block that ate dirt; 'accidentally' falling into the Mud Pond or slogging through swamps as a kid ? Even though you swore you washed your hands before meals it was a crap shoot. Relax, ancient humans did all of that and worse. It was of course, early preparation for Mountain Biking but there were ancillary benefits. It turns out that your body didn't like that nasty stuff any more than your Mom did, so it learned how to measure and react to the onslaught of germs.

20Th century medicine gave us the impression that clean places are the ultimate answer for our health, Hospital clean. Americans believe that we should Sanitize every chance we get. Spray it, wipe it inoculate it, anything to kill the nasties. Unfortunately we know less than we think we do about germs. One dangerous place people go today is the local hospital. Staff infections, VRSA (Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and a host of other organisms have evolved past our ability to wipe them out. Doctors over per scribe medications then bugs mutate faster than we can react. The Center for Disease Control estimated 94,000 drug resistant infections and about 19,000 deaths (ref -1, -1.1, -1.2) from these super bugs in 2005. From what I've read its going to get worse before it gets better.

Humans have dealt with over a half million years of gunk (ref -2), so that's a good track record. "All Things in Moderation" means that you have a quota for swallowing that glop of mud that just whipped off of your front tire into your mouth. Its even OK to eat fruits and vegetables that don't have the perfect complexion shown on TV. Our immune system was born to learn and repair. Go to the doctor when you're sick, stay healthy by riding. Good diet & exercise are responsible for saving more lives than sanitized wipes ever will. It has been clinically proven that the smile you get from descending The Luge from the Santiago Truck Trail, kicks the crap out of all kinds of stuff that is out to get you.

The next time u see some kid in trouble for getting into a mess, just smile and wink, they will know what you mean :).

All Mountain.... really all of it

2008-03-17T23:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday and this morning we tested four new 5" travel All-Mountain Bikes for Roy's LA Times Fitness Column. They are designed to ride like Cross Country Bikes but have the suspension to take some real abuse. They all exhibit excellent manners and are without question more refined than similar models we tested 3-4 years ago. The frames are mostly super strong trapezoidal cross sections, obviously engineered for high strength to weight. The components were pretty standard throughout: SRAM X-O, Shimano XTR, Avid Juicy. Different versions of the Fox Float RP2 in back on all 4. Trek and Giant use Fox Talas forks, the Specialized a Rockshox Pike 351 and Cannondale a carbon lefty. Suspension settings are all very adjustable and easier than ever to understand how to adjust.

The track was Santiago Oaks, below the Northwest end of the Santa Ana's. We climbed the 'Three Sisters' to what was called Robbers Roost in the 1830s, where outlaws literally waited to swoop down and rob the Butterfield Stage in Santa Ana Canyon. That's when things got interesting, we dropped in, over and through several outcroppings into rutted then winding single track. Oh Yea ! Nothing too deadly but just perfect for using up 5" of travel. Down a steep rock section w/ a couple tricky turns, back into the river bed switched bikes for the next lap.

Giant 'Trance'

Light (26 lb)... not just the weight though, the bike is ready to respond. It ate up 2 & 3 foot drop outs and high speed single track descents. Solid performance climbing and on technical downhill sections. This bike defines the class being tested here. Its a Cross Country rig that can take All Mountain punishment.
Score 9 out of 10.

Specialized 'Pitch'

This bike was the heaviest of the bunch and did have some lower spec components but it handled real well. The frame looks bulletproof. I saw a Discovery Channel piece where they did destructive testing at Specialized. A frame that looked allot like this one, buckled at 7,000 pounds force. It has a shorter cockpit and added fork rake, different tricks to fine tune stability and handling. You can read about the geometry but the ride is solid. If you're concerned about climbing w/ a 31 lb bike, go loose 5 pounds. Score 8.5 out of 10.

Cannondale 'Rize'

If manners are to be judged, this bike is the butler. It climbs like an undernourished mountain goat (24lbs). Suspension movement is subtle but once on the decent, the bike sucks up boulders with agility. Ride like a banshee and carry a carbon Lefty.
Score 9.5 out of 10.

Trek 'Fuel EX'

Trek have added a Floating Link & Active Braking Pivot to the rear suspension they say the result is better handling under braking while turning through the bumps. The cockpit is longer yielding a more aggressive rider position. I'm out of superalitives so... it does what the other 3 bikes do, reeeally well. This is a 27lb bike that seems to be aimed at Endurance racing. Bing ! Direct Hit. Score 9 out of 10.

There is plenty of technical detail in print, on the Mfgr's websites and reviews on line. The price range is from $2,500 to $5,000+ depending on model and options. For that price you should have no problem arranging a full day demo ride to get into the knitting yourself. I would ride at least 2 of them and another model in the lower range if you haven't robbed the Butterfield Stage recently.

le Tour

2008-02-20T22:36:00.000-08:00

The 3rd Amgen Tour of California is underway here, 7 stages 668 miles. Top US and International teams are yielding high levels of competition. Its ironic that a pharmaceutical company may be instrumental in helping scare Cycling straight, closing the door on rampid drug use. Hopefully this race can join Tour de Georgia as established American cycling Icons. The sport needs to break out of its troubled era, bringing more events to the US could be a great way to do this. It has been tried many times of course but International Road Racing here has always taken a beating for one reason or other.

The good news is that Sports Visionary, David Stern is about to add a 3rd division to the NBA. Look for the NBA European Division, to start battling the East and West for some respect. I see the parallel, there is no reason why Cycling and Basketball can't work both sides of the pond.

more... Mountains & Blizzards

2008-01-16T01:21:00.000-08:00

I've changed the lead photo, taking down the "After the Socal Fire Storm" image. I took the new picture from a high angle between storms, in my travels. You might compare it to Front Range from Eastern CO or the High Sierra from Death Valley but its the The San Gabriel & San Bernardino Mt's. My vantage point was about 2,000' up in the Santa Ana Mt's. 5 miles from Anaheim.

I was so pumped watching Green Bay play Seattle in the on & off blizzard Saturday. Of course the Packers were completely at home in the conditions, completing pass after pass. Bret Favre said, "I've been waiting for that for 17 years - it was awesome. It was the most snow I've ever played in." Mike Holmgren must have been kicking himself and Paul Allen was wondering, why can't it just be pouring rain?

Elevation Gains

2008-01-16T00:18:00.000-08:00

"Come into the Mountains Dear Friend" Susan Politz Schultz

When we were kids we covered plenty of ground. Our adventures took place in the woods, from The Old Hotel to some shale outcroppings, just far enough from our neighborhood to make them even more exciting. The deal was sealed for me, standing on top of Gore Mt. looking out into the Adirondack's for the first time. It sent a chill up my spine that I still get 35 years later.

Winters we skied blue ice in the Catskill Mountains. Summer and driving set us loose on in the Catskill Forest. Shokan, Minnewaska, Mohonk, Monguap, Forestburgh, Neversink... Upstate NY is a mountain paradise. Sharon & I lived just below the Shawangunk's where the Basher Kill flows into the Neversink River. Lush woods and cold water.

My closest friends took things a big step further
and moved to Boulder in '77.

Called up to the Majors.

"The Rocky Mountains is the marrow of the world."
Stefan Gierasch shouted out loud in Jeremiah Johnson.

I read about mountain destinations and climbing, I've even been lucky enough to spend time in the Rockies, summer and winter. For 15 years now, our home has been in Southern California. This area is portrayed as a poster child of Inconvenient Truths with good reason. The truth is that in 20 min I can be at multiple trail-heads in two different National Forests staring at exhausting rides. There are 74 peaks between 5,000' and 10,000' in the San Gabriel Mountains. The Santa Ana's and coastal canyons don't rely on numbers, they just amaze and wear you down by the end of the day.

Wayne Dyer had it right in his; Gifts from Eykis...
"Wherever I go, there I am."

Link to Mt Autubon map courtesy Google Maps

Open letter to my Brother in Law.... NY Knicks

2007-11-21T18:35:00.000-08:00

George:

I chatted with Marie last week but as I read and watch what is happening in New York, I realize that you have needs too. It is all too easy for me to sit here 3,000 miles away shaking my head in disbelief following the Knicks. The details of the trial, Marbury's free pass out of Phoenix, the startling result of Isaiah's new contract. You however have lived through each agonizing year, through every detail. Allot of that pain is back there in repressed memory eating away at your very positive sporting nature. Don't expect James Dolan to pony up for any therapy sessions, its all on you my friend.

The energy it must take for you, to just open the paper every morning. George, people around the country can't conceive that in New York no one can ignore the Knicks, or stop being a fan. Just like when the Mets, Jets & Giants stunk up professional sports, each fan must accept the guilt and take responsibility. We both know you have no choice in the matter.

I confess that I have written dozens of comments & posts on how Mitch Kupczyk, Kobe Bryant or Jerry Buss complicate my life as a fan. If I add up all of my sports frustration: The Lakers; Having NO Professional Football here; Being forced to say 'The Los Angeles Angles of Anaheim' instead of, The Angles; Even from Beckham blowing out his Knee for England during an international friendly at Wembly, so Galaxy would have no playoff chance...... All of it, is just a walk in the park. My heart goes out to you. Compared to your sports reality, I'm out on a Steve Perillo, Hawaiian Holiday Cruise.

Oh, I guess you have some snow for the Parade tomorrow, Enjoy.

John

Got Bicycle ? I bet you do, somewhere.

2007-11-12T12:42:00.000-08:00

We rode Black Star Canyon here in Orange County CA Sunday. Its one part of the Santa Ana Mountains that did not burn last month. Just a few miles away from the evil Riverside Freeway but the view & feeling at the top, are worlds apart.

Cycling is at a peak of popularity in the US. Lance Armstrong certainly educated & inspired people to get involved. Mountain Biking just keeps building on it's base set down in the '70s by Joe Breeze, Gary Fisher & Tom Ritchey.

Fitness trainers recommend finding an activity that you enjoy doing. Riding a bike is a low impact aerobic workout that builds leg & upper body strength and its FUN. Cycling puts you in our natural environment where humans belong and of course, you never forget how to do it. Its an inclusive sport with as many variations as there are people to think them up. Competitive racing is brutal in every class and age group. We may all fantasize qualifying for a National Championship but like other sports, a tiny percentage rise to the top. Don't let that fool you, because bike riding is also more laid back than ever on the Trails, Mountains, Back Roads, in Empty Lots, Fund raisers, Touring.... everywhere.

If you want to start riding, find a friend or a group locally, do some reading to get a feel for the gear and what interests you. You probably have a bike in the garage already that with a tune up, will be fine to start on. I rode a $100 Huffy (36 lbs, w/ a kickstand) to the top of the San Juan Trail in 1999. This raised eyebrows but no one broke out laughing at the top of the 3,500 ' climb. Go out and get your feet wet. Depending on your physical condition you may want to have a stress test. Build a fitness base gradually, it will pay off later when you avoid some injuries related to a more macho approach. Pick up a training guide learn some technical work outs and how your body processes oxygen H2O and nutrients. Come up with a strategy that works for you with realistic goals, then make adjustments. A healthier lifestyle is likely to develop right along with all of this.

Don't be intimidated by the elitist equipment quagmire. Visit some local bike shops (LBS) when they are less crowded. There are no dumb questions, but ask the intelligent ones too. Most creidable LBS people are there because they love doing it (not for the big bucks). When you feel comfortable somewhere, that's a good thing. Shops usually have weekly rides to check out.

Before you know it you will be riding like you are 12 again.
On an adventure of your own making.

Riding After the So Cal Fire Storm

2007-11-06T23:42:00.000-08:00

Sunday we rode the Santiago Truck Trail, a week after the Fire Storm. We've seen some fire damage in the Santa Ana Mountains over the years. Nothing compares to this. The good news is that, because there is little development from east of Santiago Canyon Road all the way to Riverside County, relatively few people were in danger here. These fires are natural events. Some are set but the 70 mph desert winds plus dry vegetation will eventually burn naturally, it cannot be stopped during those conditions. For the areas where development is allowed in the canyons, results have been devastating. There are no easy answers for high population areas but to be sure, without the fire crews, many more people would be homeless or worse. Their knowledge, skills and dedication keep us safe in the worst conditions.

In Orange County we are fortunate to have the Cleveland National Forest and other areas set aside as wild. They buffer us from the dangers of our arid environment. When I moved here from the northeast it took me years to get comfortable with the sparse plant life. Eventually one comes to appreciate every small Live Oak, sage and cactus, as survivors. Now lots of it is gone and damage from erosion will change the landscape even more. New growth will start the process of natural repair. That's the amazing part, a pretty good reason for getting up off the couch to go have a look in the spring.

Sports like hunting, cross country skiing, birding, hiking and mountain biking have their challenges. They put us outdoors in ways that humans have been for the longest part of our time here on earth. Look at Ansel Adams work, read John Muir, Teddy Roosevelt, Robert Frost. The stimulation you feel should be the beginning of something. Experiencing nature first hand is what those people were all about. Don't let some newscaster try to scare the heck out of you repeating the same clips of fire and destruction in our world. Find the accessible areas near you, walk through them, immerse yourself in them. Sports are balance, cunning, reliance, movement, endurance, and more. These things are standard equipment for human beings, they deserve way more than a test drive around the block now and then.

Read about the Santa Ana Mountains:

Vogel and Kuechlin; Mountain Biking Orange County, http://www.mountainbikebill.com/black_star_silverado_loop.htm

Summit Everest.... sure were do I pay ?

2007-11-06T23:32:00.000-08:00

Reinhold Messner wrote, in his book, The Big Walls:

" The Big Walls are the royal discipline in mountaineering terms. They embody all of the things that make climbing what it is... size, scale, difficulty, exposure, remoteness and the reduction of equipment to a minimum."

Centuries before and certainly after Hillary & Norgay broke through on Everest in 1953, climbers countered risk with knowledge, intelligence and foresight. The logistics, route planning, supply, climbing ahead of each camp to set ropes and acclimatize. All of this was done with some or without any help. Each climber literally dedicated their lives to it. Mountain Climbing may have been the first Extreme Sport and it is no less than that today. Every day of the year people are out there, climbing with skills and talent that few can conceive. They practice their sport in silence and desolation on the edge, often times only perfection means survival. Technical prowess is one part of it but respect and leadership foster the ability to make objective, unpopular, life saving decisions.

The south face of Dhaulagiri, east face of Monte Rosa, the Dolomites, Eiger, Denali, Matterhorn and hundreds of others you have never heard of, meet Messners criteria. None of them will ever act as the set of a reality TV show.

Before, during and after the Himalayan climbing season we always read articles chronicling" The Ultimate Mt. Everest climbing triumph". There is a long list of first ascents by every size, shape and persuasion of climber. I absolutely cannot take anything away from any of those people and their achievements. What we need to understand is that climbing Mt. Everest is a free for all today. Base camp has all the amenities of home and more than resembles a season long frat party. Tour companies practically guarantee semi celebrities the summit for the right price ( $100k +/- ). The ladders are in position, the ropes are set in advance, oxygen bottles are warehoused at high camps. Sherpa's do more of the work than ever, including carrying some clients part way on their backs. The 15 people that died there in 1996 and many others since, suffered from lack of discipline, ignorance and bad judgment. Many just had no business being there. The publicity and popularity surrounding this Everest phenomenon doesn't show Chomolungma... Sagarmatha much respect. Neither does the estimated 10 tons of garbage strewn along the South Col.

Sometimes it takes everything you have just to put up a field goal, so lots of teams never go to the Super Bowl. But anyone that pays a scalper a hundred grand to get there, better stay off the field if they don't want to get crushed.

Read about Climbing:
Dick Best; The 7 Summits, John Krakauer; Eiger Dreams,
Anatoli Boukreev; The Climb, David Breashears; High Exposure

Health Headlines made to.... Shock

2007-11-05T22:31:00.000-08:00

Health Headlines are presented as gospel, often leaving people scared and confused. "Toughs' University Study finds that: Worry is Contagious, pass it on." How can the results of a 300 page 20 year scientific study be condensed into two sentences followed by: "News at 11" ? This post may help ease your sense of alarm, when you hear that next Health Sound Bite.

Individual scientific findings are a means to an end.
Science is based on conflict. Theories and conclusions shot down by conflicting results, claims & counter claims. It is contentious and has been very personal for hundreds of years. Hooke hated Newton who retaliated in the Royal Society... Pope Urban VII put away Galileo... Don't even mention Darwin. There is a long arduous path from publishing study results to surviving peer review and all kinds of other criticism. The work isn't even accepted until some brave soul proves it by solving a real problem. The Cholera of 1854 is a good example (ref 1).
100 years of deaths had been accepted as Divine intervention. Microbiology and Social Statistics were in early use associated with whatever theories had been published. Dr John Snow recorded data from death certificates and neighborhood mortality. He then used a microscope, to observe a suspect bug in pump water. He combined Statistics with Microbiology to prove that a contaminated cesspool next to the Broad street water pump (Soho) spawned the deadly outbreak (ref 2). Life in London and World health were improved because science works. Its the gap between Studies and their successful application that sends most of the Sexy Headlines to the discount rack.

Last week's Outrageous Headline : "Death Risk Lower for Overweight People" (ref 3, 3.1)(Read special disclaimer below) Katherine Flegal of the CDC spent the week giving interviews related to her study results, that being overweight did not raise your risk of cardiovascular death.
1st: They live as long because Hospitals Fix most heart patients before they die. It will cost your HMO $200,000 and its no walk in the park for you.
2nd: This same study, reports increased deaths from Kidney disease & Diabetes for the same group of people. You only get that part if you read past the dangerously misleading opening. Forget Headline Health and manipulated statistics. Let the Scientists argue with each other about new findings, its in their nature and its, their job. I'm not so sure how long Ms Flegal will keep hers.

I intended to write about some sports diet information. Calories, BMI, etc but the Perfect Storm of Headlines doesn't come along every day, I couldn't help myself. Why complicate Health with statistics and bore all of you anyway ? (that is to say, all 3 of you). Good Health is more about doing the things that we already know are right. There are more ways than ever, to eat well and stay fit. But we still rationalize that Hi Fat, High Sugar and All Meat diets are only dangerous for, 'those other people'. Look in the mirror Tex, now is the time to change your habits, because Tomorrow Never Comes (ref 4).

Follow the dictates of the Real Health Authority (Mom):
"Don't eat that junk, you'll spoil your dinner"
"Go outside to get some exercise"
"Eat your vegetables"

Do what your mother did for you when you were in 6th grade; Throw yourself outside locking the door behind you, so you have to go ride bikes with your friends.

Special Disclaimer:
a) I absolutely do not make this stuff up !
b) Technically speaking, everyone on the planet has the exact same risk of death. Only the departure date is in question.

References:
ref 1: http://www.ph.ucla.edu/EPI/snow/snowbook.html
ref 2: http://www.comfsm.fm/socscie/histchol.htm
ref 3: http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20071106/death-risk-lower-overweight-people
ref 3.1: http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/298/17/2028
ref 4: Marie Matta; verbally, moderate tone of voice

- Who Toughs' it out at Tufts ?
http://admissions.tufts.edu/?pid=121

Quiet Dynasty

2007-11-05T21:23:00.000-08:00

This is no News Flash but many people may not realize that the Discovery Channel, US Pro Cycling Team is disbanding after 25 years. Sponsors have included: 7-11, Motorola, US Postal & Discovery. In 1981 it was unthinkable that an American team could be competitive in European Cycling, 7-11 proved up to the task. This team has supported wins by Greg LeMond (3), Lance Armstrong (7) and Alberto Contador (1) in the Tour De France. The TDF is the pen-ultimate event in cycling and from '86 to '07 this US Team took 1st place in 11 of 21 years ! To me that compares to The dynasties of Green Bay, Dallas, the Celtics, Lakers, Canadians or the Yankees.

For non cycling fans its important to note that this is a team sport, 9 riders all work together to support & protect their top rider, racing 2000 miles in a month . So yes; LeMond, Armstrong and Contador got to the podium, like running backs diving into the end zone. The blockers however, have the biggest effect on the outcome. Two people really made history during this time; Team Director Johan Bruyneel and Lance Armstrong. They formalized a system of disciplined strategic training and rider selection that raised the bar for the sport.

So why is this coming to and end ? Drugs, plain and simple, not that Discovery has been caught up in a scandal but all teams are in a cloud of suspicion. What US sponsor will pony up millions in a European sport that is riddled with suspensions and controversy ? Cycling has arguably the toughest sanctions in sports but it has just scratched the surface. The 'game' has been drug labs creating substances that the WADA (world anti doping agency) does not or can't yet test for. This may sound familiar to San Francisco Baseball fans. The fact is that you can't legislate morality, in sport, or anywhere else. The athletes rationalizations and denials flow like Niagara Falls but only they can stop the madness.

Why am I Here ?

2007-11-05T17:26:00.000-08:00

I live in one of the most heavily populated areas of the US. The Los Angeles Basin is held up as a poster child for Inconvenient Truths. The truth is that on any given day there are few places on earth with more people recreating outside, experiencing our natural world. We moved here for different reasons but the ease of accessing nature brings a smile to my face over and over.

Mountain Biking paradise is where you find it. I find it between the Cleveland National Forest and the Pacific Ocean. From sea level at Laguna Beach to 5,687 ft in the Santa Ana Mountains. To say that it is my comfort zone would be completely wrong. There is just a little comfort in this sport.

I love Main Stream Sports but gravitate towards the Tributaries, taking a wider view, accepting athletes that don't even get paid. Sports are Inclusive, more about doing than just watching.

If I can improve on my writing and get the word out here, that will be OK.

Right now the Bikes are in the garage.

Audubon

2007-11-04T12:45:00.000-08:00

Old Lead Photo's

2007-11-01T13:23:00.000-07:00

"After the Socal Fire Storm"
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2007-10-31T14:54:00.000-07:00

2007-10-30T22:37:00.000-07:00

Sony Force feeds Customers malware & crapware

2007-08-21T16:45:00.000-07:00

Sony's latest low brow business move is to force Customers to pay up to $150 and load a special program to remove the "Trial Software" on its new notebooks (Click title above to read story). You may remember last years fiasco where Sony BGM CDs planted a viris they claimed was DRM software on the computers of human beings. Nasty !

My Take....

Sony have turned up the noise level on consumers once again. Force feeding us malware from their CDs, now mandatory trial crapware. Its like Big Brother feeding the masses Soylent Green. And who are these idiot software companies paying Sony to PO their potential Customers ?

Synergies of music, communication & computing make me happy every day :). But we all know the hours of frustration when we get stomped on by bad business. Forget Sony's sad tale of low profit margin realities. Steve Jobs wasn't the first one to prove that making your Customer Extremely Happy, is the cause of sky high profit margins. Panasonic & Sony built an industry on the concept. That was obviously a long time ago for Sony.

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2007-08-20T10:15:00.000-07:00

Go Home

2007-08-19T19:53:00.000-07:00

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2007-08-19T17:20:00.000-07:00

Dutch Hybrid plagued w/ development troubles

2007-08-19T17:19:00.000-07:00

Loveland CO delivery strategy ?

2007-08-19T15:26:00.000-07:00

UC Boulder's Green frat house beer deliveries ?

2007-08-19T15:22:00.000-07:00

German eco friendly Beer Transportation

2007-08-19T15:20:00.000-07:00

Beer Industry Détente..... Coors pressures Budweiser into greener global delivery strategies

2007-08-19T15:06:00.000-07:00

The Coors corporate purchase of Molson and now a merger with Miller has resulted in Beer Super Power status. They are starting to put pressure on Budweiser in several areas including environmental responsibility. Al Gore's 'Carbon Front' have identified the fermentation industries as top ten Carbon dioxide polluters. Top brewers are being targeted because of Gore's personal knowledge of significant Methane gas emissions.

Budweiser St Louis, did not comment on specifics but they have a long history of beer delivery development. Coors have fueled UC Boulder's Beer transportation Initiative and are doing the same for other Colorado grass roots groups.

Refer to links for more made up up to date information :). :). :).

Boulder CO ? --------------------------- Budweiser looking back

Loveland CO ? -------------------------- Bud CO2 Blimps ?

German user friendly deliveries ---------- As for the Dutch