Archive for the ‘Random thoughts’ Category

Moments of 2009

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

2009 is coming to a close and so is another iphoto folder. I snapped away over 10,000 pictures this year combined with work. My trusty iphone took over 1200 photos alone! This year has been both good and bad for me. My health is better than it has ever been, my family doing great and my riding is getting stronger. On a down note, work is getting dismal. 2009 has also been a year of many firsts for me as you will see below! I can only hope that the good parts of 2009 continue into 2010 and that things get better around the office.

I pulled some of my favorite shots from 2009 to share with you. These aren’t the best pictures because of their quality, they are simply fun moments that have stuck in my head. Hope you enjoy them as much I as enjoyed living each one. The photos are in no particular order.

Happy 2010!

I haven’t had a surprise birthday party since I was 18! Thanks guys!

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Click below for the rest of the images

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Boobs and Trucks

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009

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The 97 Chevy project is coming along nicely. I have to keep much of the project under wraps because the build will be showcased in the mag. I can share that I finally got all of the cosmetic things fixed and she’s running like a champ now. It amazes me how people let their vehicles go and don’t fix even minor stuff. Here is a list of parts I have fixed or replaced so far.

Drivers inside door handle – was broken
Drivers outside door handle – was broken
Drivers door latch – got stuck all the time
Drivers seat bracket – loose
Drivers side mirror – totally busted replaced with off the shelf part – need to find OEM one from a junkyard
Throttle position sensor – was throwing a check engine light and causing a hard shift

Next up I need to tackle the windshield wipers. They work, but not consistently and the wiper fluid doesn’t work at all. I also need to figure out what is going on with the head lamps. They point straight at the ground and twisting the adjustment knobs doesn’t cure it. So, either the lights are broken or the adjustment knobs are. I will probably just buy new head lamps because the ones on the truck are getting that 10 year old yellow fade. Repairing all of these little things will help the resale of this truck one day and didn’t take much time to do.

I am finding Summit Racing to be one of the best sites for old truck parts. I also ordered a catalog from LMC Truck, probably the best OEM replacement guide books out there.

As you can see in the picture above, the truck received some new tires the other day as well. Toyo Open Country MT’s. They are one of my favorite tires next to the BFGoodrich ATKO. Part of me wants to build a really trick prerunner and part of me wants to keep this truck somewhat mild. I am on the fence but will decide very soon. I found this truck on the net the other day and it’s giving me some ideas.

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On another note, my friend Stacey is trying out for Miss DDecember on KROQ. Go vote for her! Click here

staceydd

Looking ahead…

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009

I can’t wait for summer to be done. It’s been really hot here in sunny ol’ socal over the past 2 months. Like 100+ hot. Too hot. So hot you don’t want to do much of anything during the day let alone ride a bike. I’ve been getting my rides in when I can and doing a good amount of running lately as well. Running is something I always hated but over the past year I have grown to love. I’ll never try and actually compete in a run event though, I do it merely for the exercise. I have done some 5k and 10k events but not as a competition. With September now here I am hoping the cooler temps start arriving as well. There is so much I want to get done this fall/winter with my riding and cooler temps will definitely help!

Let’s see what else is going on…

Sadly, it looks like I am going to miss the next Over The Hump Race. Work has been incredibly sporadic lately and events keep popping up and getting in the way of my bike life. I guess I shouldn’t complain much, I have a job in an economy when people are losing them left and right. I hate missing races and missing good times with my friends. When I get older its my memories that are going to keep me going.

Chris and I will be heading to Interbike in a couple weeks and I can’t wait! I went a few years back and had a blast. Looking forward to hanging out with Jeff and Sonya as well. Had a good time riding with them and the Crank Bros / Troupe Team a few months back. Oh, Chris built a new site for Troupe so be sure to click on their link in the last sentence. On my list of things to see at the show include: Specialized bikes, Niner bikes, Ti bikes, commuter lights, clothing, new custom and carbon goodies, and anything else I point my camera at. Should have a pretty good gallery from the show when we return.

My next official race/event will be the 12 hours of Temecula race at Vail Lake, November 14 9am-9pm. I will be competing in the Solo Clyde class again and hopefully standing on the podium again. Who knows what other events may come up before or after that this year.

Been spending a lot more time training on the road lately which I feel is a good thing. I am starting to become a roadie I think. Got my eye on a new 2010 Specialized Tarmac Pro right now, all sexy in flat black carbon with a combo of SRAM Red and Force groupo. So tasty….. I hope it finds its way in my garage soon. If so, my 2009 Specialized Allez will be for sale. It’s a 56cm Large size in case you know anyone looking!

2010 I am still planning on competing in the Team Big Bear Series which includes some US Cup races as well as a couple of the Warrior’s Society events and most likely the SoCal Endurance races again SOLO as well. Should be a busy year of racing, having fun, training and meeting new friends. Oh ya, currently looking for sponsors who want a TON of publicity through my website, twitter, facebook, at events, me blabbing my mouth all over the place, etc! :)

Well, that’s all for now I am off to Arizona to visit some friends in the morning. Have a good weekend!

Bromont Womens Pro Race Video

Thursday, August 6th, 2009

Female pro mountain bikers, racing, in slow-mo. Nuff said.

Courtesy of CyclingDirt

New SSC Flyer!

Wednesday, July 29th, 2009

So, it looks like Sean dropped in an image of me for his new Surf City Cyclery flyer! This is one of the photos that Jason took of me a few weeks back and came out great. SSC has some amazing deals going on right now that you should check out. Who knows maybe you will see my ugly mug hanging in his shop one day!

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Bikes and Babes

Wednesday, July 29th, 2009

I mean, who can hate an image like this? This was submitted to me by visitor “DavidG”. I couldn’t not share!

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The Flying Scotsman

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

I just finished watching a truly epic tale of Graeme Obree aka The Flying Scotsman. This movie is the true story of Graeme and his bike built from washing machine parts breaking multiple world records. He is one of the pioneers of our sport and is still riding to this day. Rumor has it he is going for the indoor record again this year.

Bicycle Film Festival

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

The Bicycle Film Festival is coming soon. I ran into this neat little clip promoting the event. Check it.