Misc photos

 06/09/2024

Have photos of Christmas Tree Lane, Altadena decorated at night.  Recall taking this on a LAW ride

Los Angeles Wheelmen VP Report - June 11, 2024

Sunday: If you listened to the songs, you are well aware that the ride was "La Tuna Melt" and that it rode up Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena. Six riders showed up at the Zoo lot for the start and Phil Whitworth took this shot

That's Edwin Dair, a newcomer named Bryan, Me, David Nakai and Francisco, a rider who formerly rode with us a number of years ago. We were joined on the route by Mark Rubin, a former member who also used to ride with us frequently a number of years ago.

the other big feature of the day: Christmas Tree Lane. David took a short-cut over to the hill and beat the rest of us there, so I brought up the rear, but I was still just happy to have done the climb. Here's a shot David took of Phil finishing the climb

Sunday's Fish Entree

La Tuna Smelt

A pleasant evening to you

On my route, most asked if I was giving up bicycling.  Then told to be careful.  Which my reply, why do you say that, I am careful.  Am I going to ride reckless. Do I try to injure myself.  It's like on a big ride, 'Good Luck'  Luck doesn't have anything to do.  As if you need luck to be successful 

Anywhat, from the VP report, much too much to type.

Before I start, to Russ, recall umami burger.   When came out told wife about this expensive hamburger.  "You don't need to buy something like that"  Don't you like to know what something that expensive taste like. Then she goes into her fit how she skimps and our expenses.  "And you go spending money on that"

Well that chain has fallen on hard times many have closed up.  Closest being in LAX, with a 2 star rating, price and seems the workers feel that their food is too special, you get an attitude also.

With a name like umami thinking it's another Japanese creation, just learned it's one of the 5 flavor tastes of which the other four I'm familiar, you try to describe umami.  No the burger chain was created right here in Los Angeles by non Asian and even put a shop in Tokyo.  That sandwich is umami. Now thinking about it, could be mistaken for 'your mama.

Well find couple miles down the street is place named Umami Express, so thought give it a try.  Then a worker tells me #1 Buffet has reopened, plans to go Sunday. It's closer, switched my mind.  Now to explain when I said no more buffets.  Try dropping poundage.  Sorry dear just got such weak restraint for food.

While subject on food which by the way from my experience for long distance bicycling the number one talked about, just in case comes up on a quiz show.  

This past Sunday my intended food stop was Armenian with a fish dish did not know Brazino.   Come this Sunday's, yes I checked my meal options,  a Latin inspired spot also has that European cod on the docket.  But there's also paella.   Darn, having to make decisions. 

Last time doing this ride ate tuna melt due to the ride's name.  With Jacques who had same.  He'd agree with me, not worth the long wait to get in.

If they be a wait, lots of feeding options in Sou Pasa. Been to that drugstore fountain for a many rootbeer floats.  Gus BBQ.  Hawaiian Canoe House, I can have spam, wonder if one of Flying Circus troupe is from the Islands.  Carrows for a predawn refuel.  Senior Fish.  Monarda  Anne and Mike. Two hey. And oh yeah, the Habit.  If that Umami had a smarter CEO.  All depends on your taste 

If my wife were here, she'd know what hit me from the email.   The song of the week.  Put together by computers.  

Practically an every day rant how technology will be the down fall of the human race.  I watch students mindlessly trudging toward school, their head down at their phone.  Try take it away.  I'll clean my room, paint the house, build an addition but don't take my phone away for an hour.  Even my wife in on the conspiracy having me carry the devil's devise.

I can go on and on, let me leave with a couple things, Die Hard 4 (really, a jet will completely destroy a freeway and Willis who jumps on a truck can leap out as it's crashing on to the wing of jet slide onto freeway slab just before it burst into flames)

With Ivan in mind.

I've been working on a poem
All the evening long
Meantime a computer oh in
Minutes  can come up with a song

Has me wondering just when
Human creativity will be lost
That day machine takes over men
And all humanity is lost

You just don't want to know
The conquest will be slow
You'll have no self control
You'll wake up a slave one fateful morn

Mentality  falls below zero
Zombied like the throes
No resistance, have to go
Oiling squeaking parts be your norm

So complain cause come tomorrow
You'll be craving fentanyl
When robots will farm us all
For our methane from feeding us corn

Someone's in the A I room smiling
Like a doofus who's mind been blown
Someone's been brainwashed trying
To remove his face from his cell phone 

Probably need that program to help me

And of course, patch of the week.

As Rod surmised, took place east of Paso Robles.   The club that put this one time only event based there.  When I was asked to join for my first 508 as a team, the others were members of this club and they gave me a matching team jersey.  I'd wear it Sunday if knew in advance.

As Rod wrote takes place along Bitterwater and the fault line.  The Frank is a local who cooks and did the after ride meals for Central Coast Century.

Back when I was obsessed looking for rides, was before meeting Bernie, my 508 partner.  Took place in small town Shandon.  Though been years, can still visualize.   Parked along side of road, not many participants 

The route fairly flat, deserted, not much to look at ranch land.  Goggle rich in vineyards, does not resonate, but it's over 25 years ago.

After looking at the patch, recall something my teammate wrote of our two person team.  His totem is Basenji which is a dog. And I didn't mind using his animal for our team.  Better than my totem, 'Nematode'.  Yes I gave myself that. It's not about what you call yourself. Well while riding, a coyote was sitting, watching me go by, Too busy at the time to notice but he writes something about kindred spirits

Maybe when I'm retired, maybe retired, take a trip to revisit the central coast which I've enjoyed each time I've ridden.  Hopefully for my wife the dog and I are better behaved.

Was going to post a write up this Sunday ride past, found very lengthy.   Did note everyone on past Sunday except for Julie is in it, in fact over twice as many participants.   Thus bodes well there will be another increase in ridership.

Well in that search found the name of the ride in Fallbrook following the demise Avocado Grande written about.  Existed believe one year, did not attend, the Avenue of Oaks Ride.  Named after the park where ride starts and the road, Live Oak which is having construction that's taking their sweet good old time to repair. Side note, that road is lined with canopy of Quercus agrifolia, California Live Oak, as opposed to dead ones, you will be fine dearly if you were to cut a tree.  They are protected in Fallbrook  FYI in case you plan on taking residency here.  OK, it's illegal in many communities to cut down a live oak.  Probably so in Thousand Oaks, last count they were a couple trees short.

Now I'm thinking if I took that music app, could easily become a rap artist make gazillion, some top artist who can't sing use voice enhancing mechanism.   They lip sync when live.

And I got a name.  All about LA got that popular hamburger stand 'Tommy'.  My artist nomenclature would be Tommy Umami. 

I know you want to eat

That Wagyu meat

To fill those cheeks

It's a sweet treat

That can't be beat

It's a neat feat

You need to complete

And repeat

I'm going to ride like silk

I'm not going to wilt

Add this ride to my quilt

Put it under my belt

The cards I'm dealt

Know how the finishing felt

This poem might have smelt

But I'm fishing tuna melt

Definitely need help

See all at the zoo.

Happy bicycling, David

La Tuna Melt was not fishy or cheesy

or in LA

Good evening all 

La Tuna, La Tuna, it begins with La Tuna

We saw it and had to go up that way

La Tuna, La Tuna, there's only one La Tuna

What we are is what we do and what we say

Today all day I had the feeling a miracle would happen

I know I was right uh huh

For here I am climbing the heights of La Tuna

La Tuna, La Tuna, we're like top banana

This feeling is as warm as the sun's rays

La Tuna, La Tuna, hope I won't be hurting manana

From working hard to get past that freeway

Today the ride was just an address

A place to explore, a quest

It was no cupcake, no Copacabana

We met the challenge and we're all stars, La Tuna

La Tuna, La Tuna, it had to be La Tuna

We did not fry or melt away

La Tuna, La Tuna, it was kind of fun, ha

Hey what better way to spend a day with friends on Sunday

Darn, that restaurant planned was closed.  Nearest next is Monarda of no interest.  Then the train station, so I took it home.  Cooked rice and frozen orange chicken.  Wife be happy I didn't spend a bundle on food.

Should have stayed with the group and enjoyed a meal.

As predicted. An increase in ridership. Rod and I repeats from last.  Phil returned as did Edwin.  Had a new rider who checked out the LAW site, Bryan.  Then there was someone who looked familiar.  Asked me if I remember, couldn't till he started saying and it came to me.  Then he proceed with the story when I rode my bike over him.  Remember exact where, give me some time can name the ride.  New to learning to ride the fixie, following Francisco.  There was a truck parked that has something sticking out which he hits, goes down.  Me not totally experienced on the bike, could not stop (just don't pedal, duh) and go over him.  And I did not go down.  And there was a reprint of a ride awhile ago which he got lost and met us in Sierra Madre for lunch where I left home without my wallet and April paid for my fish and chips.

So that would have given us 1 more rider.  Then on route we pick up another, Mark who coincidently I had mentioned in my rewrite of the Dylan's Like A Rolling Stone which I asked if he remembers and he does.  Says he has not ridden with the club in 7 or 9 years, one or the other which is how long it has been since Francisco rode with us.

My head works in strange ways.  With that song, another comes to mind.  After leaving the park, a woman pointed out something for us, a dead skunk.  No come on, I can't be the only person who remembers the hit song by Loudon Wainwright III.  Got four or five of his album and thought at the time The Man Who Could Not Cry was the funniest song.  Then I find Johnny Cash would sing it.  Well he did sing Nine Inch Nail.

Turns out everyone went long.  As it is the only route that does titled road.  My thinking, it's an easier climb than up Chevy Chase on the medium or Colorado on the short.

Well it's obvious I'm a ways to getting in some sort of shape as all easily pulls away.  Except Francisco, who kept me company.  Tells me he is registered for the Grand Tour.  Also tells me he has not been riding.  Somehow those two sentences don't go together.  So we're on a climb of Glen Oaks, find he's not there.  Go back and along he comes.  Stay behind and see his chain come off.  He's going to need have someone adjust his derailer.  

Now I don't know what the Grand Tour is like since moved to Port Hueneme, out of LA County.  Only once for Kermit, test rode a new century section.  When Francisco asks about the low land, can't say, don't know.  Then he offers to pay for my entry.  First, I work on Saturdays and mainly I'm in no condition.

So I tell him the story of Renee who rode her first century in over 12 hours.  while on the ride she asks if I thought she can do a Double Century.  I'm thinking, what's she thinking but have to be positive, told her if you train enough and if you want it enough.  Then 3 months later, get an e-mail that she finished the Grand Tour.  Of course I didn't believe it asked around, she did it barely under 24 hours.  So it's what I tell Francisco, it's how badly you want it.

I'm daydreaming back to Chris Kostman's 200 K that starts from Hanson Dam to Baldy Village and we had to go up La Tuna, what climb?  So I'm thinking could keep up and gave chase, did not take long I'm gasping and lost leg strength.  Phil was kind enough to chat me up, Rod arrives leaving 

Francisco.  Give me an excuse to wait him. Saw him, slowly started up.  Did not catch me while other riders easily pass.  Stop to catch wind, wait. No sign. Start up, only to stop again. One more stop at the top. Can see below the cool haze, put back on my jacket.  Earlier, he gave Erwin his phone number in case we get separated again.  So he can get in touch if he has trouble.

Roll down the big down, have to pee at the park where the group is waiting.  How nice of them.  So Erwin tries to call Francisco.  Probably best he tells the story.  Something like it's his sister's number and Francisco is dead.  Very strange.  So hopefully he is OK.  And he has a safe and successful Grand Tour.

Well there is no way I'm going to keep up with the group.  Originally was not going to do Christmas Tree Lane.  But something in me tells me I have to.  As I know how to get there, changed my route to take the most direct.  Get a head start, they can pass me on it.

In previous years, would come down this when Christmas decorations were on.  When the streets backed up, me on bike coasting can enjoy a gravity driven look.

Today, shifted into my granny and took my time.  Stopped for couple rest excuse photos.  Expecting them to be coming up behind, make it up, took a seat waiting.

Posted photos of others enjoying the up.  Apology for not getting Rod.  Was going to post a past photo of him do this climb but seems I am only able to post these three.

As the others followed route, I return down the avenue of cedars to lunch in Sou Pasa.  BTW, looked up that Theosophical Society at the top of the climb, an esoteric new religious movement, something called Neoplatonism and deals with occultism and philosophical mumble jumble, I'm thinking Moonies and the Jones, drinking poison and aliens behind asteroids.

Writing of philosophical belief, may not ridden a whole lot but satisfied.  This coming Sunday is the monthly century. A fairly easy one with a great wind aided climb.  Recall doing this with Nancy, took a easy detour passing Phil and Rafal who were waiting.  We got to lunch first.  Then Mario who starts hours late, comes and meets all of us there.  Maybe I'll go look for that write up.

Anywhat,  don't think I'm up for a Century.  Find the PCH Rando has a metric century and it's the easiest ride they have, stays mainly on SGRT out and back, flat as that bike path.  I can do that, whether can finish in time limit.  Oh heck, it won't be the first that I DNF. So that's what I'll be doing.

So everybody have a wonderful week and rides and see all when I do.

Happy bicycling, David

I'm not going to let the machines take over.  I'm going to resist. Soon the club library will be song computer generated replacing Rod's well written description. Can soon see mindless riders with ear buds and GPS simulating they are doing the Grand Tour.

BTW, wife checks my e-mail, thought they were good.  She's been podded.

I'm not going to be outdone.

Do you recall how you felt
Riding all of La Tuna Melt
Sounds kind of fishy
But you're not with the sea
So you won't wilt in fear of the killer kelp 

See there the trees there
Beware hundred year old cedars
They're big and bare their chest
Which ladies store their silk dress
Wish they don't suffer a brutal death like Ceasar

You'd think we'd feast on fish
Chicken of the Sea or Starkist
But like a carrot to a rabbit
We have to hurry to the Habit
Sorry Charlie you're stricken off our lunch list

And what's with Christmas in June
Holiday merchandising can't come too soon
We went up Christmas tree lane
Which would explain
KOST playing 24 hours of Christmas tunes

La Tuna Melt had to be fun
You all should have come along
From  the positive takes
It had to been great
Or there would not have been all these AI songs

Next up is Laguna Canyon Century  

From La Tuna Canyon to Laguna Canyon

La La La  Shangra-La, can you come along

That almost gave me inspiration for a poem.  An Elvis song comes to mind, that's Costello

Mother, father I've gone out for a ride
I can't come home as I've ridden too wide
I've got my route, I've gone quite out
But this is what bicycling is all about

I could be in Huntington where the surfer surf
Or in Seal Beach where headwinds could be a curse
We can follow orders and follow our leader Rod
But I never thought we'd end up in

Laguna
You come to look it over and you're giving it your eyes
Laguna
You may not wish to leave so you better say your goodbyes

BTW, the copied song is 'Goon Squad' from his third LP, Armed Forces.  

06/06/2024

Miguel would bring me lunch.  Expects me to eat all he brought which I would,  This being chicken which he would buy from a meat store as it has to be fresh, with potato ride beans

12/31/2023

Visited the cemetery, leaving a flower arrangement I made with whatever flowers I could find.

 

12/24/2023

May have posted this.  Ate here on a LAW ride which was mentioned in my last posting.  Had to buy See's Candy in Glendora, this restaurant was near,

Szechuwan Garden www.szechuwangardencalifornia.com 4/5 (250 reviews) · Chinese 1932 E Rte 66, Glendora, CA 91740 From the business Specialties We prepare the highest quality authentic Chinese and Japanese cuisine in Glendora. Ingredients are shipped in daily, and all of our sauces are made in house. Come try out our unique flavors. History Established in 2018.