Ocean Blue, San Francisco, California – July 26th, 2008
Where is the start line? And what’s the course record?
AGH.
UPDATE: I’m sick with the dread Cambodian Flu (I assume). Might not be able to race.
Category: health & fitness
my new bike – Diamondback Response
Today made the final commitment to compete in an Adventure Raceon July 26th called Ocean Blue AR, in California near Half Moon Bay and El Granada in the Pillar Point Harbor area.
That’s in preparation for the BIG race: Big Blue Adventure, Lake Tahoe, California – September 20th, 2008.
The final commitment was securing a bike for both races.
I just paid $540 including tax for the 2008 model bike, upgraded pedals, mounted light, lock, 2 cages with water bottles and a one year service package.
Read reviews on Rate It All and MTBR. It’s considered a great value for the low price.
Dave and Lisa Adlard will transport my new wheels to both races, along with their own, by vehicle.
I’m still city commuting with my excellent Kona “Blast”. I’ll keep both bikes for now, the DB dedicated to Adventure Racing.
allergy season is OVER
At least for me.
What about you?
My official 100% Spring allergy free day is normally July 1st. But when I travel to Idaho before that date, the symptoms are pretty much GONE.
And we drive to Coeur d’Alene today. This will be my 6th annual HPTC gymnastics camp there. This year a heap of Canadian gymnasts are going for the first time.
listen to statistician Bjorn Lomborg
… Global warming is an important issue and one which we should address. But there is no sense of proportion either in environmental terms, or indeed in terms of the other issues facing the world.
If you just take the environmental problem first, it’s very clear that what causes by far the majority of deaths is lack clean drinking water and lack of sanitation. Millions of people are dying each year from this. …
The second biggest problem is indoor air pollution, which probably kills somewhere between 1 and 3 million people each year, basically because people are too poor to use good fuels and end up using dung or cardboard or whatever they can find. Only a very distant third comes climate change, which the WHO puts at 150,000 to die right now. …
One of the top climate change economists has modelled – and several papers that came out a couple of weeks ago essentially point out – that climate change will probably mean fewer deaths, not more deaths. It is estimated that climate change by about 2050 will mean about 800,000 fewer deaths.
… the bottom line is there are many problems in the world where we can do much more at much lower cost. …
Lomborg’s the author of The Skeptical Environmentalist: Measuring the Real State of the World.
glorious ski day at Sunshine
I joined Rocco and his buddy Brian (left) last minute. I LOVE Spring skiing.
No falls for any of the 3 of us all day. Brian’s already had one hip replaced. Old guys like us need to slide and glide safely.
larger version – flickr
Rocco and I headed for the MEC hiking gear swap Sunday, May 4, 2008 11am – 3pm in Calgary.
Mazatlán, Mexico 2008 photos
Added a last few pics.
See my Mazatlán, Mexico 2008 photo set on flickr.
Adios.
El Centro in Maz is great. But I don’t like Mexico, in general.
That country is getting far too affluent for me. Too fat.
Literally, in 2008, seems to me, there are more obese Mexicans, even, than obese gringo tourists. The downside of making economic gain.
back in Mazatlán – more dental work
The view from my Centro Historico home away from home.
11 bedroom, 12 bath with pool. (OK, I only get 1 room, 1 bath)
Own Mazatlan’s premier address and have the ocean and storied Olas Altas Boulevard at your feet. Enjoy sea vistas, city views and sunsets from one of four gracious terraces, or luxuriate in the privacy of the large verdant garden with its 50 square meter swimming pool. Entertain lavishly in the 1500 square foot Sala Grande or the 700 square foot formal living room. Imagine glittering parties around the home’s centerpiece: a breathtaking spiral staircase with a stained glass canopy.
It could be yours for about $800K.
My room ($45/night) is in the same building as Mexican Dental Vacations. The dental work finished. … For now.
We were doing my most visible teeth, the top front.
BEFORE:
MIDDLE:
AFTER:
All 6 front top teeth are fakes. Five of those new.
LONG TERM GOAL
As you can see, I have a long way to go. But I’m happy my teeth are in better shape than they’ve been since the last time I had dental insurance: 1993.
And I am happy with Mexican Dental Vacation. (details and prices)
Actually, my original dentist Dr. Mackey departed, apparently due to health reasons. Happily, the first time replacement Dr. Hernandez worked out very well. It was an interesting contrast for me. The veteran, American authoritative man contrasted with the young, recently-trained Mexican female. Both were good. But in different ways.
Leave a comment if you want to know more about Mexican dental vacations. I am a big fan.
UPDATE:
Do your homework before you walk into any medical facility:
… numerous complaints about so-called “medical clinics” in the Golden Zone that profess to deal with emergencies. …
Pacific Pearl newspaper
swim Victoria Falls in Africa
In Zimbabwe, Africa, you will find the magnificent Victoria Falls,at a height of 128m. The location is known as the “Devil’s Swimming Pool”. During the months of September and December, people can swim as close as possible to the edge of the falls without falling over. These falls are becoming well known amongst the “radical tourist” industry, when more and more people search for the ultimate experience.
more photos on the Snopes message board
Thanks George.
In related stupidity on the edge of a waterfall, today we visited the Fantasy Island waterfall in Kauai, Hawaii:
Tradition holds that Hawaiians once dove these Falls as evidence of their manhood. Many died. And many have died from jumping and accidental falls since.
Over a one week period a few years ago, three 22-year-olds leapt. None died. All were badly injured. All evacuated by helicopter.
GrizzlyMan Adventure Race, Montana
Two of my F.A.R.T. teammates are the first of us to enter a “real” adventure race.
My strategy is to let them experience all the usual “rookie” mistakes. Then advise the rest of us.
The GrizzlyMan Adventure Race covers 23 miles of trail and open terrain, over 3500 feet of climbing on foot or bike, and will take most racers between 5-6 hours to complete. Disciplines include trekking, biking, orienteering, and exciting special challenges. Racers can compete solo or as a pairs team (non-relay).
Good luck Andy and Jeni !!
