The End

2009 just so happens to be the year of the Beatle. The Beatles mono releases took albums that couldn't be better and made them better. It took familiar tracks and added layers that went unheard/unfelt. Moreover, exploding auditory experiences wasn’t enough; Apple also released Beatles Rock Band. And hands down this is video game of the year. The beautiful visuals, simple, fun, and clean story mode, and the instrument handling do justice to The Beatles' catalogue. While I love my video games that provide revolutionary gaming graphics, insane tales, running through hell-fire and brimstone, evolving a character, realistic burps, etc.- eventually I will stop playing those games, waiting for a new version to come out. Not so for Beatles Rock Band.

Music 2009 also leaves much to be desired. As of late, I haven’t been on the pulse of music. And there have been tons of 09 releases, to name a few: Tortoise, Kings of Convenience, Wolfgang Phoenix, Flaming Lips, Japandroids, Grizzly Bear, Coconut Records, Harlem Shakes, and Owen put out albums. So who stands on top? The cop out answer is The Beatles mono-masters. The real answer though is no one. Not one album stands out as the most amazing piece of 2009. Perhaps I’m missing something and a friend can point me in a better direction. I was digging Kings of Convenience a few weeks back but it isn’t the best of 2009. This year remains largely uninspired and I would show gaping bias to mark Owen as the best of 2009 (although it is). As it stands, I’d rather listen to "The Ricky Gervais Guide To…" series.

Now for a quick and dirty list:

Best Movie: Zombieland

Runner-up: Fantastic Mr. Fox

Best TV program: Dexter

Runner-up: Community

Best let down on film: Watchmen

Runner-up: Wolverine

Best Restaurant: Zelda’s Pizza (you can find Cristina and myself there once a week)

Best Comic book: Walking Dead

2009 was sort of a lackluster year more transitory than staple inducing. Sure it had its highlights but I think like most Americans, I believe 2010 will be better. At least I’ll be riding my bike a whole lot more.

Pixelated

I'm normally not one to wax massive on daily activities but a relaxing few days has inspired a more wordy post than usual. This weekend I combatted a minor cold and could only fit in an hour or so on the bike. However, it was a tremendous weekend for food, video games, and rocking out to The Beatles. It all began with a rousing game of zombie massacring with my buddy Gabe. Left 4 Dead 2 ups the ante with better levels, added destructive melee weapons (see chainsaw, machetes, and frying pans), improved artificial intelligence, and more skull crushing good times.

Then Cristina and I played so much Beatles Rock Band we could have started calling each other Ringo and George. We essentially played through the entire game in 2 days- it's that good. We grew up on The Beatles, it definitely shows when we're playing, nerdy but fun as hell. Later, we had some pretty good pizza, beer, wine, espresso, etc. at a joint called Onespeed. Their decor is cycling inspired and if you're in Sacramento it's worth checking out.

[Whad' ya mean, you're sold outta pizza!]

I also squeezed in some time with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. The multiplayer on this game is so badass I won't be messing with the solo-campaign for awhile. It's the same routine of running around and exploding/blasting players up or sneaking up on them and giving them the ol' what-for, despite the repetition it's endless enjoyment. On the flip side of this game is Beatles Rock Band. The Apple marketing engine is brilliant and constantly gobbles up money in the most worthy ways (see mono-remixes). The Beatles, without a doubt, deserved their own title to make the Rock Band paradigm work. The sheer number of songs/albums, quality of tracks, and history demands it's own setup and experience.

I'm no musician but the rock band titles allow you to enjoy music in new and fun ways; just like I'm no super-soldier but launching video-game grenades satisfies the kid in me (but I am a zombie-slayer). So yah, even in sickness, the weekend was fantastic.

A Boy and His Bike

My first bike was a blue BMX equipped with training wheels. As soon as I got those trainers off I broke out of our cul-de-sac and into the wild desert, traversing onto large hills and racing down them as fast as possible. Like many kids I had a deep desire for speed, quickness, and the unknown; and the vehicle that could deliver it all was the bicycle. It was the greatest rush a 5 year old me had ever tapped into. Oh, how little things change.

I picked up a Cannondale CAAD9 5 from my local bike shop, Mike's Bikes in Sacramento. Their service was top-notch and I didn't feel alienated because this was my first "real" road-bike. I had my heart set on the CAAD but just to compare, I test rode a Specialized Tarmac (impressive bike) but the bike guys even agreed that the CAAD was a better deal- the aluminum frame is second to none. This was also my first proper bike fit and it made all the difference. On this beast, I feel like I can ride over 10 hours no problems and in comfort (maybe I'll test that theory next spring).

This is a frame any cyclist can pick up and improve with little hassle; and plenty of people race on these frames, road and cyclocross. It's equipped with Shimano 105s (perfect for the apprentice me) and I added Shimano Ultegra pedals. There's really no nice comparison with the ol' 1983 Peugeot and a 2010 bike. The CAAD handles amazingly well, holds true/stiff, and is incredibly light. In short, it's swift and smooth. This bike has a lot to offer and I have plenty to learn and much like the blue BMX, I will grow with it.

Requiem for a Peugeot

My bike sits against the wall lifeless without a functioning derailleur. The sun rises early but I can't greet it in the way I want. I run yet the desire to crush scores of miles remains unfulfilled. Scouring the depths of the web and bike junkyards yields only sore eyes and greasy hands, respectively. It's time to move past the old frame, old wheels, old gears, and worn out everything. I've been hindered repeatedly in continual ways, from slipping gears, damaged brakes, bent chains, and now complete dysfunction.



It's only a matter of moments before you hurt me: rattling and crashing during a steep drop, sliding and crashing on a simple turn, or not able to brake leading to an unknown mess. Perhaps you will be resurrected for commutes, a river-ride, or a happy-hour; but for now, old friend, sleep and rest- you've earned it.

Journey of the Century Dérailled

I didn't want to end 2009 without completing my first 100 mile bike ride. With the arrival of fall, rain, wind, and cold weather the window to tackle the endeavor was closing. This past Saturday, Nov. 7th, it was an all or nothing ride. A ride that took me over unfamiliar road, endless farmland, and daunting hills. The morning began early and I loaded up on a nutritious breakfast and an espresso (in hindsight I should have had a double). Overall I felt good, the bike was tuned, the road food stored, and an extra bag of supplies ready for pick-up. I was fortunate to have Cristina acting as Directeur Sportif, providing necessary nourishment and water after I hit the 50-60 mile mark.

The scenery surrounding the small country roads outside of Davis, CA are simply stunning. It's a view that keeps you going. The rolling landscape is dream-like and feels endless. It's something you don't see when you drive over freeways and major highways. It provides for a grand bike ride until you hit suburbia. I was able to handle rolling hills and natural grades; then I rolled through a small suburban community and met hills of the likes I had never tackled. They weren't major but after going 50-60 miles they took a toll on me. The toll it exacted made the return trip feel worse but invigorating. When going over some of those hills I felt pain in my legs such as I had never felt. Yet, it fueled me to continue and fight it out.

I was lucky that day for several reasons. The weather was perfect in that I never had to remove my top layer merino sweater over a short-sleeve merino jersey. The air proved crisp enough to cool me down but not enough to have me shivering or feeling cold and the wind was mild. A small seat adjustment fit me into the saddle better than ever and Cristina's support made the trip easier. Then I got unlucky. I reached Davis, the final destination that got me into striking 100 miles. And then it happened...my bike would not stay in gear. The chain was jumping up a gear then down and around. I hopped off only to notice a damaged cage.



This would have really sucked 25 miles prior or even 10. I finished the ride and have learned several valuable lessons (other than carry a spare derailleur ha.ha.):

• know where your water refill and restroom stations will be
• pack plenty of water packets (I used propel and it worked out well)
  
• eat, eat, and eat

Biking this distance was tremendously enjoyable and didn't leave me hurt or exhausted the next day. However, it does leave me wanting a more reliable bike (my Peugeot is older than I). It has also left me wanting more: more bike rides, longer distances, faster speeds, improved pacing, etc. etc. My 2009 cycling goal is complete and the winter season will leave me with strength conditioning, indoor cycling fun, and chilly weekend rides.

Sunken Ships

Daylight savings hath arrived and it doth provide morning shine.

I'm not much of a fan of getting up early to go for a run, head to the gym, or entertain an exercise routine. However, it has become enjoyable and easier to wake up when heading out for a bike ride. It's sort of like the first day of school or Christmas, but probably more like Saturday morning cartoons; I can't wait to get up, down an espresso, get the gear on, and carry my bike down the stairs. In short, it's fun.

Sacramento is blessed with many biker friendly streets and several bike trails. As of late I have been journeying south, after trekking the Davis and American River trail routes numerous times. Sometimes I see an odd bum peering through bushes, deer munching on foliage, squirrels jetting for dear life, etc. But on the journey south I found a washed up paddle-boat along the river banks. It's novel just to see it resting there, reminding me that biking on a river trail beats the hell out of weaving through traffic and swearing at cars that cut in front of you. The river appears motionless, a once powerful ship sits dead, and the only thing moving with great speed is you.

Warmer Climes Kill

Sacramento's mid 60s to mid 70s weather filled with sunshine and light breezes are effectively making me semi-insane. It's perfect weather for a long bike ride, a light cruise to the park for a picnic, and/or sitting on the balcony enjoying some cold cold ones. Unfortunately, I'm stuck. Stuck in a building with regulated temperatures and pumped in air. A building that offers large windows displaying an unusually gorgeous November day; and what will probably be a gorgeous week. In short, the 9-5 has me in a strait-jacket.

Once I'm off work the sun is setting and outdoor fun is no longer within grasp. I have an hour for lunch that will allow me to take a brisk bike ride to the river and take in the invigorating atmosphere, but that's a tease. Luckily daylight savings is in effect and I can knock out a quick morning ride as the sun slowly takes shape around 6:AM or so, a longer tease but a tease nonetheless.

Winter is right around the corner and thoroughly enjoying what's left of the Indian Summer feels unattainable.