Bicycle built for two

Well, there's no fooling Giro Dave, so here it is-

We are now tandem people, or as Bionica puts it, "old people." It's a Cannondale, it is kitted out nicely, and we now have a lot to learn. Just starting takes a little technique; starting on a steep hill takes major faith.

Anyhow, Sunday, we rode it up into the hills above Oakland, starting at about 200 ft and rising to 1400 ft in six miles before finally getting to cruise. This is surprisingly tough, and harder on the tandem than on a 'half bike.' Lucky for me, Bionica is the best engine one could hope for. So, we put the bar end shifters to use on the way up, and had plenty of opportunity to test those super brakes on the way down. Very stiff frame, which is confidence-inspiring on these twisty roads.

We like it. Who wants to tour?

A new project begins...

More to come...

Weekend funnies

Click to enlarge.

We have an announcement...

:)

Climb time

We've now been here for nearly a week. In that week, we have unpacked, worked, gone to every store you can imagine for groceries, cleaning supplies, some furniture, etc. But as fun as this has been, sometimes you have to mix it up. Which is why we went for our first bike ride since getting here Friday night, on skyline drive in the oakland hills. Turns out they are aptly named as even the flat parts are hilly. Nice roads, trees, sun, views; you can't ask for much more. (Yes Giro, Kaj and Dell...that is directed towards you...bring your bikes.)

Calm before the storm

Here are a few quick shots of the new digs, including part of our view. Taken before the tidal wave of boxes hit...but we are slowly digging our way out.

One day dash

Last weekend, small adventure offered special one-day service from Seattle to SF via a very loaded down car. Never mind the fact that Bionica and I could have flown to Europe in the same amount of time...it had to be done. Weather was good until we hit lightning storms over the Siskiyous. Check out those stats...we did not end up using the roof box, either.

I guess it is official...we are now Californians. Per numerous requests, I will try to get some photos of our new abode up soon.

Special delivery

In between the packing going on here at SA headquarters, we have found some time to get out and enjoy this warm weather when possible. Saturday, Bionica, her sister Dell, and myself when for a nice little hike to Mailbox Peak. I had heard of this hike before but had never done it until now...and it turns out there is no such thing as a nice little hike on Mailbox Peak:

Trail length (one way) - 2.5 Miles
Elevation Gain - 4040 feet

Ugh...take your trekking poles. Not only is this hike a slog, but the people on it are all over the place, to say the least. We saw people running it (as Dell would normally do), kids, dogs, older men with big packs, and younger women wearing jeans and sweatshirts. Who knows how far any of them make it, but it is not a place for the casual hiker. We managed to get up near the top, but held off when we saw a group of people yelling at each other as they neared the summit. Ate our lunch below and shot back down. A beautiful day, and it sure beats packing...

When in Napa...

Little deuce coupe

Bionica and I found some time to rent a tandem this weekend. I have been intrigued by these for a few years now, but had never ridden one...Bionica suggested we give it try, since the weather was great. Picked it up in the U-District and rode it to Redmond and back.

The verdict? Me likey. This bike in particular was a very upright, mountain style, with a flexy frame, and in serious need of a tune-up. That said, we were very obviously the fastest thing on the Burke Gilman trail. We were passing everyone, despite each wearing packs with a picnic lunch inside. I LOVE passing guys on Cervelos with aero bars while sitting upright and chatting with my partner. Anyhow, we had our picnic, as well as stopped by the Red Hook brewery for some rehydration. Great fun, and what a way to tour.

Expect us to be in the tandem market soon...

Another Grueling Work Week...

A few photos from last week's paddle to Strawberry Island with Ted, Kaj and Andy. 13.5 miles to get to there, and 16.4 miles to get back. Stayed on island for three days, and pretty much had it to ourselves. A good time was had by all; more photos can be found on Kaj's site. Incidentally, Kaj is something of an expert when it comes to hammocks. And he can cook...a true renaissance man. Anyhow, weather was rather stellar on the first two days, and turned a bit for day three into rain and wind. Still, we accomplished what we set out to do: work, learn and eat.

More spring fever

Photo from yesterday's moto ride...

Pigpen

On Saturday's ride, we had a big problem. And by we, I mean Giro Dave.

It rained. RAINED!

Now, ordinarily, this would not be a big deal, and in fact, Giro bike commutes everyday rain or shine. What a trooper. But when the superbike comes out, the rules change. These bikes only come out after extensive research of barometric pressures, wind speed, and through discussion with the National Weather Service. In fact, on Dave's desk is a red phone with a direct line to the NWS for this very purpose.

So imagine the horror when the rain started to fall at about my 20 mile point in the ride. Everyone knows that the lighter the bike, the more water-soluble it is. This is not the first time he has had to deal with this:



Ultimately, Dave's bike did not dissolve this time, but it did suffer worse fate: it got dirty. See above. Hang in there, Giro...

Frisco kids

Bionica and I have just returned from an extended weekend in the Bay Area. Record heat down there too; apparently hottest mid-April in 25 years or so. Mid-90's is sweltering for this Seattle guy.

This was a bit of a recce for a future search mission. Thanks to the residency lotto, the bay is the place where B will get to wear her scrubs on a full time basis. And with no knowledge of one neighborhood to another, it was crash course time. The good: sunny and dry. The bad: I sorta got a parking ticket. The weird: bagel shops everywhere; what's up with that? In any case, data was collected for a future mission, so stay tuned...

The 3 hour tour

Last week, I joined forces with Uncle Ted and Kaj to have a nice overnight saltwater paddle. It is always nice to have an excuse to break out the boat, tent and funny boots, so journey we did. The route was Anacortes to Pelican Beach via Bellingham Channel, eddy-hopping a good chunk of the way. Sixteen miles round trip.Weather was actually pretty good...the forecasts were rather dreary, which made the trip a pleasant surprise. Probably kept some other paddlers away, too; nice bonus when you are looking for a campsite. The paddle back was tedious, though, with a headwind and current working against us. We earned our post-paddle beer on that one.

This was the first 'retreat' for our new venture, and we actually (I promise) got a good amount of work done. Focus comes easier in the big conference room...thanks guys for having me along.

Once upon a time

Once upon a time (last weekend, actually), spring shone down upon the land of Seattle, showering it with rare gifts such as sunshine and heat. Two heroes, Tifighter and Bionica, rode their metallic and carbon steeds across the land, insuring that there would be enough peace and hillclimbing for all. They retired to a cottage in a towne called Coupevillalot, where they rested and ate fish. The next day, they rode more and surveyed the land, and were eventually satisfied with the condition of spring. They left the land later that same day.

Boy, that was stupid. The weather has been crap ever since...

The times, they are a changin'...

Things have been quiet on the blog front recently, but make no mistake, things aren't quiet on the topside of this keyboard. Yesterday, I left my friends at my place of employment for the past ten years to start a company. As I understand it, most people think starting a company in a down economy is a great idea. So I, along with Uncle Ted and Young Kaj, agree and are going for it. Besides spreadsheets and clipboards, we hope to inject some small adventure into the daily grind, beginning late next week. So stay tuned for that...

Spring fever

Tifighter and Bionica welcome spring the only way they know how...

Bay City rollers

I'm reposting this video for obvious reasons. Comment away, peanut gallery...

March Madness

Forget the tournament. You don't need an invitation to get in on the second coming of winter hitting the Cascades right now. You just need some goggles and pants, and you're in. Watch Giro Dave get it done...

The Road to Boondoggle

En route to the next stash at Crystal Mountain...

Blammo

Weapons-grade snowfall hit the Cascades on Saturday, with real accumulation from Issaquah east. And when that happens, the Alpine Superfriends spring into action. This weeks episode included-

"The Italian Plow" - He blasts his way through slopes big and small like a Ferrari around a racetrack.

"The Snow Ninja" - (pictured) When she's not cutting trees, she's trying to avoid them.

"The Scientist of Slope" - Every ski area is a giant lab to this intrepid speed she-demon.

"Mr. Traction Tires Advised" - This loose cannon is on the edge of control. Or...DOOM!

".danger." - Because danger is her middle name, and know one really knows her first or last name anyway. Known to squirrel away snacks in pockets, too.


When snow falls, they try to lift it up...the Alpine Superfriends!!!

(Not suggested for viewing to those who are queasy, have good ski form, dislike beer-drinking, or are sensitive to flashing lights.)

Where's Weirdo?

Contrary to the rumors, I have not moved to South America, nor have I gone off the grid, nor have I recently had octuplets. Waldo (pictured) has just been busy with career, life and family jazz. I'm behind-

*on blogging (unlike Baldo)
*on riding (unlike Giro Dave)
*on work (unlike Dell, Bionica's hyperspeed sister)
*on skiing (unlike Ellie the definition specialist)
*on vacationing (unlike the Fonz, or unlike Bionica)
*on shooting (unlike Agent Otter)
*on yardwork and personal injury (unlike Uncle Ted)

Still, I can promise that this is going to be the craziest year for me yet, with lots to follow soon. More to come...and, more is always better, right?

Sunday funnies

Tschüss!

Some photos from our closing days in Germany/Switzerland. Mostly the latter. Bionica and Lisa managed quite a few day trips from Munich. Next, we took a train to Zurich, and promptly cheesed off the server in the 'dinner' car when we asked about one of the items on the menu. Lesson: don't ask, just order or risk the wrath of the trainfrau. Trainfrau would be a good name for a band. Ted ate his weight in pretzels.

Zurich was relaxing per usual. Thanks to crew there for the hospitality, and advanced coffee makers.

A few days later, I attempted to ski like a rock star with my friend Renato, and mostly failed. But it is a lot of fun trying...I highly recommend it.

Salzburg

A few of Bionica's photos from an excursion over the border to Austria.

Munich

I've not been to Munich for a few years, and while this was once again a work trip, we managed to make the most of it. Observe:

Grüezi

Tonight, we have returned from a tour of Germany and Switzerland. Details to come, but here's how it ended:

Picture of the day

Check out this picture over on MP's website. Keep clicking until its full size. Pretty amazing photo...

Scenes from a January weekend

A few pictures from the weekend's activities...

Hey, would you look at the time?

It would seem that SA has taken a 'radio-silence' approach recently, and I must apologize for this. Life the past few weeks has been crazy, but my aim to get things back up to speed here in short order. 

Last week, Bionica and I were in Denver, seeing what we could see. When we landed last Sunday, it was 12 degrees and a bit breezy to boot. Still, we made time to ski, eat well, sightsee, drink Belgian beer, roadtrip, and get a general feel for the place. Incidentally, it was 59 degrees when we left. 

I do have a few takeaways from this trip, but the one that I'm going to address now is crepes. Specifically, why we don't eat more of them? B and I had some of these delectable treats whilst in Boulder, and be it sweet or savory, you just can't lose. We used to have a nice crepe spot in Seattle (hiya Otter), but it is no more. Would it destroy us to lose a few restaurants like an Applebee's here, or an Olive Garden there, and put up a few crepes shacks? Anyone? Do we really need another Red Robin? Or Ruby Tuesday's? This is as French as I get people...let's do it!

Happy New Years

Our New Year's Eve was spent night skiing. What did you do? Tell me in the comments...

Finally

Yesterday, I finally got out on some skis for the day, which is good as I was beginning to get the shakes pretty bad. It was surprisingly empty at the local ski hill, with small lines and open runs; I suspect Seattle-ites are still too freaked out to drive as a result of our recent winter blast. Which meant more runs for myself, Bionica, and sister of Bionica.

One of the issues raised was the age-old debate of skis versus snowboards. Instead of focusing on which is better, the question we wondered is if people over 30 should really be into snowboard 'culture'. We saw some guys that were clearly a bit older wearing baggy one-piece suits with a dice pattern on them, wearing bandanas and saying things like 'jib'. In my mind, that only works if you are young and preoccupied with facial hair, texting, or how you are going to pay for rent next month. All things you should have pretty nailed in your thirties. Sister of Bionica said that while she likes the snowboard, she's not so hot on the image, and I think she's got a point. So if you are old like me and want to snowboard; great...enjoy. Just try not to look like you walked out of a Volcom catalog, okay?

What a difference a week makes...

Well, my last post is now obsolete. Snow has hit and hit again. And it is supposed to hit once more tomorrow, with potential hurricane-force winds in the mountains. Seriously, I didn't know that weather service even had a 'blizzard warning'. Anyhow, its been rather nice to have the weather here.

At work, we held an important meeting yesterday:


Hope you are all keeping warm...

Seasons Waitings

Its December, and hiking in the Cascades feels like it is October. The photos above were from last weekend at about the 4000 ft level in the Alpine Lakes area...this should be covered with wet, gnarly snow by now. I wore a trail runners and a light jacket...

I should apologize; I bought new skis about a month ago, and that probably doomed the season right there. I couldn't help it; I had to keep up with Giro Dave. Worse, die Alps have over two metres, but nothing here. However, things are looking up, according to this insane forecast for the western part of our state. Keep your fingers crossed everyone, and share your snow stories if you have them...

Away the lads...

As seen last week in the Lake District: