Portland

I'll have 2 days (March 16th, 17th) in Portland. Below are links to general visitor information and specific places of interest. There are so many interesting places to explore, great cuisine to try, and an impressive list of brewpubs, cafes, and wine, sake, cocktail joints. I'm certain this will be the first of many trips I'll make to the Northwest.

Explore at your own pace...

Useful Links
www.travelportland.com/visitors
bikeportland.org
japanesegarden.com
portlandartmuseum.org
trimet.org
ristrettoroasters.com
teardroplounge.com
rogue.com
www.oregonculinaryinstitute.com


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Countdown to Portland

March 16th and 17th I'll be exploring the beautiful and verdant city of Portland, Oregon. I had a chance to visit Portland in the fall of 2005. I fell in love with the city and its beauty and have wanted to re-visit. Next month, I'll get my chance. Those interested in meeting for coffee, a beer, or bike ride can shoot me an email or post a comment.

The Japanese Gardens is most definitely on my list of things to do.

I'll see you there.


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Bicycle Lovestory, Feb 14

Valentines Day, the Bicyclists Way.

Singles mingle in low light

Smiling, laughing, flirting

The beginning...

Here it is for those of you interested.

Sunday, February 14th, 2010

10 men, 10 women

Albuquerque Museum of Art.

You post a pic of your bike

And what your bike is looking for.

Here's an example:

Alberto, 35 yr old male,

Bike seeks similar vintage girl with overly decorated cruiser. Peppermint perfume is A+.

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Bicycle Mechanics Course, Session 1

This passed Saturday was the first of two class sessions for the bicycle mechanics course. Lots of good information, tech tips, demonstrations, and hands-on practice. Mr. Paul Walton is the instructor who is sharing his knowledge with novice (me) and seasoned bicyclists and all those in between. When I registered for the class I wasn't sure what the $35 materials fee was going to cover. It does cover the cost of the Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair and other incidentals like the shop towels. Great way to spend a Saturday. Can't wait for session two...


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Bicycle Lovestory, Feb 14

This is what I have in mind.

10 women, 10 men
Bicycles are matched and by doing so, singles are matched
Agree to meet at the Albuquerque Museum of Art on Feb. 14th
Have a picture of your bike to post online along with
-your name
-your age
-preferred match for your bike

Here's an example:






Antonio
35 yo
"My bicycle prefers similar single speeds with a casual bike-riding mentality. Whitewall tires are sexy."



Post a comment to the blog if you are interested.


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Week in Review

I have always looked at Saturdays as the end of the week. Friday is the end of the normal work week and most mark the end of the week with cocktails, dinner, movie, a show, drunken Karaoke performances, or a combination of all those.

My week was fabulous. Busy preparing for the semester and moving my life in a new direction. I have committed to working another fire season with the Forest Service. Hopefully the knees will hold up. I'm thinking about my French class and the fun I am going to have reacquainting myself with its culture and language (Francais et une langue tres romantique, oui?). Looking at my calendar, I noticed St. Valentine's Day falls on a Sunday. I had an epiphany, ironically it occured on Wednesday, January 6th, about organizing a Bicycling Singles Mingle get together at the art museum on this day. If you are interested in participating or helping organize this, shoot me an email or post a comment. Here's the general info:

I'm calling it Bicycle Lovestory!
10 women, 10 men
We'll match bicycles and by doing so, indirectly match singles
Singles must give basic info: Type of bicycle w/picture, your age, and preferrred match for your bicycle
Agree to meet at the art museum on Feb. 14th

After this day, you'll be inspired to begin writing your Bicycle Lovestory...

Chapter 1, The Art Museum...



I'll post a free ad in the Alibi classifieds over the next few weeks.


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And so it begins...

Another wonderful year to re-discover and explore the world in which we live and call home. For me, 2010 will be fruitful. I will make it so by enjoying the things that give me happiness like melodic music, flavorful food cooked by my hands, nature's picturesque beauty and intoxicating fragrances. New Mexico is a great place to do it all, BUT my wanderlust will pull me to other interesting more sophisticated cultures. I'll keep an open mind, a smile ready to illuminate, and a reserve of energy to continue my evolution...


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Happy Holidays to Everyone Around the World

From Albuquerque to Portland to Rapid City to Boise to Denver and Estes Park to Nacogdoches to Nashville to Nashua to Boston to New York City to London and Paris to Berlin and Rome to Stockholm to Olso to Helsinki to Bangkok to Sydney to Christchurch to Johannesburg to Havanna to Mexico City to Buenos Aires to Lima to Los Angeles and to Santa Fe...

Happy Holidays and best wishes for peaceful evenings surrounded by happiness and laughter and love...


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Bicycle Mechanics Course

Hot off the press, the UNM Continuing Education catalog for Spring 2010 lists the Bicycle Mechanics Course on page 42. The course number is 10652 and there are 2 class meetings, Sat. Jan. 23rd and Sat. Feb. 6th from 10 to 4 both days. The cost is $85 dollars plus a materials fee of $35 dollars. Is the materials fee a Park Tool School book fee? Not sure. This course always seems to fill up everytime it is offered, so if you are interested, register soon. All the wrenching will take place at Hayes Middle School. Since my Raleigh needs some work, and I'm a do-it-yourself kind of guy, you will see me there...in full spandex splendor...


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Happy Hanukkah

To all of you who are celebrating this wonderful Jewish holiday, I wish you a peaceful and joyous festival surrounded by family and friends.

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Nob Hill Holiday Shop and Stroll, Dec 3rd

Tonight is the last Shop and Stroll of 2009. Browse through the shops, eat great food, and get into the gift giving mood. Music and entertainment, too. Central Avenue from Carlisle to Girard from 5 to 9 p.m. No traffic, stress-free bicycle cruising.

My pick? Mariposa Gallery. Unique creations by amazingly talented artists.


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Twinkle Light Parade, Sat. Nov 28th, 5:15 P.M.

Although the Cruisers will not be riding in this years parade, it is a great way to start the holiday season. The parade starts at the intersection of Central and Third, goes west on Central Ave., and ends at the Rio Grande Botanic Garden. The route is about 2-miles. There will be free shuttles for spectators on the Rapid Ride routes. Check the cabq.gov website for specifics. See you there!

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Giving Thanks, My Top Ten

I'm thankful for...

10... having the fitness to ride a bike and means to ride the bus.
9...the vision of the Governor to make the NM Railrunner a reality.
8...ABQ Ride who follow the bus schedule 95% of the time.
7...Robin. She cuts my hair as I request without freelancing. Thank you.
6...Music, Nature, and Art who have never left my side.
5...good health and my passion for life and work.
4...the cheap tuition at CNM.
3...Booze and Boobs, vices of all bachelors.
2...green chile. Mmmmmmmmm

1...the men and women fighting the "War on Terrorism"


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Bicycling in Style

I found this picture on one of my favorite blogs, The Sartorialist. To me it illustrates the fact that you don't have to sacrifice style to ride a bicycle. A well dressed woman on a bicycle will always grab my attention. Interestingly, giving up the burdens of car ownership has allowed me to invest in clothes that fit well and define my style. Thank you Scott Schuman for focusing on people and their individual style.

Photo is by Scott Schuman, from The Sartorialist.

Ride This Saturday, Rain or Shine

I will be riding this Saturday, Nov. 14th, for anyone wishing to join in. I will start at the plaza in Old Town at 9 A.M. ride North on the Paseo del Bosque Rec Trail (aka Bosque Trail) upto the Railrunner Station (Los Ranchos/Journal Center) and then take the train (#505) south to the Downtown ABQ Railrunner Station. It's only $1 to ride the train south to downtown or FREE if you purchase and print online. I'll probably stop for brunch along the way. It will be a slow and leisurely pace, not the Tour de France. Everyone is welcome...

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Nob Hill Shop n Stroll, Last Night

Last night's Shop n Stroll was a blast. Great music, entertainment, and lots of cool bikes. The next one should be even better. Streets are blocked off from Carlisle to Girard. No traffic, no worries.

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Twinkle Light Parade

The deadline for the 2009 Downtown Twinkle Light Parade is approaching. Entry registration must be received by November 13th. This years theme is "Red or Green." Visit www.cabq.gov and click on the Twinkle Light Parade for more info.

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Halloween Haiku

Psycho man on bike
Pedaling fast, Blood pumping
Mini Snickers rush


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Nob Hill Nights (Shop n Stroll)

The Nob Hill Business District will be hosting another Nob Hill Nights, Thursday, November 5th, 6-9 p.m. This is a great time to ride up and down Central Ave. from Washington to Girard and have no worries about getting runover by some dumb ape driving a car (the streets are blocked off). If anyone is interested in gathering for this event, post a comment.

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Putting it Back Together.

It's time to reassemble the Cruisers.
Calling all former Cruisers (there weren't many of us) and newbies.
Like the old rusty bicycle in the garage, let's try to put this back together.

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