Today I had the chance to learn about FFA. FFA is "Future Farmers of America", and it's a club/organization for those who want to learn skills in agricultural related areas. (such as floral, forest, farming, machinery, livestock, etc). Cool stuff! I had no clue that so many people were involved in FFA, let alone that it existed! The Spring banquet ceremony was cool to see. Plenty of "friends" I knew there, though it may be safe to say it's the first time I've seen them in person (thanks to Facebook and the abilities to never truly meet someone and consider them your friend).
The meeting was informative and lengthy. The food was good, and it was nice to have the chance to find out about something that is as important to them as sports is to me in my life.
I couldn't help observe the camera guy do his thing. I found it interesting that he took candid pictures, despite the protest of many individuals. (the classic eating big hamburger shot, mouth stuffed with food). Had he not taken the pictures, there would be no opportunity to look back and say "see, this was our Spring Banquet!". Though, there's a fine line between pushing it and getting enough shots. Sometimes it's not so fun being the "camera guy".. haha I wouldn't want to be taking the photos he took tonight. Why? Because it's awkward, and it takes a lot of "social" skills to be able to mozy around and snap pictures of complete strangers without getting food chucked at you or get dirty looks like "dude, creep......." Though I give the girl who did the ceremony pictures props because she was efficient and did a fine job getting everyone lined up for their respective group shots after being recognised.
Talk about being antisocial, I left the first moment I could. I did make eye contact with a few peeps that I knew, and maybe I'll have real conversation with them some day in the future. It's weird being in a room full of people who sorta know you, and it feels like everyone's eyes are burning holes into the back of your head. Though, sometimes the best way to solve that problem is stare a couple of people down so they can feel the same way. Hah, just a thought. That or be oblivious to everyone else around you, I'd go for something in the middle.. Ignoring people to a certain degree, but reaching out in a kind enough way to "be social" enough to make the strangers happy.
I'd say my comfort zone of "reaching out" in a crowd like that is at most five feet. I'll block people out who are any further away. Though, five feet could always change, mabye if I knew a few more people spread out in the room, rays of hope.. people I could walk up to and chit chat with if needed. Ever wondered what your comfort zone is? If you're walking through campus, do you notice people across the way? etc.. Oh, speaking of that, if you're one who is staring at your phone while you walk, or listening to your iPod, you get a 0, a FAIL. A ZERO distance for reaching out to people. I want to smack people who walk around staring at their phone, or staring at their feet while they are walking with headphones jammed in their ears. I've actually attempted making eye contact with girls just to be friendly, like an acknowledgment that they exist.. if they saw me I'd smile and be courteous, right? Well, I kid you not, I walk past five girls on the way to my car after class, all five were staring at their phone and walked right by. They wouldn't know I was giving them the dirtiest look or the nicest smile in the world. LAME! Oh well, just saying.. it's hard to extend your comfort zone, but if it's at 0, you've got a lot of work to do!
All in all, FFA was educational and overall a good experience.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
2011 Tour of the Unknown Coast
Success.
I had such a great ride Saturday. I really had a great ride, and I'm stoked that everything lined up so well that I had the chance to ride 100 miles and get a solid second place finish! Everything went right. I fueled right, I had the right gears, I dressed right, I felt just awesome! And, most importantly, I was in the right mindset. Having ridden it three times before, I felt confident. I knew what to expect, and I visualized success.
How did it pan out? Well, Adventure's Edge hammered it hard for the first 40 miles, bringing us right to the base of Panther Gap. They did such a fine job we were left with less than forty riders in the "lead group". There was only one guy off the front, and I did a quick calculation in my head that he'd never last that long off the front. Well, I was wrong. I didn't realize that we wouldn't have enough numbers to reel him in, not to mention his "8 minute" or so gap by the time we had scaled the first mountain. We (a group of ehh, 4 riders) were the first to top Panther Gap (aside from the lone rider in Orange). I couldn't believe we were just riding away from everyone! I stuck on their wheel and we ascended like it was nothing! (quite a confidence boost for my climbing abilities).
That climb was over 6 miles, then I enjoyed some super fast descending with two non Adventure's Edge riders. We managed to get a small gap on them by the time we reached the bottom, however playing the numbers game, the gap was worthless and we ended up working together as a group of six, riding to the coast. All was well until one of the riders (a non Adventure's edge rider) bit the dust rounding a 15 mph corner (going 25+ mph). Ouch! down went Greg. Matt (the Starwars rider) was unaware of the crash and rode away from us. (lame!) Then we were down to Three Adventure's Edge riders plus me, riding to the coast.. We got huge support from the team car, that was legit! Food, water, you name it! They took all our unneeded gear as well as passed up bottles and gels.
We four made it to the base of "the wall" at mile 80, regrouping with Matt. We five could see the lone orange rider scaling the wall as we approached it. It was as if we could smell him, right there in front of us, calling out our names and challenging us to chase him down. Easier said then done! The legs started cramping right as I rounded the corner on the top of the wall. Not good! I could only pedal by standing up and using my whole body. (not good!) There went Matt with his mad ascending skills! Soon I was passed by an Adventure's Edge rider, then caught at the top of the wall by another. Sitting in 5th place, I drank and ate all that I had to get as much as I could in me to prevent further cramping. That helped, and I managed to pull away from the riders one by one as we climbed the steepest portion of the endless hills, the part where it is switch back after switch back leaving Cape Town. I managed to climb my way into third place, with only Matt and the leader ahead of me. The team car told me to kick it in gear now since I only had a couple miles left. I did, and I was so so close to catching Matt!
I made it past the barn, started the ascending/descending miles before the "wildcat" descent. All the sudden I see Matt in the middle of a curving descent trying to get his chain back on! Since I did not know how much further ahead the leader was, in addition to Matt's extra delay in chain fixing, I decided to book it and make my way to the finish! I got a solid second place, finishing only minutes behind the winner. Low 5's, not sure of my exact time. I was super stoked to have finished second in this Century. I never would have dreamed of finishing top 5! All I wanted to do that day was climb panther gap with the lead group, let alone place so well in the entire race! I can say that I've found my climbing legs after all, and the weight loss has helped!
All in all, a great race, and one that I'd come back to again! Not sure if I'll have Nationals next year with Davis, but if not I'd be back to compete in "California's Toughest Century!" Also known as "California's Roughest Century!"
A great day, a great weekend. I am very happy with my achievement. More races to come, I can't wait!
I had such a great ride Saturday. I really had a great ride, and I'm stoked that everything lined up so well that I had the chance to ride 100 miles and get a solid second place finish! Everything went right. I fueled right, I had the right gears, I dressed right, I felt just awesome! And, most importantly, I was in the right mindset. Having ridden it three times before, I felt confident. I knew what to expect, and I visualized success.
How did it pan out? Well, Adventure's Edge hammered it hard for the first 40 miles, bringing us right to the base of Panther Gap. They did such a fine job we were left with less than forty riders in the "lead group". There was only one guy off the front, and I did a quick calculation in my head that he'd never last that long off the front. Well, I was wrong. I didn't realize that we wouldn't have enough numbers to reel him in, not to mention his "8 minute" or so gap by the time we had scaled the first mountain. We (a group of ehh, 4 riders) were the first to top Panther Gap (aside from the lone rider in Orange). I couldn't believe we were just riding away from everyone! I stuck on their wheel and we ascended like it was nothing! (quite a confidence boost for my climbing abilities).
That climb was over 6 miles, then I enjoyed some super fast descending with two non Adventure's Edge riders. We managed to get a small gap on them by the time we reached the bottom, however playing the numbers game, the gap was worthless and we ended up working together as a group of six, riding to the coast. All was well until one of the riders (a non Adventure's edge rider) bit the dust rounding a 15 mph corner (going 25+ mph). Ouch! down went Greg. Matt (the Starwars rider) was unaware of the crash and rode away from us. (lame!) Then we were down to Three Adventure's Edge riders plus me, riding to the coast.. We got huge support from the team car, that was legit! Food, water, you name it! They took all our unneeded gear as well as passed up bottles and gels.
We four made it to the base of "the wall" at mile 80, regrouping with Matt. We five could see the lone orange rider scaling the wall as we approached it. It was as if we could smell him, right there in front of us, calling out our names and challenging us to chase him down. Easier said then done! The legs started cramping right as I rounded the corner on the top of the wall. Not good! I could only pedal by standing up and using my whole body. (not good!) There went Matt with his mad ascending skills! Soon I was passed by an Adventure's Edge rider, then caught at the top of the wall by another. Sitting in 5th place, I drank and ate all that I had to get as much as I could in me to prevent further cramping. That helped, and I managed to pull away from the riders one by one as we climbed the steepest portion of the endless hills, the part where it is switch back after switch back leaving Cape Town. I managed to climb my way into third place, with only Matt and the leader ahead of me. The team car told me to kick it in gear now since I only had a couple miles left. I did, and I was so so close to catching Matt!
More ascending after climbing up "the wall" at mile 80.
I made it past the barn, started the ascending/descending miles before the "wildcat" descent. All the sudden I see Matt in the middle of a curving descent trying to get his chain back on! Since I did not know how much further ahead the leader was, in addition to Matt's extra delay in chain fixing, I decided to book it and make my way to the finish! I got a solid second place, finishing only minutes behind the winner. Low 5's, not sure of my exact time. I was super stoked to have finished second in this Century. I never would have dreamed of finishing top 5! All I wanted to do that day was climb panther gap with the lead group, let alone place so well in the entire race! I can say that I've found my climbing legs after all, and the weight loss has helped!
All in all, a great race, and one that I'd come back to again! Not sure if I'll have Nationals next year with Davis, but if not I'd be back to compete in "California's Toughest Century!" Also known as "California's Roughest Century!"
A great day, a great weekend. I am very happy with my achievement. More races to come, I can't wait!
Tradeoffs
This house sitting has been a change. I'd say, it's definitely different being out of the house for a bit of time. I've realized the little things, those things you don't really think much about when you're living at home. Like, having all your clothes in a closet, or having your bike right there ready to ride. Or walking into the kitchen to munch on food.. Oh, and of course, FAMILY! On the bright side, I've got plenty of responsibility, and I've done a fine job thus far by not killing the dogs or letting the place burn down. :)
I mowed the lawn today, it looks good. Not the first time either. Haha, and I've finally found a rhythm for these dogs, when to put them out, how to calm them down and all that! Nice, quite nice. Less hectic, and I can quit wondering where each and every animal is all the time. I need to stop procrastinating so much, but it's hard to do when I'm not at home where I'm used to all my stuff there when I need it. Like homework, kinda hard to do when it's all in binders and books at home! I must edit photos and do homework this week, I must! That, and ride my bike lots.
Life's been different lately, but in a good way in my opinion. Aside from the house sitting, I've had the chance to ride a lot in the past few weeks, and I've met a really cool girl named Ashley. Also, I've gotten into dubstep and trance more, listening to podcasts on my ipod. However, I'm running out of room. iTunes has cursed me of course, so I'm in a jam there with half my music "not found" on iTunes.. Tomorrow should be a very productive day, that's the plan! The tradeoffs are not so bad, and I'm glad I've had the chance to do this (as well as get out for a change).
I mowed the lawn today, it looks good. Not the first time either. Haha, and I've finally found a rhythm for these dogs, when to put them out, how to calm them down and all that! Nice, quite nice. Less hectic, and I can quit wondering where each and every animal is all the time. I need to stop procrastinating so much, but it's hard to do when I'm not at home where I'm used to all my stuff there when I need it. Like homework, kinda hard to do when it's all in binders and books at home! I must edit photos and do homework this week, I must! That, and ride my bike lots.
Life's been different lately, but in a good way in my opinion. Aside from the house sitting, I've had the chance to ride a lot in the past few weeks, and I've met a really cool girl named Ashley. Also, I've gotten into dubstep and trance more, listening to podcasts on my ipod. However, I'm running out of room. iTunes has cursed me of course, so I'm in a jam there with half my music "not found" on iTunes.. Tomorrow should be a very productive day, that's the plan! The tradeoffs are not so bad, and I'm glad I've had the chance to do this (as well as get out for a change).
What Kind of Photos?
I've realized.. There's not much point in trying to be good at everything. It takes too much darn work! And time, which I don't have much of.. So why not focus on one aspect of the thing you love and get really good at it. And, odds are, if it's something you like enough you'll end up getting pretty good at it with relatively no pain. Portrait photos, not my thing. Nature photos, not my thing. Sports photos, MY THING.
Nothing excites me more than taking a perfect action shot. So, what does this mean? Take more sports photos, less other photos. (That is from a purely "photography" aspect). I love nature photos, and I love people, but trying to be "good" at it, ehh, takes too much work. I don't have the time to hike a mile into the wilderness to take that "awesome" nature shot. I've got a bike to ride! I don't have the desire to take photos for people I hardly know and have them stand in certain positions, asking them to smile.. counting to three, then editing the photos in addition to having already spent time taking them! I've got a bike to ride! I do have the desire to pick up the camera and snap a few shots of some sporting event I might be at or wouldn't mind watching.
It's enjoyable to do such a thing, and also know I'm hookin a brother up. Ya know what I'm saying? Plus, if the photo looks bad, I can always blame it on the subject. If you're not good at sports, that's not my fault! When I get the chance to take photos of skilled athletes, it's a great feeling to have captured that precise moment that expresses the beauty of the sport. Enough said, sports photography is something I truly enjoy. But, not as much as actually participating in sporting events (such as cycling).
Nothing excites me more than taking a perfect action shot. So, what does this mean? Take more sports photos, less other photos. (That is from a purely "photography" aspect). I love nature photos, and I love people, but trying to be "good" at it, ehh, takes too much work. I don't have the time to hike a mile into the wilderness to take that "awesome" nature shot. I've got a bike to ride! I don't have the desire to take photos for people I hardly know and have them stand in certain positions, asking them to smile.. counting to three, then editing the photos in addition to having already spent time taking them! I've got a bike to ride! I do have the desire to pick up the camera and snap a few shots of some sporting event I might be at or wouldn't mind watching.
It's enjoyable to do such a thing, and also know I'm hookin a brother up. Ya know what I'm saying? Plus, if the photo looks bad, I can always blame it on the subject. If you're not good at sports, that's not my fault! When I get the chance to take photos of skilled athletes, it's a great feeling to have captured that precise moment that expresses the beauty of the sport. Enough said, sports photography is something I truly enjoy. But, not as much as actually participating in sporting events (such as cycling).
Thursday, May 5, 2011
What type of guy are you?
Today I had the chance to talk to a friend, and somewhere in the conversation the topic drifted to "types" of guys and the relationships that often exist... Please note, this is entirely opinion, based on what she and I came up with.. What she came up with were the two types of categories of guys.
They were as follows: Type I: Guy who has lots of potential (is smart), but does not apply himself.. Type II: Guy who is really smart, motivated, competitive etc. It seems that these types of guys go for one of two types of girls. The really smart ones who they can hold intelligent conversations with and are "up to their standards", or they go for the "dumb" girls. Why? She said because that way the have something over them, they have that to their advantage. It's like they have at least their smarts to have an advantage against their female counterpart. I naturally defended that statement, saying that it's not a matter of "wanting an advantage" over the girl, but more or less a comfort zone being with a girl who doesn't have extremely high expectations (Contrasted to the smart, beautiful and somewhat intimidating girl who might have extremely high expectations). Being with that girl is a change to relax, take things down a notch and step away from the overwhelming life that they have.
For me, I said it's like this.. I don't want TWO check lists that I'm held accountable for. One's already enough, and if I can be with someone who's not holding me to their checklist, I naturally feel more comfortable. I'm not saying all the smart guys go for the dumb girls, it's just that the reason may be more than them wanting an "advantage" over the other. She also asked me, say the "smart" girl who was beautiful and all beat me in a competition, what would I do? I said I'd congratulate the person! Being smart is a great thing, I have no problem with a girl being smarter than me, but if they put me out of my comfort zone, that's just how it is.. just sayin.. haha It's just funny how people "choose" other people based on "compatibility".. "smart" or "dumb", as long as the person makes you happy and you're not being led down the wrong path, or not making the most of your life and God given talents then go for it, doesn't seem like there's any written rules when it comes to guys picking girls.. Now I'm just getting off topic.
Anyways, back to my day.. I had a long day at school, and I'm glad I had the change to chat with a friend after class. Speaking of class, class has seemed so dry lately, as if I'm not even gaining anything from my courses! What's up with that!? Maybe it's that time RIGHT before the end when most all the material's been taught already. it's that last 20% that takes all the work to get, when most people would be content kicking it into neutral and coasting in to finals week.. I've got about 3 weeks to go, I can't wait for school to be over!
Bike ride Saturday, who's pumped? I AM! Tour of the Unknown Coast, heck yes! It's going to be awesome! And a concert tonight at 7 P.M., It's FREE!! South Side Community Center, Free dessert following the performance!
They were as follows: Type I: Guy who has lots of potential (is smart), but does not apply himself.. Type II: Guy who is really smart, motivated, competitive etc. It seems that these types of guys go for one of two types of girls. The really smart ones who they can hold intelligent conversations with and are "up to their standards", or they go for the "dumb" girls. Why? She said because that way the have something over them, they have that to their advantage. It's like they have at least their smarts to have an advantage against their female counterpart. I naturally defended that statement, saying that it's not a matter of "wanting an advantage" over the girl, but more or less a comfort zone being with a girl who doesn't have extremely high expectations (Contrasted to the smart, beautiful and somewhat intimidating girl who might have extremely high expectations). Being with that girl is a change to relax, take things down a notch and step away from the overwhelming life that they have.
For me, I said it's like this.. I don't want TWO check lists that I'm held accountable for. One's already enough, and if I can be with someone who's not holding me to their checklist, I naturally feel more comfortable. I'm not saying all the smart guys go for the dumb girls, it's just that the reason may be more than them wanting an "advantage" over the other. She also asked me, say the "smart" girl who was beautiful and all beat me in a competition, what would I do? I said I'd congratulate the person! Being smart is a great thing, I have no problem with a girl being smarter than me, but if they put me out of my comfort zone, that's just how it is.. just sayin.. haha It's just funny how people "choose" other people based on "compatibility".. "smart" or "dumb", as long as the person makes you happy and you're not being led down the wrong path, or not making the most of your life and God given talents then go for it, doesn't seem like there's any written rules when it comes to guys picking girls.. Now I'm just getting off topic.
Anyways, back to my day.. I had a long day at school, and I'm glad I had the change to chat with a friend after class. Speaking of class, class has seemed so dry lately, as if I'm not even gaining anything from my courses! What's up with that!? Maybe it's that time RIGHT before the end when most all the material's been taught already. it's that last 20% that takes all the work to get, when most people would be content kicking it into neutral and coasting in to finals week.. I've got about 3 weeks to go, I can't wait for school to be over!
Bike ride Saturday, who's pumped? I AM! Tour of the Unknown Coast, heck yes! It's going to be awesome! And a concert tonight at 7 P.M., It's FREE!! South Side Community Center, Free dessert following the performance!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Take That GAS!
With gas now at $4.17 a gallon, riding my bike is really starting to pay off. Let's do some simple math.. On my last credit card statement, (from 3/14-4/08) I spent $153.98 on gas.. And, a few numbers on my car's mileage..
With an average of 33.69 miles to the gallon, I'll show you how much I've been saving by simply riding my bike to Butte College on Mondays and Wednesdays.. Now, picture this. By riding to class 2 of the 4 days of my school week, I've cut my gas costs in half for academic related transportation. This is the route I drive to school every day. http://ridewithgps.com/users/27048/routes (the Butte, east entrance route) So, 27.9 miles, 4 times a week.. that's 111.6 miles a week. Cut that in half, you've got 55.8 miles in the car, and 55.8 on the bike. That's 1.65 gallons worth.. What is that in dollars you ask? At the current price, I'm saving $6.91 per week by riding my bike to class. WIN!!
Now, if I could just ride everywhere, all the time. (:
With an average of 33.69 miles to the gallon, I'll show you how much I've been saving by simply riding my bike to Butte College on Mondays and Wednesdays.. Now, picture this. By riding to class 2 of the 4 days of my school week, I've cut my gas costs in half for academic related transportation. This is the route I drive to school every day. http://ridewithgps.com/users/27048/routes (the Butte, east entrance route) So, 27.9 miles, 4 times a week.. that's 111.6 miles a week. Cut that in half, you've got 55.8 miles in the car, and 55.8 on the bike. That's 1.65 gallons worth.. What is that in dollars you ask? At the current price, I'm saving $6.91 per week by riding my bike to class. WIN!!
Now, if I could just ride everywhere, all the time. (:
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
May, the Beginning
The new month is hear, full of allergies, sun and school. I've been riding more. I love it. I just got some sweet new wheels, so awesome! I've had the chance to ride a lot more lately (naturally by setting the camera down more), and it's been a good choice. I'm ready to train more, work harder and start seeing the results pay off. Auburn was slightly disappointing, but aside from that I can be thankful to race and get in the workout/experience. School was a joke today. I only went to half my classes and the half that I did go to I felt like why am I even here. I rarely have these days, but for some reason today of all days I just really did not feel like I was gaining anything from my classes. I'm in great spirits right now and I plan to keep it that way! This weekend is the Tour of the Unknown Coast. I'm ready to tear it up! I can't wait to ride/race.. It's going to be completely mind blowing! Riding on the coast of CA up in Ferndale, it's like a mini vacation that includes the bike! Oh, and a little suffering (: but the scenery balances that out.. (Here's proof: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipybLW5xedw ) That's the final part of the Tour of the Unknown coast (last 20 miles) Man, I'm pumped! Okay, I'm literally going to ride up some fatty hills right now. See ya later!
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