Missing the Bike And Too Much Music

Patrick Music, Sport

Well it’s been almost three weeks since my I was supposed to have my bike back, and almost four weeks since the store has had physical possession of it. At the end of this long waiting period, let me just say that I have not been a very happy customer. I think I tend to be a pretty reasonable customer, being rather understanding of the one or two things that might make something late, but there are only so many times I will let my expectations be crushed.

The current story is that a single part (the headset) that is required has not been sent by the supplier (Avanti) and is apparently on its way from New Zealand. Now I’m not sure on what planet the supplier happens to be living on, but I am under the impression that New Zealand is only a few hours flight away! Since it took a while for me to be accepting of the actual frame I am getting, I’m not entirely enthused by the alternatives that are now being suggested by the bike store. I don’t know about you, but either a) paying more for another frame or b) accepting a lesser frame to get the job done quicker, are on none of my “acceptable scenarios” list. Of course, I’d be willing to upgrade to a better frame if there was no cost involved, especially considering the time that it has taken.

Oh and while I’m really in the mood for ranting tonight, curses to JB Hi-Fi for enchanting my wallet to spill more blood. The chain always offers such great value for all types of music and tends to have a pretty comprehensive range. It’s such a danger when I have to wait for my bus because a store happens to be right next to my bus stop and I’m always bound to find something of interest. Tonight I ended up purchasing four more CDs to add to my collection including:

On A Bike Again

Patrick Sport

I’ve been rather careful about putting excessive pressure on my leg after severely aggravating it two weeks ago walking to and from work. The bruising and tenderness has been healing, but not quite at the same rapid pace it had been originally. The result is that I haven’t been nearly as active as I’d like to have been, and I my diet was accordingly adjusted. Read more “On A Bike Again”

First Aikido Grading

Patrick Sport

Amongst the many other things that happened this weekend, I managed to complete my first Shinsa (grading). My first ever Shinsa was a long one, spanning almost three and a half hours where we had to sit, as much as we could, in the tireless Seiza (sitting with legs folded underneath our bodies) position. I had been training quite hard for the level I was grading for, but was still anxious at the possibility of making a mistake during the very formal testing process. Thankfully it all paid off, and I received my certificate and stamp tonight, testifying to my completion of the 9th Kyu Shinsa.

The whole testing process was rather enlightening as everyone is expected to stay there for everyone else’s grading (all 36 for this one). As one of the beginners in the dojo, I probably got the most out of it, witnessing everyone else complete their more advanced routines. For me, the most fascinating part was probably watching and appreciating how advanced the basic moves we learn in class can be pushed and applied so effectively. I always find it very motivating to watch people demonstrate just how far your skills can be developed and refined.

Mount Cootha Climb

Patrick Sport

I had heard much about cycling up Mount Cootha and today was that day for actually completing the big ride. We opted to meet at 7:30am for departure from The Regatta in order to avoid the heat that was guaranteed if we left any later. I haven’t done any cycling on a mountain before whatsoever, either uphill or downhill, so I knew it was definitely going to be challenge.

I was taken up the front way of Mount Cootha since I was told it was the easier way for climbing and I really had no idea what I was in for. I do not have any record of how long it took us to get up to the top, but let�s just say it was definitely the most difficult ride that I have completed. I was in my lowest gear for most of the climb, and was riding out of my seat a fair bit to get more leverage. I was somewhat comforted by watching a number of other cyclists cycling just as slowly as me, with one of them even turning around, no doubt, too exhausted from the climb.

We finally reached the top of the mountain where we took a much needed rest, as I was completely out of breath. Going down the mountain was definitely worth the climb, as we flew down in a few minutes and reached a maximum speed over 65km/hour. At the bottom of the mountain, I was presented the choice of either going up the mountain again (this time the back way) and a single river loop, or to continue the descend and do a double river loop around Brisbane. I probably made the wrong choice (or more naive) and foolishly decided to go for the first option.

A fantastic weekend ride that went for just over two and a half hours and totalled almost 60k! Somehow I don�t think I�ll be going for a big ride tomorrow.

My Bike Turns 2000

Patrick Sport

Well kind of… Today (or more accurately at about 4:57pm this afternoon) my bike officially reached its first 2000km. Last year for my birthday (sometime in October *grin*), the family got me a Cat Eye cycle computer. Although I had been riding it to work for a couple of weeks before then and many times without the Cat Eye, I now have visual proof of this significant (at least for me) event.

To give you a few ideas of exactly how far this is:

  • A little over the distance driving from Brisbane to Sydney and back again. (1964km)
  • Approximately the same length as the Great Barrier Reef coral strip
  • It’s a little over halfway between Los Angeles and New York City (3933km) – I’m not too strong on US geography so I have no idea where that is
  • 40, 000 laps of an Olympic sized pool