Pointed the big Zook west again. This time cooler temps and no rain. Took the new route in,way better. Passing lanes seem to be better thought out going south than north. But truck traffic was light.

I got to "interface" with Vince's brother Mike and his new wife Cheryl and her two kids Matt ans Abby. A good time .all really nice people. Mike and I shared many musicals interests. Cheryl helped the Luddite get the Bluetooth going. The kids were both outgoing and friendly. Nice to meet them. Mike met Cheryl on the net too. So there's more proof it can work. "I like today".

We went to Dirty Harry's bike shop. They're always in Dirt Rag. The shop lived up to it's rep. A friendly outgoing staff. A well stocked shop. Picked up some tools etc. Then they recommended a brewpub down the street. Well I couldn't pass that up. It was wing night. 50 cent wings. I ordered FIRE, Vince got Asian. The cook brought them out and asked "Who got FIRE?" I did. He looked at me like, Are you nuts?. They were pretty much Durkees with extra butter. A nice tang,but FIRE? They were tasty we enjoyed a summer ale and left. Again way too many people in Pittsburgh smoke.

We hit a few bike trails in the area. Some leisurely riding along the river. Also did a local loop. Had a big downhill i it. I wanted to go up the hill. I will another day. Vince made the climb out of Tarentum for the first time. What a difference the new bike makes. A little coaching helps. Now to master those pedals. Confidence is the key.

The beer food tour continued. Friday found us at the Church Brew Works again. This time for "Geek Night". Todd organizes it. Well it held up to it's name. It was like being in a living Ralph Steadman illustration. I don't think one person had a straight spine. They were all either on their laptops or blackberry. Social skills were minimal. The free buffet had pizza,wings, chips and Spanish rice. Where did that come from? We had a couple beers and made our way to Fatheads.

This place gets a lot of press locally and nationally. Super beer list. We had a Belgian Trippel made for them. Yummy. The sandwiches were good too. Vinces tuna was a little overdone.

The next day we we enetertaing the girsl and went to PF Changs Chinese. Another excellent choice. Bloody Marys were the beverage du jour. When we got home we tried a dessert beer from Southern Tier Brewing Company. Their Creme Brulee. RUN out and buy a bottle. Share with friends. About two ounces in a snifter is all you need. Do it now.

Saturday night was Brew at the Zoo. Fifty beers and you could walk around the Zoo. Wev saw the baby elephants and worked the crowd. I swapped shirts again. This time a Long Trail Ale for a Berlin beer fest. Cool people. We hit the food court just in time. Our return down the hill met us with the masses and no more beer. There was beer at the main tent along with a HUGE crowd. We left.

Sunday night was supposed to be a free John Hiatt show. But we called to find out about the venue and found out he wouldn't be there. Bummer.

The trip home is always harder. No matter where you go. This time it took me three and a half hours to get to the 219and 86 junction. Too long. I was a little tired so that might have been it.

Then buzzing along in the endless construction of 86. I'd just throttled down and BOOM on goes the light show a trooper. I got nabbed in a work zone. More time wasted. Not guilty. Aren't we all? So we'll see what happens.

Going to Shindagin today. That will be way better than South Mountain. Shirking my duties? No. I'll get the painting done. But Shindagin is the best. Besides that's what summer is for.

Off to VT Friday to ride the Kingdom trails.

Movie review. Neil Young Heart of Gold. If you're a fan rent it. Good show. A little insight into Neil.

Enjoy life. I sure am. OGQ