So I had the opportunity to head to Nor-Cal as City mouse had a gig in Hawaii. Turns out it was SF beer week too.
I guess I had a distorted vision of Cali as all car crazy and the land of choppers. Must have been confused by all the So-Cal scene. I saw one low rider and few old beetles. Lots of new Beetles with men actually driving them. Not a chopper to be seen. Prius galore. Myth number one down.


Now all the pics you see of SF are of the painted ladies. The old multi colored Victorian houses. Row after row. Didn't make it to that district. Saw a couple in need of paint. Basically big wide streets with low square buildings. Myth number two down.


We stayed in Oakland. It's known as a gritty industrial town and Hells Angels enclave. Not an Angel to be seen. Industrial yes. So a 50/50 split on this one.


Our hosts lived in a very cool, industrial minimal apartment.

We did see the Oakland University where they teach you how to grow weed. There are 1700 medical marijuana stores in Cali. More than 7-Elevens.


It was a day of eating too. A killer breakfast. Then lunch at a Burmese place. We had these two salads. One was made with tea leaves. Anything will mango can't be bad either. I had a Widmers organic wheat. Nice light citrus flavor. Very good. The Rainbow salad was good too. Make them at home.

Our hosts were beer nerds too. So I'd scoped a couple of places in Oakland out. One was right down the street and a favorite. It was meet the brewers day. One had ridden his delivery bike there. I was representing Ommegang  with t shirt. Two girls came right up and said "Oh we've been there. Nice." Two of  my new friends. I got to have Pliny the Elder there. In Pixburg it was 22 dollars a bottle. Here 4.95. They were out of Pliny the Younger. but I made up for it with a Alaskan Triple X Black IPA.

So while our guest headed back to the house I stayed and had another beer and chatted with my new friends.
On the walk back I came upon these two sights. Glad I spell my name with a K. The other should get the message across.

The nest day we took the "Bart" into SF. Cyrus was a great tour guide. Of course I needed to see a few touristy things and we made the the trip to homo heaven. The Castro.
First we went to Fisherman's Wharf. The tulips in bloom were the highlight. You could see Alcatraz and the Golden Gate bridge. Good luck getting off Alcatraz. Didn't make to the bridge and Mt Tam. But was good to see it. I think a cloud shaped like Gary Fischer drifted by.

Next we hiked up to Coit Tower for the views. Grandpa Vince wasn't to sure about the steps up to it.
The houses were very cool on the hillside. One for sale even had a sign with "Great Views" Hmm it faced the ocean. Glad they pointed this out  for me. I think it's Telegraph Hill they use in the Tour of California. That sucker was steep. We did see our share of "pixie fixies" with hipsters aboard. But like Portland, many are running freewheels and brakes, or a front brake with the brake lever in some stupid place, to show how clever they are and they don't really need it. Posers as they'd say.

Of course there are always those cool bar end variations around the city

After the tower we headed to Trappist,to stave off the beer cravings. Upon arrival it was closed. We were on a street with the cable cars. Pretty cool. We didn't do it. I checked my beer week guide and we headed off to 21st Amendment Brewing. I'd had the Back in Black IPA at home. Great place they were doing beer and brats out on the street too. Tried a sampler here. Monk's Blood was not on the menu. Maybe another time. In true brewpub tradition,great food.

Next we were headed to see the bears and I don't mean at the zoo. That would be tomorrow. Off to the Castro we went. We saw the storefront of Harvey Milks camera store. I thought that it still looked like the sixties here. Odd we saw a  straight couple having sex on the hood of their car and there was a club that had a line out the door of mixed sexes,with drunks spilling out and passing out on the street to cheers of the crowd. Ahhh youth. The Beck motel has been used in movies. Now that was more Cali looking to me. The bears were scarce but the bear flag flew high over the Castro.

Maybe you could have your nails and more done at the shop shown. Hey, Bingo had four such "shops" recently shut down for that.

Then we stopped for a coffee. Here's the motel across the street.

Then we hopped on an antique cable car. It was made in Italy. These were very cool and added to the "time warp" experience.

Back to Oakland and the eating continued.


Up next the Zoo. I kind of have the love hate thing with zoos. I love seeing the animals.especially the big cats. But then it's kind of sad for them too. I think the Toronto Zoo is one of the best. All natural environments and most of the animals seem pretty happy.
They did have polar bears here and tigers. The Lemurs were plentiful and fun. This rhino must have had a huge horn.

Then it was over to the Beach Chalet Brewing for lunch and a beer sampler. We took the B-U-S to get there. But our driver didn't speak English so we figured it out.

Again good beers and burgers. The garlic fries weren't worth the extra two bucks. Some olive oil and a dollop of chopped garlic dropped on them. It was nice to sit and see the ocean while beer tasting.

Another time warp. Where were the surfer dudes?

Then it was off to see Cyrus's rehearsal. Back on the B-U-S. He took us to the airport and we bid our good byes.
Thanks for the trip.
As for the flights as my friend Tillman says. "Time to spare, go by air". Need less to say we had delays etc.
Our highlight of the airport was the morning of departure. Here we are at the SF airport with a line of two hundred people to get through security. V checks his huge bag outside and we walk back into a guard saying. "I'm opening another gate,follow me". No problem, we were third through the gate.
Clean living.


Another snow day in Gloom county. I got the call very early, fed the katz and was back in bed. When I got up and look out someone had cleared my drive again. More clean living.
Ride your bike, eat good food and drink good beer.
OGQ

The pic above is the ugly dolls. I think they're very cool.





So City mouse and Country mouse made the trek to see the "free range" children and the rest of the clan.
Driving was uneventful. Country mouse is not a car person, as you may have gathered.
We were set to stay in a B&B with Joey and Ginny. No name dropping here.
So we headed over to the B&B,that was lackadaisically run at best. They'd told Joey the key was under the oil can. In we went. Walked all through the rooms. Then heard the TV and found the moldy remains of a an earlier happy hour or something.
Now we can "leak the news about Joey's and Ginny's engagment. They're so sweet.

This is when I said it felt like a Saw movie and all the doors and windows would close up. And we'd hear
" You have all been brought here for a reason". That got a few laughs.
Back to "toys R us" we went. Not quite as over the top this year as last. Until Christmas morn and the melee began. I'm all for the joy of kids and presents. Gus went nuts when he got an Ipad, now he's nine. So now nine year olds have cell phones and Ipads. Call me a Luddite. Joey who's 32 got a gift certificate for one.
The booze flowed and so did the food. Good times were had by all.
Glad someone does. See below. Nice Christmas gift.

So moving onto the near year. We hit a couple movies. 127 Hours. Intense. Could you do it? I don't know.

Then we saw I love you Phillip Morris with Jim Carrey who I can't stand but he did a good job and the movie was funny.

We also saw the Edward Hooper exhibit at the Met and someone that basically made doll clothes on another floor. Here you have Hopper who was fantastic,then the typical "art bullshit" on another floor. The exhibit looked like a high end kids clothing shop. I'm missing something about all this.

We also saw the King Tut exhibit. I loved it. How did they make all that? The craftsmanship was incredible.

After the show we were in times square before the big festivities. It had already started by 4pm. We got out of there asap. Headed over to a favorite haunt,the Blind Tiger for a couple pints. The Brooklyn Cuvee Noir was Bad. It was wet was all I could say. Very overrated. Like the year before we had NYE dinner at Mama Mex. But even they cut back. No dumping shots down your throat this year.

As usual no one wanted dessert but me,but all had a bite. Now Herman that's enough. Long story.
Before leaving the Big Apple we swung the little red car by Zabars for duck con fit and I picked up a nice bread. Then it was over to "Whole paycheck" to hit the beer store. Just what I needed more beer. I got some Xingu and a couple black Ipa's to have. Back in Black was one. Yummy,poured from the can.
 So I cooked up one of the duck con fit last night. Saved the duck fat for a recipe for french onion soup and made that today along with a spicy vegan chilli. There's a little duck fat left so I'm going to fry up some sweet potatoes and have some chili. I think a Raging Bitch IPA will pair well with this.
Belated Happy New Year. OGQ

So the above drawing is my example of the new lesson for my students.  I called it "transitions".They had to pick two animals and "blend" them into themselves. The animals had to reflect their personality.
So I used a Kestrel and a tiger. Both are predators. Both are patient hunters. Tigers are orange,my favorite color.
I also did a bumblebees and butterflies.

 Bumblebees aren't supposed to be able to fly( I was told there were things I couldn't do when I was young. That made me prove them wrong) I look at butterflies at being incredibly carefree. Flit around play,die. Simple. Maybe other than the short life span. I should be more care free. Or maybe I just want to be Mothra and kick some ass
So where is this going? My life is in transition right now. I went to a dark place for a short time. Serious introspection and came out of it.
Changed? Perhaps.
Decisions will be made. Changes will take place and life will go on.
Christmas is a favorite time of the year for me. People seem more genuine and I love it.
I hope it's a good holiday season.
Enjoy your holidays.
OGQ

Kross could be a disease for me.

I once read that "Goals not written down are just dreams".

I only seem to follow that rule during Kross.

So here they are for this Kross Season.

1. Was to win a NYCross race in my age group.
Won the season opener at Kirkland. I came in there on fire.
The "Shake and Bake" training was perfect.
2.Win at Ommegang. I've wanted to win there in each edition.
4th. I know why.
3. Podium at Syracuse. This race is always where I do the double, a turning point in the season. ( I did the double at Omme the week before) 1st Place. I'd left it all on the course.
A half hour later I was lined up again. Fooling myself I could do it this week. Two laps in I pulled out. No point in digging a big hole.
4. Be the NYS Champion in the 55+.
Result 2nd. If we would have raced Friday. I'd have crushed it. I was so intent on a fourth State Championship. I burned a lot of energy. It's all in the last blog posting.
5. Podium at Greene and the DPM. Now this could be tough. Promoting both races and racing is a huge endeavor.
Result: 3rd at Greene and a win in the 55+ plus after a race long battle with the Ithaca Mafia don, Glenn Swan. We traded punches all day. I knew it would come down to a sprint, an uphill sprint. I pulled it out after all that. I had to do it.
6. Lose 8-10 lbs for States.
Result: I did it. Less beers,more salads. Now for a few beers.
7. Upgrade to cat 2.
Result: Done.
I was glad it was all over. I worked really hard at running two races. I want people to come to my races and have fun.
They did at the DPM. Probably the only race around where almost everybody wins.
Already thinking about Louisville.
Eat good food, drink good beer and love the one you're with.
OGQ

The State Championships were last weekend. A big goal for the year. I was on course excited. Over excited big time. I was "there" on Friday. I mean packed,dialed the bikes had the "coon tune" I was ready to rock.
Pacing like a caged animal. Maybe it was my turn to release the Kracken!


So Jaunty and I made the drive to RaChaCha to stay with Duffy. See old friends and do this. After an awful nights sleep. It dawned a Kross morning cold,windy and the possibility of rain.
Kitted up, tried not to be a dick. Focused,let's do this. Pre rode the course. Nerves. Too much pressure here on myself.
Finally it's time. They do call ups for the Series. Then the scrum. I slot in next to Tim O'Shea. Might as well put the diesel behind the Top Fuel dragster for the start. Let him make the hole. Rule one followed. make the cut. The legs aren't firing. Trouble with lines in the gravel,but holding my own. Brian comes by me on the road. I cling to him. No need to pass right now. Get the legs moving. Gravel, Rule three violated, minimize mistakes. They come in droves. He gets a gap because I'm trying too hard. Third lap the legs open up. But the gravel is my downfall. Then I finally tell my self go faster where you can slower in the gravel. Now I'm riding like me. Brian has a great ride and takes the gold I take the silver. Probably was a bit of jerk at the end. People are congratulating me. I nod and grumble, second wasn't good enough. But I'm good about the defeat to Brian and congratulate him. Someone says "Karl, How'd you do?"  I mumble I was "riding in the Land of I suck" today. I think they were a bit taken back by that. Our class has been fun this season with no clear cut winners.
Rick, Sharon, Anne ,Jim and Duffy are all stoked for  me. Jaunty knows I'm pissed at myself. But that's racing.
It could have been a big fat zero,nada,zip. Many would be happy to podium.
Drop it. Overall the Gangstas killed it today. Lots of podiums for the team.


So we enjoyed a beer from Rohrbachs. Cheered the big dogs. Headed to the South Wedge for beers and food. First to Beale Street then to the Tap and Mallet. Good to be with old friends. Thanks for coming out and cheering and making me laugh.


Now this weekend is the oldest race in NYS. Race promotion has me burning the candle at both ends.
Just need to race and have fun tomorrow. The really be ready for the DPM. One point is all I need for another seasons gaol of my upgrade to Cat 2. The DPM has been good to me. I will ride with the strength of two men. Thanks Dave.


So here I am not sleeping in. Fretting issues for the race. It will come off.  Plan to work and work the plan.
That's what I did.


Love the one you're with. Eat good food, Drink good beer.


Thanks to all for the support  in the Dirty Little Klub.

Snake Farm, that's what the tire choice has turned into. But only one snake rises to the surface.
Michelin Muds. The chosen ones stayed on the Pride.
Country Mouse and jaunty mouse made the trek to Syracuse. Now this course is either fast and dry or muddy. Today it was muddy again. Early rains and morning dew made it a bit sloppy.
Following Coach Mayhew's advice. I went for a good start but not the holeshot. Out of nowhere mark Shenstone zooms by. Can't have this. Then in an uphill right hander I hit the gas to cut inside and wheelie turn this corner almost lose it. But kept the gas on and blasted by two people. We hit the road and Mark Williams comes by. I jump on his wheel,but he is flying. So settle in and get the rhythm.Then crank it back up. Damn that was hard. But I card the win in the 55 plus. I am wasted,nothing in the tank. Roll around with the empty eyes and shoot a gel at the car. i have twenty minutes of recovery. Feel a bit better. Line up and the legs aren't there. I do two laps and pull the plug. Why dig a big hole? Usually the double is my turning point. But I guess Omme was.
We hit the Dinosaur Barbecue for post ride grub and beers. Mission accomplished.

Double up Buttercup.

Red Cross and the Cross Fire challenge were on the plate for this weekend. City mouse was in town and Jaunty is a big supporter. Nice having a race so close.
Last year Red Cross was a rain soaked epic quagmire of a race.
This year it was cool and dry and warming up. It had rained the day before so the early races were a bit slippy.
AJ pulled a big holeshot in the masters I slotted in around fifth in the first turn. I knew Bill would be tough. So tried to pull the advantage where I thought I had it. I had the gap. Mark and Bill were chasing hard. I'd gone up on tire pressure to avoid flats there. The front wasn't quite as solid as I liked in the turns but it wasn't bottoming out. Then I slid out and got tangled in the tape. Damn. This closed the gap for Bill. People were cheering us both. Then he attacked on the run ,but I got him. Was holding him at bay with one to go. he made a smart move as a lapper impeded me in the barriers. I jumped right back on him. Tried for the pass going in the tunnel,then we bumped I had to get both feet out. Time lost. Stay close. Figuring the place to pass was in the long  off camber if I could stay close. But he nipped me. A good race. But.


Sunday brought the second annual Cross Fire Challenge. A low key fun event. Teeter totters on the barriers. Not your average Kross. as Tim O'shea said "Any race is hard".
The plan today was give it my all. Haven't doubled back to back days in awhile. Last year Glenn said at the start "Our job is to catch all the open men". I told Paul this.( I caught all but four) Then the goal was get the holeshot and turn the screws, I did it. The first time up the hill I wasn't so sure about my legs. But what the hell. Then they loosened up and I hit the gas wherever I could. The gap grew,now I wanted out of sight out of mind.Come on little legs. They did it. The mice were cheering. AJ was telling me. You've done rule one and two concentrate on rule three. Only one bobble on the last lap as I pushed a line. job done, punch the sky. Felt great in the end.
City mouse made a veggie chili for the apres ride activities. Corn muffins too. Lots of good food, a curry, a pumpkin chili. Nice breads and desserts.
Thanks Pat and Marsha for hosting the Dirty Little Klub. All the cool kids were there.
I was glad City mouse got to see me win.

This weekend States looms. Weather looks to be cool and clear. A bit of fine tuning and the point will be sharpened. Then it's onto race promotion.
Eat good food, drink good beer, ride your bike. Love the one you're with. OGQ

Snake Farm by Ray Wylie Hubbard

Well a woman I love is named Ramona


She kinda looks like Tempest Storm

And she can dance like little Egypt

She works down at the snake farm





Chorus:



Snake Farm – it just sounds nasty

Snake Farm – well it pretty much is

Snake Farm – it's a reptile house

Snake Farm – Uuuggghhhhh......





Well Ramona's got a keen sense of humor

She got a tattoo down her arm

It's of a python eatin' a little mouse

Wearin' a sailor hat that says snake farm



Chorus



I asked Ramona how come she works there

She says it's got it's charms

Nothing to do in the winter

Now and then some kid gets bit at the snake farm



Chorus



Well Ramona likes her malt liquor

And a band from Wales thats called The Alarm

She said she cried when they broke up

She still plays their records at the snake farm



Chorus



Sometimes Ramona calls me up

And says come on down here, it's getting warm

She runs everybody off

And we...you know...it's a snake farm



Chorus



Chorus