My life in words...some of it at least

News

2010-09-18T08:07:00.002-04:00

haven't blogged since March...I guess I got busy. Summer happened, I did a lot of mountain biking. Went to the fair, made some more beer, and am currently in the middle of p90x....ski season is around the corner..and my bike has been in the shop for almost two months...luckily I have a back up...life is good

The Guild

2010-03-02T01:23:00.001-05:00

Just finished watching season 3 of "The Guild." I watched all 3 seasons in two days...it is that addicting..

that is all.

the Pumpkins

2010-01-13T08:54:00.001-05:00

Just listened to the latest Smashing Pumpkins song....Corgan is a musical genius.

55

2009-10-29T20:57:00.003-04:00

Thinking of before, losing sleep
Wishing, wanting, needing, not here
Pushing away, my thoughts are elsewhere.
I am going through the motions, keeping afloat while still taking on water.
Losing the battle, drowning is next.

Depression?

2009-10-29T20:53:00.002-04:00

So I am not sure what is really going on with me right now. Since moving to Vermont, I have been mostly happy. Then after we closed on our house, and were settled and moved in I became immensely homesick, and a bit depressed. Currently I am still kind of depressed, and if it was possible I would pack up a truck and go back to Utah.

Cage the Elephant

2009-10-28T22:24:00.000-04:00

Just picked up a copy of their debut album on EMI record. I have to say, the Elephant has been let out of the cage. They are a true rock band, keeping the blues roots of rock n' roll alive and well. Some of you may say, "but he is rapping." No, he is singing the blues. Have you ever heard of John Lee Hooker?
The album opens up with hard hitting white trash blues number. The second song has a bit more of a pop/rock feel, and is a slight letdown. The third track, "Ain't no rest for the wicked," brings it all back into focus...
There are definitely some allusions to the White Stripes, and maybe even Panic at the Disco.
Overall the album is a good listen, I would recommend it. If they stick more to the blues end of the spectrum they will go far..

Lift Tickets

2009-10-25T13:17:00.000-04:00

I find it absurd that ski resorts out east are charging so much for lift tickets..considering how small they are and how little snow they get..Seriously Mt. Snow in southern vermont..avg snowfall 160 inches...skiable terrain less than 600 acres..lift tickets $75.
Stowe...skiable acres 485, avg snowfall only 333", lift tickets $84...
Jay Peak... skiable acres 385, avg snowfall 350"...lift tickets $67
Killington...skiable acres 750, avg snowfall 250"...lift tickets $82
Let's compare to skiing out west..na..how about just Utah...
Snowbird...skiable acres 2500, avg snowfall 500" (though the last two years they have been close to 700)...lift tickets $62.
Alta...skiable acres 2200, avg snowfall 500+...lift tickets $66.
Even Solitude, one of Utah's "smaller" resorts has over 1200 acres of terrain, gets over 500 inches of snow, and lift tickets, $62...that is if you actually buy them at the mountain and don't get discount tickets, basically anywhere.
So really...the northeast needs a reality check. I feel bad for the skiers who never get to go out west and experience real mountains.

Finally

2009-10-23T12:02:00.000-04:00

Foliage season is over, the tourists have tapered off, and I am finally getting two days off a week...yes, for the past three months I have been working six days a week. The overtime pay has been great, but I have been exhausted. All I can say now is, "bring on the snow."

More than the other

2009-10-18T12:22:00.000-04:00

I had a thought the other day, a thought I never expected to have. I would sell my motorcycle so we had some extra cash if we were moving back to Utah in the future...yes..I actually thought of giving up my bike for epic powder.
Because of this, I have come to the realization that I am truly a skier. Yes I love riding, but I like skiing more...I guess it is because I can always buy another motorcycle..but consistent powder days only happen in Utah...I use to be an obsessive dancer...but I can dance anywhere...Being happy on snow is the best feeling on earth..

As I said in an earlier post, I was never actually miserable in SLC. I just made myself believe I was. The people there, weird though they may be, are at least friendly, and make an effort. Yeah I know, I am still just missing home.
I don't see anything wrong with that.

Pray for snow

Snow

2009-10-14T00:18:00.000-04:00

Yes, snow will be a constant and ongoing theme in my blog...Even in the off season. When it comes down to it, I only see the year as having two seasons. Ski season, and training for ski season. Ski season starts as early in the fall as possible, and if the weather cooperates runs through at least late April. Training for ski season starts as soon as the other ends, which includes a lot of high elevation hiking, lunges, running, cycling, etc...Having two dogs helps a lot...they need to go for long walks...which involve climbing a 5000 foot mountain in 4 hours..up and down. Mountain biking with them, and running. Also since I have become somewhat of a telemark skier, lots and lots of lunges at the gym.
The Wasatch mountain range in Utah has received over two feet of snow already...it is being used...I saw pictures...I am severely jealous...I am still waiting for the snow here...I am told it is coming..but I don't see it..as always, pray for snow...
peace

Homesick...

2009-10-13T01:26:00.000-04:00

I know it's been a while since I have written anything...life has been hectic, the summer was long and mostly rainy here in the northeast, and we are looking forward to Winter already. We have bought a house here in the state of Vermont. In the village of Essex Junction, just outside of Burlington. It is a 4 bedroom cape style home, with a nice size yard, in a nice neighborhood. Not too far from anything, but just far enough that the four colleges and universities in the area are not a bother.
I have mixed feeling about the whole thing right now. I am 3000 miles away from anything I know. My parents, long time friends, and the west...I look at pictures, and my heart is slightly saddened. I have never been truly homesick, but I believe this is what I am feeling. The western US and its' 10 states were my home for 28 years of my life. I would hear a story, and know I had been there. I miss how tightly held the dancers are there. Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Sac, PDX, Seattle, SLC, Denver, Phoenix...these were all just part of a larger group of friends. So far the dance scene here is disappointing at best, and disheartening at its' worst. As much as I complained about SLC, I truly was happy there...I just didn't know it until I was gone. Sure the drivers were a bit off, and the people were a bit wacky..but the snow was just like heaven, and the mountains were a sight to wake up to. Yes, I know there are "mountains" here also...I still just see them as the green hills..barely reaching the sky at 5,000 feet. SLC was at almost that height.
I have always known that I am able to be happy in just about any situation, and make the best of it. So, who knows what the future holds. Maybe UT will once again be graced with our presence on its' glorious fluffy slopes. Only time will tell.
But for now, I am homesick, and a bit lost...here's to hoping all is not lost.

-Tim...

Long Trip

2009-05-07T20:05:00.000-04:00

Observations from my cross country ride.

Rain gear is a must...even if it doesn't rain, it is good for wind protection. I brought 4 pairs of gloves...I used 3 of them. I brought tools, and string tire patches just in case, didn't use any of it, but it didn't take up much space. U.S. road atlas. didn't take a gps...my phone works as one, but I really didn't need it until I was in the cities I was staying. Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, and most of Illinois were windy, the entire length of the states, this is where the rain gear came in very handy. Without it I was shivering, with it I was warm and toasty. I also had a balaclava (one of those neck warmer things that also has a thin layer over your head.
Base layers and warm socks are a must. If you are a skier at all, you already know this. I do not have heated gear, nor have I ever, and I don't see the need for it if you know how to layer, and it isn't below 35*. I wore ear plugs the whole way. I took them out for about 30 minutes and couldn't stand it. I have in helmet speakers for my ipod, music helps the miles pass by nicely. I found between 100 and 120 miles was about my limit. Had nothing to do with my seat, just figured it was a good resting point...plus I get hungry often.
I had to dodge tumble weeds across most of Nebraska...it was the weirdest experience ever.
Those huge air spoilers on the top of semis really make a difference in turbulence when they pass going the opposite direction. I found myself cursing the ones without.
The weather was not perfect, nor was it horrible. I ran into a little rain in Chicago, some hail about 30 miles outside of Cleveland, and more rain in Buffalo, and Syracuse. Nothing that stopped me, or made me uncomfortable, but then living in Portland you get used to riding in rain.

Over all the experience was good, probably wouldn't do it again, unless I had two to three weeks, but I would take a more southern route.

Bruges Waffles & Frites

2009-04-11T17:15:00.000-04:00

So, as I am always looking for a new and interesting place to put food into my mouth , I stumbled across a great write up in the Salt Lake City Weekly about Bruges Waffles & Frites . I was curious because I had rode by this place on my way home the day before. So today, I tried them, and I will definitely be trying them again.

So this culinary delight is originally a Belgian thing...the owner and cook Pierre Vandamm, no relation to the horrible actor, is a nice guy with a great accent. He knows what he is doing, and does it well. The name of his place comes from his home town Bruges, Belgium. It currently claims to be the waffle capital of the world. Waffles and fries are sold by street vendors there, kind of like our down town taco carts here in Salt Lake City.
The place is small, with only outside seating, or a small bar with four stools inside, but that really doesn't matter. The food is great, the service is exceptional, and the price is right...

I am always amazed

2009-04-10T13:13:00.000-04:00

At how easily my body gets back into shape...Since ski season had started, I had been ignoring the gym. Since I had been skiing a couple of days a week, and running with our two dogs about 3 days a week, I had neglected my weight training regimen. But, 3 weeks ago I started up again...and I am always amazed at how quickly I get back to where I was 6 months ago, and already am seeing results. My body is amazing, I know that makes me sound like a pompous ass, but it is just the truth. I have been blessed with very good genes, thank you mom and dad. I am a true ectomorph. My daily caloric intake is upwards of 4000...yes you did read that correctly, 4000. I know, all you women hate me right now, no worries, I am used to it.
To be honest with you, it is actually hard to intake that many calories. I don't eat sweets, or junk food, so it is an incredible feat. Basically I eat 5-6 meals a day, and supplement with protein shakes in between. I eat breakfast twice, have a shake before lunch, lunch, a shake in the afternoon, and eat dinner twice.
It is tons of fun...of course there is also all the snacking in between meals..which usually ends up being some type of fruit. Ok, enough on this, time for second breakfast...peace

Road Trip

2009-04-08T00:41:00.001-04:00

So I have an interview on April 26th in Burlingon VT...perfect excuse to ride across the country...taking the I-80 route...if any of you are on the way...I will gladly take a break....

April 1st...2009

2009-04-01T11:58:00.000-04:00

Snow on April first in Salt Lake City....
I love it, spring is in full swing...snow and all...
It's interesting trying to get people to read your blog. You send a link to your friends, and are not really sure if they even read it or not.
It's kind of like throwing pasta at a pot of boiling water, just hoping some makes it in, hopefully enough to make a meal.
Of course, blogs are personal, but if no one is reading it, then what's the point. You might as well just pick up that old paper journal you haven't looked at in a while.
Sure, people say they write blogs for stress relief, to vent, to relax. In my humble opinion, that is a load of crap. You write your thoughts on the internet so other people can read them; if it was really peronal, you would put them on paper.
Facebook, twitter, myspace; these are all just ways for you to get your thoughts out there for others to read, comment on, disagree with.
It seems to me that we have become a society who yearns to be heard, no matter how pointless the thought may be.
Be it about your new child crapping it's pants, or the state of the economy, we have this need to let people know what we are thinking. Twitter is the worst of them, and yes, I use it.
I freely admit that I am a part of this movement. I want to be heard, I want people to disagree with me, to yell at me, to tell me their opinions.
The fact that I don't see a difference between bleeding heart liberal democrats, and money grubbing capitalistic republicans. Obama isn't doing anything different than Bush did. He talks the talk, but I want to see some actual real change. At this time he is failing, he is pushing for more war, more spending, more taxes.
He had all these big ideas, big words, and big thoughts...where did they all go?
So far our new president, is a disappointment. I hope he can change my mind...

So Cal Trip

2009-03-27T21:24:00.000-04:00

I am not crazy....planning an earlier cycle trip, this one solo, for about a week. This one will be less travel intensive, and more just hang out time.
Going to visit my parents, then hang with friends in LA for a bit...dance, enjoy life, see the ocean.
I miss the ocean, this is as far as I have ever lived from the coast. Growing up it was only about 90 miles from home. In college I lived two steps from the sand. Portland, is an hour drive. The smell of salty water soothes my senses. Having experienced a lot of the west coast line, I have to say the southern California coast is my least favourite. It is too busy, crowded, and commercial. Basically everything north of Santa Barbara is nice.
Of course everyone is fascinated with Los Angeles. Most people I meet want to go there, live there; Hollywood fascinates people. If I had to pick a beach in southern California that I did like, there are two, Huntington Beach, and Ocean Beach.

First of all, Huntington, I like it here for it's sense of community. There are a whole lot of bars, and restaurants just up the street from the board-walk, and they all have their weekend breakfast regulars. Mostly people over the age of 50, but there are a few younger ones too. The joggers, dog walkers, bicyclists, they all are there, all the time.
Huntington residents have a sense of pride in their community. Most of them either grew up there, or dreamt of living there as a child. It is a peaceful setting, before all the tourists show up for the day, usually around noon.

Being of Irish and German descent, my favourite place to stop while there is the Killarney's Pub and Grill. The food is good, the servers are nice to look at, and I can get a nice cold pint of Guinness with my lunch.

Ocean Beach, on the other hand, is almost the exact opposite of Huntington. It is more of a counter culture refuge. It reminds me a bit of Santa Cruz, but without all the mansions on the hill. It is a small community of like minded people just west of down town San Diego. Hippies, posers, pot heads, wanna be high school kids, you name it, this is the refuge for everyone who wants to be different.

Serving your country

2009-03-27T20:22:00.000-04:00

So I have been reading a bunch of blog posts about military service.
First, I have to say, I respect and thank everyone who has served, or is serving in the military. Personally, it is not for me, I am to opinionated.
The hardships these people go through are amazing feats of human endurance.
I salute you, soldier, marine, sailor, and airmen.

Thu Mar 26, 8:28 AM

2009-03-26T10:28:00.000-04:00

Sitting her on my couch...debating whether to go skiing today or tomorrow...two feet of fresh snow overnight, with more on the way...
Spring started last Friday, and then winter came back a day later...hahahaa..it's like a big joke...keep moving..

La La La lalalalalalalalala

2009-03-20T21:34:00.001-04:00

So, with all this time on my hands I have been repainting my bike. Putting new brake pads on my wife's bike. Sleeping a lot, and planning stuff.

My bike is almost done, the fenders, and side covers are finished. All I need to do now is a final coat of paint on the tank, and two layers of clear coat...so probably 3 or 4 days...then comes the sanding, and buffing...
Also since we are moving across the entire effing country, and all of my family lives in the south west United States, they are throwing a big family get together.
Also, my cousin is getting married in the middle of May, in Phoenix. So...basically I am planning a 10 day motorcycle trip, before we drive across the entire effing country.

Starting in Salt Lake City, going to Las Vegas for a couple of days, then down to Phoenix for about 3 days, over to San Diego for a day or two, up to my parents in the High Desert, then back to Vegas for a night, before our final destination of SLC...then two days later we leave for Vermont...you can take a breath now.

Food, motorcycles, and inspiration.

2009-03-08T13:33:00.000-04:00

In short, food is an amazing way to enjoy life...just not too much.
Motorcycles are comparable to food, but on a different plain entirely.
Both are inspiring...and evoke artistic creativity.

(Note) will be updating this later with more..

Lots of time...

2009-02-27T11:12:00.000-05:00

Having a lot of time on my hands gives me time to think...a lot.
Being unemployed is an interesting state of being. Sure, I am sending out my resume, and applying for just about any job I can find; yet this free time is nice also.
I don't really do much. I am mostly just looking at online employment sites.
It has also given me time to do things I have missed while working. Basically spending more time with my two dogs, and catching up on cleaning around here. I was bored one day, so I bought a bunch of spray paint, and decided to re-paint my motorcycle...it is still in process...but is coming along.
I have been catching up on reading the ride reports at ADVrider, those are always inspiring.
Busy planning our trip down to Phoenix for my cousin's wedding, of course it will be a six day motorcycle trip, with a stop in Las Vegas...oh and if you are ever in Vegas, go to the NYNY hotel and have dinner at Nine Fine Irishmen, it is a great Irish pub setting, with traditional Irish cuisine, and a great beer selection.
I actually have a slightly funny story about the first time we went there.
We were on our week long vacation to Zion/Bryce canyon national parks, and spent the weekend before in Las Vegas. My parents were driving up from CA, and it happened to be that Sarah's mom was going to be in Vegas with her boyfriend for some marketing conference. So, we all went to dinner there...it was interesting. I am Irish, and of course so is my father, and so is Linda's (Sarah's mom) boyfriend...it must have been fate.

Anyway...looking for a job in this economy sucks ass...
That is all for now..

I am lost?

2009-02-18T10:16:00.000-05:00

So...you know how we have been all excited about purchasing a house, and the new job etc...well....
I have,I guess, been laid off. The restaurant is doing horribly, so they can not afford to pay me my salary. I can't say I didn't partly see it coming, considering how slow business has been over the last two months. Example: Yesterday we made a whole 200 dollars for the day...if this was an isolated incident it would be ok, but it is not. There have been many days like this.
Technically I am not fired, I have agreed to stay on for hourly pay, a much lower rate though. I guess it is better than nothing at all, but not by much.

What does this mean? Well the house we were looking at is not a financially smart decision anymore, unless I find a position within the next week or two that is comparable to what I had been promised.
If that doesn't happen, then we are most likely going to live out our lease until the end of May, and maybe move to Vermont.

All I have to say is that it is a good thing I am the kind of person who just takes life as it comes.

A sweet deal

2009-01-27T17:35:00.000-05:00

Or at least I hope...we just put an offer on a house in Heber City, UT.
With the market today, and the fact that the house has been on the market for about a year, we offered 20% below the asking price...we will see what happens now....If all goes well we will be closing by the end of March.
Just in time for riding season...

In the End

2009-01-05T18:44:00.000-05:00

In the end, I have decided to take this new job.
It will be good, it comes with a nice salary, room for growth, and 10% ownership of the business in 3 years.
It will be good.
We have decided to buy a house in Heber City Utah, stay for a few years, and then sell when the market is better.
After that we will most likely move to the Burlington Vermont to be closer to Sarah's mother, and sister. Her dad passed a few years ago, so we think it would be good to be closer as her mother ages...also her sister isn't the most reliable human being.
Yet as we make these plans we know that change is always possible. So nothing is set in stone, they are tentative plans that we can only hope for. We will take it as it comes.

On another note, I have decided I want to purchase a HD Sportster sometime in the next year or so. New or used it does not matter.
Not for any other reason than I think they look nice.
No I am not getting rid of my Virago, just adding on.

The snow is still falling, so riding is not in the near future. Probably will be about two months. Which is just in time for a more advanced rider course...hopefully they will actually have some to take this time around.

Good things...sometimes too much

2008-12-08T22:44:00.001-05:00

I have recently gotten a very good job offer here in UT. It includes a hefty pay raise from what I am currently making, and part ownership of the business after three years.
It is a good thing...but now decisions have to be made...really big ones.
We are at the point in our lives where we really just want to settle down somewhere, buy a house, and just be in one place for a while.
We are not completely sure if that is here.
I hate to say it, well kind of, but it is looking like Oregon is more out of the picture than it once was. Being closer to family is at the forefront of our thoughts.
If I took this position we would be here a minimum of 3 more years...but do we really want to be here that long?
My wife and I have come to the conclusion that we don't want to stay in Utah, don't want to raise kids here, and are not going to buy a house here.
The people have issues, the school system is one of the worst in the nation, and the climate is not great.
But can we handle 3 more years?
Decisions will be made...

One is not the lonliest...

2008-12-04T20:17:00.000-05:00

Once again I am the only motorcycle in the parking lot at work. The weather has turned cold. The fair weather riders have migrated back to four wheels instead of two. All I did was put my liner back in, throw a neck warmer in my saddle bags, and pull out my winter gloves, and ski socks...I am once again a tourist attraction.

I swear I am not crazy

2008-12-03T20:35:00.001-05:00

Y'all gonna think I am nuts.
Our thanksgiving was spent in Colchester VT, and for the record, I have never been to Vermont.
It is a beautiful state, full of lush greenery, beautiful farmland, and scenic mountains.
We might move there..like I said before, I am not crazy.
It is just a thought...

Decisions

2008-11-24T12:54:00.000-05:00

Deciding where to live, is one of the hardest things we have had to deal with in a while. Weighing the pros and cons of each location, thinking about the things we will miss, the things we love, the things we hate.
The Wasatch Mountains are beautiful in the summer and winter.
Mt Hood is a huge looming guardian of the Portland metro area.
Skiing, hiking, mountain biking, snow shoeing, and such are so close here in Utah, and if we bought a house in Heber City the mountains would be our back yard playground.
The live music scene in the PNW (pacific northwest) is mind blowing. The jazz and blues musicians that come out of that area are some of the best you will ever hear.

So this is where we are at. Nothing is set in stone, we are planning for both, we are leaving it up to fate.

1 Day, 1 Day

2008-11-06T07:17:00.001-05:00

Snowbird decided to open early due to the 3 foot dump yesterday....they will open tomorrow...peace

I am going nuts..

2008-11-03T22:17:00.000-05:00

I know, I just posted that Portland countdown timer...now things might be up in the air again...life is just mean that way.
The number one thing keeping us here, is the fact that the mountains happen to be in our back yard...well not literally, but 10 minutes away...we love the accessibility.
We can go snowshoeing, XC skiing, back country ski touring, skijouring with our dogs, hiking, and mountain biking, and it is all so close.
In Portland, we have to drive to all of this. Sometimes 30 minutes, sometimes an hour+.
All comments are greatly appreciated.

Portland timer...

2008-10-28T17:41:00.000-04:00

Countdown Until Ski Season

2008-10-28T17:27:00.000-04:00

Created by OnePlusYou

Requested...

2008-10-25T19:51:00.000-04:00

I request was put in for something....here it is.

...until I return to Portland....
Also

... until ski season begins...

2008-10-22T20:08:00.000-04:00

Been a while since I have posted...life gets in the way I guess..
so ski season starts Nov. 14th...If there was an emoticon for jumping up and down, it would be here.
Still riding...it was 35 this morning...I was fine...too cold is 25...
yeah, I got nothin' peace...

77 days

2008-09-08T18:19:00.000-04:00

Until ski season...which means I possibly only have about 80 days of safe non snow/icy road conditions left for riding...it is an odd feeling...

I love 75 degrees

2008-09-05T20:09:00.000-04:00

It is like heaven...
Snow is on its' way....

Autumn is close

2008-08-27T17:23:00.000-04:00

It hasn't reached 90 degrees since Sunday. Sure the trees still have all their leaves, the local kids just started school, and there isn't any snow on the mountains yet, but I can feel it. The time of the year where I am excited about skiing and riding at the same time. Winter is just around the corner, and Summer is a horrible memory in the past. No more sweltering hot days.
I can ride without dripping sweat.
Honestly riding in 95+ degree heat is not pleasant. Leather does not breathe that well, even mesh is hot. I tend to carry a half gallon of water on days when the temperatures soar to new heights.
Sure I can't ride as much in the winter because of snow...but, when it is 20 degrees and hasn't snowed in three days, you will see me. You will look at me as if I am insane. I am not insane, I am a motorcyclist.

Small spaces

2008-08-21T20:40:00.000-04:00

This afternoon I adjusted the valves on my motorcycle...I have to say, my fingers hurt. The actual adjustment was a 5 minute ordeal, the annoying part is getting the four, yes I said four, valve covers off the engine. Well, actually, three are a pain in the ass, the fourth is easy.
If I was ten years old,it would have been easier...but it is done.

I have no title...

2008-08-07T22:36:00.000-04:00

Yes it is still hot, but there is a light at the end of this long hot summer...it is almost over...only three and a half months until ski season.
Can I just fast forward instead?

Heat

2008-08-02T15:51:00.000-04:00

The heat right now, is disgusting.

Time

2008-07-27T21:28:00.000-04:00

286		days
6886		hours
413190		minutes
24791442		seconds

Greener Pastures

2008-07-27T08:49:00.000-04:00

I looked at the weather for Portland, OR yesterday. It was a high of 75...here it was about 102.
The futbol league that I am playing in starts up again next Saturday after taking the month of July off. This should be interesting. We have been trying to get practice time in during our break, but it has just been so hot it is hard to get anyone to show up. Even I have only shown up to two of our scrimmages.
Oh well, it is all fun anyway, I just hope we can get a consistent group of players to show up. We have, I think, 21 guys who initially signed up, payed money, and said they were going to play. The most we have had show up to a game is 18, on average we have 14 or 15. It is really hard to play a good game, when you have different players at each match, with only about four to six consistent people.
I really don't understand it, why would you pay $225 and then not be there. One of the guys came to the first practice, payed for the season, and we haven't seen him since, and this was in April.
Well I digress...
peace

Horse Racing

2008-07-22T07:09:00.000-04:00

I just have to say, I love horse racing. Moving to Utah has made it impossible to do this. So, what better excuse to do a nice ride to Evanston Wyoming. If you have never been, it is a lot of fun. Wyoming Downs is a great track.
Our route took us up hwy 89 from Salt Lake City, east on I-84 for about 5 miles, north on 167 just past Snowbasin Ski resort down into Huntsville, east on hwy 39 and up over Monte Cristo pass, then south on hwy 16 into Wyoming. It was a great route, with fun twisties, amazing vistas of the surrounding area, and proof, that, yes, there is still snow in the mountains.
I was definitely pushing my bike to new limits. Being a sport bike racer for a few years in my past, I haven't had a chance to test my skills in a while. I am glad to say, I have not lost it; of course, my Virago is not a sport bike, but it is also not a stretched out cruiser like these modern bikes, yet in it's time it was considered to be one. The only draw back is that it is a carbureted engine, so when going up over high passes it doesn't run as well as it could. The new EFI bikes electronically adjust for changes in elevation. Overall I have no complaints, I just had to give it a bit more throttle, and it ran fine.
This will definitely be a ride done again.

298 days

2008-07-19T20:57:00.000-04:00

That is how many left until I leave for Portland.

25,747,200 seconds
429,120 minutes
7152 hours

316 days until we actually move.

Road trip plans

2008-07-17T07:04:00.000-04:00

It has been decided, the route has been tentatively set, and the date, is not set in stone.
My wife and I have decided to take it upon ourselves to do a 5500 mile road trip around the country. Departing from Portland Oregon, taking the coast route down to Los Angeles, east over to Tulsa Oklahoma, a side trip to New Orleans (hey what's another 1400 miles?) and then back to Portland, taking the northern route through Colorado, Montana, and Idaho.
I will be riding my 1990 Yamaha XV1100 Virago, she currently has a 1981 XV750 Virago, but not sure if she will be taking that bike, or if we will purchase something newer between now and then.
Our tentative time table is late spring of 2010, probably either April or May.
Here is our travel route, not exact, but a rough estimate.
You are probably wondering what brought this idea into my head.
Well, you can blame a friend of mine. She lives in Tulsa, I needed a reason to visit her.
Why would I want to fly, when I can take a four week long road trip on my motorcycle?
There you have it, if we don't do it now, it may never happen....

The long way

2008-07-13T11:53:00.000-04:00

Yesterday morning I planned on heading down to Provo, UT to help a friend with a small, and easy job on his bike. I live in Salt lake City, if I had taken I-15 it would have been about a 45 minute drive. I did not.
I took the long way, just for fun, one hour 45 minutes later, I arrived.
Here it the route I took, Salt Lake to Provo.
Basically all I did was set my route into google maps, and then alter it, completely.
I really had no idea where I was going, I was just randomly dragging the route onto interesting roads.
It was great, a nice ride, full of nice scenery, mountain roads, twisties, amazing vistas. I think my average speed was around 35.
I wish I had had my camera to actually take some pics, but as it was I had forgotten it, as I usually do.
Peace, ride safe.

People who think they actually have power

2008-07-12T21:21:00.000-04:00

It is funny, it seems most admins on forums think they own the world. Yes, the WORLD, and this admin is only one of about 20.
I am not afraid...but very amused.

Bad Air

2008-07-11T07:13:00.000-04:00

Bad air quality and motorcycles do not mix. In my car, I can just roll up the windows, and the air filters fix everything.
On a motorcycle all I have is my nose for filtering air.
Today is a red air day in the valley. Try to hold your breath.
But their is light at the end...Jazz Festival this weekend, and supposed to be some moist air coming through on Sunday which will clean up the air.

4th of July

2008-07-04T15:11:00.000-04:00

I can honestly say the 4th of July is one of my least favorite days of the year. I don't really like fireworks, they are just loud, and polluting. They rank right up there with parades....I hate parades with a passion. They take up space, block off major roads, and are basically just in the way. The people who watch them are pigs, they leave so much litter it is disgusting.
Whether I actually like the 4th or not, I still go and watch fireworks with friends because they like them...I just bring earplugs...
So in other words, happy 4th July y'all

I love things like this

2008-06-23T22:00:00.001-04:00

I love the fact that since we bought my wife her own motorcycle (1981 Yamaha Virago XV750) she has become the best passenger in the world. I never really realized how it would affect her as a passenger. Considering the last time I was a passenger on a motorcycle was when I was about 3, I really have no experience in this matter.
It brings me to a point where I have also realized she has become a much better driver also, more aware, and more careful.

People ask weird questions.

2008-06-23T18:13:00.000-04:00

So, I have the most random questions asked of me whenever I am preparing to leave anywhere on my bike.
Since it is summer the most common one is, "aren't you hot with that helmet, leather pants, and jacket on?" My most common response tends to be, "well yes, but it is better than a really bad sunburn, roadrash, and brain damage."
The most interesting thing is that the questions that are thrown at me in the winter and/or when it is raining are basically the same, but with a slight twist. Mostly, "aren't you cold." "you know it is raining, right?"
I don't understand people, do they think motorcycles melt in the rain?
I mean seriously, I go skiing when it is below freezing, what makes you think 35 degrees on a motorcycle really makes much of a difference?
Overall it just comes down to ignorance. They just don't know any better.
Kind of like how non skiers don't understand the huge grin on your face when it is snowing in the city.
They just don't get it.

Yeah, it's still hot

2008-06-21T13:01:00.000-04:00

Another weird thing about SLC. It has this huge potential to be an awesome ski town, actually it is an awesome ski town, just without the ski town.
I mean, it has some of the greatest skiing on earth, the license plate does not lie.
The longest I drove this season was 45 minutes, the shortest about 25.
The powder was deep, and light. Storm after storm kept coming in and puking more snow on these beautiful rocky mountains. There are nine ski resorts within 45 minutes of this city.
The only thing missing is the laid back ski town mentality.
Salt Lake City is too generic. It might as well be a suburb of Los Angeles. It really doesn't have it's own identity, except for the fact that the LDS church basically owns it. Which in itself, is a bit off putting if you are not LDS.
Most people always seem to drive like they are an hour late for their wedding. Which, comically, is a common place thing in this city.
Most people are always in some kind of hurry, running red lights, illegal u-turns, practically running down pedestrians in the crosswalk. They really need to chill out, get off their cell phone, and pay attention to life.

I never blog here do I...

2008-06-18T20:57:00.001-04:00

I just realized my last blog was over a year ago. I am horrible. Well whatever, life is what it is.
So in the past year Sarah and I have moved to SLC Utah, had an amazing ski season, bought Sarah her own motorcycle, and decided to move back to Portland OR next May. My job is good, Sarah is enjoying massage, but also has a job at the local plasma donation center. She decided to get this job mostly because the economy is tanking. This way she has more stable income.

Regarding motorcycles, I currently ride a '90 Yamaha Virago XV1100, and we recently bought Sarah a '81 Virago XV750.
Sarah is slowly regaining her confidence on the road. Her first experience on the interstate was last Friday, she did fine, just isn't used to the speed yet.

Overall Utah isn't a horrible state to live in, it's just too hot. The biggest thing is it is just not Portland. We miss great beer, good live music, rain, green landscapes, and clean water and air.
The air quality here in SLC is horrible. I walked the dog today, and actually had trouble breathing.

New update

2007-02-27T10:59:00.000-05:00

Well it seems I haven't updated this since last October. Sometimes life just seems to get busy, and you forget the less important things in your life, like online blogs.
Just discovered this blog Music that makes you want to Dance
It is in interesting blog from a dancer in Sweden, if you are new to dancing and want to learn a little more about Jazz music, swing dancing etc, it is a good blog to read.
Just realized a friend of mine, Benji Schwimmer , is in Christina Aguilera's video "Candy Man", I can't believe he didn't tell me.
Anyway, so Sarah and I were married three weeks ago, the wedding was amazing. It ended up being about 75 and sunny in San Diego, perfect for an outdoor wedding. The planning of a wedding is really a lot easier than most people make it out to be, Sarah and I planned the whole thing. I don't get why people pay up the ass for a wedding planner when it is a lot more fun to do it yourself. Plus you get to make sure everything is exactly as you like it. I have heard horror stories from couples who used a wedding planner, and didn't like the results.
We used Affordable Wedding Video & Photo
They did an amazing job, it was all digital, so we got a copy of all the raw photos as well as the finished ones, and prints, it was less than $700.

Well this ski season is going well, the snow keeps falling, and we are loving it. Six feet fell just last week, and another four is expected this week. Mt Hood Meadows is where we work and ski on the weekends. I know I may be a bit biased, but honestly they have some of the best lift accessible terrain of any resort on the west coast. Then again I grew up in southern California, so I am used to man made snow with a two foot base. So I am used to Big Bear and Mt High.

I will be updating with photos later.

mt hood

2006-01-23T17:19:00.000-05:00

free couch

2005-10-30T19:04:00.000-05:00

2005-10-20T16:20:00.000-04:00

Kintla

2005-08-01T20:14:00.001-04:00

Big apple

2005-08-01T20:14:00.000-04:00

Crowd

2005-08-01T20:13:00.000-04:00

band

2005-08-01T20:12:00.003-04:00

Ain't it a kick in the head?

2005-08-01T20:12:00.002-04:00

Germany

2005-08-01T20:12:00.001-04:00

fly

2005-08-01T20:12:00.000-04:00

2005-08-01T20:11:00.001-04:00

Backside

2005-08-01T20:11:00.000-04:00

2005-08-01T20:10:00.002-04:00

2005-08-01T20:10:00.001-04:00

2005-08-01T20:10:00.000-04:00

Steve and Heidi

2005-08-01T20:09:00.002-04:00

John and Sylvia

2005-08-01T20:09:00.001-04:00

hmm...

2005-08-01T20:09:00.000-04:00

Flyin

2005-08-01T20:08:00.005-04:00

Little Rascals

2005-08-01T20:08:00.004-04:00

2005-08-01T20:08:00.003-04:00

2005-08-01T20:08:00.002-04:00

Minn and Corina

2005-08-01T20:08:00.001-04:00

2005-08-01T20:08:00.000-04:00

Germany...

2005-08-01T20:07:00.003-04:00

Nick and Sylvia

2005-08-01T20:07:00.002-04:00

2005-08-01T20:07:00.001-04:00

Emily and Italiano

2005-08-01T20:07:00.000-04:00

blurr

2005-08-01T20:06:00.002-04:00

Ben and damn I'm tired

2005-08-01T20:06:00.001-04:00

141

2005-08-01T20:06:00.000-04:00

150

2005-08-01T20:05:00.000-04:00

Carla and ?

2005-08-01T20:03:00.002-04:00

2005-08-01T20:03:00.001-04:00

2005-08-01T20:03:00.000-04:00

2005-08-01T20:02:00.003-04:00

Amy and Nick

2005-08-01T20:02:00.002-04:00

#2, completely forget her name

2005-08-01T20:02:00.001-04:00

Chris and sock lady

2005-08-01T20:02:00.000-04:00

More bal

2005-08-01T20:01:00.001-04:00

Denise, and Nick

2005-08-01T20:01:00.000-04:00

Tonya

2005-08-01T20:00:00.005-04:00

Giselle and Tonya

2005-08-01T20:00:00.004-04:00

2005-08-01T20:00:00.003-04:00

Nick and Laura

2005-08-01T20:00:00.002-04:00

yup