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2008-09-22T10:58:00.000-07:00

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Ride #2: La Verne to Upland

2008-08-31T15:00:00.000-07:00

This Sunday's ride was an encouraging one as I continued my hopeful transition from a "big-fat-dynamo" to a sleek, spandex-wearing cyclist.

I managed a distance of 15.6 miles to Upload from La Verne along Baseline Ave. After passing the strenuous hilly climb leading into Claremont, I was on a roll. After a couple more miles the Endorphins began to kick in and I was feeling great.

During my ride I was reminded of what a liberating and mentally cleansing experience cycling can be. This was all about what my body was completely capable of handling and, in the grand scheme of things, what could be more rewarding?

Fortunately, I was able to maintain a steady breathing rhythm throughout my ride, for which I can only attribute to my evening jogs. My leg muscles were fine too. What forced me to turn around, however, was an overwhelmingly numb set of toes. After a quick five minute water break I turned back and headed back home.

The following week, after talking things over with my co-worker buddy, Mike Panoff, who is quite the advanced cyclist, it became quite clear that my shoe and pedal set-up was the cause for my numb toes. Addressing this will clearly become the focus of my next visit to Incycle in San Dimas.

The problem is that I'm wearing jogging shoes with an old pedal design from the late-1980's that encourage the use of special late-1980's style cycling shoes. Unfortunately, these late-1980's style shoes are no longer in production. So, I'll need to upgrade to the latest and greatest pedal/shoe technology of today.

On that note, I should point out that so much has changed in the world of cycling over the past fifteen years. In a way, for me, it is a bit like traveling into the future. A very exciting yet expensive future. ;-)

Back to the Bike

2008-08-27T10:52:00.001-07:00

This Sunday marked my return to the world of cycling after a sixteen year break. I managed to pull off a 8.6 mile ride from my house along Baseline Rd. to my eventual goal in Claremont.

About two miles into my ride, I began to recollect many of the little details about cycling that I had long since forgotten. In short, you never really forget these things and after about three miles I was truly beginning to enjoy my ride.

Unfortunately, it was shortly after this point that I accidently knocked my bike computer from its base while changing gears. As my computer flew towards the gutter I reacted too quickly and abruptly stopped my bike to retrieve it. This was a big mistake as no sooner did a tremendously painful muscle cramp set in on my right calf. Despite having warmed up I have to believe the abrupt stop is what caused it.

Still, this didn't really help things as, unbeknownst to me, I was about to face about one mile of very steep hill as I entered into Claremont. Eventually, I was able to struggle my way up the hill which was definitely the most difficult part of the ride.

Overall, it was a beautiful morning and I really enjoyed this particular path. Generally speaking, Baseline Rd. accommodates bikes quite well with its wide lanes, light traffic and occasional bike paths. I noticed a good amount of seasoned cyclists as well, which was reassuring. I'll be attempting it again this weekend. Without the muscle cramp, of course.

Michelle - Age 5

2008-05-14T21:00:00.000-07:00

Aidan - Age 2

2008-01-25T21:40:00.000-08:00

Making Christmas '07

2007-12-25T21:39:00.000-08:00

Dorothy and the Scarecrow

2007-10-31T19:00:00.000-07:00

La Verne Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Patch

2007-10-20T16:00:00.000-07:00

Downtown L.A. and Olvera Street

2007-09-09T23:22:00.000-07:00

Aquarium of the Pacific '07

2007-09-07T11:00:00.000-07:00

America's Top Public High Schools

2007-07-28T15:18:00.001-07:00

According to Newsweek magazine, Bonita High School in La Verne ranks in the top 3% of high schools across the country.

This is good news. Hopefully this trend will continue by the time Michelle and Aidan start attending.

Ranking was determined by the number of Advanced Placement, Intl. Baccalaureate and/or Cambridge tests taken by all students divided by the number of graduating seniors.

"The Millans"

2007-07-10T22:41:00.000-07:00

Pismo 2007

2007-05-19T20:08:00.000-07:00

Michelle's Year Four Portraits

2007-05-13T15:00:00.000-07:00

10 Reasons It Doesn't Pay To Be ’The Computer Guy’

2007-05-03T14:06:00.000-07:00

No kidding!

I've had individuals track me down at the oddest times of day for either direct computer help or answers to very "Googlible" questions. I've since learned not to tell people that I know either how to fix computers or build them.

I've said it before, I do enjoy helping family members or close friends with their computers. I recall a time not too long ago when 90% of the people I knew did not even own a computer, so for me it's definitely something to appreciate.

In the past, I've encountered problems with referral-type situations or people I barely knew coming to me for help. My main pet-peeve was meeting someone, establishing that I "knew computers", and immediately getting back a "well then, you simply must help me with my computer sometime" remark. Imagine meeting a mechanic at a gathering and immediately asking him to tune-up your car's engine. It's ridiculous. I think people simply aren't willing to pay, or accustomed to paying, for computer troubleshooting or repairs.

Still, the absolute worst type of moocher has got to be the individual who assumes that you're willing to share all your software with them. Sure, why not. "While I'm at it, how about I borrow your truck next time I feel like going on vacation?"

Computer repair can be a very time consuming effort and time is money. Next time someone helps you with your computer remember to return the favor with either a gift certificate, a nice meal, a small gift, etc. You'll be needing their help again very soon. Especially if you don't own a Mac.

Aidan's 1st Birthday

2007-01-28T20:59:00.000-08:00

Aidan Starts Gymboree

2007-01-19T12:00:00.000-08:00

Aidan's First Haircut

2007-01-16T15:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas Morning '06

2006-12-25T20:47:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve '06

2006-12-24T23:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve 2006 was topped off with a very special homemade prime rib dinner, a preparation of Christmas treats for Santa and his reindeer followed by a reading of "The Night Before Christmas".

Millan Christmas Party '06

2006-12-23T23:00:00.000-08:00

Our annual Christmas party was celebrated with delicious food, family togetherness and spirited song.

Lower Winter Creek Trail

2006-12-02T21:00:00.000-08:00

Big Santa Anita Canyon

Disneyland

2006-11-02T20:12:00.000-08:00

Michelle's third visit and Aidan's first.

Halloween '06

2006-11-01T10:28:00.000-08:00

Part Three: The Family

Part Two: Old Town La Verne

Part One: At Home

Pumpkin Patch

2006-10-27T11:31:00.000-07:00

The Pumpkin Pests visit the Pumpkin Patch.