Longest Ride so Far! 17 Miles!

I took out the Pedco UltraClamp again, but this time, with the camera mounted upside down on the handle bar. I strung 2 of my previous routes together to make a nice 17 mile ride.

Strava Stats

Circuit
Distance: 17.0 mi
Elevation Gain: 42 ft
Moving Time: 1:21:10
Max Speed: 28.1 mi/hr
Avg Speed: 12.6 mi/hr
Calories: 447

Things have just been getting busier and busier, but I finally had some time for myself to go out today. I've had both of my camera batteries charged since Friday ready to go. I confidently clamped the mount onto the top tube, only to find out that my knees would hit the assembly at every pedal rotation (duh). I really wish I could mount the camera on the head tube! I think that 2.5 inch clamp might be my next purchase. I still wanted to record my ride though, so I sat there trying out different spots that weren't on the fork's axis of rotation.

I couldn't find a spot, so I gave up and just mounted the clamp upside down on the handle bar. This actually turned out to be a nice orientation as far as accessibility was concerned because i could change the battery without having to take the camera off of the mount. I left it like this and rode out.

After not bringing my fake Camelbak thing twice already, I felt like I didn't really need to bring it with me on this ride either. I might bring it again when I do a 25+ mile ride to Hawaii Kai in the distant future, but riding around town, probably not.

I decided to just redo my "to Kalihi and back" route so I could put up a different video.

[INSERT VIDEO HERE]

I didn't have anything to eat yet, so my first destination was the first 7-11 I could find! I had my usual C2o and pork hash (shu mai) to have that sliver of protein in my system.

While leaving 7-11, I spotted a cyclist with fake homemade muffler tubes coming out of his bicycle's rear end. I decided to tail him for a bit before turning left onto Waiakamilo Road towards North Nimitz Highway where I got caught in the rain. I ducked down in one of the benches under the trees at Ala Moana Beach Park and waited it out a little.

I was ready to head home when the sun showed up again, but as I was riding toward Piikoi Street, I saw an old guy on a bike with a shirt that said "From Ewa, to Where Eva". The "If he can do it, I can do it" mentality crept up on me and suddenly I found myself following him towards Waikiki. I caught him at one of the stoplights and asked if he really did ride from Ewa Beach, and he said YES. Here I am struggling to get a 25 mile ride. That's pretty crazy! I followed him for a little while longer until I realized that I haven't had a drink in 8 miles and my throat started feeling a little dry. I left his tail and stopped by one of Waikiki's drinking fountains.

The rest of the route was the routine ride through Waikiki and back. I spotted an old couple riding their bikes in matching clothing and I followed them a bit before turning into Ala Wai Boulevard. I managed to hit up 4 Strava segments during the ride, and received my second best times through "Beretania Dip" (01:47) and "Fountain to Shell" (02:15) and my third best times through "To The Fountain" (02:03) and "Ala Wai Mash" (04:40). Not too bad considering that I did my longest ride today.

I got home and relaxed with a very acidic liter of lemonade and 3 "Cuties" (mandarin oranges) to get that sugar needed after a good exercise. Chocolates would have also worked. Now to shoot for that 25+!

A Weekday, sans Biking

I haven't ridden my bike again since this past Sunday because it's been raining like crazy. The sun finally showed itself today, but there were other things that I had to do that took priority.

I had a dental cleaning appointment today, but it wasn't until 1pm, so I spent my morning packing gift boxes to send out. I make my own greeting cards and I went through a few designs before settling on the corny hip-hop Santa saying a few "Yo's" instead of the usual "Ho's". I also spent the bulk of the morning verifying people's addresses which I do every holiday (duh... need to make some kind of address file).

When I got in my car, the temperature outside read 86 degrees fahrenheit! I felt like I was back at work, looking hopelessly outside the window, unable to ride out in the sun. I spent almost an hour at the post office and was around 5 minutes late for my dental appointment.

I left the dental office hungry, only to be greeted by a line for the soup kitchen.

If you are homeless, Honolulu is definitely the place to be! I went straight home and ate after scoping out what they had. I want free food!!!

Pedco UltraClamp Assembly Review

I have been wanting to get a camera mount even before getting a bike mostly because, my friend Victor's video was what got me into riding in the first place! I went with the Pedco UltraClamp Assembly because Vic recommended the brand (he has the 2.5 inch model). The mount is very solid and has an opening for anything up to 1.5 inches thick. Every part of the mount is beefy and the thing seems like it could take quite a beating. What sets this camera mount apart from the others is that it is one of the few, if not the only one that is an open clamp type. Most of the other mounts have to wrap all the way around to be secured onto anything.

The clamp has a rubberized, curved notch which allows it to mount onto any surface securely including round bars, perfect for anywhere on the bike! If 1.5 inches is not enough, Pedco also makes a 2.5 and 4.0 inch model, in addition to a slew of other mounting hardware types, all of which are reasonably priced and highly rated on Amazon.

 Apart from the clamp section, the mount is highly adjustable, with its 3 points of articulation.

In the picture above, the two thumb dials on the left side lets the mount rotate 360 degrees perpendicular to the aluminum alloy clamp body. A small pin protruding from the body locks the top dial in place, while the bottom dial tightens to secure the mount (This was loose in part of the video below). More to the right, is a three arm knob which secures the other 2 points of articulation.

The first one has a 2-D rotation of a little bit more than 180 degrees held by scores in the plastic and the other is a free rotating ball held in place when the three arm knob is tightened. The thumb dial on the tripod mount end is fixed, and the camera would have to be screwed onto the mount rather than the other way around.

I mounted the clamp onto the stem of the bike as shown above. I also looped the camera's wrist strap onto the handle bar for some extra insurance (a few people reviewing on Amazon questioned the security of the open clamp and small notch).

I was told that my video was pretty barf inducing being in this location, but the mount itself handled pretty well and did not budge at all (other than the thumb dials being a little loose). Watch the video above and be the judge. 

A few people have recommended mounting the camera on something that moved much less such as the frame to make videos a little more tolerable. Vic recommended the head tube which would let the camera be in front of the action, but the 1.5 inch limit is too small for my bike. I'll make another video on my next ride out with the camera mounted on the top tube and hopefully I can make a more enjoyable video.

All in all, I recommend this camera mount and I don't think there is any risk of it falling off if secured properly. The size to buy will wholly depend on where the camera will be mounted, but I recommend just buying both 1.5 and 2.5 inch clamps to keep your options open. Maybe some multiple camera angle action? :)

Strava Stats

Circuit
Distance: 8.8 mi
Elevation Gain: 44 ft
Moving Time: 0:41:27
Max Speed: 35.9 mi/hr
Avg Speed: 12.7 mi/hr
Calories: 281

Bike Haiku on Teas'Tea

Saw this bike haiku on a Teas'Tea bottle by my namesake, Patrick Davis.

Ultra thin bike lane
Caught between car and sidewalk
Tricky balance beam

Does it follow usual haiku practice? I don't know if I would call the bike lane a tricky balance beam. Maybe, Lane of surprise death. lol

Bike Mount for Camera Arrived!

Sorry for not updating this past weekend! The days have been getting a little more busy, but I promise I'll back log soon! I just wanted to give an update on some bike stuff I got.

I went to Don Quijote again and bought another set of UV arm sleeves since I've been riding at least twice a week close to noon. The first one has been working well, so I decided to buy the same kind. Even the same color!

The title of this entry is not UV arm sleeves though, so YESSS I finally got a camera bike mount!

The Pedco UltraClamp Assembly was rated pretty high on Amazon, but from the looks of the almost flat clamping bar, it seems that it would easily fall off after hitting a small bump. I'll use my old Lumix ZS3 this weekend and update with a review next week. We'll see how it goes. Wish me luck!

Went out in the VOG

I almost didn't go out today because the clouds were so rainy looking. Turns out, it was just some heavy VOG, which is like smog, but from the volcano. I might have just lost some life from huffing and puffing all that stuff for an hour.

Strava Stats

Circuit
Distance: 9.2 mi
Elevation Gain: 42 ft
Moving Time: 0:43:47
Max Speed: 36.4 mi/hr
Avg Speed: 12.6 mi/hr
Calories: 260

Today was actually suppose to start of as a purposeful trip, but things didn't come together too well. I was going to pull an asian grandpa/grandma and load 4 bags of recyclables on my bike to make some cash. lol It was finally a perfect time to use my bike rack! I tried mounting it though, and the arms ended up being too short (an inch or two). I should have just gotten the extenders from Amazon instead of looking for the sold-out-everywhere arms that came with the original kit. Oh well. Had to use the car (booo).

I got out super late (past noon) and I needed to book it if I wanted to pick Michelle up from work on time. Waikiki was pretty full even though the skies looked so ugly. I seriously felt like I was back in California.

 

I got to do the usual "To The Fountain" Strava segment where I got a PR (1:56), and decided to do the lane on the other side, which happened to be "Fountain to Shell". Duly noted. Might ride that a few more times since it has a dedicated bike lane, instead of swinging over to Paki Avenue.

I didn't bring my fake Camelbak thing because I felt like I did pretty well yesterday, so I stopped by the drinking fountains along the beach before heading back. Everyone looked like they were nice and relaxed under the voggy sun DURING DECEMBER! Maybe I'll come out one day.

I felt pretty good about the ride so far, so I headed over to the Ala Wai Mash to try my luck with the stop lights. My legs are starting to feel less tired along these long stretches. It feels so great! I remember just last month or so ago, my legs would be complaining already not even 1/4 of the way out. I ended up getting another PR (4:16) whoo hoo!

I took the rest of the ride pretty easy through my regular route back home feeling great about myself.

Bike is Starting to Replace the Car

It's December!!! I had to go to the dentist in downtown today, and I decided to take my bike for some free parking. I also wanted to look for some camera stuff for our new Canon T4i, so I just made a trip out of it.

Strava Stats

Circuit
Distance: 9.1 mi
Elevation Gain: 114 ft
Moving Time: 0:46:28
Max Speed: 28.6 mi/hr
Avg Speed: 11.8 mi/hr
Calories: 282

After checking and pumping my tires to proper pressure, I headed out for downtown through Beretania Street. I talked to one of my biking neighbors in the morning and he told me that Beretania Street was bumpy on the right, because the buses ate up the asphalt on that side. He told me to stay on the left side and it should be waaay smoother. Greatest advice ever! Beretania Street complaining will be toned down from now on lol.

I got to downtown and it was pretty deserted with all the bike racks empty. I parked my bike right across from the Hawaii Theatre Center and changed before going into the dentist place so I wouldn't smell (I used my fake Camelbak thing without the bladder to carry an extra shirt).

After hearing the good and the bad, I decided to get out of there quick! I checked for some camera shops around downtown and unfortunately, there were none open or closed. The nearest one was 4 miles away (another example of my great planning), so I went on King Street, which actually took me all the way there.

Giant Santa and Mrs. Claus looking nice and brown on the corner of Punchbowl Street and South King Street

Today was the the annual Christmas Parade and "No Parking" signs lined the left side of the street. This would usually be bad, because the fake bike lane created by the parked cars was now gone and has turned into a full car lane. Fortunately for me, King Street was not too busy, and no cars trailed me at all until I got closer to the Moiliili area.

On the way to the camera shop, I stopped by 7-11 to get some coconut water since I didn't have my water bladder with me. C2o was sold out, so I had to settle for some Rihanna sponsored Vita Coco. They're not bad, but they're not as consistently sweet as C2o. I got a pork hash as well since my stomach was growling a little bit.

Residential high rise I helped design coming along nicely.

I got to Lighthaus Camera 2 miles after my fuel up and there were no bike racks in sight! I had to bring my bike up to the second story and partially block the stairway and entrance (sorry guys). Contrary to the majority of their yelp reviews, the employees were pretty nice and helpful, even after telling them that I had just gotten my SLR. I ended up getting an original, used Canon lens tulip hood for $10.

I left, thinking of hitting up the Kaimuki camera shops to see what other used accessories I could find. After pedaling half way up Waialae Avenue, I checked my watch and realized that I totally lost track of time! I still had to recycle cans, clean up my mess at the house, and pick up Michelle! I ended up ditching the rest of my ride plan and turn straight around. Uneventful ride through Young Street and the usual run through Piikoi Street. The end! lol I'll save Kaimuki for another day.

Biked to Work! 3

Today was the first time I rode since I got back and each way was a different experience.

Strava Stats

To Work
Distance: 2.8 mi
Elevation Gain: 0 ft
Moving Time: 0:16:10
Max Speed: 28.7 mi/hr
Avg Speed: 10.4 mi/hr
Calories: 86

Back Home
Distance: 3.0 mi
Elevation Gain: 43 ft
Moving Time: 0:14:13
Max Speed: 33.6 mi/hr
Avg Speed: 12.5 mi/hr
Calories: 115

I usually get out before 6:45am, but I didn't head out today until about 7:30am. I took the reverse route of my previous ride from work to get to work today and it was a bad idea. Kinau Street has some really thin sidewalks and there were so many pedestrians, that I must have said excuse me at least 100 times! Kinau is a one-way street funneling the freeway along with a few other roads, so I'm sure the rush hour traffic didn't help me any. I think my next purchase should be a bell. On top of that, it felt like every stoplight I came upon stayed red for at least a minute each! The ride was not enjoyable at all :( I arrived at work 3 minutes before 8am. 4 more red lights and I would've been late!

I had to stay a little longer at work and the sun was already down when I decided to head back home. The timing ended up being perfect though because downtown Honolulu was not busy at all. I rode on King Street and had the left most lane all to myself for the whole time and it felt nice riding on one of the smooth main streets of downtown. I wish I could have ridden a little longer, but I had to turn left and go to Michelle's mom's house where they were waiting for me to eat dinner.

Michelle drove to her mom's place and for some reason, I had a feeling that she would want to race me back home after eating. We were maybe a mile away, and I had to go back on Kinau Street, which is not such a bad street going with the flow of traffic. Cars are parked close to the curb along the left and the right most lanes and they create makeshift bike lanes between the cars and the next lane over. I can usually maintain a 20-30 mph average while moving out of the way of fast moving vehicles. I had a chance of winning, but I had to stop at two crosswalks and to re-adjust my lock's bracket (The crank arms started hitting the bike lock). I don't even know when I tightened it last. When I got home, Michelle was already out of the car waiting for me.

2 more rides before I save that gallon of gas!

Black Mountain Bicycles

Before heading back home today, my step-dad and I took a trip to Trader Joe’s to get the usual pasalubongs (Tagalog for souvenirs/gifts). Hawaiians love Trader Joe’s and I mean LOVE! Anyway, right next door was Black Mountain Bicycles and my step-dad asked if I wanted to check it out. I didn’t because I was running pretty late (what’s new), but I wanted to check out Trek’s entry level road bike.

They’ve moved since I last stepped into their store and they’re now at 9860 Hibert St. Their new location is super huge with their products nicely spaced out, and they carry mostly Trek and Specialized bicycles along with a few other brands. 

An employee brought down a Trek 1.1 for me to checkout and I found out 52 cm fit me pretty well. He told me that the 1.2 would be a better deal though because the 1.1 still had an aluminum fork, while the 1.2 and most other newer road bikes had carbon forks. He also mentioned that most of the other components were upgraded. He didn’t have one on the floor, but he said that they could build any bike that they carried for me to checkout without any commitment to buy since building bikes was what they did. I told him no thanks since I was just visiting, and we looked around a little more.

I thought my step-dad had caught the road bike bug after showing him the bike I had and what I wanted, but after taking a turn at the next display, we were greeted by the BMX section! Maybe my brother will have his road bike with an adjustable seat by the time I visit again lol.

Black Friday Biking

I didn’t really need anything from Black Friday, so I didn’t stay up late or get up early. What I did need were lug nuts for my neglected 350z, so I could drive her this weekend. Bike time!

Circuit
Distance: 5.1 mi
Elevation Gain: 92 ft
Moving Time: 0:32:36
Max Speed: 20.3 mi/hr
Avg Speed: 9.4 mi/hr
Calories: 119

We actually had another bike just sitting in the garage that my mom has been telling my step-dad to sell for a while. I’ve never really given it any attention since I’ve always thought it was just some cheap, heavy mountain bike (plus I wasn’t really into bicycles in my previous life). Regardless, I’m glad it was never sold because it gave me something to ride today!

The bike is actually a Nishiki Colorado we adopted from my uncle before he left for the Philippines a looong time ago. The bicycle has been well preserved since no one has really ridden it, and it has been in the garage this whole time. All though it did feel a little tight, it rode pretty well considering it has never seen a tune up (I was expecting the chain to break at any time during my ride haha).

New Korean Market, HMART in once Vietnamese dominated Mira Mesa 

I planned a 10 mile route last night, but cut it in half while riding because I have poor planning skills. I didn’t bring a backpack, so I had to hold the pack of lug nuts in one hand during half of the ride. It was a little annoying because I couldn’t go as fast as I wanted, but the bike felt pretty slow already with its fat, mountain bike tires, so I don’t know how much it really mattered (you can tell by my average and top speeds that I wasn’t really conquering any hills).

Didn't eat here because I didn't want to bring Michelle any back lol

During my ride to Autozone, I passed by Thanksgiving Lane (how appropriate). It’s next to both of my younger brothers’ old middle school, Wangenheim, and is a cross street to Gold Coast Drive. On my ride back home, I came across these things.

 They are really trying to slow down some serious suburb speeders with these full length speed bumps! Don’t worry guys, I’m on a mountain bike and I’m holding a pack of lug nuts. No speeding today.

The bike was a nice experience, but I now know that I am definitely not a mountain bike guy. The bike gave a comfortable ride though, plus it had responsive brakes and crisp barrel shifters. It just had some ridiculous rolling resistance. I guess I wouldn’t be complaining if I were in the woods. My step-dad was getting a little interested in bikes since it’s been the only thing coming out of my mouth, so hopefully there will be a nice road bike the next time I visit. He currently has BMX on his mind though bleh.

Rode A Fixed Gear

My brother surprised me today by having the chain on his bicycle already fixed when I arrived. He was still sleeping though, so I decided to just get my bike stuff out. A nice dent greeted me when I pulled my helmet out of the luggage, but I gave it a once over and the foam still looked ok.

When my brother woke up, he went out to the patio with me where his bike was. He explained to me that is was fixed gear with no brakes and all I could think of was that movie, Premium Rush lol.

I weighed the bike and it was only 18 lbs with its Nashbar Nekkid aluminum frame and carbon fork.

I took it out and I couldn't even get full extension without nutting myself on the seat, let alone the frame with my feet flat on the ground lol. I gave up fast since we were about to leave soon to spend Thanksgiving with my mom's side in LA.

It's a nice bike, but in the very short distance I rode it, all I could think about was of how hard it would be to ride around a hilly area. The way your legs have to follow the pedals at every revolution even for braking would definitely take some getting use to. He's thinking of getting a road bike sometime in the near future, but I guess it's a great way to build the leg muscles for those long rides in the mean time.