Tuesday, May 17, 2005

 

Darth Vader

Okay, this is PATHETIC! Darth Vader reduced to Burger King, M&M, and Cellphone commercials. This is a new low. I never thought Star Wars would go this low, but...

This is Darth Vader we're talking about. The most complex bad guy is all of sci-fi history and he's selling M&Ms? I have lost all respect for Mr. Lucas. I will watch the film, but I don't think going to any Star Wars dvds. I'll just by Lord of the Rings. Hopefully, the Narnia Chronicles will be the same quality as LOTR.

Tuesday, May 10, 2005

 

New Orleans Ride

I was in New Orleans last weekend attending a graduation cerimony for a family member. I decided to check out Laid Back tour while I as down there.

They have a unique set up. They are not a traditional bike shop. They rent bicycles and kayaks. Nice folks. They also do tours of New Orleans. I decided yto rent a recumbent bicycle for the day just to ride and see how a recumbent handles in traffic. Also New Orleans in FLAT. When I first test rode a RANS Stratu a few years ago it was in a hill area in Birmingham, Alabama. So I was learning to ride a bent as well as climb hills. It wasn't fun and it was downright scary.

I got to their shop around 12:30 or so. They've got mountian bikes and a few recumbents: EZ-1, EZ-3 trike, and a Burley Koosah. I considered the trike but it looked too heavy. EZ-1 too short. So, I chose the big blue Burley.

The guy, I can't remember his name, was very nice. Last time I rode a recumbent I had trouble with starts and stops. He told a simple trick: Fred Flinstone! Yup, just start running like Fred Flinstone to get started then get your feet up and go.

Well, I didn't want to look anymore stupid than I already appeared. So, I sought other options. The reason bents are harder to start is because you don't have gravity to help you. On a regular bicycle gravity does most of the work. With your feet out in front it's all muscle.

The other option was to gear down low and pedal faster. This way seemed much more appealing. I got on, put my foot on the pedal, and hope I wouldn't crack my skull, pedaled off. I rode around the parking lot for about 20 minutes to get the hang of it. Twisting and turning. Pedaling and Smiling. I managed to get he hang of it. Didn't take long at all.

They gave me a map of the area, told where to food places were and I was off on an adventure around New Orleans.

 
The Lake Posted by Hello

 
The Swamp Posted by Hello

 
The Burley Posted by Hello

 
Lot's of curves streets in City Park. Posted by Hello

 
Your's Truly! I look a lot like my dad in this picture. Posted by Hello

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