I do more before 9 AM ...

... than most people do by like 10 or 10:30 in the morning.

So yesterday (Saturday Dec 29) I went for my first bike ride in I don't know how long. I bundled up pretty good, then rushed outside because I was burning up inside. I got on the bike, cruised down the hill, realized I forgot my water bottle, went back up the hill, removed my arm warmers (layer 1 of 3) and went back down the hill.

From there I didn't know where I was going to go. I just knew the trail was not going to happen. So I got to 52nd and headed north/56th/morman bridge road/hwy 75/ then kind of eastish to near Dodge park/downtown/ home.

23.01 miles. 99 minutes. Under 14 MPH average. A new personal worst. In my defense, who cares. It was very enjoyable to be riding on the road again. Having properly dressed for it, my toes felt like this at the end:

Munson should know better.

It was nice and sunny and made me remember why I believe that any money spent on indoor training would probably be better spent on outdoor gear.

This morning, I went to 24 hour disco for a spinning session. The regular girl wasn't there this morning. If I'd have known, I would have really tried to encourage all you shabbos++ people to come. Especially Bryan.

You guys missed out. Not only was there more "Teh Cars" than I've heard in about 25 years (2 songs), But she also did two Bryan Adams songs!!! I know how Bryan of Algona is a huge fan. The first one was "summer of '69". I forget the second one because I was thinking, "You're kidding with this shit, right?"

No Prince though. Sorry Shim. I only want to see you standing in the Purple Rain.

So the spin was ok, but honestly, one decent hill outside kicks the whole spin class' ass.


It's just good to be back on the bike.

Not Optimus Prime

Social D

On Shim's suggestion, I did the trainer thing with Social D's Live at the Roxy. Good choice. It was a good mix of pretty high cadence music. I will now be needing other suggestions for good training music. The Jason Mraz and John Mayer just wasn't working for some reason.

Anyone? What do you like to workout to? I'm new to this whole "Music not played on A.M. radio" thing.

What's your favorite indoor training device?

I have been thinking about how much I dislike cardio training indoors.

Here's a very quick run-down of the ones I use (I hate them all).

At Home:
My least favorite is the trainer. Maybe because I spend the most time on it. It's hard to be motivated for a good workout. On the upside I can watch some good races while I train. I taped (recorded to disk) all of the 2006 TDF (The one with Landis) and even though Landis is a dirty cheat, that comeback was still awesome.

The treadmill is not bad. Every bit as boring as the trainer (I don't have any "running" dvds), but I can actually gage how I will run outside based on the treadmill. No idea with biking and the trainer.

In the Gym:
Spinning is actually pretty fun in a disco sort of way. I have to challenge myself not to be a bike snob, though. The instructor usually has awful form (very asymmetrical spin, like someone galloping down stairs). They say things like "Now we're going to sprint for 60 seconds, then we'll kick it up a notch. C'Mon!!!"

Yeah ok. First of all, who sprints for a minute? Nobody, that's who. But I typically get a better workout spinning than my trainer sessions. The instructor is a good motivator. You have to meet at the scheduled time though, so it's not always an option. The stationary bikes in the general cardio area are worthless. I especially like the stationary recumbants. Seriously. Those are about half a step up from one of these:


One of my favorites (that also sucks) is the stair master. This one turns my legs to stone in about 15 minutes. Nice. It is sort of a hill-climbing workout and can be very difficult.



One of the very popular ones that I just don't get is the elliptical. I used to do this one exclusively when I just did weight training. I'm not sure what's going on there. It's like the Gazelle, but not as cool. It never seemed to matter how hard I went, I rarely got my heart rate going very high. It also didn't really mimic any real life activity. Oh, and it can go backwards for a new challenge! Says so right on the machine.


One that I don't use, but I think might be the best of them all is the rowing machine. I'm just afraid that cable is going to break and snap me in the eye. No thanks. Also, it doesn't have any real-life application for me. If I find myself at some Ivy league college, and they need a guy, I could fill in. Not likely to happen.


I don't really care for winter.

This is exactly what I had feared

The only hesitation I had buying the new iMac was that it now has "Intel inside". That always sounded scary to me anyway. Like there are tiny little CIA operatives living in there.

But the big fear is that as Apples become more and more like PCs, will they become vulnerable to the same problems? Apparently so. I've only had the thing for like 2 weeks and I've already got the xp virus (see photo).




Actually, it's kind of cool. I first installed XP using "Boot Camp". Then I installed "Parallels" a few days later (trial) just to see if it worked as well as many say. Parallels allows you to run windows as a virtual machine so you can drag and drop files between the Mac and the PC. You don't have to reboot or anything. And the windows performance is supposed to be good since xp runs on intel and everything.

I wasn't impressed. It took longer to start the Parallels machine than rebooting (which makes sense). The VM ran pretty slow compared to just running XP.

The real funny thing was that Microsoft required activation on the virtual Machine and then denied it since apparently the VM and the boot camp machine represent 2 different machines - even though I only installed XP once.

Sure Microsoft changed their minds for some mysterious reason after I rebooted, but anyway I removed Parallels so now, I need to reboot to run the iMac with the xp virus.

Oh yeah - I started exercising again yesterday. Man, that was easy.

Blogger with no name

So apparently, I'm Italian. At least on eBay to the 6 people my userid sent the following note to:

Caro Signor ms \:
Siamo un grossista con reputazione migliore nell'onestà e
integrità, pricipalmente vendiamo tutti i generi di prodotti elettronici di marca noma compreso:
cellphone, taccuino, TV, pc, macchina fotografica, GPS, MP3/MP4 e così via ......
Certamente crediamo che il nostro prezzo superiore e più basso, first-class
servizio, che gli porterà la maggior parte dei benefici.
Non esitare a passare in rassegna il nostro Web site dove scoprirete un grande sorprendi piacevolmente.
Metterseli in contatto con:
----

Yeah uh, whatever Don Carleone. Ok, so I was curious about what it was. Frankly, I think Babel Fish needs some work:

Beloved Mr. ms \: We are a wholesaler with better reputation in the honesty and integrity, pricipalmente we sell all the kinds of electronic products of marks noma comprised: cellphone, note-book, TV, PC, camera, GPS, MP3/MP4 and therefore via...... Sure we believe that our advanced price and more bottom, first-class service, than it it will carry the greater part of the benefits. Not to hesitate to pass in review our Web site where you will discover a large one you are strange pleasantly. To put them in contact with:

Anyway, let me know if desire to work with a company with more bottom first class service. I think you'll be strange pleasantly you did!

The iMac is dead, long live the iMac

And just for fun

Ed Norton's ex-girlfriend




Ed's finest role:

and a photo of Pierce Brosnan, Pinky

For Munson

You know what I'm talking about ...

My Name is Judge!

Communication Networks: A+
Biology 1450: B (if I get between a 54 and 89 on the final)
IT Ethics: No idea. I don't get that class. It's all about right and wrong even if you don't get caught. Very confusing.

Notice: Piracy warning

Due to the large number of posts by individual(s) claiming to be me, I've had to adopt a plan to guarantee to you that the messages you read are from the real fredcube. If you see something posted by "me" that does not include the following image, don't read it.

I can not think of any way that this extremely sophisticated security measure could be compromised.

Will this be on the test?

Follow Up: No. It wasn't on the test. But I was ready for it.

and a photo of seal

how to go back in time

and a photo of Pierce Brosnan

Lunch break

9 days

Bye.

It up to you now, Robbie!

sorry - i'll return in 3 weeks. (dec 20, 2007)

until then i thought i should put a new photo up. man the ,shift key. is hard to press.

Face painting alarmist

Bryan had a photo of a face painting arsonist on his site. He was not happy with the response. Meet Frank. A face painting alarmist who declared that the world would end 19 years ago yesterday, (10/30/1988) which would have been my 24th birthday.

_|3$5$ (|-|.1$7

Nebraska Names Osbourne New Head Coach

Lincoln -- The University of Nebraska has named John Osbourne as its Head Football Coach. Interim Husker Athletic Director Tom Osborne made the announcement on Thursday morning, after introducing Osbourne to the team.

Osbourne, known to his friends and fans as simply “Ozzy” is a former “Heavy Metal” musician. Osborne explained his decision to hire Osbourne, “He brings a traditional sounding last name to the program along with a bat-biting intensity that this university has been missing for quite some time.”

Critics of the move say that Osbourne, a foreigner, cannot represent Nebraska football. “Isn’t he British or something?” one fan asked. Many feel that even though Osbourne does “rock”, his lack of coaching experience may hinder his ability to have a positive impact on the program. "Not so," says Dan Cook, longtime NU booster, "Ozzy rocks. Period."


Osbourne’s candidacy for the position came about after Nebraska alumnus, Tommy Lee turned down an offer to lead the team back to prominence. “Have you heard about these breakfasts they have? They’re like in the fucking morning and shit! No way,” explained Dr. Lee.

I'm bembarrassed for you

Not to step into Bryan's territory or anything, but ...
I was watching the "news" last night. The top story: the hiring of new interim AD at UNL, Tom Osborne, or as people from other states say, "Osbourne". Apparently, he was with Black Sabbath for a while.
Anyway, WOWT pointed out that you can leave comments on their website and provided a sampling. Wow. It's worse than I ever imagined. I'm a college football fan, and particularly of the Huskers. The stuff Bryan and Munson have said lately seems possible, but more of an exaggeration - that is until I took a look at what these people are saying. The complete article is here. But I selected a sampling (below a ways) to give you an idea of what I saw. I'm not sure why people are actually "thanking the creator of the universe" for this. I want to see the way it turns after Nebraska (they, not we) loses the next 3 or 4. Those comments will be very entertaining. We truly will "restore the tradition". Why, I don't remember bashing Osborne (Osbourne) for at least 10 years (except when he was running for Governer). Those were the days. Osborne bashing. It's been too long. It will be like seeing an old friend. Just wait. It will happen.

First it will be "Well he doesn't call the plays, That's Callahan."

Then it will be "Why doesn't he just fire Callahan?"

Then the inevitable, "Fuckin' Osborne! Why didn't you just stay gone you outdated piece of shit!!"

Awesome!

Osborne knows this though. He's probably got bets with Callahan and Pederson as to how long it will take us to respectfully ask for his head. Good times. Anyway, here's the sampling:

Posted by: Tony B Location: Omaha
Tom is a great choice and with Dave Rimmington as the AAD we will be good for several years. The glory days for our University will return soon.



Posted by: Anonymous Location: Omaha
Maybe now they can see if Solich will come back. We where doing better when he was coach. Also, we need to get rid of the new music for the tunnel walk and start using the old one again. the new one stinks. A concerned husker fan

Posted by: Amen Location: Thank GOD
Hey, great move by the chance.. We now have hope! Cally days are numbered.. We will shine in this time of darkness.. GBR!!!!!

Posted by: Ping Location: Omaha
It is now 3:12 CDT, ten mintutes ago our beloved T.O. was announced the AD!! Behold, the sun is now starting to shine! Perhaps a sign of things to come?? GO BIG RED!!!

Posted by: Martin Location: Omaha
The sun is smiling over Nebraska today!

Posted by: Chris Location: Lincoln
Its the return of the king

Posted by: Susie Location: Omaha
I knew God was a Husker Fan!

Posted by: jk Location: omaha
instead of restore order, we should be shouting "Restore Tradition!!! Way to go Perlman for getting it right this time! Thanks Tom for accepting the challenge! Our sons of Nebraska will once again get to live the dream of playing for the HUSKERS and feel the PRIDE that goes with the dream!!

Posted by: joe Location: omaha
KING OF NEBRASKA!!!!!
Posted by: Dave Location: Ralston
I remember when I was a little kid and NU lost a game,I was so disapointed,but my parents asured me,when I woke up the next day,the sun would still come up. Well after the OSU debacle the sun was nowhere to be found..then,like it was waiting for the right time,the sun came out here in the Omaha area atound 3:00 pm..Ironic maybe,fitting ABSOLUTELY! Mom and Dad..you were right,as usual!

Posted by: Mary Location: Lincoln
I was hoping and praying yesterday already that this would happen. This is a great thing. He understands the tradition here at Nebraska and sill strive to get it back!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Mary Location: Papillion
Dear Nancy O, Please allow Tom to come out and play. If there is anything we fans can do for you...just say the word. Whatever you want!

Note: Nancy is Tom Osborne's wife. She's probably thinking "Yeah - how about a nice glass of 'shut the hell up'?"

recursion

if you're so lazy that you can't even post about how lazy you are, at least you can point to other posts to get the job done. Whew. Time for my nap.

This in no way seems stupid ...

A few weeks ago, a friend sent me this photo of a revolutionary bike design. It's "safe" and "fast". I pretty much dismissed it as one of the stupidest things I ever saw. But then, I saw something that made me realize maybe it's not such a new idea.

Care to accompany me to the Salon, m'lady?

Who knows ... Maybe one day, we'll all be adding our awesome arm strength to the cycling equation (oh yeah - pushing 200 pounds of steel up a hill at 50 MPH seems reasonable, and very safe).

Ok, I can come out and play now

I had my first biology test yesterday. I'm pretty sure I did not fail. This is one of a sequence of 2 Biology classes I need to graduate. It is not an introductory class, so it’s pretty involved. The prerequisite is high school Biology, which I took about 5 years before any of my classmates were born. Back then it was called Biology: crazy new ideas from that Darwin guy. I had some catching up to. I think I’m on top of it now. Today marks day 27 of me not riding. Wow. Tomorrow, I ride.

Disclaimer: That's not me in the photo. That's just the first photo that comes up in Google images for the word "studying".

Sorry about this Bryan

Looks like the summer of '69 guy is not delivering.

Cubs lose : (

And what really gets me is they get beat by JJ.



Thanks to Bryan, I've realized that it is silly and childish to identify with a college football sports team. I don't really follow baseball. I just know the one guy who stands behind the couple at the plate gets more excited calling a "strike". In fact, he looks positively bored when a "ball" is pitched. He just kind of stands up and looks around.

But anyway, it was time for me to grow up. Now I can be a part of America's pastime. It might take me a while to get some of the nuances, but it will come. Apparently, in the MLB, you don't refer to the team you worship as "we". I'm gonna miss that.

Well I guess I'll go kill Steve Bartman now. Go Cubs!

Yes baby, yes.

Wow, school is getting weird. Two films this week. Tonight, it's in I.T. Ethics. I don't know what it will be, but the good Dr. Ward (I think he's a doctor) is unable to attend. There will be a substitute (in college?) who may show a film. There will definitely be some disrespect for the seating chart tonight, I can tell you!

I can't imagine anything boring about an I.T. Ethics movie. Actually, maybe it will be something like "The Net" or something. That would suck pretty bad. Or maybe Speed 2!

On Thursday however, things heat up a bit in Biology lab. Popcorn will be provided (this is true, actually). It (the movie) is about botanical reproduction. I think it's called "Games Plants Play" or something. Sound sexy?
All I can say is I hope this tree is in it.

The Finest Movie Ever Commited to film

To say that 'Shoot 'em up' is the best movie ever made, or that ever will be made is a little bit of an understatement. Sure, there are a lot of action movies out there, but none are even close to this realistic. Does the shooting stop during the movie's sex scene? Look at the title for the answer. 6 stars out of 5 on this one folks. This movie is what 'Snakes on a Plane' should have been. Good.

Getting no play on this

From the U.P. Want-ads. It's weird. I know there's a lot of people out there with tickets.

College is evil

Every college course, I don't care what it is, insists that evolution is real. Sure, it seems like a reasonable explanation for the state of the living stuff and stuff, but it doesn't answer some the the deepest mysteries of life. For instance, who gave rock and roll to you? Argent has the answer, ironically, in a not very rock and roll way ...

I hate Omaha Nazis

Although, who knows? Maybe Hollywood's Mel Gibson will be there! - Oh sure. I'm the bad guy.



Omaha Police are taking extensive measures to ensure that Saturday afternoon's anti-immigration rally by a neo-Nazi group will be a peaceful gathering.

They gathered on the steps of the state Capitol three years ago. Now the nation's largest neo-Nazi group has chosen Omaha for its latest demonstration.

The National Socialist Movement will hold the rally outside the Consulate of Mexico at 35th and Dodge. Beginning at 10 a.m., traffic on Dodge between 33rd and 38th streets will be redirected around an area two blocks to the north and south.

There could be more than a hundred protesters lining the streets or there could just be a handful. Whatever the turnout, the police have made it clear that this rally is not going to get out of hand.

"Everybody's got their own rights I guess,” says Vicki Halbur, who lives near the consulate. She says she’s glad she'll be out on road this weekend and nowhere near the rally.

In the past, most anti-immigration rallies at the consulate have been peaceful. "But you never know," says Vicki.

Which is why Omaha Police don’t want to take any chances. "They have a strategic plan set up to ensure a safe environment for all those attending," says Omaha Police Officer David Spizzirri.

Part of that plan includes restricting what can be brought onto the premises. "To get into the rally where it is a controlled environment, people will be screened and searched prior to entering," says Officer Spizzirri. "Those who refuse to be searched will be denied access."

The items not allowed at the rally include firearms, knives and explosive devices. That's pretty standard. But those who come will also not be allowed to bring in food or drinks, signs and banners or any noise making devices, including bullhorns and portable radios.

Rally participants will also not be allowed to wear steel-toed boots or clothing with sharp, protruding objects. "There has to be some kind of control,” says Halbur.

Some of the restrictions might seem extreme, but she says we can't go too far when it comes to protecting everyone's safety.

Omaha Police say they will have the help of more than 10 other law enforcement agencies in monitoring Saturday's rally.

Second day of school

That was fun. I.T. Ethics. I was not looking forward to this class at all. It looks like it will be a lot of fun though. The Professor is a big ex-police officer, who seems pretty funny. He got a somewhat lively discussion going by having us read an article about clinton and encouraging us to throw in our opinions of the content as it relates to ethics. Good times.
This semester is going to be worse than I thought - busywise (I don't like to be limited to actual words). I have added another class (Communication Networks) bringing the total credit hours to 11 this semester.

Anyway, here's my second day photo.

Back to school

Well today was the first day back to school. The class is biology. Apparently there's these things called "cells" that have "characteristics" I don't know. Anyway, I tried to look my very best for the first day (see photo).


Say! who's that dandy!

See you next May.

Farewell the neighing steed, and the shrill trump,
The spirit-stirring drum, the ear-piercing fife,
The royal banner, and all quality,
Pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war!

Yeah I'd say that pretty much sums it up, even though I have no idea what it means.

If I were to try to translate it, I'd probably say something like

Bye horse.
Bye horn.
Bye drum and fife (don't know what a fife is).
Bye flag and good cottony fabric.
I'll miss you, war. Sorry I can't do more slaying and stuff, but I have to die now.

I'm totally guessing. I never read Othello (which is where this comes from, according to Wikipedia).

Anyway, if all goes as planned, I will be a college graduate by spring time. If not, well later then.

School starts tomorrow, so It's going to be crazy around here again for the next 9 months.

Then I go for the Masters. Woohoo. But Honestly, that should be easier.

Note: I thought I should add that my degree WILL NOT be in Shakespeareology. I'm not sure that was obvious by my whole "not knowing what a fife is" and stuff.

Doing my part to help Google

This very rarely happens. In the comments of the last post, it became necessary to use the phrase "gin-soaked vagina". Afterwards, it occurred to me that "gin-soaked vagina" is a pretty funny phrase. So as always, when I think of a funny phrase, I must Google it to see how many times it has been found by the spiders. Imagine my shock when I found out that the spiders have never sniffed out a "gin-soaked vagina". Well the good news is, they soon will. Lucky spiders.

I'm actually sitting here thinking - I can't believe that before tonight there was not even one "gin-soaked vagina" on all of the internet. Nice invention, Al. Am I spelling it wrong or something? I have safe-search off. It didn't say

Did you mean: gin-soaked hoo-ha

So, I guess it's new to teh internets!!!1!!ONE!

Everybody! Sing with me!

Take a sad song and make it better ...

2007 Corporate Cycling Challenge (part 1 of 1)

I remember the first time I did RAGBRAI. The thrill of riding with all those other cyclists. I had just put in a serious training regimen of about 225 miles for the year.

I was so excited. I was like “This is what it’s all about. This is the reason I put in upwards of 15 hours of training this year. Look at all these bikes! It’s like the Tour De France or something!”

It was 2001. Lance Armstrong was on his way to winning his 3rd tour, and I vaguely knew who he was. I certainly would not have recognized him if I saw him.

The bike: It was a 1986 Bianchi Campione D’Italia. Pearl white. It was my dream bike (when I bought it for about $500 in 1987). It had Sun Tour derailleurs, Dia-compe brakes, twelve speeds - Well with some serious cross chaining.

I was cool back then, so there’s was no way I was getting a bike with those dorky LOOK pedals. Yeah, maybe when I take my bike skiing, losers. “I want my 2 dollars!” No thanks – it’s toe clips and tennis shoes for me.

Actually, it was a nice bike. It had just been neglected for years (by 2001). It didn’t really fit me right either. But I didn’t know that yet.

I survived RAGBRAI. Barely. Strong head winds every day (except Saturday). Inadequate training. A bike that was on its last (and actually first) wheels. By the third day (Tuesday) I was shoving handfuls of Gold Bond Medicated powder down my shorts to try to make the pain go away. This worked out especially well on Wednesday when it poured down rain. It became Gold Bond medicated crotch paste. Each day was endless discomfort. There was no way to get away from it. Standing hurt my feet and hands. sitting, well, you know. laying down – mosquito attack.


One day, the 3rd ninety mile plus day in a row. My bottom bracket spun out (for the second time of the week) leaving my crankset a bit, uh, wobbly. I had 2 or 3 gears for the next 8 miles until I found a bike repair stand (I refused to SAG). I was in pain. I was alone. I had 45 miles to go. It hurt to sit. It hurt to stand. Eight year old girls with pink, power puff themed bikes and streamers coming from their handlebars were passing me on the climbs. <--this 100="" 10="" 11="" been="" br="" but="" by="" could="" don="" eight="" except="" get="" have="" i="" is="" know="" old.="" or="" point.="" t="" that="" the="" they="" true="" way.="" were="" years="" you="">
I was very slowly going up this hill. I was out of options. I didn’t know what to do. I was racking my brain trying to figure out how I’d get through the next 3 or 4 hours of hell. Then I thought - maybe it would help if I started crying. You know, just start bawling my eyes out.

Then the image of people (8 year old girls etc.) passing by, seeing this big guy (at 215 lbs) riding up the hill crying, got me laughing. It was funny enough to get me through the rest of RAGBRAI XXIX.

As much as it sucked, I did have a lot of fun. The drinking, smoking cyclists were my new thing. A party on wheels. Yaaah!

Sure I was out of shape. I was also disappointed with my performance. I decided that I was going to do it the right way the following year. I would get a new bike, train properly and set a goal for myself. I arbitrarily set a goal of 17 MPH overall average for the ride.

But that’s not why I brought it up.

I bought a new fancy bike (LeMond Zurich) just after RAGBRAI and just before the 2001 Corporate Cycling Challenge. I went on this ride feeling pretty superior. I mean I was a RAGBRAI veteran for God’s sake! 42 Miles? Ha! Where do I sign up?

When the ’01 CCC started, I was in heaven. Just like RAGBRAI, but without all the camping! Look at all those Bikes! It was just like the Vuelta or something! Just kidding. I had not yet heard of the Vuelta. I had a wonderful time, big smile on my face, weaving through the crowd, getting into a group that was hammering pretty fast (probably in the neighborhood of 20 MPH). There was one guy leading the “paceline”. He would not let anyone else pull. If you tried to, he would get back in front and pull. Ok, whatever dude. Also, he was wearing jean shorts. Daisy Duke style.

Which brings me to yesterday – and something Bryan said on his blog. Since that first CCC, I’ve always started at the very front of the group. I’ve been away from most of the danger since 2002. Yesterday, however, I thought, what difference does it make? I’ll just start back here and work my way up. Maybe just ride in this big pack of people for a while. That was fun for about 20 seconds. After being in the middle of that turmoil, "Must. Get. To. Front."

Somehow, I managed to not get into any accidents or to run over any of the dozens of Aquafina bottles splayed about the roadside. That’s right, they don’t fit too snug in standard cages. I did get up to the front guys before Highway 36, where I was able to relax and enjoy my usual routine of wheel-sucking to Ft. Calhoun. In fact, that was my nickname in college.


I think Brady flatted going over some RR tracks, but I haven’t seen or heard from him yet, so I don’t know.

I’d like to say that our group was the first in to Ft. Calhoun, but I have to admit that many, many people made it in before us. Of course they were all on mountain bikes and going about 11 miles an hour, so I’m guessing they got a head start. Seriously. Just drive down there and sign-in if you don’t want to ride it. But then, what am I bitching about? Had these people started at the same time as everyone else, it would have been that many more people swaying back and forth. Not a care in the world. la-la-la, nice day for a bike ride, eh?