Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Have been climbing hills lately; practicing on strength

Wheels of Happiness

My climbs last week and this week are focussing on hills to practice  strength building:

1.  Sikatan Pitallo
2.   Antenna Hills
3.   DOMSA
4.   Cabrera.

Even at 73, still can do.  

End the "amoy lupa for seniors"

Wheels of Happiness

After watching several videos on this topic some of the advice are:

Internal;:

1.  Drink plenty of water.   You need to hydrate to expel the toxins and waste products in your body;
2.  Exercise and sweat for at least 30 minutes a day to expel waste products in your body.

External:
3.  Take a bath daily
4.  Invest in a loofah to scrub the hidden parts of your body:   groin, armpits
5.  Change your clothes often.
6.  Change your bedsheets and comforter weekly
7.  Use deodorant and body wash often.
8.  Gargele brush teeth gums often

The body smell has something to do with change in the composition of skin oil which now smells rancid.




Saturday, April 5, 2025

Will not be rich blogging

Wheels of Happiness

Many bloggers vloggers influencers make staggering amount of money pitching their posts.  But this post cant expect to be rich because it was  not the goal to enrich myself doing this.  I was simply doing this for fun and as a sort of log of life events.   

Many get rich by creating contents like:    green jokes, slapstick comedies,  showing wide expanse of flesh and many ladies show boobs and or peek into the origin of men.   Others delve on hot political issues of the day and they risk being bashed.  

I am sensitive to comments and cant live with bashers

I do not want to be employed too by the platforms as content creator.    

Allowed the owner of Villa Sophia at Montevideo to use adjoining lot as parking

Wheels of Happiness

Many small resorts for staycation mushroomed during the pandemic.   For the project we developed that is overlooking the Laguna Lake (it is a good fengshui) this post did not realize that there were that many resorts in that residential subudivion   (As many as twenty)

The owner of Villa Sophia contacted me via the former institutionn I used to work with for a decade.  He needed additional parking space for his resort.   He wanted buy the 400 sm beside his property.   He was willing to pay an exorbitant price for that.  At the same time this post did not want to lose that nice property.  The reason why his resort clicked is that it had such a prime location/vantage point

So why not just allow him to use the lot for a nominal fee.  The owner is an MD at a big and prestigious Medical Center in Pasig and is a gastroenterelogist

This post just charged him the Real Property Tax + % for the 400 sm or merely P10.00 sm.  It was a sweet deal for him

Climbed two hills yesterday - testing for health and endurance

Wheels of Happiness

Yesterday, climbed two hills:    Sikatan in Mahabang Parang and Antenna Hills.   What was surprising was despite that it was hot, the efforts seemed light.   

For Sikatan, going up to Pitallo at 34 -36t was continuous and there was no stopping.   This was on a road bike.  This post invites other riders to visit Sikatan and patronize this establishment  There were no customers when I biked there

For Antenna Hills, the plan was to go up only up to intersection of Aristorenas, then at the Church, then at the water tank and eventually ended up at the Antenna.   Many think that the road bike is inappropiate for hill climbs but this post did this well on a road bike.

This post feels very much accomplished for this climb

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

As temperature rises, so do tempers and cases of road rages

Wheels of Happiness

Since Sunday, the number of road rage seem to have been on epidemic proportion:   one lately at Masinag near Decathlon, the other a involving a baseball bat incident.   Thus be careful kapadyak hold yout termpers in check and be paciencio.

Some lessons in the Boso boso incident:

1.  Keep tempers in check;

2.  Be humble;  bikes should defer to motorcycle, motorcycle should bow to 4 wheels;

3.  Do not exage.  The allege victims were not sideswiped nor giniliran based on their own video;

4.  If the offenders have fled do not pursue nor challenge them anymore.   After all the alleged offender may not have meant no harm;

5.   Your vehicle (car, mc, road bike, mtb)  and your ego are not the same.   If na bangga or scratched  paciencia, you can touch the bike or your MV< MC up

6.  Always presume that the MV owners are armed and dangers.   Thats a caveat in US where everybody has the right to bear arms.  Do not presume that the other party does not have arms that are lethal.   They may be hidden in fanny sling bag, or even bike bag.   Reduce your bravery or braggadocio.  

7.  Dispose off firearms.  I did that decades ago.  Guns do not allow you to think and your impulse may get the better of you.   Guns have the devil with it and can cause you to take actions that you may regret later on and change the course of your life 180 degrees.  So be careful





Rode to Pasig this morning; great practice in city biking and heat training

Wheels of Happiness

This post rode to Pasig MM and managed 17Km one way for total of 34 km.  Was to see ftf somebody at The Grove This was a great practice in riding amongst MC, riding in fumes and heavy traffic.   Traffic was heavy and you are always near danger - MC overtaking from your right;   near collision with vehicles head on or from behind.    

Its odd to see traffic at Highway 2000 being managed according to the whim of traffic enforcer.  They turned off the traffic light and waiting can be as long as 5 minutes.    And you inhale all the fumes

At this hour, the bike lanes are occupied by parked vehicles.  They still have not acquired parking areas for their new cars!

You experience3 one great advantage ie being able to overtake at least 60 vehicles in bike lane.  Some MV still respect bike lanes but in Pasig, vehicles:   public and private hog the bike lanes.   There are great practice for riding uphills going up Rizal Provincial Hospital and the flyovers.   Great hill climbs.

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Rode up to DOMSA today on a road bike; practice makes climbs easier

Wheels of Happiness

Rode up to DOMSA on a Road Bike ((Sworks with Wheeltop gs)   this morning.  This was much better ride than before.   It felt easier (maybe because thisi post shifted to the biggest cog early and rode less intensely) and because I am having more practice.    

I met Ruben, Nolite and cousin Rommel Unidad (he was on Colnago with Campy groupset) and several other familiar faces

As usual, the males made Maritess of people who were not here, and talked about ladies with diabetes.   

Monday, March 31, 2025

Biked longer yesterday up to Bugarin 80 km total

Wheels of Happiness

This post biked longer yesterday being Sunday and biked up Bugarin.   Since the electronic group set automatically prevents cross chaining by dropping the chain ring to 34 once the rear cog is shifted to 17 and lower, the bike ride was relatively easier

It is to be noted that the Biak na Bato is being widened and the atmosphere at that portion of Halayhayin is much much better

Thursday, March 27, 2025

Non bike post: Alex Eala of Phil def Swiatek of Poland, a grand slam winner in qtrfinals

Wheels of Happiness

Alex Eala on her giant slaying journey has defeated a grand slam winner, ranked No 5 at Miami WTA Open.   Cnn she make to the finals?

Lets all pray.




Campaign for better eye health

Wheels of Happiness

This video advertises a medication.   Most eye disorders arise from improper nutrition of eye and nerve cells connecting one another.   The retinal cells die because of this malnutrition.  Eye vision can be restored by proper nutrition and changes can be observed in as little as 4 weeks.   

Why dont we try  this?

Another one bites the dust

Wheels of Happiness

My compadre barkada just joined the Lord (or the lord of the Hell if you may) and another one bites the dust this week.  Daniel Concepcion.  He had stroke earlier.  

May his soul rest in peace

Sunday, March 16, 2025

The demise of a compare/barkada leaves me a lone survivor

Wheels of Happiness

This post just learned last night the demise of a barkada, a compare, due to complications from diabetes.  He had sepsis from gangrenous foot.  I have the same chronic condition that has persisted for the last 3 decades but perhaps being held at bay by medication, exercise, diet and medication.

There were 4 of us as barkada in cycling when we were in HS.   The two others have gone ahead;   one from stroke due to too much drinking, the other one from diabetes, and the 3rd one also to diabetes. I am thankful to be survivor.  It is so sad though that I am alone as a senior  However, each one had their clan to manage and were not mindful of me during the last two decades.   They had not missed me

But delaying the action to have the wounds treated soon, did my compadre in.  This reminds me of the fraility of life, and how precarious our situation is when one is all ready senior and with pre existing condition.   One should feel blessed and thankful for each day we are alive. 

Let us give thanks

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Declining number of cyclisits lately

Wheels of Happiness

We see lesser and lesser cyclists on the road lately.  Due to the following:

1.  Very hot weather.  40 C is common at 10:00 up to 4:00 pm.  Such hot conditions are dangerous to health and can cause strokes which can be lethal;
2.  Unsafe riding practices by motorized counterpart -  overtaking from the right, over speeding even in busy streets, 
3.  No more safety provided by bike lanes, which are in reality sharrows;
4.  Expensive parts and repairs.   (However, we see softening of prices for inventories that have not been bought. 

6  And lately crimes vs bikers in isolated places.  There are still many brigands (NPA, thieves robbers) in isolated areas.  One news  took place at Sitio Labahan in Angono.   This happens despite huge salaries and huge number of PNP personnel.

To protect yourself, to minimize danger, then you minimize bike outings.  

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

This post finally got the Wheeltop EDS TX shift to the large chain ring

Wheels of Happiness




It has been a month since the said group set arrived.   And two weeks ago, while the GS was adjusted via apps by the mechanic to shift to the biggest cog 36t, it stopped shifting at the FD side to the lqrge chainring.   While it does not bother me in riding not to have the 50t, I am a little bit disappointed that the bn GS does not workk 100%.      Tried again the apps, but this post could not make the large chain ring work.   Reviewed again the manual and the apps.  It has to be mechanical issue.    The chain has to be 0.5 to 3 mm from the side of the FD cage.  

I tried to adjust the crank so that the chain ring would move inward.   Then reviewed again the adjustment of the C limiting screw of the FD assembly.   I tried to screw it in while in the small chain ring mode.     Then all of a sudden, the chain ring was inside the  cage by 2 - 3 mm.  And trieid to shift it and it worked.  Eureka.    PTL

Its a good buy after all.   

Monday, February 24, 2025

After nearly decade, filed with SSS for retirement benefits

Wheels of Happiness






My classmate Graciano de los Santos who worked at SSS Sta Lucia, and Joshua Noble, a kapadyak all volunteered to process my retirement benefits at SSS.  I demurred because they said, when you get the lump sum, you suddenly fall ill and enter into end of life situation.  That is a fearful scenario and there is always denying that would not happen to you.

And so finally, last Friday, we went to SSS to apply for the said end of job event, and to the bank, to open a remittance account.  May be after a month, I will get my lump sum.  What to do with this -  buy a Kespor Ti bike?  Ha6

Nearly collided crashed into MC rider overtaking from the right

Wheels of Happiness

As this post rode out yesterday, getting out of M Diaz, an MC following me suddenly overtook me -  AT THE RIGHT side, startling me, nearing colliding crashing into him as I was brining the bike to the edge of the road.   On a narrow 3 ft wide remaining section of the road, he accelerated and overtook me.

I thought, through my long years of driving a motor vehicle (licensed honest to goodness) it is illegal to overtake from the right.   And so I thought.

Am grateful, I did not meet an accident.   The guy must be told.   Lack of education, lack of knowledge of LTO law.  (How many drivers are like that?)

No driver available to drive the SAG vehicle, dream of reaching Mindanao via Samar and Leyte now unclear

Wheels of Happiness

I was initially tempted to join the Maws in their plan on April 16 - 22 to bike up to Davao via Samar Leyte, 4- 5 days max.  I plan to bring a support SAG vehicle a pick up to support our ride    The pick up would bring us to Matnog, do a roro to Allen Samar and tag along for two days at Samar Leyte, then two days in Mindanao.  However there are two problems:

    1.  No driver is available for the 5- 6 days journey;
    2.  The fuel system of the pick up, being electronic seems to be busted (a suction valve) and cant be driven 100%

Dream gone.   I said this to Gerry all ready.  My joining is doubtful

The problem with the Wheeltop not shifting at FD for large chain ring is mechanical; we thought it was apps

Wheels of Happiness




While the mechanic was able to fix the large cog not shifting, the shifting to the large chainring ensued.   However the signal then was weak and then decided that we defer the fixing of the problem.

However when we went to the apps, it said, the large guide must be 0.10 mm inside distance to the chain.  However the adjusting limit screw was to its limit.

Can increasing the length of the limit screw be the solution?  Let us see

Monday, February 10, 2025

Cheap electronic groupset is giving me and mechanic headaches.

Wheels of Happiness

#bikerides, #seniorrides, #biking, #seniorrides

It may not be the groupset itself but the apps.  Its hard to get the apps to work.  It asks for so many things and by the time you receive the verification code, they say it has expired.    And then  the adjustment.  The mechanics was able to make the rd climb to 36 t.  Now tinopak:   the fd works only on small chain ring.  Its only at 01 and wont shift to 02.  What the.....






Trigger finger exercises

Wheels of Happiness

The symptoms of trigger finger are:  locked fingers, (cant extend) or extended and cant bend.   It occurs because of over use of finger in braking on bikes, or climbing, or too much computer work.

One such colleague complained of such condition and said she could not bike for a month and may possibly undergo surgery.

This post experienced such, researched YT and followed the exercises recommended.  I do not have trigger finger anymore.       

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

All 3 bikes now functional: S works, Sava Ti, and Pinarello F10

Wheels of Happiness

Before, only the Ti was usable functional bike.  Pinarellos hood was ripped off after a dooring accident;   the Sworks SRAM changer was toast, as well as its rear tires whose side walls had puncture holes. 

For the Pinarello, this post had DIY make do solution for the rubber hood cover:   just wrapped old bike interior to make the feel on the right STI (brifter smoother and for aesthetic purpose), 

For the S works for the tire used super glue to bond the rubber patch on to the sidewalls.  Now am more confident that I will not get puncture as a I ride.  For the shifter, I bought an electronic changer for the the bike.  Though its not perfect, I can use most of the gears I need:  the front chainring, big and small, and the 36t large cog.   

Solved.  Now happy

Monday, February 3, 2025

New lease life for weak sidewalls of Vittoria

Wheels of Happiness

The bike mechanic this morning noticed the loose strips of rubber that lay loose on the side of the rear wheels of the bike.   He recommended that super glue be used to paste the rubber strip.  I bought a pack of 3 which cost me P29.00.   I used only one of them

The rubber strip stayed and am now confident that the tire will last say another 6 months (although Ii have orders for much cheaper Chao Yang, at 300+ wired vs the more expensive Vittoria at P3,000+

Biked this morning up to Morong KM 44, visited Mario Toledo to have the bike fixed - Wheeltop does not want to shift to 36t

Wheels of Happiness

This post biked this morning to Morong KM 44, near the New Municipal Building of Morong.   On the way, I discovered that there is a Bikol Ni Lugawan in Mambog Binangonan Rizal near the INC church.  That means, I have to bike just 10 km instead of 20 km+ to Lagundi Morong Rizal.

At Cardona a 60 ish MTB rider just past the municipal hall passed by and conversed regarding my destination and I said I am up to Morong only, and he said he is from Tanay.   I chased him and overtook him at Callahan and over the top he overtook me and chased him again from the exit arch and overtook him near the Bombongan crossing.  He inquired about my age and answered 73 and he said he is 59   So that is about 2 decades difference.   

I returned and then proceeded to my main destination a bike mechanic from Mambog Binangonan Rizal.  He lives at Crystal East Binangonan and arrived there at about 9 am.  He awoke at about 9:30   I went there to do a back job on the Wheeltop electronic GS that does not shift up to 36 t.  I need the 36 t to enable me to ride up steep hills like the ones going up Mambog.   There were 3 hills till Marios place and I only had 32t to manage the climb.  The first one was about 20% grade.

While waiting for Mario, I conversed with the regired Msgt from PA.  He was being massaged on account of neuropathy from diabetes and difficulty in standing   I learned that his wife just died  and may be he weas recovering from the grief.  We talked about same situation as I have.  Diabetic and growing weakness. I advised him to exercise some more and be happy.

As for the bike, Mario was able to make the gears go back to 36t.  But he needs to access the apps to smoothne out hte high gears.  

Sunday, February 2, 2025

An unknown blogger, BA - TJ sent questions regarding seniors biking

Wheels of Happiness

An unknown blogger, netizen DM me 9 point questions regarding biking for seniors.  Though I do not know much about him, and the qurestions were straight forward, I answered him promptly.  I told him too that I was with Kara David in 400 km bike ride to Bicol

The questions center on benefits of biking, and how biking should be:

1.  Biking develops posture, you dont stoop or do duck walk;
2.  Better breathing 
3.  Long life
4.  Lesser maintenance medicine
5.  Being more positive, happier
6.  Having stronger bones.  
     The theory is that brittle bones is not caused solely by lack of Vit D and Calcium but by weaker muscles.   So you have to exercise if possible using weights.    Lifting weights develope muscles which makes bones stronger.
7.  Freedome from Sarcopenia.  As we age, our muscle mass depletes.  Only exercise can partially stop that or stop that.   

So bike more exercise more

More power to his web site...





Still debugging the Wheeltop EDS Tx gs ; it does not shift to 36t

Wheels of Happiness

I am on my third day after Mario installed the Wheeltop DS Tax.  Its not completely debugged.
There were two problems:    1.   It does not shift to the big chain ring, 2.  The RD does not shift to 36t (allegedly the biggest cog that it could accommodate.

When Mario installed this all gears were working.  However the cranks set got loose, the highest gear 11t was not working well, so I made adjustment to the RD (and then the 36t) does no work anymorel

I waited to get the apps to function but it was quirky.  I got the gears all smoothed out all right, but the 36t still not worked.   So I have to go back  to Mario because it looks like its mechanical. Just minor tweaks.

But I am happy over all with the way the bike works.  It gave me added confidence and added ommph.  Speed.   






Thursday, January 30, 2025

Installed Whitetop EDS Tx electronic groupset

Wheels of Happiness

This post took advantage of the seller's platform at 50% discount, last 11.11 whose price was only P24,700.  Its US, UK price is at $600 -$700.  So it was a bargin.   The order arrived last Tuesday  And yesterday I had installed by Mario.   

The old STI a SRAM red had seen better days and it such a great pain to maintain it because of internal cabling (passing through the handlebar):   there are kinks and malfunction often occurs due to cabling problems.  Thisi gs does not have cabling for the GS  for brakes yes.

It is a source of pride to have an electronic GS for such a low price.  It gives you a feeling of having a new bike again and pride for finally being able to afford an electonic GS at incredibly low price.

I still have access the apps for some finer adjustments.


   


Saturday, January 25, 2025

Recyclists maw on a one shot ride to Baguio; they left 6 pm today and expect to be at Baguio by 8 am tomorrow

Wheels of Happiness

Gerry told me that after the round Laguna tune up ride, they will do a one shot ride to Baguio today.  They will leave at 6 pm today and expect to be by Baguio city by 8 am.  They will get back by bus.

Godspeed and Ride Safe

Friday, January 24, 2025

Usyk, one of the most celebrated fighters of the modern times

Wheels of Happiness

He is now the undisputed unified heavy weight boxing champion of the world.  He methodically crushed his opponents, some of them by knockouts.   He has excellent footwwork, defense, body build and endurance, and is very scientific in the way he punches.  He loves to delight the boxing fans by showing his boxing prowess through out the fight.

He is the pride of Ukraine who togeher with Klitschov, brough their country to the boxing map of the world. Paradoxically Usyk employes the Russian style of boxing

What do you think.




Thursday, January 23, 2025

Replaced the disc brake pads for the MTB; thought them to be all ready ultra thin, got the pads cheap

Wheels of Happiness

This post went back to Villamayor bike parts this noon, right after I arrived due to fallen crank arms due to loss of crank bolt.  I was quoted earlier P1,000 for finned pads (the one that is on the bike) each pair, and P350,00 for unfinned.   Fortunately I got a pair for P220.00.  Haggled some more but the seller said sagad na. Sor for two sets:  P440.00.  They are Shimano SLX pads

I immediately installed:   removed the old one which was think for the rear wheel but still good for the front.  

The difficulty lay in inserting the pads because they were thicker.  Thus we have to push back the piston of the caliper.  It had to be carefully done with plastic tire levers.   Or preferebly with the olde pads on.   There were some slight challenges in reinstallation.  But after few persuasion, I got the job done

Biked to Morong Km 46, 19 x 2 = 38 km, lost crank bolt, walked 3 km to Villamayor to buy a replacement

Wheels of Happiness

This post biked an equivalent bike last Tueday to The Grove last Tuesday  up to km 46 at Morong.  On the way back however at Grandspan, the left crank arm dropped indicating that I lost the crank bolt.  I tightened this yesterday as cleaned the bike.

I walked from Grandspan to Villamyor, a distance of 3km under the heat of the sun,   I could not get the bike to move; difficult to do a scooter type of riding, the rest of chain ring and crank may fall out.

The solution was a P70.00 crank bolt, (this post had only P60.00) Thankks Rommel.    What else could go wrong.   

Monday, January 20, 2025

Usyk, a symbol for his country's resistance to invaders.

Wheels of Happiness  

Olessandr Usyk could really be an inspiration for his country.  An epitome of how his countrymen fight their invaders.  Relentless, patient, accurate pinpointed attack   Watching the enemy for weakness, and then attacking the weak point:   the abdomen, the lack of defense.   There is also a careful and calculated move to avoid being hurt and fending off the opponent attack.   Magnificent  

We watch high level boxing being practiced by Usyk.  We have not seen such technical boxxing with US boxer and other division

He employs Soviet style of boxing  -  keeping distance avoiding being hurt

It is nice to see the ref, protect Huck from further damange from Usyk onslaught




Round Laguna yesterday, Baguio one shot ride on Saturday by Maws of Recyclists

Wheels of Happiness

Met Cataps today who told the story of their counterclockwise ride around Laguna Lake yesterday.  He told me that they ran pretty fast because by 10:00 am they were all ready at Pagsanjan and was home by 2:30.j  Wow thats fast.  Average of 25 to 30 kph.

On Saturday afternoon they will do a 270 km ride to Baguio one shot.  So that by Sunday morning they are in Baguio.  

He asked me to join.  Kaya pa raw.  

However I am wary of my age and health, and current state of my ankle.  I suspect gout.   

Ride safe recyclists

Increasing longevity of Filipinos

Wheels of Happiness

Philippines rank 21st in longevity at an average age of 72.  I have surpassed that boundary.   Tops is Japan with average longevity of 82.   That speaks well of our health care and concern for the seniors.

We however should be cautious about this because that means heavy burden on working class to pay retirement, pension of the seniors.




Monday, January 13, 2025

Other great fighters: Canelo Alvarez, Daniel Dubois, Oleksandr Usyk

Wheels of Happiness

Our preoccupation with our Philippine Great Manny "Pacman"  Pacquiao made us miss some of the great fighterss:

Canelo Alvarez - welterweight

Daniel Dubois -  heavyweight

Oleksandr Usyk heavyweight

They are strong, accurate hitters, and  have high ring IQ

Sunday, January 12, 2025

This post afflicted with gout? or overstraining

Wheels of Happiness

Is my uric acid level high?   Do I have gout?

I still was able to bike this morning up to Morong.  But this PM, before I joined the services for the interment of Marisel Genavia, my right ankle ached and had to take a ride to the memorial park.  I could not walk well.  I dont remember having a trauma and injury at the right foot

It could have been due to any of the following causes:

1.  Overstraining with climb at diversion;
2.  Joining the funeral procession of wife of Pres Luis
3.   Gout due to elevated uric acid level.

But as of now am disabled:    cant walk nor bike.   Painful right foot

ARF- counsel for Director Daryl Yap

Wheels of Happiness

Head of PRBI Atty Raymond Fortun figured in the celeb news lately.  He was reported to be the counsel for Director Daryll Yap, the defendant in the Pepsi Paloma Sotto libel case.   Lately ARF has figured prominently in many controversial cases in the Philippine politics






Wife of Pres Luis Genavia, Recyclists Pres laid to rest today

Wheels of Happiness

This post joined the family of Recyclists Pres Luis Genavia in having his late wife laid to rest via cremation at Sympathy Crematorium.   Also present among the Recyclists witnessing the cremation were VM Jun Vic, and Sec Noe.

I learned that the mother of Marisel was the classmate of my sister Dr. Minda in the elementary.  She fainted inside the crematorium customer area .   

Pres Luis had to sell his bike to cover the massive medical expenses.

May she rest in peace.  

Friday, January 10, 2025

Joined the Recyclists in the wake of Marisel Genavia, wife of Pres. Luis

Wheels of Happiness

We joined our Prez celebrate the passage of soul of beloved Marisel Genavia who battled cancer of the colon.  She was 51.   

Among those who were with uus several hours ago were Danny Francisco, Tito Fabay, Smith Unidad, Peter Anonuevo, Exequiel Villadiego, Master de Leon, VM Jun Vic, Gerry Catapang, Richard Ang.

Ii was there about 5:45 and caught the service by Lay Minister.

May her sould rest in peace


Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Attended last night high school reunion (on a Monday? Yes)

Wheels of Happiness

I attended a reunion of HS schoolmate, class 68 of Rizal High School.  I did not attend many parties before.  This time due urging of text messages, I finally gave in.  And in December I looked for vehicle, a driver and what I planned to bring:    two bottles of wine for exchange gift, and Fried Itik for potluck.

The venue was in Bambang Pasig, only 7 km from my place (Google Map had a shortcut via Barkadahan bridge and Labao (base of Napindan bridge)

Out of 40 who signed up, only 33 came.   Mostly ladies.  Romy Manahan as usual was the caterer.

I sat with Boys of about 6 and had several bottles of beer.

After exchange gifts and sharing some food, the reunion ended.

One of the things we agreed was to aim for 15 more years (many are 73-74) and thus conversation shall focus on health, longevity food exercise and well being

My thanks to sir Rico Torres, formerly of SMB for heading this event

Rode up Quarry Road counter clockwise; now found it hard to ride up.

Wheels of Happiness

In order to burn the 3 bottles of beer I drunk last night in class reunion, I decided to ride up Quarry Road.  The last ride I had via this route was about two months ago.

I found it hard  to ride up and had to stop 3x which was unusual for me.  I was able to ride up continuously before.  The hills looked steep.  Still a lot of garbage dumped

There were no other bikers except me and Pablo.  Pablo was doing repeats and he was on his 7th when I saw him.  

Wemt down via Domsa by about 9:15 and there were no other bikers.

Saturday, January 4, 2025

Just exercise for the seniors.

Wheels of Happiness

I met Ben yesterday.  He would visit Gerry C who went on an epic Journey to North Luzon with several others.  We both agreed that we are past that age all ready for adventure and extreme rides.  Its ok now just to walk and or go on short rides.

My ride mostly have been 20 km out and back  No drama, no heroics.  Just to sweat.  I am focusing on seated excercise

Am on my second day.





Oelexandr Usyk, new heavyweight champion of the world - inspiration for war weary Ukrainians, his first goal was football

Wheels of Happiness

He may be not as great as his namesake, but definitely one of the greatest in boxing.  Undefeated.  Like Holyfield

You may not believe it but his first love were football  and dancing    He has defeated Anthony Joshua twice and Tyson Fury.   

The only bright spot for Ukrainians who has been war torn for the last 1,000 days.   Hurrah for Ukraine and Usyk.







Friday, January 3, 2025

First sale principle, or digital rights? Right to repair controversy over farm tractors

Wheels of Happiness

A tractor manufacturing company and farmers reached a deal about right to repair.   Before farmers could not repair their tractor because of lack of access to parts number and codes for the tractors (just like in cars).   A repair of about $500 can cost $5,000 in the dealer just because it cant access the repair codes.

Farmers were up and arms and as you know it because of the first sale right.  When you buy something everything that is there is yours.   And you should be able to repair it.   Now companies in order to earn more invokes the "digital rights" Ie that the repair codes or codes running the car/machinery is theirs.   (It should be in the deed of sale)

GM says it owns all the cars its sells (dont sell just lease  - is GM still around hello?)

With record profits, probably the tractor company backed down, and also in the spirit of patriotism and oneness with the customer.

I saw a video on a buyer of a luxury car, who surrendered repairing a salvaged car, just because the manufacturer refused to lend him a source code for the car.   That is carrying the profit motive too far.  It wont be long before the manufacturer probably would be history.

How about bikes?  Do sellers maintain their rights over the bikes we bought?