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

New lease life for weak sidewalls of Vittoria

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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

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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.  

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

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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

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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.   

Installed Whitetop EDS Tx electronic groupset

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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.

   

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

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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

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

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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.

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

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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

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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.   

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

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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

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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

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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.

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

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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

This post afflicted with gout? or overstraining

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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

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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

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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.  

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

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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

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

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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.

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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.

Just exercise for the seniors.

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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.

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?