Sports

Revisit Sooper Dooper 47

Posted by golfkat on February 7, 2021
Posted in: Action, Cultures, Entertainment, Sports, Travel. Leave a comment

This was my last Super Bowl, Nawlins, 2013.

Super Bowl 47 will start this afternoon.  I will be there to watch the Forty Niners.  I became a fan in the Fifties, when two players from my hometown, offensive tackle Monte Clark, and all pro defensive back, Jimmy Johnson were drafted by the Forty Niners.

Back then, it would have been difficult to envision the concept of the Super Bowl, or the greatness ahead for these two players.  My Dad would have truly enjoyed being here today.  He introduced me to sports.  He took me to my first college and professional football games.  We started out on a local level, our high school, where the Johnson brothers Rafer and Jimmy) starred in four sports.

I am sure this little story gets repeated over and over across the country.  A young boy is introduced to sports by his father, and stays a sports fan for life.  Thank you, Dad, you were the best!!!! 


Meanwhile, in Nawlins, so far, Niner fans are outnumbered by Ravens fans by ten to one!  There are more Saints fans here, in fact, that Niner fans.  Was it the expense of travel or the ticket shortage out west?  Ravens fans are here, and will outnumber us greatly, unless everyone was hallucinating yesterday.

Speaking of yesterday, I went to the NFL Experience, with my two newest friends from Baltimore, Pat and Mark.  Mark has his own accounting firm, and Pat is an attorney and law prof.  Pat is a little scruffy, but so interesting.  He was a Fulbright Scholar, and has lived all over the world, and is fluent in Mandarin. (I went to visit Pat and his wife Renee in Bucharest, Romania in 2019, while on another Fulbright).

Anyway, we met yesterday morning at a nearby coffee joint, gave each other the “Go Niner, Go Ravens” greeting, sat for about an hour together, and decided to spend the day together.  Fortunately, Pat had his son, Patrick, aka “Little Sh*tty” with us to keep things on the up and up.  In other words, no honky tonks, strip joints, or seedy bars.

If you ever go to a Super Bowl, skip the NFL Experience.  It is mostly for kids to do some football skills, like throw and kick.  The NFL tries to sell a bunch of goods, like GM cars, Bridgestone Tires, Under Armour sporting goods, and propaganda.

Speaking of, do you know the take on locals (Nawlins people) view of “Bountygate?”  They believe that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell penalized the Saints so they would not have any chance of playing in the Super Bowl here.  They say it makes a FIVE fold difference in revenue to the area businesses!  I find that hard to believe, but…..

Meanwhile, in the next few days, after we win our Sixth title, I will tell you more about the great folks here in the Crescent City.  Meanwhile, Go Niners!!!!

Yes, we lost this one, and Super Bowl 54 last year.  But I am still friends with Dirty Pat, after all these years!!!

  • I decided $5,000 was too much for Super Bowl 54 last year.  Then we lost in dramatic fasion.  Just imagine how much great wine or single malts I can buy instead!

To the Mountain Top

Posted by golfkat on January 23, 2021
Posted in: Action, Cultures, National Parks, Sports, Travel. Leave a comment

Unlike Dr. Martin Luther King, I have not been to the mountain top.  But I have seen my share of the world’s famous mountains.  Some we viewed from an airplane, some from land.  Some we climbed, at least partially.


Mount Everest (29,028 feet)  We got to see Everest from a rickety plane, called Buddha Air.  We waited most of the day for the fog to clear.  When we flew over Everest, the pilot had everyone (mostly Japanese tourists) look out the windows on the left.  Yes, the plane tilted significantly.  And of course, Nepal was interesting.  Sir Edmund and Tenzing Norgay were first to summit in 1953.


Mount Kilimanjaro (19,341 feet)  An overnight in Arusha yielded a stunning view of Kilimanjaro the next day.  We met several people who went on a climb of Kilimanjaro, some successful, some not.  A dormant volcano, it last erupted 360,000 years ago.  It is the highest point in Africa.


Mount Fujii (12,776 feet)  One of the joys of taking the Shinkansen is seeing Fujii for the first time.  Of course, visiting my Mother country had nothing to do with its breathtaking beauty.  Climbs for common hikers are offered, but time did not allow.


Denali (20,308 feet)  Take the train from Fairbanks to Anchorage for the best views of Denali.  Wildlife abound, and train is truly a flag stop train (do you know what that means?).  And the wildlife, wow!


Mount Whitney (14,505)   Several of my friends have climbed it.  But it stands out for me since many of my family were incarcerated at the base of Whitney, in the eastern California desert area, Manzanar, during WW2.  It is probably not a good memory for them!


El Capitan (3,000 feet)  While not the highest, certainly among the most spectacular.  No matter how many times we visit Yosemite, it is simply breathtaking!  Many friends have done the climb along the cables.


Cadillac Mountain   At only 1,520 feet, Cadillac rides high in Acadia National Park in Maine.  But it is the highest point on the entire eastern seaboard. 

 
Table Mountain (3558 feet)  On a visit to Cape Town, we just had to experience the most famous and distinctive mountains.  Said to be over 2 million years old, our friend, Barry the V, guided us to the top, then bought us numerous beers afterward to celebrate.


Cuernos del Paine (9462 feet)  Probably the highlight of our drive in Chile, from top to bottom, was Torres del Paine.  It was cold, windy, desolate, and stunningly beautiful.  Of course, we got lost, and suffered a flat tire on the way home.


Mount Cook (12,217 feet)  Making a return trip to New Zealand is high on my list.  But places like Mount Cook and Milford Sound draw visitors from around the world.  It is a sacred place for the Maoris.  The views almost anywhere are spectacular.


Mount Robson (12,972 feet)  Driving to Lake Okanagan, or riding the VIA Canadian Railway, the Canadian Rockies are imposing.  And the area is home to diverse wildlife, and numerous natural wonders.  And the wines and ice cream are tops.


Teton Range (13,769 feet)  Would you believe we found Grand Teton as spectacular as Yellowstone?  It almost felt like John Wayne would come riding down the path with his six-gun blazing.


Mount Rainier (14,409 feet)  With 130 trails, we had to try at least one.  But it was cold that day, the snow was blowing, in the middle of summer.  We settled for some photos.  It is a strangely unique trek to this area from Seattle.


Annapurna (26,545 feet)  Our guide in Nepal insisted that I go on a trek to Annapurna Basecamp on my next visit.  It has not happened yet.


None of this was planned, save for perhaps Everest.  I generally stay away from high altitudes, though Cuzco and Mexico City were challenging.  But there seems to be something magical about big mountains.  Perhaps you can explain it better than I can?

Yes, I Did!

Posted by golfkat on December 27, 2020
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I met the great Muhammad Ali in Miami in 1976.  I was staying at the famous Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach.  I was there for a public health conference, and planning to meet many of my grad school classmates from UC Berkeley.


I have told this story a few times before.  I was out jogging in the early morning Miami heat and humidity.  As I was cooling off in the lobby, I spotted a handsome young African American man walking toward me.  He was wearing the traditional old sweaty, gray sweats, and some funky shoes.


As he got closer, we both remarked about the weather, and our runs.  We exchanged some small talk, and soon, I asked him if he played tennis.  We needed a fourth for doubles later that morning.

I soon realized, when the words came out of my mouth, that this was the great Muhammad Ali!!!!  He politely declined, saying, “My folks don’t play tennis” if you know what I mean.  But he was very nice, and more handsome than his photos.


Now, a story emerges about a more famous meeting, of Ali and other leading African Americans:

(Original Caption) St. Louis: World heavyweight boxing champ Muhammad Ali, gives the black power salute as he leaves the Muhammad Muslim Temple during his visit to St. Louis, 12/5. Ali is visiting various cities to meet with student groups and public officials.

One would think the setting would be an afterthought in a movie about the meeting between Malcolm X, Cassius Clay (later known as Muhammad Ali), Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown. But that’s not the case in One Night in Miami, the directorial debut of Oscar-winning actress Regina King, which is a fictionalized version of their real meeting at Hampton House, the preeminent motel catering to African-Americans in 1960s Miami. (After a limited release on December 25, the film will be available to stream on Amazon Prime on January 15.)

The story takes place on February 25, 1964, the night 22-year-old Cassius Clay wins the world heavyweight championship against Sonny Liston. Afterwards, Clay makes his way to Malcolm X’s suite at the Hampton House, where they’re later joined by football legend Jim Brown and singer-songwriter Sam Cooke. 

The viewer becomes a fly on the wall of this hallowed hotel room, as the four enjoy each other’s company and take comedic verbal jabs at one another. Between glimpses of Black patrons lounging by the pool and a boisterous gathering between the men and Clay’s fans at the hotel dining room, it’s clear that Hampton House was a place of joy and refuge for Black Americans during a time when disrespect and humiliation were part of their daily experience.


I love my little story, which of course, pales in comparison.  But I can say I met the great man, if only for a few minutes.

Bikes Won Big on Nov. 3

Posted by golfkat on November 15, 2020
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Forget the politics, look at this!!!!


In 2020 alone, Americans voted for more than $1 billion in annual funding for projects that support bike riding. From building new protected bike lanes, trails and parks to addressing the maintenance and upkeep of our local public lands, this funding would not be possible without the vocal support of bike riders like you.  

But we had some losses:

Napa County, CA – Measure K – $1,800,000 annually/$27,000,000 over 15 years – March 3 – NOT APPROVED (63% YES – 37% NO – required a two-thirds vote) A loss for bikes.

If approved, Measure K would have secured funding for the preservation of watersheds, rivers, lakes, open space and wildlife habitat and improve public access to the outdoors for the next 15 years. It was a 0.25% sales tax increase where 20% of the funds would have gone towards trails for bike riding.  (And I love the cycle in the Napa Valley)In my home area:  

Contra Costa County, CA – Measure J – $10,000,000 annually/$350,000,000 over 35 years – March 3 – NOT APPROVED (49% YES – 51% NO) A loss for bikes.

If approved, Measure J would have prioritized bike riding as one way to reduce overall transportation emissions and improve air quality. This initiative was a 1/2 cent sales tax increase to help fund Contra Costa’s transportation system, including the build-out of a network of safe bike routes. (This is where I learned to love cycling the trails in the county)The message:  For those of you who are new to recreational biking, or more serious cycling, please keep an eye out for future ballot measures.  They might support safer trails, increased safety measures, and a better environment for everyone!


Above all, keep riding!  Cycle outdoors on good weather, clean air days.  Use your cycling trainer or indoor cycling equipment on cold, rainy, and otherwise difficult days.  You will not regret it, come Spring.


Meanwhile, stay in shape, buy a really good MIPS or Wave-Cel helmet, a flashing rear bicycle light, and a good tire pump.  I hope to see you cycling through Napa Valley this year, or in Croatia in May, or even Bavaria in October.

My Masters Memories

Posted by golfkat on November 13, 2020
Posted in: Action, Cultures, Entertainment, Food, Sports, Travel. Leave a comment

I am watching the Masters Golf Tournament on TV right now.  The excitement (fans) seems to be missing.  This tournament needs Tiger and Bryson battling through Amen Corner on the back nine on Sunday.  But here are some recollections of that fine day back in 2004, when I went.  These are my photos!

From 2004:  I went to the Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National a few years ago.  Augusta appeared to me as an old white ghetto, sort of backwards, and simple, with lots of old buildings, faded neon signs, and the typical food chains lining the business district.  Camped in the middle of this simplicity and country style living, is the magnificent Augusta National Golf Course.  Among its members are Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, Boone Pickens, and Jack Welch.  Since 1934, they have hosted The Masters Golf Tournament.

But as I got off the freeway, and followed the signs, I passed this urban blight of a city.  Card tables were set up in front of every business, offering either tickets or parking for a fee.  I parked my rental car in the dusty parking lot adjacent to lots of tall trees.  I could see the motor homes of Davis Love and John Daly in the distance.  I had an extra ticket.  Sure enough, a guy was asking for extras, and offered to pay a premium.  I only asked face value, much to his surprise and glee.

I was a little early and started to stand in line with the other fans.  Most were wearing their golf shoes, carried large umbrellas, and huge summer straw hats of all colors and hues.  The crowd looked very urban, middle class, in other words, people with money to spend.  Myself included, we could not wait to get into the grounds, and buy our Masters souvenirs.

As we entered the famous golf course, we were searched for weapons and knives, as well as cell phones.  NO phones allowed!!!  The regulars raced to their favorite locations, while us newbies wandered the merchandise tents.  It was a madhouse, the fire marshals’ worst nightmare.  Somehow, I found the only golf shirt on the entire property under $50.  It must have been mismarked or a leftover from last year.

I wandered the practice area, only to see a lone golfer, Bernhard Langer, out practicing.  I strolled over to the famous Magnolia Lane where the members and players would arrive.  The buildings including the clubhouse are small, simple, but immaculate.  Walking back toward the course, I found the famous Butler Cabin, where the winner is given his green jacket.  Again, it was very small, unimpressive, but neatly manicured.

I glanced up at the Crow’s Nest, where the rookies are housed, right on the property.  Usually the U.S. Amateur champion and the other amateurs (up to 5) are housed here.  Tiger stayed here in his first Masters, after he won the U.S. Amateur.  Now, most of the established players rent a large home nearby, since they bring family and wannabees to the tournament.

Walking over to the first tee, a long par 4, looked like the longest par 4 I have ever seen.  Most guys were landing their drives in the two large bunkers on the right.  That means an almost automatic bogey, and a poor start.  Leaving it short of the bunkers with a 3 wood means a long iron shot to the green.

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 10: A detailed view of Masters food item prices during a practice round prior to the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2019 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

My UC (Berkeley)

Posted by golfkat on October 26, 2020
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2021 Best Global Universities rankings

Campus Ranking
Berkeley 4
UCLA 13
UCSF 15*
San Diego 21
Santa Barbara 56
Davis 66
Irvine 78
Santa Cruz 81
Riverside 158
Merced 693

*denotes a tie with another institution

University of California campuses aren’t just some of the best in the country — they stand among the best in the world.

That is the conclusion of the new U.S. News & World Report 2021 Best Global Universities rankings, released today (Oct 20). Four UC campuses ranked in the top 25 of universities around the world, while eight made the top 100.

UC Nobel winners from the past

Only 255 schools in the United States made the cut in this global ranking of nearly 1,500 schools across 86 countries. All 10 UCs are among that group.

The top five schools in the world according to the ranking are Harvard University (No. 1), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (No.2), Stanford University (No. 3) and UC Berkeley at No. 4. The University of Oxford in the United Kingdom ranked fifth.Personally, I think both Harvard and Stanford are overrated.  And where is Cal Tech?  Secondly, the cost for these schools, even the UC system, are over the top.


I had the good fortune to attend three universities, two of which are public (UC Berkeley twice, and University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill), and one private (University of the Pacific).  Needless to say, you know which one is best in my experience.


But how do they come up with these rankings?  The global rankings emphasize research and reputation, both regionally and internationally. Rankings reflect publications, books, conferences and international collaboration, as well as total citations and impactfulness of citations.

  
It seems classroom teaching is not listed!  There are so many variables.  Class size comes to mind.  Certainly a large lecture hall for Econ 1A is not a big deal.  But Chem labs need to limit their size to about 30.  And how many “famous” professors actually teach in the classroom?


One of the most interesting sights during my undergrad days occurred in Berkeley.  The man teaching Physics for non majors, aka Bonehead physics, was none other than Nobel laureate, Dr. Edward Teller.  Organic Chemistry was taught by the “Father of Photosynthesis”, Dr. Melvin Calvin.  The first photo pictures some Berkeley Nobel winners from the past.


Maybe just once, we can cheat enough to play in the Rose Bowl on January 1st?  I doubt it, but the Nobels are a great consolation prize!!!

New Santa Cruz Trail

Posted by golfkat on October 19, 2020
Posted in: Action, Cultures, Sports, Travel. Leave a comment
https://www.sfchronicle.com/travel/article/Looking-for-a-weekend-bike-ride-Check-out-Santa-15634096.php?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=headlines&utm_campaign=sfc_travel&sid=53b89b8fa256ab354600023e
Santa Cruz’s rail trail inches towards completion – SFChronicle.comFor more stories like this, check out The Chronicle’s weekly Travel newsletter! Sign up here . A paved, level hiking and biking trail separated from motor traffic across the length of Santa Cruz …www.sfchronicle.com

I have been waiting for Santa Cruz to do this.  It is the perfect place, with great weather, ocean views, many dining options, affordable hotels/motels, and a great vibe.  For many years, I have ridden the narrow roads and trails of the area.


In a previous life, I had a beach house in the Aptos (La Selva Beach) area.  The roads were generally not conducive to cycling.  This will be the catalyst to great cycling in the area!


While we are in the area, I must mention one of my favorite places to eat, the Shadowbrook in Capitola, with its own funicular!  I also enjoy the great Mexican food in Watsonville, and the seafood on the Wharf in Santa Cruz.  And the best secret of all, the Corralitos Market, with the BEST smoked meats this side of Munich!  Don’t forget UC Santa Cruz, Seascape, Pasatiempo Golf Course (designed by Alistair MacKenzie), the old Santa Cruz Boardwalk, and the Feast of Lanterns.


The area has much to offer, for either a long weekend or a week long beach rental during the fabulous summers.

My Water Pail List, Completed!

Posted by golfkat on September 24, 2020
Posted in: Action, Cultures, Entertainment, Food, Golf, Hobbies, Music, National Parks, Shopping, Sports, Travel, Wine. Leave a comment

Just for the record, I never had or wanted a proverbial “bucket list” that has become so popular with travelers.  I rarely compiled a list of places I wanted to go.  Visiting all fifty of our states was almost by accident, until the total reached the low forties or thereabouts.  Trips to places around the world were never planned more than eight to nine months ahead.


Much of this I owe to my travel buddy Mike.  He rarely wants to commit to a location, too far in advance.  When we drove Chile from top to bottom, it all came together just a few months before.  Same for our trek to Africa for the safaris and visiting Barry the V.


I have seen other people’s bucket list, and thought I would give you my “water pail” **list, which I consider complete at this point in my life.  About the only trips left, that I can even think about are a trip to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY, the Tour de France, and perhaps the four eastern Canadian provinces.  There will be some revisits, such as the Oktoberfest in Munich, wine regions in various European countries, and some cycling trips.


In no particular order of importance or sense of accomplishment:


Trek the Amazon Rainforest, Peru

Visit Angkor Wat, Cambodia (3 times)

Cross the Berlin Wall at Checkpoint Charlie (sorry, you cannot do that anymore!)

Take the Trans Siberian Railway across Russia

Visit my ancestor’s home city of Nagoya, Japan

Visit all 50 U.S. states

Taste champagne in Champagne, France

Spend two weeks at Wimbledon, England

Do the tango in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Amtrak across the country (several times)

Visit most of the western National Parks

See the Aurora Borealis in Alaska

See the witches of Salem, MA on Halloween

Visit all the ballparks in the west

See a play on Broadway, NYC

Traverse Chile from top to bottom (by air, land, and sea)

Visit Fenway and Wrigley

Dive the Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Jet boat in Queenstown, New Zealand

Bike down Haleakala Crater, Maui

Zipline in the Costa Rica cloudforest

Watch a lion hunt in the Serengeti

Play golf at St. Andrews, Scotland

Shop at Harrod’s for wine gummies, London

Visit the “Girl from Ipanema”, Rio de Janeiro

Sip wine in Mendoza, Argentina

Cruise Halong Bay, Vietnam

See peak bloom Cherry Blossoms in DC

Hear the roar at Sturgis, SD

Visit Tsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo

Find rare ports on the Algarve, Portugal

Attend a concert at Royal Albert Hall, London

Drink many beers at the Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany

Eat smoked omul at Lake Baikal, Russia

Attend the U.S. Opens, golf and tennis

Climb Eiffel Tower, Paris


Make homemade Italian sausage

Dine on pork knuckle in Prague

Eat stone crabs at Joe’s in Miami

Wine tasting in Stellenbosch with Barry the V

Enjoy Grand Marnier soufflé in Zurich, Switzerland

Go hiking at Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile

Walk on the parquet floor at the Boston Garden

Win a ski race at Aspen

Ride/walk across the Golden Gate Bridge

Shake hands with Arnold Palmer

Attend Paul Simon’s farewell concert

Attend a Tom Douglas farm to table dinner

Make my own umeshu (sour plum vodka)

Drive over 100 mph on the German autobahn

Sip Tokaji in Budapest

Visit Dracula’s castle in Brasov, Romania

Stare at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel

Eat black hoof jamon in Porto Banus

Give a new pair of Nike’s to my tuk tuk driver in Chiang Mai

Attend the Grand Ole Opry

Dine in the Surgeon General’s private dining room

Run the Bay to Breakers (world’s largest footrace)

Enjoy Shabu Shabu in Tokyo

Taste the best salmon sushi in Queensland, Australia

Stroll the medina in Morocco

Visit Ebenezer Baptist Church and childhood home of MLK

Visit both Capes (Horn and Good Hope)

See the Rose Parade

Eat beignets at Cafe’ Du Monde

Visit Alcatraz Island

Marvel at the great Willie Mays

Shop at the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul

Cycle and taste wine in Bordeaux

Cross the Continental Divide

Enjoy several custom tailored suits in Bangkok

Adopt the most beautiful Labradoodle in the world

Write a book (several)

Visit a Relocation camp of my ancestors

Complete my lifetime sports-fecta (a separate email a few years ago)


What Have I been unable to do:

Hole in one (got close several times)

Publish my autobiography

Visit all of the Canadian provinces

Play on the grass court at Wimbledon

Impeach a President! (Or at least elect a different one!)

More Anti-Aging: The Full Body Workout

Posted by golfkat on September 18, 2020
Posted in: Action, Sports. Leave a comment

Guilty as charged!  I probably do not exercise my upper body as much as you do.  You have seen those professional cyclists on the Tour de France?  Strong core, and legs, but skinny little upper bodies, with skinny arms.  I am hardly in the category, but I do love my cycling, the rides through wine country, and new places to explore.


So, what should we do? (from Road Bike Rider)


Strength


Step-ups are one of the best gym exercises to build leg strength and I’m doing big step-ups getting to the juniper and trees and then step-downs with the slash.  I use my upper body reaching up with the pruning shears, picking up logs and reaching down to pull out juniper. Sawing with a handsaw is great for my biceps and triceps. When one arm starts talking to me I switch arms. I got up this morning I was sore all over, especially my quads and glutes.

Core

I try to keep my core muscles engaged while I’m bending and twisting so I don’t strain my back. Also, every five or ten minutes I stop, stand up as straight as possible and reach for the sky to stretch out my back.

Cardio

Dragging the slash to the road and walking back is functionally the same as hiking, although not as much fun.

Intensity

Climbing up the hill with my tools, cutting away and carrying or dragging back slash down to the house is like hard intervals. Each time I climb back up I stop to catch my breath and then start cutting again.

Balance

Getting up the hillside and especially back down with a load of slash is a challenge. I step carefully always making sure I’m stepping onto something solid, not loose soil or a rock that could shift.

Flexibility

All the reaching, twisting and bending — done carefully with a strong core — is great for my upper body flexibility.  I take a few minutes to stretch my back, hips and legs.

Bone strength

Weight bearing exercise is important for strong bones and the heavier the load on my skeleton the stronger my bones are. Climbing up and down stairs is one of the recommended exercises for bone strength and I’m doing a harder version.

General fatigue

I can do a couple of hours and then I have to lie down for a while to recover.  I’m as tired as if I’d done a hard, hilly two-hour ride.

American College of Sports Medicine Recommendations

For overall good health the ACSM recommends year-round:

Cardiorespiratory: Most days of the week you should do moderate cardio to total a minimum of 150 minutes / week up to 300 minutes / week. Or you could do 75 – 150 minutes of intense cardio. Or you could do a combination of moderate and intense cardio.

Strength training: You should do strength training two to three days / week, which should include exercises for all major muscle groups (shoulders, arms, chest, core, hips, and legs). 30 minutes / session is plenty.

Stretching/flexibility exercises: You should stretch all parts of your body at least four times a week — it only takes 5 – 10 minutes per session.

Weight-bearing exercises: Riding — even sprinting — doesn’t load your skeleton as much as plain walking! You should do 30 – 60 minutes a day of weight-bearing exercise three to five days a week. Your strength training and some types of aerobic exercise help to strengthen your bones.

Balance exercises: You should do balance drills both for general mobility and cycling safety.During the pandemic, I was able to cycle for 2 hours a day, 3-4 times a week.  Now that the smoke has infiltrated our Valley, I am using a cycle trainer, indside, for an hour, much like a spin class.  I have hand weights, but only use them while surfing the net.


Let me know what you are doing right now to stay in shape, physically, of course, and mentally!!!  Times like these make us appreciate our health and ability to exercise safely.

Slowing the Aging Process

Posted by golfkat on September 8, 2020
Posted in: Action, Cultures, Health, Sports. Leave a comment

From Coach John Hughes, noted Anti-Aging Expert:

Chronological aging is inevitable. However, you have control over how well you will age.

Coach Hughes wrote this eBook for all roadies age 50 and older. It will teach you how you, too, can fight the physical effects of chronological aging:

1. Assess honestly your strengths and weaknesses using the American College of Sports Medicine’s recommendations and the Athletic Maturity quiz.
2. Exercise consistently year-round. Use it or lose it applies even more to mature roadies. The older you get, the faster you lose a type of fitness if you don’t exercise that type.
3. Train wisely to avoid setbacks and injury.
4. Plan how to combine the riding you love with addressing the areas in which you need to improve and then set goals and track progress.
5. Ride aerobically year-round to maintain and improve cardiorespiratory fitness.
6. Include intensity workouts that are appropriate to your goals.
7. Strength train regularly to complement your riding and to maintain your capacity to do activities of daily living.
8. Stretch regularly to increase your riding comfort and to maintain your capacity to do activities of daily living.
9. Practice balance drills to reduce the risk of falling, the number one reason mature people go to the emergency room.
10. Engage in weight-bearing activities as part of your aerobic and strength training.
11. Balance exercise with the rest of your life so you get sufficient recovery and avoid overtraining.
12. Have fun!https://www.roadbikerider.com/register/anti-aging-12-ways-you-can-slow-the-aging-process/

Here are some of my secrets or hints:

  1. Balance-do not go extreme in anything, whether food, diet, exercise, or ??
  2. Fluids-drink plenty of water.  If you use sports drinks, as I do on hot days, please dilute with ice and/or water.
  3. Avoid high impact (as you get older) sports, like running, basketball, tennis.
  4. Stay out of the heat (or the extreme cold).
  5. Forget about quantity, emphasize quality of your workout!
  6. Wear sunglasses when exercising outside.
  7. Always buy the proper shoes for each sport!
  8. Wear a hat or cap when exercising outside in the sun.  And sunscreen.
  9. Sweat bands always come in handy.
  10. Carry an energy bar just in case!!!

Above all, have fun, meet new people, reward yourself during and after!!!