Edinburgh Scotland - 2009

Last weekend we went to Edinburgh Scotland for a quick 3 day get-away. We talked about driving but it's over 500 miles and that was just to far for only 3 days. So we took an early AM flight Friday and came home late Sunday night.

After arriving early on Friday we checked in to the Sheraton Spa and resort, had lunch at a local pub then headed to Edinburgh castle. It was sunny out too!! The castle is quite large but not really "castle like" imo. None the less, it was a great one to see and the overall presentation was very good. As for Scotland, I found it to be much more relaxed than London. Almost like comparing Bellingham to Seattle (sort of...). The architecture and especially the stone work is nothing short of amazing. That evening we had a true "Scotish" meal (Bella even had Haggis for dinner). If you don't know what haggis is, look it up. I wouldn't touch the stuff!!

Bella spent the next morning at the spa while Jasmyn and I walked around town and took photos and just hung out. Sunday, I spent the day at the spa: it was awesome! Over all a great, short, trip!

Athens Greece - 2009

We just got back from 5 days in Greece (Bella was there for work). We stayed just outside of Athens on the water at the Westin Astir which was awesome! Weather was great overall except for one day of heavy rain. Woke up to an awesome thunder storm in the AM. It was like the Greek gods where having an argument (being in greece and all)! And believe me, they needed the rain. Not only for the plants etc. but to wash all the dirt and pollution away.

Jasmyn and I hung out at the hotel pool/beach most of the time and swam etc. One day we did go into Athens to see the Acropolis. It was quite warm and crowded; mostly with Americans. The Acropolis was an awesome sight. However, I think the best time to go is in the evening. They are also doing a lot of work to it (cranes, scaffolding etc.).

Vuelta a Espana - 2009

Our most recent trip (September 1st) took us to Assen NL to watch stage 1 and 2 of Vuelta a Espana. We loaded up the car and went for a little road trip.

Doing a road trip in Europe is quite different than the states. To start with, we drove down to Kent UK and took the Eurostar train accross teh channel on what is known as the "chunnel". You simply load your car on a train, then the train goes through one of the longest underwater/graound tunnels in teh world. When you come out the other end, you're in France!

From there we drove to a small town called Hardervijk in Holland. I had worked/stayed there about 15 years ago and it had changed a lot yet had the same charm. When we arrived it was rather cool and a huge thunder storm was rolling through. Next day we drove to Assen to watch stage 1 of Vuelta a Espana at the local Assen race circuit. Stage 1 was a TT and was quite crowed. Weather was a mixed bag and dry for the beginning but heavy rain soon make the track wet and slippery. That night we stayed at Hotel Assen and went into town to watch the start of stage 2. It was raining quite heavily but started to clear just after the start.

That day we drove on to Brussels Belgium and stayed at Le Meridien Hotel. Brussels was a pleasent surpise and dinner that night was one of the best so far in europe! We also made it to a little bar with over 400 beers!! Brussels is a must see city and there is simply too much good beer, food and chocolate to experience in one night: we'll be back!!

The next day we drove back to France and this time took the Ferry home. This was a pleasant way to go but obviously not as fast as the trian.

Roma - 2009

Bella and Jasmyn have are in NY for 2 weeks. I on the other hand, have gotten a terrible case of the flu. I can't remember the last time I felt this bad.....and just in time to go to Rome! Wonderful. Luckily, I was feeling better the day before I left and didn't have to cancel.

I spent 4 days, 3 nights in Rome. I took a cheap flight and stay in a inexpensive (but decent) hotel. They said it was close to things and an excellent location, NOT! There was NOTHING to do near by. It was a quiet place to sleep, and that is it.

Rome was quite hot and crowded (tourists) but over all a good trip. I got some great photos which is why I went. It was by no means a "relaxing" holiday. Rome is a very crowded and busy city (like all cities) but it is an amazing place. This was my second trip. If I go again, I'll be sure to stay some place further out in the Italian countryside with a pool!

Barcelona - 2009

Two weeks ago we went to Barcelona Spain to watch stages 6 and 7 of Tour de France. It was raining for most of the time but finally cleared up on the Sunday the day we left (go figure!). We where able to catch stage 6 but missed the start of stage 7. Finding a good viewing spot and figuring out all the times and where the riders will be takes a lot of work (and practice).

Barcelona is an amazing city, especially the architecture. Some of it down right odd (imo) but also very interesting. Very organic. Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. The most interesting of the architecture is by Antoni Gaudi.

It seemed everywhere I looked in Barcelona I was reminded of the art style in Gears of War: Very Gothic and quite amazing! Note: my photos obviously don't do it any justice as I didn't have my Nikon or the time I would have liked.

We stayed in a hip-hotel called ME. It was very contemorary and not really kid friendly. The breakfasts where awesome. They had the most fantastic little chocolate donuts! It would be fun to spend more time as we where only there for 3 nights. The trip was short but sweet.

My 2009 Cannondale Hi-mod SuperSix

Last time I was in the states I picked up a brand new 2009 Cannondale SuperSix Hi-mod carbon frame set in a 56cm. I am in the process of building it up with SRAM RED and various other components. When finished, it should be quite nice (and fairly light). Other kit includes; cannondale hollowgram sl si crank, zero-gravity brakes, alien use seat post, easton ec90 carbon bars and more. Wheelset is still a bit undecided but until then, I'll be running my Mavic Ksyrium ES special edition rims.

I'm finding that building a bike with out my shop is tough. Not to mention trying to find all the right parts and tools in London! Just getting my SI crank off was quite an ordeal. I have my Ultimate pro stand and most of my tools but there is nothing like your own shop!

Finished!
I am now pretty much finished. The only thing left is a proper tape job (I'm using tape from my six13 for now). I went with Controltech manta bars and Controltech ipost seat post instead of the ones mentioned above and am going for an all black theme instead of the white.

Ride: This bike is STIFF. While fairly comfortable, I must say, it is a very stiff and quick bike (I am also running full carbon components; carbon railed Arione saddle etc.). When you put the pedal down, this thing goes (the Hollowgram cranks are awesome). To be honest though, I think my Litespeed 6/4 titanium frame would be better suited for the terrible roads here in the UK. Did I mention the roads here in and around London suck?! For being such a "bike friendly" place, they really don't maintain the roads (or anything for that matter) very well. Over all, it's a great bike and I'm happy with my purchase.

After a nasty blow out the other day, I decided it was time for new tires. Today I installed a set of Michelin PRO3 Race tires. So far so good. Not too wild about the grey center color though. After a short 20 mile ride today they seem to stick nicely and ride smooth.

Back in London

Wow, this blog thing is tough to keep up to date!

After spending 2 weeks in the states, I'm back in London. It's always fun to go back to the USA and see all the things that you've missed and the things you don't. Like the nice wide streets and our house in Kirkland. While in the US I was able to hang out with my buddy Scot and see his cabin (on 5 acres) in C'deleane Idaho. It's a great place up on the hill with a nice view of the lake and mountains. He has a great place along with some very nice neighbors.

I also stopped off in Leavenworth to try and work on our 22 acre porperty, tri-cities to see my dad and Pullman to see my mom. Pullman has changed to much yet is still the same. I wonder if they'll ever repave Grand street!! Pullman could use a good make-over. It's tired.