Velodrome

I took a beginning class at the Encino Velodrome today. There were about a dozen of us and it was a really great group of varying levels. We started cruising around the track slowly, getting used to the fixed gear and lack of brakes. Also fun is riding on steep banked turns.

By the end of the class, the instructor was timing us in individual runs and we raced against one other person in a pursuit. I was really happy with my time, and came in 3rd in the group, but by the pursuit I had nothing left and lost by a good margin. The pursuit is when you have 2 people, starting at opposite sides of the track, so the only way you know if you are winning is to look across the track at the line.

The thing I really love about the track, is there are no cars and no traffic signals. I may end up buying a track bike. They are different from road bikes in that they have no brakes, one gear, you can't coast and the cranks (what the pedals attach to) are smaller so you don't scrape along the banks.

Funny thing happened. A guy showed up and asked the instructor about joining the class next time. He gave his card to the coach, and turned out to be a porn star. Yes, it's what the valley is famous for!

Website

I completely reworked my website. Comments, complaints, etc. are accepted and appreciated.

http://www.waggnerstudio.com/

Father Guido Sarducci's career advice

Milan San Remo

Probably the greatest descent in cycling history, Sean Kelly at the '92 Milan San Remo vs. Moreno Argintin.

You can't drink all day if you don't start in the morning

I was shocked and saddened to learn that Matt Camp, of the Venice Surf Report blog, passed away. I think he was in his mid 30's, and died from complications of, all things, knee surgery.

I read his blog on and off for quite some time. He was totally politically incorrect, and had this running series about the boyos, the homeless alcoholics in Venice and the things they did. Sounds bizarre, but it was actually pretty funny and he did help them out when possible. He also posted the strangest videos that were so bad they were funny.

There is a paddle out planned, and if I can, I'll go. I never actually met him, and that's a bummer too.

Monday, off to a fast start

I did 25 miles on the bike today, including some decent hills. I wanted to go more into the hills, but I'm nowhere near in shape for that yet. I'm happy with the speed I ride on the flats, so hopefully I can lose a few pounds and get into better form.

Last night I went to bed pissed at how 2 of my paintings were coming along. Got up, looked at them today and am happy. The colors are really working and the criticisms I had last night did not hold up. Time to get back to work on them - I have lots to do with Santa Fe coming up in May.

And I want to redo a lot of my website.

Garden is starting to bloom

It's a club, not a gang

Went on a nice 27 mile bike ride this morning with the San Fernando Valley Bicycle Club.  There were over 50 people who divided into long, hard and easy rides. I almost went with the  group doing the century instead of the easy ride. That would not have even happened, I'm not there...yet. Weather was nice, cool and gloomy. My favorite for biking.

I met the wifey and daughter at the Corner Bakery, the club's rest stop, and had breakfast with them. Then it was back on the bike. A lot of people did the Solvang Century today, so there were fewer riders. But riding in a huge group is so much fun. Can't wait to do longer rides.

Work Ethic vs. Flakes

I met somebody who really really wants to be an artist and get into a gallery. He went to the gallery I show at, dropped my name (which I don't mind) and got an interview. His work is not bad, and has been up on the wall for a few months. Since then, he has not contacted the gallery, even though they call him. Flake.

Another new artist at the gallery has some work up for a few months, came to some openings a few times. Nice girl, very enthusiastic. In fact, I would buy one of her pieces if I could afford it. Anyway, same thing, she hasn't been heard from since.

If you are an artist who makes 3 pieces a year, stick to the art in the park scene. Don't go to a gallery unless you can commit to submitting new work every month. This is what separates the artist from the hobbyist. Just like saying, I love bicycling and seeing Lance Armstrong on the podium - I want that. Well, what you don't see is Lance riding alone in the snow in the off season in the steepest hills around - even when he doesn't feel like it.

Tonight

Heading out to watch some races at the Encino velodrome, then off to Orlando Gallery, where I am in a group show.

The new Star Trek movie coming out in May looks cool. I was never a big fan of the show, the only series I really liked was Next Gen. Space movies, if done right, are the best.

The dim future on the history channel

Watched a show on the History Channel about Nostrodomus and what the ancient Mayans predicted, etc. Looks like in 2012 the sun will align with lots of things and the Earth's magnetic field will lesson, causing volcanoes, etc. The wifey asked why I'm watching and isn't it stressing me out? I say, no. Makes my little problems seem like nothing and I should enjoy myself until 2012.

Of course, I don't believe any of this garbage. But it is amusing to see these professor types, who nobody has ever heard of, deciphering pictures and finding meanings in cross statues made thousands of years ago.