Help Me Ride the Tour de Cure! (please)

Dear Friends,

Many of you may already know that I have recently become very passionate about biking. What most of you don't know is that at the end of this month, on April 29th, I will be attempting my very first 100 mile bike ride!

I will be joining the Tour de Cure, which is America's largest cycling event for diabetes.The ride is a fundraising event, and every participant is required to raise $175 dollars. All of the proceeds go to the American Diabetes Association, which is responsible for research and implementation of programs towards the prevention and cure of diabetes. Now, at first I was quite skeptical about raising $175 for a bike ride, but I realized that the cause is very significant for me: I am at risk for diabetes. My father has diabetes and three of my grandparents had/have diabetes.

On a personal level, this ride is very significant for me. For those of you who are not familiar with cycling, one's first 100 mile ride is a pretty big deal. We call a hundred mile ride a "century." Once a cyclist has completed his first century, he has, in a way, passed the initiation rites of cycling. This century will be a testament of how healthy and fit I am. The longest ride I have ever been on was about 60 miles, and that included a long break in between. So in this century ride, I will be pushing myself beyond my limits. Very significant!

Raising the $175 has been easier than I thought it would be. So far, I have raised $100 of that $175. Friends, I need your help to reach my goal of $175. I don't usually ask for money, but I will now, because this ride is so important to me. You can donate anything from $5 to $20. Any contribution will help me immensely, and I will be very grateful (if you like, I can go into your home, dorm room, apartment and play you some solo cello in return!).

How to donate online:
You can donate by clicking on the Tour de Cure SUPPORT link on the right of my blog. That should take you to the Tour de Cure website.
There you will click on DONATE.
You will then need to type in my name:  Mikko Pablo
Then you will be able to make a contribution to my fund by clicking on [click here to sponsor me]

Alternatively, you can meet me and hand me the donation in person (much simpler). Then, I could also give you a better idea of what the event is about, and maybe I can even persuade you to join the ride! =)

If you decide to donate, I thank you very much for your generosity and your support for my goal. If you choose not to donate, then I invite you to join the ride! You don't have to do 100 miles, there are shorter distances available for riders of every level (from an 8 mile cruise, to 11 miles, to 32 miles to 61 miles). Regardless of what you decide, please wish me luck and support, because this will be quite a boundary-pushing experience for me. However,  remember I can't ride unless I raise the $175!

Your help is greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Mikko

P.S. If you would like to know more about the Tour de Cure, please watch this video!

The Artist is the Greatest Alchemist

Experiencing pain and suffering is what makes us human beings. It is the ultimate equalizer in life. What makes people different, however, is in the way they cope with it. Some people will drink pain away.Others will distract themselves with work. You can cope with pain anyway you want to(the ones I just mentioned seem to be very popular). However, there is another way of coping that, in my opinion, allows us to heal and to simultaneously make the world a brighter place. That is making art. 

Majority of people allow their emotions to enslave them, whereas the artist uses the power of his emotions and channels it through the medium of his choice.

  I believe that everyone is called to be an artist, because art really is the transformation of pain and suffering into beauty. At least, that is what art always has been for me. I remember the pain and confusion I felt during the months right after my parents' divorce. I remember how I would spend hours playing my guitar and how that helped me cope and heal. Music made the pain from the divorce into something beautiful. In fact, in retrospect, I think I wouldn't be a musician today if it weren't for that.

I also believe that everyone is capable of being an Artist, because Art has and endless number of mediums: poetry, painting, dance, theatre. I just happened to have chosen Music. In actuality, art is not limited to these areas. Can you deny the beauty of riding a bike, or of wiping someones tears, or of giving someone a much needed hug? If we accept the definition of art to be the transformation of pain into beauty, then almost anything that helps us heal can be art. In fact, the very essence of living is art: One's greatest masterpiece is one's own life.

You may think argue that much of what I write on this blog tends to be from a naive perspective. I will admit, yes, I am quite naive (this is probably why I can keep my heart open), and I haven't experience as much as many other people have in life, but that is precisely why I try my best to reflect on the experiences that I do have.  I want to make the most out of every single experience that has passed and that is to come, even the painful ones. I want to live life to the fullest. I know it's cliche, but this short statement really embodies what I want to do. This is the reason why I try my best to keep an open heart. This is the reason why I write this blog and why I play music.  Art doesn't give as much to the audience as it gives to the artist. This blog is not so much for the reader's as it is for me a way of keeping myself aware of where I am going.

The Courage of the Heart

I believe that in order to live life to the fullest, one must open his/her heart to the world, for then can one truly offer love and receive love.  However, I realize now that in such a state of openness, the heart is left vulnerable. The slightest rejection or denial of that love can be very painful. In order to protect their hearts, people often build walls or masks. These barriers protect one from pain, but unfortunately, they also are effective at warding away love, new experiences and lasting relationships. Alas, this is the circumstance of majority of people!

 These wounds that the heart endures eventually heal and become scars, which make the heart stronger, but the process is never that simple. Often times, we do not let the heart heal,  or we ignore the wounds and brush them off as scratches. This can be very dangerous for the soul, for an unhealed heart is never able to open up to the world once more. Only a healed and battle-scarred heart has the courage to become vulnerable once again, in order to become a shining light of love to the world.

Signposts

Dear Friends and Family,

Please forgive the lull since my last substantial entry. I must confess that I have recently undergone a series of experiences that have affected me quite deeply and emotionally. A lot of the writing I have done since then has been recorded in my personal journal and I have debating with myself whether or not I should write something about it here on this blog. On one end, I want to share only the happy parts of my life to inspire, but on the other end, I know that life isn't always happy and that we often learn the most when we experience some pain. This blog really is about sharing my life so you might be inspired from my joys and so that you might learn from my experiences. So I have decided to share this chapter of my life with you without shame, but rather with the desire to pose a question and to open up an exchange of ideas and suggestions.

 When you experience a disappointment in life (or maybe I should rather say when things don't go your way), how do you cope with it? How do you remember the vastness of the world beyond what you wanted so bad? I want to open up this conversation, because this is something I have just recently begun to really think about. I am discovering my own way of coping, and I hope we can help each other learn to cope more efficiently.

Sometimes the most painful experience is not being able to get something or someone you love. You know it is bad when you start telling yourself: "I should have" or "I could have". It is very interesting how such an experience can make you forget the real conditions of your life and how much there is to it beyond what you were obsessed with. You tend to become very self centered, focusing only on your own feelings of self-pity, frustration and sadness. Quite frankly, I was very scared of myself right after my own experience. I started to feel like a different person. I found that I would (and still do from time to time) verge into "episodes" of selfishness. During these "episodes" I would forget most of the other aspects of my life. I forgot about the open love I experienced with my Laramie Project family. I forgot about the adventures and the excitement for life that I continue to learn from my Family back home. I forgot about the openness to the world that I experienced with my international friends from traveling. I momentarily forgot about my passion for music. And, probably the scariest of all of these, I stopped experiencing the beauty surrounding my life. There were times I would get to the point of being bitter. What a horrible state of being!  It can be shameful to admit this, but it happened and , let's face it, it can happen to any of us. However, what is important is to focus on how we can overcome these feelings and to remember the vastness of our world beyond what we sometimes perceive to be everything. By vastness, I refer to plethora of the opportunities and new experiences available for each and every one of us every morning we wake up.

I think it is very important to realize that when something doesn't work out the way you wanted it to, no one is to blame. Once you start blaming yourself or anyone else, you go down the path of bitterness and closure from the world. This path can be dangerous because (as crazy as this may sound) it is often very easy to find comfort in it. When something doesn't work out, it simply couldn't work out. It was essential due to the circumstance and the nature of the people involved. Someday, you will back and you will see the reason behind it. I think that experiences, particularly painful ones, are like sign posts along the path of our journeys. They give us options of which route to take (how we choose to cope and continue on with our lives).

Of course, as with most things, this is much easier said than done.  I have found that I am not very good at following my own advice. I guess this is why I write down my ideas so often, to remind myself of who I am and why I am living. I know for a fact that I am writing this entry to keep myself on the brighter path. I want to regain the level openness for the world I had not too long ago. I cannot let pain, disappointment or frustration stop me from breathing in life. I don't want any experience to make me a negative person, oblivious or closed to the beauty around me.

I believe that I am capable of growing and learning from any experience. I strive to gain a clarity of vision to read the signposts and follow the route I want to take. My hope is that you join me (and support me as it can sometimes be tough to remember) in this belief and strive for the clarity that will open us up as human beings towards forgiveness, compassion, joy and self-awareness. Once we regain clarity, the journey continues.

Sincerely,
Mikko

Team Velocity Ride: Serrano

Date:               March 9, 2012 (Saturday)
Total distance:  34.3 miles
Total time:        2:16:27 
Start time:        7:30 am
End time:         9: 45 am
Max Speed:     43.1 mph

Less Driving, More Biking.

Yesterday morning, as I rode back from my bike ride, I received a call from my dorm's security. I found out that all four of the car's wheels had been stolen. You can imagine my reaction. I rode back as hard as I could to see it for myself. This is what met me at the student parking lot:

Yup... supported only by 4 milk crates... They could have at least used soy milk crates. geez.

 

 

 

Upon closer examination, I found out that the thieves had also broken in to steal my GPS.

Here are the facts:

I last parked my car the previous midnight. Campus security noticed my car's condition at 10:20 am. They noticed the same thing happened to another Honda civic in the same lot (supported by the same milk crates).  Later, they found out yet another car whose main computer had been stolen. This all happened in the same parking lot on the same night.

When the police came over to file my report, they told me they were receiving calls all day about carjacking and car theft. Hmm. I also later found out that there were two other cars across the street at CSU Fullerton without wheels and supported by the same damn milk crates. This was definitely the work of a highly skilled crime syndicate, probably trying to fill a  container van to be shipped off to another country.

The police officer told me he would send in CSI to collect any evidence on the car. Later that day, the CSI did arrive and I tell you it was pretty cool (CSI is one of my favorite shows). The Crime Scene Investigator was nice middle-aged woman named Cindy. We had an interesting conversation, one I would never expect to have with someone who deals with dead bodies and crime scenes on a daily basis. I found out that she had been a Music major herself at Fullerton college! She later became a vocalist for a group called "The American Singers" Eventually she trained to be a forensics specialist. Crazy huh? We briefly talked  about practice room experiences and other music major lexicon. It goes to show that it is never too late to choose where your life will go. Who knows, maybe I will be taking fingerprints off of evidence in the future? =)

These kinds of things happen, and I have accepted that. However, I will not tolerate a lack of action on my dorm's part. i have a meeting with the housing director and the school's VP on Monday and I will not let this go without proper action. The bare minimum would be to install security cameras! My god, that's a standard security measure in the Philippines (a third world country)!!! Anyway, I am in the process of writing a security audit of my dorm. Honestly, I no longer feel safe here. If this 3 cars and 8 wheels can be stolen right under the nose of our security guards, then what is stopping these criminals from committing worse crimes. This really is a imminent threat and compromise to our safety. Unacceptable. Unacceptable.

If there anything positive I can get from this experience, it is now I am forced to bike everyday to school! It's a great thing. Now I have no excuse not to get on my bike. I will enjoy this temporary period without a car. It will be refreshing, just like the days of my first semester in Fullerton college. Time to become fully immersed in bike culture!

First Team Velocity Ride!

Ride specs:

Date:               March 3, 2012
Total distance:  40.6 miles
Total time:        2:42:28 
Start time:        7:30 am
End time:         10: 20 am
Max Speed:     44.6 mph (fastest so far)

I woke up at 5:30am. "Too early," I thought, but I couldn't go back to sleep because I was so excited. I was about to join my very first group bike ride. What will the other rider's be like? Will I be able to keep up with them? Will they be welcoming to newbie riders? These thoughts preoccupied my mind to the point that I just had to get up and start preparing to ride out.

I got out of bed at 6am. Break fast consisted of yogurt, bananas and some coffee. I then filled my water bottles and pumped up my tires to 115 PSI. It was cold outside, so I had to wear arm warmers with my jersey and bib. I strapped on my shoes and I was ready to go.

My neon-yellow jersey stands out doesn't it? Need to get me a Team Velocity kit to be in the "cool" group =)

The ride was going to be 33 miles.  I rode an extra 4 miles from my dorms to downtown Fullerton, the ride's starting point. It was really cold (about 48 F). However, I knew that it would warm-up later that day because of the sun. When I got to the start point, there were already about 15 riders chatting. The first people I met there were Denny and Joe. To my relief, these guys are very warm and open to new members. They are also really funny! They refer to themselves as the Waldorf and Statler (from the Muppets) of Team Velocity. I  would admit that their sense friendship with one another does resemble that of Waldorf and Statler, but I tell you, Denny and Joe don't need any cane! These guys are fit and healthy! Strong riders!

Waldorf and Statler from the Muppets

Denny explained to me how the rides work. He explained that there are three groups: The Recreational group, the intermediate, and the fastest group., each of which ride ate different paces.  Denny and Joe ride the Rec group which keeps a pace of about 15-16 mph. "That's not bad," I thought. Little did I know that later in the ride, they would be riding past me up the climbs!

As more and more riders started rolling in, I started to feel a sense of community. These people ride with each other every week. They know each other, and each others family. Every time a new rider would arrive, a new conversation would begin. It was like an episode of Cheers, except instead of drunken friends, these were healthy, athletic professionals. I also began to realize that there was hardly anyone under the age of 40. However, when the ride began, I totally forgot this because these bikers rode so incredibly powerfully! It was tough to keep up! And I'm 19! It is amazing how fit one can be if one maintains a healthy lifestyle.

Throughout the ride, I made lots of new friends. These riders are all professionals and educated people. It was refreshing to talk to them. They shared their experiences and the wisdom. For instance, on the last leg of the ride, I  found myself alongside Hung. He has an interesting life. He was born in Vietnam, raised in Germany, studied at McGill University in Montreal, Canada and presently works in California. He is a very friendly guy and experienced rider. He taught many tricks of riding with a group: how to keep your line, how to stop, etc. I also enjoyed talking to him in German! (two Asian guys speaking German on a bike ride is always fun!)

Finished the ride with Hung, Ricardo and Antoine

Post-ride hanging out with Louis, Denny and Joe

I am very happy that I have the opportunity to experience this. I plan to ride with Velocity every Saturday morning now! This time of my life really is a sacred time. I doubt I will ever enjoy the same freedom I have now, so I will make it a point to honor this time and really spend it wisely. Thanks Team Velocity for your warmth and openness! I look forward to the next ride!

Concerning Labels and the Path to Enlightenment

No, when I say Labels, I'm not referring to the kind you find on your T-shirt or your can of Junk food (Although it is hard not to think of these labels because our consumer-driven world is flooded with them).

 By labels, I refer to terms that we use to represent important and complex concepts in our existence. What do I mean exactly? Let me give you a few examples: Morality, Judgement, Beauty, Relationships. If you think about these terms, you should realize that they are usually futile in capturing the full essence of what they represent.

Let's talk about the first term: Morality. I have always used the term Morality to represent the governing force of my life.  Recent circumstances, however, have led me to change my perspective in this regard. I no longer find the term Morality appealing.  I think using the term Morality can be misleading in the way that "Morality" has much Christian/Religious connotation. Morality implies a judgement of "Right or Wrong" and "Winner or Loser". The term Morality tends to be very exclusive and even intimidating. Why use a term with so much negative baggage to define a way of life? We should live with the goal to be understanding of one another, not judgmental.

 "Do not label things or relationships, it only makes matters more complicated. Take everything for what it is. Do not hold it up to expectations that society put into a label."

If there is a term that I would choose to represent our goal in Life, it would be Enlightenment. I am not suggesting that everyone should transcend the weaknesses of humanity and become enlightened beings (everyone becoming a Buddha seems highly unlikely). I am suggesting that we strive to become more aware of our humanity and aware of our capacity to transcend into enlightenment. I know that I am a very very flawed human being. I make mistakes, lots of them. However, when I do err, I simply remember: "I love and I am loved. If people believe in me, then I can believe in myself. Mikko, time to continue your journey." (of course, being a very obsessive person, I struggle getting over initial feelings of defeat and frustration before I get to this point, but I eventually do). I cannot let those mistakes hinder me from moving on, closer to my enlightenment.We all need to strive to become more perceptive human beings,  aware of life, its challenges and its joys.

Love, Amor, Lieben, Gugma

What is Love? This is a question asked by almost every person on this planet and from every time period in history, from the heart-broken lover to the forsaken man on his death bed. However, if you were to ask a child, you would get your answer. The child may not be able to articulate his or her belief with words, but you will understand love by the way they live. They know nothing else but love. They have yet to be "corrupted" by the vices of greed and self-indulgence that so often pollute the purity of love we are all born with.

Just like the child, I think that Love is Everything. Every action we make, every word we say, and every breath we take should be (ideally) inspired by love. Now please understand that when I say Love, I do not solely mean the type of Romantic love so prevalent in the mass media. Although that kind of love is very powerful (and although many of the greatest masterpieces were inspired by this love- take the Schumann Cello Concerto for instance-which by the way, I believe is one of the greatest pieces of music ever written), it is my feeling that this type of love is emphasized too much.

Yes, romantic love is powerful and it would be nice to have, but it becomes a problem when the euphoria from that love blinds us from the full extent of Love, I believe. There is so much more to love than that. Besides Romantic love, there is brotherly love, maternal love, love for a higher being (be it God, Allah, etc.), love for nature, a love for friends, a love for a passion, and the list goes on! All these types of love are simply part of a more encompassing love. The heavenly love that governs humanity. In this sense, I love everything! I guess when Jesus preached to "love your enemy" he really just meant to love that human being as a fellow human being undergoing a journey, just as you are. In this sense then, I love almost everything! (I still generally dislike very sweet milk chocolate, but that is another story)

Another interesting aspect of love that I have found, is it's nature of presenting itself during times you least expect it. New loves present themselves to you when you are in a state of complete contentment and when you are not seeking anymore love than you have and give. It's as if love says: "Hey Mikko! I see you are very, very happy right now, and you would be perfectly fine without me, but hey! Here I am to make you more happy and for you to experience more love!" It is funny and awesome how Love works that way. From this, we can also deduce that people who are not content with their lives, and who always want more, will never find love.

As I was biking the Santa Ana River Trail the other day, I found myself in a state of awe. I was biking at about 3-5 pm during the day, and the lighting of the sun was inexplicably beautiful (no wonder why photographers call this time of the day the "golden hours"). All the colors became so vivid: the green of the grass, the red in the sky, the browns of the trees. As I experienced this beauty, I literally said these words aloud: "Life is about doing what you love, and finding beauty in the world." You may accuse me of being an idealist, and I have no qualm with that. In this period of our planet's history, when the world as we now it may change drastically in the near future, I think we all must be idealists and live life to the fullest, the way we were meant to live it!

As I think about what I said that bike ride, I continue to find more reasons to believe it. I think we are here to find beauty or what enriches and nourishes our souls. We live to becomes shining lights of love for the world, for others to be inspired to love as well. Simply put: "If you Love the World, the World will Love you back."

Bike ride to Huntington Beach!

Bike Ride:      Huntington Beach (via Santa Ana River Trail)
Distance:        58.9 miles
Max Speed:   29.2 mph
Total Time:     4 hours (plus about an hour and a half at the beach)
Start time:       8 am
End Time:       1:30pm

Date: February 10, 2012


I went on this ride with my awesome roommate Matt Marshall. We didn't really plan  this until about 10pm the night before. Very spontaneous indeed. But I am very glad that we did push through with our last minute plan. The weather on this day was absolutely divine. It was about 58 degrees when we started, but it warmed up by the time we got to the beach. This ride marked yet another step in my biking life. It was my first ride over 50 miles (half century distance). And what's amazing is that this was Matt's first ride (Crazy huh?).

We kept a good pace of about 17-20 mph. It wasn't too hard because of the flat terrain leading to the beach. It was such a pleasure to see all kinds of bikers on that trail. We saw couples on tandems, triathletes on Time Trial bikes, pure roadies, beach cruisers, and even some low riders! What is interesting though, is that about 95% of these bikers were over 30 years old (or at least they looked above 30 years old- you never really know nowadays). It is a pity that there aren't too many young people out on the trails with their bikes. Matt and I are hoping to build a biking group in our dorm to encourage our friends to get bike and to fall in love with cycling.

Some time before we got to the beach I had my very first "crash" (more of a fall really) on my road bike. It was one of these crashes caused by sheer stupidity and inability to clip out of your pedals fast enough. I had ridden to the side of the trail to readjust my shoes and to take a picture. In order to get back on the trail, I had to make a sharp right turn. I did so, but without the momentum required to sustain balance, so at a speed of less than 1 mph, i started to feel the cement get closer and closer untill I finally hit the ground with my hip. I wasn't hurt (well, maybe my pride took a little beating, but at least I was physically unharmed). As I said before, everyone crashes, you just have to learn to deal with it!

When we got to the beach, we ate some fries at Ruby's (an american-style diner that rests at the end of the Huntington Beach pier- I particularly love this Ruby's because they constantly play swing era jazz). There were really good waves that day, so Matt and I had the opportunity to watch some very good surfers at work. We also had the privilege of seeing the USA volleyball team practicing at shore. They were amazing! The games were incredibly fast paced, and every other hit was a smash! What a joy it was to see such dedicated athletes at work.

After our brunch, Matt and I decided to soak up some sun and lay down on the grass (sand would probably have been uncomfortable in the spandex). Every bit of sunlight felt so good, and we were getting a lot of it! In fact, over the course of time we had been there (about an hour and a half), the amount of people at the beach almost tripled! By the time we had to make our way back home, the beach was packed with people.

The toughest part of the ride was the last 7 mile stretch. I started to feel my legs become weak, but I still managed to make it. I was very impressed with Matt, considering this was his first ride (although he is a very athletic person).

When we got back, I took a nap and practiced Cello later that day. What more can I ask for? Seriously, how much more lucky can I be? What a beautiful day.

A room full of Bikes and Bikers!
David: Red Trek
Matt: Yellow Peugot
Mikko: White Cannondale

Biking Brea Canyon Road

Date: February 5, 2012

Bike Ride:  Diamond Bar (via Brea Canyon)

Distance: 40.9 miles

Max Speed: 35.9mph

Total Time: 3:10:17
Start Time: 7:30am
End Time: 11:30am

Wow, I have really put off this entry for a while now. However, I will not forget how important this was for me. I remember not being able to sleep the night before because I was so excited. This was my first serious ride (over 35 miles) on my new road bike! I decided to ride this route a second time, because the last time I attempted it, I didn't have enough endurance. This time around, I rode with my friend Jomarie, a fellow biker and friend from my dorms. It was great to have company, especially during the uphill climbs (which Jomarie, by the way, is really really good at).

What I loved most about this particular ride were the descents (down hill riding). Whenever we started riding faster than 30 miles per hour, I started to experience a sense of hyper-vigilance. Downhill riding is a great way of opening up your senses. Well, you don't really have a choice when a split-second of absent-mindedness could cost you your life. But I love it! It gives me my week's supply of adrenaline and it jump starts my system.

We did experience a minor crash though. Jomarie lost control when we were descending somewhere in Brea. What happened was a car came in from a side street to make a right turn, so we had to brake to make sure we wouldn't hit the car.Since Jomarie was behind me, she had to brake harder in order to avoid colliding with my rear wheel and knocking me over (which was very very considerate of her). Jomarie took the crash like a champ and we both rode back to the dorms without problem (despite her bloody hands).

Just as problems are part of life, crashing is part of biking. We just have to learn how to deal with it and to cope after it has happened. Jomarie, you handled that crash very well! Congrats! (and thank you for sparing me from some unpleasant contact with asphalt.)

We made it in time for lunch and enjoyed a nice Chicken Parmesan Salad at the cafeteria. Thanks Jomarie! Hope to go on more rides with you in the future!

My Trip to Laramie

I just got back from the very last show of The Laramie Project. I have been involved with this wonderful theater production since late last year and it is difficult to put into words what this has done for me as a person. Emotionally underscoring the show with my cello has helped me grow tremendously as a musician, and beyond that, The Laramie Project has really changed my life.

I am so grateful to have been a part of this wonderful journey. First of all, I had the honor of working with amazing artists and genuine people. Thank you Stephen John for letting me be a part of this and being an awesome Director. Thank you Joe and Greg (and also damn you Joe and Greg) for making me cry every night we did this show. Thank you Teddy and Ji Hye for being the most wonderful friends that you always have been for me. Thank you Jeff for being so damn funny. Thank you Meghan, Carly and Tiffany for all the love-filled hugs (i especially needed those today). Thank you Jill and Jesse for absolutely nailing that Alison and Marge scene. Thank you Jessica for the Love and Joy. Thank you Amanda for being a bad-ass with the power drill every time we striked the stage. Thank you Robert for the pictures. And Thank you Marla for having us at the Mysterium.

I am not good at goodbyes, i know this from experience. On the way back home, along the 57,  I couldn't help but cry. It's tough saying goodbye to the family I found in this cast. I enjoyed every moment, especially the times when i found myself both laughing and crying. When that happens, you just know you're alive and doing something good with your life.

Thank you guys, for reminding me why we are in the arts. It was so great to be surrounded by people who love what they do. And that is what it is all about: Love, Love, Love. I hope to work with you again in the future!

We dealt with what is true, we said it correct.

Thank you guys,
Mikko

Bye Laramie!

My First Ride!

At 8:00 am Sunday, I was riding my bike up Brea Canyon. The air was crisp, the sky was a clear blue and I was happy. Earlier that morning, I was debating with myself whether or not to go out and bike. I was very tired when I woke up, but I decided to go out and do it. I ended up biking 20 miles to Diamond bar and back, and after the ride (about 10am), I felt surprisingly energized! It was like I had drunk a cup of iced coffee, except with added shots of fresh air and adrenaline.

The ride towards Diamond Bar was mostly uphill, and I struggled. My endurance isn’t where it should be yet, but it will be soon! Even though the route was uphill, it was great. I rode past several small creeks and lots of trees. I also noticed many other cyclists. It was very nice to be able to greet each other with that wave of understanding: “I am a biker, you are a biker and we love what we are doing.” It felt so good to be on the road with people who loved being there.

On the way back, I took State College (which is a very steep downhill road). I rode up to about 40 mph, and it was thrilling! No rollercoaster could ever compare to the excitement of biking downhill, because of the inherent dangers present in downhill cycling.

As I rode past trees and creeks under the blue sky, I remember one of the thoughts that crossed my mind was: “Oh man, I am so lucky.”

Love my new bike!

Creek near my dorm (taken on the way back)

East West Bikes

So last Friday, a few hours after I wrote my last entry, I headed over to East West Bikes at downtown Fullerton for my bike fit. East West bikes is the bike store that used to be known as Banning’s bikes. It is the premier bike shop here in Fullerton. They sell higher end road bikes and gear. I arrived at the store a little before 11 am (which is when they open) and I had the privilege of working with Sally. Sally helped me choose my bib, shoes and pedals the last time I was in the shop.  She is incredibly nice and very patient. I learned so much about road biking, maintenance, rides, Team Velocity, routes, etc. We had a great time in the fit studio, talking while working. It was much fun!

Thank you Ash and Sally! You guys are awesome!

I also got to know Ash (he is the guy who is always behind the counter repairing bikes). He helped adjust my seat post (which was jammed because of Cannondale’s design). I did meet Ash once late last year when I visited the store with my roommate (his bike’s fork bent because he got hit by a car). I brought in my cello and the first thing Ash said was: “Is that a carbon case?”  haha. He also said that he loved classical music, and that he only listened to the classical station KUSC 91.5 during his commute (on bike).

After the fit was done, Sally even gave me one of her route slips (from Team Velocity), so that I would have a route to ride my new bike! Incredibly helpful! This experience got me a hundred times more excited about biking. In fact, as I left the store, I was simply ecstatic.

East West bikes is a great shop. They have great quality products and staff with lots of experience, patience, and a love for what they do! If any of you decides to get into road biking, I highly recommend this great bike shop. I know I will be going back!

My Two-wheeled Baby

I’m back! It took me a whole week, but I am now completely readjusted to California time. I arrived at my dorm from LAX Monday morning, and still I was able to catch my 12 noon Music History class! (not to shabby if you ask me). 

Since my arrival I had not slept much at all (maybe about 4-6 hours a night). The jet lag was not the only reason behind this lack of sleep. I think the real culprit was the anticipation for my road bike to arrive. I bought my bike on eBay while I was back in the Philippines. I couldn’t sleep because I was, and am, so excited to ride! I probably have never been excited like this ever before. I think there is something in biking I can’t get anywhere else, not even in cello playing. It is likely the sense of freedom, and the “I can go wherever my wheels will take me” mentality.

                My bike finally arrived yesterday and I was ecstatic. I opened the package and found everything in good condition and as expected. (well except for the brakeset which are Tektro  instead of the SRAM Apex listed in the item’s specs). I emailed the dealer and he said he would ship me the SRAM as soon as possible.

 

 

YAY!

Later this morning, I have a fit appointment with East West bicycles at downtown Fullerton. East West bicycles is what used to be known as Banning’s bicycles a few months ago. It is the shop of Fullerton’s main cycling team, “Team Velocity.” When I visited the shop a few days ago to choose shoes and pedals, I had the pleasure of meeting Sally. She was immensely helpful and encouraging. Sally helped me find the right gear and she even gave me a Cycling 101 talk. It was awesome!  Team Velocity has three divisions: 1,2 and 3. Division one is the group with the easiest pace, two is intermediate and three is the fastest group. Sally encouraged me to join division One’s rides every Saturday morning when I am more confident with my road biking skills. I am very excited!

I have about 4 hours before my fit appointment, so maybe I will use the time to practice cello or go back to sleep, although, sleeping doesn’t seem very likely at this point.