Saving calories and fuel

Bcycle is modeled after the Paris experiment but apparently a partnership between Humana Health insurance and Trek (the bike company)

A bike is my key transport around the city - and I thought this was the coolest idea I've seen in a long time.

More fun and healthier than photoelectric cells on your roof. I haven't done the ROI calculation for self service bikes in the city versus photo cells or green roofs but my guess is that once you factor in health savings - it's a big win.

Pain is temporary quitting is permanent

I am recovering from a badly pulled tendon in my left leg - so I'm getting back into shape - riding about 30-40'/day this week and ramping up gradually, using every 4th week for recovery. The plan has worked in the past - no reason it won't work this time. I enjoy riding and I don't have anything to prove to anyone.

I recently discovered a homeopathic cream for inflamed muscles called Arnica. You can buy it in the Israel Superpharm chain.

Climbing from Modiin to Neve Ilan

Two weeks ago, Bob called me up and invited me to a night ride from Park Canada (aka Park Ayalon) to Neve Ilan - I pleaded busy with other things (like preparing the torah reading for Shabat) but I was actually unsure I could hack it.

This Sunday (Aug 20, 2006) I rode from Modiin to Neve Ilan - left at 5:00AM towards Moshav Mevo Horon, by 5:20 I was climbing up a slightly rocky but not difficult incline, labelled "black trail" and before 6:00 I was climbing towards Neve Ilan - 5.5km, and a grade of 5-8%. Well - let's just say that less than half-way up, I started running out of gas and walked a couple of the tougher stretches.

Just before Neve Ilan, I got a flat tire, my spare had a hole and the original had a broken nipple. Took a plastic bag and wrapped it around the tire, between the plastic bag and the goo, and frequent stops to pump in air - I made to Neve Ilan by 8:00. Tried riding back down the first big hill and the tire was obviously in no shape to take me home - well maybe to the Neve Ilan gas station - about 3 km in the other direction.

No point tempting fate... fast forward to the end - I called up my son Shlomi, got him out of bed and ordered a pickup at the Neve Ilan gas station. It's great having drivers on tap like that...