Cheap way to start Zwifting

The ECQ has ended, and we have started wit the MECQ today.  Basically, some businesses are now allowed to open so that the economy may recover a bit.  However, there are a lot of measures put into place to somehow lessen the spread of the COVID-19.  Well, based on social media photos of some malls and major highways, seems like the spread is inevitable, and it won't be a surprise if a second wave comes anytime soon.

I now have two out of five days to work in the office and its a welcome change after two months of working straight at home.  Glad that I will still have time to do MY VIRTUAL RUNS, which has given me back my excitement in running.  And the guideline for outdoor running/cycling is to use a mask - I don't think this is a good idea.


And if you have read my previous blog, yes, after Virtual RC, I am now doing Virtual Run.  This is through Zwift, virtual training for running and cycling.  Zwift is free, you just need to register for an account and connect your equipment then you're all set.  They have a shop where you can buy equipment and merchandise.  I won't talk on these as I have no experience with it.  You can check it out at Zwift.com

Speaking of equipment, this is my rig, one of the cheapest way to start zwifting:

1. Core Fitness CT-55 Treadmill - it's not a smart treadmill (I don't want to call it dumb)
2. Garmin Forerunner 15 - Basic GPS running watch
3. Garmin Chest HR - its the ANT one that came with my FR15
4. Garmin Foot Pod - the old one and not the clip-on thing 
5. ANT dongle - got it from Shopee for about P500

What's good about my setup is that I have had most of them already, so the cost of setting up a Zwift-ready rig isn't upfront.  I bought the ANT dongle so I can connect and transmit running data to the computer, unto Zwift.  I also mentioned that this setup may be the cheapest setup you can go with to start zwifting.  Excluding the treadmill, my equipment costs about P7,500 from when I bought them.  If you want to get a similar set, here's my take on it:

Get results from both
watch and Zwift

• 2nd hand FR15 for about P3,000 - P4,000 (or you can skip the watch if you are okay in just using Zwift to record your data)
• The chest HR monitor, there are the newer Garmin ones you can get for about P3,500 for the Dual (Bluetooth and ANT) and about P2,700 for the Premium (ANT only).  If you're lucky to get the older one that I have that's bundled with the FR15 then it's better.  
• Garmin Foot Pod is not being sold already, last I heard is that it costs P3,500 brand new.  Try your luck finding a used one for a cheaper price as low as P1,500.  Alternatively, you can go with a Stryd, although this will cost you a lot with P14,500.  But this is the holy grail of foot pods - it gives A LOT of data that you can use to analyze your runs and improve.  I may not be a professional runner, but I did have my share of data analyses during my earlier running days.
• The ANT dongle is P500 at Shopee or Lazada depending on the platform you prefer, they are the same.

From the prices I identified above, assuming you got lucky in finding used gears with the old heart rate bundle, OR the just the Dual HR monitor, foot pod, and dongle, you spend around P6,000.  Or here are your options:

1. You can forget about all of the list above and just get a smart treadmill that will send the running data directly to Zwift via Bluetooth - not really cheap, but buying a smart treadmill is a smart decision. There is a nice smart treadmill from Coach Don Velasco, search for it on Facebook.
2. Get a Stryd and you don't need to get the watch, foot pod, and ANT dongle (actually you can forego the watch as mentioned above) - this is double the price of my setup, but this is a good gadget to have if you're serious about running.
3. If you go for either option 1 or 2 above and you still have money to spend, get the Dual Chest HR monitor so you can upload your HR to Zwift via Bluetooth

Easy right?  Actually, this will only interest you if you have a treadmill or in the process of acquiring one.  Just like me, Zwift added some excitement to indoor running with all the routes, challenges, training plans, and rewards that you unlock as you progress in the game.  And buying a treadmill isn't something that you do on impulse.  Most of the people I know who bought treadmills either sold it off or became a clothes hamper at home.  Buying a treadmill means you give your commitment to using it.  For me, I am deep into this.  Not just because I already have the equipment, but because I have found my love for running again, and this will pay off in the long run.  Keep healthy everyone, stay safe!

Zwift Running 101 Training Plan - 5k Tempo

Passing time on ECQ with Virtual RC

Still in the extended community quarantine with about 10 days to go before it gets lifted.  My wife has her shifts this first week of May so I get to go out in the morning to bring her to the office and in the afternoon to fetch her back home.  Those take up a good two or three hours a day.  And on the plus side, the cars get to run again which is a good tune-up as we go back to the office on the 16th. 

This has taken up time so I haven't been playing too much this week.  But I have been a bit consistent with this last week.  I have posted in a previous blog about me getting the nitro buggy out of storage.  While I enjoyed that, there is just not much space to run a 1/8 nitro buggy here at home.  So if I can't go outside to the tracks, let's bring the tracks INSIDE with Virtual RC!

VRC Pro is an RC Simulator, you can find and download it here.  The game has RC cars from buggies to touring to pan cars and short-course, and tracks of all sorts.  It has a free-to-play mode where you can do unlimited race and practice sessions with 10 cars though with limited modifications you can make and some usable 10 tracks.  Getting a membership opens up all features of the game.  I am still on Free-Play, but I am sure that with membership comes all the nitty-gritty stuff that goes with real-life RC.  

The QCRCCC club - which is the club in my previous playground in Circulo Verde, has been holding some official races here during this ECQ under the VRC-Ph banner, though I am part of the group chat, I am in spectator mode, learning from their chats and videos of the race.  They really are good, whether in real RC or virtual RC!

Going back, what's good about this game is that the actual transmitter and receiver can be used to play!  Although the game allows the keyboard and a controller as well.  But using the transmitter IS the best way to go.  Good thing I have a spare receiver (Again, two is one, one is none) so I didn't have to remove the one in the buggy.

Connecting the transmitter/receiver in the PC requires a USB Adaptor.  VRC sells these in the site bundled with a membership which is I think is a great deal.  But I got mine locally, from an ingenious RC enthusiast.  I got myself a Tignotech RC USB adaptor.  Actually, anyone with a knack in basic electronics can make one.  Though I didn't go through that anymore as I suck bad at soldering! 


Connecting the USB Adapter is easy, its as if you are connecting cables from the real thing.  Here's how the connection goes with the Airtronics (Sanwa) receiver.

Once everything's set up, turn on the game (Oops before that, just to let you know that its best to allow enough time to install the game.  The installer is just an installer and would have to download about 1.5GB of game files) and hook up the USB Adapter.  Your receiver should light up to let you know that it is paired with your transmitter, just like how the real RC does.

I won't do a heavy step-by-step on the game proper, its pretty straightforward - choose your preferred RC vehicle from the free ones, maybe do some modifications if you like (me I didn't, I just wanted to race!), then choose a track.  The track will ask you for the level of play, I just chose the middle with some in-game racers for a little bit of action.  When you're done, just hit start.

I will recommend though that you calibrate your controller first to make sure that it is zeroed out.  Then make adjustments as you go along.  Then during the game, familiarize yourself with some keyboard shortcuts, I'm sure the one you'll get to use more at first is the Space-bar (marshall assist) and the L-button (to refuel).  I've heard that 4-channel USB Adapters can assign buttons in the remote, I don't know about that, I am using 2-channel.

I like the game.  I think with more practice and if I dedicate time to play, I can go get a membership to get the full game features, and maybe give the VRC-Ph tournament a try.  We'll see about that.  So far in my one week of play, I am seeing a slight improvement in my driving.  For now, I can say that I am consistently BAD in driving both the real RC and virtual RC. But hey, I still love to play!

Here's a little bit of gameplay, if you're into RC, its a no-brainer, try this out.  Just get a USB adapter and connect your existing hardware.  If you're thinking of getting into RC, this is a good way to try it out.  Buy a used transmitter/receiver and a USB Adapter and start racing - its a bit similar to the real thing, only the real thing is a lot better with all your senses in play.  Enjoy the game!

The buggy run

Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) got extended to May 15, 2020 - these means more days to do housework, office work at home, market buys, cars, and motorcycle maintenance runs, and of course, our hobbies to keep us sane.

After a week my Shopee package arrived, and in it are a pair of glow plug starters.  I bought two since its cheap (and as with the EDCer in me goes - "one is none, two is one"), one is a standard rechargeable and one is wired with some kind of resistors so I just have to connect it to the batteries of my starter box and run the usual 1.2V needed for the glow plug.  This is a more longterm use compared to a standard rechargeable Ni-cd glow plug starter.

So I got the buggy out from storage, installed the shocks, tires, and all other components.  Brought everything to the roof deck, fired up the buggy and it started!  As with any other motorized engine, I was expecting differently.  After a few minutes of warm-up, I was doing circles and eights!

I may have done 2 tanks before I packed up. I removed the components and prepared them for storage again.  Time very well-spent.  And now, I'm sure to bring it over on my next trip out of town for some bashing.  Or maybe do a quick trip to CV tracks again if I should have more time with the New Normal.  Keep safe!

The next level of EDC - owning a firearm!

As I get deeper into the EDC lifestyle, I get to acquire the tastes and preferences of the community.  And the inevitable has come - I am now looking to own a live firearm!

The basic question is, what do you need the gun for?  The basic answer - for home defense.  The next answer is to discover its world!  We'll get to this some other time.  For now, I'm doing my work in finding gun ownership's pros and cons. And as it is with how I go about the things that interest me, I do my research.  And so far here's what I got as I go through the License To Own and Possess Firearm or the LTOPF: 

1. There is an online site by the Philippine National Police Firearms and Explosive Office Office (PNP-FEO) where you can send requirements for online assessment.  This lessens the hassle of going back and forth to FEO because you have the wrong requirement
2. I need to undergo Gun Safety and Responsible Gun Ownership seminar and I have found a gun club where I can do this.  To me, this will make or break my intent to go through gun ownership as my questions can be answered here.  I'm looking forward to doing this.
3. Online application of PNP and NBI Clearances - meaning I will not have to spend a whole day for these.
4. Neuro-Psychiatric and Drug Tests are done in Crame and the results will be uploaded in the FEO account - this further lessens the waiting time as I just have to do the tests and leave immediately to do other things
5. The rest of the requirements should be easy as these are standard identification and proof of income.  These two are needed so PNP knows where the gun will be kept and if the applicant has the capacity to maintain the firearm.  This varies depending on the status of the applicant, so check out the full details here.
6. After all the requirements are done, that is the time that I'll schedule appearance to FEO in Crame to submit all the hard copies of requirements.  LTOPF will be released that day.
7. As for the costs, as of writing these are what I found that fit my classification, so this will vary per individual.  I also may have missed some fees and requirements, I'll be working on this continuously.  Best to visit this site for more information.
   

The LTOPF is just one of the prerequisites in owning a gun.  There are still the Firearm (FA) Registration and the Permit to Carry Firearms Out of Residence (PTCFOR) that you'll go through once you have a gun.  And these I think are best answered by gun stores and gun community.  But before a gun store talks to you, I would imagine that with so many people who "like" to have a gun but are too timid to go through the licensing process, gun stores will most likely entertain you better if you have an LTOPF.  I'm not sure as I haven't talked with any gun stores yet, but I came from the service industry and I know how to value their time in talking to people who are inclined and in this case qualified to buy.  We'll get through these as we first go through with the LTOPF.

So what's keeping me from getting the LTOPF?  Aside from the ECQ so I really can't do anything, these are my current inhibitions:

1. Once I dive into this, I have to do the LTOPF process every two years!  its not really a money issue, but more of a time and effort issue.  
2. So I dove in and already bought a gun.  In my limited knowledge as of now, I can only get a Permit to Transport (PTT) from the FEO for P200, valid for only 1 day to transfer the gun to the range and back.  Getting a PTT is again, as you guessed it, will take time and effort to physically travel to get it.
3. So I get PTCFOR for P6,200 so I don't need to get a temporary permit, but the application for one is much stricter and with a somewhat similar requirement as the LTOPF with the NBI Clearance, Neuro-Psychiatric and Drug test so again - time and effort.
4. I already have a PTCFOR, but its validity is for ONE YEAR, and I have to repeat the process and again, time and effort.

I understand that gun ownership is a privilege and not a right.  And I do get that stricter application requirement is needed to establish the qualified people to be allowed to own a gun.  But with today's technology, there are a lot of ways to improve the process to make the process more efficient to both parties.  

I also understand that gun ownership is a serious matter.  That is why I'm weighing in on this heavily.  I want to be 100% sure before I make the jump.  And one way to decide on this is to ask gun owners about it, which is what I'll be doing in the next days.

Did you go through the same concerns as me?  Let me know what made you go for it, I'll be most grateful to get first-hand info.  Cheers!

So far the closest to the real one that I have held - an Airsoft GBB

Pocket knife or a multi-tool? A question I go through as I go about my day

We are still in ECQ, I have already done quite a number of things to keep myself busy and now getting a bit bored. So I thought of doing some cleaning of the already clean knives and multitools that I have.  And while my computer is here why don't I write about the question I ask myself every morning as I prepare myself for the day.

From top left to right - Spyderco Pro Grip, Kershaw Shuffle 2 (with a NiteIze pocket FL) Leatherman Wingman, SAK Classic, Swiss Tech Micro Plus 9-in-1 and Pocket Multi-tool 12-in-1 and the CRKT Folts Minimalist Bowie

1. Spyderco Progrip - this is my oldest knife, I don't remember when it was handed down to me, but I remember putting it in my very old toolbox for my then hobby Tamiya Mini 4WD back in the early 2000s.  It stayed inside toolboxes of about 3 different cars and about 2 years ago when I started carrying it in my bag.  I may carry it but perhaps on a few selected occasions when I know the possibility of it getting lost is very small.
2. Kershaw Shuffle 2 - this is my newest knife.  I bought this during the ECQ to match my blue NiteIze pocket flashlight.  And since I have started carrying a knife in my pocket every day, I decided to get a budget knife instead of the Spyderco so it wouldn't hurt as much if ever I lose it.  This is a nice knife with a bottle opener and a screw head that are practical tools to have aside from the knife.  This will be in the pocket every day.  
3. Leatherman Wingman - this has everything that I should need in situations that require quick fixes.  The scissors and the knife gets the most use.  This is a bit heavy to carry daily so I bring it on days where I know there's a higher chance of it being used.  As I bring it, I make myself extra aware that it is still in my pocket.  I am so scared of losing it that it becomes one of the reasons that I don't carry it as much.
4. Swiss Army Knife - I have 3 of these, 1 stays in my office drawer, 1 stays in the car
   
   and the other one in my pocket organizer.  I bring it when I have to do quick trips out of the office along with a power bank, a USB-C cable, business cards and of course, a flashlight.  I don't bring a folder as even with the pocket clip, I don't want to have any problems with authorities in my destination.
5. Swiss Techs - These just stay in my motorcycle EDC as I don't usually bring a knife when I ride.  Again, I don't want to have any problems should I run into anything while on the road.  Carrying a bladed weapon is still against the law.
6. CRKT Folts Minimalist Bowie - I used to carry this as a neck knife when I bought it in December, 2019.  I love it but hanging them on my neck in my office seems to be a bit too flagrant even if it's hidden.  I pocketed them but the folders with their pocket clips make them more practical than this.  I gave this to the wife for her to carry in her bag for "just in case" use.  I found her using it frequently for quick food preparation in the house.  She now knows why I always carry one in my pocket.

As you can see, this is not a review, as I am not that critical of these tools.  I simply like having them on me "just in case" and I don't push these too hard as I understand that there are the right tools for the right job.  Also, I work in corporate, there are very few instances where I can push these to their limits. 

So when you see me, don't hesitate to ask for help from me to do some cutting or screwing, I will be more than happy to help! Cheers! :)

These stay with me, always! :)

Things I learned in my first year of owning a motorcycle

The enhanced community quarantine has been extended to April 30, 2020, so the supposed long weekend this Holy Week just got longer! 

I have mentioned that its been a year since I got the Vespa.  And looking at it as I have just recently washed it for storage, got me thinking of the things I have learned about motorcycle riding and ownership of the Vespa.  Let me list it down below in no particular order:

1. It serves its utilitarian purpose - I guess this does not apply to all motorcycles - as I have been also checking out my "next" motorcycle (I'm talking about a Kawasaki Z400 naked bike), and at first glance, you know that you can't hardly put anything on it, let alone place top box storage without looking stupid.  My pet food ride yesterday I was able to place 6kg of assorted bird feeds in the top box and 4 cans of dog food in the under-seat. Utility and style for the Vespa.
2. The heat is not so bad - For all riders, this means as long as you're moving you can get good ventilation.  To non-riders, this is one reason why you see riders fighting through that small space in between cars during traffic.  Another way to do this is by using the right gears.  This is where riders differ - proper motorcycle gears have armor AND extra features like mesh for ventilation.  Majority of the riders you see use the common jacket.  I have tried the latter, and I had to be extra fast for me to keep cool.  And that is another reason why you riders moving between traffic a bit faster and kamote-like.

   

   How many cars can fit in this row?

3. Parking is a breeze - and it comes cheap, too!  Most decent malls provide adequate-spaced motorcycle parking slots.  I haven't experienced one where I had to go around in circles to find a slot, compared to when I use a car on weekend mall visits.
4. Motorcycle riders can be a-holes - I know this is true with 4-wheeled vehicles.  But there was once in my newbie motorcycle rides where I didn't want to ride during rush hour because riders do not care!  They are aggressive with 4-wheeled vehicles but they are MORE aggressive with co-riders.  They will cut you off with no signals whatsoever.  I really don't understand such rudeness in some of these riders.
   
5. You can never have too many gears - This is different from some riders who can never have too many stickers or lights or blings.  Part of me being and EDC-guy is that I want to be ready for anything.  Apart from my Everyday Motorcycle Carry in my other blog, I also have 2 helmets (3 if I decide to use the Gringo), 2 mesh jackets, 2 pairs of gloves, 2 sets of helmet communicator for mix and match.
6. Learn to anticipate everything around you - this means more than just minding your ride, is staying focused enough to be able to check the road ahead, watch out for cars that may not be aware of your presence, pedestrians who seem to think you can always stop for them, or motorcycle riders who will pop up on the wrong side of the overtaking lane.  Key is to be focused, more than if you're riding 4-wheeled vehicles.
   
7. Motorcycle events are notoriously cramped - In my one year of ownership, I have just been to one motorcycle event - the Inside Racing Bike Festival 2019 at the World Trade Center.  I had to return on Day 3 in the afternoon as the line was extremely long!  There were truly good deals and bike displays and activities (and models), so it's understandable that riders line up for it.  You really have to give it time.
8. The lifestyle that comes with it - there is more to Vespa than just a scooter.  Aside
   
   from its strong history, owners have that discrete yet elite vibe!  I'm not elite, but I do get that wanting to be different.  You can buy a more powerful, modern bike with the price of a similar Vespa, but I guess riding a slow, heavy and expensive scooter to maintain is more acceptable than being part of the many. There is such a thing as "not for everyone".  But I am also a member of other motorcycle facebook groups.  And camaraderie and brand loyalty among them is strong.  There is truly more to motorcycles than just machines.

If you're a rider you may agree to these and maybe have your own points.  If you're a non-rider and thinking of getting one, I hope this helps in giving you ideas of what to expect in one.  My advise - go for it!  But learn the proper way to ride, and don't skimp out on gears!  Ride Safe!

Motorcycle EDC

I practice the EDC or Everyday Carry lifestyle, umm - every day.  EDC basically means those that you carry with you that you need.  Every one of us has our own EDC as it depends on our lifestyle and minimum essentials.

Spyderco ProGrip and the
Niteize pocket flashlight

On a usual workday, I carry my car keys, wallet, mobile phone, my Spyderco folder and pocket flashlight as my bare essentials on my body.  If there's a short trip out of the office, my EDC expands with a MACG pocket organizer with a power bank, USB-C cable, bullpen, BlueTooth headset and for discrete carry, replace my Spyderco folder with a Swiss Army Knife Classic.  

My EDC bag

I also carry a backpack that's filled with goodies.  But we'll get to this in a separate article.

Similarly, during my bike days, I never leave home without my bike bare essentials.  This includes an emergency tire patch set, extra tube, tools, air pump, eyewear, along with cash and mobile phone.  I have been saved quite a lot by these tools.

So it makes sense to also have a bare essential carry for motorcycling.  Today's the 5th day of the enhanced quarantine so I have more than enough time to work on my kit.  I used to just use a bag for all of these that I just place under the seat.  And I bought about three of these Pelican 1040 cases from True Value which were on sale at the time.

Everything cased in a nice Pelican 1040

My Motorcycle EDC are as follows:

• Tire patch kit
• Hand tire pump
• Work gloves
• Screwdriver with electrical tape
• Spark plug remover
• Spring preload adjuster
• Allen wrench
• A couple of Swiss+Tech multitools
• Battery Tender USB charger
• Waterproof zip bag
• Zip ties

The list will definitely grow as I get to discover more tools and kits to prepare me for the worst.

Moving forward I hope I won't be able to use any of these tools!  Unlike the bike which has a straightforward, simple mechanism.  And I imagine being able to bring it home in a cab should I get any major problems.  A motorcycle is a complicated machine.  A simple flat tire I would expect is a very toxic situation to be in, more so engine trouble.  That is why maintenance is top priority to me than performance and visual upgrades.  I would rather pay up front to keep me from having any trouble, than paying for when I AM in trouble!  Ride Safe!

First-timer Vespa Gears

I've talked about the Vespa in my other blog and the joys of riding it. Just yesterday on the 2nd day of the enhanced quarantine I did a recon of the roads with checkpoints to see the most efficient route when I bring my wife to work - in a car of course!

Keeping it stock and functional

In my one year of ownership, I've accepted that there is not much accessories you put in a Vespa.  I mean its a beauty in its simplest stock form!  There are of course some performance modifications you can do but if you ask me, if i wanted a faster, more perked up ride then I'd get the more premium models!  I do get the hobbyists mindset of tinkering with stuffs,  I do this in RCs and maybe my bikes, but I'm just not one of those when it comes to motorized machines I ride on.

So for the past year, instead of thinking of accessorizing my ride, I have been building on my gears.  Unlike most motorcycle riders you see on the roads that thinks of ride gears as compliance, I value safety.  And of course the style or japorms come with it!  So here's a list of Vespa rider's first gears for you:

1.  Biltwell Helmets - classic ride needs classic head protection
• Biltwell Bonanza - This is my first helmet.  Bought it through Amazon on my

  

  L-R - Bonanza, Gringo, Lane Splitter (Gringo for sale!)

  trip to Dallas from work.  Locally these are sold at around P8,000, I got it for $99!  Installed a Biltwell gradient bubble shield to it for that extra face protection from the wind, dust and bugs.  Its a nice, comfortable helmet, but the open face feature is not good on the safety part.  This made me move to the next helmet:
• Biltwell Lane Splitter - I got this from Cycle Gear on my trip to New Orleans.  Since I loved the Bonanza, i went with their full face semi-modern helmet.  Its got its own clear shield that I'm planning to replace with a smoke one.  The Lane Splitter definitely has some limited vision compared to the Bonanza.  I guess its true for most full-face helmets.  I've just used it twice since I got it, maybe I can get used to it.  So far, vents work and its a bit comfortable.  I'm just puzzled by the instructions that there is a film on the inside of the shield, I can't seem to find out how to take it out, not sure if its there at all!  
2. Ride jackets - some elbow, shoulder and back protection in mesh, textile jackets





Komine JK-079

• Komine JK-079 - my first bought ride jacket.  I did not have any option at the time as I have just bought the motorcycle, and most ride jackets available are too big for my built.  I got a Japan size Small that fits my 5'4", 125lbs body quite well.  Breathability is good, as I removed the chest armor.  For the style, not really a match for a classic motorcycle but its function over form at this time.



Is it big on me?

• Macna Rush Textile Jacket - I got this during the Motoworld Sale.  I was supposed to get a Spyderco knife that day but decided on this one as its sale price is acceptable.  I got a size Small - a bit on the long side in length but just right on the chest and shoulder.  I got it for its style, and so I can fit regular work/office clothes underneath.  The Komine is a tight fit, good for breathable shirts only.  Breathability is excellent and the style fits the Vespa better than the Komine
3. Gloves

• Biltwell Moto Gloves - Yup! stuck with Biltwell.  Got this from Amazon, shipped to the Philippines.  Most sellers sell this at P2,500 locally.  I got it for $29.95, free shipping.  its a basic gloves.  Not much protection on falls, but I have been used to wearing gloves even on my bikes so I won't pass with the motorcycle.  I'm still in the market for some more serious gloves, but this one will have to do for now.
4. Bluetooth Audio - 



Sena SMH5-FM on the Lane Splitter

• Sena SMH5-FM - I am used to having Waze do the navigating for me in the car, and since having a phone mount on the Vespa seems a bit awkward and unsafe, a headset seems to be a good alternative.  I got the Sena for its function.  its got limited connectivity in terms of group rides, but in my one year of ownership, I haven't really gone with a serious group ride.  The sound quality is not so good (I have my set of audio standards, coming from experience with audio equipment and systems), and the positioning of the Lane Splitter speaker mount is not so optimal to my ears position so it gets worse.  But functionality, FM works and bluetooth streaming is okay.  I do get annoyed with the slow phone-headset unit connection time.  I also bought another set of Sena headset clamp kit so I have two helmets ready for use.
5. Ride shoes - 
1. Dr. Martens Bonny II - I also got this from my trip to NOLA.  I have read and heard about using shoes that are slip resistance and that protects your heels.  The DMs is a good choice for this as it has the classic, distinct design.  Although the Bonny II has slightly weak ankle protection, the sole, material and build is better than your ordinary sneakers.  

I also bought a pair of mesh ride pants that's compatible with the Komine jacket but I sold it.  Its a bit too sporty to be used on a Vespa with those carbon knee armor sticking out.  I guess some reinforced denim ride jeans would be the next buy or some discrete skeleton armor that you wear under your normal pants.

The post is not to brag about getting pricey gears, its about getting them at the cheapest possible price.  I wait and find the best deals on gears that based on research is bare minimum.  And I did mention that style comes in along with these purchase.  But style is not the priority, its protection.  How I wish most motorcycle riders consider SAFETY and not just motorcycle riding compliance.  Of course there's also proper riding etiquette that keeps you safer, but we'll go through that in a separate article.  Ride safe!

Viva La Vespa day with the Komine Jacket and Dr. Martens Bonny II

Amazon Locker - great way to pick up your orders!

The Vespa S 125

March 17 - start of the work from home setup due to the extended community quarantine. I'm working three hours early from my official work hours, and I'm still on my not so good woke up like this look, so no video calls for now. 

Since its early and social media inquiries and emails are a bit slow I have decided to visit the blog site and update a bit.  Its been a looooooong time since I've been here, and remembering from how I do this, I'll just type away!

Yes, I'm still doing some running, although on a weekend basis.  I can just do a 4km/30 minutes run down from my previous average 5km/30minutes.   Cycling I've just done like 3 for this year and its leisurely.  Overall, I'm not really pushing myself on these.

Welcome home Cherry!

What I'm pushing myself to doing lately is riding - my Vespa.  March 9, 2019 when I took her home.  So far its been a year of clean mudguards, dust-free body and safety gear building (we'll get to gears on a separate post)

This is a Vespa S 125 Rosso Matt (Matte Red) with extras like Vespa fly screen, fixed rack, top box, foot pegs and floor mat. 

What made me decide in getting a scoot was when I saw it up close and personal at Motori Moderni in Nuvali during on of our store visits.  It was love at first sight and touch!  It was the same matte red unit that at the time was P125,000, with a promo of 0% interest for credit card.  As much as I wanted to get it on the spot I could not.  Needed to get the wife's approval as a motorcycle is not something that you get and use out of impulse.  I'm responsible that way. 😎 

At the Mahiwagang Puno ni Ian Veneracion

I've come to realize that its not just about its looks, but a great mobility option!  I dread traveling on Saturdays due to unlimited traffic.  Scooting is a great way to breeze through the traffic, plus getting a parking slot is also very easy (not to mention cheap).

I was also able to experience the hills amd nature like I used to with the road bike.  My first and only Marilaque ride was a blast!  Thankfully didn't get to meet any kamote riders!

Riding a motorcycle does have its drawbacks - rain, heat, rude motorists and in the case of the Vespa, a bit on the expensive side.  But it does bring in certain plus points like convenience, its therapeutic, and in the case of the Vespa, a certain coolness and lifestyle.  Ride Safe!