After a month of waiting, I finally have a pseudo-new folding bike. It's a surplus (hence, "pseudo") folding bike that I got from a good and known seller here in Cebu. It's actually quite funny because Stephen, the guy who sold me the bike, sent me a text that he had new stocks. I giddily replied that I will buy one on the weekend since I don't have the time. I did not get a reply from him after sending the text. I was worried sick because since then, his bikes would sell out like ice melting on a desert.
When weekend finally came, visiting the shop was in my priority list. I was pessimistic at first, thinking that there were no bikes left for me. Fortunately the gods at that time were in my favor. Stephen already reserved the bike I wanted-- a beautiful one at that. He had a lot of bikes but the one he reserved for me was one of the "good" condition bikes. It was exactly what I needed. A front suspension, fenders, a kickstand, and most importantly-- v-brakes! At long last! I bid farewell to thee, ye old caliper brakes.
3rd foldie :)
In the past, all I had to do is look at the bike, and if it looks good then I'll take it. Not this time. If there is one thing I've learned from buying surplus or used stuff is that you have to check it-- thoroughly if you should. This would give you less headaches and troubles in fixing your bike in the future. First thing I checked was the seatpost( if the bike had a quill type stem it would the first thing that I would check). The stem and the seatpost are the number one culprits of headache-inducing problems, for me at least. These are the parts that usually get stuck because of corrosion. Thus, making it hard to adjust it according to what you deem fit. Depending on the age and material of these parts, It can be hard to get them unstuck. I had this problem with my previous folding bike which had an aluminum frame and a steel fork. I was really a nightmare to get it unstuck. I tried every suggestion found on the internet but to no avail, it just didn't want to be separated.
Simple yet effective mechanism
Okay, back to the checking. Next thing you need to look at is the folding mechanism. Though most folding bikes have probably different mechanism, it's best to check how the bike looks when it folds by, well... folding it. Sometimes it can require a good amount of effort and other times the mechanism gets stuck, too. But usually it just needs a good bit of lubrication to get it to fold again. Sometimes they are just a bit hard to fold but they do fold, most of the time. Finally, you have to check the rims, hubs, spokes, and fenders(if there are any) for cracks or misalignment. You don't want to be riding a bike that is wiggly and all.
Finally, if you feel like riding your pseudo-new-surplus-in-good-condition-folding-bike home, then I would suggest you would check the brakes out and make sure the pads have a good grip and the levers are good enough for you to squeeze. You don't want to get into accidents and brake (see what I did there? :D) your bones.
That ends my rant on checking out a surplus/used bike. After I checked everything and made sure everything was good. I paid Stephen the amount and pedaled all the way from Carbon to my home via North Reclamation >> 1st Lapu-Lapu Mandaue Bridge. This was a good time for me to also check how the bike feels and know whether I need to change or adjust some parts of the bike.
Overall, I came home happy with my purchase and was gasping for every inch of air-- I can't believe it was that long since I rode a long distance. For now, this will be my ride until I can afford other bikes (A fixie, mtb, rb, mv, vintage bike perhaps?). I hope to ride this bike in places too.
We all have someone that we look up to. It could a celebrity, an reggae artist, a fictional character, or maybe even our own dad/mom. Sometimes our admiration comes up to a point that we fantasize having some kind of interaction with these people, especially the ones that we don't normally get a hold of instantly. Some people would want to watch their favorite artists live in concert, some even want to have coffee, or a one-on-one backstage meet. I, too, have these kinds of fantasies but as with my case I big high five would be a great honor. Avoiding any form of conversation is the main objective. Mainly because such interaction would result to me making a fool out of myself. So, a good high five would be actually great.
Now, I could make a long list and bore you with the details as to why I chose these probably unheard of people, but because the writing also hurts my wrists I'm just going to limit it up to 5. Think of it as a win-win situation.
Morgan Freeman
This guy needs no introduction. Pretty much the best actor in my opinion. It's as if his playing he's own self on the movie screen. I surely want to meet this guy and give him a big high five. He's just one of the people that's really good at what they are doing.
Matisyahu
I just discovered this reggae artist accidentally. I was looking for new music when his name popped up a good 4 years ago. What I like about Matisyahu is that he mixes his beliefs with music and the results are pretty good. You can feel his emotions in each song and the cool beat paired with moving lyrics makes good food for the ears. Plus he has this really good talent at beat boxing which is pretty amazing considering his age.
Luke Jermay
This fellow is "Wicked"(said in a pseudo-british accent). Watching this guy perform live would be mind blowing. His devotion to the realm of psychological illusions is truly amazing including his contributions. He also has this great tattoos. One arm of his are tattoos that symbolizes happiness which are color-shaded while the other arm is covered with black-shaded tattoos that symbolizes unhappiness. This was pointed out by a good friend of mine, Alel -- who is also a fan.
Dakota Fanning
Since the movie I am Sam, this kid-turned-teenager is one of those good kid actresses gone, well, good. I really look forward to give this actress a good high five sometime in the future. Though I don't think it would be anytime soon, still it doesn't hurt to wish.
Jonah Lomu
If there is anything to describe Lomu, it's Bull. This guy pretty much knocks everyone at rugby. No, I don't mean the solvent/glue, I mean the sport. Looking at his videos, you can clearly see how strong of a guy he plowis his opponents with ease. He is the Big Guy in the sport. I'm quite hesitant to give this guy a high five as I might get plowed by his strength. Still a good high five and an autograph will do for me.
That's it. My short list. I would've wanted to add some people but my laziness got me again. Have a free life! :)
Probably most of us had that feeling. The one where you want to pump adrenaline up into your system to a point where you are willing to pay a certain price to be satisfied. I had this for a long time due to lack of outdoor activities. I was invited (or I invited myself) in a rappelling event to be held at Innove Tower fronting the Keppel Building. I was quite apprehensive at first due to the high price of 300php (about $8) but eventually succumbed to my itch. and I'm glad that I did.
The event was to start at 8am. I arrived at the venue at 7:58a.m-- 'cause I was that excited. Saw a familiar face among a bunch of unfamiliar ones--- funny when you get that tiny happy feeling knowing that you won't be alone and out of place. I approached the reception where there was a security guard and there I registered, signed a waiver that had "death" in bold face, paid my my dues, and went up with the instructor, Sir Fred.
We arrived on the 14th floor which was supposedly the 13th floor which makes me wonder how superstitious people could ever pass their Math classes. Moving on, sir Fred took us to the fire exit which was where would rappel down. Though I thought we would do it outside the building (so much for the swat-like maneuvers that I had in mind), this is probably safer due to that fact that we are just an arm's length if we struggle with the equipments.
Vertigo XD
Rappelling equipments!
We then proceeded to the veranda where we will have our orientation. We were greeted with equipments-- lots of 'em. Some looked familiar like ropes, carabiners, and harnesses but some made me do my "wtf" face. But a few minutes later I was pretty sure I was nodding my head up and down as Sir Fred gave us insights and demos on how to use each equipment. Very knowledgeable man, Sir Fred is. We then proceeded to the orientation proper which was basic rope tying/knot tying techniques. It was quite challenging and stupefying to memorize all the knots being taught but very fun at the same time. Fast forward... we had a fun and enjoyable experience. The End.
Haha. Actually, that was half the fun. After all the rope techniques that almost twisted my brain, we had lunch--- finally. Then after it was time. The most anticipated activity. The rappel. We went down from 14th to the 8th floor where there was a rig ready. I looked down it was a gradient of light and dark. "We are on the ninth floor and you are going to rappel down to basement 5" sir Fred said. I silently added the two and came up with 13. Wow! that's pretty high. makes me wanna back out.... KNOT! Though I must admit looking down up to the 5th basement was not much of a good idea. Still I had to.
View from the top!
The jump off.
I already had my harness on and the main carabiner attached to it. I super-checked my self if there were no unlock parts of the harness, wiggled the carabiner up and down, and finally I put on my helmet. WAIT! where's my camera? crap. I left it on my Camelbak--- one of the popular backpack brands which I will review later. "Oh well" I thought. But luckily the other guys had cameras. So I rigged the rope to the Rescue 8 equipment then attached to my carabiner, then few minutes later I was suspended in mid-air with sir Fred asking me: "Are you in control?" Of course I was. I should be.
12 floors to go!
"Jumper off! Belay!" Those were the words of sir Fred. Then after that, I was all alone. Going down inch by inch taking time to familiarize myself with the pace. I then concentrated on my right hand. It was burning even with the gloves on. I had to take periodic stops. I was probably doing it wrong but what the heck. Went down on a good pace and saw the big green sign that says "3rd floor." Good. I'm making a lot of progress. I was getting the "hang" of it, so to speak.
After that. Touch down. I'm alive--- a bit sweaty but very much alive! I recall sir Fred telling all of us that we are going to rappel about 160ft. It is the highest I have rappelled so far. I tried rappelling about 120ish feet long ago in Cantabaco, Talisay. But 160ft is definitely something to be proud of. After I've unlinked my self, I went up, met the guys at the jump off, and waited for everyone to finish.
Truly it was a great experience. It might be a bit expensive but it was really worth the expense. It was nice to do pump adrenaline back into my system again. I wish there was more but it would have to wait. XD
We then went our own ways and then I met the girlfriend at Ayala for a chill date. :) I'd say it was a very productive day. :)
The chill date at Sprockets Cafe.
Newbie
My partner AKA Scudo
GriGri. XD Funny name for an equipment
The below
* Thank you to Miss Faye Arong for some of the pictures :) *
Striving Photographer, Frustrated Artist, Supposed Web Developer, Vintage Lover, Wannabe Bike Enthusiast.
Here I share everything I can. From reviews to DIYs and other senseless stuff.
