Mercier Kilo WT

Ever since spotting a single speed at Goodwill a couple of weeks ago, I have been on the lookout to add one to my stable of bicycles.  The bike at Goodwill was unbranded but had pegs for racks and accessories.  It was listed for a very reasonable $45.

Since then I have been trolling Facebook Marketplace and keeping an eye out in the $50-$150 range.  This Mercier popped up a few days ago in Golden for $50 and I had to take a look.  It was beat up with spots of rust all over the place.  The tires were flat and the handlebar tape was unraveling.  However, the size felt good and despite being a little sluggish all signs pointed towards purchase.

Getting it home, I gave it a good once over.  I washed it, lubricated the drivetrain and tightened the brake cables.  I removed the rear flashing light that was no longer operational.  Finally, I patched up the handlebar tape as best as I could.  I do not want to clean it up too much as I do not want it to be a target for theft if I ride it around town.

No upgrades are necessary for the intended function.  I did order some new handlebar tape ($2.50 Temu).  I may still order ferrules ($7)  to clean up the cable ends.  The tires are the big wild card.  They are mismatched and the rear tire has an odd hump in it.  New tires would cost more than I paid for the bicycle, but are probably the most important maintenance item.  They range from $20-$40 each.  I am leaning towards the Schwalbe CX Comp 700c Wire Cyclocross Tire for $20 each.  Continental and Surly also have reasonably priced tires.

The Mercier Kilo WT currently retails for $600.  It comes in 49, 53, 56, 59 and 62 cm frame sizes.  It comes partially assembled, but still requires installing brake cables and handlebars.

Cycles Mercier is a French brand with a long history.  I am not sure about fabrication of the current models, but they still using Reynolds 520 tubing and traditional geometry.  Starship Investments owns the brand and may return production to France.

HVAC

One of the downsides of living in a 4000+ square foot home and having temperatures hovering in the 100 F range is that it is increasingly difficult to stay comfortable.

I am not sure if it is a function of more frequent extreme weather or if people just have a lower tolerance for discomfort, but more and more homes in Colorado tend to have air conditioning.

We bought our house in 2021 and in 2022 we decided to replace the furnace and primary air conditioning.  The furnace was original (1994) and though well maintained, was getting increasingly expensive to repair.  We opted for a equivalent units to what were installed and ended up with XX BTU Furnace (xx% efficiency) and a 5 Ton Air Conditioning unit.

The air conditioning unit was struggling to keep up.  Part of the problem was air flow.  Apparently return air needs to be coming through on the order of 400 cubic feet per minute (CFM) per ton for the air conditioner to work.  Our 5 ton unit was essentially starved at roughly 1000 CFM.  One fix was to add an additional return in the basement which got us to 1400 CFM.  This return air would have been sufficient for a 3 ton unit.  The 5 ton unit was overkill.  

Costs from Alpine Home Air for condenser (air conditioning) unit show:

1.5 ton - $1668

2.5 ton - $1710

3.5 ton - $2392

4.0 ton - $2350

5.0 ton - $2883

So while there is not a big price difference, it would have been better to size the unit correctly for the returns.

As a stop gap, we borrowed room air conditioners from a neighbor.  These worked remarkably well and we were tempted to purchase (4) of them from Costco for around $500 each.  It is a similar solution to getting space heaters rather than trying to heat the whole house in the winter.  This was working fine.  One potential issue was having to drain the condenser reservoir periodically.

Ultimately we opted to get a second air conditioning unit.  Rather than get a second furnace, we went with an air handler and a 2.5 ton unit.  The upstairs (4) bedrooms each have (2) registers/vents and there is a central return in the hallway.  So far it has made an incredible difference and will hopefully be more energy efficient to cool the upstairs at night and the downstairs during the daytime rather than trying to cool the whole house.

4th of July Scuba Bash

I think this was the 28th year that Coral Key hosted the Scuba Bash and my 7th year participating.  This year there were 62 divers which seemed pretty chaotic.  I dove with Mark and had a good dive besides being a little out of sorts myself.

Starting off I misassembled my gear by first forgetting to connect my low pressure inflator and second not having my fins with me.  Second, I lost my weight pocket (again) and was diving unbalanced from nearly the jump.

Navigation was good.  The water was warm and I should have gone with my 3mm instead of my 5mm wetsuit.  After 40 minutes we surfaced and I could not get back down with the remaining 6 pounds that I had.  I borrowed 6 pounds from Mark to finish the dive.  I am ready for a new mask and BCD.  Even if I do not get a new BCD, I am going to start permanently fixing my weight pockets.

They did some great prices again with masks, fins, Oceanic dive computer, torches and Space Fish Army rash guards.  They also had gift cards for $75 off gear service or specialty courses.

2016 - XS Scuba gear bag, never used

2017 - Tusa fins, traded to offset Atomic SS1

2020 - Akona Backpack, never used

2021 - SP Gadgets GoPro holder and case, donated to Boy Scouts

2022 - Tusa fins, traded to offset Bare Exotherm jacket

2023 - Oceanic Viper 2 fins, TBD

2024 - Hydroflask water bottle and Mask Strap - TBD

Colorado Backgammon Club

I stumbled upon the Colorado Backgammon Club in June during my birthday celebration at Hangar 101.  My daughter and I went to play pool and was reminded by the waitress that the bar was 18+ after 8 PM.  Mark was kind enough to chime in quietly that he had never seen anyone asked to leave.  He was wearing a backgammon shirt and we struck up a conversation.  He mentioned a couple of books and some youtubers that were worth watching.  I decided to park the thought.

Around comes July and I decided to RSVP on meetup and meet the group.  10 people were in attendance.  I cannot remember all of their names but Matt, Dan (Ike), Jan, Mark, Myra and Avi were among the bunch.  The two women were part of couples who played together.  A friendly, if somewhat rowdy bunch.

Prior to matches kicking off and all through the evening, Chouettes were in progress.  These are hard to describe, but are in affect team games with a captain, box and supporting cast.  The roles are designated by a rolls of the dice prior to starting.  Essentially, we are playing for $5/point and the team can start collaborating after the double.

The tournament is double elimination.  I played the first match to 7 points and the next two to 5 points.  Each game is worth one point, unless doubled (and a decision made to drop/take).  A gammon is worth double points and the extremely rare backgammon is worth triple points.  When one player is within a point of winning the match, the Crawford rule takes over and the doubling cube is not used.  There is also a 14 min and then 12 minute clock for matches.  Finally, a dice tumbler can be used and if using cups then 3 shakes of the cup must occur prior to rolling.

Match 1 (vs Matt to 7) - Lost first game after being doubled (0-2), Gammoned the second game after being doubled (0-6), Won third game with Crawford (1-6), Won forth game, Matt dropped after I doubled (2-6), Lost fifth game (2-7)

Match 2 (vs Dan to 5) - Not quite sure what happened, but won the match

Match 3 (vs Jan to 5) - I think we got to 1-4, I won the Crawford and she one the last game

I was done with tournament play by 11 AM.  The consolation bracket would likely go another hour.  The bar itself was hopping with lots of people bowling and playing pool.  I enjoyed the backgammon but was definitely outmatched.

During the Chouettes, I noticed people counting up points to determine when to double.  There is also a PRT model for doubling.  Finally, there is a tool called eXtreme Gammon (XG) which players use to analyze matches and play against the computer.  It is $60, but I would have to get a laptop to load it onto.  Myra highly endorsed it and said that competitive players could spend 20 hours per week training and analyzing their game.  One player actually recorded his game to load into XG later.

I am going to start with Backgammon Boot Camp and a US Backgammon Federation (USBGF) membership and go from there.

I do have to say a few words about the boards.  The boards and checkers they used were extremely nice and I am considering upgrading my set.  Most folks also had a clock (or clock app on their phones), dice baffle box and scoreboard.  My favorite score system was the deck of cards.  The nicest checkers were the 1-3/4" Nickel-Trimmed with leatherette accent.  They for for $99.95/15 checkers.  The marbleized plastic are $20/15 checkers.  The Wycliff boards go for $295.  1-3/16" doubling cubes are $18.  Baffle boxes from AP Backgammon Shop are $60, Leap Clocks are $16, Scoreboards are $30.  Myra had the nicest clock which was a ZmartFun II Digital Check Clock ($40 on Amazon).

My set is a very reasonable $95 tournament sized set with 1.5 inch (3/8" thick) checkers, 5/8" dice, 3/4" cube.  The only caveat is that the field surface is not the ultrasmooth we were playing on and the checkers were lighter in weight.

Summer Travel

Summer started off fast with more travel than I am used to.

Scottsdale Family Reunion - May 24 - May 28 - 4 nights

New Orleans RFA - June 7 - June 8 - 1 night

Philadelphia Veena Bua - June 13 - June 14 - 1 night

Las Vegas Sphere - June 19 - June 21 - 2 nights

Columbia, MO USAWA Nationals - June 28 - July 1 - 3 nights

That is (5) round trip flights and (11) hotel nights in just over five weeks.  Three of the five trips were for fun and the remaining two were important, but not fun.

I cannot really complain.  In that same five weeks, my daughter was on the Scottsdale trip, worked for a week at the Academy in Colorado Springs, went to Sterling for a week, worked for another week in Colorado Springs, went to Guernsey, WY for a week and is now working this week.  It would be easier for her to count the nights she spent in her bed.

The rest of the summer should be relatively smooth sailing.

Bike to Work Day 2024

This is my second year participating in bike to work day and I enjoyed my ride quite a bit.  While only 13 miles, it took me nearly 1 hour and 30 minutes (20 minutes of which were stops).

I hit up 3 of the rest stops.  The first was on the Bear Creek Trail and was sponsored by Stantec and others.  I grabbed a breakfast burrito and had my brakes adjusted.  The second was by Colorado Barricade on the S Platte River Trail.  I grabbed some new stickers in the similar style they had last year.  Finally was the CDOT stop on the Lakewood Gulch Trail.  They ran out of food, but did have coffee.  I chatted for a bit and grabbed some stickers.

Last year the ride home was tough and I did not expect this year to be any easier.  That was certainly confirmed as the ride home is slightly uphill.  I was counting the miles and was so ready to be done.

The CDOT photographer took some good shots also.

Las Vegas Trip

Wednesday - 9 PM flight to Las Vegas, arrived on time, $15 shuttle to Cosmopolitan was tedious but fine, met my NJ buddy, chatted a bit and asleep by 12:30

Thursday - Woke up, breakfast at The Juice Standard (I had coffee and a muffin top), hung out at the 14th floor Chelsea pool.  Lunch at Lardo (I had the Hot Italian made vegetarian), headed to The Tuscany for Shakedown Street, bought a tee shirt, decline purchasing drugs.  Then went to the Venetian, played like 20 minutes of poker (lost $3) and headed to the Sphere for an amazing concert.  Headed back to the Cosmopolitan, met up with LA buddy at Chandelier Bar, had some drinks and then gambled a bit.  I dropped way too much money at the $25 craps tables.  My cold table strategy was not working.

Friday - Woke up, breakfast at Starbucks, then some more pool time with NJ buddy.  LA buddy arrived 11ish and we hung out for a bit before showering and heading to the Venetian to check out the free Dead Zone mini museum at the Venetian.  Set up really well with nice merchandise, photo opportunities and Grateful Dead history.  I tried to play some cards, but was coming up empty at the Venetian and Encore.  Eventually met them for lunch at Yardbird which was crazy expensive.  I had a side and a soda for $24.  Left them to head to the airport.  My flight was delayed and I hung out at the amazing Centurion lounge for my first proper meal in 2 days.

Overall it was a great time.  We all had fun even though our lifestyles in our 50's are much different from our 20's.  I am a cheapskate without refined tastes.  I don't drink anymore.  I also struggle to enjoy "hanging out" at a pool, bar, lounge, etc.  Still it was great company.  I should have made more of an effort to get to Dragon's Lair gym.  I also should have skipped craps and tried to catch a poker game at the Bellagio.  Lessons learned.

Dead & Company at the Las Vegas Sphere

Dead & Company put on an amazing show at the Las Vegas Sphere on June 20th.

Oteil Burbridge - Bass

Jeff Chimenti - Keyboard

Mickey Hart - Drums

Bob Weir - Guitar

John Mayer - Guitar

Jay Lane - Drums

Set 1:

Man Smart, Woman Smarter

Playing in the Band

They Love Each Other

Tennessee Jed

Dire Wolf

Greatest Story Ever Told

Sugaree

Set 2:

China Cat Sunflower

I Know You Rider

He's Gone

The Other One

Drums

Space

The Wheel

Franklin's Tower

U.S. Blues

Throwing Stones

Turn On Your Love Light

With the basics out of the way, I have to say that I really enjoyed being part of the concert.  We arrived at the Sphere close to when doors opened around 6:15 and easily found our seats.  We milled about talking to some of our neighbors.  The show started within a few minutes of the 7:30 announced start.  

The music was of course amazing.  The crowd was amazing.  It was mostly old men and women, but there was a smattering of younger folks.

I felt like John Mayer stole the show in the first set.  He was really incredible.  With the amazing angles it was also cool to see the band members blown up on the graphics system.  Mickey Hart was playing drums with something I later found out to be Regal Tip Flares.  Him and Jay Lane also both seemed to be wearing golf gloves.  Finally, I noticed a weird string instrument.  Google search tells me it is Pythagorean Monochord.  I was also particularly impressed with Oteil Burbridge on bass.

My favorite song from the night was a close toss up with Tennessee Jed and Sugaree, but Sugaree gets the nod.

The venue was the real game changer.  I expected the visual effects to be outstanding, but I was not prepared for how engrossing it would truly be.  The graphics department is next level.  The sound was incredible also.  It was crystal clear and not too loud.  Even the seats had some vibratory element that was tied into the bass for drums, space and some other songs.  Even getting in and out of the venue was relatively easy with a walkway from the Venetian hotel.

The 100 level was floor level with people dancing and very close to the band.  Then 200, 300 and 400 level stadium seats.  The whole thing was very steep.  I would argue the center of 200 or 300 is probably the best.  200 closer to the band and 300 would have a better visual effect.  We were in section 308.  Center would be best, but even sides would have a great view, but not truly the feeling of being inside a lava lamp or kaleidoscope at times.

They had a longish intermission between sets, but with the long lines at the men's room, 30 minutes was appropriate.

With the visual effects, sound quality and vibrating seats space was absolutely incredible.  My friend found it to be a little to trippy for his liking.

I would recommend the Sphere as a venue to anyone.  Well worth the price of admission.  If Dead & Co suits your taste then this is a must see and cannot even be compared to stadium shows in terms of visual effects and sound quality.  Relatively intimate as well with a capacity of about 20,000.

A big difference from my last show was being stone cold sober and I had a truly epic time, dancing smiling and hearing the music.  I will make a separate post on my overall Las Vegas experience.