Dish Network HD

Jen and I decided to switch from DirecTV to Dish Network satellite. We wanted to get a DVR (digital video recorder, think computerized VCR) but we also wanted it to be high definition.

DirecTV's current stuff like that is definitely lacking. They only have five HD channels, plus their DVR is old and soon to be obsolete. They say that they will replace it, but you never know.

So Dish Network has something like 27 high definition channels and a brand new DVR that looks pretty cool. Plus it's something like $20 less per month. Not bad.

So the Dish Network guy is supposed to come this morning and set everything up. I'll let you know how it all goes.

Another spoke goes down

I broke another spoke on Wednesday. I went out for a 30 mile ride and broke a spoke at 22 miles. At least this time I got more than 4 miles in before it happened. Oh well.

The guys at the shop told it might happen again. Apparently they usually have issues when replacing a single spoke like that. It's hard to get the wheel properly aligned and tightened, so sometimes another spoke will end up breaking.

So now they're in the process of respoking the entire wheel. It's done (finally) but I can't pick it up until tomorrow. Three days without riding is killing me!

Bicycle Mania

I've been all about bicycling the past few weeks. For some reason I've really been into it. I've ridden at least 500 miles in the last two months. My longest ride has been 50 miles, but most of them are between 20 and 30. I just met the goal I set for myself when I bought the bike: 20 miles at an average speed of 20 mph. That was tough, I almost puked. Next up: 25 miles at 25 mph. That will be much, much tougher.

Anyway, it's great exercise and pretty darn fun. There's nothing quite like putting the hammer down and hitting 40+ miles an hour down a hill. Of course, it's not so fun when you break a spoke at 40 mph like I did on Saturday. I heard a loud metallic PING and realized that something broke. Luckily it wasn't anything catastrophic. I was able to ride home (slowly) without any trouble.

So right now I'm wishing I was outside riding while my bike is getting fixed. I might be able to go get it tonight, but not in time to get a ride in. Oh well, tomorrow I'll be back at it.

P.S. I do, in fact, wear the little biker shorts and jersey. Yes, I look like a tool. I'll have to take a picture next time so everyone can have a good chuckle.