Martog

Randy, I haven't signed up for volunteering but you can add me to the list of backups. I'm happy to help out wherever I can. I have a Yaesu VX-6R tri-band HAM HT & extra GMRS/FRS's. I don't have my HAM ticket yet but am testing on Jan 15th and should be set by the Dash. Also, I may be able to borrow a 2nd VX-6R and helmet setup if needed. The VX-6Rs can be set to scan within a frequency range or memory bank (as are probably most HTs). -Martog

I was hoping to be able to make it but last minute work stuff is getting in the way for this week. Good luck and have lot's of fun! Looking forward to the pics and ride report. -Martog

As for telephone - we haven't had a hardline in years. As for TV, I think you have to take a hard look at your needs & what TV you really watch. Once our 2 year commitment to DirecTV was up (in July) we punted them to the curb. We were paying almost $100/mth which was quite a bit for the amount of TV we watch. So knowing out contract was up, we went through our DVR and made a list of all the shows we watched and found that most of them we're available OTA in HD. The others we found we could get online, wait for the season disks via NetFlix or just go without. I also had started playing around with Boxee to access and play internet media, Pandora, Netflix etc. This really opened my eyes as to the amount of content available online. So here's what we ended up with: Mac Mini as a HTPC running Boxee (Mini was an unused box collecting dust so cost basically $0). Boxee media app (running on the HTPC) for all web content, Pandora NetFlix streaming, loads of apps, etc. Cost = $0 DTVpal as our HD DVR ($150 w/no monthly fees - buggy but functional) $12 RadioShack rabbit ears - gets all local US and MX stations in HD Harmony Remote - $80 (programmed to control all the boxes/apps including MacMini) We're quite happy with the setup. No monthly fees, more recorded HD shows then we can ever watch, full internet access from the couch etc etc. We really like having Pandora streaming throughout the house more than anything else. Our payback on the equipment costs was less than 2 months. Happy to share what I've learned in the process. First step would be to plug your address into antennaweb (http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/Address.aspx) and check to see what stations you can receive with what antenna. Hope that helps. -Martog

Thanks so much for another great ride Bags! Really - you couldn't ask for a better day of riding. Great weather, great trails (and all new to me) with beautiful scenery, perfect pace and great guys (Dave & Alex) to ride with! Excellent - Excellent - Excellent! I'm getting all pumped up again just thinking about it! Thanks again, I can't wait for the next one. -Marty

Bagster, Saw that PapaAlex is going to join you so I thought I'd try and hook up with you as well. I'm shooting to be there by 8:30 or so. However I just saw this ride and have some prep work to do in the morning so if you guys are ready to roll before I get there don't wait for me - I'll catch up with on the trail or on the next ride. Thanks -Marty

Thanks for an awesome day of riding Bagster! It was a great riding new trails with a great bunch of (new to me) guys. And the scenery was as good as the riding! Additional thanks go out to Schwinn for the subs & sweep, Baron for the pre-ride cookies (hope he made it home ok) and Bushwhacker for the post-ride beer! It was nice meeting you all. Hope to do another ride with you guys soon! -Marty

I'm confirmed! For me, it is really all about the sandwich! See you all at 9am. If you see white Tacoma (with a blue & yellow Husky hanging off the back) wondering around looking lost - well that'll be me! -Marty

Thanks everyone! I'll be watching the upcoming rides thread and hopefully hooking up with some of you soon. I'm planning on joining Bagster's Anza Borrego ride tomorrow - can't wait! -Marty

Bagster, I may try and join up with your ride if you don't mind. I'm a SDAR noob but a moderately experienced rider. Couple of questions: 1. I'm assuming this ride is only for plated bikes? 2. Are you going to be running radios? If so, GRS/FMRS, Ham or other? If I can make it, I'll be happy to ride sweep. I'll be carrying tubes, tools, air etc. Many thanks! -Marty BTW, I'm neighbors with GoofyFoot and will probably be trying to help him sort out his DRZ (I used to have one as well). Probably can't get it done in time for this ride though. Small world huh?

Hello SDAR'ers! Well after years of lurking on and off I've finally got around to signing up for SDAR - thanks to Bikeslut's encouragement. I glommed onto one of his rides last month at Lark/McCain and he promptly tried to kill me on some rocky goat trails (thanks Bob!). Anyway, I've been doing some type of riding off and on since I was a teenager (so so long ago) but most of my riding has been done over the past 4 years or so. I've been riding mostly off road with some adventure/touring rides thrown in from time to time. I'm looking forward to meeting you all and doing some rides together! -Marty