We were a part of history this weekend. In one word this weekend was monstrous. By this I mean it was epic, huge, memorable, and will be repeated again hopefully sooner then later. Sia and I zipped up to San Francisco to partake in San Francisco’s first full scale night time concert in Golden Gate park. The event dubbed SF Outside Lands attracted over 150 thousand people over the weekend(60,000 the night of our attendance) and generated more money then any previous event held at the park.

As far as I’m concerned everyone left this event a winner. Our journey began in Palo Alto where us un-public transportation savvy twits had to figure out Caltrain, then hopping onto a cab to Kam’s place in Russian Hill. Then we were off, we set foot to the concert only to find not one cab would drive us to the event, do to traffic, or some other bullshit. We decide to duck into a bar and order shots along with a bucket of beers, after some time ultimately got a ride through one of the shady black towncars for $30, I was going to happily pay a cab $40 but those jerks would much rather drive Ms. Daisy. Kam bails out so it’s just Sia and I now.

We finally arrived at the concert sometime around 6:30pm, Mike was waiting for us in line so he could purchase our tickets. Sia and I must have ran, heaved, and speed walked up to a mile to get to him. Now armed with tickets in hand we proceeded into the actual concert, it’s about 7:30 and Radiohead was about to take stage. We were some 200 meters back at this point; Sia and I were actually content…with full stomachs and double fisting beers, however Mike had other ideas. We followed Mike as he snaked his way through the crowd, at some points people were crying foul, we pushed on, and soon picked up fans who continued with us in this mad quest. We end up some 20 to 30 meters away from the stage, where we could actually SEE Radiohead without the aid of the jumbotrons. AWESOME. How cool was that?! Sia and I stopped there in the spirit of self preservation and musical enjoyment. Mike pressed on until he was packed in like a sardine, only to return to us where he could breathe and air guitar for a bit.

The venue, the stage, and the sound set up was nothing short of amazing. To carry an event of this magnitude and aside from a couple amp breaks to go off without a hitch was phenomenal. I have never heard better sound, especially at a event with so many people, outdoors, distractions and fog. The stage as you can see above was incredible as well. As 9:55pm passed, we were solidified in history as participants of the first ever San Francisco Outside Lands concert. About time the Bay Area got a world class multi-day, multi-band concert venue.

Afterwards we met up with Sam and went over to Bubble Lounge to celebrate Jean’s birthday. I literally have not seen her in over a year, scary how fast time flies. Lots of things happened there, including me forgetting a whole bunch of people’s names and how I came to know them. It was just short of being a disaster, good thing people drank more then I did and failed to remember this small fact the following day. So Hello Jessica, Marc, and Thi, I will attempt not to forget you again. I also run into Barry later this night, how crazy is that? I’m also blaming for my slight hangover the following morning, he approaches me with a henny & coke which resulted in us ditching Jean’s after-pool-party at the W for some Yuet Lee. Then…ever so notably falling asleep on Kam’s hardwood floor.

By the time Saturday morning arrived, we were up somewhat early. Kam, Sia and I anyways. Dressed in nothing but our underwear, unkept hair and unbrushed teeth we decided to play Rock Band on the Wii. If any of his neighbors looked through his window they probably nearly died of laughter - we were amazing, amazingly terrible that is. Who knows…if you find us on youtube I’d love to see that.

Shortly after we got dressed then went back to Nick’s Crispy Tacos - OMG these things were SOOOOOO GOOD. Yes, we are disgusting and can digest tacos for breakfast. Amy brings us coffee shortly after then we are off to the Ferry Building’s farmer’s market. After some free sampling and trying to figure out the ferry schedule we decide to just go get more alcohol. We ended up at Ducca, next to the new modern Jewish thing. After some ‘resort’ style lounging I end up leaving to catch the Caltrain back to Palo Alto. Wow…I felt gross, nearly 36 hours since I last showered. It must have been splendid.

When I got back to Palo Alto I picked up some Vittoria tubulars and a handful of Mastic 1 tubes. My Kestrel now has functioning wheels again(Can’t wait to climb with the Singletrack Group this Saturday). But more importantly I was able to shower, throw my clothes away then go see Crystal who I missed dearly.

Now, this is how awesome she is, without even knowing she suggest pho for dinner. Myself being a bit hung over, gross feeling, and a bit unsettled this sounded like a GREAT idea. I was afraid she would have wanted to go to Alexander’s or some other white table cloth, waiters, and wine list type of joint. That bowl of pho was probably one of the best I’ve had in a LONG time.

Sunday finally rolled around and I got the opportunity to meet Rick Gaan, and he was nice enough to show me some of his modest collection. Being a VAG fan, of course I hubba’d the Porsche RS America and Penske/Sunoco duckwing.

Gorgeous cars. All of them. More pics via flickr.

Well that sums up my weekend. I had a fantastic time. Weekends usually feel as if they had flown by, this past weekend truly did. Now onward to bigger and better things! I’m rejuvenated and excited again.

-Wallace

Guess who I spent my weekend with? Yes - Crystal, but I also met her sister, mother, grandmother, grandfather, uncles, aunts, cousins, and the whole caboodle up in Seattle.

Wait! Seattle?! Aren’t they from Oahu? Well, yes - however they all came up for Jessica’s and David’s wedding on Lake McMurray - Mt. Vernon, Washington. Seattle was posting warmer temperatures then the bay area for the previous three weeks, so I ended up bringing a linen suit - just my luck, it rained that weekend.

The wedding was probably one of the most ad hoc events I’ve ever been to, however the term simple-elegance came to mind. After the ceremony there were wet kids running wild, a mash up of american bbq with japanese teriyaki skewers, a hawaiian themed cake, and even fortune cookies.

Did I mention fortune cookies? You do realize I write these don’t you? (heh)

I enjoyed myself, and especially enjoyed the company of Crystal’s family. Looking forward to seeing them in Hawaii as I got the feeling her mother was a bit pre-occupied with making sure her folks were comfortable, and everyone being taken care of. Their generosity and warmness really made my trip enjoyable.

Tiffany (Crystal’s Sister), Crystal and I left a day early and traveled back into Seattle on Sunday. We checked into Hotel 1000 based on Gorobei’s recommendation, and it did not disappoint. An ultra modern, yet comfortable design. Impeccable service, and exemplary delivery - we wanted to stay another evening.

A bronze casting in the bar area of our room. Seattle is an amazingly art centric city.

Get this, a glass pane separating the bathroom from the actual room. I’m sure this made us a bit uncomfortable, no fear - privacy shade is there.

After check-in, we ventured out to seize the day. Our first stop was brunch - we finally settled on a delicious pulled pork sandwich and bloody mary’s at steelhead diner overlooking pike’s market.

Pike’s Market was always good ol’ Pikes Market. I haven’t been here in over a decade, and I don’t think it’s changed much at all except for the addition of the greenbags.

After Pike’s we visited SAM, otherwise known as Seattle Art Museum. Probably a side effect of me being jaded, but I did not find SAM very worthwhile. Yes it had some cool items, but the direction and collection seemed very random. Although I realized it’s not a modern museum, it certainly attempts to portray itself as such. I would say a good 80 percent of its exhibits are borderline modern/contemporary then it as such exhibits that look out of place such as its American history, Asian history, Native history, and Beads.

Also, more annoying are those in room ‘guards’ - if you can call them that. There’s a certain tact involved with these positions and the grandpa of a garden gnome that kept following me around had none of those traits what so ever. In every other gallery I’ve been to that forbid photography there are usually signs that say “no cameras” or more specifically “no flash photography.” SAM has no such signs, nor did it explicitly made it clear that photography is frowned upon. That garden gnome followed me through 3 rooms to make this known to me. Lame.

Of course, how can one not visit 1912 Pikes Place when in Seattle.

Location of the first Starbucks, retro.

Purple Cafe & Wine Bar - We had a wonderful dinner here. Especially loved the stuffed dates. If you’re short, you may mind the tall chairs - as Tiffany was unable to put her feet down throughout dinner.

In front of Seattle’s infamous Library. Didn’t get a chance to go in, but definitely on the agenda for our next visit.

We expect Hotels to furnish us with small toiletries, soaps, shampoos, lotions, etc these days. Hotel 1000 offered Molten Brown goodies which were special for three reasons. First, most hotels offer standard hospitality brands - a boutique brand for a boutique hotel was a fantastic surprise. Second - Crystal’s roommate in London was a huge Molten Brown fan, so it at the very least reminded me of our stay in London. Third - My father used to bring my brother and I back shampoos and conditioners from the hotels he stayed at when he traveled on business. They were usually Hilton’s or Sheraton’s but something that we looked forward to for one reason or another none the less. I haven’t really thought about this until earlier this trip at the Skagit Hotel which we stayed at Friday and Saturday. Thanks Pop!

Gorobei sold me on Hotel 1000 thru its bedding, he said they were better then Westin’s or W’s Heavenly beds…which I have been known to actively seek out. Here’s Crystal at 8 or 9am still pleading for 10 more minutes. Tiffany and I were up and ready to go to town. Their beds and bedding were really spectacular.

Our first stop Sunday was the Olympic Sculpture Garden, a collaboration through SAM and the Gates Foundation I believe.

I believe all three of us got more enjoyment out of the garden then the museum. Sculptures shape the land, and when combined with its surrounding buildings some of them are quite impressive. What I found the most interesting were these red/orange mesh chairs which dotted the gardens - consider them a moving study if you will. We certainly sat in one or two, and enjoyed the comfort, rest, and appeal they provided. Unlike the sculptures themselves the chairs tell you about their last visitors - who they were, where they came from, where they along, what they saw, and where they’re going. They were live, much like the rust and wine.

With hours counting down in my Seattle stay we grabbed brunch at Hi-Spot Cafe per Jake’s recommendation. My corned beef and hash was unorthodox, but very delicious. In fact I wish I had some at this moment. With a hour to kill after lunch, I decided to visit REI Seattle, or mecca as many of us outdoor junkies would call it. It did not disappoint, in fact I wish we had more time to spend there - climb the pinnacle, test its mountain bike demo trail, and other activities it offered its patrons. After REI we rushed over to Sea-Tac International and I jumped on board Virgin Atlantic flight #729 to SFO. Jimi Hendrix was pumped thru my skullcandy as I passed out and finally landed back home in San Francisco.

Despite the passing of Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes, my visit to Seattle was a memorable one. A grand pleasure to meet Crystal’s family and the chance to really re-visit a city that I held close to heart.

Rest of my photos via Flickr.

-Wallace

PS. I’m now back in the office, but my mind is still wondering. This is not good.

Remember this frame I picked up this past February? After 6 long months it’s finally on the road. Picked it up last week from Tom and Mark at Velotech, and put nearly 100 miles on it so far.

Here’s my build and msrp:

Frame: Kestrel Evoke - $2300
Headset: Cane Creek Integrated - included with frame
Stem: Thompson X2 - $80
Handlebar: CarbonLord - $150
Bar Tape: Cinelli Cork - $15
Shifters: SRAM Force - $495
Cables: GORE Ride-On - $120
Brakeset: Negative Gravity - $340
Brakepads: Swiss Stop Yellow - $40
Seat: Fizik Arione - $150
Seatpost: Thomson Elite 32.4 - $90
Crankset: CarbonLord Standard - $299
Pedals: Speedplay X5 - $100
Chain: KMC DX10SC - $20
Cassette: Ultegra 12-23 - $80
Front Derailleur: SRAM Force - $50
Rear Derailleur: SRAM Force - $150
Wheelset: Mavic Ksyrium - $1100
Tires: Michelin Pro Race 2 & Pro Light 2 ($40 per)
Misc: Bontrager carbon steerer cap ($? free?), timbuk 2 saddlebag ($17), garmin 305 ($gift), Velotech labor ($375)

So, msrp is give or take $6000. Many of the parts such as the wheelset, saddle, pedals, etc, were pillaged from my old Trek, and with the generosity of such suppliers such as Carbonlord my final damage was no where near the final tally.

The rest of the pics:

Things to come:

Will switch the tires to black, grey or white when the Michelin blues are worn out, trading the Arione for a Selle SLR saddle, and of course favoring Deda bar wrap in place of the tried and tested Cinelli cork.

Rest of the pics via Flickr.

Let’s Ride!

-Wallace

Heirloom tomatoes are in season so I picked some up this afternoon and made a splendid meal with them. A fresh mixed greens salad with nearly transparent heirloom sections and a bold pappardelle with fresh crumbled sausage, peppered thick cut bacon, free range chicken breast, heirloom tomatoes, porchini and caramelized onions. Sounds too complicated, but I’m happy with it. Want to see it? Well…I didn’t take any pictures of it, so no.

My mind has checked out for the week. My ADD has been out of control as of 1pm this afternoon. Can’t focus, impossible to work, and a wondering tongue that is incapable of holding a conversation. I want to be in Seattle already, not really to meet Crystal’s mother and extended family but just antsy to get out of the Bay Area. Looks like I’m having those jitters once again. Hopefully Seattle shelves them for a short period, because…this is quite awful. Annoying. Really.

So Flickr 888, no…it’s not just a Chinese wedding date but a collective of what people do on August 8, 2008. It’s a Flickr group that will accept one photo from every group member who submits on that said date. Let’s see what the world is doing on Friday. Hopefully I’ll figure out if a) I’m bringing a camera to Seattle b) if I’ll have wifi where I’m staying.

Alright. Sayonara. Peace Out. Lates.

-Wallace

Head hurts, body aches, and mouth is dry. This spells only one thing, I’ve partaken in one too many libations, for one evening too many. I haven’t had a sober evening since last Thursday, this has been the most consecutive number of days I’ve been intoxicated since Crystal and I began our courtship. Frightening how this was considered normal pre-relationship, and in reality a sober reality for many of our younger population. Obviously the alcohol stops today, well…maybe after my third bloody mary this morning, but definitely will be sober this evening, and the next, and the next, et cetera. I’m not one that believes in detox, however I am practical enough that I realize my doctor, girlfriend, and probably most importantly my pancreas will be unhappy, therefore…I aim to please.

Anyways…enough talk about my poor social decisions. We spent the majority of yesterday in San Francisco, Hayes Valley to be specific. This quaint neighborhood is usually a place I zip through, or dine and bolt in the case of Suppenkuche and Absinthe, but Crystal was auditioning a new stylist at Blo Salon. While she was getting her hair done I met up with Paul and Diana from Dallas along with his buddy Brian, and of course John and Charesa for brunch at the Palomar. We strolled on over to the Chieftain for a quick brunch (excellent, excellent hash and eggs) complete with bloody marys and mimosas then traveled back into Hayes Valley to check things out.

the rest via flickr

Hayes Valley must be one of San Francisco’s more colorful and ‘neat’ neighborhoods. The entire place was just squeaky clean in contrast to most of San Francisco’s neighborhoods. My favorite attraction was obviously Blue Bottle Coffee but the line nearly wrapped around the block, which was fine…as I found La Boulange de Hayes as a result, their coffee was no match for Blue Bottle but come on…it’s really a feat to screw up a cappuccino. Other notable shops, and I must admit I have only walked Hayes, Linden and Laguna, were Propeller SF, Huf SF, Timbuk 2, Flight 001, and a boutique named Zeni where I scored an awesome pin-dot button up.

The four of us then zipped on over to Height-Ashbury, one of my favorite shopping destinations in the city however we soon found out that we were near the end of our energy allotment for shopping and walking and waiting. Paul was looking for a seat wherever he could score one, my dogs were becoming tired and even Diana was looking a bit worn - Crystal however was tired but couldn’t help but gander…which I found pretty interesting, and actually a little funny. Oddly enough the only one who bought anything was me - a “Ride’em Bob Labbit” via Kid Robot.

We dropped Paul and Diana off then stopped by the Ferry Building originally for Hog Island and Delica Rf-1, however Hog Island closed early and Delica Rf-1 sold out of what I wanted, and as a result we ended up at Slanted Door. I haven’t been since they moved from the Mission, but it’s a whole lot more fancied up. Our pre-dinner meal consisted of half a dozen Miyagi shucked oysters and a crispy imperial roll complete with a cocktail and beer.

The man making Crystal’s drink, tasted like a dark and stormy - maybe a bit of ginger beer? It’s a tedious process, and at $10 we expected none the less.

Everytime I went to Slanted Door or many of these asian family style restaurants I have a tendency to order multiple dishes - I mean, that is part of the fun, right? While we were sipping our drinks and architecting our imperial rolls we see these whole fish platter things leave the kitchen. In fact our bar neighbors got one. We find out they were done in a wood oven and looked, smelled, and I imagined tasted great. We’ll be back soon to pry into one of these with a bucket of rice.

Wait…did I just say pre-dinner? Yes. Our actual dinner was with Laurie, Jackie, Glen, Deanna and Johnny at Nectar Wine Lounge in Burlingame. Wine selection phenomenal, I asked for an more acidic white and our waiter suggested an italian pinot gris - not too bad actually. I enjoyed our visit. After dinner it was back up to the city to celebrate Law’s birthday at good ‘ol club 1015. The place has been totally remodeled since my last visit - probably 6 years or so ago, but it’s still more or less the same crowd and same atmosphere. It goes without saying that I don’t think I will be back anytime soon. Oh yeah…I was supposed to call Jean about ‘boy drama’ haha…what ever could that mean?

Well…I’m excited for Seattle!

-Wallace