Seriously though - keep the videos coming - I/we really enjoy them!
:nod: They were a lot more entertaining than I had imagined.

When you were stopped at the tree and walking around it felt like I was playing a video game :lol: !

Thats exactly what I was thinking when I was watching it. Its like playing a high resolution first-person shooter...without the shooting. BTW the captions in the videos had me laughing my ass off!

John,


The video looks awesome! Your like a kid in the candy store with your bike. :tucool: Very polite I must say to everyone including the guy you ran off the trail. :lol: Things happen.

One of my professors does the 200+ mile ride from around Tampa area to Ormond Beach. He just did it about a month ago. He is HUGE into bikes. If you want more info on trails or anything else let me know. :tu:

Thanks for the comments everyone! We had a blast out there, and I think that came across in the videos.

We made a lot of jokes about the GoPro's aesthetics, but it really is a fantastic camera. I'm very happy with my choice.The video quality is awesome, and none of the dialog you heard would have been possible with the Contour. The GoPro does an amazing job with wind noise reduction, and that's an area in which the Contour really falls short.

We can laugh about the trail incident because everything turned out okay, but in all seriousness someone really could have been hurt. I also came pretty close to taking a nasty fall into Soldier's Creek. Lessons learned.

As I get more into off-road riding I'm sure I'll have some considerably more exciting footage to share. It's only a matter of time until I eat dirt, I guess... :spaz:

when you pass people on the trail, whether they are on foot or on a bike, you yell "on your left." That gives them a chance to get over and usually keeps you from startling walkers as you pass.
:nod: In my experience, walkers and joggers are very appreciative about being warned before they get buzzed.

We can laugh about the trail incident because everything turned out okay, but in all seriousness someone really could have been hurt. I also came pretty close to taking a nasty fall into Soldier's Creek. Lessons learned.
If a one-way trail is going to intersect with a busy multi-use path, there should be a sign. That was a pretty predictable and totally preventable accident. Boo on the trail designers. :blank:

This was our first time ever on off-road trails. We rode a couple different trails at Big Tree Park: the first trail was a little too advanced for us, the other had some nice challenges for our level of skill. I still managed to flip my bike and knock the wind out of myself at the end of one run. :o

It's all in the video...

sTjzY-NOFQE

Hey John,

Sorry if this has been asked elsewhere, but: are you riding without toe clips? If so, you might find them helpful both in terms of pedaling efficiency and bike control when riding singletrack. I know they can be a little daunting to new mountain bikers, because you don't want to fall over to the side without being able to step out of your pedals. But you can minimize that by keeping the straps loose. Even with loose straps, toe clips help keep your feet from sliding around (and off) the pedals, plus they let you generate power on the upstroke instead of just on the downstroke.

Clipless pedals (where your shoe cleat locks into the pedal, sort of like a ski boot binding) are a different story. I use them for road biking, but have never tried them on a mountain bike. (Lots of mountain bikers use them, I just personally haven't felt the need.) Clipless pedals are easy enough to step out of when you need to, but it seems to me like they'd be hard to step back into when you're in the middle of a technical section of trail.

Falling off is half the fun, sometimes :)

Did the front wheel seem to get "stuck" in the roots? Some of the best advice I got when starting out was to keep my wrists "under-rotated" and my heels pointing down when standing for technical parts of the trail. By that I mean the knuckles are pointing more upwards. The change in body position helps the front wheel scoop up over obstacles like that, rather than being forced down by bodyweight and getting stuck.

Sorry if this has been asked elsewhere, but: are you riding without toe clips? If so, you might find them helpful both in terms of pedaling efficiency and bike control when riding singletrack.
Clipless pedals (along with toe clips) are easily the #1 recommendation I've been given since I started riding. I've done a lot of research, and I've pretty much decided to go with a clipless setup. I will be making the purchase as soon as can (funds are a bit tight right now).

Thanks! :)


Falling off is half the fun, sometimes :)
I didn't mind the dirt fall I took on Sunday too much, but I definitely do NOT want to fall into that nasty creek. :barf:

Did the front wheel seem to get "stuck" in the roots?
Yeah, I hit a large root (hard to see in the video). The stupid part is that I was through the most technical section of that area. Just before I wiped out there is like a 1.5 foot drop off a log (again, hard to see in the video, but you can tell from the camera shake where it is), then a quick turn. I made all that and then crashed on an easy part because I drifted too far left. :doh:

Some of the best advice I got when starting out was to keep my wrists "under-rotated" and my heels pointing down when standing for technical parts of the trail. By that I mean the knuckles are pointing more upwards. The change in body position helps the front wheel scoop up over obstacles like that, rather than being forced down by bodyweight and getting stuck.
That makes a lot of sense. I'll definitely try that - thanks a lot! :)

I'm kind of glad I haven't gone up there yet. That trail looks awfully narrow for as well-worn as it is. I don't know if it's the lens on the video camera, but it looks like it's barely handlebar-width in most spots.

Go to YouTube and search for "Snow Hill trail" and you'll see some vids out where I've been riding. The trail seems wider and more forgiving than Big Tree.

I'm kind of glad I haven't gone up there yet. That trail looks awfully narrow for as well-worn as it is. I don't know if it's the lens on the video camera, but it looks like it's barely handlebar-width in most spots.
The video is an accurate representation; it's an ultra-narrow trail. They are definitely intermediate level trails, and parts of them border on advanced (particularly the 1st trail we were on). There are some very technical sections that don't forgive error. I probably shouldn't be riding these yet, but I guess I like a challenge... and I'm stupid. :D

Go to YouTube and search for "Snow Hill trail" and you'll see some vids out where I've been riding. The trail seems wider and more forgiving than Big Tree.
We need to head up there with you sometime for sure. We're anxious to check it out. One of the nice things about Big Tree is that it's pretty close to us.

Any wipe-out you ride away from makes for a great story!

What I hate is when the path goes between two very close trees--I always feel like I'm not going to fit through, which is a pretty stupid thought: My shoulders are broad, but not broader that bike handles, and bikes are obviously making it through!

The video is an accurate representation; it's an ultra-narrow trail. They are definitely intermediate level trails, and parts of them border on advanced (particularly the 1st trail we were on). There are some very technical sections that don't forgive error. I probably shouldn't be riding these yet, but I guess I like a challenge... and I'm stupid. :D
I've gone over ATV handlebars many times, so I'm a pro at taking a dive. But I have yet to face-plant and/or <insert bodily injury here> with pedal-power... I'd like to keep it that way. I'll stick to the wussier trails for now. :nod:

We need to head up there with you sometime for sure. We're anxious to check it out. One of the nice things about Big Tree is that it's pretty close to us.
It takes me a half-hour to get out there and I live pretty close to it... more like an hour+ when you take into account strapping the bike down and other miscellaneous stuff. It'd probably be more like an hour's drive for you, if not more. I think it's worth it. Good beginner trails, if a bit sandy in spots. And you'll see some snakes out on the trail, trying to warm themselves. . It is in the middle of BFE, after all.

I've gone over ATV handlebars many times, so I'm a pro at taking a dive. But I have yet to face-plant and/or <insert bodily injury here> with pedal-power...
I've already done it twice since I got my bike in mid-October. :o It's not so bad.... :twitch:

I think it's worth it. Good beginner trails, if a bit sandy in spots.I was going to ask you about that. Some of the Youtube videos I came across definitely looked to have some sandy sections...

And you'll see some snakes out on the trail, trying to warm themselves. . It is in the middle of BFE, after all.I really hope Lisa doesn't read my journal tonight: if she sees your post she'll never go out there. I'm serious, she's such a girly-girl. This weekend we were standing under a tree chatting and she cried out because a bird flew off, causing a small amount of bark to fall near her. I have this on video.

Last night I began to put together a video of outtakes from this past weekend. There's some funny stuff. For example, Lisa almost wrecked her bike because I simply mentioned that there was a little mud on her upper chest. I'm serious.

I don't think she's going to let me post the video, though. :(

I think I speak for all of JSF (read: the small subset of us interested in mountain biking :p) when I say that you should go out there and get some footage of you nailing the see-saw :nod:

I think I speak for all of JSF (read: the small subset of us interested in mountain biking :p) when I say that you should go out there and get some footage of you nailing the see-saw :nod:
Are you kidding? I'm off tomorrow and it's first on my list of things to do. :dance: :D

:D

Just don't do what this guy does:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ie0j8QEU3Zw

:D

Just don't do what this guy does:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ie0j8QEU3Zw
That's my hope, but I'm not making any promises...

Lisa, Roger (Bluestreak) and I at Big Tree riding the off-road trails.

Unfortunately some of the footage didn't survive or wasn't recorded at all by accident: a nice run of me following Roger, and what was easily my best run of the complete circuit didn't make it. :(

I do have some pretty cool footage of me trying the teeter-totter that I fell off of last time (you'll have to watch it to see what happens), and also a couple nice wipe outs.

More details are in this morning's Daily News update (http://www.johnstonefitness.com/news/dec_2009_news_archive.php#12102009).

n6s8M1WVrE8

Great video! I love Chris Cornell's music to the video - we saw him in concert last year and he is totally awesome. Very fitting. :guitar: Who was the band singing the Van Halen? Good guitar work.

It is 18 degrees here with a wind chill of 0. My bike is frozen out in the workshop. Keep the videos coming!!

Yes! Nailed the see-saw :tucool:

You're a good sport, man. :nod:

Who was the band singing the Van Halen? Good guitar work.
That was from the Van Halen tribute album (tough finding music that YouTube doesn't auto-mute :blank:). That track was Jani Lane (Warrant) and George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob). :nod:

It is 18 degrees here with a wind chill of 0. My bike is frozen out in the workshop. Keep the videos coming!!
Damn... I'll refrain from complaining about the 85 degree heat yesterday.


Yes! Nailed the see-saw :tucool:
I have to admit, it was nice to find myself rolling away from the teeter-totter rather than crawling away from it. :)


You're a good sport, man. :nod:
:o

--

Guess what? I was able to recover quite a bit of footage from the SD card using a file recovery program. I have the first three runs, including the run of me following Roger. Unfortunately my 3rd (and best) run of the hard trail was never recorded. I'll get something edited together and posted ASAP. :nod:

Damn... I'll refrain from complaining about the 85 degree heat yesterday.
:nod:

Seeing what everyone up north is dealing with, I get chills just watching the news.

Guess what? I was able to recover quite a bit of footage from the SD card using a file recovery program. I have the first three runs, including the run of me following Roger. Unfortunately my 3rd (and best) run of the hard trail was never recorded. I'll get something edited together and posted ASAP. :nod:
Oh joy! Now everyone can see how mediocre I am. :blank:

*Sigh*.

Practice.

I survived relatively unscathed. A few minor scrapes and the only sore spot is the shoulder that went into the tree when I ate it crossing that 2x8. Remember how we said you typically "end up going where you're looking"? I was looking at the beam - right up until I looked up and saw the tree at the end. :doh:

Here's the additional "lost" footage from Wednesday. It's mostly us talking after a couple of early runs, and then me acting as chase cam while Roger tackles one of the trails.

C2bNI1lp-kk

From 12/11's update: I did a quick search and it sounds like I was hit with something called an "ocular migraine". There was absolutely no pain (and I've never had a migraine of any sort in my entire life), but my sinuses have been pretty crazy the last few days. Apparently ocular migraines are caused by blood flow restriction to the eyes, and are harmless. It lasted about 20 minutes, and then went away. Scared the crap out of me until I figured out what was going on. Any of you guys had something like this happen?

John - I've had ocular migraine's before. Usually stop after 20-40 minutes and have been harmless. They've happened after a prolonged time of greater than normal stress.

John - I've had ocular migraine's before. Usually stop after 20-40 minutes and have been harmless. They've happened after a prolonged time of greater than normal stress.
Thanks for posting this. I heard from a bunch of people today who have experienced these things. I can't believe I've never even heard of them.

Most of the people who wrote to me today said that ocular migraines always precede an actual migraine headache (I've never had one of those, either). I experienced absolutely no pain or headache today.

While I'm very happy that this seems to be a rather benign issue, it freaked me out big time this morning. I thought something was seriously wrong with me!

Thanks for posting this. I heard from a bunch of people today who have experienced these things. I can't believe I've never even heard of them.

Most of the people who wrote to me today said that ocular migraines always precede an actual migraine headache (I've never had one of those, either). I experienced absolutely no pain or headache today.

While I'm very happy that this seems to be a rather benign issue, it freaked me out big time this morning. I thought something was seriously wrong with me!

I've never had headaches with them and they happen very rarely. It freaked me out the first time it happened, also.

I've never had headaches with them and they happen very rarely. It freaked me out the first time it happened, also.
Yeah man, I thought something was seriously wrong with me.

Now I sort of know how Sissy Spacek's character felt in the opening shower scene of "Carrie". :eek:

I've been outside practicing, and I finally manged to nail a bunny hop today! It was pretty weak, but there's definitely some air between the rear tire and the ground :spaz:

33217

I have a long way to go, but this is still a nice milestone. :nod:

Thanks John for the info regarding helmet cams, looks as though I might need to get me an early Christmas gift :D.

I need to figure out why some of the YouTube videos takes so long to download. Enjoying the helmet cam videos. Cycling definitely helps me see a different part of my local environment while keeping active.

Thanks John for the info regarding helmet cams, looks as though I might need to get me an early Christmas gift :D.
I'm really happy with mine. :)

I need to figure out why some of the YouTube videos takes so long to download.
YouTube streaming has been incredibly slow lately, especially the HD videos. :(

Getting better! Now I can hit the bunnyhop 99% of the time, so I think I have the basic technique down. Now I'm working on catching more air. :nod:

33247

John, did you ride bikes as a youngster?

Now I'm getting it. :nod:

33248

John, did you ride bikes as a youngster?
Just around the neighborhood. I never did anything more advanced than pulling my front tire off the ground to hop a curb.

Now I'm getting it. :nod:

33248

sweet photo. Single frame of the high def video?

sweet photo. Single frame of the high def video?
Yeah, I didn't post the video because I plan to shoot one at 60fps and then slow it down. 30fps is a little jerky in slow motion.

is that a box that you're jumping? or is that farther back.

is that a box that you're jumping? or is that farther back.
Yeah, that's a trash bag box. It's 10" high. I started off yesterday trying to jump an old shoe and a broomstick. Once I could do that I moved up to a 12-pack soda carton, and then on to the trash bag box. I'll keep adding height as I get better.

:eek: holy crap that looks high enough to clear large trees! You Tube videos work much better now that I deselect HD.

What program do you use to download/edit the videos; i.e., Windows Movie Maker, ect?

What program do you use to download/edit the videos; i.e., Windows Movie Maker, ect?
Well, right now I'm using Windows Live Movie Maker, but it's pretty crappy. It can't even do basic stuff like slow motion (which the older version of Movie Maker could do :rolleyes:). One thing that I do like about WL Movie Maker is that it supports the MP4 video from my GoPro camera.

I really need something more powerful, so I've been trying out Vegas Movie Studio and Adobe Elements. Neither of those programs can accept the MP4 footage from the GoPro, so it has to be converted first. Everything has to be such a pain in the ass...

I don't really like Vegas. I have not spent much time with Elements yet.

I wish I could find something that can accept the GoPro's MP4 footage and also has some decent editing capabilities.

Well, right now I'm using Windows Live Movie Maker, but it's pretty crappy. It can't even do basic stuff like slow motion (which the older version of Movie Maker could do :rolleyes:). One thing that I do like about WL Movie Maker is that it supports the MP4 video from my GoPro camera.

I really need something more powerful, so I've been trying out Vegas Movie Studio and Adobe Elements. Neither of those programs can accept the MP4 footage from the GoPro, so it has to be converted first. Everything has to be such a pain in the ass...

I don't really like Vegas. I have not spent much time with Elements yet.

I wish I could find something that can accept the GoPro's MP4 footage and also has some decent editing capabilities.Is your Windows Media Player able to play the MP4's?

My wife and I just recently bought a new digi camera that shoots HD video and are in MP4 format. I could not get them to play in WM, only with DivX. So now that I hear that Movie Maker is reading the MP4's, I'm wondering if I'm missing something.:confused:

Is your Windows Media Player able to play the MP4's?
:nod:

My wife and I just recently bought a new digi camera that shoots HD video and are in MP4 format. I could not get them to play in WM, only with DivX. So now that I hear that Movie Maker is reading the MP4's, I'm wondering if I'm missing something.:confused:The MP4 format is just a container for many different codecs. In other words, one MP4 may be completely different than another MP4. That's probably what's going on there.

:nod:

The MP4 format is just a container for many different codecs. In other words, one MP4 may be completely different than another MP4. That's probably what's going on there.Ah, ok. Thanks.

So while I was outside in the driveway practicing this weekend, I caught a few strange looks from some of my neighbors and people riding by on bikes (they were riding quite maturely, obviously--none of the silly shenanigans I was attempting). At first I felt a little embarrassed, but that was stupid. What's to be embarrassed about? Yeah, I'm a 41 year old man practicing bunny hops in my driveway, so what? I feel sorry for the people who looked at me like I was off my rocker. It must suck to get to a point in life when trying new things is so scary that you feel the need to look down on those who aren't dead inside. I don't ever want to be like that.

That bunny hop over the trash can box is awesome but this is my favorite part of today's update. Your attitude kicks ass. The fact is most 31 year old much less 41 year old people would be afraid to try new things like you are.

I just turned 30 a week ago and was amazed at all the people at work tellling me how from here on out it is just a downhill spiral of lost metabolism and beer bellies. I of course laughed and nodded in agreement, but inside I was really laughing at how sad and clueless they are when it comes to fitness. They just can't believe that its actually possible to improve your level of health and fitness as you get older.

The fact is most people even my age are already well on their way to that downward spiral and it has very little to do with how old they are. Its all about the way they choose to live their lives. Thanks for providing inspiration for those of us who refuse to stop living just because somebody else says thats the way it has to be.

I like your dedication to practising bunny hops - I don't really spend too much time on stuff like that, and when it comes to jumping over puddles I often end up wetter and muddier than had I just ridden through it :p Although by the looks of your videos, mud and puddles won't be much of a problem in Florida!

I like your drawing for a bunnyhop practice tool. What about 2 jackstands and a length of PVC pipe? It should do the trick :)

My high-tech bunny hop stand is complete! :spaz:

I used (4) 3' 2x4s, (4) 9" 2x4s, (2) angled brackets and (2) flat brackets. I also used stencils to spray paint the jump height (in inches) on one side (accounting for the height of the tube). The tube is just a 6-foot length of 3/4" PVC pipe. I used nails at 2" intervals to hold the pipe in place.

When the pipe is struck, it simply falls away. The pipe is very flexible and impact resistant. I can set the pipe from 4" to 38" in 2 inch increments.

I'm very happy with this. :nod:
33273


Closer shot of one of the stands...
33274


Here I am jumping the new bunny hop stand. The bar was only set at 10" here, but thanks to the markings I can see that my front tire is actually at 21"! Getting better. :)
33275

so did you make it?

Good lookin' rig!

I've been practicing and I can get a very modest hop of the back tire after a couple of hours of trying. I was able to clear a 2" cardboard tube until I aggravated a tendon in my right thumb/wrist, and my grip's kind of iffy at the moment. Further practice temporarily suspended. :bang:

I have five neighbors in my cul-de-sac, most of whom curiously stared at me at some point, perhaps pondering why I appeared to be having fits while riding in circles on my bike. :nod: Most of them already think I'm nuts... I suppose it's just one more thing to keep them on their toes.

It appears the weather will be cold this weekend... and the trails will be muddy if it rains like it's supposed to Friday. Don't know if we'll be getting any riding in this weekend. Boo, hiss. I was hoping to try Big Tree again. :(

so did you make it?
:nod:



I've been practicing and I can get a very modest hop of the back tire after a couple of hours of trying. I was able to clear a 2" cardboard tube until I aggravated a tendon in my right thumb/wrist, and my grip's kind of iffy at the moment. Further practice temporarily suspended. :bang:
Ah, that sucks (but congrats on the hop).

My left wrist and right shoulder have been aching a bit.



It appears the weather will be cold this weekend... and the trails will be muddy if it rains like it's supposed to Friday. Don't know if we'll be getting any riding in this weekend. Boo, hiss. I was hoping to try Big Tree again. :(
Yeah Saturday's weather looks amazing, but all the rain over the next couple of days may make things pretty messy down there. :(

Get those clip less pedals and shoes, it will add another six inches on your hop, the only downfall is if your not used to unclipping, a bad landing could turn into a really bad fall! still attached to your bike. Its all about risk and reward :tucool:

Ah, that sucks (but congrats on the hop).

My left wrist and right shoulder have been aching a bit.
I don't think it was the bike, but I'm sure it didn't help. I built a wiring harness for my car, and using a pair of wire crimpers for hours on end probably aggravated it. :doh:

Yeah Saturday's weather looks amazing, but all the rain over the next couple of days may make things pretty messy down there. :(
Sunday looks pretty good, and it ought to be dryer by then, but T works that day. She'll be royally pissed if I go riding again without her. :scared:

Get those clip less pedals and shoes, it will add another six inches on your hop, the only downfall is if your not used to unclipping, a bad landing could turn into a really bad fall! still attached to your bike. Its all about risk and reward :tucool:
I think I'm going to master it w/o first. Adding height without the requisite control ability sans clips is Darwinism in action.

This guy put out a couple of really good videos that helped me learn to bunny hop. I don't know if you're past the point where this would be helpful, but I always pick up something whenever I watch a new video. Here's a link: http://www.secretreality.com/2008/02/mountain-bike-tutorials.html. The wheelie drop vid is good, too. It's a really useful skill to have on the trail.

I never spent any time just working on bunny hops. I would do some while riding the roads up to trails (hopping puddles, sticks, etc.) and call that "practice". Consequently, I don't get a lot of air and can't clear larger obstacles on the trail. I'm going to spend this afternoon bunny hopping and build your practice stand over the weekend. I should have spent time working on specific skills from the start instead of just haphazardly working on them during rides. Thanks for the inspiration :tucool:.

Can I look forward to bunny hop failures as you learn on Youtube soon? :lol:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxGGyVklPHg

Get those clip less pedals and shoes, it will add another six inches on your hop, the only downfall is if your not used to unclipping, a bad landing could turn into a really bad fall! still attached to your bike. Its all about risk and reward :tucool:
One day... for now my aim is to master the bunny hop without needing any special equipment or a trick bike. :nod:



Sunday looks pretty good, and it ought to be dryer by then, but T works that day. She'll be royally pissed if I go riding again without her. :scared:
Glad you both could make it today! Lisa and I had a blast. Tanishia killed it! The video is edited and uploading... I'll post it here as soon as it's ready. :)


This guy put out a couple of really good videos that helped me learn to bunny hop. I don't know if you're past the point where this would be helpful, but I always pick up something whenever I watch a new video. Here's a link: http://www.secretreality.com/2008/02/mountain-bike-tutorials.html. The wheelie drop vid is good, too. It's a really useful skill to have on the trail.
Yeah, that was one of the videos that I watched when learning. In fact, I think I've now seen every bunnyhop tutorial on youtube at this point. :lol:

I never spent any time just working on bunny hops. I would do some while riding the roads up to trails (hopping puddles, sticks, etc.) and call that "practice". Consequently, I don't get a lot of air and can't clear larger obstacles on the trail. I'm going to spend this afternoon bunny hopping and build your practice stand over the weekend. I should have spent time working on specific skills from the start instead of just haphazardly working on them during rides. Thanks for the inspiration :tucool:.
Awesome! It's a handly skill to have, for sure. I used it a few times on the trail today, but I still have a lot of work to do before it really feels natural to me.


Can I look forward to bunny hop failures as you learn on Youtube soon? :lol:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxGGyVklPHg
My god, I hop not. :scared:

Lisa, me, Roger and Tanisha at Big Tree (aka "Soldier's creek") off-road. This was Tanisha's first time, and she rode great. Lisa took her first big tumble, I took a couple new lines and we were all sorta cold.

3i6R-WWLvIw

Lisa, me, Roger and Tanisha at Big Tree (aka "Soldier's creek") off-road. This was Tanisha's first time, and she rode great. Lisa took her first big tumble, I took a couple new lines and we were all sorta cold.

3i6R-WWLvIw

When Lisa wrecks, you sound like Santa Clause 'Ho ho!!' (I know you were saying 'Whoa-oh!' but, tis the season.)

I'm glad you guys are OK, and it's awesome *AWESOME* you are translating your fitness into something enjoyable in the 'real world'.

Today is going to be another cold-ish day (highs in the mid 60s)

:lol::lol::lol:

When Lisa wrecks, you sound like Santa Clause 'Ho ho!!' (I know you were saying 'Whoa-oh!' but, tis the season.)

I'm glad you guys are OK, and it's awesome *AWESOME* you are translating your fitness into something enjoyable in the 'real world'.
She is quite the trooper, that was a good spill. Did she bang her head on that tree/root that was right there?

I'm glad you guys are OK, and it's awesome *AWESOME* you are translating your fitness into something enjoyable in the 'real world'.:tucool:


:lol::lol::lol:
You wouldn't believe how much shit I'm catching for describing 60 degrees as "cold-ish". :o


She is quite the trooper, that was a good spill. Did she bang her head on that tree/root that was right there?
She says that she didn't, but I could have sworn I saw her helmet hit the tree.

In any event, her melon was never in any danger: as someone who's been in argument with Lisa, I can assure you that her helmet is entirely superfluous. :nod:

i'm dead now

She says that she didn't, but I could have sworn I saw her helmet hit the tree.

I hope all is well with Lisa after her fall.

Be sure to inspect her helmet for any signs of bad impact. They're designed to shatter under impact and the manufacturers recommend replacing them after a hard hit, in case it leaves them too weak to deal with a real tough one. If she didn't think her head hit the tree then everything's probably okay. Better to be safe than sorry though :tu:

I hope all is well with Lisa after her fall.
She's a-ok now. Her confidence was shaken for the rest of that run, and that wreck clearly affected her ability to produce enough speed to properly navigate the remainder of the trail. Just a bad ride for her, and her first real spill. She's over it. :nod:

While looking closely at the footage in slow-motion I was able to ascertain why the accident happened. Lisa was leaning forward and had most of her body weight over the handlebars. That was her big mistake. She didn't hit anything, but her front tire start wobbling; with her center of gravity over the handlebars, the result was inevitable once she lost control of the bike.

Be sure to inspect her helmet for any signs of bad impact. They're designed to shatter under impact and the manufacturers recommend replacing them after a hard hit, in case it leaves them too weak to deal with a real tough one. If she didn't think her head hit the tree then everything's probably okay. Better to be safe than sorry though :tu:
Yeah, I gave her helmet a close inspection. If she hit it, then it was a glancing blow. :)

Hi John,

The video quality looks great, I've been looking for a good camera for doing some filming of the trails I ride. I see you have the GoPro HD. Do you prefer the higher resolution and 30fps, or going with the bit lower resolution and 60fps setting?

Thanks!
Mike

The video quality looks great, I've been looking for a good camera for doing some filming of the trails I ride. I see you have the GoPro HD. Do you prefer the higher resolution and 30fps, or going with the bit lower resolution and 60fps setting?

I've done some testing at various resolutions, and I honestly don't care for the GoPro's 1080p mode. For starters, I don't feel that the GoPro's 1080p footage looks any better than footage shot at 960p and 720p. In fact, I find the footage shot @ 720p/60 FPS to be superior to footage shot at 1080p. Not sure why that is.

Also, 1080p dials back the field of view to 127 degrees, while the 720p and 960p modes are an ultra-wide 170 degrees.

So when I want extra vertical height I choose the 960p mode, and when I want widescreen and/or the ability to have liquid smooth slow motion I go with 720p/60 FPS.

MzAPTyJUwm8

MzAPTyJUwm8



were you wearing the helmet cam?

btw, merry christmas.

were you wearing the helmet cam?

:lol:

were you wearing the helmet cam?



:D

were you wearing the helmet cam?


:lol:

:D
:slap:

:slap:



i take that as a 'yes.'

Happy New Year, John!

It's been a VERY long time. It looks like you're still doing well. :)

Write back and let me know how things are going. Glad to see you still have the site running.

- Skip :)

Skippy sighting! Skippy sighting! :ohnoes:











Hi, Skippy. :o

Happy New Year, John!

It's been a VERY long time. It looks like you're still doing well. :)

Hey, Skip! All is well. :)

Happy New Year!

It's been a VERY long time.:eek:

Just cleared a 1 foot bunny hop. Will keep practicing until I can more than double that... :)

33353

Just cleared a 1 foot bunny hop. Will keep practicing until I can more than double that... :)

33353

To be fair you look like you cleared it by a few inches in that pic so I don't doubt that you'll be clearing 2ft pretty soon! :D

I did an interview with Muscle & Strength. You can check it out here: http://www.muscleandstrength.com/articles/john-stone-body-transformation.html

I did an interview with Muscle & Strength. You can check it out here: http://www.muscleandstrength.com/articles/john-stone-body-transformation.html

Congratulations! Great interview. I've read your FAQ several times, but this goes into much greater detail about why you got started and it's very inspirational. Thanks for sharing!

My 1 foot bunny hop video and frame-by-frame bunny hop tutorial. Hope this helps someone out!

YjjAJt1FNEs

Congratulations! Great interview. I've read your FAQ several times, but this goes into much greater detail about why you got started and it's very inspirational. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Rob, much appreciated! :)

Hi John,

I'm excited that you're in your cuttng mode - i always find it inspiring and interesting to read and extremely motivating! Just a quick question....Will there be a return of the monthly photos while you're cutting?
:gl:

Hi John,

I'm excited that you're in your cuttng mode - i always find it inspiring and interesting to read and extremely motivating!
Awesome - glad to hear it! :)

Just a quick question....Will there be a return of the monthly photos while you're cutting?
I took those "posed" progress photographs on a daily and then monthly basis for over six years. Towards the end of that time I REALLY started to hate feeling obligated to continue with them. While I will certainly continue to post random progress photos when the mood strikes me, I am totally over taking those monthly posed photos.

Hey John,

Awesome bunny hopping. Have you considered using cleats/clipless pedals (see clipless pedals section in this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_pedal) article)? Being attached to the pedals will allow you to lift the bike much higher during your hops. It takes some getting used to being attached to the bike but I find it a much more rewarding experience and I find my control of the bike is unmatched.

Hey Jokat,

Thanks!

If I could jump an inch higher every time someone told me to bunny hop using clipless pedals I'd be a world champion bunny hopper now. :lol:

:neener:

I know clipless pedals would allow me to get more height, but right now I want to master the technique without using my feet to pull the bike up. Bunny hops of 2 or even 3+ feet are very do-able without clipping in.

Leave it to me to do it the hard way. :spaz:

Hey John,

Awesome bunny hopping. Have you considered using cleats/clipless pedals (see clipless pedals section in this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_pedal) article)? Being attached to the pedals will allow you to lift the bike much higher during your hops. It takes some getting used to being attached to the bike but I find it a much more rewarding experience and I find my control of the bike is unmatched.

Hey John,

I completely understand, I think I moved to cleats too soon myself but once you use them its hard to go back. At least thats how I feel. I must admit however that I have a buddy who hated them and went back to standard pedals. He is way better on the bike with regular pedals. It a personal thing I guess.

:)

In my opinion, someone who's picked up the technique as quickly as John has would probably find going clipless a hindrance. If spuds offered any real advantages, the guys already hopping over 4ft would be using them - instead of staying with flats.

I'm getting DOMS just reading your workout from earlier John :blank: That 4x20 must hurt!

I'm getting DOMS just reading your workout from earlier John :blank: That 4x20 must hurt!
:nod:

This evening it's taking me about 2 minutes to get up out of my chair - and DOMS are always worse for me the second day, so tomorrow should be fun. :scared:

John,

Years back I was into BMX racing with the 20 inch bikes. When we did a bunny hop or went over a big jump the same rules applied. Such as bending your knees slightly is awesome but then really pullthe front frame to your crotch area, after you clear the first half use your pedals and feet to lift the back of the bike over the bar again. Almost a 2 step process more than a flat jump.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdM5FUxarsk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfDq-3q1INk&NR=1&feature=fvwp

^ Example.

Doing good! :tu:

Adopting a healthy lifestyle is the smartest thing I've ever done in my entire life.

As a married man, you should know the smartest thing you ever did was get married.:lol: (but of course that goes without saying).

Hey John, I thought you would have been putting up monthly progress pictures for the reason alot of new people would be also starting either cutting/eating and training healthier there for could gauge of your photos/results.. I am also cutting and around the 13% body fat and was aiming to your 8% goal too and photos would act as a tool for motivation not only for me but I believe alot of others. ;)

But i totally understand you would be very sick of taking photos and unloading etc especially after 7 years, congrats and awesome work :tu:






lift some weights eat some steaks!

Hey John, how did it go with the shar pei?

Hey John, how did it go with the shar pei?
We really liked her, she was soooo sweet. But she kept going after Loki, aggressive and snarling. She started doing it more the longer she was here. It broke our hearts to see Loki so scared and stressed after being the Alpha most of his life. After almost 15 years with Loki, his happiness comes first. We declined, but we were assured that there were other people interested and LuLu would not be put down. It was a very emotional afternoon...

I'm hoping to hear from her current owner soon. She promised to call with updates.

I thought for sure LuLu was meeting her new owners this weekend. :)

Can't blame you for passing though, bringing in a new dog with a 15-year-old Loki would be hard.

We really liked her, she was soooo sweet. But she kept going after Loki, aggressive and snarling. She started doing it more the longer she was here. It broke our hearts to see Loki so scared and stressed after being the Alpha most of his life. After almost 15 years with Loki, his happiness comes first. We declined, but we were assured that there were other people interested and LuLu would not be put down. It was a very emotional afternoon...

I'm hoping to hear from her current owner soon. She promised to call with updates.

Ah that's a shame. I hope LuLu finds a new home.

wow.. 343 pages huh? I havent backpedaled too much to see how big you are John, but from what i've seen, looking MASSIVE bro! thanks for keepin the site alive!

wow.. 343 pages huh? I havent backpedaled too much to see how big you are John, but from what i've seen, looking MASSIVE bro! thanks for keepin the site alive!
Hey Escher, good to see you again! Hope all is well.

I've still got some decent size, but playing the "huge game" is no longer important to me. I'm still interested in having a good physique, but I've really been getting into mountain biking lately. My training goals have shifted as a result. :)

Hello!

33545

Your update today was hysterical. Not the part about you being ticked off, but all the shots at the college students were epic. :)

A "college student" isn't what it used to be 20 years ago, or even 10 years ago for that matter. Our culture pushes WAY too many high schoolers off to college when they have no business being there. We send them off with the simple "next step" mentality without regard to their academic abilities or academic interest...and even worse, without any regard to the cost! The amount of debt that kids are graduating with (or dropping out with!) is alarming. My humble opinion (not shared by many) is that for the vast majority of people, student loans are dumb and not worth it, and that's coming from a high school teacher.

I digress. How about a recording of one of these conversations, that would be classic!

Your update today was hysterical. Not the part about you being ticked off, but all the shots at the college students were epic. :)
I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)


I digress. How about a recording of one of these conversations, that would be classic!
As much as I would love to do that, I have a funny feeling that would violate company policy. :nod:

--

I need to publicly take responsibility for something I said in the original version of my update, which read:

"I had to keep reminding myself that I was speaking with college students, and not stoned, autistic 3rd graders with speech impediments."

That line was up for about 10 minutes when I received an email from the parent of an autistic child. This parent (rather politely) set me straight, and I'm glad that he did. I quickly edited my post.

I am beyond embarrassed that I was responsible for such an extremely insensitive and highly ignorant remark. I have no excuse. I sincerely apologize to anyone who was offended. I feel terrible about it.

We can all slip up once and awhile John. Tnx for the apology. My 2nd cousin is autistic but i've yet to see him since he lives 7 hours away. I see his mom (my first cousin) every once and awhile tho.

Even though I'm not real happy with my physique right now, I'm going to start posting more progress pictures.

As I've mentioned, I've lost considerable size since my 2008 bulk: my arms are little over 17" here with a pump. While the size I've lost doesn't really bother me (that's a lie), I don't like my body fat at ~14%. As I get my body fat down to more reasonable levels the cuts should enhance the muscle I manged to hang on to.

I even smiled! :)

That picture is cracking me up :lol:. Oh and only 17" :P

I need to publicly take responsibility for something I said in the original version of my update, which read:

"I had to keep reminding myself that I was speaking with college students, and not stoned, autistic 3rd graders with speech impediments."

That line was up for about 10 minutes when I received an email from the parent of an autistic child. This parent (rather politely) set me straight, and I'm glad that he did. I quickly edited my post.

I am beyond embarrassed that I was responsible for such an extremely insensitive and highly ignorant remark. I have no excuse. I sincerely apologize to anyone who was offended. I feel terrible about it.

I continue to be impressed with this website, the community, and you yourself. Your approach has helped me in my fitness goals and I've only been a member for a few weeks. I really enjoy the site and respect your integrity.

BTW I went through your home gym pics and I'm wondering 1. What do you use exercise bands for? 2. What are wrist wraps for? as opposed to lifting straps?

Thanks

Oh and only 17" :P
Well, I didn't use the word "only", but if I had it would have been appropriate: a year ago they were over an inch bigger. :nod:


I continue to be impressed with this website, the community, and you yourself. Your approach has helped me in my fitness goals and I've only been a member for a few weeks. I really enjoy the site and respect your integrity.
Thanks, Ameer.

BTW I went through your home gym pics and I'm wondering 1. What do you use exercise bands for? 2. What are wrist wraps for? as opposed to lifting straps?
The exercise band were mostly used when I was rehabbing my shoulder (rotator cuff strengthening exercises and so on).

The wrist wraps serve a completely different purpose than straps. The wraps help stabilize my wrists and prevent injury.

Hey John,

I bought Digital FatTrack Pro a while back after I saw it on your website. However, using it is an adventure every time. I searched the forums and saw that other folks experience the same. You seem to be getting great and consistent results with it. How about making a video of you using it? That would be very much appreciated. :tucool:

Thanks,
Alex

I bought Digital FatTrack Pro a while back after I saw it on your website. However, using it is an adventure every time. I searched the forums and saw that other folks experience the same. You seem to be getting great and consistent results with it. How about making a video of you using it? That would be very much appreciated. :tucool:
If you do a Google search you'll find that there are already some pretty good videos/tutorials out there by people far more qualified than I am, but even those learning tools are no substitute for lots and lots of practice. Once you get the proper locations and basic technique down, it's a matter of doing it over and over until you get pretty consistent results.

No matter how good you are, though, remember that it is just a caliper; results are always going to vary to a degree. When you say "adventure", how much variance are you talking about?

I take a minimum of three caliper readings every weekend. Sometimes my three readings will vary up to a full percentage point. I usually go with the middle reading, or occasionally the highest reading if the variance is only a couple 10th of a percent.

I think the reason I get fairly consistent results is due to years and years of performing the test on my own body. I doubt my readings would be very consistent if I had to take someone else's body fat.

Hey John

I just found the website & forum. I am absolutely blown away by what I have seen and read so far.
I am 53 and very overweight and unfit. I had a small heart attack in July 2008 and at that time gave up smoking. Howeve since then my wight has increase and i got to 118 kg I said enough and stated dieting in Oct 2009 after coming back from a holiday and seeing pice of myelf. Last Dec I joined a gym and am currently trying to lose weight and then I want to get in good shape. I am currently at 98kg and still have a long way to go. I have always struggled with my weight, but this time there is only forward. NEVER going back.

Hey John

I just found the website & forum. I am absolutely blown away by what I have seen and read so far.
I am 53 and very overweight and unfit. I had a small heart attack in July 2008 and at that time gave up smoking. Howeve since then my wight has increase and i got to 118 kg I said enough and stated dieting in Oct 2009 after coming back from a holiday and seeing pice of myelf. Last Dec I joined a gym and am currently trying to lose weight and then I want to get in good shape. I am currently at 98kg and still have a long way to go. I have always struggled with my weight, but this time there is only forward. NEVER going back.
George, welcome! You're awesome attitude is what's going to ensure your success. Glad you are here. :)

Thanks John

If I can get half way to where you are I would be thrilled.

One question........how can I view "new posts" everytime I log on, saving me from strolling the forum to see whats been updated?

One question........how can I view "new posts" everytime I log on, saving me from strolling the forum to see whats been updated?
Easy: at the top of your screen click "Search" -> "New Posts". :)

Thanks

So this happened today on the trails. :(

33599

33600

It took a trip to the emergency room and 18 stitches to repair my partially severed lip. It was a pretty miserable afternoon, but thankfully I'm home now. The doctor felt further surgery would not be required, but only time will tell.

I'll post the details in tomorrow morning's update, but for now I need to try to eat. I missed a bunch of meals today. :bang:

Ouch
I hope it's all the doctoring you are going to need.

So this happened today on the trails. :(

33599

It took a trip to the emergency room and 18 stitches to repair my partially severed lip. It was a pretty miserable afternoon, but thankfully I'm home now. The doctor felt further surgery would not be required, but only time will tell.

I'll post the details in tomorrow morning's update, but for now I need to try to eat. I missed a bunch of meals today. :bang:

shit that looks painful John hope you didn't do any other damage at the time look after yourself :gl:

Here's to a speedy recovery!:gl:

Oh man, that looks painful. Take care of yourself and drink a lot of protein shakes and anything else you can get through a straw. Get well soon. :nod:

Ouch!!!!!!! :eek:
Hope they gave you some good painkillers!
The good thing about it is that your mouth heals very very quickly.
I've had a gum surgery and it's amazing how quickly you get better.

I dont think you should be drinking through a straw though. You dont want to move your lips too much.

I would recommend Arnica Montana. It's great for bruising, swelling, inflammation. It's usually used after plastic surgery/filler/botox injections etc.
For me a compress of homeopatic tincture works best. Maybe you dont want to put it over the stiches but you can apply it in the area.
Honestly, it works!

Hope you get better soon!!! :hug:

Bummer dude :(

Like Elaine sang on Seinfeld...

5AAnnOR_2kM

sounds like it will make a great story. I hope it heals up quickly with no further problems.

What'd you faceplant into?

Maya's right John...you will be so surprised how fast your mouth will heal! Bad thing about the mouth is that it sure can bleed!!! Nurse Maya is also right about the staw...I would stay clear of those for a couple days until the stitches start the skin to heal together.

I'm sure you had your helmet on (thank God) and I'm hoping you were with Lisa (and not far away). Riding home (or walking...how's the bike?) after an injury to the car is NO FUN!

I'm sure this is going to be an interesting story....Hope today is a better day then yesterday pain wise.

John, get well soon.

Wow. Take care and heal up quickly.

awesome! you officially got your first battle scar.

i split my lip open once. i had to have a plastic surgeon stitch it up.

get back to riding asap.

A battle wound! You'll look back on it with fond memories.

Heal up quick my man, best wishes.

Thank you all very much for the kind words and great advice. :)

I feel very fortunate that it wasn't worse. It very easily could have been. :nod:

I really wish I had the video footage (see today's blog update).

If you're interested, I posted a detailed account of what happened in today's blog (http://www.johnstonefitness.com/news/jan_2010_news_archive.php#01252010).

OW! Damn, John, I read your recap with my hands covering my mouth in sympathy. OWOWOW!

Here's to a speedy recovery.

Glad to hear you're okay, John. :nod:

Ouch...that looks worse than I imagined. Hope you get well man, and you'll be back on the trails before you know it!

Yikes, hope that heals up soon!

Yikes, I hope that heals up soon

Also major kudos for doing a leg workout after that :tucool:

I was eating, but it's cottage cheese, and I don't think anything can make cottage cheese more disgusting for me than it already is;)

Here's hoping you heal up well, and that if there must be a scar, that it be a really really cool one:tucool:

I wish you a speedy recovery John...

Ahhhh it all reminds me of why I stopped with the crazy mountain biking a couple of years ago.

I too cracked my lip open about 10 yrs ago (then I discovered fullface helmets, broke bones in my foot (hit a jump too hard landed wayyyy past the landing), and probably the worst of all a dislocated shoulder which was out of place for about 1.5 hours due to being in a remote location. Plus more cuts, gouges and lost skin that I care to think about. But chicks dig the scars right? :)

Have a think about buying a fullface helmet and some body armour... :D

Thanks a lot everyone. :)

Today was not such a good day. The pain is pretty bad now, and the swelling became worse and worse as the day wore on. I had a chicken breast with brown rice for meal #2, and managed to get it down, but it was not easy. Chewing hurts, and I can barely open my mouth to get the food in. I drank the rest of today's meals.

I did hit the gym (leg day), but almost as soon as I started lifting my mouth began to fill with blood. The wounds on the inside of mouth are still pretty raw, and I guess the straining that comes with lifting heavy (this is a core week) was too much. I spit the blood out a couple times, but it started to interfere with my breathing so I had to stop. :(

Tomorrow is a cardio-only day, and hopefully by Wednesday's chest/delts/triceps workout my mouth will be far enough along the recovery path to not bleed while I'm lifting. Looking forward to solid food again, too. Hopefully the swelling will start to subside a bit over the next 48 hours.

I took this picture this morning for the wasteland crew. As you can see from my shirt, I'm having a bit of a problem keeping liquids in my mouth. :o

33612

Back in 96 I was on holidays with the family and I ended up with an absysed tooth. I had been taking strong pain killers for the past day or so and had a doctor come out to prescribe antibiotics. I took two tablets and thought I would lie down. The wife and kids went down to the pool for a swim. After a while I was hungry as I had been unable to eat for a couple of days. The only thing that I could handle then was coco pops with milk and left to go really soggy. As I was preparing them I passed out. I come to with my face in the bowl, so I thought it better to lie down. As I turned to walk back into the living room I passed out again. When I came to I was flat on the floor ( concrete) with blood everywhere, I grabbed a tea towel and covered my face and crawled into the lounge and got up on the couch.

When they all came back my ife freeked out, she thought someone had come in and bashed me, I didn't realise until the next day when I was able to have a shower that I had split my lower lip, had a gash on the nose and my cheeks were swollen and an eye was black. Seing John's pic there reminded me of that time.

When ventured out I used to get some strange looks and always asked "what the other guy looked like" I found out that I had overdosed on pain killers and the antibiotics tipped me over the edge. I still carry scares on the inside of the lip and on the nose.

I feel for you John.

It's astonishing how the body can repair itself when accidents happens. I feel for you and hope you'll get good really soon. :)

Well wishes for a speedy recovery. Sounds like you are doing better already, and it's not an injury that will stop your workouts.

And welcome to the Bike War Wounds club! Keep wearing that helmet!

Geez, John. :eek: I was happy to read in today's update that you're feeling better.

Here's the video footage of the accident and what happened after, along with my commentary. The volume is fairly low, so you might need to turn up the sound a bit.


TY42x_QPeAg

OUCH! That picture says it all. Glad it wasn't worse than it could have been. I wonder if a mouthguard would have helped at all, nothing you could do know, but for future use.

Just got a bit unlucky... and the last pic is funny.

You = :p

Get well soon! :)

Dang...they shoulda made that downward plank a little wider. That trail also doesn't look very forgiving. In a few places, it looks like if you mess up and go off the trail, that you will fall about 6 feet off of the edge into the ditch.

You can certainly tell from the vid that you went straight to the ground ... glad that you didn't suffer more extrensive injuries. Still though, I have to admit that I lol'd a couple of times at Lisa's reaction....especially when she looked over while you were on the bikes.

Sorry to read about the accident John - hope you recover quickly!

Nasty spill man...and you were right, Lisa's reaction was great. She loves you man. :)

ETA on saddling back up?

Oh! You see the hands go out right as you drop! Good thing you didn't hurt your hands/wrists more than you did!

I wish I has footage of my bike accident--I flew forward over the bike handles rather than down and landed about 4 feet in front of my bike. I'm sure the film of me flying through the air would have been hilarious.

My bro's reaction was pretty good too:

"Are you hurt? Are you bleed? Are any bones sticking out?"
"No, I'm good. Just a bit banged up."
"Permission to laugh?"
"Go ahead."
"BWA-hahahahahahaha!!"

At least he checked that I was ok before falling to the ground in fits of laughter!

Feel better, John, and heal quickly.

Dang...they shoulda made that downward plank a little wider. That trail also doesn't look very forgiving. In a few places, it looks like if you mess up and go off the trail, that you will fall about 6 feet off of the edge into the ditch.

It really is a challenging set of trails, and you're right--they are not forgiving at all. There are quite a few places that something simple as hitting a root the wrong way, misjudging a hop or coming into a turn a little too quickly could end very bad.

The thing about these videos is that they don't properly convey a lot of the hazards. There are big roots sticking up everywhere, jagged rocks, sharp broken tree stumps jutting out all along the trail, narrow trails that are just inches from 6-12 foot drops into a rocky creek that has more pesticide and run-off than water... They are very technical trails, and they require constant attention and focus to make it out in one piece.

Another thing that these videos don't do a very good job of conveying are all the elevation changes. There are drops of 2 feet that barely even show up in the video.

Anyway, I put so much focus on my epic fail from this past Sunday that an otherwise very solid day of riding has gone ignored. Here's one of my best speed runs (save for a couple minor mistakes) of both trails at Soldier's Creek. I made this run shortly before my faceplant accident on January 24, 2010.

WxJtdn4qAgc

John, how do you know which way is the "right way" to be traveling on the trails? I assume they are one-way, but I can't seem to figure out how you'd know...are there markings I'm missing?

John, how do you know which way is the "right way" to be traveling on the trails? I assume they are one-way, but I can't seem to figure out how you'd know...are there markings I'm missing?
There are no markings, and that's why I ran some poor guy off the trail the very first time I went down it. :(

I've seen other people make the same mistake, and always tell them to turn around. This past Sunday I saw some guy going the wrong way, and I told him so. He said, "Oh, really?" and then continued going the wrong way with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth and his ~7 year old son trailing behind him. :mad:

Later that day the same idiot was still going the wrong way. I was on the trail, and Lisa said to him, "You're still going the wrong way, and my husband is going to be coming FAST from the other direction." I guess he finally turned around because I never saw him again.

I really should take some boards and spray paint, make some signs and nail them to trees at each entrance. The problem is there are a lot of places to enter these trails.

The problem is there are a lot of places to enter these trails.
That's what I was noticing in your vids...seems it would be very easy to "enter" an "exit" and be heading the wrong way. Your latest vid at one point you seemed to kinda pass an entrance (or exit?) and I was wondering what if someone entered there and turned left instead of right.

Who maintains these trails? The town?

Who maintains these trails? The town?
Nope, the riders.

Wow! Pretty anazing! Lucky you weren't hurt more severely,,, :hug:

But ya know -- at least in the pictures -- as hurt as you look after the stiches -- you also look kinda cute :) That's gooma be a tough lookin' scar --- kinda pirate like... :cool:

Here's some video of Lisa and I riding on a trail system that I've never shot footage of before.

The trails here are not at all challenging compared to those we normally ride over at Soldier's Creek, but the boardwalks that run through the swampy forest are an absolute blast to speed down (there's footage of that here, too).

These trails are a short bike ride from the more difficult trails around Soldier's Creek, and we like to head over here when we need a breather between our more difficult runs.

This footage was shot on January 24, 2010 shortly before my faceplant. In fact, it was on these trails that my tires became extremely muddy. I believe the mud on my tires was a contributing factor to the accident that occurred a short time later.

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Just read the update, John. Congrats on the lean mass retention throughout your recent ordeal and the cutting diet. Just goes to show how much muscle mass you've built over the years. As unfortunate as the lip injury is, their are sometimes good sides to these detours in the road. Keep up the inspiring work! :tu:

Just read the update, John. Congrats on the lean mass retention throughout your recent ordeal and the cutting diet. Just goes to show how much muscle mass you've built over the years. As unfortunate as the lip injury is, their are sometimes good sides to these detours in the road. Keep up the inspiring work! :tu:
Thanks, Aram! I was very surprised by this morning's measurements. I feel like I dodged a bullet, and I'm more motivated than ever to keep pushing towards my goal. :)

That was a rather nasty crash there John. You probably don't feel lucky but I'd say that you are. You could have been hurt much worse. Lips heal much better than broken necks.

In response to the wrong way on the trails:

The trails I ride here in Ohio are two way, with signs warning of so.
There is another trail though that I believe is one way...
Anyway, if they are fast trails and not technical trails, I can see where you don't want someone going the wrong way, but if they aren't fast, and kinda technical, by all means, figure out who pulls over for a second and the other lays down the hammer.
*ends two cents*
:D

BTW John, way to take a face plant! OUCH

Dang, saddle must've taken a fair beating if the crash bent one of the saddle rails :-| How're the injuries healing up? Good to read that you're getting the motivation back to get out and ride.

That pizza update today was awesome, I mean it. I have really vivid dreams as well and they always make me think things over afterwards

John, I can't believe you did yard work and didn't post pictures! :)

I always look forward to those landscaping pictures from you every year.

Everything is still pretty brown right now. Things will green up and bloom over the next month or so. I'll get some shots then.

Okay, good deal. :)

Everything is still pretty brown right now. Things will green up and bloom over the next month or so. I'll get some shots then.

Take some pics you slacker.

Out of curiosity John, how cold was this, Central Florida's coldest, winter?

Great update today - plenty of time to get ready for the summer!

Out of curiosity John, how cold was this, Central Florida's coldest, winter?
I believe the average temperature for the entire winter season was a little below 56 degrees. We had a large number of days below freezing, which is pretty unusual here.

Hey John, have you ever considered playing team sports such as softball or basketball? With your strength you'd probably make a killer clean-up hitter or power forward.

Hey John, have you ever considered playing team sports such as softball or basketball? With your strength you'd probably make a killer clean-up hitter or power forward.
I've definitely thought about it. I'm a horrible basketball player (played a lot when I was younger and I REALLY suck), but I'm not a bad baseball player. But right now I'm so into mountain biking that it's all I want to do when I have free time.

John, do you think the scar might be infected? Is there a "hardness" in there that might be fluid build-up?

You have a million facial nerves in your face. As your lip is healing the nerves are probably regenerating and growing. They are probably more senitive right now and will take time to calm down back to their normal state. Many people experience this with surgery as well. I don't know if you remember my foot surgery but the increased sensitivity/pain last for about a year.

John, do you think the scar might be infected? Is there a "hardness" in there that might be fluid build-up?
I don't think so. There's some hardness there but it feels like scar tissue. Also, when I went to my regular doctor to have the stitches out he told me that the antibiotics did their job, and there was zero signs of infection.

You have a million facial nerves in your face. As your lip is healing the nerves are probably regenerating and growing. They are probably more senitive right now and will take time to calm down back to their normal state. Many people experience this with surgery as well. I don't know if you remember my foot surgery but the increased sensitivity/pain last for about a year.
I think this is it. I've heard from a lot of people today and most of them said these things can take a long time to fully heal. I'm going to give it some more time and will go see my doctor if there's no improvement over the next few months.

Gardens coming along?

Hi John,

With my work load I've gotten behind on reading your daily updates, but I just want to congratulate you on your recent cutting results! Today I begin my own cutting diet and can only hope that I can attain results half way as successful as yours! I'm glad to have read your update, now I am motivated! :)

With my work load I've gotten behind on reading your daily updates, but I just want to congratulate you on your recent cutting results!
Thanks! :o

Today I begin my own cutting diet and can only hope that I can attain results half way as successful as yours! I'm glad to have read your update, now I am motivated! :)
Ha, you'll probably be at 3% body fat before I hit 8%. :lol:

Hey John, how have you been enjoying the Trek 4300 since getting it last year? I'm probably going to be investing in a 3900 Disc tomorrow, as my budget is somewhere under $500, and everything looks promising thus far.

Of course, being in Colorado, trail riding is only possible so many months out of the year. Should still be fun.

:D

Hey John, how have you been enjoying the Trek 4300 since getting it last year? I'm probably going to be investing in a 3900 Disc tomorrow, as my budget is somewhere under $500, and everything looks promising thus far.
I love it, and Lisa loves hers. We've taken our 4300s on everything from ~40-mile paved rides to rough dirt trails and the bikes perform very well in both environments. I even wrecked mine pretty hard out on the dirt trails and, apart from straightening the handlebars and replacing the bent saddle, it was just fine.

I am really glad I went with a straight-up hardtail mountain bike instead of a hybrid.

I have only two complaint about the 4300:

- The stock saddle is pretty uncomfortable. We replaced both of ours not long after we got the bikes.

- Occasionally after a hard landing or a high bunny hop the chain will come off. This has happened to me about 4 or 5 times, but has never happened to Lisa. The stock rear derailer may need to be swapped out for a better one if this becomes an issue for you.

A few new pictures. About 10% body fat here...

Tricep/forearm/Loki:
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Vascularity returning:
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Smashed the crap out of my finger between dumbbells by trying to lay them down at failure instead of dropping them. The finger instantly swelled to about twice it's normal size. Thankfully it's not broken, but rope pressdowns after this happened were not too fun.
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Hey John, nice pics. Your triceps remind me of Kevin Levrone's, only with more thickness. :nod:

I don't know, man.... maybe you better get that bad boy X-rayed. :confused:

I don't know, man.... maybe you better get that bad boy X-rayed. :confused:
Nah, I can confirm that it's definitely not broken. There's just some blood under the skin now, and some mild-ish stiffness. I lucked out!

Damn dude those are some full tri muscle bellies. :tucool:

Smashed the crap out of my finger between dumbbells by trying to lay them down at failure instead of dropping them. The finger instantly swelled to about twice it's normal size. Thankfully it's not broken, but rope pressdowns after this happened were not too fun.
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Ouch I kept expecting this to be some sort of April fool joke but clearly not hope you mend quickly :)

After 3 months with no cheat meals and a lot of hard work in the gym, it's pretty rewarding to see my cuts starting to return.

Killed it today in the gym. :spaz:

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Starting to look really cut! It's exciting when seeing new veins that haven't been seen in a while. haha. I would say that's the first moment you realize that all this calorie deficit and hard work is worth it. :)

Abs definitely need another month or so in the oven. :nod:

I'm also dealing with some extra loose skin this year. I love getting old. :blank:

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Abs definitely need another month or so in the oven. :nod:

I'm also dealing with some extra loose skin this year. I love getting old. :blank:

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Just stretch your skin out with more muscle :)

Where can i find John's current cutting-routine diet?

Where can i find John's current cutting-routine diet?
My complete cutting diet is tracked daily on BodyShop (http://bodyshop.johnstonefitness.com). You just need to log in using your forum username/password.

My complete cutting diet is tracked daily on BodyShop (http://bodyshop.johnstonefitness.com). You just need to log in using your forum username/password.


thats awesome.. :), i thought i need to be a paid member in order to use bodyshop...

We spread 6 yards of mulch this morning, and it only took us 2 hours!
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This past winter was quite literally the coldest winter on record for Orlando (breaking the record set all the way back in 1954). The grass and plants were hit hard, but are making a nice comeback.

April 10, 2010. North side of house. This photo was taken right after mulching. The cold winter really took its toll on things, but everything is starting to come back nicely. The golden globe Durantas and Firecracker plants are starting to come back, and the queen palms will soon be growing new fronds to replace those that were damaged during the harsh winter. The grass was totally brown a couple weeks ago, and is starting to make a nice recovery. The Azaleas against the house never disappoint!
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April 10, 2010. North side of house and part of the West side of the house. This photo was taken right after mulching. The sago survived the harsh winter with no burnt fronds because I was very careful to keep it covered on nights when the temperature dipped below freezing.The Canary Island date palms that line the North side of the home are very cold tolerant and are doing quite well. The Indian Hawthorne and Loropetalum are doing great, and starting to bloom now. Despite being covered during cold nights, the Robellini palm against the small section of fence facing the front of the home was once again badly hurt by the cold and lost all its fronds. Only one trunk of the three survived. I'm going to replace it.
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April 10, 2010. North and West side of house. This photo was taken right after mulching. The Pindo palms (one of which is in the foreground) also do very well in the cold, and were unphased by the extra cold winter. In the front bed and also in the beds surrounding the house we just planted a bunch of Dwarf Nandina, Daisies and Dahlia. The roses in the front bed will soon be covered with literally hundreds of blooms. The Magnolia in the eye-shaped bed will also be blooming very soon. The grass is finally starting to come back, and I should have my thick, dark green lawn again about a month from now. I'll take more pictures in early May.
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My size 29 jeans fit comfortably again. :spaz:

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Hey John, just wondering, how do your legs fit in size 29 jeans? Whenever I try on Jeans that are below size 32....its so tight around my thighs, I can't stand it. I actually have a size 34 pair that I wear, even though its way to big around the waist. I just like having breathing room around my thighs.

Hey John, just wondering, how do your legs fit in size 29 jeans? Whenever I try on Jeans that are below size 32....its so tight around my thighs, I can't stand it. I actually have a size 34 pair that I wear, even though its way to big around the waist. I just like having breathing room around my thighs.
Regular jeans won't fit me for that reason. I like Levi's Silvertab, which are supposed to be baggy but are actually snug in the thigh for me (but not horribly so). There are other brands out there like that, too.

My size 29 jeans fit comfortably again. :spaz:
Must be nice!

My 34's are getting snug. I guess that's how it goes when you're bulking :jk0:

As mentioned in today's update (http://www.johnstonefitness.com/news/apr_2010_news_archive.php#04182010): joking around in the Wasteland after being asked for photographic proof that I could now remove my 32" waist jeans without unbuttoning them.

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As mentioned in today's update (http://www.johnstonefitness.com/news/apr_2010_news_archive.php#04182010): joking around in the Wasteland after being asked for photographic proof that I could now remove my 32" waist jeans without unbuttoning them.

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You are such a dork :) A bad-ass tough mofo of a dork!

Better than simply being a flabby dork, such as me.

Wrist issue:

Good morning John. I had a wrist injury that was mis diagnosed last summer. I had a Dr. tell me I had carpel tunnel. He was wrong. I actually had a TFCC tear. http://www.eorthopod.com/content/triangular-fibrocartilage-complex-tfcc-injuries

I was fishing in the keys, and slipped backwards and landed on my butt. In breaking my fall I landed with my hands on the dock bent at an angle. This angle caused the cartilage to tear. With your recent bike injury, in which you landed face first trying to break your fall with your hands, I would HIGHLY suggest talking to a Sports Orthopedist about the possibility of a TFCC tear. I had to wear a plastic wrist brace for close to 2 months. But it finally healed. That area has horrible blood supply so not much other stuff helped including ultrasound.

Hope this helps.
Eric

Thanks, Eric. I was experiencing wrist pain long before my fall, and when I fell my face actually took the brunt of the impact. :lol:

I have to go through my regular doctor before I can get any kind of referral anyway.

Eric may have a point, John.

Carpal Tunnel syndrome often presents with neurological symptoms. Are you getting any type of numbness, tingling, pins and needles or anything like that in your hand?

I would def see a doctor if it continues to bother you. It could be the ligaments in the area, decreased joint play, muscle strains...a good evaluation will help to isolate which tissue is the problem.

I can't tell you guys the number of times a scenario like I just described has played out in the exact same way. The hardest part is not the actual workout; it's having the mental discipline to force yourself to get in the gym when you don't feel like training. I'd say that 9 out of 10 times when I make myself train when I don't feel like doing it I wind up having a good--or even a great--workout. In fact, some of my best workouts have taken place under those conditions.


Didn't know where or how else to respond to this so I'm just going to here!


I feel the exact same way! In fact usually when I'm pumped up for a workout during the day. By the time I get to working out later in the evening they never seem to be as good as I was hoping.

Weird how that works... But it's because of this I usually drag myself in there especially when I don't want to(unless I'm sick). By the time the warm up sets are done I'm usually chugging along full stride :cool:

Weird how that works... But it's because of this I usually drag myself in there especially when I don't want to(unless I'm sick). By the time the warm up sets are done I'm usually chugging along full stride :cool:
Sometimes I think my competitive nature is responsible for this phenomenon. I think subconsciously it pisses me off whenever I think about blowing off a workout; being the stubborn mule that I am, my natural reaction is to push back.

Hi John, good to see you are still at it! You are a rock steady guy that is for sure. I started a new journal on here and I plan to pick it back up with some consistency for a bit.

I hope to follow your lead on the mountain biking, there are some cool places to ride here in Curacao.

Cheers!
:tucool:
-Travis

Hi John, good to see you are still at it!
Always. :nod:

Welcome back, Travis! :)

John, have you given and more thought to going and getting your body fat percentage calculated in a more accurate manner? I remember you were musing about that a little bit ago.

John, have you given and more thought to going and getting your body fat percentage calculated in a more accurate manner? I remember you were musing about that a little bit ago.
Yeah, I decided that I don't care enough to bother at this time.

Another day working outside in the yard...

We purchased a decorative planter today, and planted a Bougainvillea on a trellis in it.
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Close-up of the Bougainvillea.
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We planted this Hydrangea today. It replaced a Robalini palm, which did not survive the harsh winter. It will grow to be around six feet high, and 5 feet wide. It's a fast grower, and should really fill in this space by the end of the summer. It blooms from spring until first frost.
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This bastard Robalini took Lisa and I almost 2 hours to dig up. It was a nightmare. Broke a shovel, too. That was my cardio for the day.
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Here's a wide shot of the north bed with the the new Hydrangea.The Iris have started to bloom. We also planted a bunch of new annuals and perennials today.
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This is the north bed along the backyard fence. We removed the Cassia plants that flanked the Pindo palms, and replaced them with two-tiered Bougainvilleas (one visible in this shot). The roses are doing great, the Asiatic Jasmine ground cover is looking good and the Crepe Myrtles will be covered in dark red blooms in a couple of months. The grass is still recovering from the winter, but is coming along well.
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You and your home are looking might fine John. :tucool:

You and your home are looking might fine John. :tucool:
Thank you very much, Paul. :)

You and your home are looking might fine John. :tucool:

It looks very nice, I agree. A second decorative planter may be needed to keep the garage front looking symmetrical.

My what a beautiful place you and Lisa have John. :):)

My what a beautiful place you and Lisa have John. :):)
Thank you. :)

Added a couple of decorative planters with spiral topiaries to the front entry.

Soon several dozen Agapanthus in the bed to the right of the walkway (with the queen palm) will be in bloom, as will the Dwarf Mexican Petunias under the low dense topiary in the foreground.

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Amazing work on your landscaping John!

Another great body comp transformation! Congrats on 17 weeks of success!
WTG JOHN! :tu:

Good job John. I never doubted that you'd be able to accomplish it. Concerning the before and after, I know you don't want to do them, but for regular old people like me, starting out around 15%, wanting to get down to single digits its kinda nice to see, of course you have more lean mass that i do, but nonetheless. Have a nice couple days, I'm sure your stomach will be doing flips. Take plenty of pepto or something, I know when I cheat after eating perfect for a long time I spend a lot of time on the toilet. :)

John Stone not doing any more progress before/after pics? May 2, 2010... a sad, sad day for the internet. :cry:

John, Long time Lurker (years, on a daily basis) first post ever! Dude, I have to say, I think yor decision to cut back on posting progress pics is a mistake. The pics were the draw for me to your site. The incredible photo documentation of your amazing transformation, awed and inspired me. I'm quite sure this is true for a large percentage of your members as well.

Ultimately it's your site and you can do what you want but please seriously consider the potential loss of interest that could occur.

I love the daily blog updates, and am looking forward to using the new Bodyshop features (haven't had time yet to truly input my data). However, got to see what you currently look like at 179 lbs!

Stay safe, Fitflyer

Thanks, Mastover and sodo.

Guys, I've been putting myself out there for more than 7 years now. You may be surprised by this, but I'm a very private person by nature. I've never been comfortable with hundreds of pictures of me in my underwear floating around the Internet. I also never intended for any of this to happen, but when I saw that others were inspired by my progress and that, miraculously, I was actually helping people improve their lives, I decided to continue posting the pictures. After all these years of being scrutinized, criticized, judged, made fun of and bashed I can't do it any more. None of this has ever been easy for me to do, and the only surprising thing is that it's taken this long to say "enough".

I've never asked any of you for anything. I just do what I do and talk about my fitness life (mostly) in great detail and with total honestly. I still love updating the site every day, I still have a passion for health and fitness, I still log my stats and meals and I still post pictures. So after all these years of (apparently) inspiring and providing many of you with inspiration and motivation, I was really hoping for a little more understanding with regards to this personal choice I've made.

That said, I appreciate that some of you feel so strongly about my decision. Sorry if I've let you down. I've got many, many years of fitness adventures ahead. You're all welcome to join me if you still want to.

Me and Lisa, a few minutes ago...

kinda drunks :D

Good job on your cut !
:nod:

kinda drunks :D

Adorable! That's, easily, one of the best pictures you've ever posted. That's inspiring in a way that's different from the progress pictures. That's joy. And that, I think, is the ultimate and ideal result of turning your life around. Thank you for sharing it. :dreamy:

Good job on your cut !
:nod:
Thanks! :)


Adorable! That's, easily, one of the best pictures you've ever posted. That's inspiring in a way that's different from the progress pictures. That's joy. And that, I think, is the ultimate and ideal result of turning your life around. Thank you for sharing it. :dreamy:
I totally agree. Thank you very much. Tonight has been so much fun, and your post made it even better. Thank YOU. :)

Gracias!

I was really hoping for a little more understanding with regards to this personal choice I've made.


I guess I don't really understand why people object to you not posting pictures -- particularly because, if you click on the pictures link, there are a gazillion pictures documenting your many bulks and cuts. If people want to see what can be accomplished, all they have to do is click that link. I'm not entirely sure what new pictures would show that your old pictures haven't.

In any case, I hope you enjoyed your cheat meal(s)! :tucool:

Thanks, Mastover and sodo.

Guys, I've been putting myself out there for more than 7 years now. You may be surprised by this, but I'm a very private person by nature. I've never been comfortable with hundreds of pictures of me in my underwear floating around the Internet. I also never intended for any of this to happen, but when I saw that others were inspired by my progress and that, miraculously, I was actually helping people improve their lives, I decided to continue posting the pictures. After all these years of being scrutinized, criticized, judged, made fun of and bashed I can't do it any more. None of this has ever been easy for me to do, and the only surprising thing is that it's taken this long to say "enough".

I've never asked any of you for anything. I just do what I do and talk about my fitness life (mostly) in great detail and with total honestly. I still love updating the site every day, I still have a passion for health and fitness, I still log my stats and meals and I still post pictures. So after all these years of (apparently) inspiring and providing many of you with inspiration and motivation, I was really hoping for a little more understanding with regards to this personal choice I've made.

That said, I appreciate that some of you feel so strongly about my decision. Sorry if I've let you down. I've got many, many years of fitness adventures ahead. You're all welcome to join me if you still want to.

It's your site, John. Hopefully most of the folks that come here will understand that your life is yours to live how you see fit. It's nice to see progress pics to show that it can be done, but if the folks on the boards haven't seen enough photo/video proof from you to show that it can, they haven't been paying attention.

Thank you for all that you have provided. I will continue to come here for what I always have, advice and motivation. The only pics I need to see to keep me on track are those of me.

Thanks again. Keep up the phenomenal work!

I guess I don't really understand why people object to you not posting pictures -- particularly because, if you click on the pictures link, there are a gazillion pictures documenting your many bulks and cuts. If people want to see what can be accomplished, all they have to do is click that link. I'm not entirely sure what new pictures would show that your old pictures haven't.

In any case, I hope you enjoyed your cheat meal(s)! :tucool:
Joe, thanks. The cheat meals were insanely good! :nod:


It's your site, John. Hopefully most of the folks that come here will understand that your life is yours to live how you see fit. It's nice to see progress pics to show that it can be done, but if the folks on the boards haven't seen enough photo/video proof from you to show that it can, they haven't been paying attention.

Thank you for all that you have provided. I will continue to come here for what I always have, advice and motivation. The only pics I need to see to keep me on track are those of me.

Thanks again. Keep up the phenomenal work!
Thank you very much. :)

Today I had an incredible pulled pork BBQ lunch with fries, beans and garlic bread. I washed it down with a couple awesome Guinness extra stouts. Most of you know how much I've been craving BBQ over the past 17 weeks, and so this was one incredible meal. :drool:

Now it's vodka and pokar teim :nod:

7t4NUgqQJo0

A few new garden photos from today. The weather was perfect!

Wide shot of the house.
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Corner bed. The roses are putting on a show!
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The lawn is almost fully recovered from a brutal winter. Finally.
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Front bed close to the house. The Agapanthus ("Blue Lily of the Nile") are about to explode! A couple are already starting to bloom, and in a week or two there will be dozens.
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The Dwarf Mexican Petunias under the topiary are now blooming, but in a couple more weeks there will be 3 or 4 times the number you see here.
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The Sago is doing really well. No signs of scale yet, but that's something that I have to keep a careful eye on.
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North bed. The Golden Globe Durantas are making a nice comeback. Just out of frame behind the Golden Globes is a Hibiscus that's doing well.
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From the back of the lot. The Canary Island Date Palms are looking good and will probably grow another 2 feet before next fall. The Bougainvilleas flanking the Pindo palm are in full bloom, and soon the 2 Crape Myrtles will be blooming as well.
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That landscaping is crazy John, you must put in a lot of work out there!

Does the sky really look like that, or is that the photo making it so blue? :)

Great pictures!

How does it work over there in terms of the land you own? Do you own the land right up to the kerb? If someone walks past your house are they on your land?

Also you have probably answered this before but is there any plans for your back garden? Is this something on hold financially at the moment? I would have thought being such a keen gardener and someone who likes a project, you would have been dying to get the back sorted and plan it all out and start digging! (though I know you have said you suck at DIY :lol: ). It isnt an "Instant" option, but as you are enjoying being outdoors so much (who wouldnt in Florida :mad: ), is it something you have considered as a DIY project?

From a UK point of view your house just has that absolute classic amercian home image, I love it ! Its beautiful and you must be very proud.

That landscaping is crazy John, you must put in a lot of work out there!It does take a lot of work, but it's work I really enjoy doing.

Does the sky really look like that, or is that the photo making it so blue? :)The skies are often incredibly blue, but I use a simple technique in Photoshop that makes outdoor photos really pop:

Layer -> Duplicate Layer
Image -> Adjustments -> Invert
Image -> Adjustments -> Desaturate
Filter - > Blur -> Guassian Blur -> 64 (up to around 128 can be cool, too--experiment)
Right Click on layer 2 -> Blending Options -> Blend Mode -> Overlay or Soft Light usually works best


How does it work over there in terms of the land you own? Do you own the land right up to the kerb? If someone walks past your house are they on your land?
I believe the sidewalk and treelawn are both considered public right of way.


Also you have probably answered this before but is there any plans for your back garden?
Big plans for the back yard, however we don't want to do anything until we have a pool put in. Once the pool is in the idea is to create a very lush, tropical forest sort of feel both around the pool and in the yard. It's going to be incredible, but a pool is not in the budget now.

Big plans for the back yard, however we don't want to do anything until we have a pool put in. Once the pool is in the idea is to create a very lush, tropical forest sort of feel both around the pool and in the yard. It's going to be incredible, but a pool is not in the budget now.

Awesome! I cant wait to see that project take shape. Probably a little much for a DIY project though, digging a pool ! :lol:

I wish I lived in warmer climbs. :nod:

Awesome! I cant wait to see that project take shape. Probably a little much for a DIY project though, digging a pool ! :lol:

I wish I lived in warmer climbs. :nod:

Me too! England isn't bad but would love some Florida sunshine!

Thanks for the photoshop tip it works a treat, I just tried it out on some wedding photos I took from a few weeks ago, really makes the sky colour 'pop' :)

Yeah England (especially London) is dull and boring most of the time. My uncle emigrated to Florida and says its the best thing he's ever done.

John the house and gardens look fantastic mate. :claplow:

John, did you end up watching Avatar the other day?

Thanks for the photoshop tip it works a treat, I just tried it out on some wedding photos I took from a few weeks ago, really makes the sky colour 'pop' :)Very cool. You're welcome!


John the house and gardens look fantastic mate. :claplow:
Thanks!


John, did you end up watching Avatar the other day?
Yep, looked amazing on Blu-ray. The visuals impressed the hell out of me, but the movie itself did not. I mean, I liked the film and was very entertained, but it didn't blow me out of the water or anything (aside from the stunning visuals).

Yep, looked amazing on Blu-ray. The visuals impressed the hell out of me, but the movie itself did not. I mean, I liked the film and was very entertained, but it didn't blow me out of the water or anything (aside from the stunning visuals).
Yeah, visually Avatar was awesome on Blu-ray. The movie was, eh. The plot reminded me a lot of Dances With Wolves, in the future....and without Indians :lol:

Yep, looked amazing on Blu-ray. The visuals impressed the hell out of me, but the movie itself did not. I mean, I liked the film and was very entertained, but it didn't blow me out of the water or anything (aside from the stunning visuals).Funny you say that, my wife and I just took our 6-month-old for a walk and we stopped by Best Buy (we live right behind one, literally 100 yards door to door) and it was playing on Blu-ray in their home theater set up on a 7000 dollar TV. It certainly did look amazing!!! I saw it at an IMAX 3D and to be quite honest, the 3D was very annoying for me. I liked the Blu-ray picture much better.

Footage from this morning's bike ride. Test footage of the new GoPro HD camera handlebar mount, some cows and a baby turtle. :)

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Hey John,
I don't follow you as closely as I once used to but I have to say thanks for providing me with that initial inspiration that I needed to get back active and healthy once again. That was about 3 years ago and I am feeling much better these days, with a much healthier lifestyle.

Anyways I noticed you're really into mountain biking now. I just figured I should tell you that you REALLY need to visit the rocky mountains with a mountain bike if you really want the full biking experience. I live in Calgary, AB, Canada... i'm about 45 mins to an hr away from the rockies and I have to say these are some world-class trails we have out here. Just wanted to mention it - keep it in the back of your mind for the next time you plan a vacation... if you love mountain biking, you will be blown away. Let me know if you have any questions, i'd be happy to help you out :cool:

John, awesome idea to give the "guided tour" of the pantry! I think that will help a lot of people, including myself. Don't forget about the fridge and freezer too. :)

John, awesome idea to give the "guided tour" of the pantry! I think that will help a lot of people, including myself. Don't forget about the fridge and freezer too. :)

Psssh, I wanna see the candy & popcorn counter again. :eat:

Mountain biking this morning on the overgrown land across the street from my house. There is a lot of sugar sand back there, which makes for great cardio workouts. I find my morning cardio is much more challenging and enjoyable when take my bike off-road.

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John, what casino is nearby?

John, what casino is nearby?
Hardrock in Tampa. A bit of a drive, but not too bad if I stay overnight at the hotel.

Glad to see you again. I was missing the daily updates :tucool:

Glad to see you again. I was missing the daily updates :tucool:
Thanks, it's great to be back!

Some wrist pain on my DB lateral drop sets (end of workout). Other than that, good workout today. Feels good to be back in the gym, but the continuing wrist pain is starting to make me think surgery is in my future.

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Good bicep/back workout today. Arm/Delts shot.

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What do you think your wrist pain is? I had severe tendinitis in my left wrist which at 18 months of not being able to lift (devastating) is nearly gone.