Hoy Mayagüez Esta De Cumpleaños

¡Hoy Mayagüez esta de cumpleaños! Nuestro pueblo celebra 266 años de fundacion.

Today is Mayaguez's birthday! Our town celebrates 266 years of its founding!

Chicharron de Bayamon

Antes de que se construyera la autopista, los que viajabamos de Mayaguez a San Juan teniamos que cruzar el pueblo de Bayamon manejando por la antigua carretera PR-2 (La Militar). Cuando yo era joven, habia muchos negocios a la orilla de la carretera vendiendo el famoso chicharron de Bayamon. Era costumbre de las familias que viajaban, parar a la orilla de la carretera a comprar chicharron.

Este proximo domingo es el desfile Puertorriqueño en Filadelfia, y en muchas esquinas hay negocios ambulantes vendiendo comida en la calle.

Ayer, tuve la oportunidad de comprar chicharron en Filadelfia. Dicen que el cerebro guarda los olores y los sabores de la niñez. Con tan solo probar el primer bocado de chicharron, automaticamente me transporte a aquellos años cuando nos parabamos a la orilla de la antigua carretera PR-2 en Bayamon. Buenos recuerdos de aquellos tiempos.

Minimalist GoPro Accessories and Mounts

I seriously need to come up with a way to travel light with the least amount of GoPro accessories and mounts during my motorcycle adventures. Throughout the years I have accumulated too many mounts and accessories, to the point that I had to purchase a case to carry most of them. 

The problem is that my motorcycle has limited space to carry all the GoPro accessories and mounts, plus my three GoPro's, my Nikon DSLR and the tripod or Playpod. I am trying to avoid using my smartphone to video record my rides if I can; the three GoPro action cameras should keep me busy at this time.

One easy solution would be to record short GoPro video clips on different days, weather permitting. I should have an answer to this dilemma in the following days. 

Are You Ready For Fall Foliage Motorcycle Rides?

I am not ready because it reminds me that winter is around the corner. Riding in the fall often means riding through lots of fallen leaves. The fall is perfect for leaf peeping/watching and taking pictures, but with so many leaves on the road during peak foliage in October, we have to be extra careful especially around the curves.

Picture was taken near Lake Nockamixon State Park in Bucks County, about 45 miles from Philadelphia. 

1984 New York Amazin Mets at Shea Stadium in Queens, NY.

A mami le encantaba el beisbol, y era la fanatica numero uno de los Indios de Mayaguez. En 1984, mami pudo vivir en persona un partido de los Mets en el Shea Stadium por primera vez. 

Mom loved baseball and was the ultimate Indios of Mayaguez fan. In 1984 mom got to experience a Mets game at Shea Stadium in person for the first time. 

My Dogs Are Barking

The phrase "my dogs are barking" is an old American idiom that means your feet are tired, aching, or hurt. I've been living and managing Rheumatoid Arthritis since 2009. 

I am 70 years old and for the last few years I have been looking for a pair of comfortable pair of shoes or sneakers that I could wear all day pain free. I tried many other quality brands that fell way short. Today I received a pair of Orthofeet Tilos Orthopedic sneakers. Orthofeet Tilos are by far the most comfortable and supportive shoes I have ever worn. I love these sneakers. 

Tomorrow's LOVE Park Salsa dance, with Salsa dance lesson at 7 pm, and dancing until 10 pm will really put the sneakers to the test. Wish me luck.

Lebanon AIDS Community Alliance

While I was packing some things last night, I found the promotional poster of the first ever Lebanon County AIDS Walk that I was a part of when I was working for AIDS Community Alliance in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. 

Those years living in Lebanon, Pennsylvania were the best of times, and it was the worst of times of my life. It was one of the most significant chapters of my life, personally and professionally. 

Navigating through that period of my life was exhausting and incredible rewarding, while I learned to focus on personal changes. I am grateful because it shaped me into the person that I am today.

La Foto Se Fue Viral

Esta pasada semana pude finalmente arreglar un poco, una foto que tengo desde hace mas de 50 años de mi motora Kawasaki H2 750 del 1972, compitiendo en carreras de aceleracion en el 1/8 de milla en la vieja Pista de Añasco en Puerto Rico. (Riverside Motor Speedway) 

La foto fue tomada en el 1976 por mi gran amigo y hermano Angel W. Castillo en La Pista de Añasco. Esa es una de las pocos fotos que tengo de esa motora, y que ha sobrevivido a traves de los años. 

Me sorprendio muchisimo que la foto se haya compartido tanto, al punto que se difundio rapidamente entre muchas personas en Facebook, incluyendo los administradores de la actual Pista de Añasco Team Underground. 

En los años de los 1970s, la Pista de Añasco era el punto de la fiebre todos los viernes por la noche en el area Oeste. Era costumbre reunirnos en la Sandwichera y el garage de gasolina de el difunto Gaby en Mayaguez, y de ahi saliamos en grupo de motoras hacia Añasco a curarnos la fiebre de la velocidad. Ver la foto y leer personas comentando sobre la Pista de Añasco de aquellos años, me trajo tremendos buenos recuerdos. 

Chicken Noodle Soup

My doctor is asking me to add more vegetables to my diet. Today I went against my doctor's advice and ordered a chicken noodle soup, despite the high sodium content. The chicken noodle soup tasted delicious.

Mi medico me pide que incorpore mas verduras y vegetales a mi dieta. Hoy hice caso omiso de su recomendacion y pedi una sopa de pollo con fideos, a pesar de su alto contenido de sodio. La sopa de pollo con fideos sabia riquisima.

Scenic Overlook and Viewpoints of New York City

Brooklyn Pebble Beach offers great views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Skyline across the East River.

Pictures of my Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 were taken using a Nikon D7000 dslr, with a SIGMA 10-20mm 1:3.5 wide angle lens, and a Samsung Galaxy smartphone with a Platypod eXtreme mini-tripod.

On A Day Like Today

Un dia como hoy, 27 de julio del 1983, llegue a Brooklyn para construir un nuevo futuro. Tras 43 años, y a pesar de no tener fecha de retorno todavia, este capitulo esta llegando a su fin. 

Forty three years ago, on a day like today, July 27, 1983, I landed in Brooklyn to create a new future. Despite not having a return date yet, this chapter is coming to an end. 

Picture taken at the Empire State Building Observation Deck. 

¿Cual Es El Costo de Implantar Un Microchip a Una Mascota en Puerto Rico?

Nunca he podido entender porque hay personas que no le ponen un microchip a sus mascotas especialmente con tantas mascotas que se fugan o estan extraviadas de sus hogares todos los dias en Puerto Rico. 

¿Es cierto que dos cajas de cervezas Medalla cuestan entre $20.00 y $25.00? ¿No es eso mas o menos el mismo costo del microchip y la registracion? 

Si eso es asi, quiere esto decir que las personas prefieren mas la bebelata que su propia mascota.

Restomod Kawasaki KZ1000 And Possible Sidecar Newbie

This post was created to document my slow restomod progress. I have questions about the possibility of installing a used small sidecar on my 1978 Kawasaki KZ1000. I created this AI image with my favorite Kawasaki KZ1000 colors to motivate myself on this project.

I am beginning the research now before investing any money, since I am planning to relocate overseas later this year. If I decide to go the sidecar route, my main concern will be finding a universal mounting kit for the KZ1000. Unless I get lucky, I expect to spend maybe a couple of thousand dollars on a small used sidecar.

This is a 1978 Kawasaki KZ1000 LTD motorcycle that I purchased during the summer of 2019. My original plans have always been to change this bike paintjob into either the 1974 or 1978 Kawasaki colors. Back in 2019 I purchased a Kerker exhaust in excellent shape from a person (Facebook Marketplace) living in England, found a brand new seat on Ebay, and recently bought a 18" rear mag wheel and the bigger fuel tank from two forum members.

This motorcycle has been sitting in a garage since 2010. There were some paperwork issues with the motorcycle title so I bought it at a real bargain. I was unsure I could solve the title transfer issues, so the bike sat untouched in my garage from 2019 until last year. Due to my plans now to relocate overseas and the bike paperwork issues, I almost gave the bike away. To make a long story short, I was able to transfer the bike into my name last year, finally, and now have decided to take the bike with me.

In addition, I plan to take a 3-Wheel Rider Course in Pennsylvania before I relocate. The sidecar primary use would be on backroads and weekend motorcycle meetups. And I plan to ride like grandma when my dog, girlfriend or great-nephews are on-board. 

Un Pueblo Que Elige A Corruptos, No Es Victima, Es Complice de la Corrupcion

No entiendo porque el pueblo se queja tanto por los desastres del gobierno del Partido Nuevo Progresista. Los Rojos y los Azules han hecho turno en cada cuatrenio compartiendo parte de la corrupcion que ha arropado a Puerto Rico y ambos partidos son responsables por la crisis financiera en que se encuentra la isla.

Desde que el Huracan Maria destrozo la isla en el 2017, el pueblo ha estado dandole el voto a el partido PNP. Los politicos que han ocupado la gobernación de la isla durante los últimos 10 años (2016-2026) son miembros del Partido Nuevo Progresista. Ellos son Ricardo Rosello, Wanda Vazquez, Pedro Pierluisi, y ahora Jennifer Gonzalez.

Anteriormente a esos incompetentes corruptos, los lideres del Partido Popular Democratico no se han quedado atras y por muchos años tambien han saqueado los fondos federales de nuestra isla. Por ende comparten culpabilidad de la crisis financiera que afecta a Puerto Rico.

Los gobernadores de la isla, la Rama Legislativa, el Senado y la Camara de Representantes, los senadores y legisladores en el Capitolio no son los unicos responsables. En los 70 años que tengo, hay una lista larga de alcaldes del PPD y el PNP imputados y convictos de corrupcion. Durante las ultimas decadas, principalmente desde el año 2000 hacia aca, se han multiplicado las instancias de alcaldes corruptos de ambos partidos.

El dia de elecciones nosotros somos parcialmente responsable porque con tanto que nos quejamos, continuamos dandole el voto a los mismos corruptos de los Rojos y los Azules. Los puertorriqueños somos masoquistas, somos un pueblo que nos gusta que nos den fuete.

La Ruta del Sabor del Campo

Cuando el calor es insoportable, la mejor estrategia es manejar la moto de noche y buscar rutas en el campo donde la temperatura es mas pasadera. 

En Puerto Rico, una isla tropical donde llueve frecuentemente, los constantes aguaceros ayudan a apaciguar el calor que arropa la isla. Aprovechar el fresco de la noche en motora, y saborear los deliciosos sabores de la piragua en Puerto Rico es simplemente una de esas tradiciones que solamente saben a Puerto Rico. 

The New York Knicks Are Your NBA Champions Again!

The New York Knicks captured the 2026 NBA Championship defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.

Why Are You Here To See The Doctor Today?

It can take forever to get a doctor's appointment. Here in Philadelphia, routine 3-month check ups are standard practice. Yesterday, at the start of the appointment a new medical assistant was taking my vitals and asked me if I was Italian.

She mentioned that I have a noticeable strong Italian accent when I talk in English. I thought it was funny because I've never visited Italy. The closest I've been to Italy was when I visited Paris in 2022. No one has ever asked me that question. According to genealogy, the surname Olivieri is mostly found in Europe primarily in Italy, but I digress.

I am happy to report that my previous lab test results from 3-months ago, are good. I have been able to maintain my normal weight for a person my height and age, and I religiously take my medications exactly as prescribed. I have to confess that it hasn't been easy. In the past, I have struggled with my daily calories intake to manage my weight. Being a 6'-4" man at 70 puts me in a unique demographic where maintaining mobility, lean muscle, and cardiovascular health is important. At my age, getting a clean bill of health is wonderful news. 

Leaving The Daily Grind Behind

During a conversation with a neighbor this afternoon, I came to the realization how much I miss my former job at the Health Clinic. It's been only 5 years since I retired. 

Don't get me wrong, I am happily retired. I enjoy the freedom of having full control of setting up my own schedule and leaving the daily grind behind. I am so looking forward to many years of happiness, health, and many happy memories in the years to come.

1959 Triumph T120 Bonneville

Ultimamente he estado mirando motos antiguas en el internet, y he hecho unas cuantas imagenes de Inteligencia Artificial con ellas. El problema es que conseguir una de ellas a un precio razonable es practicamente imposible. Los precios se han disparado por las nubes y son bien prohibitivos. Una de las pocas motoras Indian que me gustan, jamas pagaria lo que piden por ellas hoy en dia. Veremos a ver si me pego en la Lotto. Jajaja

Ordered Fish For Dinner

I treated myself and I ordered fish for dinner at my favorite local restaurant last night. Nothing beats a perfectly cooked piece of seafood!

Me Quede Con Las Ganas de Visitar Havana Cuba

Cuba siempre ha sido uno de los lugares que siempre quise visitar. En la isla hay muchos sitios historicos y tremenda riqueza cultural en cuestion de musica. Debe ser un verdadero espectaculo asistir a un concierto de musica al aire libre en la Havana. Con su arquitectura colonial y playas paradisiacas no me quiero ni imaginar las bellezas de iconicas fotos que se pueden tomar en esa isla.

Se Me Perdio La Cartera

Anoche en un sueño, me ocurrio algo muy similar a lo que dice la cancion de Larry Harlow, "se me perdio la cartera". . .

Anoche soñe que perdi la cartera con todas mis pertenencias en una actividad llena de personas en la cual fui invitado por unas amistades. En el sueño, me encuentro retornando a volver sobre mis pasos a los lugares donde pienso que pude haberla perdido. En el pasado, he perdido la cartera en un lugar publico, y es una situacion realmente estresante.

En el sueño, despues de pasar por el mal rato buscando la cartera, aparentemente alguien la encontro horas despues y la entrego en la oficina del establecimiento. Lo unico que no devolvieron fue la tarjeta de credito. El dinero en efectivo y los documentos importantes como la licencia de conducir fueron devueltos. Me senti tan molesto y estresado en el sueño por el mal rato de la cartera perdida, que me vi obligado a despertar.

Tengo que aclarar, que la foto no tiene nada que ver con lo escrito.

La Gasolina Esta Cara En Filadelfia

En mi vida yo jamas habia visto la gasolina tan cara. En algunas estaciones de gasolina aqui en Filadelfia ya esta sobre los $5.00 dolares por galon. Si no me equivoco, recuerdo haber pagado .45 centavos el galon en el 1974 cuando compre mi primera motora.

La semana pasada le llene el tanque a mi motora y pague $23.00 dolares. Antes el tanque se llenaba con $12.00 dolares. La ultima vez que llene el tanque del Jeep Cherokee en Mayaguez, en enero de 2025, pague $45.00 dolares. Ni me quiero imaginar cuanto habra subido ahora el costo de la gasolina con esta guerra innecesaria.

La Telenovela Fue Grabada en Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

Aqui los voy a dejar con una copia de el poster original que sera utilizado en  mi proxima telenovela en Telemundo. La telenovela fue grabada en la playa de Mojon Beach, en el area del Litoral, la Bahia de Mayaguez y La Ceiba de Columbus Landing. 

Todavia mi manager esta en duda cual de las dos fotos sera utilizada. Pienso que el fotografo hizo un buen trabajo y las dos fotos se ven estupendas. Mis amistades y el Facebook fan club ya estan pidiendo copias, y los posters estan acabados de salir caliente de la imprenta. Todo indica que la telenovela va a ser todo un exito! Weeppaa!!!! 

You've Just Been Erased! Menos Perros, Menos Pulgas

Hace un tiempo he estado en tres y dos en si elimino mi pagina de fotografia de Facebook. En realidad, nunca tuve interes en la pagina. La hice por complacer una compañera de trabajo que insistio que hiciera la pagina para mostrar y quizas vender mis fotos. 

Hoy temprano me levante pensando en borrar la pagina, y cuando regrese despues de cenar, elimine la  pagina. No me hace falta, y tampoco pienso hacer otra pagina de fotografia en Facebook. Me alegro haberla borrado, menos perros menos pulgas. 

Me And My Mini-Me

This morning I decided to recreate a picture of me as a child sitting next to my old self at my current age. It appears this is the new Facebook trend. 

I was lucky enough to find a ChatGpt prompt on the internet, and voila. It only took me a couple of tries to duplicate the picture I was looking for to create a picture of me and my mini-me. It is incredible to me how easily this technology adapt itself to the command prompts that it is given. I am also fortunate to have a couple of childhood images that I can use to recreate this AI image. Amazing!

A Kawasaki Ninja Screaming Through a Tunnel at High Speeds

The thrill of a late-night ride takes center stage with this exhilarating journey on a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14. One of the most deafening echoing-roar is the sound of a motorcycle aggressive wail screaming through a tunnel at high speed. The tunnel amplifies the sensation of speed and adrenaline creating an unforgettable experience. 

More Time To Enjoy The Trip

I had a dream last night that while inspecting my bike before the upcoming trip to Maryland, I found a nail in my rear tubeless tire. For some reason, my vehicles are attracted to nails. I lost count how many nails keep getting in my Jeep Grand Cherokee tires. I hate to deal with flat tires. 

Yesterday, I spent a few hours charging the batteries of my cameras, the Nikon D7000 DSLR, the GoPro Hero 9, and making sure my camera and personal stuff fits in my bike tail bag. 

I am leaving my tripod and laptop at home for the first time. Less heavy stuff to carry, and less time spending hours in front of the computer editing photographs. That action alone should give me more time to enjoy the trip.

Me Voy Pal Carajo

Este fin de semana si Dios quiere me voy pal carajo a dar una vuelta en la motora. Finalmente vamos a tener unos dias soleados, sin aviso de lluvia. 

Eventualmente, las vueltas pal carajo en la motora van a ser compartiendo en los chinchorros de Puerto Rico. Pero en lo que el hacha va y viene, me tengo que conformar con pasar el fin de semana en Maryland. Veremos a ver que les comparto cuando regrese el proximo lunes.

Spiderman Drag Racing in Maple Grove Raceway

I am planning to attend a motorcycle drag race in Reading, Pennsilvania in two weeks. Larry "Spiderman" McBride will be participating. "Spiderman" is the quickest and fastest Top Fuel motorcycle rider in the world. Currently holds records over 260 mph and 5.50 second quarter mile. 

This event should allow me to practice using the Sigma MF 400mm F5.6 telephoto lens that I purchased last year to photograph motorsports events. I am looking forward to it!

A Tangled Confusing Mess of Camera Mounts & Accessories

I didn't realize how incredibly easy for photography and videography mounts and adapters to accumulate over time, leaving people like me with a tangled, confusing mess. 

I have so many mounts that I lost count. I think that eventually I am going to need an extra room in my apartment to use as storage just for my Nikon DSLR and GoPro action cameras adapters. My main problem is that when I travel, I usually carry more mounts and adapters than I need. For that reason, lately I've been leaving my tripod at home, and carrying instead my miniature Platypod tripod. 

I just finished inspecting my gear, and for this coming weekend I am planning to bring two cameras, and only a handful of accessories. Including my clothes, they should all fit in my motorcycle tail bag, without any issues. We'll see. 

Motorcycle E-ZPass Update

This morning I contacted the people at customer service of E-ZPass to update my credit card information, and to confirm my motorcycle E-ZPass transponder was still active. It's been a while since the transponder was last used.

The E-ZPass update took less than 10 minutes to complete. I was informed to expect a new transponder by mail in less than 7 days, and in the meantime to continue using the old one since it has been activated. That means that I am ready to travel to Maryland this coming weekend to attend the Classic Motorcycle Day event. Woo Hoo Yeah !!!!

Classic Motorcycle Day in Maryland

It's been 9 years since the last time I attended the Classic Motorcycle Day event in Mt. Airy, in Maryland. Weather permitting, I am planning to attend this year on May 17, 2026, in Mt. Airy.  I am looking forward to it.

Bitten by The Tail of the Dragon

Last night I've read the story of a biker on a Harley Davidson motorcycle that went down riding the Tail of the Dragon. He spent three weeks in the hospital after completing several surgeries. 

In 2018, I rode 11 hours on my bike from Philly to get to Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort in North Carolina. During preparations for the trip to the motorcycle resort, I remember thinking that I needed to be extra careful riding Tail of the Dragon to avoid getting into an accident. I felt the need to make sure my bike was in one piece, so she could take me home at the end of the week. 

The same day I arrived at the motorcycle resort, a kid from Canada unloaded a motorcycle from his pick-up truck. Less than ten minutes later crashed his bike in one of the 318 curves that are notorious for accidents if riders are not careful. 

An average of 1.5 to 4 riders die annually on the Tail of the Dragon. I tried my darndest not to become part of the Deals Gap statistics.

Margaritas, Mariachis and More. ¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

If you are near Palmyra, Hershey, or the Harrisburg area, I invite you to the best Mexican restaurant called Rey Azteca. They serve authentic Mexican cuisine, with a vibrant atmosphere, and friendly service.

If you are lucky, you'll visit at a time when Mariachis are performing live authentic Mexican music at the restaurant! The food is amazing, and afterwards you can catch a movie next door at Flagship Cinema. ¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

Horseback Riding During a Glowing Sunset

Last night, using AI I was able to recreate a picture of my first horseback riding experience. Horses are elegant and graceful, and regarded as magnificent creatures; they are also intimidating animals. It is true when I say that probably due to their size, I am terrified of them. 

It is possible that horses have been on my mind the last few days, after watching the Kentucky Derby 2026 race results last Saturday, May 2, 2026. I am not a fan of horse racing, but after I learned about the dramatic coming from behind (last-to-first comeback), I had to watch the video. Golden Tempo made a stretch run for the ages, coming from dead last to win. It sure was a historic win. 

It is not out of the question that to overcome my fear of horses I may have to sign up for horseback riding lessons in the future. Only time will tell.