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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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

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!!!! 

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.

Tinkering With Harleys

Woke up this morning thinking about expanding my skills and maybe start working in other motorcycle brands. If I put my mind into it, I can probably dabble part-time into Harley-Davidson's repairs. As a former motorcycle technician of Japanese motorcycles, I believe I can transition to work on Harley-Davidson motorcycles as long as I get the proper tools to work on them. 

My only concern is that as part of my retirement, I only plan to work part-time on bikes. Harley-Davidsons, especially older ones generally require more frequent maintenance and repairs compared to newer models. And from what I gather, there are lots of Harleys in Puerto Rico. 

Would it be worth it to spend more time at the motorcycle shop than enjoying my retirement? Regardless of what happen once I am living permanently in the island of Puerto Rico, I don't expect that to be the case.

Parece Que Fue Ayer - Seems Like Only Yesterday

Uno de los logros mas significantes para mi, lo fue el dia que me gradue de mi alma mater, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute en el 1986. Este año marca el aniversario numero 40th de mi graduacion. Para ser honesto, la unica razon por la cual vine a Estados Unidos lo fue para estudiar en MMI en Phoenix, AZ. Tengo que admitir que ha sido una de las mejores decisiones de mi vida.  

Uno de las motivos por el cual personas buscan una educacion avanzada es para tener un mejor futuro. Ya sea un futuro financiero o para desarrollar su maximo potencial intelectualmente. Es importante adquirir las herramientas necesarias para crecimiento personal y para mantenernos actualizados; a la misma vez se abren nuevas puertas y oportunidades en el futuro. Parece que la graduacion en MMI fue los otros dias; ya han pasado 40 años. 

Seems Like Only Yesterday

When it comes to education, nothing means more to me than the day in 1986 when I graduated from my alma mater, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute in Phoenix, AZ. 

While looking at some old pictures, I came to the sudden realization that this year marks a significant milestone, my 40th year graduation anniversary from MMI. To attend MMI is the only reason why I relocated from the Enchanted Island to the United States many years ago. Seems like only yesterday.

My Golden Era of Motorcycling

In the late 1970's, when I was in my early 20's, I had the good fortune to work at motorcycle dealerships in my hometown. Motocentro del Oeste (Yamaha/Kawasaki/Suzuki) and years later at Centro Honda (Honda/Triumph) dealerships. 

At the time, I didn't know how lucky I was to be part of two dealerships that competed against each other by running successful motocross teams. One thing I miss about those times is the competitiveness and camaraderie among members of both teams. Once a month the entire team would travel to the racetrack at another town to compete against each other; to us it felt like going to a family picnic. Friendships were forged and have survived the test of time.

It was a great time to be involved with motorcycles. That's what I call perfect timing, since I'd happen to purchase my first bike in 1974. The Kawasaki 900 ZI's, the two stroke Kaw 750 triples, Honda CB 750's, Honda CBX 6 cylinder, the Yamahas XS1100's, Suzuki's GS-1000, and many others were the kings of the street during that era. To this day, they are still my favorite motorcycles. 

How Photography Changed My Life

When people ask me how I keep myself grounded, especially when overwhelmed, I tell them that photography has been a tremendous therapeutic tool. It keeps me focus and it also has improved my mental well-being. At the same time, it helps me appreciate the beauty in everyday life.

To me, photography is more than just taking pictures and creating/documenting my life. It may sound silly, but photography has made me feel alive. I think it is fair to say that getting involved in this hobby, has saved my life. It isn't just what I do; it is who I am. Photography defines me, I know that it has changed my life for the better. It has taught me how to live in the moment and look for beauty where others may miss it.

Now that I am turning my old pictures in a cartoon or AI caricatures of myself, it has added a new dimension to it. Not only I am having fun taking pictures, am also personalizing them by creating unique funny cartoons and inserting myself into them. I love it!

This last picture if of la Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. The Catedral was built in 1763.

Amanecer en Mayaguez

Llevo un tiempo tratando de acostumbrarme a salir temprano en la mañana a tomar fotos. No voy a negar que mi preferencia es tomar fotos durante la puesta del sol en el horizonte. No hay nada mas deslumbrante que los colores de la puesta del sol, principalmente los rojos, naranjas y amarillos.

Dicen que al capturar amaneceres, las fotos pueden ser impactantes. Muchos fotografos dicen que el mejor momento del dia para tomar fotos es media hora antes o despues del amanecer o el atardecer.

El problema de la fotografia es que uno como fotografo tiene que estar preparado a que el tiempo coopere. En ocasiones he viajado a un lugar en especifico a tomar fotos y de repente llueve o ocurren otros percances.

Anoche hize esta foto imaginaria AI de un amanecer en la plaza de mi pueblo. Es la plaza donde se encuentra la catedral de la Iglesia y las oficinas del ayuntamiento del alcalde. Quizas esta foto creada en AI me inspire a salir mas temprano en la mañana a tomar fotos. Veremos a ver, solo el tiempo lo dira. 

Cartoonizing Photos Appear To Be More Appealing To The Eye

Turning pictures into cartoons have many advantages.  Not only enhances visual appeal for social media it also helps create personalized content, while removing imperfections from the original image.

I took this image three years ago next to the "I Love PR" sign in San Juan, PR. Is the perfect example why some pictures need to be converted into cartoons. I know that when it comes to pictures of myself, I am my worst critic.

In my humble opinion, I look terrible on this original image and is the reason why it has been hiding in my computer for three years. Turning this hideous unflattering picture into a cartoon has brought the image back to life and to me it is more enjoyable and visually appealing to the eye. 

Unable to Title This Post Properly

For some reason, I am unable to come up with the proper title for this post. Earlier this week I created several personalized cartoons of myself using photos taken during some of my travels to visit family and friends. 

This picture cartoon in particular, was taken while shooting at one of my favorite tourist locations at Muelle de la Libertad in el Poblado de Boqueron. During the past three years, I have visited this area dozens of times. My favorite picture so far, it's one I took during sunset hours. I will post a copy of it at the end of this post.

I can't understand why a personalized cartoon picture looks so much better than the dozen or more images taken with several digital cameras in a particular location. I just goggled this question, and received this response, "personalized cartoons often look better than photos because they simplify, exaggerate, and idealize reality, removing distracting, imperfect, or mundane details."

Maybe Google is correct, but to me, a personalized cartoon picture allows me to create a unique image that represents my personality. And that is what I am trying to convey on my blog. I am going to continue adding my real pictures, but if I can write a post using cartoons, I'll use them too.