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| Exam Study Notes:
Hopefully I can remember these things on Friday's CASB accounting exam.
CALCULATION OF PENSION EXPENSE
(1) Interest cost on ABO (accrued benefit obligation)
Beginning ABO XXX
weighted CSC XXX x pro-rated
weighted benefits paid (XXX) x pro-rated
DO NOT INCLUDE PSC
weighted ABO XXX
interest rate X%
interest cost on ABO XXX
This calculation makes sense because what increases the ABO are CSC and is decreased by the benefits paid. Because the CSC is earned evenly throughout the year, it is multiplied by 6/12, and similarly for the benefits, it decreases the ABO by 6/12 if paid out evenly during the year.
(2) Expected return on plan assets
Beginning plan assets XXX
weighted funding XXX x pro-rated
weighted benefits paid (XXX) x pro-rated
weighted plan assets XXX
expected return rate X%
expected return on plan assets XXX
This calculation makes sense because the items that affect plan assets are the additional funding, which if funded evenly throughout the year, is 6/12. Same as the benefits paid. It DECREASES the plan assets since we're paying out of the plan assets to the employees who received them during the year.
(3) Experience gain/loss on ABO
Beginning ABO XXX
CSC - full XXX
PSC amortization - full XXX
benefits paid - full (XXX)
DO NOT INCLUDE PSC
interest cost in (1) above XXX
expected ABO XXX
actual ABO (given) XXX
experience gain/loss on ABO XXX
There is a GAIN if actual ABO is < expected ABO (i.e. the ABO is smaller than you originally thought)
There is a LOSS if actual ABO is > expected ABO (i.e. the ABO is larger, you have more liability)
OK, in this calculation we're trying to see what our calculation of the ABO would be versus what the ABO was actually worth at the end of the year. The items that affect ABO are CSC, PSC, benefits paid, AND the interest cost calculated in step (1) above.
(4) Experience gain/loss on plan assets
Beginning plan assets XXX
funding - full XXX
benefits paid - full (XXX)
expected return on plan assets in (2) above XXX
expected plan assets XXX
actual plan assets XXX
experience gain/loss on plan assets XXX
There is a GAIN if actual plan assets > expected plan assets (you have more asset than you think)
There is a LOSS if actual plan assets < expected plan assets (you actually have less assets than expected)
Here we're calculating what we think the plan assets should be versus what it really is at the end of the year. The items that affect plan assets are funding and benefits paid. There is no weighting in this calculation because hard cash is hard cash contributed and paid out. The expected return on plan assets in step (2) is included because the plan assets are expected to earn some $$$ during the year.
(5) Pension expense:
+ CSC
+ PSC amortized
+ interest cost in (1) above
- expected return on plan assets in (2) above
+ experience loss on ABO in (3) above
+ experience loss on plan assets in (4) above
This calculation also makes sense because the components of pension expense are obviously CSC, PSC amortized during the year (this is past service costs that are being amortized over 20 years), interest cost, and the experience loss on ABO and experience loss on plan assets. Note the last two items can be combined and called the actuarial gain/loss.
Think about it, it makes sense. You're trying to calculate pension expense, so naturally CSC, PSC, and interest costs INCREASE the expense. Expected returns will obviously DECREASE the expense. If there's a loss on ABO (i.e. the liability is greater than you think), then you ADD that to the expense. If there's a loss on the plan assets (i.e. you have less assets than you thought), then you ADD to that expense. And vice versa.
Journal entry required:
Dr. pension expense
Dr. accrued benefit assets
Cr. cash
Basic EPS and Diluted EPS calculations:
(Based on Diamond RV practice case)
Basic EPS calculation
NUMERATOR: adjusted NI after tax XXX (1)
Weighted o/s common shares
# common shares, beginning XXX
# common shares converted x portion of year exercised XXX x pro-rated
weighted o/s common shares (DENOMINATOR) XXX (2)
Basic EPS: (1)/(2)
Diluted EPS calculation
(1) stock options
For any stock options NOT exercised at the end of the year,
The 80,000 stock options x $8 exercise price / $10 FMV = $64,000. So 80k-64k = 16,000 shares
For any options exercised during the year, do this calc for the earlier portion of year not exercised:
The 20,000 stock options x $8 exercise price / $10 FMV = 16,000. So (20k-16k) x 8/12 = 2667 shares
Therefore, numerator has no change XXX (1) above
Denominator is (2) above + 16k + 2667 XXX (3)
Diluted EPS (BEFORE preferred shares) = (1) / (3) = XXX (4)
(2) for convertible preferred shares:
First, use the treasury stock method to determine if the effect is dilutive or anti-dilutive (i.e. will it make the DEPS decrease or increase. If it makes it decrease, that means had the convertible preferred been converted it would lower the income available to common shareholders. Then it would be included in the DEPS calculation.)
If the effect is anti-dilutive (i.e. makes the DEPS increase), then this step is not added because it does not create the worst-case scenario for the common shareholder had the preferred shares been exercised.
Therefore, dividends / # common shares converted to = dilutive or anti-dilutive compared to the (4) value calculated above
If dilutive, then add the numberator (dividends paid to preferred shareholders) and denominator (# common shares added) to arrive at the final DILUTED EPS.
NON-CAPITAL AND CAPITAL LOSSES - in sales to a 3rd party; windup of a subsidiary, and acquisition of control (IPO)
(1) Sales to a 3rd party
- NON-capital losses: these will be lost, as the non-capital losses are transferred to the third party.
- capital losses: these be lost, as they are transferred to the third party.
- However, selling the business will create a capital loss which can be applied to capital gains by the Parent company; and can be carried back 3 years or carried forward indefinitely. But if the sub is sold to another sub, the superficial losses rules applies, and the loss is disallowed.
(2) windup of a subsidiary
- NON-capital losses: these will be available to the parent in the year AFTER the windup.
- capital losses: same. These will be available to the parent in the year AFTER the windup.
(3) IPO - acquisition of control (if the company goes public, there is deemed a change in ownership.)
- NON-capital losses: these will be available to the parent in the year AFTER the windup, but ONLY IF the loss corporation continues carrying on "that business" depending on: location, nature of business, name of business, nature of income-producing assets, period(s) of dormancy)
- capital losses: these expire when there is an acquisition of control, along with ABILS and property losses.
AUDIT COMMITTEE COMMUNICATIONS
- fraud
- significant erros found
- RPT's
- management integrity issues
- weaknesses in I/C's
EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTIONS
(1) Timing of employment benefit
- Private company - when stocks are sold
- Public company - NOT in the money - for first $100,000 of specified value, when stocks are sold; for in the money, OR over $100,000 of specified value, when it is exercised.
[CL - 12/17/09 - basically they're trying to say this:
Private companies: we like you, so you don't have to include in your income until you dispose the shares.
Public companies: if NOT in the money, then you can defer the first $100,000 specified value until you dispose the shares. The other $100,000 you have to include in income on exercise date.
If in the money, too bad. You have to include in income in the year exercised.]
Makes sense - for private companies, beneficial to not have income inclusion until the shares are sold. For public companies, NOT in the money, only the first $100,000 can be deferred. For in the money, then have to include in income when exercised. The amount over $100,000 needs to be also included in income at exercise date (since expect the employee to make lots of $$$)
(2) Division C deduction
- Private company - NOT in the money OR in the money but held for 2 years [CL - 12/17/09 - basically say "we like you, so we'll try to give you the benefit somehow. Either NOT in the money, but even if it's in the money, please hang onto the shares for 2 years and we'll still give you the Division C deduction against employment benefit income inclusion]
- Public companies - NOT in the money only [CL - 12/17/09 - unless it's NOT in the money, it's too bad that you're a public company. No tax break for you. Please pay us the FULL employment benefit!!!]
(3) Capital gains
- Private companies - can use LCGE
- Public companies - CANNOT use LCGE.
| | |
| Biking 2009 2008 record is located on the September 28, 2008 post. Week of December 7-11, 2009 Tuesday, Dec 8, 2009 (office trip #39)17.7km/h average, 1:17:18, 39.4km/h max. The morning the temperature was at -4 (minus four) degrees C. On the way back it started at 2 degrees C, then dropped to -1 degrees C. I armed myself with my Castelli bib-tights, a long sleeve shirt, my Helly Hanson fleece, and Gore Bikewear windstopper jacket. I also had my black/white scarf. I felt my ears were very cold. Maybe I do need a balaclava. I left work at around 4pm, and it was very dark by the time I got home around 4:50. I saw very little black ice, and some parts of the road had whitish powder, but seemed safe enough to ride.
I could have ridden last Wed, Dec 2, but I was feeling sick and decided against it (I didn't want to!!).
Week of November 30-December 4, 2009 Tuesday, Dec 1, 2009 (office trip #38)
1:15:18, 18.1km/h average, 40.5km/h max. First ride of December!
Week of November 23-27, 2009 Friday, Nov 27, 2009 (office trip #37)
Third ride of November means it has rained for 15 days (the last time I rode to the office was Nov 12)!! 37.7km/h max, 1:17:55, 17.5km/h average. This morning the weather forecast was high of 8 degrees and low of 3 degrees. On the way back it was 7degrees. This morning it was pitch black at 7am and it was so foggy I couldn't see 1 meter ahead of me, and it lightly rained (although I didn't feel it, I see my jacket had water droplets. My glasses fogged up I had to wipe them (both outside and inside) at every intersection I stopped at. On the way home it was a very nice cloudy day (and a bit of sun). I discussed with MPL a few days ago and he suggested getting running pants at the Nike store. We'll see, but I do need something waterproof since who knows what's going to happen in this Vancouver weather that always requires an umbrella?
Week of November 16-20, 2009No riding. Rain all week!
Week of November 9-13, 2009 Saturday, Nov 14, 2009
Did a conditioning ride to prevent loss of muscle memory due to lack of riding because of the rain. 4.5km, 3 times around the park. 15 minutes.
Did a test on the Castelli bibs: 1) pour water over it - water simply slips off the fabric
2) hold a small amount of water on the fabric - it took quite a while before any feeling of dampness was felt on the inside
Learned that Pearl Izumi is the clothing sponsor of the professional cycling team Garmin Slipstream.
Thursday, Nov 12, 2009 (office trip #36)
Second ride of November means it has been a rain rain rain month. Debut of my Castelli bib-tights. 39.1 km/h max, 18.1 km/h average, 1:15:07; 6 degrees Celsius to and 8 degrees Celsius back. The bib-tights did a good job keeping me warm. I need bike racks!! Took my time today: the roads were damp, and I haven't rode my bike since last Tuesday.
Wednesday, Nov 11, 2009
Did about 4 laps around the park with the Castelli bib-tights. My quadriceps had hurt on Tue (I was limping around the office) because I had tried them on for about 10 minutes on Monday. Today tried them again and the quads seem to hurt a little, but I hope they get used to them. I found that my seat or seatpost is squeaking. It's been doing it for a while, but this is the first time I'm documenting it. Maybe I should get it checked out next time I do a tune up.
Apparently Castelli (an Italian clothing manufacturer) makes cycling clothing for the professional cycling team Cervelo Test Team. And also, after some research on the Internet I found that European sizes tend to be smaller than equivalent size names in North America. I had to purchase a L rather than M as the strap was ridiculously too small I had to contort my body to get into it. (The Pearl Izumi shorts were a M). I'm thinking about returning the Castelli bib-tights though, because I want ones with reflective lines.
Monday, Nov 9, 2009
Went to Mountain Equipment Co-op today and purchased Castelli Libera bib-tights for cold weather cycling ($109 Cdn).
Also tried out some balaclava and headbands to keep my face warm, but haven't made up my mind yet.
Finally got Giro d'Italia 2009. This should be good.
Week of November 2-6, 2009
Tuesday, Nov 3, 2009 (office trip #35)
1:11:12, 19.0 km/h average, 41.5 km/h maximum. Morning ride: ? degrees Celsius, Afternoon ride: 10 degrees Celsius.
Who says I can't ride in November? I did just that today.
Today was the debut of my new Gore Bike Wear jacket and Cat Eye front and rear lights. The lights came at just the right time. When I left work around 4pm it was starting to get dark, and by the time I was near home I was glad I had lights. The Gore jacket performed considerably better than my regular jacket in keeping my belly warm. Unfortunately I was still using a backpack so my back was soaking wet. I need to get bike racks.
It rained on Monday.
Week of October 26-30, 2009
Sat, Oct 31, 2009 I have now moved to the next level of cycling by owing some specialized cycling apparel:
- my first pair of Pearl Izumi cycling shorts ($100 USD),
- a Gore bike wear outerwear with "Windstopper" technology ($170 USD),
- and a pair of Cat Eye lights for riding in poor lighting condition ($30 USD)
All thanks to the friendly folks at REI Inc. Bellingham. Too bad they didn't have another large Bell Furio red/black helmet. I really liked the helmet.It rained the rest of the week.
Tuesday, Oct 27, 2009 (office trip #34)
1:09:59, 19.4 km/h average, 40.9 km/h maximum. Morning ride: 4 degrees Celsius, Afternoon ride: 11 degrees Celsius.
In the past week, I'm thought I'm going to try to make the cycling season May to October 31 (compare to the last ride of 2008 was Oct 1, 2008 - that was office ride #35). That's 6 months of the year. Now I'm considering extending it into November by picking up some new apparel. I bought my Activa wind-proof gloves at Different Bikes today because my Specialized bike gloves doesn't cover the tips of my fingers, and they feel frozen that I need to blow warm air into them at every intersection I stop at.
When I rode to Cambie Street today, they were doing road construction, so I had to walk about 25 steps. I couldn't feel my legs in this weather. I tried looking for cycling tights, but Different Bikes didn't have any stock left in my size. I think I can do shorts for maybe another week before I have to change to long pants. It was also the debut of my new Adidas Samba shoes on the bike after buying it on Sunday, Oct 18.
TO DO: I still want to add a bike rack, and change to clipless pedals.
Monday was rain.
Week of October 19-Oct 23, 2009 It rained on Tue-Fri :(
Monday, Oct 19, 2009 (office trip #33)
1:09:33, 19.5 km/h average, 39.9 km/h maximum. Last week I seriously thought my October 9 entry would be my last entry for 2009. On that day I've achieved 32 office trips (surpassing my own goal of 30 trips), as well as riding 5 days a week. The weather has gotten colder. The highs are around 13-14 degrees Celsius and low around 5-6 degrees Celsius. Last week was all rain so no riding at all. It's kind of paradoxical that the week of October 5-9 was all sun, then Oct 12-16 was all rain. I have been unable to remove the underlining of my previous entries (so they look like they're shouting), so I'm starting a new paragraph altogether. Sadly, the next few days I'm out at clients and at a training course on Thursday, so Friday's my last hope this week. Week of October 12-Oct 16, 2009
No riding
Week of October 5-Oct 9, 2009
Fri, Oct 9, 2009(office trip #32)
FIFTH RIDE THIS WEEK! First time for 2009 achieved. Rode 29.9 km today on my Trek Soho 3.0 and Total moving time: 1 hour 38 minutes. Went to Bicycle Sports Pacific and tried out the Cannondale Six Carbon 3 which is apprantly on sale for $2199 (reg $2999). I could feel the hunching position in a typical road bike. This one was full carbon, with Ultegra 6700 component group. Unfortunately, they did not have a 52cm Trek Madone 5.2 which I wanted to try. Also, I unsuccessfully tried to find a good new helmet at both Dizzy Cycles and BSP.
Thurs, Oct 8, 2009(office trip #31)
Rode 34.4 km today on my Trek Soho 3.0 and Total moving time: 1 hour 56 minutes. Went to try out the Specialized Roubaix Comp at Bicycle Gallery located at 4433 W10th (at Trimble St past Alma). The salesperson, Jason, told me the Specialized Roubaix Expert was sold out in April from Specialized. Took the Comp on some hills and found going down the hill was very fast. Fortunately the brakes were good. The price was a whopping $3,099 (discounted from $3,199). 700x23 tires.
Wed, Oct 7, 2009 (office trip #30)
Untimed. Went to test ride the Specialized Roubaix Comp today at Dizzy Cycles (they didn't have the Specialized Roubaix Expert which I wanted).
Thoughts:
PROS: lightweight, nimble, and the Zertz inserts were great at shock absorption.
CONS: uncomfortable seat, cannot add kickstand
Tue, Oct 6, 2009 (office trip #29)
1:08:57 moving time per Trek cyclo-computer. Max speed 45.6km/h, Average 19.6km/h. Took my own time to stop today.
Mon, Oct 5, 2009(office trip #28) 1:07:17 moving time per Trek cyclo-computer. Max speed 46.5km/h (new record!) Average 20.0km/h.
Week of September 29-Oct 2, 2009
No riding. Audit
Week of September 21-Sep 27, 2009 Fri, Sept 25, 2009(office trip #27) 1:06:30 moving time per Trek cyclo-computer. Max speed 46.1km/h (new record!) Average 20.2km/h.
Thurs, Sept 24, 2009(office trip #26)1:05:18 moving time per Trek cyclo-computer. Massage today was good! Max speed 44.5km/h (new record!) Average speed today and Monday is 20.6km/h. (didn't reset timer this morning)
Goal: reach 30 office trips for 2009.
Monday, Sept 21, 2009(office trip #25)1:05:56 moving time per Trek cyclo-computer.
Week of September 14-Sep 20, 2009Thursday, Sept 17, 2009(office trip #24) 1:08:06 moving time per Trek cyclo-computer. Avg 19.8 km/h
Tuesday, Sept 15, 2009(office trip #23) 1:06:45 moving time per Trek cyclo-computer. Avg 20.1 km/h
Monday, Sept 14, 2009(office trip #22) 1:08:10 moving time per Trek cyclo-computer. Kind of cold. Had to wear wind breaker.
Week of September 7-Sep 13, 2009 Friday, Sept 11, 2009(office trip #21) 1:05:46 moving time per Trek cyclo-computer. Felt very fast - went at 44.4km/h down Knight Street hill.
Thursday, Sept 10, 2009(office trip #20) 1:06:03 moving time per Trek cyclo-computer. Felt very fast - went at 42km/h down Knight Street hill on the way back, reached 35km/h at the base of Nanaimo hill. I feel refreshed!
Tuesday, Sept 8, 2009(office trip #19) 1:07:31 moving time per Trek cyclo-computer.
Week of August 31-Sep 6, 2009
Monday, Aug 31, 2009(office trip #18) 34 minutes to, 40 minutes back.
Week of August 24-30Auditing. No riding.
Week of August 16-23, 2009
Thursday, Aug 20, 2009(office trip #17) To and back.
Wednesday, Aug 19, 2009(office trip #16) 35 min to, unknown back. Achieved 41km/h today.
Tuesday, Aug 18, 2009(office trip #15) 35 min to, unknown back. Took Canada Line today.
Week of August 9-15, 2009Wednesday, Aug 12, 2009(office trip #14) After 2 days of rain-like weather, back at it. Maiden voyage of the adjusted higher seat Trek Soho 3.0.
I was able to produce 10% more power while utilizing 10% less effort. Thanks Micky for commenting about the seat position during our Aug 1 Stanley Park ride.
1:10 round trip of moving time, per cyclo-computer. The distance was 11.1 km to, all the way down to the bike rack. ??? minutes to, 37 minutes back.
Sunday, Aug 9, 2009 2nd day experimenting with higher seat adjustment. Noted can use higher gear with the same amount of effort. This is good - going uphill appears to be easier.
Week of August 2-8, 2009 Saturday, Aug 8, 2009 Experimenting with higher seat adjustment. Having some difficulty getting on and off the bike - need to practice. Going uphill appears to be easier with the more standing-like posture with the higher seat.
Thursday, Aug 6, 2009(office trip #13) To and back from office. New route: Nanaimo, distance 11.1km.
Wednesday, Aug 5, 2009(office trip #12) To and back from office.
Tuesday, Aug 4, 2009(office trip #11)
New cyclo computer shows 11.4km to the office.Approx 36 min to, 45 min back (had to take several phone calls)
Sunday, Aug 2, 2009
2nd Annual Barnabas Stanley Park trip - nice to go with Steven, Micky, Ricky, Kenneth Lee, Jason, Denny & Jenny.
Week of July 26-Aug 1, 2009 Friday, July 24, 2009
Stanley Park trip
Taking advantage of our office's Fridays Off, I rode my bike around the whole day.
I left at around 10:30am, arriving at Burrard & Pacific at Bicycle Sports Pacific to drop off my bike for a tune up. At around 12:30pm they told me it was ready for pick up. So I did that (I had walked to Thurlow and Robson for Starbucks coffee) and picked up some new toys for my bike. A Trek incite 9i cyclo-computer. This baby displays current speed, odometer, trip distance, elapsed time, 12/24 clock, average speed, pacer, maximum speed, and temperature.
42 min to office, 15 min to Burrard & Pacific, 10 min to Georgia & Denman (3km), 1:10 around Stanley Park, 1:42 home from Stanley Park.
After having the staff install it on my bike, I rode my bike along the bike route near Beach Avenue to Cardero then to Georgia & Denman, then took a whole lap around the Stanley Park seawall. Then I rode all the way home. The trip distance read 32.4km, so add about 14km equals about 46km total distance rode today. I just got home, and it's around 4:30pm.
Also purchased a new Trek Streetwise U-lock and Cable to carry around the city.
Next Target: SOMEWHERE IN RICHMOND
Week of July 19-25, 2009 Wednesday, July 22, 2009(office trip #10) 39 minutes to, 41 minutes back. New target: ride from home to take a loop around Stanley Park then go home. On Monday, Stephen gave me his bike magazines. Time for good reading!
Week of July 12-18, 2009 Thursday, July 16, 2009(office trip #9)
I rode my bike across the Burrard Bridge!!!
The new Burrard Bridge bike lane came into effect on Monday. Of course, it's smart to go on the 4th day for the following reasons:
Day 1: nobody knows what's going on so it's total chaos. Day 2: some people know the path from Day 1, but some new riders are trying it out. Still chaos. Day 3: by now a lot of drivers are avoiding the Burrard Bridge because of Day 1 and Day 2's congestion. Many bikers know the route. Day 4: now I can go and follow some experienced bikers from Day 1-3.
37 minutes to office, 15 minutes to Kitsilano Beach, 20 minutes across the Burrard Bridge, spent 30 min at the beach, 1 hour 15 minutes going home (took breaks). Saturday, July 11, 2009
10:30am - 1:30pm.
I rode my bike to UBC!!!
What I success - I had wanted to challenge this for some time, now I've done it!! To UBC.1:19 to arrive, then spent 20 min at UBC, then 1:25 to arrive home. Rode most of the way home with a cramp on my left quadracep.
Week of July 5-11, 2009 Friday, July 10, 2009
Thought about riding to UBC today, but decided to leave it until tomorrow. 3 laps around the park. Thursday, July 9, 2009(office trip #8)
After a week of seeing Clients, and Mon-Wed's cloudy rainy weather, finally back at it. 39 min to, 47 min back. Took my time.
Week of June 28-July 4, 2009 No riding
Week of June 21-27, 2009 Monday, June 22, 2009(office trip #7)
38 minutes to, 42 minutes back. Took it real easy to smooth back into a groove. I looked at some bicycle gloves unfortunately they didn't have my size (medium). The price was $24 or $32. Decided to shop around before buying.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Took my first ride since June 4. Feeling great - 5 km around the park. Yesterday Stephen showed me his bike - I want one too!
Week of June 14-20, 2009 Friday, June 19, 2009
Dad helped fix my bike pedal. Should be ready to go next week - 1st ride since my bike fall on June 4, 2009.
Week of June 7-13, 2009 No riding
Week of May 31-June 6, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009(office trip #6)
I fell off my bike.
Trip to office: At 15 minutes I became a Knight (Knight St), at 25 minutes I became King (King Edward), and at 35 min I got to the office.
On the way back, I fell off my bike in the Victoria St park. I was cruising near top speed when a bump on the road suddenly caused me to lose my balance. Scarred my right arm and right knee. Bruised my lower right leg. My left arm hurts (no scratches, but I think it got twisted a little), and rib cage also hurts a bit.
I thank God for the following:
1. I fell in a park rather than on the road
2. I fell near grass, so the damage to my arms and legs were minimized
3. I had to force myself to learn how to re-chain a bike
4. I found my glasses after they were thrown off
5. Besides a broken pedal, my bike is still intact
6. I was kept conscious the whole time
Week of May 24-30, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009(office trip #5)
To: 36 minutes, back: 49 minutes (took my time coming back. No sweat! And only 10 minutes more.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009(office trip #4)
To: 38 minutes, back: 41 minutes
Monday, May 25, 2009(office trip #3)
First time to the office for 2009. To: 37 minutes; back: 39 minutes. Results are better than I anticipated - I was expecting both into the 40's. Since both is in the 30's, it's good.
Week of May 17-23, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009(office trip #2)
Another successful ride to the office. Results were good.
To: 40 minutes (15 minute mark at 37th, 30 minute mark at King Edward)
Back: 41 minutes (15 minute mark at King Edward)
Sunday, May 17, 2009 (office trip #1)
Success! I rode my bike to my office and back. The success of today's trip means I could start riding to the office as early as next week. Tomorrow's Victoria Day, so I get one more shot at it if I want (actually, my legs feel pretty sore right now, since I haven't rode in over 2 weeks so I might just take the day off). I went in full gear: my new red "dry" Helly Henson outfit, shorts, Columbia compact backpack, and water bottle filled.
I also carried my wallet, keys, a jacket, granola bar, and a tetra pack in my backpack to imitate a real ride. It felt light.
I also experimented with my 27 speed bike. I took it down to 2nd gear (highest 8th gear), and used the "1" large gear as well. For some reason the "3" large gear on the left doesn't seem to click in properly. I won't use that for now.
To: 7:45pm - 8:27pm (43 minutes)
Major times: 7:55 to Nanaimo, 8:00pm to 37th, 8:10 to Ontario, 8:15 to Ontario & King Edward, 8:27 to office
Back: 8:30pm - 9:18pm (48 minutes)
I've noticed since last year that it takes approximately 5 minutes more to get back - mostly due to the Ontario Street climb.
Major times: 8:45 to King Edward (+2 min), 8:52 to Ontario (+2 min), 9:04 to 37th (+4 min), 9:15 to 41st Ave, 9:18 home (+5 min)
April 30, 2009
Rode 5-6 times around the park today at around 5pm. Perfect weather, wearing my new Adidas ClimaCool shirt and shorts.
April 16 & 17, 2009
It's almost May, and that means...biking season!!! I want to leave my car at home.
This year my goal is to break the 30 minute mark. I think my record last year was 32 or 33 minutes.
I'm taking baby steps to start this year, warming up with easy sessions of going about 22 blocks back and forth to Victoria and 38th yesterday and today, which according to Google maps is about 3.1 km. Round trip means 6.2km. Today, I tried out my new sharply colored red "dry" outfit from Helly Hanson, and my new blue summer style jacket from Adidas. Yesterday and today I took my new neon orange and black Columbia bag for the ride. Today I wore shorts, and although it was pretty cold, however, it felt alright.
My butt is complaining to me at the narrow, less comfy bicycle seat...it's too used to the comfy seat in my car. Relaxing time is over, punk!
Yesterday and today I did what I call "route simulation", riding along the route I would take on a real ride. Today, I did what I'll call "environment simulation", which is simulating the temperature and riding conditions on a weekday morning.
My tires are a little flat. I need to pump them up again.
| | |
|  2009 Specialized Roubaix Expert vs Roubaix Comp
Got this off Bicycling.com's website.
I recently purchased a 54cm ‘09 Roubaix Expert in purple pearl metallic. This color was only available on test bikes that Specialized supplies to special “test ride” events. Specialized also stocked a number of these at dealers. This bike was never ridden and the shop offered me a steep discount after the Roubaix Comp I ordered turned out not to be available. I’m trading up from a 56cm ‘05 Specialized Allez Epic triple (which turned out to be too long in the top tube).
Details:
The Roubaix Expert has several differences compared to the Comp. Higher grade (lighter & stiffer 9r vs 7r) carbon frame with a beefed up down tube and bottom bracket, more traditional interface of the seat stays with the top tube (the comp uses a webbed design) and full Ultegra SL component group. I added the Ultegra SL pedals as well.
The Ride:
In the saddle eating up the miles the ride is nothing short of amazing. I ride a lot of chip seal but thankfully South Texas is relatively free from frozen-winter broken pavement. Compared to the Allez, which also had many vibration reducing features including zerts in the carbon fork and seatpost, the Roubaix does a better job of dampening higher frequency vibrations. The Roubaix is significantly more compliant over potholes and cobbles though. I also ride a steel frame Co-Motion tandem and the Roubaix is at least as comfortable on the bigger road imperfections (very surprising given the magic carpet ride of the longer wheelbase bike). I’m usually skeptical of marketing hype but can attest that the technology implemented in this frame is remarkably effective.
Out of the saddle the character of the bike changes dramatically. The old Allez frame would wind up a little on the downstroke and then release near the bottom which sort of eliminated the dead spot at the bottom of the pedal stroke. The Roubaix feels different – no wind up – sort of like riding a gym spin bicycle. I have to ride a taller gear to keep the pedal stroke as smooth. But…the bike is all forward motion. I can feel the back tire just biting into the pavement. There is a hill I ride where I’ve never been able to keep up my momentum from the preceding decent (I consider the small ring a defeat). I stood on the Roubaix and crested the hill in the big (okay compact big) ring at 18 mph. Never done that before. Maybe it was the new bike effect or a tailwind but I’ve been riding that hill for 5 years and never been able to do that.
The fit:
I’m hitting middle age and sit in front of a computer most of the day at work. For a less than flexible guy with more gut than I’d like, the Roubaix is bordering on perfect. A little more upright and a little shorter top tube make for a comfortable cockpit. The seatpost is very long and works well if, like me, you’re more leg than upper body and like a smaller frame for the shorter top tube.
Components:
The Specialized bits seem very high quality. Love the way they make the non-dorky adjustable rise stems. The seat binder is slick (and S-works). Needed to get some of the friction stuff to keep the seatpost from moving on its own though. The bar has a short reach which works very well with the new 10 speed brake/shifters. The Ultegra SL parts, essentially the ’08 Dura Ace from what I hear, work very well. The hub mounted nipples on the wheels are goofy and require a special wrench to adjust. The wheels are light and stiff though and seem to roll very well. Needed to have the front trued after the first ride but seem stable now. The Specialized Roubaix Pro tires deserve special mention. They are a unique 23/25 size and with a sort of sport-bike inspired dual radius tread profile and dual compound rubber. They ride well and corner better than anything I’ve ever ridden.
Overall:
Nice, comfortable and very fast bike. At $3,300 street this is a significant investment for many but more than competitive if you fit the target demographic and appreciate the comfort features. It is obvious that some serious time was spent on CAD systems and on working with Tom Boonen to perfect the frame design. Get thee to a bike shop and try one out.
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| Specialized Tricross - yet another choice. -cyclo-cross race bike & Roubaix combination -versatile machine, tough, comfortable street bike fit for dirt roads -upright position -26" fat tires | | |
| 射雕英雄传 Finished Book 8: Nov 20, 2009
Book 4
Sept 24-Sept 26: p.805-857
Book 3
Sept 13-Sept 23, 2009: p.576-804 (end of book 3)
Aug 23-Sept 12, 2009: p.392-575 (book 3 began on p.522)
Book 2 Aug 15-22, 2009: p.332-391 (very busy this week with group project) Aug 12-14, 2009: p.220-331 (p.261 end of book 1)
Book 1 Aug 7-11, 2009: p.148-219 July 23-Aug 6, 2009 p.1-147 | | |
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