Boston?

[urbaindk]

So how's the bike life in and around the Boston area? I've got an interview in a few weeks with a small start up company near Boston, Woburn, MA I think is the town. I know from reading the ride reports forum a lot of you NE monkeys ride "vietnam", Lynne woods, and places like that. Those trails look awesome. What's it like living, working and riding around there. I'm currently living in the DC-Baltimore metro area if that helps give you a point of reference.

[narlus]

i thought baltimore was kinda nasty when i was there in november. i think the boston area is one of the best areas around for trail riding opportunities in the country. tons of great trails within a 30 mile radius of the city (and keep in mind about 40% of the radius is covered by the atlantic ocean).

i love living here, to tell you the truth.

[urbaindk]

i thought baltimore was kinda nasty.


You wouldn't be too wrong...

[urbaindk]

Just looking at a map. It looks like it's about 90 miles to heart of the White's from Woburn. It's about 90 miles to the nearest 500 ft hill for me now. I think I'll have to seriously consider this!

[BadDNA]

I would seriously consider it. The riding around here can't be beat IMO and as you're noticing, there's even more great riding within a day-trip's distance. If you do make it up here, be sure to drop us northeast monkeys a note and we'll get you hooked up on all sorts of fun rides.

[Slugman]

JDSCHALL - I used to live there, it's got some awesome riding all over the place. Just look at Splat's write ups in the 'ride report' forum.

[mtbtom]

There's so much riding within 1 hour of Boston that most riders don't ever figure it all out.

You hear about the Fells, Vietnam, Lynn Woods, but really that's just the tip of iceberg. So basically, it's not the Rocky Mountains but you could do a lot worse.

[mdc]

The more I travel around the more I realize that I will never leave New England. The riding is awsome, places like Vietnam, Lynn Woods etc get lots of PR but realistically there is tons of great rides all over the place ( I live 20 minutes from Nam but haven't ridden there in months- to many other fun places to go!) Skiing is close by and the beaches on Cape Cod aren't to far either. The biggest down side? Housing costs- the closer you are to the city, the poorer you can expect to be....

[urbaindk]

I'll keep you guys posted. The biggest issue (besides actually getting an offer) is the salary vs. cost of living. I'm hoping it works out.

I hate to ask, but how is actually getting to the trails? Around here, the closest set of trails is probably 25 miles but if you try to get there after work it can take ~1 hour to get there because of traffic. I imagine boston is similar? In Boston, I've only driven from the airport to downtown and that was a nightmare. Can I expect the same if work was say near the intersection of 95 and 93?

So many what if's. I'm not sure why I'm even asking about this stuff yet. Just gives me stuff to think about I guess.

[narlus]

jdschall, traffic can be no picnic, that's for sure. the fells is the closest, and thus most heavily used trail network near boston. i live about 30 miles away from boston, so i don't get sucked into the traffic mess. if you are working in boston and want to ride after work, yr best bet is to try to leave early, at 4 or 4:30

the intersection of 93 and 95/128 can be a real headache, but there are trail options around. where would you be working?

and remember, rides on weekends where you don't have to worry about traffic, as mtbtom says, are abundant.

[urbaindk]

the intersection of 93 and 95/128 can be a real headache, but there are trail options around. where would you be working?

.

One exit west (south?) from that interchange and 1 block off 95.:twitch:

[narlus]

it certainly wouldn't take you an hour to get to good trails from there.

[intensified]

i lived in woburn for a year,, at that time the fells was the nearest best trailridin for me..I am in quincy now and blue hills is the best nearby.. Wompatuck is about 35 minutes from woburn w/o traffic..with traffic a lot longer..cost of living can be okay in the burbs if you look around.. hland isnt far from woburn either with a chairlif,,also rt 2 that gets you out to some good spots west of the city..

[chicodude]

Just looking at a map. It looks like it's about 90 miles to heart of the White's from Woburn. It's about 90 miles to the nearest 500 ft hill for me now. I think I'll have to seriously consider this!

OMG.....500 ft?


LOL.

[urbaindk]

OMG.....500 ft?


LOL.

Don't laugh, I know it's sad...

[Old Man G Funk]

(this is actually mudgrrl writing from OMGFs account)


We JUST moved to Boston (Friday) from DC.

We're in Waltham..

maybe we could do a whole " we're all lost in this area" type of thing?
we already found a good Indian restaurant, and if you want to hang out, send us a pm....

:)

(mudgrrl off)

[narlus]

welcome! i'm a bit of a distance from waltham (north andover), but can certainly get together at some point for a ride, beer, or whatever.

[BadDNA]

Welcome to the area, watch for Splat to post about 'Nam rides or shoot him an email if you're interested in coming out this way to join us.

[splat]

Welcome Mudgrl and OMGF !

[Old Man G Funk]

(This is the real OMGF)

Thanks. I'm looking forward to hitting some trails here. I'm going to have to unpack all my stuff so that I can actually get out there though.

[MudGrrl]

One of the first things OMGF set up was our bike stand and bikes in the foyer........


:)

[urbaindk]

I have a phone interview the second week of January. Is it a good sign that they created a new position based around my CV and I have an interview before they officially post the position to the rest of the world?

[narlus]

i'd say so :)

[TreeSaw]

Congrats on the move. We're in the upstate, NY area but are always open to having visitors and do travel for rides too :)

[Old Man G Funk]

I have a phone interview the second week of January. Is it a good sign that they created a new position based around my CV and I have an interview before they officially post the position to the rest of the world?

It means that they are taking it seriously and are looking to roll if the interview goes well. If they really want you, they can put out the job call written specifically for you, so that you will definitely be the best candidate, which ensures they will be able to hire you. Is it a gov job, or a job with a contractor for the gov?

[johnbryanpeters]

One of the first things OMGF set up was our bike stand and bikes in the foyer........

:)

Find Lizzy's Ice Cream, ask for Nick Pappas, tell him I sent you.

[Old Man G Funk]

Find Lizzy's Ice Cream, ask for Nick Pappas, tell him I sent you.
On Moody St.?

[urbaindk]

Is it a gov job, or a job with a contractor for the gov?

Neither, it's private industry. They may have some gov contracts though. It's a small tech start-up for a new non-volatile memory technology. They are also looking at building some radiation-hardened memory. Generally speaking, I'm a theorist. I'm not 100% certain why they would want me. Maybe it's to calculate some numbers for their electrical engineers so they can define various operating characteristics of the devices. It will be interesting to talk to them in a week or two and see where I fit into their vision.

[Old Man G Funk]

Neither, it's private industry. They may have some gov contracts though. It's a small tech start-up for a new non-volatile memory technology. They are also looking at building some radiation-hardened memory. Generally speaking, I'm a theorist. I'm not 100% certain why they would want me. Maybe it's to calculate some numbers for their electrical engineers so they can define various operating characteristics of the devices. It will be interesting to talk to them in a week or two and see where I fit into their vision.

That's interesting then that they would want to write up a specific position for you. I've heard of private companies doing that, but generally only when they are employing someone who will work on a contract.

Anyway, good luck. I hope they offer you something, because it's always nice to have options.

[berkshire_rider]

On Moody St.?

Yep. It's about half way between the Charles and Maple street on Moody.

[berkshire_rider]

(this is actually mudgrrl writing from OMGFs account)

We JUST moved to Boston (Friday) from DC.

We're in Waltham..(mudgrrl off)

So, have you scheduled your 'Nam tour with Splat yet? :confused:

[Old Man G Funk]

So, have you scheduled your 'Nam tour with Splat yet? :confused:
Splat does private tours?

[berkshire_rider]

He's the "mayor" of Vietnam. :monkey:

[MudGrrl]

wow


Splat's like royalty and stuff....

:D


We did look up where Vietnam is... I thought it was near Schenectady for some odd reason...

[berkshire_rider]

We did look up where Vietnam is... I thought it was near Schenectady for some odd reason...

Not sure what part of Waltham you are in, but it's only about a 40 minute drive from the Waltham area to Vietnam, as long as you don't get jammed up on the pike during the evening commute.

Directions (http://www.bvnemba.org/directions.htm#Vietnam_Milford)

If you setup an infamous "Splat" tour, you get to park at his house instead, and make a lap or three in his ever-expanding backyard freeride park while there. :thumb:

[berkshire_rider]

So how's the bike life in and around the Boston area? I've got an interview in a few weeks with a small start up company near Boston, Woburn, MA I think is the town. I know from reading the ride reports forum a lot of you NE monkeys ride "vietnam", Lynne woods, and places like that. Those trails look awesome. What's it like living, working and riding around there. I'm currently living in the DC-Baltimore metro area if that helps give you a point of reference.

Bike life is excellent in the Boston area. There's plenty of places to ride, and always someone to ride with. The only real downside to the area is the awful housing prices. There's tons of non-bike stuff to do, as well.

[splat]

Splat does private tours?

I sure do!!!

[Old Man G Funk]

Not sure what part of Waltham you are in, but it's only about a 40 minute drive from the Waltham area to Vietnam, as long as you don't get jammed up on the pike during the evening commute.

Directions (http://www.bvnemba.org/directions.htm#Vietnam_Milford)

If you setup an infamous "Splat" tour, you get to park at his house instead, and make a lap or three in his ever-expanding backyard freeride park while there. :thumb:

Thank you for all the info and stuff.

[Old Man G Funk]

I sure do!!!
Well, we will have to set something up then....your majesty, supreme ruler of Vietnam...

[skinny mike]

omgf, you like to climb right? here are two rock gyms that are fairly local to you guys.

http://www.metrorock.com/home.html
http://www.bostonrockgym.com/

[Old Man G Funk]

omgf, you like to climb right? here are two rock gyms that are fairly local to you guys.

http://www.metrorock.com/home.html
http://www.bostonrockgym.com/
Actually, MudGrrl and I have already been to metrorock. We checked it out when we came up here to house-hunt, although we didn't have any of our stuff with us, so we didn't climb. We've also done some bouldering at Hammond Pond. She got me a brand new crash pad, and it was warm out (or warm enough at least), and Hammond Pond is only about 20 minutes from our place.

I've heard metrorock is much better than Boston Rock Gym. Do you have any input on the issue?

[skinny mike]

I've heard metrorock is much better than Boston Rock Gym. Do you have any input on the issue?
well seeing as how i've been to neither i can't truly say. i've been meaning to go but haven't gotten around to it.

[Old Man G Funk]

well seeing as how i've been to neither i can't truly say. i've been meaning to go but haven't gotten around to it.

Are you a climber, or are you just kinda thinking about trying it out?

[skinny mike]

Are you a climber, or are you just kinda thinking about trying it out?
i've done some bouldering with my friends who climb all the time, but i was borrowing their gear. lately i've just been too broke and busy to get my own gear and start climbing more frequently.

[Old Man G Funk]

i've done some bouldering with my friends who climb all the time, but i was borrowing their gear. lately i've just been too broke and busy to get my own gear and start climbing more frequently.

To boulder, you could get by with just a pair of shoes. It's when you want to start using ropes that the cost really starts to go up. If you want to climb with us sometime, we'd be more than willing to go.

Edit: Although I don't have a lot of extra gear. I can share chalk, and maybe a harness, and I can set up ropes for climbs, or share my crash pad.

[splat]

Well if you come out and have me give you a tour of Vietnam I will take you to the far corner that has college rock , lots of rock climbers go there . not just bouldering , it requires ropes

[Old Man G Funk]

Well if you come out and have me give you a tour of Vietnam I will take you to the far corner that has college rock , lots of rock climbers go there . not just bouldering , it requires ropes

That would be cool. Hey, maybe I can rig some ropes up sometime and get you climbing in return for a tour of 'Nam.

[splat]

That would be cool , My wife would like it too. ( she actually has done some climbing before )

But here is what some of it looks like

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/jgoeller/climbing/img_0854.jpg

[Old Man G Funk]

That would be cool , My wife would like it too. ( she actually has done some climbing before )

But here is what some of it looks like

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/jgoeller/climbing/img_0854.jpg

Cool, we'll do it. I'll set up some top-rope routes and we'll figure something out for harnesses, etc.

[MudGrrl]

Splat.... your wife and I could probably swap my harness... and maybe even shoes (I wear socks)


Maybe REI rents harnesses? Just thinking about your kids (plural, right?). We'll figure something out.

Anyway... that would be fun.

[urbaindk]

Can you guys give me any websites to look for rental properties, etc? I'm trying to get an accurate cost of living estimate. I guess I'm looking north of Boston proper, (Woburn, Wilmington, Billerica, Tewksbury and the lot) These locations would put me within my magic 10 mile radius for bike commuting.

[narlus]

er, craigslist?

i haven't looked at the rental market in about 15 years. i'll see if i can get some of those free real estate listing mags when i am around town.

[MudGrrl]

We went to Craigslist.

[urbaindk]

er, craigslist?



Good call.

[berkshire_rider]

Can you guys give me any websites to look for rental properties, etc? I'm trying to get an accurate cost of living estimate. I guess I'm looking north of Boston proper, (Woburn, Wilmington, Billerica, Tewksbury and the lot) These locations would put me within my magic 10 mile radius for bike commuting.

Bostonapartments.com (http://www.bostonapartments.com/class-nofee.htm)

Pick a town - such as Woburn - from the dropdown list and click on "search". Scroll down on the page it takes you to. You should be prepared to pay $1200-$1500 a month for a decent 2 bedroom in a good neigborhood. Most of the sub $1,000 places have something detrimental about them whether it's the location, age, or size of the place.

[urbaindk]

Bostonapartments.com (http://www.bostonapartments.com/class-nofee.htm)

You should be prepared to pay $1200-$1500 a month for a decent 2 bedroom in a good neigborhood. .

That's not too bad actually... We pay 1150 here in Annapolis for a very small 2 br /1 bath house.

[BadDNA]

Yeah, but what you'll find here is the $12-1500 is for a 1-2 bedroom, 1 bath, 3rd floor walk-up with no parking or street parking that you'll have to buy a permit for.

[Old Man G Funk]

Bostonapartments.com (http://www.bostonapartments.com/class-nofee.htm)

Pick a town - such as Woburn - from the dropdown list and click on "search". Scroll down on the page it takes you to. You should be prepared to pay $1200-$1500 a month for a decent 2 bedroom in a good neigborhood. Most of the sub $1,000 places have something detrimental about them whether it's the location, age, or size of the place.

We also used that website. IIRC, you also have to pay a one time finder's fee to a real estate agent for some of the properties on there. I believe the fees were usually 1/2 month's rent.

Both that and Craig's list were great resources.

You've got a place to crash in Waltham if you need one. Just send either me or MudGrrl a pm. (I just started my new job today, so she'll be more responsive.)

[Old Man G Funk]

Yeah, but what you'll find here is the $12-1500 is for a 1-2 bedroom, 1 bath, 3rd floor walk-up with no parking or street parking that you'll have to buy a permit for.
We actually found some decent places that were 2 bedroom and had parking in that price range. Southern Woburn had some places that were pretty decent and not too pricey.

[splat]

Splat.... your wife and I could probably swap my harness... and maybe even shoes (I wear socks)


Actually My wife has her own set of shoes

[formermtboarder]

not to interrupt the rock climbing discussion but I am hoping to go to college in Boston next year and was wondering what the riding scene was like downtown. I heard rumors from a friend of djs near fenway. Also isnt evil located there? Seems like there would be a solid urban scene.

[narlus]

you mean street riding? check w/ the locals on the bustespoke forums. there are dirt jumps near fenway (west a bit, near the train stop).

evil is, i think located on the vineyard now (at least that's where dw lives).

[mdc]

For indoor climbing you need to check out:

www.carabiners.com - located in beautiful New Bedford. 75 foot roofs, lead climbs, bouldering, a pro shop etc. Maybe an hour drive from Boston but well worth it Also pick up a copy of the book Boston Rocks it gives locations and route info for pretty much every climbing area around Boston...

[BadDNA]

I've been to carabiners and I have to say I was impressed, it's definitely a top-notch climbing gym.

[Old Man G Funk]

For indoor climbing you need to check out:

www.carabiners.com - located in beautiful New Bedford. 75 foot roofs, lead climbs, bouldering, a pro shop etc. Maybe an hour drive from Boston but well worth it Also pick up a copy of the book Boston Rocks it gives locations and route info for pretty much every climbing area around Boston...

I've actually already looked at Carabiners online. It looks way cool. I do want to hop down there sometime, but it's a little far for an afterwork workout.

Also, MudGrrl gave me Boston Rocks for the winter solstice gift giving extravaganza. We used it to go climbing at Hammond Pond on Dec. 24, and if the weather stays warm we might be using it again this weekend.

[berkshire_rider]

Also, MudGrrl gave me Boston Rocks for the winter solstice gift giving extravaganza. We used it to go climbing at Hammond Pond on Dec. 24, and if the weather stays warm we might be using it again this weekend.

Supposed to be close to 60 Saturday.....

[skinny mike]

We used it to go climbing at Hammond Pond on Dec. 24, and if the weather stays warm we might be using it again this weekend.
i'm going to see if one of my friends wants to go bouldering up at pawtuckaway if the weather is good sometime this weekend. the climbing there is great and if we go you guys are more than welcome to come.

[Old Man G Funk]

i'm going to see if one of my friends wants to go bouldering up at pawtuckaway if the weather is good sometime this weekend. the climbing there is great and if we go you guys are more than welcome to come.
Sweet, thanks. Although, I hear that it is supposed to rain all day tomorrow and into Saturday morning. The last forecast I saw had it raining until about noon on Saturday.

[johnbryanpeters]

not to interrupt the rock climbing discussion but I am hoping to go to college in Boston next year and was wondering what the riding scene was like downtown. I heard rumors from a friend of djs near fenway. Also isnt evil located there? Seems like there would be a solid urban scene.

The Boston-Cambridge scene is urban bike heaven.

[urbaindk]

Dang it. My interview has been postponed. :(

[narlus]

well at least you get to go to viet nam.

and not talkin' 'bout the splat hangout.

[urbaindk]

well at least you get to go to viet nam.

and not talkin' 'bout the splat hangout.

Yep!5

[urbaindk]

Well, now the interview is back on for next week. Color me surprised. I thought they'd changed their minds. I'm still going to Viet Nam though...

[splat]

Next Week when ?

[Old Man G Funk]

Well, now the interview is back on for next week. Color me surprised. I thought they'd changed their minds. I'm still going to Viet Nam though...

Cool, good luck.

[urbaindk]

Next Week when ?

The 1st interview is via telephone. If I get an onsite interview, I'll let you know. ;)

[splat]

The 1st interview is via telephone. If I get an onsite interview, I'll let you know. ;)

good luck!

[urbaindk]

Strange.

I just had my interview and the guy was actually in Mananas VA, not Boston. They wanted to hire me part time as a contract employee to do basically what I am already doing, which is cool. It would all be done via telecommute so I wouldn't actually have to move anywhere if I didn't want to. I just have to figure out what I am worth, discuss the situation with my current boss to see if she's interested in me splitting my time, then tell this company what I expect to get paid and see if they bite. Sounds complicated.

Oh well, the short of it is I guess I won't be moving to Boston anytime soon.

[Old Man G Funk]

Strange.

I just had my interview and the guy was actually in Mananas VA, not Boston. They wanted to hire me part time as a contract employee to do basically what I am already doing, which is cool. It would all be done via telecommute so I wouldn't actually have to move anywhere if I didn't want to. I just have to figure out what I am worth, discuss the situation with my current boss to see if she's interested in me splitting my time, then tell this company what I expect to get paid and see if they bite. Sounds complicated.

Oh well, the short of it is I guess I won't be moving to Boston anytime soon.

We would have loved to have you up here, but good for you anyway. I hope it works out for you and you make some bank off this.

[narlus]

move to boston anyway! far better than VA. :D

[Squirreldh]

Good morning everyone. I'm glad to see so many people excited about the boston area. I grew up in Ipswich, but moved out to colorado when I was 19. I am in new Orleans now, since Katrina, and I'm planning on moving back up to MA this month. I am a Bike Mechanic, have been for almost ten years now, and I will be starting a new life at Bicycle Alley in worcester. i rode Lynn woods back in the late 90's, and I loved it. I have heard good things about Vietnam, though never got the chance to ride there. If anyone wants to come out and give me a tour of the place, I would greatly appreciate it, and there is a round on me at the bar afterwords. Also let me know if my wrenching services would be useful to anyone, i specialize in fork overhauls, rear suspension and disc service. See y'all soon and keep the rubber side down!

[berkshire_rider]

The Bike Alley is a good shop - even if it's in Worcester. :disgust1:

Splat is the man for your 'Nam tour. He knows every trail in the place, including the deer paths.

[Quo Fan]

Tell Splat what you want to hit, and he'll ask "what direction do you want to approach it from?"

[Squirreldh]

I'll hit anything big with a good tranny at the bottom, I also like skinnys and jumps, I'm sure there are some good things out at 'nam though I've never ridden there. I haven't been to lynn woods since '97, so I'm excited to see whats been happenin around there. see everyone soon. Peace.

[urbaindk]

I hope it works out for you and you make some bank off this.

I gave them my terms with what I thought was some mad insane hourly rate, I just got an email from them saying they are very interested and are working out the "details" and will contact me soon. Sweet.

[Old Man G Funk]

I gave them my terms with what I thought was some mad insane hourly rate, I just got an email from them saying they are very interested and are working out the "details" and will contact me soon. Sweet.

Congrats. That's awesome.

[Squirreldh]

Yo monkeys, I just got done boxing up my bicycles this evening, I shall be hitting the road and heading your way about mid-week next week, I cannot wait to get back to my roots in MA and start tearing it up. I hope the snow is melted by the time I get there, I wanna go ride! see everyone soon!

[Squirreldh]

Hey, I just road tripped up here this past weekend, one helluva trip. I stopped outside of Knoxville to ride at bigfoots, a small freeride area with dirt jumps, stunts, a 4x track and other cool stuff. I wanted to ride over at windrock but was unable to spend much time there. I started over at Bicycle Alley today, seems like a good shop and everyones northeast accent is making me laugh. First thing they had me do was build a Blur LT, it feels so good to be working on high end mountain bikes again. I think me and my homie chia are going to Lynn woods on sunday for a little easter freeride action. If anyone wants to join y'all are welcome to. Just hit me up.

[skinny mike]

Hey, I just road tripped up here this past weekend, one helluva trip. I stopped outside of Knoxville to ride at bigfoots, a small freeride area with dirt jumps, stunts, a 4x track and other cool stuff. I wanted to ride over at windrock but was unable to spend much time there. I started over at Bicycle Alley today, seems like a good shop and everyones northeast accent is making me laugh. First thing they had me do was build a Blur LT, it feels so good to be working on high end mountain bikes again. I think me and my homie chia are going to Lynn woods on sunday for a little easter freeride action. If anyone wants to join y'all are welcome to. Just hit me up.
just as an fyi, lynn woods isn't open to bikes until april 15th. you can ride on the lynnfield side north of the powerlines though.

[Squirreldh]

thanks for the info, maybe we'll hit vietnam instead. I know everything around is really soft and moist, I dont want to be screwing up the trails.

[Squirreldh]

Hey, I was out at Vietnam for my first time on sunday, I am impressed. There is a lot more than I expected out there. The trails were in good condition, some spots were a little wet though. I would like to know about coming out and helping with maintenance and construction, when do you guys usually go out there to do that. Thanks to all that have put in hard work already. Peace.

[BadDNA]

Hey, I was out at Vietnam for my first time on sunday, I am impressed. There is a lot more than I expected out there. The trails were in good condition, some spots were a little wet though. I would like to know about coming out and helping with maintenance and construction, when do you guys usually go out there to do that. Thanks to all that have put in hard work already. Peace.

We're out every Tuesday evening from ~5pm till dark. We park at the business lot next to the cell tower and hike up the tower trail. If you get to the top and can't find anybody try and listen for shovels hitting rocks or give a shout. If you'd like send me a pm and I'll give you my cell phone number, I usually have it with me up there.

[ragerider]

Check out www.ragemtb.com and go to the forums for rides in the Boston area. We are a good size group so there is usually quite a few rides posted for all rider levels. We also organize trips to Kingdom Trails, Diablo, etc. and often meet up for beers and bbq at Redbones www.redbones.com on Thursday nights so you're all welcome to join us for rides and social stuff anytime. We have an upcoming camping trip to Otis down on the cape in May if anyone is interested.
Also check out www.nemba.org -- NEMBA members are responsible for the majority of trailbuilding and maintenance in New England.
Also -- I work in Woburn and get out of work at 5pm and I'm able to get to any of my favorite local riding spots (Fells, Lynn, Harold Parker State Forest, Lowell/Dracut State Forest, etc.) in about a half hour.

HaPpY TrAiLz!
~Frank

[splat]

Hey forgot about this. Mudgrrl, OMGF , we need to get you out here.

[MMcG]

Yeah I second splat's post above - you gotta get out there and have him give you the Tour de Nam. :)