Sunday, May 25, 2008

Oddest plane-spotting on my ride

Earlier today, when we tried to take the bike path network from Zaventem to Leuven, a cop standing in front of a red ribbon roping off the paths stopped us in our tracks. We didn't think much about it until we looked over to our left as we climbed up a hill paralleling the red rope. Peeking out from the trees was a red tail belonging to a plane. Upon further inspection, we noticed that there was something seriously wrong with it. Aside from the fact that it was parked on our bike path, it was in two pieces.

Later on we learned that it was a 747 Kalitta Air cargo plane (of USA) that couldn't get off the ground so it just went straight ahead instead of up, up and away. Luckily nobody was killed.

They interviewed a guy who saw the incident. He was there plane-spotting. He cracked me up when he said that this now it gives him proof for his girlfriend that his hobby of plane-spotting really is as dangerous as he repeatedly tells her.

10 comments:

Rickie Rainwater said...

Like you said, luckly no one was killed. Had a long enjoyable ride today and my endurance is improving. I do notice sometimes after a long effort, I get really down or depressed. Feeling fine now and recovered, but I wander what that is all about. I was able to get out and spend some time around people at a gathering, and after awhile, I noticed my body had recovered along with my outlook. I got up to 43 miles an hour on some of the straights coming off a couple hills and enjoyed the ride. Soaking beans right now. Work tomorrow.
Enjoy the post peanut, keep them coming.
Rickie

Rickie Rainwater said...

Saw your broken plane on the News. You guys are lucky you weren't around when it came down. It is a small world. I feel like you almost live down the street. Have a wonderful day.
Rickie

PEANUT said...

Yes, almost down the street! Well, actually it was a few km's away.
recipe tip: Chop a broccoli, cauliflour, red onion, a few small red potatoes (or new potatoes) and crush 4 cloves of garlic on top. Sprinkle with olive oil, balsamic pepper, salt, pepper, and rosemary. Put in oven at 400 degrees for about 20-30 minutes, stirring once or twice so nothing burns.
Take out and enjoy with a loaf of fresh bread.

Dave Shishkoff said...

Crikey, wish you'd had a camera for that one!

Imagine if that happened while riding...zoiks..!

"Plane UP!!!!!" What hand gesture would you use for that?? =P

PEANUT said...

i suppose i should be practicing the "plane up" hand motion since i live so close to the airport. If you have any ideas how i should hand gesture a plane let me know! haha.

Rickie Rainwater said...

Peanut,
On my ride Sunday, I passed a small shop that had piles of old bikes behind their building. I think I will drive out there and check it out. I am a pretty good bike machanic and at one time, I had 15 bikes in my apartment that I was salvaging for parts and learning how to work on stuff. It ended up costing a lot just for new cables ect. but it was fun. I think if I can get an old super cheap or even free mountain bike frame, I can do the rest. I am cooking beans right now and look forward to your most recent recipe tip. Vanilla soy milk sounds really good. I had the rest of the chocolate and fruit for lunch today. 5:30am work time comes early and often I am pretty wiped out, so keeping things simple is easier sometimes. It is also nice to have something prepared that I can just grab. If I build the tour bike, I will send you some pictures.

Rickie Rainwater said...

http://www.bikeschool.com/

I would love to go to school, and build my own bike. Check out these bikes the students have built themselves. Nice cross bikes too. Even though Nemo, my bike is super wonderful, I am feeling the need for a bike that I can run around on that can carry groceries and haul ass at the same time. I guess I have bike fever again. I'm going for a long ride tomorrow as it is perfect weather here. The beans were great. Later, Rickie

PEANUT said...

website looks good rickie.

Anonymous said...

Good Job! :)

PEANUT said...

Thanks sven! I suppose you're not the same sven i just interviewed since you should be on your way at some point soon to Peking!