Tour de Palm Springs... who's going?

[bikerchick68]

I am riding only the 50 this year with a friend... but feeling excited to have any event ride coming up... been a while for me with the crazy year I've had... mom's health was not good (better now thank goodness!), had 2 surgeries myself, mileage WAY down... weight up. Ugh! Anyway, this gives me a goal and something to get back to work for...

so who's gonna be there??? Sure hope I get to see some of you I know... and meet a few more... even if you all DO drop me :D :p

[Fredwina]

I more than likely am. I'm doing the 100 (what else?:rolleyes: ) It should be a bit different, as it's supposed to start in Downtown PS instead of the HS.

[tprevost]

I'll be there! The plan is to do the 100 :p Glad to see you back in the saddle Jen! :p

[bikerchick68]

We should try to get reservations for dinner somewhere after... would be fun to all get in, showered and have dinner... then go collapse in the hotels! LOL

I may go up to the top of San Jacinto and hike walk the trails the next day too... if you've not done that, and are into nature, it's VERY cool! Well marked trails and gorgeous mountain top scenery... NOT for those afraid of heights tho since ya gotta take the tram up...:eek: :D

[maillotpois]

Oh ditto on the whole tram/San Jacinto thing!! Many years ago when I was stuck in Palm Springs for dpeositions, I took the tram up and hiked by myself to the top of San Jacinto. It was just wonderful - a little creepy to be doing it all alone, but just a great hike.

Have fun, you guys!!

[Fredwina]

Dinner on Saturday sounds good It's only an hour / hour and a half drive for moi(i.e. no hotel needed).
Any ideas? Iwas thinking about the Buffets at the Spa Casino ( www.sparesortcasino.com/ ) in downtown PS, or the Morongo Casino ( www.morongocasinoresort.com/ ), Further out, but next door to the outlet mall ;-) The foods is good at both, and what better excuse to pig out?

[Ninabike]

My plan is to be there. I will only do the 50 though - not enough riding miles lately. A friend from my office plans to be there too; not sure about my DH. I look forward to seeing you girls!!

Nina

[caligurl]

in-n-out! THE socal spot to eat post ride!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Fredwina]

in-n-out! THE socal spot to eat post ride!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
one of my rules for keeping 100 pounds off : don't eat at returauunts with drive thru windows! ;) I've never quite figured the appeal of in-n-out. Then agina, my mom think i'm nuts for always going to Steak-n-Shake & White Castle when I make back home to Missouri:p

[caligurl]

i think you're far better off going to in-n-out where you can buy one burger and one order of fries... than some all-you-can-eat buffet! :eek:

[Fredwina]

i was think more along the lines of wide variety of food.... just because it's all you can eat doesn't mean that you should eat all you can ( "hog trough" mode). I'm happy with what everyone else wants to do:)

[bikerchick68]

cali... in n out? you traitor! I thought it was Tommy's or bust. I'm calling and telling Tommy on you. :eek: :D

A buffet works fine for me... Then I can pick and choose what I stuff. LOL...

I think the Spa Casino is easy to find right? I ate at The Steakhouse last year and the food was outstanding... I know the Buffet is not the Steakhouse, but I betcha it'll still be good... Fredwina... do we need reservations for that one or can we just all show up at the designated time???

Nina!!! Good to hear you're gonna be there... how's your DH these days? I haven't been on much with everything I've had going on this year... kinda depressing to be on when I can't ride...:( But I'm BACK! WOOT! :D

[caligurl]

cali... in n out? you traitor! I thought it was Tommy's or bust. I'm calling and telling Tommy on you. :eek: :D



ahhhhhhhhhhhhh but it's ok... cuz there are no tommy's in palm springs/palm desert/rancho mirage/etc! lol!

yes.... if there is a tommy's near... that's my post-ride food of choice! in-n-out is second! lol!

[Fredwina]

The spa is at the intersection of E Tahquitz Canyon Way and S Indian Canyon Dr in downtown P.S. or:
10 N. Indian canyon
Palm Springs, Ca 92262
The food is better than other casinos.
I don't think they take reservations - If we come with a time(5-6PM?), i'll call and find out.
They have Steak N Lobster Saturday $23.99 per - is that Ok with everbody?

[Fredwina]

well, I lied!
The casino will take a reservation if we have more than 10. Let me know if you're in....

[bikerchick68]

I'm in for sure... and I'm riding with some friends... so let me get you a head count OK? I'd guess 6pm would work...everyone should be in and showered by then... as it gets closer we can do a PM and swap cell numbers in case something happens on the ride that prevents someone from showing up...

[Ninabike]

It's a little early for me to know what my post-ride plans will be since I don't know yet who will be coming with me (my friend's son might want to come along and do the Century; his girlfriend might come; my DH may have to get back early, etc.). Will let you know as soon as plans are firmed up.

Nina

[caligurl]

shower? i've never showered after an organziced ride before eating! (ok... except for cool breeze cuz they provide showers!) i always ride... do the "baby wipe thing" in the car... eat someplace cheap (and preferably junky! lol!)..... then head home.... so i'm out! have fun! (plus i agree with nina... WAY too early to know my ride plans much less my post ride plans!)

[PinkBike]

when i drive thru palm springs on my way to anywhere west i see windmills.
lots of windmills.
wouldn't that indicate wind?
lots of wind?

[caligurl]

well... when they turn the fans off.... it's not too bad... ya... those damned fans all blowing do make for some windy weather!

[Fredwina]

when i drive thru palm springs on my way to anywhere west i see windmills.
lots of windmills.
wouldn't that indicate wind?
lots of wind?

Like Cali said, it depends.
Last year it was not bad.
Last month , I did a century around the Salton Sea, I stopped in Indio to have supper - Gale force winds
You are allowed to sign up Day of Ride - if you're coming from out of town, you have the winds aren't kicking up that day

[caligurl]

*takes hand.... holds it out and flat.... then sweeps hand over head from front to back in swift "fly's over" motion!"

http://www.smileycons.com/img/emotions/201.gif

methinks my little joke when right over fredwina's head!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Fredwina]

*takes hand.... holds it out and flat.... then sweeps hand over head from front to back in swift "fly's over" motion!"

http://www.smileycons.com/img/emotions/201.gif

methinks my little joke when right over fredwina's head!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

your'e just mad because we're not going to in-n-out!:p

[bcipam]

I've done Palm Springs 3 times... I've never had a wind problem. One year it was really hot, another freezin' cold and another cold in the morning and hot by afternoon but no wind. Guess I was lucky.

I'm still thinking about driving out that morning and maybe doing the 50... I have so many friends doing the ride might be fun to tag along. I've never done the 50 always the century. I hear the 50 course is nice...

[bikerchick68]

I've done Palm Springs 3 times... I've never had a wind problem. One year it was really hot, another freezin' cold and another cold in the morning and hot by afternoon but no wind. Guess I was lucky.

I'm still thinking about driving out that morning and maybe doing the 50... I have so many friends doing the ride might be fun to tag along. I've never done the 50 always the century. I hear the 50 course is nice...

Wave when you blow by me 'K? :eek: :D Man oh man... sure hope I'm ready. I know I will be but I've been off so long now I'm losing my confidence. Sigh. Riding this weekend. Have set plans. Assuming it doesn't rain. Supposed to rain on Thurs and Fri... PLEASE no rain on the weekend! :o

[bcipam]

Oh my gosh BikerChick have you not been reading my life's story - I'm so out of shape right now and slow and pokey - I'm worried I won't be able to do the 50 and before I wouldn't think twice about the century.

This is going to be my humbling year... struggling to get into shape and keep up with everyone (and no I am not sandbagging!). I've gained so much weight, I have not in anyway, done any training or exercised, man I should just stay home.

If you are worried, you can always ride with me but I warn you - it's going to be a cruise.

[caligurl]

ok.... no one got my joke about the fans being on and causing the wind..... :rolleyes:

pam (and bc68) it's really not that far of a drive for either of you to do in the morning then back home! we drive beyond where each of you live quite often, to attend rides... and have never stayed overnight (doggie committments at home).... and palm springs is an hour closer to you than i am... so a much shorter drive!

[bikerchick68]

bcipam... I hear ya. Riding is down, weight is up... and I might suffer doing the 55 but I'm doing it. Hope I see ya there... would be fun to have another person to ride with!

I'm already well and truly humbled. And the new Brooks saddle ain't helping. :mad: I'm pretty sure it's going away and I'm gonna try to find something else. Sigh.

Cali... I need those fans in my HOUSE in the summer time. Someday I'll put in airconditioning. Not this year tho. Already got new windows... then my main line broke and had a $2000 plumbing bill. 3 days later car broke down... :eek: :D

Why am I grinning? I'm broke and have no money for other hobbies... so guess who's gonna do a LOT of riding for fun again come spring??? ;)

[Ninabike]

Hi girls, I plan to do the 55 also. But ...., I have done almost NO riding for the last 2 months!! My first ride was just 18 miles last weekend. For sure, I will be lagging behind you other 55 mile girls. I'm not even sure my DH can come, nor my friend from the office. In the past, I have driven down the morning of, and one year I went the evening before and stayed at the Marriott Courtyard on Tahquitz. That was fun because there were a lot of other riders there. I will probably drive down early in the morning this time. I'm still "up in the air" re: my plans, but I do hope to see you there.

Nina

[caligurl]

bcipam... I hear ya. Riding is down, weight is up... and I might suffer doing the 55 but I'm doing it. Hope I see ya there... would be fun to have another person to ride with!

I'm already well and truly humbled. And the new Brooks saddle ain't helping. :mad: I'm pretty sure it's going away and I'm gonna try to find something else. Sigh.

Cali... I need those fans in my HOUSE in the summer time. Someday I'll put in airconditioning. Not this year tho. Already got new windows... then my main line broke and had a $2000 plumbing bill. 3 days later car broke down... :eek: :D

Why am I grinning? I'm broke and have no money for other hobbies... so guess who's gonna do a LOT of riding for fun again come spring??? ;)

oh no! when it rains it pours! but maybe you've had all your pouring?????????

i'm hearing you (and nina) about the riding.... i have no inspiration! but for me... mostly cuz of the weather... if i can't be comfortable... i don't want to ride... i'm not a professional... so i see NO NEED to ride in nasty, cold weather! why? i can find other ways of exercising that i enjoy... why suffer?

(which is why i SO don't want to do stupid stagecoach tomorrow... but hubby wants to since we spent the money... UGH! it's gonna be freaking cold and he WILL have to listen to me b*tch about it for 100 miles IF i don't turn around early cuz i'm blue... YES... you read that right... ms NEVER QUITS is saying she will cut the ride short if she's too cold!)

i just really DO have a different attitude about cycling lately!

[redhot3368]

I just signed up for this ride...doing the Century!

Karen

[bikerchick68]

Karen cool! after the lunch sag the pavement gets nasty for a while... so be alert OK? My friend crashed in the 58 mile stretch last year... pavement sharks can getcha! Nothing scary... just watch that road :)

[Fredwina]

Ok , it's a week to go!
Who's showing up in Downtown Palm Springs on Saturday? and who is going to do the meet-n-eat afterwards? and do we need have more than one?
Me: I'm going, but I'm on the fence about what I'm doing. will probably do the century so I have an insurance century for my century of the month
I should be easily recognizable, as I have bought an accessory that will cause Shock and Awe among the peloton:
https://trorderonline.thomasregister.com/images/73966228/CB3012.jpg
or maybe it's fear and loathing. I get those so easily confused :rolleyes:

[bikerchick68]

Fredwina I'll be there. I'm in for dinner too... I may also have 2 friends that join us for dinner... let's see how many are actually showing up and then we can get a dinner count to see if we really need reservations... :) What time will dinner be? 5? I have to drive home from there back to San Diego... not staying the night...

I'm looking forward to meeting you and the Shark... :D

Dinner Count- 3;)

[Fredwina]

If you're only doing the 55 , them maybe I need to do the metric as well...
we start as early as 4 , the buffet is closed from 3-4, nothing else, we'll make Cali happy and go to In-n-out. :o

[Ninabike]

I won't be able to make it, but you girls have a great, and safe, ride, and fun dinner afterwards.

Nina

[Fredwina]

If your planning on eating afterwards (like 2-3ish, depending on when I get in), please PM me.
Hope everyone has a great ride.:)

[bikerchick68]

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=palm+springs+weather+forecast

RAIN!!!! :eek: the forecast is rain... OK who is gonna cancel due to this? I gotta say I'm really considering it. I can't see driving 2 1/2 hours to pay $60 to ride 55 miles in the rain... what do you guys think? Am I wussing out? I HATE riding in the rain. :mad: :(

[caligurl]

that's where the desert differs from the coast.... i seriously doubt it will rain.... a few forcasts show 20%...... so that's 80% chance it won't rain... and most likely won't... the biggest chance for rain is tomorrow evening when the ride will already be over...

we're going.. but we've already paid.... i am changing what i'm wearing now, though... since it will be cloudy (no sun to warm me up) and cool (for me)....

[Fredwina]

geez, you chickens!:p
Rode with Cali for a Little while.
I shocked some for faster rides of the club but keeping with them;)
Bad news _ I had two flats one right after the rest stop at the park in La Quinta, and then immediately after that - I didn't get a chunk of Glass out of my tire:o and I got lost - wound on 111.
Didn't quite beat my Tuscon pace, but still did good. Had lunch with club in a restaurant in Downtown PS

[bikerchick68]

I AM a chicken... Cali hates cold... I hate rain! LOL. Sounds like you had a decent ride other than the flats... Last year people were flatting like crazy from those goathead thorns all over the place... We also got lost last year (we were riding with Homey and his son... Homey finally realized we were off track!) and ended with 109... :rolleyes:

sorry I missed you and hopefully we'll get to meet another time...

[Kallisti]

If you've never done a century before and you live in SoCal, this would make a great first century. Plus it helps out a long list of local charities.
I wasn't sure if I was going to make this because I had the flu just last week. Fortunately, I made it, and did the 100 miler.
My riding partner and I started out almost an hour late, so we started out with a bit of a time deficit. The first forty just hurt me, mostly because it was the uphill/ high headwind section of the route. I was mouth-breathing which made this section even harder. Fortunately, my riding partner had been trained very well, so for a while I just tucked behind her and drafted. Then there's a many mile descent with very few cars, so we were just flying! I don't know if I believe my max speed (59 mph :eek: ), but I know at one point, I saw 46 mph. That was SO much fun! The rest of the ride was fairly easy, particularly after the mile 53 stop. We had lunch, rested for a bit, then a bit of rough road, then just sheer enjoyment. After that it was basically flat, and there seemed to be just enough tailwind to make it relaxing and enjoyable. It looked like everyone was enjoyed themselves, and we met some nice people along the way.
This was my first time doing this century, and I would definitely do it again. It was well organized, and lots of good times. It's reminded how much fun road riding can be.
Kallisti,
newest mtbchick

[caligurl]

bc68.... the ride was AWESOME this year!

the weather was near perfect!!!! a bit cool at the start.... but once you started riding... it warmed up quickly... then the elevation just before and along 62... (i hesitate to call it a hill... there were no hills in this ride, but you already know that!) the rest stops were all stocked (well... when i went through!) TONS of food.... lots of volunteers....

airport road was even smoothed over compared to last year/other years! not perfect... but they obviously did something to it! hte only really bad, bumpy part was just before and after lunch.... and the only left hand turn i have a problem with is the one, again... just after lunch when you cross over the traffic (2nd left after lunch)... they should have had the signs back further to give you more notice the turn was coming up.... all the other lefts were just your typical lefts... no issues.... the couse was WELL marked! cops or volunteers at the stop lights of major and not so major intersections for our protection and to make sure riders AND drivers were obeying the stops and not getting hurt....

i saw hardly any people on the side of the road with flats.... maybe 10 all day? but that's just the ones i saw... but just saying that to compare it to last year when there were flatted riders all over the place!

i hated the bands at the rest stops.... especially the last one... i was getting/had a headache and EVERY drumb beat just went straight to my head! (i'm pretty sure i got the headache cuz of hydration issues.... i was drinking gatorade at the rest stops like a mad woman and i NEVER do that... not even on hilly rides! but i knew i was down on water cuz i had jury duty friday and didn't drink hardly at all..... to avoid having to tinkle while in court!)

i have a pic of fredwina that i snapped when we saw her after lunch.... i have to post it from home though cuz i can't access photobucket here at work!

i was really pleased with the ride this year..... i was a little perterbed with the parking.... cuz they didn't have signs leading to parking just "road closed" and that's it... you had to wing it.... but we got there early enough to get a good spot even though we had to move once!

i wanted to beat my time this year by .1 mph average.... well.... i beat it by 1.1 mph average overall! so i was very pleased! of course.... i give hubby credit for that.... he was riding with a sore/pulled? hamstring and not riding up to his normal self.... so when he caught up with me (i left before him)... he ended up riding with me the rest of the day... several times i was pushing hard to try to keep up with him (ya.... even though he was "injured") so that boosted my time... cuz no doubt i wouldn't have pushed myself in some spots like i was with him!

[bikerchick68]

cali good job! And you too Kallisti!

Sounds like it was better than last year... last year I filed a grievance with them afterward for running completely out of lunch food at 10:45AM when I arrived for food... glad to hear they got that fixed...

I spent the $60 on plants to replace the ones killed by the freeze... rode Sat and spent Sunday planting in the rain... THAT I like doing... makes the ground workable and soft! :D