Uh-oh! Look out San Francisco!

[DirtDiva]

Or, as bikerz put it: who's going riding with me when I visit? I've barely been on TE all year because I've been madly busy and it's so hard to keep up these days anyway, but I certainly haven't forgotten about you!

Anyway, I leave London in August because my visa has expired and I need to go home and finish my professional registration and I'm a bit sick of the big city thing too. I'm having a stop-over in SF on my way back to New Zealand and will be in town from the 8th (Wednesday) to the 13th (Monday).

I will have my mountain bike with me, but I'm not sure yet if I'll actually be able to ride it yet due to various reasons to do with NZ biosecurity (can get the bike disinfected and certified in the UK, but could all be for naught if I then ride it in dirt in the US) and making connecting flights. Alas, my roadie will be getting sold before I leave here as getting two bikes home would be a ridiculous hassle and there's so many bits on it I need to replace and/or want to upgrade that I may as well just spend the money on a new one when I get home. Bike shopping. What a shame. :D

I'd love to go riding with y'all, although my bike status might make that a bit tricky. If that doesn't work out, I'm assured you lot would love to show me all the best chocky shops in the state (after swearing me to secrecy, etc., etc.). ;)

What do you reckon, girls? :cool:

[Veronica]

We may be out of town... hoping to go see a shuttle launch. It's currently scheduled for Aug. 9. But that could change. :D

How tall are you? Someone might be able to lend you a ride.

V.

[Trek420]

DirtDiva,

What size bike do you ride just in case someone has a spare? OOps, V had the same idea.

[DirtDiva]

That'd be way cool, and very kind. :) I am 160cm/5'3" short. Don't know exactly what my inside leg measurement is, but 29" leg jeans work well. :p

Shuttle launch, V? Awesome!

[Veronica]

Yeah my husband is unemployed again, so we're going places this summer. He calls it a mid life temporary retirement. :D

V.

[KnottedYet]

Take her to Scharfen Berger, but don't let her near any holly bushes!

[Trek420]

That'd be way cool, and very kind. :) I am 160cm/5'3" short. Don't know exactly what my inside leg measurement is, but 29" leg jeans work well. :p

Shuttle launch, V? Awesome!

I'm 5'1, 47 cm rode bike, I think my MTB is 13" both might be small for you.

Good info on bike rental

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=15794&highlight=bike+rental

[DirtDiva]

I'll have you know that I rode past masses of holly bushes on Saturday and didn't ride through any of them! :p

[Trek420]

We're very proud of you :cool: :D

[crazycanuck]

YYYAAAYY..she's coming back down under :) Are you moving back to Christchurch..or is it Dunedin?

I wouldn't even think about using my bike in the US if I had to face MAF :eek: when I landed in NZ..:eek:

Actually, the biosecurity folks in Australia are just as :eek: ..

Hey, you'll be back in time for the World Cup!

C

[DirtDiva]

That's kinda what I was thinking about the whole MAF thing. If I was flying direct to Chch (that answers your question right there :)), I wouldn't be worried because I could just leave it at the airport to be fumigated to kingdom come and go pick it up a few hours/days later when it was done.

Kinda gutted to be leaving the UK just as the rugby wc is about to be held (mostly) in France and the mtb world champs are about to be held in Scotland. Can't afford to stay on any longer though. My SF stop-over is being kindly sponsored by the return of the deposit on my flat as it is. :p

[bikerz]

Well DD, as it happens, I am 5'3" as well - and I have a spare road bike!

I'll start asking around about a mountain bike you could borrow...

[DirtDiva]

You're gonna let me ride your shiny new Seven? Wicked!

;)

[bikerz]

:D Ha! Nice try!

[jobob]

hmmm, we're about due for a SharffenBerger ride. :cool:

[kiwi girl]

We've taken our bikes to Australia 3 times. We've always given them a good clean in the hotel bathtub (and left a big tip for the maid) and have never had any problems with MAF. They just had a look at them to check they were clean. At least last time (I can't remember for sure about the other times) I declared that I had ridden through forests and farmland - I did have slicks on the bikes though and had only ridden on the road - they might be more fastidious if you had been offroad. They were fussier about my tent though - taking it into a sealed room to check (it was also fine)

[kiwi girl]

Actually I've just remembered that there might be another solution.

Are you flying AKL-CHC straight away the morning you get in? If your connecting flight number is NZ303 then that is an international connecting flight and you will clear customs/maf in CHC - so if you are relaxed about leaving your bike at the airport for the maffy bods to do their thing you should be alright

[DirtDiva]

Huh. I just read the fine print on my printout and you're absolutely right. I've always had to make the trek over to the domestic terminal to get a connecting flight, but I guess I'd always flown via LA. The plot thickens. Of course, I'm hoping to buy myself a full-suss for chrissy, so if it looks like some mtbing is on the cards I may not be able to resist the temptation to just go demo something flashy ... :D

[kiwi girl]

actually that flight is a relatively new thing - the last year or so - it connects with all the early morning Air NZ flights (including NZ1 through LA)

[DirtDiva]

Ah, ok. The last time I flew home I went through Singapore; that way's usually cheaper and the flights are direct, but you can just take so much more stuff with you through the US. :rolleyes:

[DirtDiva]

Where has the time gone? :eek: I'll be in SF in just under two weeks! :D

[bikerz]

I know! I realized the same thing!

It's time to start making plans!

[DirtDiva]

Totally. I've been busy planning stuff to do while I'm still here and haven't really gotten to the planning what I'll do in SF. I'd love to go ride with some of the local TE crew. I'm up for pretty much anything, but I'm not riding more than 50 miles without a major cake stop (and some whining ;)). :p

[SadieKate]

OMG! I just saw this thread. It must have occurred while I was in the wilds of Colorado.

What's the plan? When,where, what? Gotta check with the Bubbameister as we have some plans up in the air.

[DirtDiva]

Erm, we don't currently have a plan... Let's make one! :D

[bikerz]

DirtDiva will be conveniently located in the Oakland Hills during her SF stay (chez BikerZ :rolleyes: )

Plan options:
I'm afraid I won't be of much use in the mtb riding plans, but I do know that lots of great mtb trails are located minutes from my house, and my neighbors are avid mtbikers.

And for off-the-bike fun: What about the sequel to the Chocolate Factory show, "Amici Veloci goes to the Hangar One vodka distillery"? :p

DD - do you want to go to the wine country? the coast? the redwoods? the hot dry windy flatlands to visit SadieKate? And do you know yet whether you can bring your own bike?

This will be very fun! :)

[jobob]

pops head up

Someone say Hangar One?!?






DD - do you want to go to
... the hot dry windy flatlands to visit SadieKate?


Wow, you make it sound so appealing. :D

[SadieKate]

Hey, I'm here on those hot dry windy flatlands!:cool: :p

I'm confoo-sed. Is this mtb-ing or road-ing? I've seen mention of each.

[snapdragen]

pops head up

Someone say Hangar One?!?



Wha? Huh? Hello! :D

[jobob]

Works like a charm.

:D

[DrBadger]

"Amici Veloci goes to the Hangar One vodka distillery"?

What do you think it says about me that I read this as Hangover One Vodka :rolleyes:

I be interested in any plans being made...
E.

[Trekhawk]

Oooh sounds like fun. Let me know when you decide . If its on a free weekend (this means DH is not working so he can kid sit) and its not miles and miles away then I will be there.:)

[Trek420]

Works like a charm.

:D

Better than chocolate? ;)

[DirtDiva]

I'm confoo-sed. Is this mtb-ing or road-ing? I've seen mention of each.

Either! Or! Both! I don't care! I don't have to go through customs in NZ until I reach Chch, so as long as I can give my mtb one hell of a clean before getting back on the plane, I can drag it out of its bag, put it together and go ride it. And Z has made noises about having a spare road bike I could borrow...

Vodka is good. :D

[bikerz]

Hey, I'm here on those hot dry windy flatlands!
And that, my friend, is the best thing about those flatlands! :D :D

I knew that mention of Hangar One would cause some of those ears to perk up!

DD - I will get my extra road bike tuned up for you - it just needs a little derailleur adjustment, but otherwise it's good to go!


(I am writing this from halfway across the Bay Bridge ON THE BUS! Some of the buses from the east bay to SF have free WiFi now! Isn't that cool?)

[SadieKate]

Road biking would be good so more people can participate.

And you don't have to do it on the hot dry windy flatlands.

Thanks, BZ. ;)

[DirtDiva]

As long as it's not cold and wet and generally reminiscent of a British summer, I can hack windy flatlands. And I can probably convince myself that climbing is good for me if we hit the hills - I hear Z has lots of gears on the back of her bikes for me to use. :D

[melissam]

As long as it's not cold and wet and generally reminiscent of a British summer, I can hack windy flatlands. And I can probably convince myself that climbing is good for me if we hit the hills - I hear Z has lots of gears on the back of her bikes for me to use. :D

Oh, I can vouch for both (1) the hills in the area and (2) the fact that Z has a lot of gears on the back of her road bikes. It's such a great setup that I converted my bike's rear cassette -- man, that thing is as big as a dinner plate! (OK, maybe I exaggerate a little.)

DD, it will be great to see you again! This is gonna be fun!

-- Melissa

[Trek420]

I converted my bike's rear cassette -- man, that thing is as big as a dinner plate! (OK, maybe I exaggerate a little.

-- Melissa

It depends on where you're eating, maybe Olivetos ...;) :rolleyes:

[DirtDiva]

Happy birthday Z!!!

[DirtDiva]

Anyway. Lets get some organizing started. Roadie ride somewhere. Saturday or Sunday? State your preference.

[bikerz]

The DirtDiva has landed!

Let's get a ride organized! Saturday might be best for a road ride because DD might be going on a mtb ride Sunday with my neighbors.

So who's interested? Where should we ride (maybe determine that based on who's interested...) Something in the 30 mile range, more or less...

We could do that nice 35 mile Paradise loop in Marin starting in SF at the Sports Basement across the GG bridge and out to Tiburon and back...

Or we could start in Marin and skip the GG bridge looniness (riding back into SF with all the tourists on their rental bikes was one of the most frightening things I have ever done on a bike :eek: :eek: )

Or something in the East Bay? Or Peninsula?

Also - anyone have the day off tomorrow (Friday)? I have to be at a client site most of the day in Marin, and I could drop DD off in Marin, (with or without a bike) if anyone's in a position to play a little hooky!

[Trekhawk]

The DirtDiva has landed!

Let's get a ride organized! Saturday might be best for a road ride because DD might be going on a mtb ride Sunday with my neighbors.

So who's interested? Where should we ride (maybe determine that based on who's interested...) Something in the 30 mile range, more or less...

We could do that nice 35 mile Paradise loop in Marin starting in SF at the Sports Basement across the GG bridge and out to Tiburon and back...

Or we could start in Marin and skip the GG bridge looniness (riding back into SF with all the tourists on their rental bikes was one of the most frightening things I have ever done on a bike :eek: :eek: )

Or something in the East Bay? Or Peninsula?

Also - anyone have the day off tomorrow (Friday)? I have to be at a client site most of the day in Marin, and I could drop DD off in Marin, (with or without a bike) if anyone's in a position to play a little hooky!

Welcome to the USA DD!!!
Unfortunately I wont be able to make it down that way this weekend. Silly me forgot Im heading over that way next weekend for the Holstein ride and leaving my poor DH with the kids two weekends in a row is a bit much.
Have a wonderful ride and who knows maybe I will catch up with you in NZ sometime.:D

[Trek420]

I probably won't be able to ride :(

Great nephews 1st birthday on Saturday, shopping for appliances with Spazzdog on Sunday (helping her pick a washer drier for her new dog house and she's coaching me on my remodel).

Keep me posted on any other plans.

[aka_kim]

I can ride on Saturday (although I may be coming down with a cold, so it's not guaranteed). Just tell me where...

[DrBadger]

I can do Saturday earlyish.... I have to be back in Palo Alto and cleaned up by about 4:30 for 2 different parties.

Let me know the plan.
E.

[bikerz]

Trek - sorry you can't join us, and PAB - earlyish sounds good to me too!

I'll try to come up with something definite tonight in consultation with DD, and post a concrete plan here later this evening with places and times.

[Bike Goddess]

East Bay? Early? That would be great.

(says BG who is back on the bike!)

[Trekhawk]

East Bay? Early? That would be great.

[SIZE="1"][FONT="Arial Narrow"][COLOR="Magenta"]Says BG who is officially back on her bike.

Sorry bit of thread drift here but BG Im glad to hear you are back on your bike. Have a great ride with the gang.:)

[aka_kim]

Great news, Nancy! Welcome back!

[bikerz]

A plan was hatched last night:

What: Bay Trail (25 miles or so) with lunch at a cafe at the Richmond end of the trail

When: Saturday, meet at 11:00 am (I hope this is early enough for PABadger and Biek Goddess!)

Where: At the very end of Emery Point (Google 3499 Powell Street, Emeryville for directions)

With stops and all, the ride will probably be about 3 hours...

There's lots of parking out there. We'll meet up to start at the roundabout at the end.

* We had originally talked about meeting at Chevy's, but since Chevy's will be open by then, actually meeting in the parking lot may not be such a great idea.

PM me if you need my cell phone number for last minute coordination!

Bring your appropriate multi-use bike trail attitude, if you have one! :)

See this map below:
3962

[Trek420]

East Bay? Early? That would be great. Says BG who is officially back on her bike.

Whoop! BG's back on a bike!! I knew nothing would keep you off :D Watch out for those Dr. Pepper cans. ;)

[jobob]

Welcome back, Nancy!

[bikerz]

Yes Nancy - welcome back! :)

[Bike Goddess]

Thanks you guys! I've been spinning 4x a week, sometimes doing a double (2 hours) which has made a HUGE difference. Yesterday I rode 44 miles (3rd ride since Tuesday) and although I'm a bit tired, I'm NOT sore (thank goodness). When I first went out Tuesday, I was pretty freaked out with traffic and cracks in the road. I'm getting used to it now.

Anyway, 11:OO is a bit late for me (:( ) I have to go to SF to get my stuff at work (I resigned on Wednesday)and say goodbye to my fellow associates.

Hopefully we can do a ride soon.

I definitely want to say goodbye to Ms Badger before she leaves us for hot and humid Texas!

Have fun! :) :) :)

[DrBadger]

Hey Guys-
Unfortunately I think that the ride is going to be a bit late for me in terms of doing the ride and getting back to Palo Alto... I would have to leave right after riding and wouldn't be able to do lunch after :(

Not sure what you all have planned for tonight, but I am going to be in SF seeing my cousin perform at Cafe du Nord if you were looking for something fun to do in the city tonight.... My cousin is Mark Mallman.... you can find out about him on his web site: www.mallman.com

I will start another thread to plan the farewell Badger ride and bash! Hope to see you all soon! (some of you I will see next weekend at the Holstein 100)
E.

[bikerz]

Bummer! :( :(

But I already posted on your farewell ride thread, and I will be seeing you at the Holstein!

[DrBadger]

Yah, I am bummed too... but this weekend kind of came crashing down on me... saw my cousin perform in the city tonight (great show, but lots of driving), have 2 parties tomorrow night, one for some friends who got hitched about 2 months ago with only family, and a house warming party, and then on Sunday I have a wedding to go to for another set of friends. Crazy times! And given that Holstein is next weekend :eek: Amie and I really felt we needed to get in one more long ride, which I wouldn't have been able to do if I drove up to Oakland :(

Have a great time, and I will see you next weekend. I will post in the Holstein thread and start getting dinner arrangements going (not that I have any idea of where to go!)
E.

[DirtDiva]

Hey everyone. I really enjoyed my time in SF, especially meeting you all and going riding, of course. :) Made it back to NZ in one piece. Now I just need to find somewhere to hide from the avalanche of stuff I need to sort out. This real world stuff is daunting after four months of holiday! :o