Question for Cinderella Alums

[slinkedog]

Hey all you who have done the Cinderella Century... what is the course like? I would like to train for this event and want to know what to expect. I know it's a metric century... are there shorter routes, and does the ride benefit any charities?

Thanks!!
Shannon

[Adventure Girl]

Click your magic wand here (http://www.valleyspokesmen.org/cinder.html) for a link to the Cinderalla website.

I did the ride in 2004. I thought the course was not that tough. In fact I think it was probably the easiest metric century I did last year. There wasn't much climbing. I heard that the wind can be a little problem later in the day, but I started early to avoid that.

How much do you ride now? If you can ride 65 miles, you can do this one without much training at all.

There are 2,200 women doing this ride. There is a wide variety of skills. I was lucky that I got an early start last year because I was ahead of most of the people who lacked that group-riding ability!

[slinkedog]

I basically suck and can't ride 65 miles yet, but I hope to get enough training in to be able to by April. We'll see how the weather and our kids do. I feel guilty leaving them with Daddy too much. ;)

[SadieKate]

Only the one route. Pretty flat except for some minor hills in the middle, but nothing that you would call a mountain. Same hill section can be windy but has the least traffic. End of the course bottlenecks back into traffic and narrow lanes, including a bike path. Train more for distance than climbing, though the latter is always good. Lots of social riding going on (4 abreast sometimes!) so be prepared to smile brightly and say "on your left!"

Grab food and eat while standing in line for the loo.

[Adventure Girl]

Originally posted by SadieKate
Train more for distance than climbing, though the latter is always good.Excellent advice for this ride. As I recall there were only 2 or 3 climbs (I'd call them "moderate" or less).

There is a training ride series that a few women from TE did last year. I think they said that the last ride of the series was actually harder than the Cinderella.

Here's a link (http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1977&highlight=cinderella) to a thread that discusses the training series.

If you're not up to riding 65 miles right now, this ride would be a good goal for you!

[SadieKate]

Thanks! My rule is that if your goal is a long, flat ride (such as the Cinderella), train your butt. If the ride has climbing, train your legs.

[Trek420]

what the always tactfull Adventure Girl sez "There is a wide variety of skills."

lots of riders without group riding skills, first day clipless etc.

start early, don't dilly dally at the stops. Not saying "don't have a casual ride", don't rush, enjoy it, just if you hang back you ride with them and it can get dicey. Other than that great ride, fun scene.

[spazzdog]

Well, I'm willing to give it a shot. It requires that I fly across the country, but hey! To finally meet some of you TE grrls how can I resist.

I have to do my training in the gym though... snow and ice are here to stay for the next couple of months.

See y'all on Apr 2 at the start line.

[slinkedog]

I guess I'm going to invest in a trainer so I can train every day... I'm mainly concerned about my butt/privates as they are not used to long distances yet! My hubby has really narrow rollers from his track racing days, but I can't do those... my pedal stroke isn't good enough yet.

Spazzdog, are you really going to come! I can't wait to meet all of you. Oh, and not that I'm planning on it, but is there sag support at this ride?

[spazzdog]

Yup! I'm coming...

[aka_kim]

There's more SAG support on Cinderella than any other ride I've done. A few years ago I got a flat during the ride, and as soon as I'd gotten the wheel off a SAG pulled up to do the rest. So, there's plenty of SAG for mechanicals, and to take you back if you can't finish. But... it's not a race, the hills are not difficult, and there are several well-stocked rest stops, including a lunch stop, all making 65 miles very doable.

[SadieKate]

Originally posted by slinkedog
but is there sag support at this ride?

Yup, fully-supported ride. Even a Lemon Drop Prince at the top of one of the little hills.

[Adventure Girl]

Originally posted by slinkedog
Oh, and not that I'm planning on it, but is there sag support at this ride?Sag support was very good last year. I rode the first half alone. I'm not that great about following a route map, and since I was near the front of the pack, I couldn't just follow the long line of bikes. But every time I thought I might be lost, I would see a SAG wagon to reassure me that I was on course.

[spazzdog]

Watch out grrl-ies... it's official. I have booked my flight (note: great rates on Travelocity.com for any other CA "foreigners").

You can all thank Trek420 for providing a crash pad for me and Epesi.

Now, lets all pray to the sun goddesses for warm weather on Apr 2, so little Spazz can be warm and toasty ;)

See you at the ball... er, ride.

[Trek420]

de nada. spazz.

also I'm sacrificing to the registration goddess that we all get in!:D :p ;) :cool:

[slinkedog]

Hey, one more question for all of you... how much was the registration fee last year?

Thanks again for all your helpful info!
Shannon

[spazzdog]

That would be good... however, if we are ignored by the registration gods, perhaps all the TE-ers that are ignored can get together for a "Cinderella Step-sisters" ride... we can yell at each other, dress badly, and jeer at those who make it to the ball. Darn! I mean the ride.

[slinkedog]

Sounds like a great idea, Spazz. Can't wait to meet you all!!

I spent about 50 minutes on my friend's trainer this morning, so I'm officially training now. My 18 month old is quite perplexed by all the new activity in the house. (We watched Noggin while I rode.) My three and four year old both walked by and told me I was doing great and going really fast.

[snapdragen]

slinkedog;

I think the registration fee was $25.00 last year. If everyone planning to ride Cinderella remembers to sign up on Feb 1, we should all make it. (Reg. opens February 1st)

Any more thoughts on a TE girls party? Ladies?

[Trek420]

carbo load before? recovery beverage after?

[slinkedog]

A TE party sounds like fun! Thanks for the registration fee info, snapdragen!

[admiral finch]

Wow, Yes! If there is a cinderella party I would LOVE to participate! I'm planning on doing the ride again this year. It was my first century of any kind last year (and the 1st time I'd gone more than 42 miles in a day) and ended up being the first of five events I participated in in 2004. I had no problem with the course, but you know, I wish there was a lemon drop man on the top of Every Hill, Everywhere! I love him.

I started pretty late and I was alone, but I made a lot of friends--so no one worry if you're going out there stag.

This year, I'm bringing five friends, hopefully so perhaps we'll see you out there or after or something.

WOO HOO!!!!

A.F.

[spazzdog]

THis trip is sounding funner and funner!

Who's the social director out there? Carb dinner perhaps on Fri night (Apr 1). Somebody take a count... make a reservation... book a band.


Definite beverage-meet after... where are the best margarita's in town? :D

Trek420 - who has a cyclists Foders for San Fran? :p

[slinkedog]

I'll have a back pocket full of lemon drops to sustain us before and after we meet up with Lemon Drop Guy. ;)

[snapdragen]

Whoa, got really excited there for a second. Thought you were talking about my favorite martini...........:D

snap"lemondrop martini with grey goose please"dragen


Originally posted by slinkedog
I'll have a back pocket full of lemon drops to sustain us before and after we meet up with Lemon Drop Guy. ;)

[SadieKate]

Must have Cindy socks

I can't get the link to paste. But check out the new "Road Princess" socks on our sponsor's website. They're under the new for spring link.

[jobob]

Trek420 quips
carbo load before? recovery beverage after?
(jobob's head pops up) Recovery beverage? Now we're talking.

Just my $ 0.02, but based on last years' experience, it might be easier to get together after the ride rather than before - the early finishers could wander the booths, say Hi to Susan & the TE gang if they're there, or hang out at the bar*.

*IIRC, the Officer's club where registration and the after-ride chowfest took place had a cash bar w. beer - in the group I was with last year no one else wanted one, and I don't like to drink alone when I'm in a group (heh) - but if anyone is so inclined this year I'd be happy to partake in a carbohydrate-laden "recovery beverage" :D

- jobob

[Veronica]

Maybe we could have a get together on Friday or Sunday, so us renegades who are doing Party Pardee can meet the out of towners.

Dogmama are you still thinking of coming to town?


V

[spazzdog]

Please, please let's have a Friday dinner meet so I know you gals standing still and face to face. Otherwise I won't know who I'm looking for as I pedal along.

Trek420, can you arrange this on the local front... somebody help Trek420 out purdy please. I wanna, I wanna, I wanna EAT!

And just so's ya know... (whining) I've never been to SF in my life.

spazz

[snapdragen]

Cindy's and Party Pardee ladies - dinner Friday sounds like a plan. Any restaurant suggestions? There are a bunch of italian style, if we want pasta carbo loading.

Bruno's
Romano's Macaroni Grill
Frankie, Johnnie & Luigi
Pasta Pomodoro

Bunches more. The only one I'm familiar with is Bruno's in Pleasanton.

[Trek420]

where's everyone heading from? Spazz and I would be heading from Hayward in the East Bay. Maybe we can find somewhere mid point?

[Veronica]

Pleasanton sounds like a good midpoint. Is Bruno's good? Can we make it a fairly early dinner? We gotta get up wicked early to drive to Ione (Party Pardee.)

V.

[snapdragen]

Last time I was at Bruno's it was very good. Family owned Italian restaurant, comfy atmosphere. Guess I should add, I was crazy in love at the time.....so mud pies would've been good!;)

I'm spending the night in Dublin, so distance isn't an issue with me.

Where is everybody else coming from?

[spazzdog]

Quick! Somebody make a reservation.

Who's comin? TE takes over Bruno's... news at eleven.

[jobob]

Friday night at Bruno's sounds like an excellent plan. An early night would not be a bad idea, I needs my beauty sleep. And we could always pick up where we left off after the ride. :cool:

A friend (she lurks here from time to time, hi A.!) & I are probably going to stay Friday night at the Holiday Inn Express in Dublin, which is only about a mile from the start. Hopefully we can leave our cars in the hotel lot and bike over to Camp Parks - it would sure beat waiting in a long line of cars to get past the security gate into the camp and then to the parking lot.

[spazzdog]

I have to tell you all, I am both excited and anxious about my upcoming visit. The excitement is a combination of participation in a fun event and traveling to a place I've never been.

The anxiety stems from my "stuff" of the past couple years (see depression topic)... I still don't leave the house much. The training for this ride has become a therapy assignment; go to the gym at least 3 times a week, get my diet back on an even keel (my drugs were killing my appitite, got 'em changed), even making the commitment and reservations for the trip.

I truly look forward to meeting you all in the real world... I may seem a bit tense sometimes, and stutter or seem a little "zoney" but it's just part of being a little scared. I am by no means asking for a bunch of care givers to show up... I just wanted to put it out there that my current "real life" self might not be the same wacko spazz you've all grown to love :p

Hugs in advance to all... now, let's eat! A toast to Bruno whomever he may be.

[jobob]

I just wanted to put it out there that my current "real life" self might not be the same wacko spazz you've all grown to love Don't sweat it - it's often the case that people are different in real life than their on-screen personas would lend one to believe :)

[Trek420]

from the wisdom of jobob "it's often the case that people are different in real life than their on-screen personas would lend one to believe :)"

yep, take me for example, I'm actualy an 82 year old Nascar fan from Georgia....just kidding ;) :cool:

[aka_kim]

yep, take me for example, I'm actualy an 82 year old Nascar fan from Georgia.

And I'm actually a 20 year old Nascar driver. (Which might be an improvement over what I really am.)

[jobob]

Yeah and I'm Queen of Da Nile. :D

[snapdragen]

Whaddaya mean? I'm a short black and white cartoon character, with pigtails!

[Trek420]

spazzdog sez... "I just wanted to put it out there that my current "real life" self might not be the same wacko spazz you've all grown to love :p"


in other words spazz, just get your real life butt over here, it'll be fine.

~ Bruno

[Trek420]

I got my registration form in the mail today. Spazz, Monday I'll send yours and mine in. Every one watch your mail or if you haven't got it yet let me know and I could fax one to you? I haven't checked are they on the web yet?

[jobob]

No, they're not, I just checked. :p

- Jo (got mine in the mail today too!)

[Trek420]

aren't we special?

[jobob]

Heck yeah (hi-five) ! :cool:

[spazzdog]

Yippee!

[BikeMomma]

As I'm reading everyone's posts, I am sooo cracking up! SpazzDog, that is so cool that you're flying in for this ride - kudos!!.

As for me, I'm thinking of doing the ride for the first time. I've read posts about it in this forum, and it sounds like something I want to do. I'm already in training for another century ride, the McClane Classic, on March 5th, so I should be ready for this one. Whoo-hoo!

I'll have a drive to do to get there. I'll be coming from Atwater, about 30 minutes south of Modesto (Hwy 99), probably the morning of, as I have young kids, and will be driving back home same day.

If there is anyone else out there in my area that is planning to go, please , let's get together!

Question: is there a registration deadline? The website says forms will be available Feb. 1st.....

[Trek420]

They say forms are available online Feb 1st, if you get on the waiting list (on the website) they will e-mail you. Then act fast, mail it is right away the ride fills up quickly. Then we all wait for the magic confirmation card.

[BikeMomma]

Perfect! Just the information I needed. Thanks!:)

[Hill Slug]

I'm on their mailing list and received the registration form last Friday....I'll be coming in from Sacramento. Trying to get a couple other friends to ride too...but it's the same day as Party Pardee. Should be fun....It'll be my first time on this ride, so I guess that makes me a Cinderella Virgin.....:rolleyes:

[BikeMomma]

Well I emailed, and they're mailing out a registration form asap. I've got my envelope addressed and stamped and my check is written and signed....just waiting for the mailman, now.

...and praying for that confirmation card. I feel like I'm in Las Vegas....come on, baby! ha! :D

[Trek420]

Gates open at 6:30 AM
Check-in: 7:00 to 9:00 AM

Do we want to try to do a ride out together? Or is it "every woman for herself"?

Last year we were like ships passing in the night, since some of us have met in real life we might meet up earlier.

[spazzdog]

My vote is for the gang ride out... a crazy bunch of TE-ers starting off the ride.


First ones in, ready the stretcher for the visiting spazz :D

Now it begins: Whacha gonna wear? When you gonna be there? Let's get coffee - FIRST? Head enmass to the reg table. At the 1st sign of disfunction, we leap the tables and dazzle them with our efficency, then blaze off into the sunrise on our booteefull bikes...

Oh god, stop me now... by the time I get on the plane I'll be REALLY wound up :D

[SadieKate]

Should we warn your inflight seatmates that they might want to bring either earplugs for themselves or sedation for you? :D

[Trek420]

spazzdog "Oh god, stop me now... by the time I get on the plane I'll be REALLY wound up :D "

headline, "Plane diverted back to Boston, woman acting oddly onboard seen brandishing a mini pump and wearing zebra striped bicycle clothes.....news at 11" ;)

[spazzdog]

no, no, no! I save it all for youse grrls. :D

I always sleep on the plane...

[jobob]

Well, last year I waited around the TE tent (or what there was of it that early in the morning ) at the appointed time, and waited, and waited some more for people to show up, some of whom didn't for one reason or another - some had headed out earlier, some got stuck in the traffic jam getting into the park.

This year I'm more inclined to show up, get signed in, and go. It's just such a jumble of people and activity at the start of the ride, it's kind of a zoo with people milling about and tents being set up for the vendors. I'd just as soon meet up with people afterwards. If I see any of you at the start of the ride, that would be wonderful (and much more likely to happen now that I have met most of you ... I'll assume spazz is the woman in the straightjacket accompanying Trek ;) ) but I'm really not too keen on waiting around like I did last year. Just my 2 cents ...

- Jo.

[Trek420]

I vote for get there and get going...I have jobob's cell and AG's I think. If we don't run into each other (noooo, not literally) we can see where we are and catch up by lunch or something or meet up after. The TE booth would be a good idea.

[Adventure Girl]

Originally posted by Trek420
The TE booth would be a good idea.Susan... Are you going to have a TE booth at the Cinderella this year?

[Adventure Girl]

Originally posted by jobob
Well, last year I waited around the TE tent at the appointed time, and waited, and waited some more for people to show up, some of whom didn't for one reason or another - some had headed out earlier, some got stuck in the traffic jam getting into the park.I'm guilty of being one of the "headed out earlier" group. Last year was the first time I did the ride and I was not familiar with the course. When I saw how many people were there, I got a little worried and decided not to wait and meet everyone.

Originally posted by jobob
This year I'm more inclined to show up, get signed in, and go.I think this is a good idea. Maybe we could make the meeting time VERY early. For those that make it, great. For those that don't, that's ok, too.

Be aware that there is LOTS of traffic. Last year I think there were 2,200 riders. This year the limit is 2,500. There was a big traffic jam getting in the parking lot. I think I am going to stay in Pleasanton Friday night. It is 2 miles from the starting point. I'll just ride my bike to the start and try to avoid the bumper-to-bumper problem.

[jobob]

I'm guilty of being one of the "headed out earlier" group. LOL, I wasn't going to name names ! But I just wanted to point out that what seems workable in theory doesn't really pan out sometimes. Stuff happens.

[hologramqueen]

I just did a 35 mile loop on saturday which included Cross Rd and Highland Rd.. started out on Tesla and did the loop over to highland but we cut off and went down colier canyon back home.. gorgeous day! We took the 3 kids with us, we even took my 9 1/2 year old daughter.. she managed to do it and had a great time.. Cross Rd and Highland are really OK.. Last year they seemed a lot more difficult but I managed to tackle the Cinderella last year for the first time after riding for only 3 months, I took my butt and my Trek 7200 and managed to do the course in 5 hours and 20 mins.. I went alone (never alone on this ride let me assure you, all the women are A+) as my daughter was injured the week before.. This year I have over 2k miles in and my sweetie gave me a Trek 1800c for my 1/2 birthday in October.. My Sister-in-law, Niece, 14 year old daughter and I will be seeing you all there.. Got my registration in the mail on Saturday and posted it today..
I know I'll see HillSlug.. Hope to ride with you soon hun!!:)

[jobob]

Hi hologramqueen, and welcome to the board ! :D

[hologramqueen]

Thank you for welcoming me to this board.. always enjoyable readingm thought I'd start adding my 2cents worth

[Hill Slug]

Hey Queen.....Yup...getting busy now....Team in Training is starting back up, so I gotta get up and ride in the cold....wah...

[jobob]

Hill Slug, could you tell us more about Team in Training? I'm curious about it. What does it involve? What got you started?
(you might want to start a different thread to answer this, if'n you're so inclined :D)

[hologramqueen]

Hey slug hunny,
The A-man and I are riding this sunday in Livermore.. we are going to tackle Del Valle again.. I did it in October with a broken toe and cursed the whole time! So we are going to ride it this weekend.. it isn't too bad.. only 900ft of climbing in 1.5 miles.. ooh-da-lolly! But I need to get the hills in since I have decided to attempt O.A.T.B.R.A.N. this year.. I'm going to work the Death Ride again in July and he is going to ride it with his legs of steel..~~giggles~~
My sister in law and niece are going to be coming down for another training ride in the next few weeks and we are going to do the delta with everyone (kids et al).. wanna join us? don't know the date yet but we are going to put in a good 50 leaving from my house.. and it is a beautiful ride..
talk to you soon.. I miss seeing you since I changed shifts..