Cinderella Classic 2008

[Xrayted]

We are trying to decide whether or not to go. Should we fly or drive down (carpool?), where to stay, etc... It would be a ton of fun and, of course, the pre-ride dinner is not to be missed. :cool:

Looks like it's being held on April 5, 2008. So, who's planning on going? Cinderella Classic (http://www.valleyspokesmen.org/cinderella_classic.php)

[KnottedYet]

Oh, good lawrd, I haven't even started putting up my solstice tree, yet! I can't think far enough ahead to really do anything about April, but I'd like to go.

[Xrayted]

Hey Knot, how's about a Festivus Pole (http://www.festivuspoles.com/pages/Festivuspoles.htm)? :rolleyes: :p

[five one]

I'm sure I'll be there. I've been riding it since 2003 with a small group of non-TEers. We have always stayed the night before at the Holiday Inn Express in Dublin which gives a Cinderella discount if you call the hotel rather than the HI Exp 800 number.

We went to the TE pre-ride dinner this year. It was a bit overwhelming and VERY loud - but fun. And a nice way to meet some Bay Area TEers. I THINK my friends had a good enough time to want to do it again in 2008.

Anyone who is interested, but isn't on the mailing list for early registration, should email Valley Spokesmen and get on the list. The ride will sell out the first day. It's an easy, fun, beautiful ride.

[kelownagirl]

Hey, it's on my birthday! Maybe I should go. :)

[Trek420]

I'd better train :o

[mtbdarby]

I'm planning on going if I can get my bad self registered. Does anyone know if I can ride with my ds on a tag-a-long? We can pretend he's a girl:p I want to take him to the San Diego zoo and make this our first mom/son vacation. If he can't ride with me I'll have to think about it. Who am I kidding, it depends on if his dad will work with me...

[nic840]

There was a woman with her daughter on a trail-a-bike last year. They were all dressed up and finished the entire thing! Very impressive!
If you are up for it I would do it!
It is a beautiful time of year out there and its a fun ride. Only two slight climbs, mostly flats with a few rollers in there.
Like others said get on the mailer list now if you want a shot at getting the
"golden ticket"

[cindysue]

as with the last two years, the Valley Spokesmen and the LUNA Chix will be offering training rides, including the popular Jelly Belly ride. Hope to see you there!

[teigyr]

How long do you suppose it would take to drive from Portland? Might be easier to drive...cause figure by the time you pack up bikes, go to the airport, worry about the bikes making it on the flight.....easier to drive.

I signed up for registration notification. When I lived in Calif I always wanted to ride this. Why not do it now?

[snapdragen]

I'm having flashbacks of the hangover from hell.........:rolleyes: :o

[Trek420]

I signed up for registration notification. When I lived in Calif I always wanted to ride this. Why not do it now?

Sneaky sneaky sneaky....we can do the same thing we did last year.

Whoever gets registration first will post. If I do anyone can PM me their fax number and I'll fax away.

Then you have to mail it ASAP.

Then we all post how we're checking our bank online to see if the check has cashed.

Then people who missed the cut off will scramble to trade with others who can't go.

Then dinner. :D

Then we'll complain about registration at the ride. Despite the change in venue it went real well last year! :D

Maybe parking will be bad?

Meanwhile the Californians will say how we'd rather do Bike the Buttes or what is the other ride that always seems to be at the same time? And we'll all complain about riders riding two-three....10 up on the Cindy ride and why we'll never do it again because of that.

But it's so much fun we go again.

I'd better find a way to train :rolleyes:

Speaking of which I highly recommend the Luna Chix traning rides for this which often include the best parts of the route. The year before last when I never thought I'd say "I survived the brutal epic Cinderella Century" their final fast paced but friendly 40 mile training ride included the most beautiful parts and was the ride for me.

Congratulations to Duck on Wheels completing a personal best on that the worst Cindy weather ever. And thanks to Mel, who escorted her.

[teigyr]

Sneaky and clever. I approve :D

Depending on when it happens, I might not have a fax machine available. Hmmm.

As of now, I don't have a case for my bike. The drive would be 808 miles :eek:

I'd do the metric so in theory, I could do it on a rental bike. Is that feasible? Or am I better off to get a case and schlep the bike down to Calif via our lovely airplanes?

The ride looks like FUN! How do the out of state people work it? I thought it'd be like driving from the L.A. area (seemed like forever, right?) but that's 300+ miles vs. lots and lots more.

[jobob]

You could go on Amtrak.

[teigyr]

Amtrak = excellent idea.

Here's the thing. I am basically a lazy creature despite the fact I like to exert myself. I like minimal drama. Oh and minimal packing despite my fixation with taking far too many shoes and hair stuff when I travel.

I can fly free. DH can fly free. He would gleefully pack and unpack my bike. With Amtrak or flying, we'd have to rent a car, right? So what station or airport would get us as close to where need to be as possible? I've learned a lot since moving to WA. You can't drive to Vegas. You can't drive to San Francisco. I mean you could but it's far. It gets cold. These are all life lessons.

Thx and not to highjack X's original discussion though this might pertain to them too. It sounds like a blast and it's been a dream of mine to do since I started riding.

Oh and I don't know my days off yet (we bid quarterly so we bid again in Feb) so I might have to make the trip quickly. I would love to meet all my TE brethren in Calif :D

[jobob]

Sorry for the hijack, X ! :o

Teigyr, the big downside to Amtrak is that it takes a long time - lots of stops, lots of delays. In my (admittedly limited) experience with Amtrak, it's never been on time. So if you're pressed for time, it probably wouldn't work. If you have the time though, it could be fun. I might ride Amtrak to visit SadieKate in Bend sometime. It's only a 13 hour trip :D

You'd need to box up the bike but Amtrak sells boxes that (according to DH) don't require you to disasemble the bikes at all (we haven't checked on this so don't take my word for it, yet). The seats in the main cars are very wide and comfy, but you might want a sleeper room for that length of trip.

As for stations or airports - for Amtrak stations the closest would be Martinez or Emeryville (the latter which is near Oakland). The ride starts from Pleasanton? (I think - check the Cinderella website) and there are serveral hotels near the ride start which offer deals for Cinderella participants. Again, check the web site. If they're not listed now they should be in the next couple of months.

Closest airport is Oakland, but San Jose and San Francisco aren't all that far away.

[Bike Goddess]

Teigyr- I am with Jobob on this one. Although I love trains, given your circumstances I'd opt for flying into the Oakland airport. A shuttle bus will take you to the BART station nearby and you can take BART to the Dublin/Pleasanton station. I'm sure a shuttle from a local hotel where you would be staying would be happy to pick you up there. When you figure out your times, I'd suggest that you get in touch with the local hotels and find out their shuttle services. Some probably go to the airport as well.

Re Cindy rides- I have offered to lead the VSP/LunaChix training rides as my schedule allows me to ride Saturdays now. I'm looking forward to seeing you all out there on the rides ([that means you too Ms.TREK).

Hopefully CindySue will be posting a ride schedule soon.:D :D :D

[BikeMomma]

X and Teigyr -- hope you both can make it down! :D
~BikeMomma

[teigyr]

I got a confirmation e-mail to be on the registration list. There was this blurb about since I was out of state, I would be registered. I didn't understand so I asked for clarification. I was told that all out of states registrants are registered as long as the postmark is within the proper times.

Meaning I'm in almost no matter what?! That is what he said.

Now with the hotels, etc. If the bike is cased, would it be difficult to ride BART? I have yet to get the case, of course. And since I am unfamiliar with that area, if we stay at a hotel are we within walking distance/riding distance to the Cindy start?

I think it would be SO much fun. I won't be up for the more challenging 100 just because our weather will still be *(&^ here and I'm a cold weather wuss but I could do a nice rolling metric.

[Xrayted]

Snap - I think Kit still gets headaches related to the TE Cindy Dinner. She hasn't had a Lemon Drop since then. :p

I think we will go, it's a matter of how to get there and if we want to expand it into a bonus vacation trip as well, maybe SoCal.

Teigyr - we were very happy to be able to load up the bikes on the Jeep to come back to the hotel at the end of the ride. :o (of course, we had just driven across country in a Jeep Wrangler - 3700+ miles) If we drive down there (mapquest says 10hrs :(), we would be glad to share the ride. We will probably fly though, in which case, we could get a rental SUV of some sort to haul bikes. You are welcome to catch a ride either way.

Also T, maybe there are those out there who are going alone and want to split hotel costs with another TE'er? Just a thought.

As for the email confirmation, we went on and updated our current addy with them and also got the message on out of state registration. I don't remember it being a given last year, but they may have changed it.

[teigyr]

That is way cool about the registration.

I'll have to see what my timeframe is closer to and what date the Cindy is on...can't remember if it's a Saturday or a Sunday. I have to admit part of me is charmed by the thought of driving IF I can take the time to do that.

'Course the flying might work too. There's lots of time to figure it out and if I can (ahem) help with that flight stuff I certainly will.

so the moral is Stay Away From the Lemondrops?!!

[snapdragen]

so the moral is Stay Away From the Lemondrops?!!

Well, for Kit it sounds like a permanent thing, for myownself - no way. Just do not over-imbibe the night before!:eek:

Maybe a post ride dinner this year?

//yes, I am considering riding it again, providing my neck and arms cooperate and keep getting better.

[Bike Goddess]

Snap- I love the idea of a post ride dinner, however I think we nixed it last time due to everyone getting back from the ride at different times and then wanting to change into clean dry clothes etc.

I'm up for pre or post- but would love somewhere to take a shower if we have a post ride din din. :p :p :p :p

[Bike Goddess]

Teigyr- The Cindy ride is on the 1st Sat in April this time. Yes, you can take your bike case on BART. You should see what people drag on the train when they are going to the airport.:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: There's even an elevator at each of the stations so you can just wheel your stuff in and out. :) :) :)

Sure would be fun to have you down. If your DH wants to come, he can be part of the support team- i.e. the guys that serve us at the rest stops. Wouldn't that be fun! Just be sure if he comes that he brings a camera. Some of the outfits are really fun!:p :p :p :p

If you can make it to the pre ride dinner (one of us could probably pick you up at your hotel) then we can plan the STP adventure up your way (plus give you a real California welcome!).

[teigyr]

If your DH wants to come, he can be part of the support team- i.e. the guys that serve us at the rest stops. Wouldn't that be fun! Just be sure if he comes that he brings a camera. Some of the outfits are really fun!:p :p :p :p



I was looking at last year's pictures and the outfits are great!!! I might need a tiara. As DH was feeling a bit hurt that he couldn't ride, I explained that we would be waited on by MEN. He looked a bit more hurt and said "I wait on you, right?" so I had to explain that this was a GROUP of men. He pretended to look quite shocked. He's good with the pictures, he has gone to the two tri's that I've done and he tries to get pictures of me and the people I know.

This sounds like so much fun! So, I need a case for my bike. I also need to check the vacation schedule at work. Just in case I don't get good days off on the new bid (right now I'm sat-mon but I don't see that continuing just because that would be far too lucky), I might as well delegate that time for vacation.

Pre-ride or post-ride dinners work either way. Thanks for all your help!! Even when I was in that area more, I still get confused as to what is near where.

DH has gone to other TE rides/functions too and he is good with being the token male. I think his friends think he is lucky :D

Just talked to him on the phone (working on a saturday) and he said he would love to help in whatever way he can. He also offered his services in reassembling bikes if it needs to be done.

[jobob]

A post-ride dinner sounds great to me.

Snap, it would be awesome if you could make the ride.

[jobob]

Teigyr, perhaps we can hook up your DH with my DH for a ride that day.

[mtbdarby]

Teigyr - I registered too! I don't know if I'll be bringing my son or not yet - they didn't reply to my email about having him ride on the tag-a-long. Lots of time to plan it yet though.

I almost ordered a tutu last week when I bought a dance leotard for my niece for Christmas. Guess I should have, huh?:D

[Xrayted]

so the moral is Stay Away From the Lemondrops?!!

I wouldn't say that. I would caution you to not try to keep up with Snap though. :p

Snap - I still don't see how Kit ever rode the century the next day, feeling the way she was. And on a borrowed mtb! :eek: She was green as grass until we hit the first stop and she got some Excedrin from one of the crew. Even then, it took her another hour to feel semi-human. As I recall, you laid in bed (or the bathroom floor, I don't remember) for much of the ride day. Heh. Can't wait for the next one though, ya know? Good food, good company, good ride. :cool: :D

[Eden]

As of now, I don't have a case for my bike.

There are several shops in the area (Aarons and Montlake Bicycles) that will rent you a case. There are also some people who have one who advertise that they will rent it in the Cascade Courier. It's cheaper than buying one and you don't have to store it afterwards.

[jobob]

As I recall, you laid in bed (or the bathroom floor, I don't remember) for much of the ride day.
Oooh, not true ! I met her at the hotel that morning and she was fully ambulatory by then
A bit green around the gills :D but moderately functional.

[Trek420]

Oooh, not true ! I met her at the hotel that morning and she was fully ambulatory by then
A bit green around the gills :D but moderately functional.

She seemed fully recovered by the end of the day.

Snap, I hope you can ride with us (I hope I can ride with us). :rolleyes:

[spazzdog]

Cindy dinner... did somebody say Cindy dinner?

Yippee-skippee and yee-ha!

I may actually ride this year, maybe, if Trek420 will kick my lazy butt up into my saddle.

Happy holidays to all y'all by-the-by.

spazz

[jobob]

Why hello stranger !!

And I mean that in the nicest possible way. :cool:

[Bike Goddess]

C'mon Spazz- we'd love to ride with you! It's been forever since I've seen you on a bike and even longer since I've seen you here. Welcome back!:p :p

[snapdragen]

Shhhhhhhhh....

spazz, I may try to ride this year too, depending on my medical "issues"

[Trek420]

Did I hear you say?
Shhhhhhhhh....

spazz, I may try to ride this year

Yipidy doo dah day! Me too depending on my foot.

What a group of gimps. :rolleyes: :cool:

[Bike Goddess]

Hey Trek- what's this about your FOOT?

[Trek420]

To make a long story short I think it got a hairline fracture over 4 years ago. The toenail went black immediately and fell off a couple days later (yuck) grew back (yeah!) and I just kept on riding and so forth. Didn't really bug me, I trained, rode 2 ALC'S, led training rides and so on.

This last ride a few months before June I got Sidis.

What's that they say on ALC "don't change anything 3 months before the ride"? Yeah, I know, I know, I know.

They felt like bunny slippers in the store :D , they felt good on commutes/errands :) , they felt (the right foot only) mildly irritating on longer training rides :o , which means they hurt like h#]] on ALC :( .

So my right big toe went "aaack, I don't like this shoe :mad: " and the joint which is arthritic like the rest of me kinda fused. My right big toe pretty much imobile. Not hard when riding but you can imagine makes it hard to walk.

So if I fall over at dinner I'm not drunk, it's the toe. ;) :rolleyes:

I saw an orthopedic surgeon who agreed with me that I should do PT.

I saw a PT who said the joint will never move. She rides so if you're lurking here, nothing personal it's just that Knott had already designed a routine that is working, slowly but it's working so I have not been back to her. I may ask for another referral to a different PT, maybe Mackenzie trained.

Listen to Knott, she is very wise.

[Bike Goddess]

Well, that's not good news. Feet are pretty unwilling to do anything in the way of bending or stretching as far as I know- having foot issues for many years now.

I ride Specialized carbon soled shoes- they have a wider toe box and narrow heel. I put in Superfeet instead of their insoles as well as added arch support and I've done pretty well this past 2 years with them. I wonder if that kind of shoe would help you. Mine have the cinch buckle which I like a lot.

I also use "look" alike pedals which spread out the vibration from the road- that also seems to help.

What kind of therapy are you looking for?

Hopefully you'll have this one worked out soon. hate to see you miss the Cindy ride!

[Resumer]

I was pretty excited about setting the goal of the Cinderella Ride as part of my training/prep for the ALC...and then, just now, found this at their website:

Effective 9:00 a.m. January 3rd, 2008
We will no longer accept registration form requests for
the 2008 Cinderella Classic/Challenge.
We’ve received over 4,000 requests for the 2,200 rider spots.


:(

BUMMER!!!!

[Trek420]

Sneaky sneaky sneaky....we can do the same thing we did last year.

Whoever gets registration first will post. If I do anyone can PM me their fax number and I'll fax away.

Then you have to mail it ASAP.

Then we all post how we're checking our bank online to see if the check has cashed.

Then people who missed the cut off will scramble to trade with others who can't go.



Fear not, Resumer. There is hope.

And meanwhile the Lunachix and Velogirls progressive Cinderella training ride series is a great way to train.

And there's always dinner.

[Sag 4 Valentine]

Good morning!
Does anyone out there know of someone who signed up for Cinderella but is unable to go. Looking for a slot for a friend who was late signing up (shame on her).:o

Hey Bike Goddess!
I heard you came by my house last week. Sorry to have missed you. Took our bikes to So. Calif. and rode some great routes.

So we really get to ride the Cinderella this year, instead of looking out the window at Bakers Square! Yeah!:D

[Bike Goddess]

Hi Sandi- Long time no hear! I"m so happy to know you are doing "the ride"!

BY THE WAY- SATURDAY MARCH 1ST-BENICIA TO JELLY BELLY RIDE FOR CINDERELLAS. 10 AM 1ST AND B STREET PARKING LOT.

COME ONE, COME ALL. WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU! :D:D:D:D

P.S. BATHROOMS AVAILABLE AT MY HOUSE (50 FEET AWAY) AS WELL AS WATER.

[Trek420]

Has anybody gotten their postcard back yet? :confused:

[jobob]

Ah, all is well with the universe.

[Trek420]

Was there a disturbance in the force? :rolleyes:

[Bike Goddess]

I believe that postcards get mailed sometime soon. I'll ask Mr. Cinderella (AKA Jim) on Saturday if he comes to our JB ride and let you all know.:):)

Meantime- the sun is out- get the heck out of your house and RIDE!!!!!!!!

[spazzdog]

Hi all youse folks!

OK, so that whole "training" thing escaped me again.

Maybe I'll make the pre-dinner if there is one and maybe I'll come spectate again like last year...

Hmmmm?

spazz

[Trek420]

Hi all youse folks!

OK, so that whole "training" thing escaped me again.

Maybe I'll make the pre-dinner if there is one and maybe I'll come spectate again like last year...

Hmmmm?

spazz

You're not getting off that easy. Aren't we planning an easy low key flat "OMG I forgot to train for the Cindy" ride next weekend, right? Were did I put my bikes :confused: They are currently tarped to avoid the dust :rolleyes: :confused:

[Sag 4 Valentine]

Hey Bike Goddess,
Yes, I will be at the Jelly Belly ride. I may ride to Benicia and then ride to Jelly Belly and the loop with the group and head home from there. Too much to do that day.


Hi Sandi- Long time no hear! I"m so happy to know you are doing "the ride"!

BY THE WAY- SATURDAY MARCH 1ST-BENICIA TO JELLY BELLY RIDE FOR CINDERELLAS. 10 AM 1ST AND B STREET PARKING LOT.

COME ONE, COME ALL. WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU! :D:D:D:D

P.S. BATHROOMS AVAILABLE AT MY HOUSE (50 FEET AWAY) AS WELL AS WATER.

[spazzdog]

Yes dear Trek - we is planning to ride... but for me anyway, not a training ride for Cindy. Is instead a "get my butt off the couch" ride :D

[Trek420]

Oh, so I guess that's not the hypothetical ride up Piedmont Ave to Broadway up Old Tunnel Road ..... down whatever that screaming descent is, then turn around and go back up, down Ashby hang a left and have breakfast at Lois the Pie Queen?

Yeah right :cool: me neither. Something flat. Oh how the mighty have fallen (or got outta shape)

[Bike Goddess]

Ms TREK- do join us Saturday if you aren't working. The JB ride isn't hard- mostly flat. We'll have 3 groups- fast, medium, slow. I was out that way today and it is absolutely beautiful! Blossom trees, mustard in all the fields, green hills abound. Common haven't seen you for a loooong tiime!:(:(:(

[Trek420]

I'll be busy ;) Up north with Knott. I do plan to bike to work tomorrow, first time this year. :D

[Bike Goddess]

Well, I'm glad to hear that you are doing the "earth friendly" thing! Kudos.

We'll miss you tomorrowl.:(:( Have fun up there in the "northern territory"- sending sun your way!:):)

[Trek420]

Well, I'm glad to hear that you are doing the "earth friendly" thing! Kudos.


Oh yeah, that makes it up to the planet for flying as often as finances and dog sitter availability allow. I suppose if I BTW every day :rolleyes:

[Bike Goddess]

Yep, you've got plenty of BTW to do to make up for that flight. Didn't want to put a damper on your weekend, tho! :p:p:p