AIDS Life Cycle -- first time!

[Resumer]

First of all, I'm thrilled to have found this forum -- I've decided to do the SF to LA AIDS Life Cycle in June. Haven't been on a bike since the 80s (literally) and have been off my workout regimen for a few months. I'm interested in any advice about training, and preparing for the 7-day ride...

Bought a Trek Hybrid (love it!), had the saddle replaced to something a little kinder on the sitbones, have biking shorts and gloves..along with the requisite repair/safety gear. Plan to get a stationary trainer for the rainy weeks that will come in the next coupla months. I live in the wine country of Northern California so I'm fortunate to be in a place that a lot of people need to arrange to come to bike.

Any and all advice welcomed! I've been reading a lot about training and the main message I'm getting is "start slow and don't overdo it" -- good advice cuz I'm excited to get going and need to discipline myself right now -- and then to the opposite later on to make sure I log the miles/hours in the saddle that will be required.

OK..I'm quitting here...thanks in advance for any responses.

[velogirl]

Hi Resumer! Congratulations on deciding to ride in AIDS LifeCycle. You will hear this many times in the coming months -- it is an experience that will change your life if you let it.

I've done a bunch of AIDS Rides as have others on this board. I'm sure you'll get lots of great advice.

I would encourage you to participate in the organized training rides -- you'll find the calendar on the ALC website.

I would also encourage you to participate in the ALC forum -- you'll also find that on the ALC website.

And yes, take it slow and steady. And enjoy the experience!

Lorri
CAR7, CAR8, AAVR2, ALC2

[Trek420]

Welcome to TE.

There's lots of multi day tour experience here including ALC'ers and other charity rides. I've participated 5 times: crewed once (that's harder than riding), led training rides, rode ALC 3, 4, & 6.

I've learned a lot here and credit the TE gals wisdom with getting me up and over the ride.

You're in for a wonderful experience and thanks for riding. :)

Sounds like you're doing well. An indoor trainer, spin classes, ride to work and or errands, lets you stay on track with base miles through the rainy season.

On my ALC seasons I've thought of the Cinderella ride as a "test ride" for ALC. It's a relatively easy early metric that gave me a chance to see how my bike and body and doing. If you do that, and maybe a recovery ride the next day you will do well. Then keep going, add hills and harder workouts, find a red dress and you're there.

Surf on over to the "Getting to know you" thread when you have a chance.

[indigoiis]

Howdy,

What a great endeavor you are embarking upon!

My advice: keep a record of what you are doing - could be book material some day. ;)

Also: enjoy every minute - or, better stated, find joy in what you are doing. Bicycling is truly a wonderful thing. Make it fun and you'll really have a good ride in June.

Indy

[Trek420]

.... need to discipline myself right now -- and then to the opposite later on to make sure I log the miles/hours in the saddle that will be required.

I was thinking, you're a returning rider, first time ALC don't forget to crosstrain. Think of hours training not just miles. Walk, swim, and especially anything that increases range of motion such as Yoga or Pillates (sp?) it all counts.

It's a loooong @ss ride and a lot of repetitive motion. You'll need your non cycling specific muscles almost as much as the bike specific muscles. And bike muscles need a break. Take rest days however when training I take a rest day as a workout but in something that helps my range of motion.

Packing tips here:
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=6233

Oh, and have fun!!

[Resumer]

I appreciate all of the encouragement...I can already tell I'm joining a community of awesome people..

Lorri: I checked out the ALC Forums as well...and note that you're an avid and helpful contributor there...I'll be on the lookout for more of your wisdom in the days ahead! Do you recommend any particular sources of info on preparing for the ride? I'm relying on the ALC website for now in terms of getting started...following the 5-week startup regimen and wonder if there are other sources you'd suggest I take a look at. Seems like since I'm in Healdsburg we'd have a good chance of ending up on a ride together at some point too.. :)

Trek 420: The Cinderella Ride looks like a great goal to shoot for, training wise. I'm assuming one can join in without being a member of the valley club that sponsors it? (I'm a neophyte to the customs of the cycling world!)

BTW...I use an email sign off that is a variation of the quote you post!

“I awake in the morning,
torn between a desire to save the world,
and a desire to savor the world.
It makes it hard to plan the day.” - E.H. White


I can feel the life change happening already...this is gonna be a GREAT year!

[Trek420]

Trek 420: The Cinderella Ride looks like a great goal to shoot for, training wise. I'm assuming one can join in without being a member of the valley club that sponsors it? (I'm a neophyte to the customs of the cycling world!)

Sorry to keep throwing links to threads atcha but some of these are so information rich that it's the easiest way to get info out.

The Cinderella ride is limited to around 2,000 women riders and it fills fast and I do mean fast. So watch the board and this space:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=20189

For information on registration. It's a fun ride and a good time, good chance for you to get comfortable with getting in and out of rest stops etc. Even if you don't ride come down and join us for dinner the night before.

[RoadRaven]

Welcome to the Forums, Resumer.

It is an awesome group here - I have learned so much since I joined in 2005 - and not all of it just about bikes (though seriously - what else is there? :p )

So welcome, and enjoy your stay with us

[ACG]

Congratulations and welcome! I registered to do my third Aids Ride on Christmas Day. It is my present to myself. All the advice you need is here on this site! Again Congratulations! You will love every mile of it!

[Trek420]

All the advice you need is here on this site!

This is sooooo true. The support on the ride is incredible, training rides are great and while cyclists in general are a helpful friendly bunch (with few exceptions) ALC riders are the best. This, the cause, their emphasis on safety, and the moto crew has kept be going back but ..... the ALC forum can be:

slow to respond to direct questions
hard to navigate
full of "is there anybody from outer Mongolia doing the ride?" (why not find a local Outer Mongolia ride club and ride with them?)
and sometimes downright catty and or drama filled.

Listen to your ride buddy, go on lots of training rides but for general bike questions before and long after the ride TE should be your board. :p

Long live TE :D

[Resumer]

OK...so I'm wearing the bike shorts -- grateful for the padding. Like everything else about getting started riding, I'm paying attention to where there is any friction or irritation. So far, I notice some on the right side, inner groin area.

Here's my question -- since what I understand is that it's seams that can create that (am I wrong?) it makes me curious about a few things -- like -- do you wear underwear or not with the bike shorts? That's an extra layer, and extra potential sources of irritation, particularly around the leg holes, right? Hard to imagine not wearing anything, but I'm checkin' :confused:

I've also been reading a bit about chamois butter...can someone help me understand what it does and what would suggest I should explore that at some point? I'm pretty tough, in general, so I'm not reaching out to eliminate any little ache or discomfort here, really just trying to learn about what I should be noticing, what is excessive, etc and what ways to play with the combination of what I wear and what could be adjusted (either the bike, or me!) to continually get to an optimal ride.

And on a totally absurd note...for all the ways that saddles affect our bodies, my thoughts have wandered to what the heck guys do with their package and how they must be totally affected by the ride?!!! Forgive my venture into these musings but a gal's got to wonder...:o

[Trek420]

Q# 1
do you wear underwear or not with the bike shorts? That's an extra layer, and extra potential sources of irritation, particularly around the leg holes, right? Hard to imagine not wearing anything, but I'm checkin' :confused:

Ride free! Go commando style

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=8518

Q#2) Now is the time to experiment with different brands of chamois butter and find what works for you. This is no time to tough it out.

What creates minor irritation on a training ride is ....
painful on a metric or longer ride which is ....
excruciating on a century and will ....
cause permanent or nearly permanent damage on back to back to back centuries.

Ask yourself after every ride "what hurts? what can I do about it?" Take care of the minor stuff before it becomes major and you'll have a great ride.

Q#3) Don't know and I don't care :cool:

[Resumer]

Thanks again Trek420...what a great thread to read...and I'm getting the hang of this site now (e.g. using the search function..duh!). :cool:

I LOVE THIS COMMUNITY!!

Call it a clan,
call it a network,
call it a tribe,
call it a family.
Whatever you call it,
whoever you are,
you need one.
~~Jane Howard

[teigyr]

Resumer, you will love the ride!!! I did CAR7. I didn't train quite as I should but they'll get you through it. The volunteers were incredible. As a cyclist, all you do is wake up, eat, ride, eat, ride more, eat more, finish, shower, eat, go to sleep. If you need help with your tent, there are plenty of people to help you.

I never used chamois butter before that ride but the rest stops were stocked with "butt balm". I have very amusing pictures of the various ways they'd present it :D I have nothing but fantastic memories of it.

I am SO excited for you!

[sarahoc]

First of all, I'm thrilled to have found this forum -- I've decided to do the SF to LA AIDS Life Cycle in June. Haven't been on a bike since the 80s (literally) and have been off my workout regimen for a few months. I'm interested in any advice about training, and preparing for the 7-day ride...

Bought a Trek Hybrid (love it!), had the saddle replaced to something a little kinder on the sitbones, have biking shorts and gloves..along with the requisite repair/safety gear. Plan to get a stationary trainer for the rainy weeks that will come in the next coupla months. I live in the wine country of Northern California so I'm fortunate to be in a place that a lot of people need to arrange to come to bike.

Any and all advice welcomed! I've been reading a lot about training and the main message I'm getting is "start slow and don't overdo it" -- good advice cuz I'm excited to get going and need to discipline myself right now -- and then to the opposite later on to make sure I log the miles/hours in the saddle that will be required.

OK..I'm quitting here...thanks in advance for any responses.








Hey!!!

I registered for the AIDS/Lifecycle Ride too. I'm so excited about it. I haven't been on a bike in years either.....yikes.

Thank goodness I found this place.



Rider # 1812

[sarahoc]

Hi Resumer! Congratulations on deciding to ride in AIDS LifeCycle. You will hear this many times in the coming months -- it is an experience that will change your life if you let it.

I've done a bunch of AIDS Rides as have others on this board. I'm sure you'll get lots of great advice.

I would encourage you to participate in the organized training rides -- you'll find the calendar on the ALC website.

I would also encourage you to participate in the ALC forum -- you'll also find that on the ALC website.

And yes, take it slow and steady. And enjoy the experience!

Lorri
CAR7, CAR8, AAVR2, ALC2





I've seen your posts on the AIDS/Lifecycle message board. I recognize the avatar.


I'm gald you are here to give advice. I wish you lived in Southern California!

[Trek420]

Welcome to TE and more important thanks for riding. Are we going to have a TE team again?

The 3 (so far) of you will have a great ride I'm sure.

[velogirl]

I've seen your posts on the AIDS/Lifecycle message board. I recognize the avatar.


I'm gald you are here to give advice. I wish you lived in Southern California!

you're welcome, Sarah!

[Possegal]

very cool and congrats to all of you doing this ride. I was part of the medical crew for the DC AIDs ride many moons ago (don't think they do a ride here anymore though). i will say it was seriously hard work crewing but so rewarding. not sure i could have tackled the riding though, so good on ya to all who do it. can't wait to hear all about it this year!

[sarahoc]

you're welcome, Sarah!




I'm thinking about buying a Specialized Ruby Elite for the ALC ride.

Do you have any other suggestions for bikes I could test for such a long distance?

[Trek420]

very cool and congrats to all of you doing this ride. I was part of the medical crew for the DC AIDs ride many moons ago (don't think they do a ride here anymore though). i will say it was seriously hard work crewing but so rewarding. not sure i could have tackled the riding though, so good on ya to all who do it. can't wait to hear all about it this year!


Thank you for crewing!! It's harder than riding on any ride. And .... yes, Virginia there is a D.C. AIDS ride (I don't know if your name is Virginia, just using the expression) :rolleyes:

www.foodandfriends.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=256135

[sarahoc]

Thank you for crewing!! It's harder than riding on any ride. And .... yes, Virginia there is a D.C. AIDS ride (I don't know if your name is Virginia, just using the expression) :rolleyes:

www.foodandfriends.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=256135





Are you doing the AIDS Lifecycle ride?

[velogirl]

I'm thinking about buying a Specialized Ruby Elite for the ALC ride.

Do you have any other suggestions for bikes I could test for such a long distance?

Sarah, what do you ride now? There are lots of valid options for a ride like ALC. I would suggest you first determine your budget, then find a bike shop you really like and ride a bunch of bikes there.

Lorri

[sarahoc]

Sarah, what do you ride now? There are lots of valid options for a ride like ALC. I would suggest you first determine your budget, then find a bike shop you really like and ride a bunch of bikes there.

Lorri



I don't ride anything now.....:p

I've been looking at the Specialized and its in my budget.

Would you recommend a compact or triple for the AIDS Lifecycycle route?

[velogirl]

I don't ride anything now.....:p

I've been looking at the Specialized and its in my budget.

Would you recommend a compact or triple for the AIDS Lifecycycle route?

Don't limit yourself just to the Specialized. Every major bike manufacturer will have a similar bike in the same price range. Try as may as you can!

If you don't ride at all, I would definitely recommend a triple.

Lorri

[Trek420]

What bikes have you tried so far? What did you like/dislike about them?

Consider some of the "smaller" brands; Kona, LeMond, Marin, Jamis oh the mind boggles, so many bikes, so little time ;-)

+1 on the triple.

My namesake a Trek 420 was stolen right before I registered for my first ALC. I had to replace the bike, went full custom. But you don't need to, you do need a bike that fits you.

I may ride again in '09 and am considering a Surly LHT or their cross bike for what would be my 6th ride.

[sarahoc]

What bikes have you tried so far? What did you like/dislike about them?

Consider some of the "smaller" brands; Kona, LeMond, Marin, Jamis oh the mind boggles, so many bikes, so little time ;-)

+1 on the triple.

My namesake a Trek 420 was stolen right before I registered for my first ALC. I had to replace the bike, went full custom. But you don't need to, you do need a bike that fits you.

I may ride again in '09 and am considering a Surly LHT or their cross bike for what would be my 6th ride.




Wow....5 rides...good for you.

[sarahoc]

Don't limit yourself just to the Specialized. Every major bike manufacturer will have a similar bike in the same price range. Try as may as you can!

If you don't ride at all, I would definitely recommend a triple.

Lorri



I've look at Specialized and Caonnodale (forgot which one off the top of my head)...and then I flipped flopped back and forth between a road bike and a hybrid of some sort.

It's hard to test out bikes when you haven't ridden in so long...don't really know what to feel for. But the Specialized is comfortable.

[Trek420]

Comfortable is good :) Are you going to keep trying different bikes and maybe go back to that one.? You may find a bike that just says "ride me to L.A.!" or you may find the Specialized is the one you want.

2 of the 5 rides I participated in I crewed. At first I did not "count" them but decided since crewing is harder, it counts.

[sarahoc]

Comfortable is good :) Are you going to keep trying different bikes and maybe go back to that one.? You may find a bike that just says "ride me to L.A.!" or you may find the Specialized is the one you want.

2 of the 5 rides I participated in I crewed. At first I did not "count" them but decided since crewing is harder, it counts.



I plan to try and look this week and decide....I have to start training...yikes


Just out of curiosity, do people like road bike shoes or mountain bike shoes on the ALC ride? I've heard mountain bike shoes are a little easier to walk around in.


Thanks for all the advice :)

[Trek420]

You do a surprising amount of walking on ALC. Camp is big and there can be a hike from bike parking to the luggage area where your sneakers are. ;) and then back again in the morning.

Rest and lunch stops are pretty big too. I've used MTB style shoes for this reason. Some of them are almost as stiff as road shoes, just a bit more room in the toe. But use what you feel more comfortable in.

[velogirl]

Just out of curiosity, do people like road bike shoes or mountain bike shoes on the ALC ride? I've heard mountain bike shoes are a little easier to walk around in.


Thanks for all the advice :)

I personally recommend a good mountain bike shoe for multi-day tours like ALC (and for the training that leads up to the event). You will walk a lot. And not only will you destroy road shoes, but you'll find it's easier to walk (ie the recessed cleat will not affect your posture when walking).

Most shoe manufacturers make identical road and mtn shoes -- built on the same last but with different soles.

[Trek420]

(and for the training that leads up to the event).

What she said. Train in what you'll ride in, ride in what you trained in. We want to hear the test drive reports and how your training's going.

[MM_QFC!]

I personally recommend a good mountain bike shoe for multi-day tours like ALC (and for the training that leads up to the event). You will walk a lot. And not only will you destroy road shoes, but you'll find it's easier to walk (ie the recessed cleat will not affect your posture when walking).

Most shoe manufacturers make identical road and mtn shoes -- built on the same last but with different soles.


I agree, as I always say: I like to be able to comfortably walk into the bakeries and bars, pre/post rides!

[Trek420]

I agree, as I always say: I like to be able to comfortably walk into the bakeries and bars, pre/post rides!

And up hills. All self-propelled forward motion counts :p

[carolp]

I've been off this list for a while, but I'm also an ALC rider. this will be my second ride. I'm a stoker on a tandem. I also post to the alc discussion forum. Before the ride last year I hadn't ridden in ages, and I also had a knee replacement. I was training mostly as knee rehab, but now the ride and everything that goes with it is such a part of my life. I have met the best people I know through ALC and I'm proud to raise money for such a great cause.
Carol
rider 1282

And I also blog --- www.ridingtoeat.blogspot.com

[melissam]

I'm doing the ALC ride this year too! It'll be my first time, and I'm rarin' to go.

I'm keeping a blog on my AIDS/Lifecycle homepage and trying to update it fairly consistently: http://www.aidslifecycle.org/6752

Who else from TE is doing the ALC this year? Let's see, so far we have:

resumer
carolp
sarahoc (did you decide on a bike?)
ACG

Velogirl, are you riding in the ALC this year?

Anyone else participating as a cyclist or roadie?

- Melissa

[sarahoc]

I was wondering how all the AIDS/Lifecycle girls are doing?

I ended up with a Specialized Ruby Elite....its pretty and I love it.


I will have a lot of free time to train between now and June so I'm excited....I'm totally new to all this.


Getting back on a raod bike after not riding for years....It comes back pretty fast. Clipless pedals have been my biggest obstacle so far. :eek:

[Trek420]

I ended up with a Specialized Ruby Elite....its pretty and I love it.

Well that is of course the most important, that it look good :p ;)

Good choice!

How's everyones training and fundraising going? Have you found that perfect red dress? Mel are you going for a replica of the party dress?

It'd be great if we can get a group shot, ride reports (I know that's hard during the long ride) or you gals could tent together. Well not all of you in one tent, nearby or sumthin'.

I'm missin' the ride the excitement, the community, the route, the views... but can't join you this year. Have fun and thanks for riding!

[sarahoc]

Well that is of course the most important, that it look good :p ;)

Good choice!

How's everyones training and fundraising going? Have you found that perfect red dress? Mel are you going for a replica of the party dress?

It'd be great if we can get a group shot, ride reports (I know that's hard during the long ride) or you gals could tent together. Well not all of you in one tent, nearby or sumthin'.

I'm missin' the ride the excitement, the community, the route, the views... but can't join you this year. Have fun and thanks for riding!




My fundraising is going good. I've almost raised $5,000.00. I have some red dress day ideas in mind.

As long as I can get more and more confident on my bike, I'll be fine. I feel wobbly at times.

I had it fitted for me...that was great and a lesson riding clipless pedals where I fell over. :rolleyes:


Do any of you put the extra brakes on the top of the bars for an extra option for your hands on such a long ride?

[Trek420]

Do any of you put the extra brakes on the top of the bars for an extra option for your hands on such a long ride?

I don't. Sometimes called "stoppers" the extra brake levers are not so much for hand positions but to give you access to the brakes from the flat of the bar.

On my road bike my hands are usually on top of the hoods. I feel comfortable from there stopping the bike with the first two fingers on the levers in most conditions.

When climbing my hands are usually on the bar. I don't know if that's right but I feel as if my chest is more open and it's easier to breath. I don't worry much about reaching the brakes from there. I'm a slow enough climber that if I just stop pedaling ... I'll fall over anyway :rolleyes:

But if I'm in that position on flats or downhill I can get to the lever easily though it takes some core strength.

Where you may be tempted to have "stoppers" is on our long screaming descents like the one after Evil Twins, and Quadbuster. These go on forever and are steep. The scenery is breathtaking there too. Pull over and look (if you can actually stop) you need your full attention on this descent.

But it was actually on a TE ride that jobob and aka_kim taught me how to descend in the drops. And from there you have very comfortable access to the brakes.

Do you have 'em? Wants some?

Totally unrelated thought: if it's in the same spot the rest stop BEFORE quadbuster is chock full of goathead thorns. Carry your bike in to bike parking, carry it out, and check your tires before you go.

Tailwinds TE gals and thanks for ridiing

[Kano]

Totally unrelated thought: if it's in the same spot the rest stop BEFORE quadbuster is chock full of goathead thorns. Carry your bike in to bike parking, carry it out, and check your tires before you go.

Not everyone likes this option, but living in goathead country, I've got two words for you: Specialized Armadillo.

I run them on my Roubaix, and it's SOOOO nice not to flat all the time anymore!

Karen in Boise

[melissam]

How's everyones training and fundraising going? Have you found that perfect red dress? Mel are you going for a replica of the party dress?


Hey Trek,

My training & fundraising are going really well. Well, fundraising's not going as well as sarahoc's; raising $5k is outstanding, sarahoc! Good job!

I haven't come up with the red dress -- that replica might take too long to make. Plus I don't think latex is the best material for riding apparel -- it doesn't wick, it doesn't breath, it's gotta be hotter than heck.

I started doing some of the ALC training rides. Did a CAT3 distance ride last weekend that was 70 miles and I felt great. This group will be doing a ride out to San Gregorio next Saturday; I'm calling it The Ride to the Beach. I've also been doing some of the Sunday morning CAT2 rides. We have ridden on Stevens Canyon Rd., which is where the cyclists were killed this morning. Kind of makes you stop & think.

There was an ALC training ride to do a sneak preview of Quadbuster today. I wanted to see what this infamous hill was all about. We all made it up the hill in one piece and smiling for the most part. Unfortunately, the downhill proved to be the most difficult part of the ride -- one of the guys in our group fell and broke his collarbone. It was heartwarming to see the ALC community in action -- we took care of him until the ambulance arrived, called his wife, and we made sure that his bike and car made it back to San Jose.

After seeing one of our group go down and then hearing about the fatalities on one of our regular training routes...I'm just not as excited about riding right now.

[sarahoc]

Hey AIDS/Lifecycle group...how is it going?


Can anyone tell me about the downhills on this ride? Are they really steep?

[Trek420]

Yes, some are :D Are you comfy with downhills or is this a "are we going to get to go "whoopeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!" a lot type of concern? ;)

I think it was on the downhill into Lompoc that I saw a rider who looked experienced stopped by the side o' the road. He just was not doin' it. Too steep, too scarey, we are on the freeway at that point. Some are very steep but most are of the "goes on forever" type.

If your question is the former a couple things. There will be riders screaming down the hill at 50-60 mph. If you're not one of 'em, let them. :cool: Descend your safe speed, find your safe line as far to the right as is safe. Don't hug the curb so tight you end up taking the turn on road spoodge. We don't want to hear about that crash in the after the ride report. ;)

When folks call out "on your left" hold your line. ALC has a lot of cyclists to get down the coast but if everyone does this we'll arrive safely.

I think people concentrated so much on climbing they did not practice descending. The ride starts and ends at sea level so you do both an equal amount ;). Each year I rode we have a couple of crashes on descents. One guy hit a cow :eek: Rider and cow both ok :rolleyes: Also check your equipment, I nearly had a guy wipe out in front of me on the decent after Evil Twins when his front wheel developed a wobble. He pulled off and fixed it but that looked dicey for a bit :rolleyes:

There are steep descents with intersections, fwy on or off ramps etc to deal with. ALC has a fabulous motorcycle crew and they will be there for you. The Lompoc one mentioned above is steep and on freeway shoulder. You'll see your moto crew smiling and waving you past the off ramp, trust them, you are safe and just keep your eyes on the road.

Thank the crew every chance you get and thanks for riding. :)

[sarahoc]

Yes, some are :D Are you comfy with downhills or is this a "are we going to get to go "whoopeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!" a lot type of concern? ;)

I think it was on the downhill into Lompoc that I saw a rider who looked experienced stopped by the side o' the road. He just was not doin' it. Too steep, too scarey, we are on the freeway at that point. Some are very steep but most are of the "goes on forever" type.

If your question is the former a couple things. There will be riders screaming down the hill at 50-60 mph. If you're not one of 'em, let them. :cool: Descend your safe speed, find your safe line as far to the right as is safe. Don't hug the curb so tight you end up taking the turn on road spoodge. We don't want to hear about that crash in the after the ride report. ;)

When folks call out "on your left" hold your line. ALC has a lot of cyclists to get down the coast but if everyone does this we'll arrive safely.

I think people concentrated so much on climbing they did not practice descending. The ride starts and ends at sea level so you do both an equal amount ;). Each year I rode we have a couple of crashes on descents. One guy hit a cow :eek: Rider and cow both ok :rolleyes: Also check your equipment, I nearly had a guy wipe out in front of me on the decent after Evil Twins when his front wheel developed a wobble. He pulled off and fixed it but that looked dicey for a bit :rolleyes:

There are steep descents with intersections, fwy on or off ramps etc to deal with. ALC has a fabulous motorcycle crew and they will be there for you. The Lompoc one mentioned above is steep and on freeway shoulder. You'll see your moto crew smiling and waving you past the off ramp, trust them, you are safe and just keep your eyes on the road.

Thank the crew every chance you get and thanks for riding. :)



Hi Trek,

Thanks for all the tips. I'm not going to be one of the people going downhill 60mph and saying whooopee. I'm a little freaked out about it and there are not a lot of downhills to practice on where I live.

Can you go downhill slow...that sounds like a contradiction...:eek:


What is the downhill like on the first day after the climb? I've heard the climb is a long one.

[Trek420]

Thanks for all the tips.

You're welcome. :) Although I trained a lot for ALC I can't say it enough that I would not have been able to do the ride without what I learned here. TE rocks :D


I'm a little freaked out about it and there are not a lot of downhills to practice on where I live.

I'd say if you can't practice descending, practice cornering. That's where I think people flip out :cool: Newer or flatland cyclists feel ok on descents as long as you're just going straight downhill. Then there's a turn and OMG I'm turning AND descending :eek: whadoido? whadoido? crash

I feel MORE confident descending while turning because the inside leg being down kinda weights you, I feel more connected to the road and the universe blah blah :rolleyes:

Even a slight hill, freeway overpass :rolleyes: can be practice. I'd get out and do hill repeats which are also ..... drum roll .... descending repeats. You'll do fine come June.

And (insert evil grin) you'll get lots of practice starting right away on day 1


Can you go downhill slow...that sounds like a contradiction...:eek:

I've learned here that it's important to ride your ride, don't go faster than you can safely go. There are lots of ways to feather off some speed; feathering the brakes (don't slam them), sit up, drag-race parachute on the back of your jacket :p


What is the downhill like on the first day after the climb? I've heard the climb is a long one.

Yep :p We start and end at sea level, climb up .... fly down. :rolleyes:

It's funny but I've always told sponsors who don't ride and want to understand what it's like "it's like skiing to LA, in traffic, on pavement, with 2500 others".

Day 1 there's a descent right before rest stop 2 that riders have let get away from them (too fast) and there have been crashes. Fortunately that route's on Velogirls rides so I was very familiar with it. And right before the lunch stop is an area that's steep, winding and on the coastal highway.

Last year was my 3rd ride but I did badly ... from a cycling standpoint. I was and still am dealing with an injury and I sagged each day. I regret that, and felt something of a failure. Till my niece UK Eliphant on TE said "you've done the ride twice so you've had the experience of completing it, and you are older now after all :p" Sounds like a challenge to me ;)

You could ask her what day 1 was like last year, I believe you'll be doing the same route this year. That climbs a b*tch. Just kick it in a low gear and keep pedaling.

Have a great time and thanks for riding :D

[sarahoc]

That's Trek...

I'm going to find some hills here...its just not like Northern California down here is South Orange County. I don't mind learning to descend, I just don't think I'll ever be one that "wants" to fly downhill and I don't want other cyclists to get aggitated.

[melissam]

Trek,

I think we're just gonna have to sign you on as an ALC Riding Consultant this year! ;)

Thanks for all your great tips. Keep 'em coming!

-- Mel

[Trek420]

I think you'll find other cyclists, faster riders will not get agitated with you as long as you're riding safely.

Frankly I never saw the faster riders. Bikegoddess here? We tented together yet the only time I saw her on the road was when she had a "sunglasses malfunction", stopped to fix it then I saw a blurr when she blew past me. :p

After day 1 you'll naturally fall in with:
riders who get up when you do and ride your pace
riders who get going earlier but ride slower
riders who get up later but ride faster
faster riders who lollygag at rest stops
slow riders who zip in and out of rest stops ....

This is part of the experience of ALC and I bet any multi day tour that swiftly there's this community that appears on the road. Before you know it you'll find your pack and be riding up Quadbuster singing "Aint no Mountain High Enough" with them (and if the gals I rode and sang with are lurking here, hi!)

Have a great ride and .... we want pictures when you return :D

Mel, I tried to sign up as a TRL but
1) slots filled up before I could take the training
2) I'm still dealing with my booboo toe
3) the remodel - can anyone tell me where my bike shoes are? where are my socks? I can't lead rides. I can't find anything. I need to focus on that.
4) consultant? Russ has already written a book.

Happy to impart what wisdom I have.

[sarahoc]

Trek,

I think we're just gonna have to sign you on as an ALC Riding Consultant this year! ;)

Thanks for all your great tips. Keep 'em coming!

-- Mel



That's a great idea. :p

[Trek420]

Is there money in this promotion or just a fancy title and a business card :p ;) :rolleyes: