Cinderella Dinner

[snapdragen]

I just called the Macaroni Grill. They can take us at 5:30 or at 8:00 :mad:

Suggestions?

Off to cruise dinner websites again.....

[Adventure Girl]

I just called the Macaroni Grill. They can take us at 5:30 or at 8:00 :mad:

Suggestions?

Off to cruise dinner websites again.....

NOOOOOO!!!

I found a few more places, but didn't say anything because I didn't hear anything negative about Macaroni Grill. Let me see what I can find, too.:mad: :eek: :(

[snapdragen]

In the same area as Macaroni Grill: Fuzio (fuzio.com) Kind of looks like an Italian/Asian combo, or Mimi's Cafe (mimiscafe.com).

[CorsairMac]

I'm not going but you know me - doesn't mean I won't help out anyway! teehee
anyway Mimi's Cafe is excellent but it's more family style food re: not pasta oriented. but they have Great Liver N onions!!!!

[snapdragen]

but they have Great Liver N onions!!!!

ahhh.....thanks Corsair........ :o :p


snap "not a liver kinda gal" dragen :D

[CorsairMac]

my pleasure snap - ya know...it's the little things sometimes that mean the most! :D

Corsair "always helpful" Mac

[Bike Goddess]

Well, don't forget us vegies! None of that meat stuff!! :p

[CorsairMac]

it has onions too!! ;)

[Adventure Girl]

4930 Dublin Blvd
Dublin, CA 94568
Cross Street: Hibernia Drive
Phone: (925) 833-7124

Review:
In Short
This high-concept chain boasts a sleek, modern decor, with hard lines and bright colors. Living up to the restaurant's tag line "Universal Pasta," noodles serve as the basis for most of the menu, and are surrounded by everything from Asian accouterments--cilantro, shrimp and bean sprouts in a spicy pad thai--to Italian nouveau, such as fried calamari, portabello mushrooms or hickory smoked bacon.

[Adventure Girl]

3037-G Hopyard Rd
Pleasanton, CA 94588
Phone: (925) 485-4500

Review
With the food you can not go wrong, service is always prompt and unpretentious.
Atmosphere and Decore is unique and top of the line.
Most elegant and charming banquet facility with private wine bar, and above all affordable to all.

http://www.garlicdipasta.com/

[Bike Goddess]

yuk,yuk, yuk! Can't even fathom the smell of it!!! :eek:

[SadieKate]

. . . is excellent. Can highly recommend the Rigatoni Al Fuzio (if you'll eat bacon). They also make yummy polenta. Hmm, maybe I'll take Bubba there pre-Pardee and we'll raise a toast to you.

[Adventure Girl]

11891 Dublin Blvd
Dublin, CA 94568
Phone: (925) 828-9380

Lively chatter and the aroma of garlic are the first things you notice when you walk into Frankie, Johnnie & Luigi Too! The interior is warm, friendly, and funky "Italian," (complete with red-checkered tablecloths). It is perfect for "date night," as well as the entire family. The restaurant has an open kitchen where patrons can watch the cooks "hand toss" the pizza dough and prepare entire meals. Frankie's is the pizza "mecca" of the Tri-Valley area. Don't look for yuppie pizza here. We feature authentic Italian pie that can be topped with your choice of items or one of the house combos.

Our menu features time-honored Southern Italian cooking. Traditional dishes such as Veal Parmigiana, Osso Bucco, and Chicken Cacciatore abound. Signature pasta dishes such as Fettuccine Prawns Portofino and Mostacioli d'Bari are sure to satisfy even the most discriminating palate. We are famous for our large portions and our specially priced "Dinner Specials." The complete menu is available to go.

http://www.fjldublin.com/

[SadieKate]

You have one in the neighborhood? I adore them for carbo-loading (clams in white wine sauce). I always head there after a ride at China Camp.

www.pastapomodoro.com

[snapdragen]

yuk,yuk, yuk! Can't even fathom the smell of it!!! :eek:

We talkin' garlic or liver Nancy?

[snapdragen]

Whoa, I just looked at Fuzio's menu.......I just had lunch and I'm hungry again. :D

It's got my vote.

Damn, now I've looked at Garlic Di Pasta........mmmmmmm

Nancy-- are you a total vegetarian? No fish or bird?

[Bike Goddess]

Well, Snap, if you want to know the truth.... we're talking both! But that's okay as long as I don't have to eat either one I'll be fine. Garlic and me don't agree (a little poetic here and there).

Also, there is a Starbuck's on Dublin Blvd so BikeMomma should be VERY happy :D :D :D

[snapdragen]

Pasta's Trattoria

405 Main St
Pleasanton, CA

http://www.themenupage.com/pastasmenu.html

Although, come to think of it, parking in downtown Pleasanton may suck.....

[spazzdog]

Suggestion from the cheap seats...

Call "Frankie Johnnies Luigis" and "Pasta Pomodoro" and "Fuzios". See which one can handle the reservation for 10-12? at 7 pm. The winner gets the booking. Oh, make sure nobody needs to "dress up"... I'm packing :o

7 pm seems a good time for everybody coming from work and other places that day, plus it'll let folks get home not too late.

spazz
(the bike is now in the case, :eek: )

[Melody]

Any of those places are ok with me. :) I just need to know enough in advance to let work know I'm leaving early. :)

Mel

[snapdragen]

Fuzio's is the winner. We have a 7:00 reservation for 12, under my name-Janet.

4930 Dublin Blvd

http://www.fuzio.com/Menus/2005/fuzio_dinner_menu_0205.pdf

See y'all there.......jobob and I will be in the bar............... :D

[Hill Slug]

Fuzio's sounds good.....It's only a couple miles from my hotel...yay!

[ride4ur_life]

You can count on me and my "prince charming" to be there to introduce ourselves. You gals have been so very supportive and I really appreciate all of your comments and suggestions.. The ride honcho's will be aware of the situation thanks to my "Prince Charming".. we will be a party of 5 friday night..

See you Friday night! :p

[cindysue]

my head is spinning.......

OK, fuzio's it is. See ya there. Save me a martini at the bar...... ;) :p

[Bike Goddess]

Hey Snap- no meat, no fish, no bird!! Fuzio's sounds fine. As long as I can have pasta, pizza, salad I'm good to go. Should know by tomorrow if I can leave work a little early :) :)
Nancy

Maybe we can do a group think on Friday - I want ot have a COOOOL name like you all have! And someone needs to show me how to do the Avatar thing. I'm such a dummy when it comes to computer stuff. (I put all my smarts into cycling, ha, ha, ha!) :D

[snapdragen]

we will be a party of 5 friday night..
See you Friday night! :p

Um, 5? Sorry to be blunt, but I only included one extra in the reservation. It was difficult getting a table for 12...... sorry?

[BikeMomma]

Also, there is a Starbuck's on Dublin Blvd so BikeMomma should be VERY happy :D :D :D[/QUOTE]


....cheesin' quite widely here, Nancy - thanks! :D :D Happy indeed....

[BikeMomma]

r4ul -

Perhaps you could get reservations at the same time for your group of five, and request a table close to ours? Better call asap so the restaurant can advise you and prepare.....

[jobob]

Hi ride4ur_life - I'm with snapdragen here ... you're suddenly a party of five? That's a surprise.

Since you have such a large group, you will have to make your own separate reservation at Fuzio's for Friday night. Janet already had a tough enough time getting the reservation for 12.

Hope to see you there.

- Jo "I'll be in the bar with Snap" bob

oh cool, they have Lemon Drop martinis - how very appropriate. :D

[ride4ur_life]

Um, 5? Sorry to be blunt, but I only included one extra in the reservation. It was difficult getting a table for 12...... sorry?
ok, will do what i can. thanks anyways.

[Bike Goddess]

Yipeee! I'm in! Save some greens for me! :D :D :D
See you around 7:00!
Nancy

[ride4ur_life]

just wanted you all to know in bike land that I got a table for 5 next to janets at 7p.. so will see you thar mateys!

[snapdragen]

Excellent!


I'll be in the bar............... :D ;)

[jobob]

I'll be in the bar

I think we may just have us a jersey logo here

[snapdragen]

I think we may just have us a jersey logo here

Ooh, better! I was only thinkin' t-shirt........

[cindysue]

Hi ride4ur_life - I'm with snapdragen here ... you're suddenly a party of five? That's a surprise.

oh cool, they have Lemon Drop martinis - how very appropriate. :D

Lemon drop martini's? OH boy - someone hold me back - I want to be fresh on Saturday morning. Hey - what time are you gals starting in the morning? ......I guess we can coordinate over dinner - exchange cell phone numbers, etc.

Regarding the reservation for 12 - it is just females, right? I told my significant other that it was "girls night out"

[jobob]

Regarding the reservation for 12 - it is just females, right? I told my significant other that it was "girls night out" Well, assuming everyone who responded to AG & Snap's original query (from which they got our headcount) are all women, and I do believe they are :) then yes indeedy.


OH boy - someone hold me back - I want to be fresh on Saturday morning. Jo Mother Hen Role Model hereby decrees we're all big girls and fully responsible for ourselves. ( oh oh. :D )



Hey - what time are you gals starting in the morning? I'm going to be a renegade and start out as early as I can, and not wait around for people - I did the waiting around routine last year and I'm not going to do that again. See the previous Cindy posts over the last couple of months for my rationale for that. I'm more inclined to meet up with people afterwards - they'll be feeding us afterwards and that's a great place to hang out and check out the vendor booths.

Say, Susan and Jeff, will TE have a booth there?

[Adventure Girl]

Say, Susan and Jeff, will TE have a booth there?I PM'ed Susan and Jeff. The Cinderella conflicts with a triathlon that most of the staff will be doing that weekend. :( "Maybe next time"...

[Adventure Girl]

oh cool, they have Lemon Drop martinis - how very appropriate. :DDid they name them after snapdragen, or was snapdragen named after them? :confused: :D

[jobob]

hmmm... Lemon Drop .... never thought of it that way .... :D :D :D :D

[slinkedog]

Hey Adventure Girl... how is that finger? Are you going to be able to ride this Saturday????

[Adventure Girl]

Hey Adventure Girl... how is that finger? Are you going to be able to ride this Saturday????I'm still a "maybe" for the ride. My finger is still pretty swollen and purple. I don't have full range of motion, but it's improving! I can now make the "OK" sign with my hand. :p

I did my easy Spinervals workout this morning. I was able to ride in the hoods and the drops, and I can stand on the pedals. I can shift and brake fairly well. But I don't know how well I could handle a situation that required quick, firm braking... But the ride is still a few days away. I just hate feeling so fragile! :mad:

[slinkedog]

I'm glad you're doing better! I hope you're all set on Saturday. Will you still go to the dinner even if you opt out of the ride?

[Adventure Girl]

Yeah! I'll be there to eat even if I'm not there to ride! :eek:

[slinkedog]

I have bad news. I am not going to be able to make it to the dinner on Friday night. Blaine has a late afternoon board meeting at work and won't be able to come home early to watch the kidlets. I'm SO sorry and way bummed!

[snapdragen]

Dangit! We'll have to organize another TE gathering later this spring or summer. We'll miss you!

[SadieKate]

Dangit! We'll have to organize another TE gathering later this spring or summer. We'll miss you!

Superb idea! Can we plan it somewhere halfway between San Jose and Placerville? I know, I know! Let's all go to the Napa Valley for a ride and a sleepover! That too ambitious?

[aka_kim]

I know, I know! Let's all go to the Napa Valley for a ride and a sleepover! That too ambitious?
Oooh, good idea! The Tour of Napa Valley in August would be fun.

[SadieKate]

Hmm, August 21, 2005. That's a possibility. I like this ride.

http://www.eaglecyclingclub.org/tour.htm

[jobob]

It's on my calendar

[Bike Goddess]

Hey, I 've got the route sheet for the Napa Metric and the Napa Century. I think we should do this BEFORE it gets too hot! The ride last year (in August) was in 95-100 degree weather and I almost wilted on the vine (no pun intended here).

Get those reservations in! Oh, by the way, Benicia is a short distance away from Napa so if you can't get in up there, we've got lodging here and yummy food! :) AND we could do something at my place afterwards (I have a place close to the water in Benicia. We even have a pool!)

Afterwards we can eat at the Red Hen- a great Mexican Restaurant! I'm getting hungry already :D

[aka_kim]

Hey, I 've got the route sheet for the Napa Metric and the Napa Century. I think we should do this BEFORE it gets too hot! The ride last year (in August) was in 95-100 degree weather and I almost wilted on the vine (no pun intended here).
Good idea. I love this ride (and it's on my calendar too), but it does get hot.

[SadieKate]

Good idea. I love this ride (and it's on my calendar too), but it does get hot.


Poor Bubba. Last year we did 2 organized rides, the Chico Wildflower and the Tour de Napa. I ended up ditching him both times because he had to ride so slowly with the heat and he kept stopping to "drain" his helmet pads. If the weather is unseasonably hot this weekend, he'll never let me pick a ride again.

[aka_kim]

Poor Bubba! Why are you ditching such a nice guy?:) It's supposed to be about 70 this Saturday, so *should* be pleasant. Keep fingers crossed.

[cindysue]

I have bad news. I am not going to be able to make it to the dinner on Friday night. Blaine has a late afternoon board meeting at work and won't be able to come home early to watch the kidlets. I'm SO sorry and way bummed!

Bummer! I will miss you. Let's get together again soon. Maybe after the girls meet on Friday, we can plan future get-togethers............

[slinkedog]

That sounds great! I think I'm going to have to go solo tomorrow... can't find anyone to ride with me as everyone is at the Cindy!!! I'm still a little nervous to ride alone, but I'm sure it will be fine and a confidence booster.

[Veronica]

You can do it! I make sure Thom knows the route I'm going to ride before I go out. If I change it, I call him and leave a message. I did 67 miles by myself on Wed. and I had to carry all my food and water since I was out in the boonies with no stores. You CAN do it. Just takes a little planning.

V.

[CorsairMac]

That sounds great! I think I'm going to have to go solo tomorrow... can't find anyone to ride with me as everyone is at the Cindy!!! I'm still a little nervous to ride alone, but I'm sure it will be fine and a confidence booster.

If it helps any, I do all my riding alone.....and hiking....and Harley riding! I just make sure I carry a cell phone with me and my friends and family have each others phone numbers. and like V said, Someone here in Abq knows the general routes I'm on when I ride or hike so if I don't show up somewhere, they have an idea where to look. Oh...and carry ID of some type. There is a real serenity in doing something alone - makes me feel closer to God and myself. I solve all the worlds problems and have such a sense of contentment when I get back home. Go for it slinke.....I think you'll enjoy it.

Although Snow has offered to teach me to MTB - so I may have a riding companion soon!! :D

[cindysue]

Hey V -

I know you aren't riding the cinderella tomorrow but I think there is room for one more at the dinner tonight (Janet???) - will you still be in town?

[Melody]

I've got my hubby's car, so I'll see everyone tonight. Just look for the tall asian that looks very american indian. :P I'm also wearing a white T-shirt that says "I am cute" ;)

Mel

[slinkedog]

Thanks for the encouragement, Gals. I'm now (because of your kind words) thinking this is something I should do for myself. I tend to psych myself out about things... talk myself into believing that I can't do something and then I never have to try. Tomorrow is a good day to prove to myself that I can do it alone. (I know that sounds like procrastinating, but it's really planning!!! :)) Blaine will know where I'm going and about how long it should take.

You all have a BLAST tomorrow at the Cindy... I'm so wishing I could do it with you guys. Oh well, no green card, no ride.

[CorsairMac]

I tend to psych myself out about things... talk myself into believing that I can't do something and then I never have to try. Tomorrow is a good day to prove to myself that I can do it alone.


{{{{{{{slinke}}}}}}} been there hun, done that!......it's why I stay married to the jerk longer than I probably should have - the alternative was just too scary! Now: I wonder why I didn't live alone sooner!! :D

Anyway, let us know how it goes - I'll have you in my thoughts as I go for my first hike of the year (alone) and try to keep from riding Nicci until he's looked at!

[cindysue]

Tomorrow is a good day to prove to myself that I can do it alone.

You can do it and you will be BETTER for it!
You have my number - call me if you need ANYTHING! (encouragement, someone to chat with, whatever!)

[cindysue]

it's why I stay married to the jerk longer than I probably should have - the alternative was just too scary! Now: I wonder why I didn't live alone sooner!! :D

Me too! We will have to exchange stories!

[slinkedog]

Sounds like we need a divorcee cycling thread!! :) Blaine is my second (and very wonderful!) husband!!

Cindy, I have a GREAT idea! I'll call you on my cell phone while I'm riding around Uvas and you're doing the Cindy! We can chat the whole way!!! :cool:

[CorsairMac]

Young Ladies: is talking a cell phone legal while operating a vehicle in the state of CA?

[cindysue]

Young Ladies: is talking a cell phone legal while operating a vehicle in the state of CA?

AB911 was introduced in 2001 - to be effective this year - BUT it apparently failed passage January 14, 2002. Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec 10(c) of the Constitution. Not sure if it was reintroduced???

[slinkedog]

So I guess that means we're in the clear? ;)

[jobob]

pleeze say you guys are joking !!! :eek: :eek:

Maybe it's just me, but there's few things that seem more inherently wrong to me than someone riding their bike while chatting on a cell phone, the 2 just seem so incompatible to me.

I won't even get into the saftey issues ....

jo Mother Hen Church Lady bob

[slinkedog]

Joking? Absolutely. I can't even pull my water bottle from the downtube whilst I'm riding. I have to have both hands on the handlebars AT ALL TIMES!! I won't ride with headphones, either. I need to hear those cars coming up from behind... or the other riders!

[cindysue]

[QUOTE=jobob]pleeze say you guys are joking !!! /QUOTE]

errrh, no comment :o

.....one who regularly breaks the law (and works for the law - go figure!)

[SadieKate]

Please say I can still place pizza deliveries from the back of the tandem! :(

[snapdragen]

Yes, you may order pizza - but you have to invite me.

I have a friend who is constantly on his cell, even on the bike. Another friend and I informed him we would not ride with him if he did not turn off the phone. I also threatened to insert said phone into an orifice of my choice if he didn't turn it off in a movie theater!


Please say I can still place pizza deliveries from the back of the tandem! :(

[ride4ur_life]

Regarding the reservation for 12 - it is just females, right? I told my significant other that it was "girls night out"
well, I hope I didn't throw a cog in the works here, cause my prince charming is coming with me to night and we have our own table next to janets.,
although you might be interested in meeting him.. he is a head honcho with the ride tomorrow and he can answer any questions you newbies might have.. also the ride has changed (yet again) and there is a turn that even I would miss on Vasco right over the railroad overpass so y'all might want to turn an ear and have a listen about that one.. see you tonight!

[Hill Slug]

Oh boy....the bag's packed, the truck is loaded, and the bike is locked down....Almost ready to go.....see y'all later!!!! :D

[SadieKate]

Yes, you may order pizza - but you have to invite me.

I have a friend who is constantly on his cell, even on the bike. Another friend and I informed him we would not ride with him if he did not turn off the phone. I also threatened to insert said phone into an orifice of my choice if he didn't turn it off in a movie theater!

Re: invitation -- always!! You going to be in our neck 'o the valley soon?

Re: cell phone placement -- good for you! I have a couple friends who take calls when we're in the car together and then proceed to have long conversations with the caller, like suddenly the rest of us have disappeared. I need a pithy remark.

[snapdragen]

He has to wear panty hose and a skirt. :D I hope the estrogen levels don't overwhelm him...... ;)


well, I hope I didn't throw a cog in the works here, cause my prince charming is coming with me to night and we have our own table next to janets.,

[ride4ur_life]

I'll pass it on.. but then that would open up a whole nuther can o worms..

[cindysue]

I hope I didn't throw a cog in the works here, cause my prince charming is coming with me to night and we have our own table next to janets.,

no worries - I was just wondering. We are going to have a GREAT time. boyz or no boyz!

[cindysue]

hey folks,

I do not like talking on the cell when I'm with friends, in a restaurant, at the movies, etc. In fact - just yesterday I told a friend I had "to go" because my carpool was picking me up. And today I told a business partner I couldn't talk while in the postoffice.

As for slinkedog calling me - I will not jeopardize my safety or others and will pull over if she calls. Cheers! I'm a good soul, really!

P.S. I have some wierd news to share with you gals tonight - and need your advice!

[slinkedog]

Yes, I can vouch for Cindy's good soul! She's great! <sigh> Have fun tonight!!!!

[Melody]

Yup, I'm on my Blackberry. Yeah, i am soooooooooo a geek :)

Mel

[Trek420]

good dinner, great meeting all you gals. the weather was near perfect.

how was everyone's Cindy?

I had a swell time, fell over once (getting started at a light that was uphill. Note to self: practice unclipping right. you're right handed, why do you unclip left?) narry a scratch on myself or bike.

I felt faster than last year, I credit Spazzdog's gorp for that, not a healthy thing in it ;-)

so...let's hear eveyone's stories and .....where's the next ride?

[snapdragen]

This weekend was so fun! It was great meeting everyone, geez, y'all gotta know this, Nancy Lund is a classy lady! Spazz is a total riot - we must bring her out for every ride!

I am proud and amazed to annouce I finished the Cinderella. After the first pit stop I developed a stitch in my side. By the time I got to the lunch stop I figured that was it - I'm sagging. But I ate, and talked to AG and HillSlug, popped 3 vitamin I's and on my way I went. Decided Lemon Drop Hill should serve real Lemon Drops (welcome to the darkside jobob...) Was horribly disappointed to discover reststop 3 is no longer at the 1 room schoolhouse, complete with critters. Some generic nasty newly built school --- bah! I want my baby goats!!!!! Announced to some friends I was toast, I'm sagging. Marge looked at me and says "geez, it's all downhill from here, and it's only 16 miles" Yeah, tell that to my crotch..... Any way, revivied with Circus Animal Cookies - my true addiction, along with Oreos -- I made my way back to Camp Parks. WooHoo! My longest ride this year!!!! :cool:

I have my own bizzare celebration - I take myself to dinner at Applebees. :confused: :confused: OK, not the greatest, but it's become tradition. Sing along now TRADITION! :D

[jobob]

Dinner at Fuzio's was a blast. It was great to see my old friends Snap, AG, & Trek, and to meet Melody, Spazz, CindySue, HillSlug, ride4_urlife, BikeMomma, and Nancy L

The food was good, the conversation was animated and nonstop, Spazz and AG were a stitch - I think it's safe to say a good time was had by all. Oh, and I discovered that Lemon Drop martinis are absolutely wonderful (and I only had one, so there, harrumph :cool: )

Here's a group photo - missing from the photo are Melody, HillSlug, and ride4_urlife. Sorry about that! :o

http://tinypic.com/2k22hw

Starting from the left, there's Spazz, Trek, cindysue, BikeMomma, AG, Snap, & nancy lund.

As you can see, AG dusted off her tiara for the occasion. I brought the pink flower leis, which many of us took on the ride the next day, along with the adorable little glass slipper charms that Snap gave us. Nancy brought along a Gumps bag full of sample sizes of beauty creams and such that she passed around as a sort of a grab bag - that was fun - and some Gumps chocolates yuuuuummm.

Morning came waay too early. Here's me & Snap before we set out, too bad you can't see the lovely veils cascading from the back of our helmets. Next best things to tiaras.

http://tinypic.com/2k259x


Dusty was dolled up too, sporting the pink flower lei from the night before on her saddlebag along with the glass slipper charm.


http://tinypic.com/2k2620

The weather was pretty nearly perfect, cool with some sun. There were some windy stretches, and my friend Angie pretty much rode me into the ground in those parts, it was all I could do to hang on (wait for meeeeee !) - gah I hate headwinds :p

Many of us met up again at the end of the ride where we feasted on minestrone soup, bagels and cookies, and then headed off to the exhibitor booths. Team Estrogen provided all of the riders with water bottles with the TE logo on one side and the Cinderella 2005 logo on the other - a very nice momento!

Rivendell had a booth set up, displaying their new Glorious mixte, a Rambouillet & a custom (didn't see a Saluki, rats) so I chatted with Grant for a few moments, told him I spotted 3 Rambouillets and 1 Atlantis on the ride. He was pleased to see I was wearing my trusty WollyWarm jersey (perfect weather for it today) and he gave me 2 of their nice wide-mouth water bottles - early birthday present for Lee :) . Good thing I had that big ol' saddlebag since I had 3 waterbottles to schlep back to the hotel, along with my 2 TE bottles already in the cages.

That's all I can think of for the moment. I had a great time, many thanks to Snap & A"alpha dog"G for organizing the dinner, hope we can do it all again next year... if not sooner.

[BikeMomma]

I do not like talking on the cell when I'm with friends, in a restaurant, at the movies, etc.

P.S. I have some wierd news to share with you gals tonight - and need your advice!

Oooohhh, guilty as charged....
Sorry, gals, for checking my messages in the restaurant & for taking that call afterwards....haven't learned proper phone etiquette yet, I guess. I rarely get calls, just make them when I need to. I mainly have it for emergencies.

I missed the weird news....darn.

Anyhoo...I had a blast last night and today. The Cinderella is so much fun!! Everyone's costumes and helmets were awesome, and the course was truly bee-utiful! Those awesome green hills! I kept looking around at two things - those hills and the gorgeous horses in the pastures (I'm a horse freak, too). There was a beautiful grey that was right along the fenceline that looked interested in the bicycles. I swear I almost stopped, but alas, just clucked to him, instead.

Jobob, the pics turned out great! Can you tell I had my mouth full at the time? hehe Just call me "chipmunk".

I only saw two of you during the ride, as I think I left later than everyone (about 8:45-ish...a morning person I am not), and got in about 2:30. Next year, I'm really going to try to leave earlier, to maybe avoid some of the congestion, which sorta slowed me down, along with all the stop lights/signs (grrrr). Once I hit the open road, I was peachy-happy. I found my ideal pace to be faster than most, it seemed, so maybe I could have benefitted from an earlier start? Hmmm, not sure. I found myself tiring of saying "on your left", though. There was a group of about four (from Las Vegas area, one of them said) that I seemed to match pace with, but I lost track of them at the first stop. I did see Spazz getting into a sag van at the last rest stop. Hope you're ok, Spazz. I stopped and almost spoke to get your attention to say hi, but you really looked like you just wanted to go, so I didn't bother you. Were there any others in the van? - couldn't see through the tinted windows. Hi (belated) if so! Sorry I missed y'all. And I saw HillSlug at the finish, but she was too far away to flag down (you looked good!). I looked for the rest of you, but either didn't recognize anyone, or just didn't see ya at all. Bummer.

I saw a few aftermaths of crashes, and one crash happened right in front of me. There was a girl with a "bride" sign and her mother was with her with a "mother of the bride" sign (you might have seen them also). Too cute! Apparently, though, the "bride" was I think trying to pull out of her pedal, lost her balance and fell hard on her hip or tailbone. Anyway, she was in pretty good pain, but after a minute or so, was able to get up and walk to the side of the road. I saw them up the road after the stop and Mom reported that she was doing much better ("sore in the morning"). Her bike seemed ok, just the chain came off the chainring, which I helped put right. Ah, love 'da chain grease! So all seems to have ended well. I and others were quite concerned for her at first. She was really hurting, and even said that she heard a pop sound when she landed (oooh not good). :eek:

Flicka (a.k.a. the new bike) was a dream....totally. Flew up the hills, or felt like I did. Awesome. Yesterday's "shake-out" ride to tweak the fit really helped. I felt as comfy at the end as I did when I started. The only thing about the ride is that the rear derailler shifter cables became loose with use (breaking-in blues), so my shifting was rather screwy sometimes.

And I have to rave about the downhill that came right before the lunch stop. Oh goodness - whoa that was fun! I hit 32.5mph along with a couple other gals in front of me. I commented to one that I'm comin' next year just to do that again!! Whoo-hooooooo. :p :p

The drive home was smooth as silk, just like the Starbucks I got at the drive-thru at the top of the hill in Livingston (it's conveniently right off the freeway). Couldn't pass that one up, now could I?? I rode hard for that venti nonfat Caffe Mocha! The great part was when I walked in the door when I got home and got mobbed by the kids. They missed me, and I surely did miss them (and my hubby, of course). He gets to hear me babble on (and on, and on) about it for the next week, then gets to hear the babble continue after the Tiera Bella. Lucky him! I think I might get him some earplugs to help him out, 'cause I'm not shutting up anytime soon. ha!

I truly had a great time these last couple days, and I'm already looking forward to next year!! Thanks to all of you for the part you played in my great time! :) :) :)

[Surlygirl]

Hi Gang,
Can you tell us who is who in the pictures at the dinner table. Looks like a fun group. Maybe once the east coast contingent finally gets out together we'll send a pic.

[jobob]

oops, sorry, forgot to do that - I'll edit my post. - Jo.

[jobob]

BM, sorry we missed you on the ride! But I'm really happy to hear your new bike worked out well, sounds like you two were made for each other :)

During the ride this time I encountered no near-collisions with scary/inexperienced riders, and the vast majority of the riders who blew by me :p were very good about calling out. I also didn't enounter as much bike traffic piling up as last year and what I did was very easy to get around, for the most part. It could very well be because I headed out earlier this year than last.

It still took bloody for-ever to get thru registration though; those of us in the PQ row who had to suffer through the guy who forgot his reading glasses last year were re-bonding and resorting to bad puns to pass the time. I think we went through a bit faster this year but I still maintained we were in the P for Punishment line. :p

Congrats to Spazz for making it to the last rest stop, that was well into 50 miles, wasn't it? Considering that you've been living in the land of winter for so long and had no chance to train for this, 50 miles is nothing short of remarkable. Hope the aches & pains subside soon :eek:

[Surlygirl]

Thanks Jobob, its nice to put some faces with the names. :)

[BikeMomma]

It still took bloody for-ever to get thru registration though; those of us in the PQ row who had to suffer through the guy who forgot his reading glasses last year were re-bonding and resorting to bad puns to pass the time. I think we went through a bit faster this year but I still maintained we were in the P for Punishment line. :p


Sounds like I got lucky, being in the "N" line. There was no wait, but that could have been because I started later.

Overall, a wonderful experience. Smiles abounded, and I was impressed at the efficiency of the organizers. Plenty of food and drink, and it was all well-stocked and fresh. I think my favorite were the animal cookies, and took a half-banana to go at each stop.

[BikeMomma]

I was curious if they had anything on the website about the ride, and found that they've posted some important info on the 2006 ride. Here's the link: Cinderella 2006 (http://www.valleyspokesmen.org/cinder.html)

[jobob]

Sounds like I got lucky, being in the "N" line. There was no wait, but that could have been because I started later. Yep, you were very lucky to be an N - we in the Punishment line were gazing longingly at your line, which never had more than 2 or 3 people in it. In many instances while we were all standing there gathering cobwebs, a lucky N would simply walk right up, check in, and be on her merry way... :p :p :p :p :p :D

[slinkedog]

Wow! Next year's jersey looks like a beaut! I'm really sorry I missed this year's ride, but there's another incentive to do next year's.

Thanks for all the awesome trip reports. Spazz, are you there? Good job making it so far! I surely would have only made 40, at the most. Is the route posted anywhere? Did they give you ride sheets, or did you just follow arrows? How bad was Lemon Drop Hill? Snapdragen, Cindy... how did it compare to Buffalo Hill (the only hill with a Krebs chevron that I've ridden)?

[snapdragen]

Lemon Drop is not a difficult hill, IMHO. There was a long slow climb before lunch that I found tougher, but very doable. I'm not sure any of the hills in Cinderella have chevrons -- I can't find my route sheet right now.

BTW - I look like I'm absolutely blasted in jobob's pictures, I assure you, that is not the case. Gotta love them irish genes though, me and my day-glo cheeks :(

Next year's jersey is gorgeous! I'll definately be ordering one.

[SadieKate]

OK, I'm sunk. I may be doing the ride next year for that jersey. I love the Painted Ladies (or Monarchs?). We got bombed with quite a few yesterday.

[Hill Slug]

What a nice weekend!!! Big Thanks to Adventure Girl and Snapdragen for organizing!!! And even bigger thanks to AG for hanging with me through the ride....I was truly "sluggin" up the hills, but it's just me..... :rolleyes:

The ride was really nice. The weather really held up, just those winds toward the end were not nice. The "princes" did a nice job at the rest stops with plenty of bagels, peanut butter, bananas, oranges, pretzels, animal cookies, water, etc....AG and I were able to leave early, as ride4-life got us in at the front of the line...(Thanks hon...). At about mile 2 or 3 we had already seen at least 3 SAG vehicles pass us. I did start to have a minor cramp in my calf at about mile 10 - probably because I didn't hydrate enough or sleep very well the night before. Oh well, I just stopped to rub it out, and one of the SAG people came by right away to see if I was ok. I was ok, so kept going. We saw Jobob, Snap, and CindySue at the lunch stop, then again at the 3rd stop. I don't really know the area, and wasn't sure where we'd be coming in for the finish, so when the it came up I was pleasantly surprised. My computer started freaking out on me at about mile 17. It would go on and off, even after adjusting the sensor. I'm thinking the battery may need to be replaced, since it says I only rode, 58 miles....NOT!!!! :mad:

All in all, I had a nice time and was glad to meet everyone. We'll have to do it again!!!! If you're in the Sacramento area let me know.....Maybe we can do a ride along the American Rive Bike path. It's 62 mile round trip from Discovery Park in Sac to Folsom Lake, and it does have a 7% hill last couple of miles to the Lake. But it's pretty and bikes and runners only....

Take care everyone!!!

[Melody]

Here's a group photo - missing from the photo are Melody, HillSlug, and ride4_urlife. Sorry about that! :o

Muahaha! I safely made it past the Evil Cameras(tm) ;)


That's all I can think of for the moment. I had a great time, many thanks to Snap & A"alpha dog"G for organizing the dinner, hope we can do it all again next year... if not sooner.

It was really great to meet everyone. :) I had a absolute blast and the food was wonderful at Fuzio's. :)

BikeMomma, thanks for the link. :) I just emailed the address they provided to get on the list for next year's Cindy. :)

I hope everyone had a great time with it. :) My weekend has been filled with chores and having guests over today (from 1:00pm till 9:30pm) :eek:

Mel

[CorsairMac]

Thanks to all the ladies who shared their rides with us! Sounds like ya'll had a grand time. I LOVE that jersey for next year - guess I'll have to think about registering so I can get one. (corsair rules: it wouldn't be right to Wear it if I didn't Ride it!)

and CindySue N Slinke: I was just teasing ya about the cell phones - I knew ya'll was just joshing!! :D

[SadieKate]

If you're in the Sacramento area let me know.....

Hill Slug - are you going to join us on April 9th from Lake Solano?

[cindysue]

How bad was Lemon Drop Hill? Snapdragen, Cindy... how did it compare to Buffalo Hill (the only hill with a Krebs chevron that I've ridden)?


Lemon Drop is not a difficult hill, IMHO.

Not sure what Buffalo Hill is like, but I agree with Janet: Highland (aka lemon drop hill) was not difficult -- but then again, I've been training on Diablo, the three bears, and pigfarm hill. NOW, Ask me about Metcalf next week. ugh!

Cheers!

[slinkedog]

Cindy, we did Buffalo Hill on our ride. It was the second hill we went up. We did the backside of it on the way back and it got a little bit steep at the top. Remember? :) If you've been doing Diablo, you probably won't even remember it as a hill!! ;)

[snapdragen]

Muahaha! I safely made it past the Evil Cameras(tm) ;)


Ha, there will be other opportunities my dear :p

[cindysue]

Cindy, we did Buffalo Hill on our ride.

OK, then lemon drop hill may have been a little steeper than what we did on our ride. My advice to you is just work a little bit more in each time you ride. Add a little steeper hill next time. Don't look up - just keep trudging along at YOUR comfortable pace. Soon, you will be the one encouraging someone else......

[Hill Slug]

Hill Slug - are you going to join us on April 9th from Lake Solano?
I ride with Team in Training on Saturdays.....but, this Sat we're starting in Davis at 8am and going up through Winters, and Lake Solano I think....Something about Cantaloe (sp) Road or Hill.... I haven't ridden this route before so we'll see how it goes....We'll be wearing neon yellow jerseys....And I'll be with the other Slugs!!!! ;)

[SadieKate]

We might cross paths. If you're doing Cantelow Hill (and road) from Davis, you'll probably climb up the east side and will do about 55-60 miles. Cantelow will be your only climb with the exception of our very challenging freeway bridges :). You will then go either north or south on Pleasants Valley Rd (prob north so you can hit the store at Lake Solano. Tell them you'd prefer to go up the east side, purty please. The west side is darn steep because of the switchbacks, though it is shorter that way.

Here's a map of the area you'll be riding. Cantelow is the squiggly line running east/west in the middle of the left side of the page. The one that says "steep grades." From the east it is very doable. Pleasants Valley Rd runs the full left side of the map - it is a very fun road to ride and very popular with Yolo/Solano Co riders.

http://www.davisbikeclub.org/ClubDocuments/AreaMaps/DavisDixonWintersVacavilleMap.jpg

The end of our ride will take us north the full length of Pleasants Valley Rd so we may see you out there. I'll keep an eyeball peeled.

And, one last recommendation - don't miss the pie at the Putah Creek Cafe.

[spazzdog]

Hey y'all!

I had a blast meeting you grrls at Fuzio's. Thanks so much for setting that up. Jobob and Snap, I love the little glass slipper. I put it on my bike for the ride then promptly moved it over to my courier bag so I can always have that little reminder of you guys.

I got to 40 miles and wanted to quit. My body was done. BUT I got some amazing encouragement from a woman named Angie (she was riding with her mom) and I pushed on.

At the rest stop at 50 (49.2) I could go no further. Dita was there to stop my bike and hold it so I could get off...

I gotta tell you though, I'm proud as punch that I got 50 miles. I had no time in the saddle and no training at all. My brain and you TE grrls hospitality was what brought me out there and I had the best time I've had in a very long time.

THanks to all. Oh... with my flight snafu (see Cinderella pics thread) I got a free round trip tkt to anywhere I want. I'm thinking I'll be using that ticket for next yrs Cinderella.

Hugs and kisses... spazz

[snapdragen]

You did great spazz! So glad we all got a chance to meet. See you next year?! :D

[spazzdog]

oh god! I'd forgotten about that...

Just can't take me anywhere, can you?

[spazzdog]

I "borrowed" jobob's group shot and combined it with the individual shots I took at dinner to make this little keepsake. It ain't glamorous but it's a memory. Feel free to copy it for yourselves.

[Adventure Girl]

Really nice collage, Spaz! We all look so happy! What a fun night! :D

[Melody]

Eeeeeeep! I didn't escape the Evil Camera (tm) ;)

Mel

[spazzdog]

You may escape the pros, but the spazz always gets her shot :D

[slinkedog]

I'm really proud of you, Spazz, for making it 50 miles and enduring Airport Hell! I hope you had a fun trip to the left coast! I'm very sorry that we didn't get to ride together.

So I know who most of the folk are in those photos... could you provide the names of all so I can keep them straight???

Thanks!

[spazzdog]

Uh... let's see if I can get this right:

In the group shot starting on the foreground left and going around - me, Trek420, CindySue. Across from CindySue is BikeMomma, Adventure Girl, Snapdragon and Bike Goddess (Nancy_Lund).

Hiding behind CindySue I think was Hill Slug - she's the 4th from left individual shot.

Absent from the table was Jobob and Melody, but I got them (HA!) with the individual shot; right side - 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Corrections anyone?

spazz

[Bike Goddess]

Awesome job there- Look at you! GREAT!!!

[cindysue]

Love the collage Spazz. Thanks! It was a really special evening meeting all of you. I hope we can do it again!

[BikeMomma]

Wow, good job on the collage, Spazz! I did save it, and I think I'll put it as my background pic on the desktop! A place of honor.

It truly was great meeting all of you that night- my glass slipper is hanging from an overhead storage cabinet at my desk at work, close at hand to bring a smile. Awwwww..... heehee :p :p

[Trek420]

the check's been cashed, Bikeless, Spazzdog, we're in. Where's dinner? :p

[jobob]

Trek, if you're going to start a cinderella dinner thread, perhaps it should be a brand-new one rather than adding on to last years' very long thread.

Just a suggestion.

- Jo.

[ride4ur_life]

made a new post for this..huggles and kisses!

[SadieKate]

Already started but no one is volunteering to be the coordinator. Since I'm not going, I can just sit back and watch.:p :) ;)

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=5104