West Coast USA TE Gathering

[SadieKate]

I'm starting this thread because there seems to be an interest in another TE get together. Maybe everyone who is interested or has suggestions could add their 2 cents and then we'll come up with a group decision.

The suggestion has been made to ride the Tour of Napa Valley on August 21, 2005.

Tour of Napa Valley (http://www.eaglecyclingclub.org/tour.htm)

Anyone have experience negotiating with hotels for a block of rooms? Even if only for 1 night? Will we have enough people for negotiating power?

[slinkedog]

Here's another idea: we could, in the interest of not having to pay fees and worry about registration, come up with a ride of our own!!! :) (We could also plan it for a time/location where it won't be 95 degrees!!! ;))

[snapdragen]

I'll be riding the Holstein 100 on Aug. 20 - it's a tradition with me now. Even if I'm in rotten shape I go to the Holstein :)

I like the idea of a get-together. If we did our own ride, we could pick a cool spot, like the north coast. I've always wanted to ride up in the Avenue of the Giants area. Or heck - head up to Oregon! I'm still trying to figure out my vacation plans for this year.

[SadieKate]

Well, I have the local knowledge to plan varying length road rides in Napa Valley or mtb bike rides in the Bend, OR area (and pals that would put together road rides for us - like around Bachelor). The Bend Distillery makes its own lemon-infused vodka. The red wines in OR are yummy! Can you tell where I learned that Gatorade and Vitamin I are a good combo? Lots of nice rental houses there also.

Less than 95 degrees is always good. North Coast - beautiful!! Sonoma? You know, Sonoma/Marin or Bend would have more access to mtb trails if there are those who want to come but don't do the roadie thing (or just prefer one over the other).

Sadie "just like to ride" Kate

[aka_kim]

The Holstein is a nice ride, and isn't usually hotter than h*ll.

Bend? I was thinking of touring in WA/OR this year, but it's a little pricey for the underemployed among us (like me) to do this too.

I still like the idea of an existing organized ride because they're usually only $30 or so, food (often quite good) is provided, there are several course lengths, and there's SAG support.

But... on the other hand, a ride of our own does sound cool. (Isn't this how new organized events get started? 5 years from now we'll be turning registrants away :))

[CorsairMac]

maybe get some of the DHs to provide SAG support??

[slinkedog]

That's a great idea! My hubby could change our flats and give rides and all that. I'm sure he'd LOVE to do it... well, maybe I should ask first! :D

[SadieKate]

Yeah, I decided to wait until tonight to spring this request on WrenchBoy! He's a good doobie.

[slinkedog]

Now here's a ride I could get into... here's the link. 2 days, Tyler Hamilton Foundation, benefits MS, lodging and food provided and you get to ride and have a "fireside chat" with Tyler!! You also get to ride across the Golden Gate Bridge twice!

http://www.tylerhamiltonfoundation.org/california56.html

[cindysue]

Now here's a ride I could get into... http://www.tylerhamiltonfoundation.org/california56.html

hmm, this looks cool!

[slinkedog]

Here's some more detailed info from an email I got:

Day One: You’ll begin your two-day 120 mile “tour” of theSan Francisco Bay Area by riding across the awe-inspiring Golden Gate Bridge. From here you’ll head north through the charming bayside artist community of Sausalito, into Mill Valley and through many of the small towns that lie at the base of Mount Tamalpais State Park. After leaving Fairfax you’ll meander through the northwest countryside and farmland of Marin County, over a few challenging but very rideable hills, to the secluded coastal retreat of Walker Creek Ranch. That evening you'll share a wonderful dinner with all of your new best friends, followed by an intimate fireside chat with Tyler. Finally we'll head over to the Barn for a real knee-slapping, kick-up-your-heels shindig!

Day Two: riders will leave Walker Creek Ranch and head to the quaint fishing “village” of Marshall, nestled on the edge of Tomales Bay. From here you’ll head south along the bay, following the oyster farms, to Point Reyes Station, eventually making your way to the base of beautiful Mt. Tam and the tip of the Bolinas Lagoon. You’ll begin your climb up the western slope of the mountain, and if the fog stays away, you'll be greeted with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and the California coast. Towards the top you’ll pass through a small patch of California Redwoods and continue your tour across the northern edge of the mountain. If Mother Nature is working in our favor, riders will look down to the Pacific to their right, and the San Francisco Bay to their left. Once at the top you’ll begin your decent down the mountain back into the town of Mill Valley and complete your ride by crossing the Golden Gate Bridge once again.

[SadieKate]

I really wanted to go on this ride last year; I think it was different route. Did you look at the minimum pledges? Even with a team of 4, there is a $350 pledge plus reg fees of $50 to $115. While, of course, I applaud the cause :D, I think I could only ask my friends to donate for MS once a year. Love to do it some time. I'm putting it and the MS150 ride in Graeagle (Sept) on my list of "maybes" for next year.

[slinkedog]

I saw the registration and pledge info. I was daunted at first. Then I figured if I can get a team together, the $500 or so it would cost me would be about the same as overnighting and eating in Napa!! :)

[snapdragen]

Oh, that looks cool.......I'd do it!


Now here's a ride I could get into... here's the link. 2 days, Tyler Hamilton Foundation, benefits MS, lodging and food provided and you get to ride and have a "fireside chat" with Tyler!! You also get to ride across the Golden Gate Bridge twice!

http://www.tylerhamiltonfoundation.org/california56.html

[cindysue]

A friend from school pointed out that tyler was accused of doping. Not sure if this is something we should be conscious about when thinking about this event.

Anybody up for a pacific coast tour? San Francisco to Santa Barbara? Or San Francisco to Oregon?

I signed up for a 2-year membership to Adventure Cycling today and will order the maps once my membership packet comes in the mail in the next week or so.

[aka_kim]

Anybody up for a pacific coast tour? San Francisco to Santa Barbara? Or San Francisco to Oregon?
I'm still thinking about doing Seattle to SF, or some variation on that, later this year.

What is the word on Tyler? His hearing was several weeks ago, and I thought the results (to ban or not) would be announced 10 days later.

[cindysue]

I'm still thinking about doing Seattle to SF,

Anybody else interested? I'm thinking late May/early June???

I think this would be a nice intro to touring as I'm still very much considering a US tour June 2006.

[cindysue]

What is the word on Tyler? His hearing was several weeks ago, and I thought the results (to ban or not) would be announced 10 days later.

Haven't read this but it was posted yesterday: http://www.boston.com/sports/articles/2005/04/05/brakes_still_on_for_hamilton/

[Veronica]

San Francisco to Oregon is the wrong way to go. :D Headwind all the way! I've done Sunnyvale to Santa Barbara - very pretty.

V.

[slinkedog]

A coast tour sounds awesome... but probably not doable for me. Well, I guess it depends on how many days. My mom works and lives far away (about 70 miles) so its hard to get her to watch the kids for more than a couple of days.

Regarding Tyler, my take is, if he's doping, everyone is. He's always seemed like a decent guy. The best man at our wedding (Blaine's best friend fomr Indiana) used to race against Tyler in Jr's events when they were younger and said he was always kind and had a great attitude.

[cindysue]

San Francisco to Oregon is the wrong way to go. :D Headwind all the way! I've done Sunnyvale to Santa Barbara - very pretty.
V.

Thanks V! I was actually talking to my BF last night about the SF to SB trip. I'm pretty sure it's going to happen - probably around May 15-20, give or take a few days. Anybody want to come? you're welcome. I may invite some other friends too. And I think some non-cycling friends are going to join us in SB for wine-tasting at the end. I think a nice bed-and-breakfast will be just the ticket.

[cindysue]

its hard to get her to watch the kids for more than a couple of days.

You could always come for a day or two (like to Monterey) then head back (rental car?)

Cindy :)

[slinkedog]

That sounds like a lot of fun! I'd love to ride down the coast someday. Blaine and I want to ride down to SB at some point. It's too beautiful there!

[SadieKate]

Anyone up for this on September 10th? I'm always on my own this weekend as Bubba is off on his annual male-bonding trip. Looks like it should be a pretty ride and you gotta think the housing is cheap.

Siskiyou Century (http://www.siskiyoucentury.com/rideinfo.htm)

Average summer temp for Yreka is 71.5!

[slinkedog]

This looks very cool and doable for me if I train for the metric century. I love that area! Hubby and I fell in love at Mt. Lassen on a camping trip with a group from our church. Our anniversary is August 9th, so maybe this could be part of an anniversary getaway!! :)

[Bike Goddess]

Hey SK- Great idea! I'd do the century with you all in a minute (well actually many minutes ;) ). This is up by Mount Shasta(for those of you who don't know this area). Yreka isn't that big, so travel arrangements would need to be made fairly soon to get good hotel rates. It's about a 5 hour drive from the Bay Area.

I also have 2 other rides in mind that we could do- 1- Tour of Tahoe (we could do that one on our own- I mention this on another thread) 2- Napa Metric Century- I have the route map for that one so we could do that earlier this year before it gets too hot! (also mentioned on another thread!)

C'mon Spazz get your wings on again! :D :D

[cindysue]

I also have 2 other rides in mind that we could do- 1- Tour of Tahoe (we could do that one on our own- I mention this on another thread) 2- Napa Metric Century- I have the route map for that one so we could do that earlier this year before it gets too hot! (also mentioned on another thread!)

which threads?

hey nancy - did you change your user name or do you have two?

[SadieKate]

The Tour of Tahoe is a wonderful ride, but I wouldn't do it without all those bright orange special event signs. I don't mix my riding and someone else drinking :mad: because there aren't bike lanes for much of the ride. For scenery, the route gets an A+. Only time I ever went to Tahoe.

Tour of Napa route - always good. We also have a good (@55 mile?) route starting in Yountville, up the canyon past the reservoir to Lower Chiles, up Ink Grade, down Howell or Cottage (the more fun downhill) to the Silverado Trail, up to Calistoga for lunch at the glider port market, and back down the Silverado Trail. Just as a side note, Calistoga has a terrific brewery (yes, we go to the wine country for brewskis).

I've been wanting to do the Siskiyou for a long time. That is such a beautiful area. This could be our fall ride. Wouldn't want to intrude on slinke's romantic escapades, but she might fit us in for a few hours.

And, check this out! They moved the Fall River Century to July 16th. Used to always be on Memorial Day Weekend when we're in Oregonia. Fall River Century (http://www.shasta.com/billofsail/index.htm)
Now, there's a beautiful valley. This is supposed to be a good ride for tandems.

Yellow - we could take our flyrods! :)

[snapdragen]

Siskiyou sounds fun, I haven't been up there since I was a kid. We used to camp all the time. I'm game for it!

[slinkedog]

The other option is I drive up with one o' you gals and leave Blaine home with the kids. Since it's a supported ride, we don't need our own personal sag/wrenchboys. ;)

[SadieKate]

The other option is I drive up with one o' you gals and leave Blaine home with the kids. Since it's a supported ride, we don't need our own personal sag/wrenchboys. ;)
Well, I don't need a WrenchBoy, I just want him. :rolleyes:

Ok, to clean up the conversation, I'm putting the Siskiyou C. on my calendar. I've got a bikebus (aka the Fishmobile, "Chromer") that can carry five bikes. It'll take 4 people with one night's luggage per person. Comes equipped with it's own floor pump, tool bag and beverage holders.

I just talked to Petunia (we'll see if we can ever get her to post again) and she's looking at it also.

[slinkedog]

Well, I don't need a WrenchBoy, I just want him.

LOL! I'd like mine there, too, but if I have to choose... Siskiyou Century with the TE gals/overnight away from kids minus hubby or stay home, I choose the former!! :)

I'll talk it over with Blaine tonight. Depending on how expensive the lodging is, he'll probably go for it. Our finances are a little tight at the moment. Well, pretty much all the time. ;)

Any chance we might be able to rent a whole cabin for a few of us? That could be an more inexpensive option than stinky hotel rooms.

[SadieKate]

I like the cabin idea because we can do group cooking. Have to do more research on that, the cabin that is.

I just checked Orbitz for fun. The Super 8 in Yreka is $69 per night/dble occupancy/2 beds per room. There were other cheaper options also.

It can get expensive if you want to stay in the fancy stuff by Mt Shasta but there are other options.

Also, all you mtnbikers! I believe there are lots of trails in the area!

[Bike Goddess]

Yep! Jeff changed my name last night,nice guy that he is! :D

[snapdragen]

and Spazz - just how dumb is mud hun?? - I need to know the appropriate thing to say to help boost your spirit!! :p

I would say dumb as mud is equal to dumb as a box or hair........ :rolleyes:

[SadieKate]

I would say dumb as mud is equal to dumb as a box or hair........ :rolleyes:

Is that as dumb as a bump on a stump?

[spazzdog]

Dumb as mud =

- dumb as a stump
- dumb as a post
- dumb as snail spit
- ain't got sense god gave a hog

Other good things to know:

Crazy =

- a card short of a full deck
- playin' hockey with a warped puck
- has splinters in the windmills of his/her mind

Incompetent =

- useless as teats on a boar hog

Nervous -> as a long tailed cat in a room full of rockin chairs
-> a fella with coffe jitters standin' on a land mine


Anybody else?

[Veronica]

Slow - slower than cold molasses running uphill in wintertime.

V.

[snapdragen]

One sandwich short of a picnic

Lights are on, but nobody's home

[Veronica]

Wow, this has wandered way off topic.

V.

[nuthatch]

Cold as a witch's tit

Looks like she was drug through a bush backwards

[spazzdog]

My bad. :eek:

Sometimes I'm a bad influence. My apologies.

Back to the TE gathering: who's goin'?

[SadieKate]

Lights are on, but nobody's homeWow, you been talking to Bubba's secretary?

Back to topic, I wanna go to the Siskiyou. I looked around for some group rentals like cabins, but Yreka isn't exactly a destination community like those closer to Mt. Shasta. This does mean motels don't cost an arm and a leg so I would vote that if we stay Friday night before the ride we stay in Yreka at your avg chain hotel. If we want to stay Friday and Sat for a little more R&R&R (rest, relax and ride), we find someplace a bit more scenic within the 30 mile range. I'd be willing to cook dinner for the group if you don't want to spend money on a restaurant Sat night.

Is this plan a bubble off plumb? :p

[Bike Goddess]

Okay, already. I will get my "illustrious miles on the BJ from my computer at home.

Count me in for Siskiyous. That's one seat taken in the bikemobile. I'll bring my famous (to the rest of the world) brownies to share with you all! :D :D

I think we should do 2 nights- one to get ready and two to...well um.... rest :) With that said- One night in Yreka and one night nearer to Shasta???

[spazzdog]

Enter the "Party Girl"! 2 nights indeed!

Bike Goddess you are my idol.

with respect... spazz

[Bike Goddess]

Okay SD- does that mean you might USE your FREE miles for a trip out here sooner than later? I'll pick you up at the airport in my Z3 how's that for a bribe? :cool:

[Veronica]

Thom and I would like to do it.

V.

[spazzdog]

A party girl with a Z3 too... my, my! Where were you when I was single? :D

Thanks for the offer Nancy, but I think I need to stay in my neighborhood for a while. For now, I'm saving that ticket for next yrs Cinderella.

Plus you better speak to Dita abt picking me up at the airport. I don't travel "Z3" light ;) But god, I do love that car.

spazz

[CorsairMac]

Okay, already. I will get my "illustrious miles on the BJ from my computer at home.

so can I be one of your Vestal (non)Virgins?

[Bike Goddess]

Hmmm- as in "virtuous"?