Alc 2009

[uk elephant]

Both mom (Duck on Wheels) and I are signed up already and getting excited (and possibly a little nervous). Anyone else signed up?

Both of us live rather far away from any organized training rides. So I thought I'd start this thread as a place to keep eachother up to date, motivated and encouraged and to post ideas for fund raising or times for virtual training rides....Anyone else up for it?

[Trek420]

Go UK, Go DOW :D And you have at least two other current or future potential ALC'ers here.

Where's the signature?

[uk elephant]

is there a signature now? should be....yup, it's there

On my list for this week when I have time:
personalize donation web-page
make up some cards to give to people in case anyone asks
make a donation letter to e-mail around to anyone and everyone
make some little tags/cards to attach to the socks and mittens I'm knitting for the local craft sale

next week I'll start cookie-sales at work again.

[Duck on Wheels]

Ah yes. Signature. Check. Getting too cold to ride with bare arms anyway for a while.

[Trek420]

You'll need arm skins. It's cold in the morning. Not what you consider cold but then you get warmed up, sometimes you're stopped in the shade ... it's a good way to vary and cope with changing temps.

I learned that from our mutual cousin; vest and a pair of arm skins are the best jacket around.

Want to borrow mine?

[Duck on Wheels]

You'll need arm skins. It's cold in the morning. Not what you consider cold but then you get warmed up, sometimes you're stopped in the shade ... it's a good way to vary and cope with changing temps.

I learned that from our mutual cousin; vest and a pair of arm skins are the best jacket around.

Want to borrow mine?

I've got 2 pair of arm skins -- black ones and the Amici Veloci red ones with matching jersey (mebbe a red skort could go with those for red dress day?). Also light-weight bright yellow jacket with removable arms. Also 1 pair of leg warmers, plain black. Probably enough jerseys (four of my own and three of your old ones). Will need more shorts, but they're s'posed to be new for the ride, right? Cd mebbe use a warmer vest underneath the jacket, but will have to try out what works and can be stuffed into the Camelbak backpack as I shed layers. Will need more sports bras. Plenty of time left to get all that. Meanwhile, bike is in shop getting an mtb crank (the better to climb hills with, my dear). I'll also be looking for a better saddle and handlebars. Working out at the gym enough for now (or so it feels today:o), and will bike as much as weather permits. Next week, when I'm back from another busy trip, I'll get my presentation letter and so on done and ask if I can put up a display at the gym, at my ostomy supply store, and here at work. Will contact the local paper, the national cycling magazine, the ostomy patient org magazine, and get back to the gym's publicity manager with my promotion proposal. Download my address book to my ALC personal page and get letters sent out. Oh, and make a donation to UK's account. Anything else ...?

[uk elephant]

No need to make a donation to my account just yet....I'm getting lots of knitting done and have already got two people lined up to buy stuff. I'll start the cookie sales at work again next week too.

Well done on the training so far! I need to get going. But I did cycle to my appointment at the hospital today (just a follow up, nothing to worry about) and then to the shop and then to uni and then home. 12 miles just for running errands. Still counts. Especially since it is windy and wet!

Oh, and one thought on the shorts. Don't get them new for the ride. Get them in time for a test ride or two just in case. You don't want to find that seam digging in just as you start a 100 mile day! I need to buy a few more shorts too. My favourite ones have a hole in them and some of the other ones have seams that dig in. I'll be putting in an order or two for things that you maybe can forward when you are in CA in december....

[Trek420]

Cd mebbe use a warmer vest underneath the jacket, but will have to try out what works and can be stuffed into the Camelbak backpack as I shed layers.

I don't think you'll need both jacket and vest. I rode with cycling capris, jersey, vest, arm skins.

Vest and arm skins make a jacket. Still cold? Add a buff. Still cold? Base layer like light Craft shirt. You'll probably only need that first thing as you ride out. You quickly warm up.

In my 7 zip lock baggies of gear I mark one "cold" which has long sleeve jersey, craft or other base layer, wool socks, full length padded tights, full finger gloves.

There's usually one day I'm thankful for that. Day 6 can be foggy.

I'd save weight by packing 6 jerseys, get the official ALC jersey in the camp store early or at registration.

[uk elephant]

I finally got around to updating/personalizing my fundraising web-site. Now that it is up and running, I thought it was time to let people know. So my first fundraising effort has been to send a message to all my contacts on facebook. It's a start.....

Now back to the knitting. The craft sale is only three weeks away and I already have buyers for most of the things I've made!

[Trek420]

Now back to the knitting. The craft sale is only three weeks away and I already have buyers for most of the things I've made!

Whatcha knitting? I'm thinking ALC armwarmers? How's the training going?

[uk elephant]

So far I'm knitting socks and a few mittens and hats. Perhaps after the craft sale, I can knit a few arm warmers and try selling them to cyclists....

But the facebook stint has already paid off! I got my first donation today! Wahooo! Only $2975 to go!

The training is going ok. I have seriously slowed my bike down though. I got fed up of fixing flats several times a week because of all the flint chips and twigs with spines on the ground. So I got puncture resistant tyres, but they are a bit fatter and slower. Then I got fed up of carrying a heavy backpack when riding to carry rain gear, change of clothes, extra layer for when its cold etc etc. So I got a rack and panniers which makes my bike weigh quite a bit more. But imagine how strong I could get riding with all this extra weight!

[uk elephant]

Just thought I'd give a little update on the fundraising...Did the first cookie sale at work last week. I made £14! Not bad for selling only 10 bags of cookies at £1 each. Some people must have put in a little extra. I don't expect to do that well each week, but it all adds up.

On the training front, I've had a little break. Came down with a bad cold which is proving difficult to shake. Hopefully yoga tomorrow will get me back on track.

[Duck on Wheels]

I've also got my first donation. My gym is giving me 3 months free membership, for which I will participate in some publicity stuff around training with them for the ALC. They're also giving me a session with a personal trainer to set up a tailored training program. The membership months come to about $175, and for the PT session I'll round that up to an even $200. Haven't logged it yet, but will do next week when we've worked out the details.

And tonight I sent out another fundraising letter, this time to Her Royal Highness, Crown Princess Mette Marit. I kid you not! HIV/AIDS is high on her charity priority list. She just got home from visiting an AIDS centre in the Ukraine. So I thanked her for contributing not only money but all the dignity royal visits can offer to a tabu-stigmatized group, and then said that it would be really cool if UK-E and I could bring greetings from Her Royal Highness when we ride ALC8 this summer :p Well, we'll just have to wait and see how the Palace responds. Fingers crossed.

Oh, and on the training side of things: I'm over my cold. Don't know how much my spin "prowess" will translate into speed and endurance on the road, and now that we have snow and ice it'll be some months before I find that out, but for warmups I am now doing 4 sets of 15 reps @ 150 kilos on the sitting leg press machine. I was doing 3 sets of 12 @ 90 4-5 months ago.

[Trek420]

it would be really cool if UK-E and I could bring greetings from Her Royal Highness when we ride ALC8 this summer :p Well, we'll just have to wait and see how the Palace responds. Fingers crossed.

Keep up the training, it sounds like you are doing well.

Practice that royal wave from the bike "I bring Greetings, from the Queen of Norway!!!" :D :p

You will do fine! I got e-mail today from Russ who now works for ALC. He told me he talked to you and our mutual Mom. So you and or UK may have a donation from her.

[uk elephant]

I just finished the local craft sale this week-end, and managed to sell most of my hand knitted socks and mittens and even got some donations in my change jar. I made a total of £140, which is over $200 (not sure of the current exchange rate). I am tempted to try getting a table at the next craft fair too in a month, if I can manage to knit enough stuff by then.

And now to bed....it's been a long week-end.

[Trek420]

I just finished the local craft sale this week-end, and managed to sell most of my hand knitted socks and mittens and even got some donations in my change jar. I made a total of £140, which is over $200 (not sure of the current exchange rate). I am tempted to try getting a table at the next craft fair too in a month, if I can manage to knit enough stuff by then.

And now to bed....it's been a long week-end.

Do you have a trainer? Someone on the ALC discussion board reports he's got permission to set up a trainer at the local farm market. That way you could train, fund raise and even knit at the same time ;) :D

[uk elephant]

Sorry, no trainer I'm afraid.....but I may look into the idea....perhaps the lbs would be willing to loan me one? I wonder.....

[uk elephant]

Just thought I'd post a picture of me at my craft sale...

[sgtiger]

Wow, your knit wear is gorgeous! Good luck on the ALC, UK_E and Duck.

[uk elephant]

Thank you, Tiger!!! :D

Want me to send you a pair of socks? I'm still knitting more stuff getting ready for the Christmas Market and I've been invited to put some knitwear into the local artists' christmas show. If you would like a pair of socks, or mittens, or a hat, or anything else, just let me know what size and colour... :)

[Trek420]

UK, could you post these to the online garage sale too. :D

[uk elephant]

good idea!

[sgtiger]

Cool, I'd buy stuff if you posted it.:D

[Trek420]

good idea!

Of course it is. We're related so every once in a while I have a smart idea :)

[Duck on Wheels]

UK, could you post these to the online garage sale too. :D

online garage sale? where? do you have a URL? I make some cool patchwork shopping bags I could list there and maybe make some extra $$ for my ALC donations fund ... :rolleyes:

[Trek420]

It'll be up somewhere around here this weekend.

[Duck on Wheels]

So what do you think I could charge for these? They're fully lined, washable, reversible, can be personalized (you can choose your own color scheme, send me a bit of fabric you want included such as a motif from a favorite but worn out jersey, or a digital photo you want printed on fabric and included), and they tuck into the front pocket like a little stuff sack. Each one takes me about a day to design and sew.

And since the yard sale is actual cycle gear, maybe we should start a CF2-thread (charity-ride fundraising crafts fair) here in the charity ride section?

[ClockworkOrange]

Hi Eli

Have just been reading all through your website etc. I so enjoyed that, all about your family and travel and some lovely photos.

I think it's brilliant doing the ride again but as you said, all in a very good cause. I will definitely make a small donation but not until 25th, when I get paid.

BTW many thanks for your Christmas card and enclosure.

I am really in awe of anybody riding over 500 miles!

Clock

[uk elephant]

Thanks Clock!
Loved seeing your holiday card too with the pictures from your bike adventures. Your ride in London was such a great accomplishment! Hope you are staying warm with the big freeze we are having this week-end. Warmer weather for riding must be just around the corner (or so I hope).

[Trek420]

I am really in awe of anybody riding over 500 miles!

Clock

Clockwork, yes it's quite the ride. The thing about ALC (or any multi day tour) is not so much the distance and climbing although there is that :rolleyes: but what I call the back to back to backness.

Do a century, sleep in a tent, get up and do another, try to find the porta potty in the night, do another, pitch a tent and take it down, do another ...

We have us some hills here and the climbing is significant. I don't know for sure but have heard figures of about 27-28,000 feet of climbing. And since they'll start and end at sea level there's equal amount of descending ;)

Yet as California rides go it's not the hardest. There are doubles that V and others here do that have almost as much climbing in one day. :eek: don't even think about the Death Ride :rolleyes:

But on most doubles or rides like T.D. R. one can take a rest day the next day ;) This one you can't and that makes it tough but also rewarding :)

[ClockworkOrange]

Cheers Trek for explaining.

I am now in even more 'aweness' than I was before, in fact I must increase the amount I was going to sponsor her for.

Like so many others, I wish I had discovered riding many, many years ago.

Thanks again Trek.

Clock

[Trek420]

Is "aweness" a word? :p Well it is now :D

Everything I know that let me to do this ride before I learned right here on TE :D Yeah, there were club rides and official ALC training rides and I even led training rides one year ...

But the stuff that really made it work ... right here on TE. This is still the best place in cyberspace for women (and some men) cyclists. :cool:

Long live TE. Other than UK & Dr. Duck is there anyone else on the board doing the ride this year and are we gonna have a TE tent section?

[ClockworkOrange]

Is "aweness" a word? :p Well it is now :D...............

Awê-ness noun. The name of an annual charitable awareness-campaign of which the highlight is a youth-rock festival


And I thought I had introduced the word into the English language.............:D

Clock

[ACG]

I am riding, I am number 1220. This is my fourth ride. I am riding with a very good friend who has wanted to do this ride for a long time now.

I just wrote a great request for donation letter. I'm doing a mass mailing now. I even got the aids lifecycle, watermark on the paper! I'm so excited to do this again. Best of luck to all in the TE family

Here is my letter:

At some point in your life you realize there is more than your little circle of the world. This is why I ride. I ride the AIDS lifecycle, 454 miles, to see outside my circle. I ride across a desert to know there is more to life. I ride behind my friends to feel a semblance of togetherness. I ride in the morning to see my home in a new light. I ride at my age to show my daughters that someone over 45 can do anything they can do. I ride every day to keep something familiar in this ever changing world. I ride on holidays to feel the freedom of an empty street. I ride with extra tubes to know that if I fall I can ride again. I ride and I ride and I ride. And if I could do anything right now, I’d be ridding. I ride to breathe deep. I ride to stand tall. I ride to fall hard and I get back up to prove that I can. I ride because one day I felt like seeing the world. And I continue ridding because I haven’t seen it all yet. With two wheels moving fast and my legs pedaling hard, I ride to experience something more than myself. I ride to live.I will ride the Aidslifecycle ride from May 31 to June 6 so that people with Aids, people of all colors, all religions, all ages can live with Aids. Please donate to my Aidslifecycle ride. You may use the website link highlighted on the form attached or use the form and mail it in.If nothing else wish me good thoughts and prayers May 31 to June 6, while I ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
With much love, Audrey Urquidi

[Trek420]

So there will be a TE tent section, yes? :D We have 3 on the ride so far.

[uk elephant]

Hi ACG! What a great letter! Inspirational! Hope to meet you on the ride...

I have finally gotten back into training. December was a bit of a wash-out with Crohn's problems and then the Christmas chest cold. The chest has still not recovered, but the rest of me has so I thought I had better get started. Cycling to work every day and now that I have moved to Wales that means 4 miles each way with a killer hill on the way to work. And with all this rain, it is turning almost into a triathlon event as the path is flooded in one bit and if the water rises any more I'll have to swim across it! I have also joined the gym here at work and have been for a swim every morning (since yesterday :p). Also planning to join the pilates class tonight and the yoga class monday nights. And I may alternate swimming with gym work some days. Longer bike rides will have to be week-ends for now until it gets lighter out so I can see where I'm going when I explore new roads.

[melissam]

*Peeks head up*

Stats? Did someone ask for stats from the ALC? Well, I happen to keep track of just about everything while I ride, so I have stats for ALC7 (2008)!

Between my Garmin 305 and Shimano Flightdeck, here's what we have:

Total Mileage: 542.95 miles
Total Elevation Gain: 24,311 feet*

*elevation gain - your climbing feet may vary: Garmin Edge tends to overestimate. Not only that, but my Garmin didn't charge properly the night before Quadbuster, so I only recorded 2454 feet of climbing for Day 3.

Want a breakdown by day? OK!

Day 1: Cow Palace to Santa Cruz
- 81.67 miles, 5378 feet elevation gain
Day 2: Santa Cruz to King City
- 106.18 miles, 3976 feet elevation gain
Day 3: King City to Paso Robles
- 65.40 miles, 2545 feet elevation gain* (Garmin wasn't fully charged that day)
Day 4: Paso Robles to Santa Maria
- 98.03 miles, 4391 feet elevation gain
Day 5: Santa Maria to Lompoc (Red Dress Day)
- 43.17 miles, 2227 feet elevation gain
Day 6: Lompoc to Ventura
- 86.90 miles, 3838 feet elevation gain
Day 7: Ventura to Los Angeles
- 61.60 miles, 2047 feet elevation gain

Yes, the back-to-back-to-backness had me concerned too. During a typical training week, I rode my bike 6 days a week, trying for longer rides on the weekend, and jumping on the trainer for 30 minutes to an hour on weekday mornings. I also trained for endurance rather than speed. I felt great during the AIDS/Lifecycle ride; my legs didn't feel tired until Day 6.

I believe we had a tailwind for most of the ride. My average speeds were fairly high for me -- in the 15-16mph range. I certainly wasn't the fastest one on the course, but I had a great time and looked forward to riding each morning, which was my training goal.

If you're interested in more details, I recorded my training and the ALC Ride itself pretty faithfully on bikejournal (mmann964). Let's see, I started at the end of November, 2007 and continued thru May, 2008. The Ride itself was June 1 - June 8.

The Ride itself was an amazing experience. But I see that I've already written a novel, so I'll leave that for another post.

Best wishes to everyone rockin' the ALC this year!

- Melissa

[Trek420]

Day 2: Santa Cruz to King City
- 106.18 miles, 3976 feet elevation gain
Day 3: King City to Paso Robles
- 65.40 miles, 2545 feet elevation gain* (Garmin wasn't fully charged that day)

You're kidding. I know you said the Garmin was not fully charged but Day 2 has more climbing than day 3? :eek: Day three has Quadbuster. :confused:

Day 2 always felt nearly flat to me (other than right out of Santa Cruz).

The headwind can be huge. But it's doable once you learn to ride your bike leaning over at 45 degrees :rolleyes: As long as the wind does not stop while you're leaning into it it's all good :p

Day 2 is a great flat'ish century .... or so I thought.

That last hill on Day 2 is my favorite part of the ride. On the way up you can pause at the "summit" and look back to see almost the whole route. Then a sweet downhill ride and I always caught a tailwind into camp.

[Duck on Wheels]

According to official t-shirt logo stats, the 2.something miles your Garmin wasn't registering on Day 3 were darn near close to vertical. Even the stats you did collect kinda scare me :eek: I know some of those climbed feet are from rollers, but daaaang there are a lot of feet to climb out there! Yikes! But there's no chickening out now. I'll just have to keep on training.

[uk elephant]

It always sounds scarier in feet. And it's not all in one go, you do get some very nice flat and downhill places to rest up before the next bit of climbing.

That being said, I am nowhere near ready yet. Didn't make it up the hill to work this morning. My lungs refused. That chest cold I had at Christmas is back with a vengeance. But I'll get over it again and get stronger again. At least out here I'll get lots of hill training without having to go up and down the same hill all the time.

[melissam]

Trek,

My Garmin ran out of juice before Quadbuster, so I shut it off for the rest of the day. The bummer was that I couldn't watch my heart rate when climbing Quadbuster, and I didn't pace myself very well on the climb. Oh well, made it up the hill without losing my breakfast, but it was close. :rolleyes:

Anyway, I'm not sure where I came up with the elevation gain # for Day 3. 2500 feet sounds like a lot before we get to Quadbuster, but it doesn't sound like it's enough for the whole day.

Oh, and you're right about the crosswinds -- there were plenty of times when we were all leaning into the wind just to ride a straight line. But it was fun! And when that tailwind kicked in, it was AWESOME!

Everyone,

I agree with UKE -- it's hard to judge how hard a ride is by looking at its numbers on paper, unless you have similar numbers for your daily rides. Even then, there's still a lot of variables -- are they steady climbs or rolling hills? How steep are the grades? Etc.

I'm having the same sort of heart attack moments when I look at the Death Ride stats -- what the heck have I gotten myself into? The good news is that I'm training with maillotpois' TnT group, which has had amazing success in getting people ready to complete all 5 passes of the Death Ride. All I have to do is trust the process and do the training. Piece of cake! ;)

As far as the ALC goes, it can be a very enjoyable ride if the weather cooperates and if you're trained for it. Can't control the weather, but you have plenty of time to get ready for an awesome ALC8!

Keep up the great work!

- Melissa

[ClockworkOrange]

Hi Eli

Have just been reading all through your website etc. I so enjoyed that, all about your family and travel and some lovely photos.

I think it's brilliant doing the ride again but as you said, all in a very good cause. I will definitely make a small donation but not until 25th, when I get paid.

BTW many thanks for your Christmas card and enclosure.

I am really in awe of anybody riding over 500 miles!

Clock

Hi Eli

I didn't forget and a couple of days early!

Not much but better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick!

Keep the training up, especially around wet Wales. ;)

Hugs

Clock

[uk elephant]

Thank you, Clock!!! And a donation is far better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick!

Edited to add: I can now make it up the hill to work at least. Still a lot of training left to do, but I am slowly getting started....

[uk elephant]

Finally gotten out on a couple of decent training rides. Today, I did a ride in the morning on my way to work. 15 miles in beautiful wintery landscape. Had to take it a bit slow on the back roads which were not cleared or gritted yet. I am definitely getting my climbing training in around here. Just downloaded my garmin data from the two rides. Each was just under 20 miles, with over 1700ft of climbing! Puh!!. I must admit, I had to walk a few of those feet, but I am definitely getting stronger. Need to decide what to do about my bike, though. It needs a full overhaul after two winters of riding through salt, grit, mud and flowing rivers whenever the bike path flooded. It needs new wheels, new chain, new cassette, new cog and new rear deraileaur apparently. Not cheap. But I need the bike in good condition, not just for alc, so I suppose it's worth it.

[ClockworkOrange]

Hi Eli

Hey, you are doing so well, what part of Wales are you in?

When my partner completely overhauled my bike, wheels, 9 speed cassette etc, for the London Bikeathon I did last year...........yeah, an itsy witsy 25 miles, I bought most items on ebay from an outfit called Woolly Hat Shop. They were terrific, when I ordered my 9 speed cassette, I ordered the wrong size chain and it was no problem for them to change it for me.

It's always a bonus having a telephone number where you actually get to speak to somebody and not just a machine.

Also they sell via Amazon, so it is worth checking out prices.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sram-PG-980-Speed-Mountain-Cassette/dp/B000VSWCZ2

or direct on

http://www.woollyhatshop.com/

I am sure if you contacted them direct and asked for a good deal, they might come up with a good price.

Clock

[uk elephant]

Problem is, I would need the bike shop to install it all for me as I don't have the tools, skills or facilities for such things. And I don't think they are very happy about installing parts that I buy cheap somewhere else.

[ClockworkOrange]

Hey, a young girl like you, just try flattering your eyelids and ask nicely if they could do a deal with you, as you already have the parts, nothing to lose have you?

Or explain your budget and just be honest, if you got the parts, would they be prepared to fit them................and that you will bake them a special cake for St David's Day celebrated in Wales on 1 March! :D

Clock in helpful mode :p

[Duck on Wheels]

Yay!! I made my donations minimum! :cool: UKE has worked so hard selling knitting and baked goods. I was just plain working hard (as in overtime) and couldn't find the time for that kind of fundraising. So I decided to donate my moonlighting incomes (search committees, select committees, paid lectures). Today I added up my moonlighting money since Xmas, and it put me over the minimum goal. Even had a little left over that I put into UKE's kitty. Now UKE just needs $775 more and we can pre-book our tent assignment :)

And now off to the gym to train. My guts have been giving me trouble lately and I've missed several days of spin classes, not to mention the ones I missed, and will miss again next week, due to travelling. Better get to the gym today while my guts are behaving better. UKE, meanwhile, has bare roads -- with HILLS -- and is getting quite a workout just biking to work and back.

[Trek420]

Now UKE just needs $775 more and we can pre-book our tent assignment :)

Congratulations! You won't need to pre-book the tent assignments.

Just show up at that last booth on day 0 together.

Since you've met your pledge goal you skip the pledge area. By then you'll have sent proof of medical insurance (and no, just saying "hey, I'm Norwegian, she's living in Wales we all have insurance. You should try this sometime" won't do it) you'll skip medical booth.

You should get a form in the mail soon or already have that you mail in and skip that stop. If not, check with your rider rep. Is Russ your rider rep?

I'll think of some Day 0 tips and others may chime in too. Snap knows a lot, she volunteers at tent registration.

The last thing is the safety video, you have to see that before they'll give you tent assignment. If the 3 TE riders we have so far want to tent near each other you should coordinate that.

[uk elephant]

Thank you mom!
I've been struggling to find time for more fundraising with the moving house and new job taking up too much time. But Hopefully things will start to settle down soon. I'm aiming for a big push with more bake sales and letters in April when I have a pause from lecturing for a few weeks.

As for the training, I'm a bit behind with the moving, but now that we are settled I can get back to cycling to work and doing my cross training and extra rides. I will at least get plenty of hill training around here.

[Duck on Wheels]

[QUOTE=Trek420;409542]Congratulations! You won't need to pre-book the tent assignments.

Just show up at that last booth on day 0 together.
QUOTE]

This year they're offering pre-assignment via Internet, starting in a couple of weeks and lasting until mid-May and on the condition that you've met your fund-raising minimum and sent in your medical waiver form. The incentive there is that it saves you one more line on Day 0. :) Having seen those lines when I was a Day 0 volunteer, I'd be very happy to have one less line to stand in. That much quicker out to dinner and the hotel, that much more sleep time (or lie in bed nervously sleepless time :o) before 4am next day.

[uk elephant]

one step closer...I filled in my medical form...now I just need to get fit and healthy again and get back into shape and find the last few donations to reach my goal and there is only a few weeks left!! panic!!!

But I had a read through the route description on the alc web-site and got very excited to get out there and see it all! It is a beautiful ride, despite the hard work.

[uk elephant]

Want a breakdown by day? OK!

Day 1: Cow Palace to Santa Cruz
- 81.67 miles, 5378 feet elevation gain
Day 2: Santa Cruz to King City
- 106.18 miles, 3976 feet elevation gain
Day 3: King City to Paso Robles
- 65.40 miles, 2545 feet elevation gain* (Garmin wasn't fully charged that day)
Day 4: Paso Robles to Santa Maria
- 98.03 miles, 4391 feet elevation gain
Day 5: Santa Maria to Lompoc (Red Dress Day)
- 43.17 miles, 2227 feet elevation gain
Day 6: Lompoc to Ventura
- 86.90 miles, 3838 feet elevation gain
Day 7: Ventura to Los Angeles
- 61.60 miles, 2047 feet elevation gain


Just realized by looking back at these stats that I did more feet of elevation gain yesterday on my 50 mile flat bike ride here in Wales than on most of the days of ALC except day 1 and possibly day 3 with quadbuster. Now I don't feel quite as worried. My 50 mile flat ride yesterday clocked in with 4800ft climbing according to my garmin. My legs are definitely feeling it today, but I did manage to cycle up the hill to work this morning (with the help of a 20mph tailwind).

Aside from the minimal training, I have now reached my fundraising goal got my tent assignment sorted. Getting excited for the trip!

[ACG]

Does anyone remember what time we can leave in the morning? Is it 6:30 a.m. or 7:00 a.m.?

I don't remember.

Thanks!!!

[uk elephant]

It's 6:30 as far as I recall....I think that is what I need to practice now, besides the riding. I'm not a morning person and do not function well before the sun is up...

[Trek420]

Yikes! It's almost Day 0. I need to ask Mariko if there are volunteer slots available. Is there any chance the 3 of you will tent near each other? It could make it easier for me to get news from the ride. That is if you want me to post updates to TE :D

Duck and UK, see you on the 24th. Will either of you be taking your bikes in for a check up before the ride?

[Duck on Wheels]

Yes, UK and I will both be taking our trusty steeds to the bike spa for a check-up. Probably delivering them there on our way to the party on the 24th. And yes, Mariko was looking for Day 0 volunteers. And yes, UK and I are tenting together, so at least 2 of the 3 will be in one another's vicinity on the tent grid. And now to start packing. How will I get 7 days of bike gear + a little extra for 2 more weeks' vacation + sleeping bag and insulation mat all into one suitcase? :eek:

[Trek420]

And now to start packing. How will I get 7 days of bike gear + a little extra for 2 more weeks' vacation + sleeping bag and insulation mat all into one suitcase? :eek:

Here's one with some good tips

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=24025

[Duck on Wheels]

Here's one with some good tips

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=24025

For possibly the first time in TE history: Not helpful. I don't need tips on lists or trash bags or zip locks. I've got all the lists I need from the ALC site, and as for bags ... if I have room for them, I've got them too. What I need is a bigger suitcase. The sleep mat takes up half the space. The sleeping bags takes half of what's left. I'd better get to town and look for a big rolling duffle.

[uk elephant]

About the packing issues....here's what I found last time around:

1. Cutting down on number of items: Very little is needed in terms of non-cycle clothing for on the ride. After the day's riding, I would shower, put on my pj's (alc flannel pants and t-shirt) and a sweatshirt (alc fleece bought in camp) for the evening and it was the same pj outfit for the whole week. So never used any "normal" clothes for the week. Also, the cycling-related clothes that take up more room are of course the larger items for cooler weather. I only brought one set and used it all week (long-sleeved jearsey and wind-breaker jacket and leg-warmers for those chilly mornings). That only leaves a few "normal" clothes for the days before/after the ride. And for that, I will be very spartan in my packing. There will be no outfits for "just in case I need to dress up" for instance or "just in case we find time for...". Which mainly means, I will not be bringing lots of different pairs of shoes. it will be cycling shoes and trainers, no hiking shoes just in case or dress shoes just in case. And I will plan on being able to do laundry during that week in Sonoma which cuts down on the number of changes of clothes needed.

2. Making room: I found it easier to fit the sleeping bag when it wasn't stuffed into the sleeping bag stuff sack. Instead, I used the mesh pocket in the lid of the suitcase and folded the sleeping bag flat in there. took a little stuffing and cursing, but worked. Seems counter-intuitive perhaps, but it made better uses of the space. A round stuffed sleeping bag, even well compressed in the compression sack just made for too many underutilized crevices and made it hard to pack everything else well.

3. When there is still not enough room: I didn't need to, but I did see some people had their sleeping bag and/or mattress pad strapped to the outside of their duffel bags (using strong baggage straps, not bungy cords of course).

[Trek420]

I'd better get to town and look for a big rolling duffle.

Yes, get a rolling duffle, flip flops or a set of Keen-like shoes. There'll be a lot of walking on ALC. From the baggage trucks to the tent area, back again in the morning. You might only have a day when you are close to the trucks.

The amazing BikeGoddess brought a backpack and schlepped her luggage each day. I prefer wheels.

All along as you pack think "less is more" :) Pack, discard, pack, find out if UK has that too, pack ....

My routine if I have one is 7 baggies each with a days outfit. Arm warmers you can get away with wearing a couple days, vests too. I've usually brought 3 pair skins, 3 vests, 6 jerseys (get one in camp store), 7 shorts.

This is just me: I don't bring a jacket. Our mutual cousin taught me the appreciation of a good wind resistant vest. Undershirt or base layer, jersey, arm skins and a vest. In all but the worst weather that's fine and easily unzips, doffs down when you and or weather warms up.

I designate one baggie "cold". Count on one day being colder than average and that's got a long sleeve jersey and or undershirt like Craft, glove liners, wool socks and heavier tights.

If that turned out to be Red Dress day than I'd have a conundrum. Do I pick fashion or function. ;) Good thing Red Dress Day is often warm. :p

One bag with misc. ride necessities like cat crap (do you need any? I think I can find mine), those thingies that hold your glasses, extra pair of gloves, a minimal bike cleaning kit (you could skip that).

Bring 1 or 2 large plastic bags. Each day after showering I toss the sweaty toxic waster bike gear into the bag. It compacts quite a bit. :D

You won't need street clothes, maybe a pair of sweats. Last time initially I brought very old thread bare not even good enough for Goodwill sweat shirt and pants to change into after showering. After a day or two's wear bought new in the camp store and tossed out the old ones.

In my case sleeping bag goes outside in its own separate bag that straps onto my bag which I can set aside for you if you want to look at it. Thermarest pad fit into the bag.

[Duck on Wheels]

Ah, now we're getting somewhere. Took out one extra pair of shorts. May find another item or two to take out. Still have that little expander space in the lid, which can be for sleeping bag? street clothes? medical stuff? maybe for dirty clothes as the med stuff gets used up? This is all coming together now using your suggestions after DH found a marginally larger suitcase and a more stuffable sleeping bag. I think I'll manage. All is pretty much in there now and I can shut the thing, but I need to make it a neat pack so I can find stuff when I need it without pulling everything out and repacking. I might get some suitcase straps just in case. A bag of clothes can go as extra padding inside the bike case on the flight over. Some street clothes can stay in Sonoma while on the ride, and if I'm having trouble squeezing stuff into the suitcase then the sleep pad and/or sleeping bag can be strapped onto the outside. :) Now ... off to town for 17th of May parades. For once we have glorious weather for 'em! :cool:

[Trek420]

You really do not need street clothes in camp. Maybe sweats or something warm. Consider asking our mutual Mom to bring an extra outfit you could change into after the ride on Day 7.

I've flown back in bike gear but aren't you two taking the train?

When you say suitcase do you mean suitcase suitcase or rolling duffle? Remember you will be camping so this is rolling across dirt, grass, maybe even mud.

My vote is duffle. I'd loan you mine are flying back to Seattle with stuff and Knott :p

Now, finding stuff. Everyone has a system for that. I favor "bag o' the day" approach. Pack a baggie labeled Day 1, day 2, day 3 .... with socks, shorts, jersey. I have one bag with stuff that could be used a couple times such as vest, arm skins, leg warmers. I like to put the clothes out the night before. Some like putting next days gear in the sleeping bag so it's warm.

BG I noticed organized her gear by category: bag o' jerseys, bag o' shorts, bag o' socks ...

Whatever works for you.

Think "less is more" :p

Also if you get a duffle find a way to make it a little distinctive. Spray paint, glitter, duck tape .... Mine's black, they're all black. There's nothing like arriving at baggage tired, sweaty, hungry to a trailer sized pile of near identical duffles. :p

[Duck on Wheels]

Wheeled suitcase. Duffels are not such a big thing here. May find one, but likely not. Could buy one in the US, but will already have biiiig wheeled suitcase + bike case with me, so how would I get all that home again? As for street clothes for 3 days in LA + train home, I can put them into the bike case, which goes on a separate gear truck and doesn't get unloaded until after closing ceremonies. That way Mom doesn't have to carry them. UK can do the same with spare clothes for 1 less day in LA + flight home. We can just put them in bags in there so they stay clean. For camp I'll have sweat pants, undies, my 3 ALC t-shirts (rider shirt, volunteer shirt from 07, gift shirt from my grad students/sponsors) and a sweatshirt or my lightweight Ibex jacket, tennies, pair o' sox, big t-shirt for nightshirt (can buy some ALC souvenir jammie pants if it's too cold for just a sleep t). I figure I can wear the same t-shirt several days since it'll only be for the brief time between dinner/shower and bed. So I'm whittling down my pack list and it looks like it'll fit. And yes, I'll mark the bag with something big and bright. Here's a thought: Maybe we could each tie one of the flamingoes on our respective suitcases, then move them over to the tent for the night, then back onto the suitcase handles for the ride to next gear pickup site?

[Trek420]

Here's a thought: Maybe we could each tie one of the flamingoes on our respective suitcases, then move them over to the tent for the night, then back onto the suitcase handles for the ride to next gear pickup site?

Sounds good!

Do you have the flamingoes? I have another one here on my table, I'll set it aside.

Your amazing baggage crew moves mountains each day; 70 lbs of luggage x (2000+ riders + 5-600 crew) x 14 = :eek: Small items on the outside of the bag .... not so much likely to be there. :cool:

If you have a suitcase you will be distinctive by that alone in a sea of black duffels. You'll be fine.

I kept a small bag near the top of my bag with toiletries; camp towel, shampoo, toothbrush and paste etc. I always eat first, get in camp, park the bike and eat right away.

My apologies to anyone lurking who's sat next to me on ALC. I'd rather refuel within that half hour window than be clean and bonk the next day. :p

Let's face it, we're all pretty sweaty. :p

After food I get the luggage and tent ... My bag (usually a cloth reusable shopping bag) has everything I need for a shower and a sweat shirt or something and .... tent decor.

If the tent is already up decor goes on a tent pole.

By the time I shower, maybe call someone, grab another snack, hang out a bit .... it may be dark by the time I come "home". That way if one of you is still out you can leave a light on.

[Trek420]

Duck and UK are registered and ready for the AIDS ride. We had dinner at a great little Salvadoran place next to the Cow Palace. That will be my pre ride meal when/if I ever do this again. There were lots of other riders there.

Follow their ride to LA here

http://aidslifecycle.typepad.com/

[Trek420]

At 9:30 I got a txt from Duck she's leaving the first rest stop, UK about 20 minutes ahead of her.

Looks like commuting up those Welsh hills worked for UK :D

[Trek420]

I got a txt from Duck, she's in camp. That's 80 miles or 128 km. UK has already arrived and I hear she got the tent is up.

Duck is heading off to dinner, shower and a well deserved rest.

This is her longest ride ever. Tomorrow is her 1st century ever.:eek:

If tone can be conveyed by txt she sounds fine. :)

She said her knee felt a little stiff from the 3rd rest stop. She stopped in sports med and they said it's the classic IT band issue. They showed her some stretches and use of a roller.

She'll stretch a lot before tomorrow's ride.

[Trek420]

I got a text from Duck that she stretched and stretched but the knee was stiff. Nevertheless she set off on Day 2. At the first rest stop her knee just went stiff and did not want to go on.

She made the right wise decision and SAG'ed in.

I described the problem to Knott and she said while the IT band may be an issue that Duck has a knee derangement.

No, she's not deranged ;-) It's just some way the knee is unhappy.

KnottedYet suggested a series of exercises that may make Duck's knee less deranged. I text messaged them to Duck, the only way to reach her.

Here's hoping these allow her to get back on the bike and be more comfortable.

Hope so because day 3 is the infamous "Quadbuster Hill"

I assume UK is fine, at a little before 4 now she would still be on the road. Today's route has always been my favorite including stops for fried artichoke hearts and .... the cookie lady. :)

[sgtiger]

Oh, awesome! Thanks, Trek. I was just wondering about them this morning. Go Duck and UKE!

[Trek420]

Today they did this :D I apologize for the shot of riders climbing 4 abreast. It made good film but its not tolerated on the ride, one of the things that'll getcha booted off.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcK4Ov-h3qY&NR=1

I heard from Duck both right after Quadbuster and at lunch. She made it 48 miles in todays ride including Quadbuster. The last 3 miles before lunch the knee was yelling at her "please stop!" So she did, in the teeny tiny itsy bitsy town of Bradley where lunch is.

Smart gal! :cool: We sent her a message to keep up the stretching. Seems to help. :)

I've heard from UK's DBF. He talked to her at lunch, she's feeling fine and Quadbuster went well. He says "her bum hurts" :rolleyes: But she's riding well despite being ill before the ride. Guess all that commuting in the Welsh hills works.

[Trek420]

Today our TE'ers climb Evil Twins, a series of 2 climbs. Those familiar with the central coast think of climbing to Hearst Castle from the East side. Few talk about the 20 miles or so of warm up hill, false flat ... bleh :rolleyes:

The view is fantastic, UK told of climbing this on ALC 6 while watching red-tail hawks circling below. Duck who left California for Norway 40 years ago is seeing parts of her home state she may never have known.

I've heard from ACG, she's reached the summit which is where riders celebrate "Half Way to L.A.". She is having a great ride. :)

I've heard from Duck and UK, Duck made it to the top of the Twins and I don't know how much further. UK at that point was about 2 hours ahead of her. Both had knee problems today, Duck did the wise thing and packed it in, she met UK on the bus later on.

In camp the amazing medical crew have patched them up, Duck says both our riders feel better now. I'm texting her "stretch, stretch, stretch ... " :)

Tomorrow is Red Dress Day, a shorter ride but hilly. This is a day almost all put on a frilly red dress, an amazing sight. And the women look pretty good too. :cool:

[Possegal]

Thanks for the updates (and the youtube link). It's fun following along!

[Trek420]

Duck says there are about 2700 riders and today they all rode in red. She says they look fabulous. Her morning yoga class went well with a taped knee. She's continuing to do the other stretches too. On the bike she felt fine and then suddenly a sharp pain when she got to rest stop one.

The medical staff thought that raising the saddle would help. I'm not sure if by that they mean raising the seat or the angle? Duck had her bike expertly fit by Chris Robinson owner of Robinson Wheelworks before the ride (thanks Chris). I rode behind her on the Cinderella and the fit looks great.

Whatever they did it worked and she was back in the saddle.Duck caught up with UK at rest stop 2 who was considering taking a ride in. UK decided at Duck's speed she could ride on.

Duck, are you going to take this? Sounds to me like your daughter's calling you slow ;-)

They made it to lunch at Solvang, 43 miles, 1,300 feet of climbing (Duck that sounds a little low for Day 5, less they changed the route) and ... ice cream! (hey, they never served ice cream on Day 5 when I rode!)

They took the SAG wagon from there but I must say the ride extended the distance of Day 5 this year so any other year they'd have ridden in to camp.

Did I mention that my sister has no lower intestine? She's doing ALC and has very severe colitis. That's not stopping her, the knee is.

If I could get her to stretch or maybe yoga she'll be unstoppable.

Did I mention I am very proud of my sister (and my niece :) :D As UK said to me when I had a tough time on ALC 6 "you've ridden every mile before and ... you were younger then ;) :p :cool:"

[Trek420]

First off everyone's ok but this is a first. First time ever the ride stopped for the day. I heard from Duck, a car wreck occured (as far as I know no riders involved). Police closed the road and with 2000 + riders and crew you can't just say "oh, we'll all go around this way" :cool:

So the ride stopped, everyone headed back to camp, some rode, other bussed and then the whole circus gets bussed to the next camp, Ventura.

This is my favorite route, day on the ride and I'm sorry they missed it. A well earned rest day but I know everyone would rather ride :o

[Trek420]

Todays ride was 61 miles, UK rode that to the end. Duck did 31 miles and then took the bus in to closing ceremonies.

Congratulations riders on a successful ride, the ride itself raised over $10,000,000.00 for HIV/AIDS prevention and services.

Our riders are on their way to the my cousins, our mutual Mom is already there. I'll leave the highlights and photos and to our two riders.

Hope you all enjoyed the "Trek blog"

Till next year .... if any of us ride.

[uk elephant]

I'm home again. A long journey home and still jet-lagged. Had a great ride, despite knee issues and not doing every mile as I had intended. At least now I have seen more aspects of the ride, and I was very happy to have the sweep/sag volunteers there when I needed them. It could have been a very long, slow walk to LA! And I didn't do too badly considering the lack of training I had. Did every mile the first three days, then two half days, then every mile on the last day.

I just downloaded my photos from the ride. Didn't take very many for some reason. I was too busy enjoying the view I think. But here are a few of the good ones:

1. mom ready to ride out from Cow Palace on day one, looking a little nervous
2. mom having lunch on day 1, looking and doing great!
3. mom pedalling away on red dress day
4. me conquering the "evil twins" which don't seem too bad at all compared to the hills here in Wales
5. both of us at Solvang (lunch stop day 5) enjoying well earned ice creams