Tour de Blast or Seattle Livestrong? Or both!

[LilBolt]

Busy weekend in WA. We had already signed up for Tour de Blast before the Livestrong event was announced. TdB has become an annual tradition for our group, but will consider passing on Flying Wheels & TdB next year if Livestrong comes back at the same time. If anyone does Livestrong, please post a ride report! :)

[ttaylor508]

DH and I were just discussing this. We have done two century rides in the last two weeks (Flying Wheels and Apple Century) and were thinking it would be fun to continue the streak. Alas, we started planning way too late though and won't be able to swing either one. We have always wanted to do the TDB, but the thought of getting up at 4 am to drive down from Seattle and then hop on the bike and then drive back does not appeal to me. Had we planned sooner we could have made overnight arrangements. I also would have really like to do the Livestrong in honor of our dear friend who lost his battle with cancer a few years ago, but we have other commitments on Sunday. Also going on this weekend is the Chelan Century which would have been fun.

Have fun on the TDB and hope the weather holds out for you!

[LilBolt]

Tour de Blast ended up being more of a challenge against Mother Nature than I was up for. I made good time getting up to Elk Rock, but wasn't thrilled with the misty fog. I spent a few minutes looking for dh & some friends, and then got in line for the potty. It was 42 up there, and even though I was dressed well for climbing & the flats, I was dreading the downhills. Grabbed a sandwich & huddled w/ others by the firepit. Lost all desire to continue as I just got colder & couldn't force the sandwich down. Ended up finally seeing dh & another friend and we decided to head back. A few of our friends did continue to the top, but they did get cold & wet. This is still one of my absolute favorite rides...very well organized and outstanding volunteer support. The weather is the only wildcard.

On the flip side, I'm glad I didn't do Livestrong today! We just had a nasty hailstorm roll through, and I was really hoping it missed the route for the riders out there!

[Biciclista]

Lilbolt, sorry you didn't have fun yesterday. I had a blast! (read my ride report for June 20th

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=31676&page=2

it sure has been hailing here!

[Jow28]

This is my first year outside cycling and for some strange reason, I got a wild hair and decided to sign my boyfriend and I up for the Tour de Blast. I was strong from all the spin classes I take so I decided to challenge myself. I had planned on going as far as I could go then head back. I ended up going the entire way! It took me 8 hours of riding, the downhill was VERY cold, I got rained on but dang! What an accomplishment!!!!! Anyone here live in Vancouver Washington?

Jo

[Biciclista]

wow, Jow, YOU ARE STRONG!
and tough too. It was cold if you weren't prepared for it.

[Jow28]

Well, it was cold! I had on pants, long gloves and gore jacked with layers under, ear covers and neck warmer.....I was prepared but damn those downhills were still bone chilling!

[Biciclista]

and welcome to TE, btw!
sounds like you were dressed similarly to me. I wore rainpants and raincoat coming down, and i pedaled. Not a lot, but i pedaled almost the whole way, helps keep you warm.

[Jow28]

Thanks for the welcome! I am so looking forward to many more rides. Where are you from?

[Biciclista]

you mean where AM I?
I live in the Seattle area.
I'm from the wrong coast

[Jow28]

LOL....the STP is coming up. Are you going to tack that ride?

[Biciclista]

nope. I did it once. It was too long.
lol
I like rides up to about 60 miles long, after that, eh.. gets tedious.

[LilBolt]

Well done JOW28. And welcome.