Another newbie

[NorCalGal]

Hi there,

I logged on to the discussion forums yesterday for the first time and I was so inspired by the support and terrific energy I found there that I got out on my road bike for the first time in months and months and months and I had a glorious ride.

Two years ago I was involved in Team in Training and trained for a marathon. They say that after a big event like that you should take two weeks off....so I took two years off and ate and drank everything in sight. I put on 30 pounds but most sad to me was that I lost all of that conditioning. I bought a nice Trek road bike 18 months ago but only have about 300 miles on it. Living in a rural area like I do, I don't have anyone else around who rides, so I'm not very motivated to get my butt out there.

The point to this note? Finding this site has given me a real burst of energy. I want to thank you for the inspiration.

And I have what I feel is a really simple question. As I look at websites for century rides, I see SAG. What does that stand for? And what is it?

[bikerchick68]

Hi NorCalGal! Glad to hear you are back out there... way to go! You will no doubt be amazed at how quickly the conditioning returns to you... :)

As to SAG... that means Support And Gear... at every event there will be both SAG stops and SAG wagons... the stops are rest stops with portapotties, food, water, and onsite mechanics...

the wagons are the on the road assistance between stops... they will sweep the course watching for riders in need of help, whether that be mechanical or due to injury... they also bring in riders who are unable to complete the course (called DNF-did not finish) for whatever reason...

Check out the CA section of the boards too... lots of female northern CA ladies there... maybe if you live close to some you can join them for some ride time! :)

[Trekhawk]

[QUOTE=bikerchick68]Check out the CA section of the boards too... lots of female northern CA ladies there... maybe if you live close to some you can join them for some ride time!


Orland - where is that? Is it anywhere near me? :)

[NorCalGal]

Orland is in Glenn County, which I didn't even know existed until we moved there from Southern California. :) We're about 100 miles north of Sacramento on Interstate 5. It's the sort of place where, when you're driving up I-5 and you see a car going over the overpass, you think, "Wow, people actually LIVE here?" I'm the one driving that car on the overpass.

We're close to Nevada County, so when I get good enough (i.e. going more than 10 miles per hour :p ), let's get together to ride!

And I've already checked out the California board! This is great...it's like finding a new group of really cool friends.

[CorsairMac]

Welcome to the board NorCal! How wonderful that we were inspiring enough to get you out on your bike - can I tell my mom that?........"inspirational" and my name aren't usually in the same sentence! ;)

If you get a chance there's a thread under open titled "getting to know you"....gives you a chance to meet us and - if so inclined - tell us something about you. Not only do we have quite a few Cal Gals (sry....couldn't resist) here but we have several Team in Training ladies on board also.

[Trekhawk]

[QUOTE=NorCalGal]
We're close to Nevada County, so when I get good enough (i.e. going more than 10 miles per hour :p ), let's get together to ride!

Ok NorCalGal - now you have me excited. I always ride on my own so I wouldnt worry about the speed factor because well to put it plainly I dont have that (must of been standing in the wrong line when they handed that out). I would just love to do some rides with someone. I am only new and still trying to get fit and add on some kms/miles.

Let me know when you feel like a ride and we can make some plans.

:) :) :) :) Yipee

[SadieKate]

Welcome aboard! A few of us are going up for the Siskiyou Century (http://www.siskiyoucentury.com)

Hope we see you around!

[Trekhawk]

Welcome aboard! A few of us are going up for the Siskiyou Century (http://www.siskiyoucentury.com)

Hope we see you around!


SadieKate - where do you look to find out about all these rides. I think I must live in a bubble because I only find out about rides from all of you.

[SadieKate]

The wonders of the 'net . . . .

http://www.bikecal.com/index.asp
http://www.active.com/
http://www.chicovelo.org/
http://www.sacbike.org/sacbiking/
http://www.saccycle.com/clubs.htm
http://www.bbcnet.com/RideCalendar/RideListDate.asp
http://www.cyclecalifornia.com/Week_ahead.html

[Trekhawk]

[QUOTE=SadieKate]The wonders of the 'net . . . .

Thanks SadieKate I will peruse them at my leisure (which means when the kiddies go to bed). :)

[snpdragn]

I too live in a rural area... I'm almost convinced I'd be more comfy with more people around because there is no one to actually ride with and there are some crazy country folks around here!

[Trekhawk]

I too live in a rural area... I'm almost convinced I'd be more comfy with more people around because there is no one to actually ride with and there are some crazy country folks around here!

snpdragn - where do you live?
Might be someone out your way. :)

[snpdragn]

I live in Nesbit, MS... near Southaven or Horn Lake in the NW MS. About 20 minutes south of Memphis in a car.

[Trekhawk]

I live in Nesbit, MS... near Southaven or Horn Lake in the NW MS. About 20 minutes south of Memphis in a car.


Not near me Im afraid but there might be some southern girls out there.