How many So Cal Riders use this forum?

[bcipam]

It seems like alot of the California posters are from Northern California. There's is alot of great riding in Southern California and in particular, Orange County.

I would like to know who all rides in So California and maybe get some facts and information. I'll start:

Where do you live: Irvine, Ca

Age: 55

What Do you ride: road and mountain bikes

Which is your favorite? I'm a better roadie than MTBer but love MTBing best.

Where do you ride?

Road: All around Orange County and into San Diego. Generally from Irvine south to Lake Forest, Mission Viejo and Aliso Viejo and North up through Huntington Beach to Belmont Shores. Favorite ride is Back Bay, to Balboa Island, ferry to Newport and back.

MTB: From Chino Hills (favorite route North Ridge to Sycamore, down to Telegraph, up to 4 Corners, Bovian and back down South Ridge), Peters Canyon, to Irvine Park to Weir Canyon, Limestone Canyon, Wood Canyon/Aliso Woods. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.

Bike Clubs: Bicycle Club of Irvine (road), Team Basso (MTB) and docent for The Nature Conservancy

Bicycle wish list: Someday... a custom Kish ti road bike and a Specialized Stumpjumper M4 Expert mountain bike.

Life wish list: Find a guy who also loves to ride, isn't all messed up in the head (i.e.crazy), who loves also to travel.;)

[tprevost]

Hi!

This is my first post but I've been lurking and I LOVE this forum!!! :D

Live: Canyon Lake, CA (over the hill -74 from you)

I'll be 41 this year

I am just starting to get back into riding. I do enjoy reading about the Nor Cal rides though because I am from there and started out doing the Cinderella etc; I actually plan to do the Healdsburg Century in July though as it is my favorite.

I haven't done any riding in Orange County yet but will probably expand to that area this year. Mainly I've been riding close to home trying to build my conditioning back up! However, I broke my arm roller blading and am stuck in this cast until mid to late Feb...ugh!

I usually ride my road bike but recently had my husband's old mtn bike tuned up and was really enjoying riding it! I've heard there is some good riding off of the Ortega but I've still got to go check it out! I'm also going to go check out the areas you posted about!

I just ordered a Specialized Roubaix Comp but I usually ride my Cannondale Touring Bike (GREAT Granny Gears!). I consider myself pretty much a beginner but I do have 12-15 Metric Centurys that I've done (WAY back when!) I've got a list of about 10 rides that I'd like to try to do this year so as you can imagine, this cast is driving me crazy!!!

I don't belong to any clubs yet - I'm a bit intimidated about it since I'm sure I can't keep up with other riders! I will probably start checking around to see if there are any near me...

Well, I'm jabbering but would also like to hear if there are more people down here in this area!

Tracy :p

[bikerchick68]

Where do you live: San Diego, CA

Age: 37 (38 REAL soon)

What Do you ride: road (I tried mtn biking and kept bleeding :eek: so gave it up!)

Where do you ride? All over... when at home I ride the east county of San Diego thru the winter... great climbs and training. My training route includes a part of the Alpine Challenge! In the summer when it gets hot I ride the coast, which is part of the Amtrack Century route... I am going for the Century a Month Club this year so will be riding all over the place! Did the Stagecoach Century on Jan 14 in Ocotillo and am riding Tour de Palm Springs on Feb 11!

Bike Clubs: Bike Buddies (bikebuddies.org) and my personal group of buds... 3 chicks and 2 guys who ride together all the time! :)

Bicycle wish list: I really want one of those Elektra Cruisers... they're cheap so I should just cough up the dough and do it! LOL... I'd like it for riding to the coffee shop, with the nieces and nephews and with friends who don't really ride... my bike scares the non-rider friends, and if it got stolen at the coffee shop... well, I'd cry. And have to file a homeowner's claim to replace it!

Life wish list: travel, do more bike tours (rode 6 days in Ireland in 2004) and date whoever fits in to where my life is at the time! Divorced just over a year ago so ZERO desire to remarry at this point! Maybe someday... maybe. LOL

[bcipam]

Tracy:

If you ever want to tool around the OC, check out BCI (bikeirvine.org). Either come do one of our Saturday rides (all the rides are listed on the website) or at least pull some of the route slips off the computer and come try them yourself. BCI is a recreational/touring club. On Saturdays we have introductory rides which are shorter distances. Members go from the very new to the gold medalist last year in the Sr. Olympics. You should be able to find someone to ride with. Are there any bike clubs in your area? I know of the Riverside Club which is also a recreational club like BCI.

Also, TNC offers some great MTB rides. Go to OCWILD.org, click The Nature Conservancy, "Let's Go Outside" and peruse the activities offered. If you need any information about the rides, let me know.

I don't think there are many of us posting from So Cal on this forum which I think is weird. I would like a connection to meet other riders and show them my riding area and be able to go check out theirs. I would love to do some rides in the San Diego area so Bikerchick if you have any suggestions let me know. I've ridden from OC to SD and taken Amtrak back. I've also started in Carlsbad, ridden out to Rancho Cordova and around and back. That ws a fun ride. Would also like to check out the MTB riding in SD.

* * *

PS Bikerchick - how did you like the Stagecoach? I had alot of friends from OC and San Diego both do the ride. It got mixed reviews. Would like to try it next year.

This year I got alittle messed up. I had surgery in November last year to repair a collarbone fracture which never healed. Just now getting back on my bike and have to take it real slow. No rides over 20 - 30 miles for at least another 2 - 3 months. So my early riding season is shot. Also can't do any difficult MTB rides. Can't risk a fall, at least not right now. So decided this year to take it easy and just enjoy riding.

In 2004 I did 9 centuries, starting with Palm Springs and ending with the Spooktacular in Bakersfield (also Solvang, Wildflower, The Bear, Cruisin the Conejo, Windmill, Cool Breeze -my favorite- and Amtrak) plus the Moab Skinny Tire Festival and a week long ride through Utah. Glad I did it but glad I'm done!!! Now it's time to ride for just fun!!!!

[bikerchick68]

bcipam... ya know what? This year is my big goal year... next year my goal is to have no goals! LOL... next year will be the year of riding for the sheer joy of it... and I'm NOT having surgery! Sometimes riding for the love of riding is the BEST way to go... if you;re ever down here (or me up there) we'll have to do a spin... :) OH! And I also LOVED Cool Breeze... dang wish I'd known you were there!! How is Cruisin the Conejo? It's on my list for this year...

Stagecoach was tough... mostly due to the wind. 20-30mph headwinds the whole climb to lunch... which was a 2% false flat with NO breaks... interspersed with a coiuple smallish climbs and one that danged near ripped my legs off at around 12-14%... :eek: I ride a double... anything steeper and I'd have to consider compact cranks or a triple! BUT, without the wind this would be a great ride... support was excellent, scenery nice, food plentiful and you can ride 3 abreast most of the way as there is VERY little traffic... and as advertised only ONE stopsign the whole ride! I will do it again... :) Here are some other comments from other riders about it:

The ride was awesome. Just beautiful.

Since you asked ......
Bottom line: I WOULD do it again. At lunch I said I would never do it again .... because we fought strong headwinds and gusty side winds for 46 miles to lunch. And it was generally uphill, with some grades 11 - 14%.
you had to fight not to get blown off the bike. At one point near the end, with a 1% downgrade, we were doing 28 Mph without pedaling at all for miles.
The support was good and they were organized. there were about 1200 riders, and I understand there were less than 200 last year, their first year. The jersey looks nice

It was windy with head winds and side winds and winds that swirled all
around It was great!!! Two cute guys kept us company

very!!!!! but we did it, ( probably wont happen again, but at least i did it once)

It was windy. I'm glad I went on the adventure and I had a good ride, although I question the intelligence of driving 470 miles round trip to bicycle 100 miles. El Centro is not exactly a California hotspot. But the people made the whole thing fun. The desert scenery was exquisite, if you like barren landscapes. I do.

The ride was challenging. The sponsors said that morning winds were neutral, whatever that means. They were actually headwinds. Outbound, we were riding at a brisk 8 mph, which was worrisome because the course closed at 4
PM. Fortunately, finally, the headwinds turned mostly to tailwinds on the return, The support was good. The rest stops were nicely spaced every 12 or 13 miles. The food was good and the service was excellent. I'd recommend the Stagecoach to anyone who wants to ride it -- at least
once.

[nicolezoie]

Where do you live: Oceanside, CA

Age: 29

What Do you ride: 2004 Bianchi Axis, a cyclocross bike, on the crappy roads in North San Diego County

Which is your favorite? I love trail riding, but stick mainly to roads since most of what I do is solo.

Where do you ride?

Road: All over coastal North San Diego County. These days I stick mostly near home, but I've ridden as far south along the coast as La Jolla and as far north as halfway through Camp Pendleton. Most of my riding consists of doing the San Luis Rey river trail in north Oceanside and climbing the massive hills around the county.

MTB: (when I had a trail bike) Tresspassing! ;)

Bike Clubs: Swamis

Bicycle wish list: I like what I ride now but I'd like to get a new saddle though; this one's getting worn out. I've put close to 10,000 miles on it since I got my bike in June '04.

Life wish list: To get my boyfriend to start biking again since he lost his left arm in a car accident a year and a half ago. He was my riding partner before his accident.

[bcipam]

Wow Nicole - so sorry about your boyfriends accident. My prayers are with him and like you, I would like to see him get back on the bike but know it's difficult just trying. Be patient and understanding.

Bikerchick: Cruising the Conejo is my favorite ride next to Cool Breeze. It's extremely well organized, the boy scouts work the sag stops and they are so cute and willing to help, the routes are interesting and challenging. The scenary is extremely diverse. From the streets of Thousand Oaks, to the beauty of Hidden Valley, to the plains and flatlands of Camarillo, through Old Town Moorpark and then the climbs back to the start. Just a great ride. I highly recommend it.

And next year Stagecoach maybe. This year just want to have fun do some travelling and riding and get to meet other riders.

[SadieKate]

Wow, never thought I'd hear the words beauty and Camarillo used in the same sentence. Of course, that is probably the "diverse" example.

[laughlaugh18]

bcipam, I'm so glad you started this thread; I've noticed the nocal/socal disparity, too.

I'm such a newbie that I still don't have answers to most of the questions, but I'll give it a shot:

Where do you live: Sherman Oaks, CA

Age: 49

What Do you ride: Hand-me-down trek 720 mtb, although I'm using it as a road bike, til I find a road bike/hybrid to buy.

Where do you ride? Last month or so - nowhere; I'm a wuss when it comes to cold (yeah, yeah, I know - I'm from socal and I know nothing of cold :p ). I ride the bike path around Balboa Park and the beach path through the South Bay. I haven't done the new Orange Line-adjacent bike path that cuts across the Valley, but I plan to. I'm open to any other suggestions where to ride around L.A. - the busy streets scare the bejeepers out of me.

Bike Clubs: None - too intimdated and too slow to try.

Bicycle wish list: A bike that fits! Haven't found the right one yet, and the shopping experience is a bit overwhelming (and on hold; see comment re cold above:o )

I really appreciate this forum; I learn so much and laugh alot, too.

Cathy

[bcipam]

Us So Cal riders need to stick together. Why aren't there more of us???? If you know of any fun rides coming up either South (san Diego) or North (LA) let me know.

Laugh... I used to live in El Segundo and did the Strand up to Santa Monica as a normal training ride. I also liked to go South into Palos Verdes, but give yourself some time before attempting the climbs. Once there, the roads are nice and the views spectacular. I wish I knew more about riding around the Valley area. Not much help there but if I run across something I'll let you know.

Check online for some local LA bike clubs. Alot of BC websites will list "favorite rides" I would suggest you watch for the Cool Breeze (Ventura) which comes up in August. They have a short ride - 30 miles, which is perfect for a newie. Alot of it is on bike trails or quiet streets. Also Cruisin the Conejo has a short distance - I think 32 miles, which is in your neck of the woods. That ride is in May.

And luckily you have some great bike shops up nearby. Check out Helen's in Santa Monica. Also spend alittle money for a "fitting" sometime changing out a stem or adjusting seat height makes all the difference in the world!

[ACG]

Where do you live: Pasadena, Ca

Age: 44

What Do you ride: road bike

Where do you ride?

Road: All over San Gabrield Valley, Pasadena (Rose Bowl), parts of L.A.
Northern Arcadia, Sierra Madre, etc.

Bike Clubs: Ride with an unofficial group in Monrovia, Ca.

Bicycle wish list: Someday... a custom Trek, project one

Life wish list: Be a better person every day of my life.

[nicolezoie]

Wow Nicole - so sorry about your boyfriends accident. My prayers are with him and like you, I would like to see him get back on the bike but know it's difficult just trying. Be patient and understanding.

Thank you! His healing has been a long process; I've been there through it all by his side. My Christmas and Birthday presents for him are to pay for converting his bike to being all right-handed. His goal is to start getting comfortable on his trainer starting in March, working on getting used to balancing with one arm. I've also scoped out flat-ish places where cars aren't allowed so he can get comfortable in motion again. I also promised him that I will ride by his side through it all because he will need all the support I can give him. When he is ready, I will be waiting for him to start. :)

[Googlie Wooglie]

Where do you live: Redlands, Ca

Age: 29

What Do you ride: road and cruizer

Which is your favorite? Oh boy ... I love my long rides with my light road bike but I adore Luau, my cruiser ... she's my around town girl.

Where do you ride? Around Redlands and surrounding towns, up in Big Bear, Palm Springs, Orange County bike trails, PCH. Haven't made it to San Diego with the bikes yet ...

Bike Clubs: we formed our own Beer Belly team (in a mock salute to our local SoCal Jelly Belly team) but no formal affiliation.

Bicycle wish list: Bianchi Milano commuter first, then I'd like to build a niew road bike

Life wish list: Move to San Diego and get another dog.

[bikerchick68]

nicole... wow, I bet it IS a big adjustment to lifestyle for you both... I was driving the other day and saw a local rider who has only one leg... he rides with his prosthetic... pretty freakin amazing to me!

when he is ready to ride again, consider driving to the new bike trail along the 56! If you've not ridden it, you may want to check it out. NO traffic, wide, smooth new pavement, decent length (round trip is about 20 miles I think) and everyone I have seen is courteous to others... it has no real climbing although it is a bit of a false flat as you head eastbound... with a return trip on a slight downhill... I would guess it would be perfect for starting out again.... let me know if you need to know how to find it... I could even meet you one day and show you if you like...

ACG- oooohhhh... Project One... I SO wanted one of those but they just didn't fit me for whatever reason (probably cause I have a weird body! LOL) I love the paint job called Southern Comfort... the black frame with orange and gold flames... :D

Laughlaugh... I know what ya mean about being intimidated by bike clubs... are there any near you who do "no drop" rides for beginners? Here we have SD Bike Club who has 4 levels of rides... the "C" group is a slower pace, no drop group specifically designed for beginners or those who just wanna cruise for a day! Some days I like to go out and hammer, and some days I just wanna cruise and enjoy the sunshine, birds and views!

googliewooglie... ah San Diego... just love it... if ya make it down with your bike lemme know! We'll could go for a spin! I ride with a group of friends and we're pretty low key... we ride for the joy of riding. No racing, lots of laughing! :)

[laughlaugh18]

bci - 30 miles is still beyond me - I'm good for about 10 at this point (hey, I have something to work towards; I want to do 50 for my 50th birthday in October!). There's a bike club in the Valley that I believe has no drop rides which I'll check out eventually.

I've been to Helen's, and about 5 other local bike shops, and am still looking (at Helen's a 17 year old kid "helped" me; needless to say he didn't quite get my late 40s fit concerns!)

If anyone has any suggestions of a good fitter in the greater LA area, I'd appreciate it. It's worth the bucks to me to get some knowledgable help for my wonky body.

Cathy

[tprevost]

LaughLaugh18 - I've heard there are some pretty good shops in the Rancho Cucamonga and Ontario areas; call around - ask lots of questions etc. I found - choose my favorite LBS when I talked to a guy who took the time to ask about the type of riding I did etc - then I got his name and asked for him specifically - so far, so good!

I would love to pick a ride and get together with others and train for it (probably every few weeks or so sine everyone is a bit of a distance from each other) and/or be each other's training support for that particular ride. I would really like to get ready for Cruizin the Conejo (I'm planning to ride the moderate metric - 68 miles). I'm supposed to get my new bike this week or next week but can't ride until I get my cast off; 4 weeks from yesterday. I'll pretty much be starting from the beginning unless I decide to get a trainer in the interim.

bcipam - any insight on Cruizin' the Conejo?? I just re-read some of the posts and Bikerchick68 is already planning to do that one as well - are you planning on riding it this year?

Bikerchick68 - which route are you planning to do? I read that you are doing a century a month - I know you are doing Tour de Palm Springs, which rides are you doing in March and April? Since you have that fabulous pink bike, I thought of you when I went into a bike store and they had a pink polka dot project one (Madone 5.2) It sounds a bit weird but it was gorgeous - not thatyou would necessarily do polka dots but the color was soooo purty! That's now my next bike (different colors) assuming I ride as seriosly as I'm planning! You were my insiration for putting COLOR on my bike!!! ;)

In any event, I am so glad to know there are a few of us here in SoCal!!!

Nicole, my prayers go out to you and your boyfriend. The two of you are so lucky to have each other! What is entailed in moving all of the bike levers to one side? Do they have to retrofit the bike itself or is ot a special type of shifter? I hope your boyfriend will be ready to give it a try soon, I'm sure it is a bit intimidating/scary.

Have a great day everyone!

Tracy

[bikerchick68]

hey I'm totally up for planning a ride and meeting! My bro lives in Camarillo so I can even stay up there if I need to be further north...

tprevost... I am doing the Century for Cruisin the Conejo... it will be my cent for that month...

for March I am doing a ride in Paso Robles (I'm 99% sure at least) that is a benefit ride for a rider who goes by Homey... he is on the bicycling.com forums and has become a friend... ridden with him a couple times... uh, wait, he's ridden with ME a couple times... no way I could keep up with him! LOL... anyway, he is putting together a supported ride for $40 with proceeds going to help him afford RAAM this year! Yep, he is qualified for Race Across America!!! A BIG deal of course... but will cost the team about $20,000 to race it... not cheap!

April... ah, April I don't know... I did Hemet last year and didn't like it... so I may do an unsupported cent that month... just up the coast and back or something... if I stay close to home I know where all the Starbucks are... LOL...

holy moly... a pink polka dot project one??? wowser, bet that's a beauty! I'm glad you added color... :) I will be changing out soon again... my saddle is dead as is my bar tape now... not sure what I'm gonna do next... since the bike is silver, pretty much anything goes for saddle and tape! I may do pink again... what the hay! :D

[bcipam]

Since I'm OC based, not too familiar with LA but I'll check around. Call Helen's and see if they can recommend a professional fitter. Also do not be afraid to ask the clerks if someone there has fit training. Ask to see an older clerk or the manager. I don't like the young ones working on me either!

Keep at it. 10 miles is good. 20 is better and so on. Next year you'll be doing the metric or even the century at Cool Breeze!!!!

[caligurl]

Where do you live: socal desert

What Do you ride: both road and mountain bikes

Which is your favorite? i like road riding better... i always say i'm a warm weather roadie!

Where do you ride? all over! during the week and non "organized" weekends.. just around the area i live... the joshua tree national park is in our "back yard" and it's also a nice climb/road ride! if we get the whim we'll drive "down the hill" and ride oak glen or GMR.... we also go all over socal to do organized ride.. i'm a fan of organized rides... LOVE the sag stops... so a lot of saturdays we are off before the crack of dawn heading for a ride! i rode 13 or 14 centuries last year.... including, of course the tour de palm spings (closest organized ride), breathless agony, ride around the bear, alpine challenge, also did a few double metrics: grand tour, grand tour lite later in the year, cool breeze... also did smog to surf (fun but hot!)... alpine challenge... hemet century.... julian bike fest... amtrak century.... las vegas century... borrego to the sea and OCW fall metric... we even added stagecoach this year! see! we drive all over socal to ride!

for mountain biking we've pretty much stayed in the local area... but we do drive to ride up bern's canyone quite often!


Bike Clubs: none... the closest bike club is an hour away.. not really worth it to drive an hour to ride with a club for 30 or 40 miles....

Bicycle wish list: hmmmmm don't have one cuz i just got a brand new ruby pro w/complete dura-ace.... so i'm happy... well.. i would like a pink mountain bike... i have no desire for a pink road bike.. but would LOVE a pink mountain bike lol!

Life wish list: be the person my dog thinks i am! lol!

[tprevost]

has anyone ridden either the Santa Ana River Trail or the San Gabriel River Trail???? I'm going to be needing to get a lot of mileage in quickly after my cast comes off and since I usually end up riding alone, I thought maybe these would be good options (both above 60 miles round trip). I'm a little nervous about being on new roads far away from home ... somehow a straight out and back trail (no traffic/can't get lost) doesn't seem so scary...

Thanks!

Tracy

[caligurl]

i rode the santa ana trail during the smog to surf... but it wasn't straight out and back.. there were a few places you had to go roundabout and up and over :eek: ! if it hadn't been marked for STS i surely woulda gotten lost! then the bridges! :eek: :eek:

however... it is FLAT as a pancake so very fast... as long as you know where you are going it's a fast mileage builder!!!

don't know anything about san gabriel!

hopefully some others have some info for you!

[tprevost]

Thanks Caligurl! At least I know to watch for those spots you mentioned! I am pretty sure my neighbor has ridden it before (he's kinda weird so I wanted to ask here first) so I may ask him as well. Are you going to the Red Riding Hood ride in UT? ... I saw that you posted you might go, so I thought I'd ask!

Tracy

[Googlie Wooglie]

I think the trail is repaired now ... at least, last time I rode it I made no detours and that was 70 miles up and back. Can a local confirm?

[caligurl]

ahhhhh so parts were closed??? that's why we went up and around and over and down a little path? lol! well if it is an out and back with NO chance of getting lost... i may drag hubby down there sometime when i want to go shopping (ride first.. then shop :cool: )

tprevost... i want to do little red riding hood.. it's just a logistics thing.... it's still on the calendar.. so i haven't written it off yet! lodging with a dog is the biggest set back.... not sure i want to camp (not sure there's even a tenting campground) and finding hotels/motels that take dogs (even one that behaves better than a lot of kids) is hard! it's too far to go in a day like we do the centuries here in socal (we'll drive up to 4 hours but that's ONLY if it's a good century! we like to keep it to a 3 hour drive or less cuz even that's 6 hours on top of the ride time!) but anyways.. i'm babbling!

[bcipam]

I used to do as a regular weekend ride the Los Angeles to San Gabriel River Trails. Started in Long Beach, rode out to MArina Pacific caught one fo the trails and rode up to Irwindale (there is a slight grade all the way up) crossed over and caught the other trail back down to Long Beach. 80 miles. Fairly easy but times had changed. Don't do this unless you are in a group. Some iffy people using the trails nowadays. And yes there is alot of construction so many detours to deal with.

Re Cruising the Conejo: Do the moderate metric. It's plenty hard. A couple of tough climbs to contend with. A monster downhill into Camarillo. Take your time, eat at every rest stop but don't stay too long (my rule - no more than 5 minutes unless you need to use the restroom). Keep up a consistant pace. Save some energy for the hill climbs and strong headwinds at the end.

I'm hoping to do the ride this year. I'm just coming off my collarbone surgery and starting to ride again. I should be able to tolerate the metric but longest ride since October has been 20 miles. I need some seat time!!!

[caligurl]

the conejo century is on my (and hubby's) ride list for this year! the jersey isn't as cool this year as last year though :mad: :mad: :mad: i want a big rabbit.. not a rabbit head and leaf! oh well.......

unfortunately it falls right smack dab in the middle of KOM.... why are all the rides so close together!? then all the sudden in july and august you can hardly find one! :mad: :mad: :mad:

[tprevost]

Caligurl - what is KOM (I'm not up on all the abreviations yet!)

bcipam - I found a guy online who wrote some reviews of the trails and he did say that the san gabriel had some iffy areas but he didn't mention any issues with ths Santa Ana... what do you think?

As far as prep time, you'll be way ahead of me! I can't get on any bike until the first of March and even then I'll have to stick w/my mtn bike for a week or two (more upright - less pressure on my arm) I do plan to do the 30 mile ride at the tour de sewer, then the 68 miler in may. THANK YOU for the overview on the 68; that will really help me prepare!

I hope that someday we can hook up and ride together! Although Caligurl and Bikerchick68 SCARE me - they are wicked studettes!!!!

Tracy:cool:

[caligurl]

lol! i'm not a studette! i just like to ride!

KOM = king of the mountain (:mad: they should offer an optional QUEEN of the mountain.. but i digress)

planet ultra is doing a new thing this year... finish all three epic climbing rides.... and you qualify for a king of the mountain jersey! i did breathless agony last year (and bought their jersey, of course!) so this year i'm gonna try for KOM... of course.. i've been eating more... and have more to lug up the hills this year unless i get off my lard arse and start eating better! :mad: :mad: :mad: but again i digress....

here's the link!

http://www.planetultra.com/KOM/index.html

planet ultra puts on some NICE rides.... did their angeles crest ride last year.. NICE bunch of folks! good support! sag...

[tprevost]

Caligurl,

Okay, after reading the ride descriptions I've decided that not only are you a studette...you're NUTS!!! :p

I'm SO kidding... and am way jealous! I hope to get to the point where those kinds of rides won't scare the begeebers out of me! I'm pretty much that way with hiking - I've talked my friends into doing 24 mile hilly day hikes etc. but I've got a ways to go on the bike!

Since I can't ride yet though, I have been trying to unload a few pounds; I figure the less I have to lug around, the faster I'll get ready for the rides I've signed up for! I'll probably start doing some stairs and leg work (we've got a pretty complete gym out in the garage)... any suggestions (from anyone) on bike performance specific things I can do without using any arms - I would greatly appreciate the input. I've been walking and hiking regularly but I'm looking to ramp up over the next three weeks.

CG - I hope you will keep us updated as you complete those rides! AND, I agree, there definately should be a queen of the mountain as well!!!

Tracy :D

[caligurl]

i'll keep you posted.. hopefull with all good reports! i'll be devastated if i don't finish one! i WANT that jersey!

i'll go with the nuts comment! still don't think i'm a studette! i do have an EVIL trainer though! he had me out climbing a little way up out local hill the in the first couple of days of having my bike! and all the way to the "top" within a week! he's EVIL! :p :p :p so he's been pushing the hills from day one! 2 of the hill climbs i didn't plan to do last year.. i only did them cuz hubby hurt his knee early in the season... but we had already registered and paid for him.. i wasn't loosing out on the money.. figured i'd go as far as i could (which on the first and hardest one was to the top! where i promptly cried like a gurl cuz i made it! :rolleyes: ) so then i gained my confidence and knew i'd be able to do the next one! and of course, now that i know i can do them (or was capable last year...) i'm signed up on my own this year! woo hoo! only problem... i've gained a few pounds :mad: i need to get back to being anal about eating and loose about 5 pounds (or 8 if i'm REALLY being anal.. but i'd be happy with 5)

as for working your legs..... do you have a trainer? can you ride that? that's armless!

stairs or "step ups" are good! squats.. lunges... walking lunges.... granted you can't hold weights without arms.. but do enough of them and you'll feel them!

i guess technically nothing you do off the bike translates to the bike.. however i worked out with weights before i took up cycling.. and refuse to give it up! and no one can convince me that in some way or other it didn't help even a bit on the bike doing all those squats, lunges, step ups, etc!!!!!!

and of course.. if you are already doing hilly hikes! that's GREAT for the legs! :D

[bikerchick68]

tprevost... LOL... I am SO not a studette! I am just determined. I like distance, but I am not fast, and really I don't mind that. I ride my own pace and KNOW that there will always be people (a lot of 'em) that are faster than me and people (a few) that are slower than me. And that's OK. I ride for ME!:) I am just as happy riding 15 miles with a brand new rider as I am riding a century with an experienced group... each ride has it's own charm to me... I'm one of those riders who ride for the sheer joy of having the wind in my hair and seeing the birds and other wildlife you miss going 60mph in a car... you will often see me whipping out a camera to take pictures because really, EVERYTHING is beautiful and fascinating to me...

in my humble opinion 1/2 of cycling is training... the other half is just determination. :)

[bcipam]

Caligurl - what is KOM (I'm not up on all the abreviations yet!)

bcipam - I found a guy online who wrote some reviews of the trails and he did say that the san gabriel had some iffy areas but he didn't mention any issues with ths Santa Ana... what do you think?

Tracy:cool:

I ride the Santa Ana River Trail alot, but usually not alone. My usualy route is to go inland up to Anaheim Hills (doing all my hill work up front) and then catching the SA River Trail near Yorba Regional park and taking it all the way down to the beach. It's a great ride but areas through Santa Ana can be iffy although the trail is clean (actually there is some construction and trail closures through Orange - watch the signs carefully). If you ride it on the weekend there are plenty of other riders out there so you should be OK.

If you are looking for some OC bike routes, go to bikeirvine.org, check rides, Saturday rides. Clink on the shorter rides (pink or yellow) and the route slip will come up. A lovely ride to try is around Back Bay, Newport Beach. If you need directions, let me know. There are also alot of nice bike trails through Irvine. Better yet, come out and do a ride with BCI some time (on a Saturday when newer riders are welcome).

[Ninabike]

Another SoCal girl here.

Where Do you Live: I live in Westwood and work in Glendale.

Age: 61 and proud of it!!

What do you ride: Colnago C-50

Where Do you Ride: Mostly the bike path between Santa Monica and Palos Verdes, also the Rose Bowl when I can get away from work early. My work schedule is very tight and getting time to ride is a problem (although I managed about 2,300 miles in 2005).

I would love to get together with you girls and ride. I am addicted to it as you all are!!

My husband and I were going to do the Tour de Palm Springs (55 miles) this weekend, but, believe it or not, on Superbowl Sunday, my husband fell and sustained a fractured pelvis!! he is now on crutches. We were riding on the street, when a parked vehicle opened it's driver's door right in front of me. I managed to avoid the door, but my husband, who was behind me, hit my rear wheel with his front and he went down. He's doing Okay, considering the injury (fracture through the pubic bone entending into the acetabulum (socket portion of hip joint). Anyway, Palm Springs is "out" for this weekend and I don't think my hubby is going to be riding for a while. He's keeping his spirits up though.

LaughLaugh18, there is a very good fitter in Pasadena and I can give you his information if you want to e-mail me.

Anyway, let's keep this thread going and see if some of us can get together and ride!!

Nina

[bcipam]

Oh Nina! So sorry about your husband's injury. I wish him well. I'm coming off collarbone surgery so know how hard it is to stay off the bike and mend. But hold him back and make him get well first before he climbs back on a bike.

I used to love riding the strand between Santa Monica and Palos Verde. On a good day I would go up and ride around PV. My favorite route was towards Malaga/Lunada Bay to San Pedro and back around. Easier climbs. I also loved to ride to SM - stopping in Venice (to people watch of course) and enjoying lunch.

Do you and your husband have a favorite bike shop? If so, why? The shops here in OC have gotten all funky so I looking to find another shop that carries more and not specific product (here the shops are now all Trek or all Cannondale, etc.).

And I just turned 55 and am proud. And I can get senior discounts! Woo Hoo!

[Ninabike]

Hi Bcipam,

Thanks for your post and kind words for my HD. As far as a favorite LBS, we like Open Road Cycles in Pasadena. The owner is Steve Lubanski. I can give you more information if you want to PM me.

Happy riding,
Nina

[bikerchick68]

nina... holy moly! how long will your husband's recovery take? ugh! I SO emathize with him...I've only had one break ever, which landed me on crutches too... what a colossal hassle they are!

dang, sorry you won't be at TdPS too... I'm riding it with a group of friends (heck, actually I'm riding it with about 8000 friends! LOL)

wishes and healing thoughts from me too, for his speedy and complete recovery... :)

[Ninabike]

Thanks bikerchick. Looks like my HD will be on crutches for approx 6 weeks. He's not in quite as much pain as he was in the first couple of days, but he does not want to bear weight on his left leg due to not wanting the head of the femur to push against the acetabulum. The MRI also showed a lot of fluid build-up in the joint. Although he is able to drive and go to work, he can't carry anything or do much that requires walking. I was tempted to drive down to Palm Springs early on Saturday and do the ride anyway, but in case my husband needs anything, I don't want to be gone. I sure will be thinking of you all though. There's always next year. I'm shooting for the Century!!

Maybe we'll meet on another ride!

Nina

[bcipam]

Nina:

Depending on how your husband's recovery goes, why don't you plan on the Cool Breeze Century in August? Trust me, a much better ride than Palm Springs.

[Ninabike]

Sounds great. I'll keep that one in mind.

Thanks,
Nina

[caligurl]

cool breeze is a GORGEOUS Ride! although i believe its got a lot more elevation than palm springs (well. the double metric did anyways... not sure about the century route!) but the sag stops were OUTSTANDING and the course just BEAUTIFUL!

[bikerchick68]

yep, cool breeze has about 5300ft climbing for the cent... but man oh man it is truly breathtaking... I loved this ride and thought the support etc was great too... looking forward to it again... they also had my FAVORITE jersey to date! I love it that they carried it in the womens style... and love the bright color etc... just cool all the way around! :D Here's a link to that one... has a pic of the 05 jersey too!

http://www.cibike.org/

[Ninabike]

Funny, I just went into the CIBC web site right before bikerchick posted the link. The club and the ride sound great. I'm not sure about the elevation though. I had problems with the Rosarito to Ensenada 'El Tigre"!! Looking forward to those kinds of rides is what keeps me motivated though.

Nina

[bcipam]

cool breeze is a GORGEOUS Ride! although i believe its got a lot more elevation than palm springs (well. the double metric did anyways... not sure about the century route!) but the sag stops were OUTSTANDING and the course just BEAUTIFUL!

Yeah Palm Springs Flat and Cool Breeze Hilly, but oh well, the scenary is gorgeous so you don't notice. There are some tough climbs but also some awesome descents. And the last 20 miles when the mileage is usually a struggle is flat, flat, flat. Thank goodness!

PS: So come do the metric - less mileage, less scenary but still cool. There is one tough climb though...

[laughlaugh18]

Nina, I tried to PM you about the bike fitter, but I'm not sure I did it right. Would you please PM/email me.

I've ridden the strand south from Manhattan Beach to South Redondo, and through parts of Santa Monica. It's a nice ride, but if I'm there too late in the morning it's too crowded for me (I'm not the best bike handler in the world, and I feel like I'm too much of a menace to all the cute little kids with their cute little mini bikes who are aimlessly and obliviously tacking back and forth across the bike path!)

[bcipam]

Laugh that's the fun = avoiding all those folks on the strand. Helps develope bike handling skills. Although I have to say, in 1987 I had a very bad accident and fx my hip. A small child ran right in front of me once I hit Manhatten Beach. To avoid hitting the kid, I laid down my bike. No good, Fx my hip and wrist, sustained a bad head injury (yes I was going fairly fast at the time). The ride was on a week day, after work, in the winter when there's little traffic out there). So always need to watch out when riding a bike path.

[Ninabike]

Hi LaughLaugh, I did get your PM and I e-mailed you back. See if you got it. Otherwise, I'm in Parker's. Call me at work today if you can. Believe it or not, I'm on Jury Duty starting tomorrow.

Nina

[Ninabike]

bcipam and laughlaugh - It's funny you should mention the "dangers" of riding the Manhattan Beach, etc. bike path and litle kids!! That's exactly what happened to one of my riding partners. On Thanksgiving, she fractured her left leg when a little girl made a left turn directly into her wheel. We were on our way back (North) from Palos Verdes on that bike path. A few months earlier, a little boy crossed in front of her and casued her a very serious hip/pelvic/groin/back injury. Last weekend (Superbowl Sunday) my husband and I were trying to avoid the strand portion of the bkie path in Hermosa Beach (with all those kids, roller skaters, dogs, etc.) so we were on the street when he had his accident and fractured his pelvis. His bike, of course, is Okay. Generally speaking, I think that riding streets is safer than bike paths. We just need to be really watchful; anticipate cars' and pedestrian's actions, be predictable in our riding and protect our front wheels.

Nina

[tprevost]

Nina,

Sorry, I'm a little slow in this but wanted to say how sorry I am to hear about your dh's accident! I hope he heals very quickly!

Tracy

[bcipam]

bcipam and laughlaugh - It's funny you should mention the "dangers" of riding the Manhattan Beach, etc. bike path and litle kids!! That's exactly what happened to one of my riding partners. On Thanksgiving, she fractured her left leg when a little girl made a left turn directly into her wheel. We were on our way back (North) from Palos Verdes on that bike path. A few months earlier, a little boy crossed in front of her and casued her a very serious hip/pelvic/groin/back injury. Last weekend (Superbowl Sunday) my husband and I were trying to avoid the strand portion of the bkie path in Hermosa Beach (with all those kids, roller skaters, dogs, etc.) so we were on the street when he had his accident and fractured his pelvis. His bike, of course, is Okay. Generally speaking, I think that riding streets is safer than bike paths. We just need to be really watchful; anticipate cars' and pedestrian's actions, be predictable in our riding and protect our front wheels.

Nina

All this is one reason why I'm doing more and more mountain biking. Now if I have a fall it's my own darn fault!!! :rolleyes:

[Brandy]

Where do you live: Huntington Beach, Ca

Age: 30 in 2 weeks!

What Do you ride: nothing yet, but I am purchasing a used road bike soon

I don't have any experience yet, so I can't answer the other questions. I'm hoping to get a bike this week and get out there and get my feet wet. I seriously know NOTHING about cycling, but I want to try it so badly! I live right near the Santa Ana River in HB, so I'll probably take the river trail down to the beach path and get some rides in without the worry of traffic.

I'd love to ride with a club eventually!

[bikerchick68]

Brandy... Hi and welcome! Let us know when you get your bike OK?

hey Tprevost... when we riding? Maybe in June sometime? How's the wrist now?

Nina... how's the DH these days??? I never reposted here but my friend crashed at TdPS :eek: She is done with physical therapy now... it was very, very good that we are diligent about helmets cause she hit her head on the road and the helmet broke... but the only thing injured was her shoulder... a little road rash but mostly the left shoulder... she crashed about 55 miles in and REFUSED to quit... so rode another 50 miles injured... but made it!

[Brandy]

Brandy... Hi and welcome! Let us know when you get your bike OK?


I got it on Saturday...a Trek 1000 WSD! It was a busy weekend, I had my Spinning Instructor Orientation, so I haven't had a chance to really ride yet. I had clipless pedals put on yesterday and since I am a total newbie to this kind of bike, I had someone show me how to shift gears today. After I got that down we went out for a short ride and I even had my first fall! It was minor and I got right back up and clipped back in...I was actually glad to get that first fall out of the way! I told my husband that I need three hours to myself tomorrow to take the river trail to the beach and ride the path for awhile. I can't wait!

[Ninabike]

Hi bikerchick68, Thanks for posting. Glad your friend is Okay after her TdePS crash - pretty "gutsy" to ride 50 miles after the crash. My DH is doing Okay. We were thinking of doing the Tour de Cure in Long Beach on May 20. Not sure yet. We would probably only do the 50K. A couple of other girls on this forum are doing it (bcipam and Valerie) and it sounds like a fun ride for a good cause. I am going to try and make it. Can you girls make it?

Nina

[bikerchick68]

Nina... I fly out to OK that day for vaca to visit family... otherwise I would be there! Sounds like the DH is riding again then??? As to my friend... yeah, gutsy... she really is... has only been riding since last Sept and PS was her second century! :eek: She has just completely fallen in love with the sport and is willing to suffer to make progress... she's WAY more willing to suffer than I am tho... LOL... I woulda SAGGED in!

Brandy... AWESOME! I do believe that was ranked as the top bike in it's price range in this month's issue of Bicycling mag... so glad you are riding... and as to the fall... I read it in the new rider section just after posting here... and posted to that one as well. I ALMOST fell Sunday... I was already clipped out and just standing there... DOH! :eek: :D Even I woulda had to laugh at that one...:D :rolleyes:

[tprevost]

Welcome Brandy! Congrats on the new bike! :D Nina, glad to hear your DH is up and riding again, that is great news!

BC68, I could potentially do a 6/3 or a 6/10 ride, let me know if you are free either of those dates. I managed to rope bcipam into a ride on the 29th which of course you are welcome to join but it is starting in Irvine and I'm not sure you'll want to come that far north (or if you'll be back from OK by then). I have already deluged Pam with this but I'll tell you as well... I am VERY pokey :p and I'll need some more base miles before I can do much about that! The wrist is okay, not great but okay - the back of my hand aches horribly after about 20 miles; part of the reason I've scaled back the scope of the rides I'm signed up for. Oh, before I forget, I am so glad to hear that your mom is feeling well enough to go on that trip, how awesome is that :D

Okay, well I'm all over the board on this post... a little spastic tonight I guess ;)

Tracy :rolleyes:

[Ninabike]

Hi bikerchick68,

Sorry you can't make the CdC ride, but glad you can enjoy a vacation with your family. I'm not entirely sure I''m going on the ride. My DH is still a little "gun shy" about riding in a group, even if we are not drafting, and I don't want to leave him alone while I go riding, Normally, we would just do our little "bike path"" ride on Saturday.

Tracy, I have wrist issues too. I have a bone spur at the base of my right thumb which presses on a nerve whenever I touch my thumb to my fingers. Braking and shifting is a problem with my right hand (writing is actually a problem - holding a pen, etc). I am using a brace over my glove which seems to help. I'm kind of afraid to go down hills as I need that hand for braking. I'm not a fast rider either; 12 to 14 mph average; can do 18 to 20 mph if I have to and if headwind is not too strong. Hey, nothing will stop us from riding, right?? If you want to check out anything on the Cure de Tour ride on
May 20, check out the Charity Rides thread.

Nina

[Ninabike]

P.S., Hey Brandy, the Tour de Cour ride goes right through your "backyard", Huntington Beach. Check out "Charity Rides".

Nina

[Brandy]

P.S., Hey Brandy, the Tour de Cour ride goes right through your "backyard", Huntington Beach. Check out "Charity Rides".

Nina

Thanks Nina...I've looked at the site several times and I'm tempted, but I want to give myself a little more time to get comfortable riding on the Santa Ana river trail and beach bike path before I try to ride in traffic and with a group.

My goal is Rosarito to Ensenada in September, maybe some charity rides throughout the year next year and then I would love to do the Amtrak Century in September '07. I'm hoping that these are reasonable goals for a newbie!

[Ninabike]

Hy Brandy, I don't blame you for wanting to make sure you are ready. I did the Rosarito to Ensenada a couple of years ago and I wasn't ready for that one - BIG hill, "El Tigre" in the middle. I ended up walking part of that, and my bike wasn't geared right for it. But when I finished, I never felt so good in my lile!! I would love to do it again. Let me know if you need any info., best place to stay, what to expect, etc. Good luck!!

Nina

[Brandy]

I'll take any info you're willing to give Nina!

My good friend (hopefully she's lurking here already) is in the market for a road bike and I'm really hoping that she'll do the ride with me. One of the guys that takes Spinning classes with us just did it and he couldn't say enough about how well organized it was and how much support there was on the ride. He did warn me about the big hill though :eek: and said that he wasn't prepared for it either. He plans to do the ride again in September and said he was going to hit some of the bigger hills in the Newport Coast area to train, so I think I'll follow suit!

[Ninabike]

Hi Brandy, You can PM me if you want re: the Rosarita-Ensenada ride so we don't hijack this thread. Funny thing, it was my friend who went to spinning class, but had not really ridden a bike much, who got me back into riding after 30 years. I have never been spinning and didn't even have a bike at the time. Eventually, it was she and I who went on the Rosarita-Ensenada ride together and that was one of the highlights of our riding "careers". We even have the poster framed in our office conference room along with our bib numbers!! Are we crazy or what? Just watch - you are going to get hooked.

Nina

[Brandy]

If it wasn't for Spinning classes, I would never have considered getting a road bike. It was those classes that made my much loved bike unacceptable for me to ride...I was too upright and it was too heavy and slow. :p I know that I've gained a lot of strength from Spinning and I love it so much that I'm in the process of becoming an instructor. That said...I can't live my life in the gym and I can't wait to get out on the road...or the bike trail for now...lol. ;)

[bikerchick68]

Tprevost... 6/3 works great for me... and yeah, I'm tickled Mom is doing so well... thank you! Looks like she may be released back to work on 6/5! :) Anyway, I put our ride on my calender... we can touch base and figure out details soon OK? How fun!:D

Brandy... I've done Rosarito to Ensanada 3 times as well... it is fun! I am always amused by the hordes of people at the bottom of the climb slamming margaritas and beer :eek: those are the ones who plan to walk the hill and finish in 7 hours tho... :D I always have a couple beers at the END where the party is! LOL Definitely take hard candy and fill your pockets... as you pass little kids, who line the course, you toss it to them! It's a big event for these kids to see all the cyclists and try to catch the candy...:D

the climb is 3 miles total... with a mile at about 7-8%... not bad if you d some climbing to be ready for it! :)

Nina... yeah, I imagine the whole group riding thing is a bit nerve racking now... I'm glad he's back on the bike tho! :)

[Ninabike]

Margaritas and beer - so thaaats why I couldn't get up that hill. LOL

[tprevost]

BC68 - Okay, 6/3 it is. If my DH is around, I can go early, if not I can't leave Temecula area until 8:30am - just a heads up. Looking forward to it! :D

Nina - you sound like you're at about the same level I am - similar averages. I am really frustrated with my hand at this point. Its my right hand and is nowhere near where the brake was (I broke my arm in January and this problem is the result of the casting/immobility during recovery), its the back of my hand and is affected when I push my lever left to downshift or is sometimes a bit stiff when moving to the brakes. I did a wicked 40 miler a month or so ago and I actually got off and walked down the hill part of the way because my hand hurt so badly from braking... so, I know what you mean! I can't do the 5/20 ride as my DH is in a golf tournament and my kids have some b-day parties to attend; hopefully you will end up doing it and be able to tell us all about it!

Uh oh, kids are in the cookie dough.... :rolleyes: have a great evening ladies...

Tracy

[Brandy]

the climb is 3 miles total... with a mile at about 7-8%... not bad if you d some climbing to be ready for it! :)




Good to know! So in training for something like that, how would I find similar hills locally?

[Brandy]

Does anyone know of a LBS here in Orange County that offers a bike maintenance class? I'd like to learn the basics since I'm essentially clueless!

[Jones]

"Does anyone know of a LBS here in Orange County that offers a bike maintenance class? I'd like to learn the basics since I'm essentially clueless!"

How about this?


http://www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=17

[Brandy]

Thanks Jones! I got a crash course in fixing a rear flat today, but I'll look into the REI class. There's a new store in HB!

[Brandy]

http://www.tinklebelle.com/Smilies/images/woohoo.gif My very good friend Tiffanie is here at TE now! She's impatiently waiting for her road bike and we're trying to come up with good reasons to convince her dh that it needs to be an early birthday present!

http://www.tinklebelle.com/Smilies/images/wave.gif
Welcome to TE Tiff!

[redhot3368]

Hi!
I am a new roadie, about 2 months.
came from Mtn Biking.
I live in Thousand Oaks, and just did my first supported ride.. Cruising the Conejo..I just did the half metric ...34 miles.
IT WAS GREAT!
I was thinking of doing the Ojai Valley Century on June 3rd..the metric.
the longest ride i have done is 45 miles, do you think I can do the metric on jUne 3rd?
anyone else doing it?
I also registered for the Cool Breeze in August.
and most likely will do the Three harbor tour since I live in the area.
Always looking for riding buddies so if anyone lives in my area, let me know!
Thanks so much!
Karen

[bcipam]

As to basic maintenance classes, periodically check out the website at bikeirvine.org. My road club - Bicycle Club of Irvine (thus BCIpam) holds free tire changing/basic maintenance clinics every once and awhile. It's free and you don't have to be a member to participate or ride with BCI. If you really want to learn how to take a bike apart, clean it and put it back together the REI class is good. I took it years ago.

Basically I can change tires with no problem, and have learned how to change out a cassette, pedals, seat and seat post and crank. I know how to adjust derailleurs but am not that good at it and allow the experts (ie my friend Richard) to do that. But the biggest lesson learned was how to properly clean a bike. That's real skill. Good brushes are a must as well as good clean rags and a good lube (I recommend Pro Link) and grease. And, have a good friend who likes t work on bikes and let him "help out"! :)

[Brandy]

Hi!

I also registered for the Cool Breeze in August.


Hi Karen...I'm brand spankin' new to road cycling too...I just got my bike a week and a half ago. I signed up for Cool Breeze last night, I'm shooting for the metric century with a dream of the century if I feel up to it. :)

[Brandy]

Thanks Pam...I think I might go ahead and spend the money on the REI class, as I'd really like to know how to take care of my bike. I'll also keep an eye out for the BCI clinics too.

BTW...I'm planning to ride with you and Tracy on the 29th...I can't wait! She said you're planning to do around 40 miles, is that right?

Oh...and I have another question for you since you ride around here all the time. I'm signed up for Cool Breeze in August and it says that there is 1400 feet of climbing on the metric century and 3500 feet on the century. Can you give me suggestions for hills around here that I could train on that would be comparable?

[bikerchick68]

Hiya Karen! I'm up in Camarillo every couple months visiting my brother so maybe next time I'm up we can go for a cruise... congrats on riding the Conejo! Way to go... and yep, if you've done 45 already you'll be fine for a metric in June... just keep your base miles up and try to ride 3-4 days a week... even 15 miles after work during the week is better than nothing!

I may ride Cool Breeze again... just cause it's such a pretty ride...
:)

[Trek420]

Have the So Cal gals tried checking and posting to the map of TE?

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=4272&highlight=frapper

[bcipam]

Thanks Pam...I think I might go ahead and spend the money on the REI class, as I'd really like to know how to take care of my bike. I'll also keep an eye out for the BCI clinics too.

BTW...I'm planning to ride with you and Tracy on the 29th...I can't wait! She said you're planning to do around 40 miles, is that right?

Oh...and I have another question for you since you ride around here all the time. I'm signed up for Cool Breeze in August and it says that there is 1400 feet of climbing on the metric century and 3500 feet on the century. Can you give me suggestions for hills around here that I could train on that would be comparable?

Cool Breeze is a great ride but is hilly (well really its very flat, very hilly in the middle and then very flat). But we also have some great hills to train on. Newport Coast comes to mind. I had a friend, training for the Ride Around The Bear, who rode up and down NC for 8 hours in order to simulate the Bear and the same amount of climbing (approximately 9000'). But she's crazy. Ride down the coast to Dana Point. Definitely ride through Mission Viego and Laguna Niguel (suggested ride - down PCH, up Laguna Canyon to El Toro. Take ET to Aliso Creek Parkway climb up and then down to La Paz, head North to Moulton Parkway, turn West, head back.

If you check the BCI website under rides - see Sunday - find one with at least the same amount of climbing. The route slip is there and you can print it off.

As to the 29th both of you remind me as the day gets closer. I'll send you the route slip before hand once I fingure out a good place to meet. The ride will be very slow and easy, casual, made for talking. Most likely up to Huntington Beach from Irvine or Tustin and back. Will it be weird for you to ride towards home and then away???? :confused:

[bcipam]

Brandy and Tracy:

Check out this site - consider either the medium or long route (both of which can be shorten or lengthen) for the 29th. I'll figure out someplace convenient for us to meet.

http://sellin.com/Sun/SUN14XLS.pdf

Brandy - you want hills? check out:

http://sellin.com/Sun/SUN17XLS.pdf

http://sellin.com/Sun/SUN13XLS.pdf

[Brandy]

Most likely up to Huntington Beach from Irvine or Tustin and back. Will it be weird for you to ride towards home and then away???? :confused:

No, it won't be wierd, that's totally fine with me! Do you know what time we'll start on the 29th?

Thanks for the hill info, I'll have to try to tackle Newport Coast soon and see how it goes. In my head right now I'm aiming for the metric century which has less climbing. We'll have to see how much riding I can get in before then and what kind of challenge I feel up to!

[tprevost]

BCIPam :D

I am up for any of the rides shown as long as the pace is slow- actually, I would prefer the longest one but I'm not sure if you want to do that much. I can meet anywhere you specify and I can start as early as you'd like so.... you're da boss ;) I am SO looking forward to it!!!!

YEAH!!!

Tracy

[Brandy]

Tracy and Pam,
I just looked at the routes...they all pass right by my house! The earlier the better for me. I'm sure I could hang for the medium route and fairly certain I could hang for the long route as well. Now the long plus route...you'd have to send someone to pick me up. :p

[tprevost]

Brandy,

You'll probably be fine for any of them, maybe just more or less tired :p

T~

[Tiffanie]

http://www.tinklebelle.com/Smilies/images/woohoo.gif My very good friend Tiffanie is here at TE now! She's impatiently waiting for her road bike and we're trying to come up with good reasons to convince her dh that it needs to be an early birthday present!

http://www.tinklebelle.com/Smilies/images/wave.gif
Welcome to TE Tiff!

Thanks my friend. :D

Yes, I'm a roadie wannabe. :p

[Brandy]

There she is! Now hurry up and get your bike Tiff! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v372/BrandyMama/tapfoot.gif

[tprevost]

Okay, everyone e-mail Tiffanie's DH and let's work on getting that bike in her hands!!!!!

ps.... Hi Tiffanie, welcome!

[Tiffanie]

Yes, I think that's a great idea!!!! His email address is wontgetmeabiketilmybirthday@cmonireallyneeditNOW.com :D

Thanks for the welcome, tprevost. :)

[bikerchick68]

I emailed him and told him I'm big enough to do damage if Tiffanie doesn't get a bike now. :mad: :D

welcome... ;)

[Ninabike]

Hey Tiffany,

Welcome aboard!! Looks like our So Cal. contingent is growing.

[bcipam]

BCIPam :D

I am up for any of the rides shown as long as the pace is slow- actually, I would prefer the longest one but I'm not sure if you want to do that much. I can meet anywhere you specify and I can start as early as you'd like so.... you're da boss ;) I am SO looking forward to it!!!!

YEAH!!!

Tracy

It depends if my buddy Richard comes along. If so, then the ride will have to be shorter. If no, then I can definitely do the longer ride but I'm worried the long plus maybe too much for me as well right now. I'm still limited to shorter rides (around 40 miles or so) due to my surgery.

Not so keen on "early" unless it looks like we may get some heat. I'm sortof a 9 am time of day gal but again if Richard doesn't come, we can do 8.

I'm still thinking about routes. Tracy - I'm assuming everything in OC is new to you... but Brandy how familiar are you with riding around Orange County? Where have you ridden? One of my favorite "holiday" rides (which means because of traffic and people we have to go slo and cautiously at points) is to do Back Bay, to Bayview to Balboa Island, use the Ferry to the Pennisula, out to the end, take the Pennisula back to PCH, turn left to the River trail, go up the Santa Ana River trail and turn back towards Tustin/Irvine. I think that's about 40 miles or so (50 if we take the trail up to Orange or so) but its the "scenic" route. Lots of people and things to gawk at if you are in to that sort of thing.

[Brandy]

but Brandy how familiar are you with riding around Orange County? Where have you ridden? One of my favorite "holiday" rides (which means because of traffic and people we have to go slo and cautiously at points) is to do Back Bay, to Bayview to Balboa Island, use the Ferry to the Pennisula, out to the end, take the Pennisula back to PCH, turn left to the River trail, go up the Santa Ana River trail and turn back towards Tustin/Irvine. I think that's about 40 miles or so (50 if we take the trail up to Orange or so) but its the "scenic" route. Lots of people and things to gawk at if you are in to that sort of thing.

Pam...my rides so far have been limited to the last six miles of the Santa Ana River Trail, the beach bike paths and the bike lanes on the roads around HB. I haven't done much riding in heavy traffic and I will admit that the thought of riding on Laguna Canyon Road and PCH from Laguna scared me a little...but I know I need to get over that sooner or later!

I'm not sure if they were just working on it yesterday or if it's closed permanently, but the Santa Ana River Trail was closed at the underpass that was just past McFadden (not sure of the street name, but it was just past the 6.0 mile mark) and I wasn't sure how sketchy the neighborhood was so I turned around and went back toward the beach.

9am is fine with me too and honestly, I would be fine with a shorter ride since this will be my first time riding with other people. Plan away Pam!

[tprevost]

Hey Pam etal :p

My goal mileage would be 40 if that's possible. Pam, any route is fine w/me, really (except major hills) please take your recovery into consideration as I don't want to have you push yourself too hard. ACG may come too (training for aids ride) as I remembered from her previous posts that she was very local. I'd love to start between 8-9 (earlier is better) If we need to shorten it a bit, that's fine too but if that's the case, I'd really like to have it end where it would be easy for me to tack on a few extra miles to get up to my goal - so the route described seems perfect since it would be easy to continue up the trail a tad.

So, yes Pam, its all new to me and I am SO excited to bike Orange County!!!! I'm feeling VERY fortunate to do it with someone who knows both what they are doing and where they are going! Brandy, its much less scary when there are other cyclists w/you as you don't feel so 'exposed', even if there isn't someone right next to you. Thats another thing I like about the organized rides, there are more riders out so the cars tend to be more aware of the cyclists. Don't know if its really any safer, but it makes me feel better :p

I'm looking forward to the 29th!

Trac'

ps. Happy Birthday Brandy! Good Job on your ride!!!

[Brandy]

Has anyone done the Mountains to Sea Trail?

http://www.irvineranchlandreserve.org/mountains_map.asp#

http://www.ocmetro.com/metro101305/sports101305.html

[tprevost]

Hey Brandy,

That looks very cool! Although, to do a round trip, I think I'd rather start at the ocean so the downhill is on the way back! ;) Do you have a mountain bike? I've been riding my DH's old one that I had powdercoated - its 10 years old but still does the job.

Pam - have you ridden this????

Tracy

[Brandy]

I was thinking the same thing Tracy, start down here. If you read the OC Metro article they say that it's a little more tricky because the signage for the trail goes in the opposite direction, but we're smart girls...I'm sure we can figure it out. http://www.tinklebelle.com/Smilies/images/yes2.gif

Okay...I didn't realize this was a dirt trail in parts. See what I get for skimming the article. http://www.tinklebelle.com/Smilies/images/loser.gif

[Brandy]

Has anyone done this?

http://www.veloallegro.org/content/rides-races/rides/ride-nyd.html

[bcipam]

Has anyone done the Mountains to Sea Trail?

http://www.irvineranchlandreserve.org/mountains_map.asp#

http://www.ocmetro.com/metro101305/sports101305.html


Brandy:

I am a docent for the Nature Conservancy/IRLR (Irvine Ranch Land Reserve) -the Mountain to Sea trail is only opened to the public in certain areas, the whole Weir Canyon portion is closed unless you are led by a docent (which I am and could do) but this is definitely a mountain bike trail and the lower portion is a roadie trail. I can set up the ride on the 29th to do the open/public road trail part of trail(which I mentioned previously) and if you gals want to try the mountain bike part sometime - I can do that another time. In fact, Saturday I am leading a mountain bike ride through Weir. I have done the while trail in one day on a cross bike.

[bcipam]

You got me thinking and it might be nice to include alot of the OC bike trails (of which there are many) on our ride. We can start at Cedar Grove Park (I'll set up directions) and do the top portion of the Mountain to Sea roadie trail to Laguna Canyon (the first portion not to Laguna Canyon), up Shady Ridge (OK one steep hill but its short - if you have to walk no problems) to Bommer Canyon/Turtle Rock to Newport Back Bay (OK one more steep but short hill) to the San Diego Creek Trail and back to Cedar Grove. Depending on how folks feel we can add and substract. I think the distance will be around 30 - 35 miles. And if its hot... then we might just modify and go straight to the beach...

[bcipam]

Has anyone done this?

http://www.veloallegro.org/content/rides-races/rides/ride-nyd.html

Yes one time... long ago - the critical mass ride is just more awesome to observe. The speed gets way up there - generally 20 - 25 mph and more.

[Brandy]

As long as you think a newbie can handle it, that ride sounds fine for the 29th Pam. I'm at your mercy...if you plan it, I will come. :D

[Brandy]

Yes one time... long ago - the critical mass ride is just more awesome to observe. The speed gets way up there - generally 20 - 25 mph and more.

Oh wow...a little out of my league!

[tprevost]

"You got me thinking and it might be nice to include alot of the OC bike trails (of which there are many) on our ride. We can start at Cedar Grove Park (I'll set up directions) and do the top portion of the Mountain to Sea roadie trail to Laguna Canyon (the first portion not to Laguna Canyon), up Shady Ridge (OK one steep hill but its short - if you have to walk no problems) to Bommer Canyon/Turtle Rock to Newport Back Bay (OK one more steep but short hill) to the San Diego Creek Trail and back to Cedar Grove. Depending on how folks feel we can add and substract. I think the distance will be around 30 - 35 miles. And if its hot... then we might just modify and go straight to the beach..."

Pam,

That sounds like just the perfect route for us!!!! Lets do that one!!

Tracy

ps. I would love to join you on a weir canyon trip. My Mtn biking skills/strength need a bit of improvement though, I'll start working on that! ;)

[bcipam]

Tracy:

Watch the IRLR website - we generally do beginner rides (well that's a relative term) thru Weir and Limestone Canyon - actually Limestone is better and prettier. If I have a free Saturday or Sunday, and the Canyon is available (no other tours going on that will interfer) I'm willing to take you out there. Just need a working bike with wide tires, at least a hardtail is preferable but even rigid is OK. Unfortunately I'm a bit taller than you all cause I would have bikes to loan. Seems like you all needs smalls ( 13 - 15" ) and I ride a medium (17 - 18"). Or watch the site for beginner Limestone rides. I generally "work" those.

I just rode Limestone yesterday (on a private ride) and it's beautiful right now. The trail is alittle wild but they should be plowing it shortly. I prefer it unplowed but what can you do? The fields are covered with all matter of wildflowers. It was pretty impressive.

[bcipam]

ANYONE OUT THERE INTERESTED IN THE RIDE ON MAY 29TH...

Please email me your home email address. I may have it already somewhere but I want to get them all together as I have other riders also interested in the 29th ride. Send your email address to bcipam@yahoo.com. I will send out directions to Cedar Grove Park for Monday. Note: I will try and be there by 8am or 8:15am. Please plan on being at the park by 8:30 at the latest. Parking maybe an issue (as this is a small community Park and it is after all, Memorial Day). I have a white Ford Explorer Sport, with biking stickers all over the rear window and license "BIKNPAM". Can't miss it.
I will give you all my cell number so if you are running late you can call. Please let me know who all for sure is coming so we wait for you.

[Brandy]

Thanks for organizing this Pam. If the so Cal TE girls end up scheduling regular rides, we should think about starting a yahoo group. Might be easier than the ride leader having to email everyone individually.

[tprevost]

Pam, I am going to check out that website as the beginner rides are probably just right for me. I do have a mtn bike so I'm good to go, just not highly skilled! ;)

I'll quiz ya more on Monday! Thanks again!

Tracy

[bcipam]

Tracy:

Here's some to consider:

5/27/2006 10:00 AM Slow-paced Mountain bike ride in Weir Canyon Weir Canyon Wilderness Area Easy Call (714) 832-7478

6/24/2006 8:30 AM Short and Quick Mountain Bike Ride in Limestone Canyon Limestone Canyon Wilderness Area Moderate Call (714) 832-7478

There will probably be some beginner rides on schedule for July and August now that Limestone is opened but... we docents are going through a transition from the Nature Conservancy to the Irvine Ranch Land Reserve. Right hand doesn't know what the left is doing. We TNC docents, who are being obsorbed by the IRLR group is anxiously awaiting some more information!

[bcipam]

I just sent this in an email...

Please join us for a fun, casual road ride Memorial Day. Several women I've met on teamestrogen.com and I have decided to get together and just enjoy what looks like is going to be a beautiful Memorial Day. The ride will be the "Tour de Orange County Bike Paths". We will be starting at Cedar Grove Park, Tustin Ranch, and taking the Mountains 2 Seas trail to the Hick''s Haul Trail to Walnut Creek trail to Sand Canyon, Laguna Canyon, Quail Hill, Shady Ridge trail to the back side of UCI to the San Diego Creek trail, to Back Bay West (towards Dover) to PCH - and there we need to decide if everyone is up for it, to tour Balboa and take the Ferry to the Pennisula. Back across the Ferry to Bayview, Back Bay East, back to the San Diego Creek trail to Hick's Haul to Portola and back to Cedar Grove Park.

The ride will be casual and slow (say 12 - 15 mph) and no-drop. Please invite others. Just a chance for everyone to get to know each other and also enjoy the ride and day. If interested let me know. Please plan on being at Cedar Grove by at least 8:45 planning to leave at 9am. The ride is subject to change depending on the day's temperature, everyone's mood and if the trail's are busy.



DIRECTIONS TO CEDAR GROVE:

From Beach area: 405 South to 55 North to 5 South exit Tustin Ranch Rd. Turn left.

Take Tustin Ranch to Pioneer (just before road ends at Jamboree) turn Left. Turn right and left again into Cedar Grove Park.

From Riverside area: Take 91 West to 261 toll road, go south. Exit at Portola, turn right. Road ends at Tustin Ranch, turn right then left on Pioneer or...

Take 91 to 55 South to 5 South exit Tustin Ranch (see above).

Cedar Grove is a small community park and parking maybe tight. I will try and get here by 8:15 at the latest. You may have to park out on the street or behind the park (I can direct you) on Peter's Canyon Rd.

[bcipam]

Need to add to anyone taking the toll road from the 91...

There are two the 241 and 261. I think the 241 starts off the 91 and travels to Laguna Beach. You will want to watch the signs and take the 261 towards IRVINE, i. e. keep going straight, don't make the turn left towards LAguna.

You can also exit at Santiago Canyon. Go right then turn left at Jamboree. Take Jamboree South to Pioneer, turn right, take Pioneer to Cedar Grove Park (just before the left turn towards Tustin Ranch Rd). Cedar Grove Park will be on the right side. There is another community Park on Pioneer, towards the top on the left side. That's not it!

[Brandy]

Hi Pam,

The ride looks great, I'm really looking forward to it! What do you estimate time-wise on how long the ride will be? Just need to let my Grandma know when to expect me back to pick up the kids. :)

Thanks again for organizing!

Brandy

[bcipam]

Hi Pam,

The ride looks great, I'm really looking forward to it! What do you estimate time-wise on how long the ride will be? Just need to let my Grandma know when to expect me back to pick up the kids. :)

Thanks again for organizing!

Brandy

Well you just never know. I have no idea the level of fitness, experience each rider has and how long we will stop, problems etc. I would give yourself some leeway and figure you should be back to HB by 2. I'm hoping we actually finish the ride sometime around noon or so. I usually try not to keep to any time frame (but I don't have kids to pick up) especially on a no-drop ride. If time's getting tight, I can either cut the ride short or I can direct you back to Cedar Grove. We are doing a big loop and there are shortcuts back.

[Brandy]

Thanks Pam. I just needed a ballpark idea :)

[bcipam]

Everyone - if you go to website http://www.irvineranchlandreserve.org, check "Let's Go Outide" check "Mountains to Sea", enlarge the first portion of the map - you will see Cedar Grove Park and all the surrounding highways/freeways roads etc. You will see the start of our ride but once we get pass Walnut will verve East...

[greenmachine]

:cool: I'm really looking forward to this ride and to meeting all of you! I'm working through the weekend on a big project that's due Tuesday, so I'll be ready to get out on Monday.

Thank You Pam for organizing this ride!! :D

See you all on Monday,
Judy

[tprevost]

I'd like to get an idea of who's coming so we can watch for you!!!

I'm in (I'd better be since I am the instigator :p ) I drive a burgandy (very dirty) Durango w/a road cyclist sticker on the back window.

Pam is obviously "in" as our fearless leader! Here's her auto description:

A white Ford Explorer Sport, with biking stickers all over the rear window and license "BIKNPAM"

So, here's who I have so far, please let us know if you are coming and not on the list yet!

Tracy
Pam
Brandy
Greenmachine
ACG

Thanks!

Tracy

[Brandy]

I'm so excited to ride with all of you! I drive a blue Dodge Dakota and I'm about 5'5 with shoulder length dark hair.

[Ninabike]

I plan on being there. I drive a silver RX 330. I am sure looking forward to meeting all of you!!

Nina

[tprevost]

Yeah Nina!!!! Will you DH be coming too?

[Ninabike]

Hi Tracy,

Thanks for asking. My hubby IS tentatively coming. It still might be kind of a last minute decision though.

See you there.
Nina

[tprevost]

Very Cool Nina! I am SO glad he is feeling well enough to ride! It sounds like there will be lots of options to cut the ride short if it becomes too much! I am looking forward to meeting both of you!

Tracy

[bcipam]

I also have a list of potential joiners although I never know - they are interested and hopefully will ride:

My friends:

Connie (for sure)
Richard
Wayne
Mike
Curtis
Sue and
Don

* * *

It might be a goodly little group!!!! Don' t forget to bring some change ($.90) for the Ferry and maybe alittle for a coffee stop if we are so inclined. Weather's looking like it maybe be cooler (yeah for me) so plan on bringing arm warmers for when we hit the beach area.

I shouldn't be hard to find - if my car doesn't give me away - I will be wearing a black/red/white BCI jersey. I'm tall, and darn it, heavy, have long dark hair (most likely pulled back in a pony tail).

[tprevost]

Pam!

I really can't thank you enough for leading this ride! I'm pretty sure I can spot ya! I hope your friends will all be able to come too. I am trying to talk Caligurl into coming but its a really long drive for her and she is doing one of her mega rides on Saturday so I don't know if it is realistic... I keep telling her it would be a great recovery ride! ;)

It really does look like its going to be a great group!

Trac'

[bcipam]

Well tell Cali this will be an easy ride, definitely easy for her (maybe too easy and slow), and you have a long drive and my friend Curtis is also coming up for SD so no excuses!!!

[caligurl]

WOW! you's all are ganging up on me!!!!! we'll see! if not this time.. definitely another time! you all are gonna have SO much fun!!!!!!!!

[tprevost]

Cali you are too cute! :D

We're not ganging up on ya, we just wanna see your smilin' face :D come if you're up to it!!!! Can't wait to read the ride report for Saturday!

T~

[greenmachine]

Wow! This is turning into a great group! Very Cool!! :cool:

I drive a light blue Saturn sedan, and I'll be wearing my green and red 7-UP jersey.

I'm looking forward to meeting everyone!!

Judy

[Brandy]

Okay, you won't be able to miss me on Monday. Just look for the girl in the blindingly bright pink Otter Pops jersey! I ordered it last week and I love it, no matter how silly I look in it. :p

[bcipam]

Okay, you won't be able to miss me on Monday. Just look for the girl in the blindingly bright pink Otter Pops jersey! I ordered it last week and I love it, no matter how silly I look in it. :p

Ohhhhhh Brandy have I told you how much I hate that Otter Pop's jersey????? Please wear it and on the ride I will tell you my sad story...

[Brandy]

Oh great...my first group ride and the leader already hates my jersey. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v372/BrandyMama/hanky.gif http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v372/BrandyMama/laughcover.gif

[chartman64]

A friend of mine participates here and suggested I check it out -- thought this would be a good place to get my feet wet.

Where do you live: just north of downtown Los Angeles

Age: 42 (43 next Sunday)

What Do you ride: Specialized Hard Rock (MTB)

Which is your favorite? Smooth with as little traffic as possible.:D

Where do you ride? LA River trail, Arroyo Seco. Planning to start checking out other trails. I live at the top of a hill not far from the beginning of the Arroyo Seco trail; training to make the ride home easier.

Bike Clubs: Wasn't aware of the concept until recently. Haven't found one that looks like a good match for me, but that might be fun.

Bicycle wish list: I'm in a wonderful state of blissful ignorance -- I like what I've got, mainly because I don't know any better.

Life wish list: To not be daunted by long uphill climbs.

I'm fortunate to live with a guy who introduced me to cycling while on vacation, and have done a couple of self-guided bike tours, one in England and one in Ireland. On both trips, I didn't train enough in advance and the hills were killers. We're talking about either going back to Ireland or perhaps Italy (the touring company we like does a package for Tuscany/Umbria that sounds really amazing). I won't be able to afford it for another three years, so that gives me plenty of time to train. :cool:

[laughlaugh18]

chartman!!!! Yippee!!!!! :D

Pam and everyone - I'm not ready to do the ride with you all tomorrow (I'm still a 10mph girl, plus I have to get back up to LA late morning), but I do want to meet everyone. So, I'm going to drive down to meet you all at 8:30ish. I'll toodle around at my own pace either before or after (depending on how early I roll out of bed).

Cathy

[tprevost]

Cathy!!! I'm so glad we'll at least get to meet you! You could also try riding maybe the first few miles and then going back if you just want to see what its like! We'll take good care of you!

Trac'

[Brandy]

That's great Cathy...I'm looking forward to meeting you!

[ACG]

My car is broken, and I can ride locally, but can't drive out to Irvine. SORRY

[tprevost]

ACG,

I'm so bummed! I was so hoping to get to meet you! I hope you will be able to join us on the next ride... hope your car issue is nothing serious!

Tracy

[laughlaugh18]

You could also try riding maybe the first few miles and then going back if you just want to see what its like! We'll take good care of you!

Thanks, Tracy! We'll see if my inner 8 year old (you know, the one who was always slowest in the crowd and hated it) feels like she can ride with the big girls :eek: , even if just for a bit.

[Brandy]

Thanks, Tracy! We'll see if my inner 8 year old (you know, the one who was always slowest in the crowd and hated it) feels like she can ride with the big girls :eek: , even if just for a bit.

You can do it Cathy. I'm totally new...I just got my bike a few weeks ago and I've only taken it out four times so far. Just do what you're comfortable with!

[bcipam]

So I went ahead and signed up for Cool Breeze... I just couldn't pass up that jersey. It's so cool (like I need another jersey - what am I thinking????)

So if I can't talk Wayne or Richard into doing the ride I was hoping I could ride with either with one of your guys. Not certain if I will be ready for a Century. Guess I have June and July to start training and getting serious about some road riding. It's getting hot anyway so usually I switch to road from mountain biking until it gets cooler. I do like the Ride and didn't want to miss it.

I usually drive up the day of. It's not all that difficult to do. The day starts early but oh well. If only doing the metric then I don't care if I start as late of 9 but if doing the century I probably need to be ready by 7:30 to ride. We'll see.

TE girls - if you are planning to do this ride, then you need to start doing some of my hilly rides with me. Even on the metric there is a fair amount of climbing. But what I like is there is about 15 - 20 miles to warm up on flats before the climbs* and you end on a flat. It's just that big middle part you have to worry about! ;)

*That means scary downhills as well.

[caligurl]

*That means scary downhills as well.

ok..... i don't remember any scary downhills on cool breeze???? at least no where near what potrero is! but then.... my brain probably got fried from the one hill (climb) i talked about in the other thread!

not sure if it's part of the metric (although i'm pretty sure it's part of the century).... the only scary part i recall is on the beach... in santa barbara... and a TON of traffic! i mean TONS! not like with the grand tour... where you are on PCH and have a really WIDE bike lane... but it was VERY trafficky! :eek: and TONS of pedestrians!

i start just as soon as i get registered! but then... since i'm slow and going 120+ miles... in need all the time i can get! lol!

we also drive up the same day (3 hours w/no traffic)... but then.... we drive same day to all rides! usually the mornings are fine... it's getting home in the evenings with the traffic that takes so long (last year took us an hour just to get from the grand tour (malibu) to the 10 freeway!! *GASP* which is what...???? 10-15 miles? but i digress!)

maybe we need to start a cool breeze thread so we can talk about it in there!?!

[bcipam]

Cali:

I agree not really any scary hills at least for me. But some of the TE gals are new riders and there are hills (like through Summerland) which are steep and winding and of course, there is the descent off the back side of the Century. A hell of a fun ride down but can be intimidating for a newbie. For me the only reason to climb is to take the downhills!!!

Cali - how long will it take you to do the double metric? Last time I did the Century it took me (including stops and lunch) 8 hours. I'm fast on the flats but very slow on all those hills.

[Brandy]

Cali:

I agree not really any scary hills at least for me. But some of the TE gals are new riders and there are hills (like through Summerland) which are steep and winding and of course, there is the descent off the back side of the Century. A hell of a fun ride down but can be intimidating for a newbie. For me the only reason to climb is to take the downhills!!!.

It's okay Pam...you can just say my name! My name is Brandy and I am afraid of descending. I'm part of the white knuckle club ;)

[bcipam]

Hee Hee what makes you think I was talking about you?!?!?! ;)

[caligurl]

Cali:

I agree not really any scary hills at least for me. But some of the TE gals are new riders and there are hills (like through Summerland) which are steep and winding and of course, there is the descent off the back side of the Century. A hell of a fun ride down but can be intimidating for a newbie. For me the only reason to climb is to take the downhills!!!

Cali - how long will it take you to do the double metric? Last time I did the Century it took me (including stops and lunch) 8 hours. I'm fast on the flats but very slow on all those hills.


http://www.smileycons.com/img/emotions/147.gif ok.... naughty me..... i forgot... i thought you were referring to tracy... and potrero being a scary descent! (and i'm the one over at bikejournal "yelling" at the guys not to scare of the newbie that's asking questions! and here i'm doing at the forum i'm telling her to come to! BAD, cali!!!!!!!!!!)

ok... don't laugh at me... i've NEVER claimed i have SPEED! and always admit that i'm a slow rider!!!!!!!!!!!!! it took me 9:23 ride time! (i post ride time in my bikejournal... so don't know stop time.. i do try to keep stops brief though! cuz i know i'm slow on the road!)

128 miles.... 4863 calories and 7230 feet of elevation gain according to my polar! oh... foggy and misty in the morning... cool... then sunny and nice... with a ride average of 73 degrees... low 57.... high 88.... average speed was 13.7.... i WISH i had hit a lap on that hill so i had known how steep it was! the closest hills i've done since that one (in steepness) was at the redlands savage hill climb.... not sure which ones were worse... cuz the cool breeze one was at 100ish mile mark.. and the redlands ones had 7 steep climbs encompassed in a metric (or just shy of a metric) (and AGAIN... anyone not doing the metric will NOT have to climb that hill... ALL other rides go a different route! so don't be scared off!)

now that i think back.... i do remember one section they had marked with temporary signs about SLOW... cuz it was steep! but not sure which routes would have that descent! (it was after the steep climb for me... but may have met back up with the century route by then!)

[tprevost]

"It's okay Pam...you can just say my name! My name is Brandy and I am afraid of descending. I'm part of the white knuckle club "

My husband just came in the room to ask what on earth I was laughing at! That is SO funny!!!! Brandy, by then, you will be much more comfortable AND, you can always walk down the hills as well. I'm part of the white knuckle club too but mine aren't quite as white as Brandy's! :p As long as there's nothing like Potero, I'll be fine... slow, but fine :p

Pam, I would love it if you and Brandy and I could ride together but if so, I'd want to start the second they let us! Did you talk Wayne into coming too??? For some reason I find his presence comforting! ;)

This will be a great ride, Pam, I am really glad you broke down and decided to do this ride!

Tracy

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Tracy:

The Waynster is going get such a big head (like he doesn't have one already!) from all this attention. Hopefully he can come. He is great to ride with - very supportive, and encouraging and can fix a flat like that! He's got me through some difficult rides. If he does the MTB ride next Saturday try and talk him into it. Me? he won't listen. :(

PS: Did I tell you his nickname is "The Punisher"? For good reason I tell ya! It's that wicked hub of his!

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did I tell ya that my hub makes a noise??? Ooooh, I am SO cool! :rolleyes:

T~

ps. I'll happily work on Wayne on the 10th! :D