How's it looking for Party Pardee

[Trekhawk]

What is the weather doing? Has anyone decided on riding yet?
Hmm I thought this would be a nice fun family day but its not looking good for that at all.

[SadieKate]

La-la-la-la-la! Not listening!!! :D

I've paid my money already. Will decide that morning.

[Trekhawk]

Sounds like a good idea but I need to plan if I want to get the clan out of the house and down to the ride on time. Oh well if I dont go at least the money I paid goes to a good cause.:)
Hmm where is that nice weather hiding?

[aka_kim]

Current forecast is for "occasional showers." I'm still planning on riding, unless it's just pouring that morning.

aka - fair weather rider - kim

[SadieKate]

Yeah, what she said. 'Cuz we wouldn't want to miss out on the yummy beer, would we? :rolleyes:

[snapdragen]

Ah, piece 'o cake. I want ride reports :D

[jobob]

Leebob & I will be there, bright & early, rain or shine. We weren't keen on a 2+ hour drive in the wee hours so we booked a room at the Holiday Inn Express in Jackson.

What the heck, if it's a washout I'll go play the slots at the Jackson Rancheria. woo woo :D

[aka_kim]

'Cuz we wouldn't want to miss out on the yummy beer, would we? :rolleyes:Forgot all about the beer - guess I wasn't cut out to be a Bud Girl.

[snapdragen]

I wanna know when rides are going to start offering vodka shots......:rolleyes:

[Hill Slug]

If I can do the Cinderella in that f-ugly weather, I can do Pardee in some rain....:rolleyes:

[aka_kim]

I wanna know when rides are going to start offering vodka shots......:rolleyes:You could start your own. Each rest stop could offer a different martini concoction -- or would you use bars as rest stops? Anyway, you'll need a catchy name. If you start planning now, we could be riding the First Inaugural ____ by fall!

[SadieKate]

Just start showing up at each rest stop and telling them you want your flask refilled.

http://www.ahearnecycles.com/flask.htm

[aka_kim]

Bubba will need to try that tomorrow.

[snapdragen]

If you start planning now, we could be riding the First Inaugural ____ by fall!

Hmmm, The Martini Ride.......:rolleyes: :)

[OrbeaJ]

Even as I continue to monitor the weather (a bit anal about it recently), my decision to drive up there will happen tomorrow at 5 a.m. Ick.
If any of you folks have a pull in changing the weather, I'd like it to be about
55 degrees at 7:30, warming to a lovely 60-65 degrees as the morning progresses. How 'bout it?:D

See you on the road--
OrbeaJ

[cindysue]

looks like most of the rain clears up later in the day out in Ione. Should also be nice here in the east bay.

Have fun!

[Trekhawk]

Ok Ladies I made my decision last night as logistics for getting three little boys out of bed, fed and dressed by 5.30 takes some time. It was still saying rain until later in the day so I decided driving 4 hours (total) to ride 50kms (I only signed up for the short ride) maybe in the rain seemed a bit daft.
Im disappointed this seemed like a great day out for the whole family. I contemplated going on my own but it would have meant nearly a whole day of family time gone.

So for all the riders that went I want ride reports.

[yellow]

As of 9:45 PST, here's what the NWS says:

Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain showers then slight chance of rain. Probability of measurable precipitation 30 percent. Southeast wind 7 mph. High 62.

Hopefully that chance/slight chance didn't chance to happen! I think it was cloudy last year...can't remember. I do remember that I wore tights, so it couldn't have been too warm. I'm thinking about youse gals doing the ride. I think I did PP for something like 4 yrs running. Instead today I am caulking my shower. Oh joy!

[Trekhawk]

See I knew it. I told my husband if I dont go you watch it wont rain and if we haul our butts all the way down there with the kids it will and they and I will be miserable.

I hope the girls have a great dry ride.:)

[Trekhawk]

Yellow - whats Caulking? Doesnt sound like much fun.

[yellow]

Oh, I think you made the right decision, TH. If it had rained, your poor hubby would have been pretty challenged, I think. :p I probably would have done the same. Wet, miserable children that can't run around in the park....yeah, you done good!

[yellow]

Yellow - whats Caulking? Doesnt sound like much fun.
Highly toxic goo that you put around the edges to (in my case) keep water from running under the shower enclosure onto the floor. My bathroom is, shall we say, uniquely constructed and after many different attempts to keep the water in the shower, I finally decided that I had to use the goo.

And no, it's not fun. But at least I'm not working outside in the yard in the rain like my hubby! But then, I think secretly he really likes getting all muddy.

[Trekhawk]

No your right that does not sound like fun. Make sure you get plenty of ventilation dont want you passing out in the bathroom in amongst the goo.

Im going to try and get out for a ride later in between showers and my husband if going to take the kids to see Ice age 2 while I ride. At least this option keeps everyone pretty happy.

Have a good weekend and happy caulking.:D

[tprevost]

Trekhawk,

I'm sorry you aren't riding, for some reason I was really looking forward to reading your ride report:D !

I hope you at least get a chance to ride between showers! Let me know if your kids liked the movie!

Tracy

ps. Hope you're havin' fun caulkin' Yellow! Been there, done that... this week its sanding and staining... probably just as much fun ;)

[SadieKate]

Crud! It was a simply stunning day! Bubba and I located Jobob and Leebob at the last rest stop just as they were leaving. Bubba and I chose to sleep in a tad while the Bobs luxuriated in hotel comfort only 15 mins from the ride start so our start times were a tad different. I never saw Kim and by the time I thought to call there was no cell phone service. I'm soooo disappointed.

Since we didn't know what TrekHawk looked like we kept designing ways of getting people to talk. Figured she stick out like a sore thumb amongst all the "Mercans.:p We gotta better coordinate the BAB ride, like maybe I could put her phone number in my cell phone so I would have some kind of tracking device.

It did rain on us during the drive to the ride, but the ride itself was gloriously clear with beautiful puffy clouds, wind and lots of flooded meadows. Geez, will it ever stop raining! Please, somebody.

We may have to wait for Jo's ride report as they decided that their change was too heavy and, rather than carry it home, they could deposit it in the Jackson Casino's slot machines

[aka_kim]

It was a simply stunning day!Of course - I never gauge the weather correctly! The Pilot decided last night, while it was raining, as it had been all afternoon, that he wasn't riding. I wasn't real keen on driving 85 miles each way to ride in what I expected to be "unsettled" conditions. Then I bailed on CindySue's ride too, since it was raining this morning, and ya know I'm whiny when wet.

I'm glad everyone had a good ride. I really enjoyed the ride last year and love that area. Will have to try again next year.

[SadieKate]

And, you didn't think to call for reservations in the Bike Bus? :confused: Hurrumph.

[aka_kim]

And, you didn't think to call for reservations in the Bike Bus? :confused: Hurrumph.I did think about the Bike Bus, but didn't want to impose. Really. :o You two will be hauling my bike to Utah soon, I can't call on you every time I need a lift.

[Trekhawk]

Glad to hear you had a good ride. I knew if if I didnt go it would be lovely. :mad:

Im going to BOB even if it looks like flood conditions (and from what I read on the weather site that could be possible).:eek:

Definitely have to work out a plan for that one so I get to meet you all.

[SadieKate]

I did think about the Bike Bus, but didn't want to impose. Really. :o You two will be hauling my bike to Utah soon, I can't call on you every time I need a lift.Huh?:( We were going anyway. We're driving to Utah anyway. We don't get your company that frequently and it is so much easier to visit in the car than chasing you up the hills.

TrekHawk - no more rain talk. Don't tempt it. I can't believe how little mountain biking I got in this year.

[cindysue]

Crud! It was a simply stunning day!

and? Tell us more! At least somebody is getting some riding in!!!

I can't wait for graduation. Seven weeks away!

[jobob]

I had a really long week at work and Friday was no exception, and I didn't get home until around 8. Since it was already so late, we discussed maybe bagging the hotel and just going to bed early and setting out in the wee hours, but Lee preferred driving the night before rather than the morning of. So we hit the road around 8:30 pm, stopped for dinner en route at the In-N-Out Burger in Lathrop near I-5 (double-double with grilled onions and fries well done, yuuum), and then continued on past Stockton and points east. We rolled into the Holiday Inn Express in Jackson around 11-ish and lights were out soon thereafter.

We arrived bright & early at Howard Park in Ione. You could tell we were coming in from the opposite direction of most everyone else, there was a huge line of cars coming in from the north (the direction of Sacramento) waiting in line to make the left into the park, while we just pulled up and made the right turn from our direction. Hee.

After all the recent rain the paking areas were very muddy, but parking was very nicely orgainzed. Poor Lee had to park over a puddle on the drivers side but he made the best of it.

The weather was unexpectedly promising, it was a bit overcast but the clouds didn't look menacing at all. We had assumed it would rain so Lee kept the fenders on his Romulus and I brought my Romulus, Pokey, my official "rain bike" with fenders and wider Pasella Tourguard tires. In retrospect I wish I had Dusty, which is set up a bit lighter & has no fenders, but who knew?

The check-in was very well organized, it took us all of 5 minutes apiece. After we checked in I realized I actually had a cell phone signal right where I was standing, so I gave SadieKate a call. She and Bubba were en route and just passing thru Sacramento, where it was pouring rain. I assured them that the weather looked fine out here. Even though they would start the ride a good hour or so after us, I assumed they would catch up to us before the end (which they did !)

Lee & I set off at a happy clip (partly to keep warm, brrr). The roads were for the most part very good, with lovely scenery, mostly farmlands and pastures. Every now & then we'd see a "flooded" sign along the road but by and large whatever flooding they had was pretty much gone by then, even though we did have to ride across a couple of miniature lakes in the road. People would often comment about how smart were to have fenders. All in all I was feeling pretty good and I attacked the smallish hills with my version of vim & vigor.

After the 2nd rest stop at around mi 30, we encountered a bunch of rollers and I although I was eating and drinking sufficiently, I started to feel achey and sluggish, and around mi 35-38 I was wondering if I would even be able to finish! I took a couple of Ibuprophen (2 X 200 mg if it matters to anyone), slowed down considerably and shifted to my lowest gears on the hills more often than not. I eventually started feeling better, not great, but better. It helped that the countryside was really beautiful, so I went into full-on cyclotourist mode and did a lot of sightseeing. And the sun was out by then, which really helped pick up my spirits.

I felt much better by the 3rd rest stop at around mi 50, which featured make-your-own sandwiches at a nice little park. We took a good long time at that rest stop, it was very early afternoon, the ride was nearly over, and the sun was out and it was soooo nice to sit out in the sun and strech our legs. My body was reminding me that I hadn't been on this long of a ride with so many hills and rollers in ages.

Our dawdling paid off, since just as we were about to set out again, along came SadiKate & Bubba! It was great to see them but I figured it would be best if we got moving again, so after chatting for a few moments Lee & I set off, with plans to meet up with them again at the after-ride feast.

The last part of the ride featured a couple of good climbs, but in reality the longer climbs seemed almost easier for me than the constant up & down of the rollers. Go figure. Part of that would be because I would invariably encounter people who didn't know how to ride rollers, or more specifically, didn't know enought to use the momentum from the downhill to help propel them up the next hill. So I'd get to the bottom of one hill and be cranking along as the road sloped up again, and I'd catch up to someone who would start pedalling only when they started slowing down on the uphill. By then their forward momentum would be shot, and they'd often be in the wrong gear, so they'd slow down even more searching for the right gear. Meanwhile there I am bearing up on them at considerable speed (er, comparatively) and sometimes I'd be able to pass and keep moving, but sometimes I wouldn't be able to pass right away for one reason or another, so I'd have to slow down which made that hill harder than it needed to be. Oddly enough, I'd see that very often often in riders that otherwise seemed fairly strong and experienced.

Oh, and don't get me going on pacelines ! :p I just started going down one particularly nice-looking descent as a long paceline started to pass me (the guy in front kindly informed me that he was at the front of a long line, which I appreciated). So we start going down this hill and by the time the second or third person passed me it was clear that I could go down that hill much faster than they were going. But what to do? If I turned on the gas (it wouldn't have taken much) I would have been passing them on the right which I do *not* do, and they were still in a line so I didn't want to cut into it. So instead I sat up and feathered my brakes a bit and grumbled to myself over the lost screamin' downhill opportunity. Oh, and had to plod up the next hill since said paceline came to a near halt once they started going up again. Gah.

But there were plenty of other fun descents along the ride to to make up for that missed one.

So, we got back to Howard Park - I was on my second (maybe fourth?) wind by then and feeling good, still my body was glad it was over. We loaded up the bikes and got back to the party area when SK and Bubba rolled in. We had the feast and some caaaake and chatted for a bit, it was great to see them. (I passed on the Bud Lite :rolleyes: ).

Like SK said, Lee and I went to check out the scene at the nearby Jackson Rancheria casino, but instead we wandered around there a little bit and decided we'd rather drive home and have a nice dinner and an early night. So we drove home, feasted on beef ribs at a nearby Cattleman's and turned in early - and I slept like a proverbial rock !

Here's the route profile from my computer (please ignore the avg speed :o ):

http://i2.tinypic.com/svp11d.jpg

[cindysue]

thanks for the report - and it's always nice to see the profile. Hope to see you all soon!

[Trekhawk]

Sounds like you had a good ride. Love the stats and your average speed for 100kms looks pretty good to me.:) See when they say there is always someone faster well yep there is always someone slower too (that would be me).:D

[jobob]

Sorry, I get self-concious about my speed or lack thereof sometimes ... it seems I've hit a plateau, my speed hasn't improved in ages.

I suppose if I really wanted to improve, I could, but it would involve getting out a lot more or hooking my bike up to a stationary trainer and start doing those evil Coach Troy workouts (yech!). And that all sounds like too much effort at the moment. :rolleyes: :D

[snapdragen]

I suppose if I really wanted to improve, I could, but it would involve getting out a lot more or hooking my bike up to a stationary trainer and start doing those evil Coach Troy workouts (yech!). And that all sounds like too much effort at the moment. :rolleyes: :D
Carefull there jobob, you're starting to sound like me....:D

snap "lazybones" dragen

[Veronica]

Sorry, I get self-concious about my speed or lack thereof sometimes ... it seems I've hit a plateau, my speed hasn't improved in ages.

I suppose if I really wanted to improve, I could, but it would involve getting out a lot more or hooking my bike up to a stationary trainer and start doing those evil Coach Troy workouts (yech!). And that all sounds like too much effort at the moment. :rolleyes: :D

Are you having fun? Enjoying the ride? Because really that is all that matters.

Nice write up BTW.

V.

[jobob]

Are you having fun? Enjoying the ride?

Ab-solutely! :D :D :D

And the Witches Britches you sold me were great, they were just perfect for those in-beween temperatures.

[tprevost]

What a great report Jobob! Sounds like a fabulous day and certainly made me wish I were there. AND, I realized as I was reading your report that I am one of those people that don't do the rollers right... so, I even learned something too! Whoo Hooo!

Thanks again for the great report!

Tracy

[jobob]

Anytime, Tracy!

Harnessing your momentum to go over rollers was one of the things I learned from the road riding academy my club puts on.

When I'm rolling up and down hills, it's so tempting to coast down a hill and up into the beginning of the next hill, putting off the inevitable and only starting to pedal again once I start slowing down on the uphill grade.

It was a real surprise when I learned that if I started pedalling before I reached the bottom of the hill, I would often have enough momentum to carry me well up the next hill, sometimes even clear to the top, with a minimum of effort. Sometimes if the next hill isn't too steep or long and if I time it right I don't even have to downshift. Whee!

[tprevost]

Jobob,

are you talking about ACTC (I think I have the initials wrong!) I belonged to that club eons ago when I was up in the bay area and I meant to go to that darned riding academy.... Dang, and I've spent all this time makin' things hard on myself!!! :rolleyes: ... figures!

Thanks again - maybe I can get more tips out of you at the LRRH or ???

Tracy :D

[jobob]

Yep, ACTC. Snapdragen was one of our instructors when LeeBob and I took it. Lee & I were then assistant instructors for the following session, and for part of the session after that.

We're on "sabbatical" right now, it's nice to have our Saturdays free so we can go on rides with our friends and to participate in organized rides like Party Pardee.

We'll be working our club ride again this year, the Tierra Bella. I'm going to be the Official Skeleton (afternoon shift) standing before the descent on Canada road, after Gilroy Hot Springs. (It can be a dicey descent, a bit steep, windey and often gravelley, so the skeleton sort of reinforces the concept of Slow Down or Die :p )

So if anyone is riding the 100K route on the TB, say hi to the skeleton after the Gilroy Hot Springs rest stop - that'll be me ! :D

[tprevost]

how funny, I'd forgotten what the route was for that ride. I lived off of Roop Road when I was growing up and used to sneak my dad's truck out and drive around the lake and hot springs road (less likely to be busted!) and out Canada.

I sure do get homesick for Norcal when I read these posts!

Trac'

[aka_kim]

You know, the skeleton is probably a good idea, but I've found when doing TB that I'm focusing on the skeleton as I start the descent, instead of the road. I think last year the skeleton was waving around a sign that it took me several seconds to read and process, and I really wasn't going too fast (my brain obviously wasn't going too fast :rolleyes:).

But I do think it's very cool you're helping your club - just try not to startle or distract the riders.:)

[SadieKate]

I sure do get homesick for Norcal when I read these posts!

Trac'I finally looked up Canyon Valley. You are a ways a way from us! It'll be fun to finally meet. Thanks for the nice post on BJ.

[jobob]

But I do think it's very cool you're helping your club - just try not to startle or distract the riders.:)

Hee hee, then I'll refrain from doing the Spastic Skeleton Dance.

Maybe I'll just stand off to one side and do one of those Royal Family waves (you know, where you hold up your arm at a slight angle and just rotate your hand from the wrist very slowly - tres regal)

:D

[SadieKate]

You need to wear a tiara to go with the wave. Maybe a string of pink pearls.

[tprevost]

Yah, I'm about 40 miles south of Riverside. We moved from Scotts Valley about 5 years ago and I'm usually up in the bay area 3-5 times a year to visit friends (plus DH still works out of Santa Cruz). My sister lives in Davis though so you may get a call when I get up there to visit ;) ! I've already harrassed poor Slinkedog into doing a ride with me the 19th when I'm there!

In regards to the BJ post, your welcome; definately true, I feel like you all are my friends even though I've never met most of you!

Trac'

[SadieKate]

Cool. Let me know when!

[Hill Slug]

OK, so JoBob, we're you wearing the Ameci jersey, and a coral colored vest??? And had a rather large-ish saddle bag on the back??:confused:

Because if so, you passed me at about mile 5.....I had the cheesy orange wings attached to my camelbak. It wasn't too far from the start going up one of those early rollers, a little ways before the photo guy.

Anyway, I was exhausted because my partner was one of the volunteers who had to be there at 6am, so I had to be there at 6am.......so I decided to just do the short route. And it was nice. The clouds came around and the sun came out a bit, but no rain, so that was nice. There were a couple of wannabees who came very close while passing, and had I turned to look over my shoulder I know we would've gone down. There was also one VERY large peleton of about 30 riders, that sounded like a large car coming behind me. I almost called out car back, then realized it was just a bunch of bikes.

All the rest stop folks were nice and they kept things filled up. There were alot of SAG vehicles visibly patrolling. I only saw a few folks with flats.

It was a nice day, and I got home about 1-ish. According to my friend who was the registration person, they only had about 950 show up, after selling out at about 1,500....Obviously the weather kept folks home, but that's ok there were still plenty of riders out there.

[jobob]

OK, so JoBob, we're you wearing the Ameci jersey, and a coral colored vest??? And had a rather large-ish saddle bag on the back??:confused:

You betcha !!! :D
The "rather large-ish saddle bag on the back" should have been a good clue ;)


Because if so, you passed me at about mile 5.....I had the cheesy orange wings attached to my camelbak.
Yeah, I remember you! Oh bummer, I'm sorry, I didn't realize it was you :(
I hope I said "hi".

[Bike Goddess]

Jobob-Thanks for the great report! Lots of tips too!

Sorry I'll miss you at Tierra Bella- hope it doesn't rain too hard!

Anyone doing Primavera? I'm planning to do that one as it's on a Sunday! Yahoooooooo!:p :p :p :p :p

[SadieKate]

Nancy, there is a whole thread started on the Primavera

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=2450&page=5&highlight=primavera

May I also suggest that if you want to organize a Mines Rd ride that you start a separate thread rather than use the Monterey thread? Poor AG has enough to do trying to coordinate us for that one.:p

[SadieKate]

Pictures are starting to show up on shutterfly. I bought the images and the CD was in the mail tonight. Just in case anyone wants to see more pictures of me and the Bubbameister, here you go. For once, my jacket isn't billowing out like some kind of pregnant pumpkin. I'm managing to do the poochy tummy all on my own. I'm sure Coach and Photog Thom will be adding to the collection during next weeks trip.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b310/SadieKate/Misc%20Rides/Image2asarahbrosier.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b310/SadieKate/Misc%20Rides/Image3aabrosier.jpg

[tprevost]

Very Cool! You guys look great and like you're having a great time! Thanks for posting these - I LOVE pictures! :D

Tracy

[cindysue]

Great photos!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for sharing!

I miss you all! But soon, soon, I will have time to ride, lots of time to ride....
xxxooo

[SadieKate]

Back to the books, girl! Nose to the grind stone. The end is in sight!

[Bike Goddess]

Nancy, there is a whole thread started on the Primavera

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=2450&page=5&highlight=primavera

May I also suggest that if you want to organize a Mines Rd ride that you start a separate thread rather than use the Monterey thread? Poor AG has enough to do trying to coordinate us for that one.:p

The Primavera post is from last year which is why I asked about this year.
Me thinks a new post is in order.

Re Mines road, yes if I can figure out a day when it's not going to be raining buckets, I'll say something. The remark on AG's post was not intended to take away from what she is doing.

I have noticed that from time to time we all get off topic on these threads. (myself included).

[SadieKate]

Nancy, you'll see that there are several post for this year on the Primavera thread.