Mt Diablo 5/27/06 -TE Girls' Hill Training Prog back in progress

[SadieKate]

Day: Saturday, May 27
Start: 7:30 or earlier if it is hot
Where: Train Museum in Danville http://www.museumsrv.org/directions.html
After Ride Rehab Location: Local Mexican restaurant (the one across the street or the New Mexican one?)
Distance - 15 miles climbing up 3,850' and then back down the same path.

[SadieKate]

CindySue! Where are you? Can you come so we can see the new bike? And see you too of course. And what about the BF? When do we get to meet him?

[cindysue]

hmmm, I'm going to a friend's baby's babtism that afternoon in San Jose. Can't miss it. So! We need to start early in the morning! I need to be home by 11am so I can be on the road by 11:30. Let's see, how about 7:30am for a ride start?

BF is flying that weekend; contest in Paseo Robles. But, you'll meet him in Utah.
I won't have my shoes (spd) in time for diablo but I hope to have them in time for LRRH. Adidas is the lunachix sponsor this year and I plan to order shoes tomorrow but I imagine it will take a week or two to receive them. Andrew and I are leaving for Utah Thursday morning. He'll stop at a job site on the way down, work for the afternoon and then stay the night there. We'll drive into SLC Friday morning-- do some sight-seeing and look at some property and then see what's up for Friday evening (I need to go check that thread again).

[SadieKate]

7:30 it is unless it is going to be hot and then we're moving it even earlier.

[cindysue]

7:30 it is unless it is going to be hot and then we're moving it even earlier.

sounds good to me. If we move it a little earlier (say 7am), I can join you all for a quick bite.....

[shadon]

do you folks work on down hill skills? or do you just work on climbing progressively more challenging hills?

After the ride I want to work on skills like this. Aside from the skills, I think it would be good to have something to focus on after the ride.

[cindysue]

do you folks work on down hill skills? or do you just work on climbing progressively more challenging hills? After the ride I want to work on skills like this. Aside from the skills, I think it would be good to have something to focus on after the ride.

This is a GREAT route for practicing downhill skills. I can show you a few things (as can many others) but consider taking a skills clinic. There are several offered here in the bay area including the Velogirls and the LUNA Chix clinics.

There is a skills clinic coming up on June 11th in Marin. I think there is still space available. If you are interested, see: http://www.lunachix.net/061106.pdf

[Brandy]

I'm just going to jump in here and whine about not having cool things like skills clinics around here. :(

[Trek420]

Brandy "I'm just going to jump in here and whine about not having cool things like skills clinics around here. :("

you could always move :cool:

Shadon, looks like the next Velogirls Skills class happens while you're on the ride.

http://velogirls.com/calendar.php

but good training for ALC 6?

[cindysue]

DRAT!

I misread the invitation.

the babtism is at 10am. The post-babtism celebration is at 1pm.

Does this mean the babtism will take almost 3 hours? Anyone here Catholic?

[maillotpois]

I'm with PetitePois that day as MMP has a ride - if I could get her up and out by 6:30 I'd come on the tandem with her and do what we can. I'll see how it goes. Maybe we start late. We need to start getting some tandem rides in. But I have a very tough 100 - 110 miler Sunday and then the Eastern Sierra Double century the next weekend, so the wiser thing may be just to do a local tandem ride on the flats. I'll play it by ear. Have fun!

[shadon]

This is a GREAT route for practicing downhill skills. I can show you a few things (as can many others) but consider taking a skills clinic. There are several offered here in the bay area including the Velogirls and the LUNA Chix clinics.

There is a skills clinic coming up on June 11th in Marin. I think there is still space available. If you are interested, see: http://www.lunachix.net/061106.pdf


THAT's what i need! A skills clinic! I'll be on the ride for this one, but I'm gonna look out for another afterwards. Thank you!

[SadieKate]

Uh, Shadon, are you expecting a skills clinic on this ride going up Diablo? It's really a cardio training ride, no coaching or teaching expected. Everyone at his or her own speed or chatting companionably with another if that floats your boat that day.

Descending Diablo from the junction down could be a good place to teach someone descending skills, but the section from the summit to the junction could be terrifying for someone who doesn't have decent descending skills already. If you climb to the junction and wait for us. We could work with you on the way down, but truthfully it's better not to stand around waiting for people and then get on your bike and immediately start a high speed descent. Find a skills clinic. Find someone on the ALC ride and ask for pointers. Ask someone with good skills if they'll slow down so you can follow them.

Anyone have any good articles we could post in a separate thread? I'll start one.

[Brandy]

Brandy "I'm just going to jump in here and whine about not having cool things like skills clinics around here. :("

you could always move :cool:


I can see it now.

Me: We need to move to the bay area
DH: Why?
Me: Well, it makes sense. They have cool women's cycling clubs and they offer bike skills clinics that will help me to master descending.
DH: You must be smokin' crack woman!

[Trek420]

Brandy,

And they say we don't recruit :) :rolleyes: sure, stay in So. Cal, be that way....because look, the So Cal Gals are starting their own get togethers :)

happy now?

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=6860

[Brandy]

Brandy,

And they say we don't recruit :) :rolleyes: sure, stay in So. Cal, be that way....because look, the So Cal Gals are starting their own get togethers :)

happy now?

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=6860

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v372/BrandyMama/laughcover.gif Believe me...I've tried to bring up the moving thing, but for some reason the man just doesn't have any desire to go through field training and start over with another department. Oh well...we'll make do down here I suppose.

I am excited about getting together with the other so Cal women though. I hope that we can do it often!

[Bike Goddess]

The one Saturday I'm off and you all go up my favorite Mountain!:( :( :(

I'll be at the Great Western Bicycle Rally in Paso Robles riding the roads down there.

Have fun, looks like the weather will cooperate- not too hot (yet).

[maillotpois]

Well, looks like I may be there. I will not be going all the way up. I may bring my sister in law, who could ride with you guys all the way (she's about SK's speed climbing). PP and I will putz around. At least I have a dinner plate cassette on the tandem...

[SadieKate]

Cool! Multi-generational fun!

[maillotpois]

Yeah. The condition is I have to see if Tony's got any other deep discount super small size cycling shoes. He has a whole passel of them in the back room, and she outgrew her original pair.

Now if I could just get her to take the underwear off under the shorts.

One battle at a time....

[SadieKate]

Now if I could just get her to take the underwear off under the shorts.Would hanging out with the girls who don't have VPL help?

[maillotpois]

VPL?

:confused:

[SadieKate]

Visible Panty Line - one of the rules (not guidelines) in my parents' parental teachings was that "ladies don't have VPL." Nowadays though, I guess you're supposed to have more then the line showing. Gag me. Literally. I'm tired of looking at someone's underwear in a restaurant.

[snapdragen]

Gag me. Literally. I'm tired of looking at someone's underwear in a restaurant.

Add to that a "tramp stamp" and I really gag......:p

[bikerz]

Allright - I'm in! (Thanks SK for the nudge!)

See you all at the station at 7:30 (or earlier is fine with me too).

Unfortunately I have a noon engagement in the city, so I'll probably have to be hustling back home (unelss I can find a graceful way to back out... I would rather see how far (or IF) I can ride up past the junction - I can't believe I'm saying that!)

No broken spokes this time!

[yellow]

Add to that a "tramp stamp" and I really gag......:p
I'm a tramp? Really? Wow! I feel so....dangerous! ;)

At least I don't allow any flesh from the midsection to be exposed to air when in public. Which means that the stamp is for selected eyes only... :cool:

[snapdragen]

I'm a tramp? Really? Wow! I feel so....dangerous! ;)

At least I don't allow any flesh from the midsection to be exposed to air when in public. Which means that the stamp is for selected eyes only... :cool:

You shameless hussy, you! ;) Somehow I doubt your "stamp" is as obnoxious as the ones I'm thinking of...

[yellow]

You shameless hussy, you! ;) Somehow I doubt your "stamp" is as obnoxious as the ones I'm thinking of...
It's an...interesting story. Someday I'll tell it to you over martinis. I'll probably have to have 1 or 2 before I spill the REAL beans.

[snapdragen]

It's an...interesting story. Someday I'll tell it to you over martinis. I'll probably have to have 1 or 2 before I spill the REAL beans.

Ooooh...martinis and Dark Chocolate Dipped Fudge!

**we now return this thread hijack to it's regularly scheduled discussion**

SK - I'd love to tag along, not sure I can keep pace with you hot doggers though......and I'd be lucky to make it to the gate before falling over from exhaustion

[tprevost]

Snapdragen,

If you can keep up on this ride then I KNOW who to attach the tow rope to on the 7th! Hee hee hee!!!!

Brandy - check w/Pam's club, I bet there's info on skills clinics there! We don't want DH to know about the crack thing ;) sorry, couldn't resist!

Tracy :D

[bikerz]

I'd love to tag along, not sure I can keep pace with you hot doggers thoughUmm Snap -- there'll be at least one non-hotdogger on this ride! :o

[SadieKate]

Kim, your little Tour of Dream Shacks bypasses that one steep nasty turn at the beginning, doesn't it? MP would probably like that on her tandem.

Snap, join MP and Ann. I suspect we'll have people strung out all along the mountain. Go as far as you want and turn around when you see someone you like ;) coming down. Eat Mexican and drink beer after.

[snapdragen]

Go as far as you want and turn around when you see someone you like ;) coming down.

And if this someone happens to be a complete stranger of the male persuasion.......:rolleyes:

I will try to talk myself into this.

[SadieKate]

And if this someone happens to be a complete stranger of the male persuasion.......:rolleyes: Invite him to lunch after so we can all evaluate him. Sink or swim time.

Will you need a wake up call?

[maillotpois]

SK - I'd love to tag along, not sure I can keep pace with you hot doggers though......and I'd be lucky to make it to the gate before falling over from exhaustion


Hot dogger queen here. I will be going 2 - 3 mph tops on the climb. I will not make it all the way. (I hope to get to Rock City or whatever the tree-y, rock-y place is just past the ranger station about 1/3 - 1/4 up. Just for you SK...)

I would love company. Assuming the PetitePois and I don't kill one another on the drive over. (I really know how to sell it, don't I?)

[bikerz]

I'll keep you company MP! I don't talk too much on the steep grades - if I'm trying to maintain forward motion, that is! But it will be nice to look around and see someone I know!

Come on along, Snap!

I liked the Dream Shack tour - nice and shady! Saturday looks like partly cloudy, mid-60s.

[snapdragen]

Invite him to lunch after so we can all evaluate him. Sink or swim time.

and people wonder why I'm single.........:D


Will you need a wake up call?

Possibly. I may have friday night plans.....

[maillotpois]

I don't talk too much on the steep grades .....


And my daughter never shuts up. It will be a good combo.

[aka_kim]

Kim, your little Tour of Dream Shacks bypasses that one steep nasty turn at the beginning, doesn't it? MP would probably like that on her tandem.Not sure which particular steep and nasty turn you're thinking of... but it does bypass most of the really bad pavement down near the beginning of the climb.

Btw, when I made the "executive decision" for the south side I was thinking of lunch at La Ultima, the good Mexican place, as opposed to whatever that non-so-good Mexican place is.

[SadieKate]

Btw, when I made the "executive decision" for the south side I was thinking of lunch at La Ultima, the good Mexican placeThanks for the name. I just called them. On Saturdays, they open at 11:30 for lunch.

http://www.google.com/maps?hl=en&lr=&q=la+ultima&near=Danville,+CA&radius=0.0&cid=37821667,-121998889,1210695153072846108&iwstate1=form:to

[snapdragen]

La Ultima - is this where we ate last time I sagged for you guys?

[bikerz]

Hey! My riding buddy Nicole is coming with me - she's been training for the ALC and this ride will be her last one before riding to LA next week.

As I recall from last time, La Ultima was great!

[spazzdog]

OK, I figured my 1st ride of the season last year was Cinderella so for my 1st magnificent (choke!) trick this year....

I will be attending Saturday's Diablo acsent... I figure I can pedal up that puppy at least 100 or so feet :D

Trek420 will be doing a curb pickup at the crack of dawn and I'll see y'all there.

God, what I'll do for good mexican food...

spazzdog

[Trek420]

Hey snap. bring water this time :)

[snapdragen]

Hey snap. bring water this time :)

I'm going to attemt to ride this time - you're on your own for water!

spazz - I'll bring a deck 'o cards, once we collapse we can play poker while we wait for the rest of the group......

[bikerz]

Hey Spazz! I'm glad you're coming!

(And I believe it is technically New Mexican food - as in "red or green?" - but delicious nonetheless!)

[winddance]

I'm in! Since I'll probably make it an entire 10 feet, playing cards and saving everyone else a table are things I feel I can excel in.

Is that link on the first page still what we're using for directions? I can almost guarantee I'll get lost. I don't have a very good track record.

[jobob]

This is gonna be great !!! :)

[maillotpois]

This is gonna be great !!! :)


Yeah. Fantastic. I am bleeding from the top of my hand from changing out the pedals on the tandem again. (DH had put speedplays on to ride with his sister, and I have to put Em pedals on.)

Why is it I cannot ever get pedals off without hitting some chainring and injuring myself?? And with a tandem it is so unfair because there are rings on both sides!!!! :mad:

[jobob]

Is that link on the first page still what we're using for directions? yes indeedy.

Here it is again :D

We'll be parking in the lot adjacent to the Railroad Museum (aka the The Museum of the San Ramon Valley):

http://www.museumsrv.org/directions.html

[spazzdog]

THis will be great! I can learn how to play cards after I ride my requisite 100 meters.

And Bikerz... New Mexican is actually my favorite mexican :D :D My memories of Gabrials just outside Santa Fe - yum yum yum yummy!

[SadieKate]

Wow! Spazzdog, give me warning next time! Would ya? Glad I was sitting down for the surprise.

Wicked cool.

SadieKate

If you were born in New Mexico, do the calories count in sopapillas?

[SadieKate]

Why is it I cannot ever get pedals off without hitting some chainring and injuring myself?? And with a tandem it is so unfair because there are rings on both sides!!!! :mad:Left side is not lefty-loosey.;) :D

[Trek420]

So the right side is not righty-tighty? trek-no-technical-skills-420

Calories don't count in sopapillas.

When you do the first 100 yards and then stop to play poker with TE gals you get credit for all the calories of the entire ride because "yeah, I coulda done it...."

Calories don't count at any TE get together. :p :D

Uh oh, this is getting to be like thread drift.

[SadieKate]

So the right side is not righty-tighty? trek-no-technical-skills-420Pedals on the left side crank arm are reverse threaded. Pedals on the right crank arm are righty-tighty, lefty-loosey, just like you'd expect.

Can I make an entire meal of sopapillas? Wait a minute, I still need my green sauce. Maybe I'll just have a bowl of it. Wonder if they have green chile stew? Oh geez, can you tell I don't get enough of the real stuff?

[bikerz]

I remember that the posole there was excellent.

Last year didn't almost everyone order stuffed sopapillas with green sauce? What can I say - for some reason I am cursed with a good memory for what people order at restaurants... :rolleyes:

[SadieKate]

I was probably the hold out. My test is always Chile Rellenos. They passed.

Has anyone actually come up with a list of people? I'm starting to wonder if we need to send out an alert to the local clubs. Or we can just wait to see their look of terror when they see the mob.

[SadieKate]

Preliminary list and some guesswork

Kim (executive decision maker)
Jo
Lee
Bill
Sarah (SK)
Ed
Kelly
Veronica
Thom
Sarah (MP)
Em
Ann
Dita
Gena
Janet
Lisa (Winddance)
Nicole

Anyone I missed? Anyone we can talk into joining the melee? AG? BikeMomma? Who else? Mt. Diablo won't know what hit it.

[spazzdog]

I know one or two things that are gonna hit Mt. Diablo...

My butt when I forget to unclip (1st ride - 1st Arnie Johnson moment)

My mind when I lose it upon staring up (and up and up) and wondering what the heck I'm doing there :eek:

spazz-o-matic

[cindysue]

you all are killing me! Right here in my backyard and I am supposed to be sitting in a church for three hours!

I didn't hear from the Catholics in the group. Do babtisms really take that long? (10am babtism, 1pm post-babtism party)

and, I'm starting to think that this babtism will not start on time (self proclaimed late Mexican affair). Wondering if I could make it to the junction and back home in time to shower and leave my house at 9am (hour drive to the babtism). Any more thought to a 7:00am start? If we left at 7am, I could probably do it!

[bikerz]

Wow - what a group!

(You can do it Cindy! You can do it!)

[Trek420]

cindysue "I didn't hear from the Catholics in the group. Do babtisms really take that long? (10am babtism, 1pm post-babtism party)

and, I'm starting to think that this babtism will not start on time (self proclaimed late Mexican affair). "

with apologies to Brad Paisleys "Long Sermon"
just replaced the lyric "brothers boat" with "jobobs bike" :p :cool:

They've read the scripture, they've passed the plate
And we're both prayin' he don't preach late
But he's gettin' "Amens," and that's just our luck
Yeah, it's eighty-five degrees outside and he's just gettin' warmed up

Oh you and me, we could be soakin' up that sun
Findin' out just how fast jobobs bike'll run
I tell you there ain't nothin' that'll test your faith
Like a long sermon on a pretty Sunday

Well it's been rainin' all week long
I woke up this mornin', the dark clouds were gone
We've both been raised not to miss church
But on a day like today heaven knows how much it hurts

TE gals singing chorus, someone point out "but it's Saturday, not Sunday" ;-)
Snap sings "if it's 85 degrees outside I'm playing poker over a pitcher of Corona"

[jobob]

and the answer is - not very ! :p :D

[Jones]

I didn't hear from the Catholics in the group. Do baptisms really take that long? (10am baptism, 1pm post-baptism party)
No. Babies cry and scream in church so the priests generally like to move things along pretty fast. Catholic Baptisms are usually just the baptism and not a full mass so I would figure only about 30 mins in the church. However this family may have a lot of pull and be going for a mass with baptism that would be about an hour.
I of course am just writing this from memory 'cause going to mass gives me the hives;)

[cindysue]

you made me laugh - thanks Dita and Jones.

Seriously though, if the babtism takes less than an hour, then why so much time before the party? (I'm trying to remember how much time there typically is between a wedding and reception as a reference).

[jobob]

Why don't you just ask the parents (or whoever else sent you the invite) about the schedule?

[cindysue]

Why don't you just ask the parents (or whoever else sent you the invite) about the schedule?

yes, that would be the obvious answer, wouldn't it. I'm off topic trying to make this work. Selfish. I can just ride another time. Have fun.

[Trek420]

shhh, tell them your computer crashed and you're recovering your thesis and that's why you're just there for the reception. We'll never tell. ;)

[cindysue]

shhh, tell them your computer crashed and you're recovering your thesis and that's why you're just there for the reception. We'll never tell. ;)

hahahaha. I think I'll just have to get up early, and say hi on the way down.....

[maillotpois]

Left side is not lefty-loosey.;) :D


I know that! (But that is how I remember it....lefty loosey, but left is wrong) It's just the initial force you need to get the pedal loose always jerks my hand free and sends it flying into whatever ring is waiting to receive it. Tapping the pedal wrench lightly with a hammer is actually the best way, and may spare my hands, but them I fear the hammer going into my shin.

Did I mention I was a klutz off the bike?

[SadieKate]

I know you know that. Riled you up, huh?:p

I always try to position the wrench so I can squeeze the wrench and crank arm together. Or brace the pedal on my knee (if the bike is on a stand). I know, easier said that done.

[maillotpois]

I don't think I could get them off on a stand. It's just that first push I have trouble with. I did the hammer thing on the right side and did not injure myself. I just need to be a little less of an idiot, but I don't see that happening any tie soon.

Mike just looks at me with blood running down my hand and rolls his eyes. He's come to expect thngs like this from me.

[cindysue]

allright, called baby's mom who said most people were just going to the party which is why they scheduled it later in the day. I'll see you all Saturday!

[jobob]

Excellent !!!!! :)

[SadieKate]

Wonder if we need a group permit. One other thing - do they do the Farmer's Market/Flea Market thing that day? Are we going to have parking problems?

Kim (executive decision maker)
Jo
Lee
Bill
Sarah (SK)
Ed
Kelly
Veronica
Thom
Sarah (MP)
Em
Ann
Dita
Gena
Janet
Lisa (Winddance)
Nicole
Cindy

[spazzdog]

Hey miss dottted jersey!

Are you using that little rinky-dink of a pedal wrench in the old under the seat tool pouch? If yes, the thing really doesn't provide enough leverage for some folks.

Go out to the hardware store (or your/your SO's toolbox) and grab a nice long 15mm open-end wrench. I get my pedals off & on in about 30 sec.

spazzdog

[SadieKate]

I have on old version of this:
http://www.parktool.com/products/detail.asp?cat=27&item=PW%2D5

But I want this:http://www.parktool.com/products/detail.asp?cat=27&item=PW%2D4

Oh, such tool envy.

[jobob]

Danville Farmers Market info:

http://www.pcfma.com/marketdetail.php?market_id=4

Looks like it starts at 9 am so we'll be there long before the crowds arrive.

We might need to park more towards the middle of the lot, or maybe closer to the supermarket (is it an Andronico's ? I forget), but I doubt we'll have any problems.

[snapdragen]

I've also heard of parking in a different spot.....I'll have to roam to the "other" forum to find out where. Back in a bit........

[snapdragen]

So, how far is this from our original start point? (From another forum...)

"We always start at Diablo Vista Park, on Crow Canyon Road, a block or two up from Camino Tassajara. It's a couple of miles from South Gate, but that gives you a good warm up before you hit the climb. There are bathrooms there, which is nice.

There is probably room to park on Blackhawk Road, but I have no idea if it is legal"

[SadieKate]

Not very far but I have no idea what this does to our route and eating after. If we park in the middle or closer to Andronico's before the Market opens, shouldn't we be OK? Isn't that a city lot? Is there a time limit?

http://maps.yahoo.com/dd_result?newaddr=Railroad+Ave+At+W+Prospect+Ave&taddr=1000+Tassajara+Ranch&csz=Danville%2C+CA+94526&country=us&tcsz=Danville%2C+ca&tcountry=us&terr=3003

http://www.ci.danville.ca.us/default.asp?serviceID1=1013&Frame=L1

[jobob]

So, how far is this from our original start point? (From another forum...)

but that gets us farther away from lunch

... where are your priorities, girl???

[maillotpois]

Hey miss dottted jersey!

Are you using that little rinky-dink of a pedal wrench in the old under the seat tool pouch? If yes, the thing really doesn't provide enough leverage for some folks.

Go out to the hardware store (or your/your SO's toolbox) and grab a nice long 15mm open-end wrench. I get my pedals off & on in about 30 sec.

spazzdog


Oh heavens no - we have the huge SK-envied pedal wrench. It is simple operator error. :p Happens every time. Good thing I like scars.

[snapdragen]

Not very far but I have no idea what this does to our route and eating after. If we park in the middle or closer to Andronico's before the Market opens, shouldn't we be OK? Isn't that a city lot? Is there a time limit?



but that gets us farther away from lunch

... where are your priorities, girl???

I don't know what kind of lot is it - I thought it was for Andronico's, which would make it private? Just trying not to pizz off the good people of Danville.....:o

[aka_kim]

If we park in the middle or closer to Andronico's before the Market opens, shouldn't we be OK? Isn't that a city lot? Is there a time limit?Dunno, I've always been oblivious to these things ;). I don't remember where the farmer's market was setup - was it kinda in the middle of the lot? Maybe if we park near Andronico's in the back, adjacent to the bike path?

[SadieKate]

I actually read the pdf in Jo's link. It's a city lot. The farmer's market was near the Railroad Museum so I like your plan.

There is also a quilt exhibit at the museum which is open from 10-1 on Saturdays.

[cindysue]

there is a three hour lot across the street from where the farmer's market is located. It's a big lot, hard to miss. There are two sections in the lot, a one hour (I think) and a three hour. I will probably park there.

p.s. the time limit probably starts at 9am so we should have plenty of time to eat, etc.

[jobob]

OK, now I'm completely confused. Whose plan is it that you like, SK?

Unless there's a definite decision to meet up elsewhere, I'm going to park where I always parked, which is the large public lot that is between the Railroad Museum and Andronico's. Where exactly in that lot I suppose will depend on where they're setting up the Farmer's Market.

So are you suggesting maybe we park closer to Andronico's and towards the rear of the lot? That might work well.

For what it's worth, the last time we parked there and there was a farmer's market going on, I seem to recall there was no problem in parking in the wee hours before the farmers market opened up. It was pretty busy once we returned and the market was in full swing, but that didn't seem to matter all that much since we were already there in the first place.

But since we're going to be there before 7:30 I don't see any big problems in locating each other.

[cindysue]

oh and there is coffee nearby:

Starbucks: 398 Hartz Avenue (parallel to Railroad)

Peets: 435 Railroad Avenue

[cindysue]

the lot is on Railroad Avenue between W. Prospect Avenue and W. Linda Mesa Avenue if that helps.

p.s. there is a clock tower to identify the lot. Apparently there was some construction going on but it's complete now

[slinkedog]

CindySue... totally off topic, but did you get the e-card I sent you?

[cindysue]

e-card? :D . nope, will pm you offline.........

[winddance]

Oh, ya'll. I'm so confused. Has a decision been reached on the parking thing?

[snapdragen]

Parking - I hope.....:D

[SadieKate]

Is that the lot with the Museum at one end and Andronico's on the other . . . I hope? What are we looking at? My Xray vision has failed me.

[snapdragen]

Is that the lot with the Museum at one end and Andronico's on the other . . . I hope? What are we looking at? My Xray vision has failed me.

*snort* Yes. I'm hoping the big box is Andronico's......

[SadieKate]

Executive decision maker says:


Maybe if we park near Andronico's in the back, adjacent to the bike path?

So aim for the big red circle!!

[Trek420]

SadieKate

"Preliminary list and some guesswork"
Kim (executive decision maker)"

SK, isn't that "decider"? oh the horror and injury to the OED....

"Anyone I missed?"

Shadon? Will you be there?

[aka_kim]

I think the lot CindySue mentions is to the top left and outside of Snap's picture of the museum/Andronico's lot. There's also street parking.

The EDM says park anywhere you like, meet in the Andronico's lot. (The EDM will try to be on time this weekend.:o)

[cindysue]

see ya there!

p.s. I won't be climbing the "wall" with my compact double.....:p

[snapdragen]

p.s. I won't be climbing the "wall" with my compact double

Heck, I'm hoping to make it to the gate entrance......:rolleyes:

[maillotpois]

Heck, I'm hoping to make it to the gate entrance......:rolleyes:


Ditto. 100 extra pounds of practically dead weight. We've never done a pure climbing ride. I wonder if we'll fall over.

[SadieKate]

Snap, you're in charge of the poker game. Petitepois may need some bribery action.

[maillotpois]

Petitepois may need some bribery action.


She already got new shoes and the promise of ice cream...

[SadieKate]

Wonder if there will be any cookies instead of rocks in Fluffy's bag.

[spazzdog]

On the parking... if Snap's big red circle isn't a parking lot, she has just provided someone somewhere (those "internet villianous snoopers") with a nice target to drop a bomb.

On the climb: CindySue honey, I ONLY have a compact double! I'm assuming it will serve me well for the expected 1000 meters of riding I'll complete :D

On poker: how many lbs of change to I have to bring for the game and do I have to carry it on my bike for the climb?

spazz-o-uhoh!

[slinkedog]

Spazz, you live in CA now. You need a triple, girlfriend!! :)

[Trek420]

spazzdog "... if Snap's big red circle isn't a parking lot, she has just provided someone somewhere (those "internet villianous snoopers") with a nice target to drop a bomb."

nah, I think we're supposed to parachute drop in on our bikes ;-)

[bikerz]

You guys are cracking me up! I can't wait! I

I'm shooting to make it to the Junction with something less that the 5,000 stops I made last year, and maybe a little further! :eek:

Hey anyone have any ideas on what adjustment issues might cause a sore left hamstring, slightly twingy left knee, and sore right outer lower shin? (is that specific enough?) I rode the 3 Bears (lots of climbing) yesterday with my pal Nicole and last night and today I'm feeling sore in those areas... :(

The orginal saddle (San Marco Aero) is going back on for Diablo. Oy.

[Trek420]

I dunno, maybe go get a massage? :confused: That's a lot of climbing.

[shadon]

Shadon? Will you be there?

Nope...I'm gonna do the Tiberon Loop and then decorate helmets with my team. Have fun you-all! I'll do it next year...(yeah, everything is "next year" right now!).

Right now I'm praying I make it to Daly City on Day 1 :o

[bikerz]

I can't remember what I did last year. Anyone have any advice?

I think I'm leaning towards 1 bottle cytomax, 1 bottle water, and my camelback... Cytomax always makes me a little thirsty, even though I make it half strength...

[Veronica]

Two water bottles should be plenty. You can get more water at the entrance, at various picnic sites and at the Junction.

V.

[bikerz]

Two water bottles should be plenty. You can get more water at the entrance, at various picnic sites and at the Junction.

V.

OK thanks - I guess it's better to carry less...

[spazzdog]

OK... since I'm a Diablo virgin, I'm having a bit of a fashion crisis.

Will it be cold at 7:30am?
Will I be OK in just shorts and a jersey or do I need to wear warmer gear?
How's the road surface? Carry 2 tubes or more?

I think thats it for the moment.

spazzdog (who's wondering which part of her crazy brain raised it's hand for this ride)

[SadieKate]

This is a kitchen sink ride. Meaning you will need wind layers to get off the mountain without freezing your toocas.

I suspect it'll be cold enough tomorrow that I'll climb in knee warmers, a short sleeve jersey and short-fingered gloves. I'll take a wind jacket and full length gloves to get down the hill. It's a bit unseasonably cool right now.

Also, the temps stay warmer below the junction, but that downhill will still be cool.

Elephants and water at the junction.

Is there the same at Rock City, anyone?

Oh, yeah, one tube and pump is fine.

[maillotpois]

This is meet at 7:30, right? As opposed to roll at 7:30? That's how I read it.... if it is roll at 7:30, we'll be late... :cool:

[SadieKate]

I'm Ok with meet since it's not going to be hot tomorrow. Anyone else?

BikerZ, were you the one with the time constraints? I think CindySue solved hers with only going to the reception but that ball could still be pinging around.

I know, let ask the Executive Decision Maker.

[bikerz]

At this point I am not thinking I'll make it to my afternoon event, so no time contraints for me...

[maillotpois]

At this point I am not thinking I'll make it to my afternoon event, so no time contraints for me...


Especially as I have become your Rafanelli source.... :cool:

[jobob]

Elephants and water at the junction.

Is there the same at Rock City, anyone?

Yep, just past Rock City there's a picnic area with same.

[aka_kim]

I know, let ask the Executive Decision Maker.If you're referring to me, I would be quite happy with meeting at 7:30.:D

[maillotpois]

Great ride! Thanks for organizing, SK!

It was great to meet some many of you all - Em and I had a great time even though we didn't get to the top. I think maybe some of the mysery about Mt. Diablo has now gone for Em so maybe next time she'll want to go all the way up. I can dream!

Anyway - great ride, great food, great company!

[SadieKate]

It was all the Executive Decider's doings! :D

Whew, we had a humongous group show!

Kim (executive decider)
Jobob
Lee
Bubba
Sarah (SK)
Ed
Kelly
Veronica
Thom
Sarah (MP)
Em
Ann (BikerZ)
Dita (Trek420)
Gena (Spazzdog)
Janet (for lunch only so the poker game never happened :( )
Lisa (Winddance)
Nicole
Cindy (CindySue)
Marie
Patric

Did I miss anyone? I had so much fun.

[tprevost]

Pictures? Report??? We want to hear how it went!

T~

[yellow]

I thought about youse guys this morning (5:30 am your time) as I did a ride of very similar length from my house up Emigration Canyon here in SLC. But I had to pedal DOWNHILL into the up-canyon winds that were at the front of the storm that dumped a bunch of rain a couple of hours later.

I'll bet you didn't have to pedal downhill. But then your ride was steeper than mine.

Glad you had a good ride. I miss you guys! :(

[SadieKate]

We needed you there to laugh at Scoflaw Ed! In a 15 mph zone he rode (sedately for him) around the ranger who was doing 16 mph. Lights, siren and a stern talking to!

Hoo boy, frigid cold and gusty winds on the descent. I think we all rode down slower than we ever have because going faster meant more shivering. No one was hanging out waiting for anyone because it was so cold up high. Ed, Lee and I had this big discussion about Nicole and whether she knew to take the left hand turn at the junction. I was willing to ride up to find her but I just couldn't face going downhill in those temps again. So Ed rode up and gave the ranger another big wave.

Lots of personal bests today.

We'll be there soon. Do a dance to the sun gods, OK?

[snapdragen]

We needed you there to laugh at Scoflaw Ed! In a 15 mph zone he rode (sedately for him) around the ranger who was doing 16 mph. Lights, siren and a stern talking to!

Oooh! I missed this story! I would have DEMANDED a speeding ticket!:D :D Just so it could be framed and hung on the wall.

[jobob]

Way quick report -

Wow, what a great turnout ! Basically, everyone on the list, including new gal Marie, who will be introducing herself to the rest of us soon , I hope !

It was wonderful to see spazz, it's sure been a while. Don't be a stranger now, y'hear?

We rolled out at about what, 7:45, and poor MP/Sarah and Em had a flat on their tandem only a few miles out on our approach to Diablo. A couple of the guys hung back to help out (the report later being she needed no help whatsoever :D ) and since we were such a huge group the rest of us trudged onward.

Was it ever windy on the mountain this morning. And chilly ! Many of us remarked how chilly we felt even riding uphill. You siply don't expect to be cold on Mt. Diablo at the end of May.

Oh but boyohboy, it was beautiful up there. Thanks to the very late rains (can't believe I'm saying that) the landscape was still very green. And it was so clear up there, probably thanks to all the wind (I *really* can't believe I'm saying that). Pics to follow. I spent much of the time gawking at the scenery.

Pics probably won't do it justice.

But I'll give it a try anyhow
http://i4.tinypic.com/10zmu5j.jpg

Ho-hum, just another day in paradise
http://i4.tinypic.com/10zmwxc.jpg

The speedy folk went on ahead. I was sort of in the middle of the pack and a lot of the time I was on my own, which was fine and dandy with me. Like I said I was happy just sort of watching my surroundings. I did ride a bit with spazz early on, and Lisa and Ann, and then I hooked up with Ann's friend Nicole a bit. Nice gal that Nicole, hope she joins us again sometime !

Here's Nicole riding into the clouds
http://i4.tinypic.com/10zmhxe.jpg

Here're Ann and SK:
http://i4.tinypic.com/10zmzp5.jpg


I hung out with SK/Sarah and Kim and Ann for a bit at the South gate, then rode a bit more with Ann. Then as we passed Rock City I encountered Veronica who was on her way back to check up on MP/Sarah and the others. I kept going for a bit and then hung out at an overlook where I saw MP and Em on the tandem approaching Rock City so I thought I'd go back & say hi.

My vantage point, view of the back of Rock City
http://i4.tinypic.com/10zmqsh.jpg

Encountered Veronica again, we hung out for a little while with Dita and MP/Sarah and Em, who had stopped at Rock City and was having a great time clambering around the big rock outcropping.

Who's having more fun?
http://i4.tinypic.com/10zmrnn.jpg

I decided to keep heading up to the Junction, and possibly call it a day there. So, when I reached the Junction I called Lee on the cell and told him not to wait up for me. Did I mention it was cold up there ?? I needed to put my leg warmers back on, it was that cold, and that was to keep going up!

Veronica pulled up and we decided to keep going toward the summit and turn around when the others passed us. Soon thereafter Ann zipped past us with a big smile on her face, clearly this ride was going so much better than her first assault up Diablo with the broken spoke! V & I turned around when we were about what, 1/2 of the way up to the summit, when Thom, Cindy, and Kelly whizzed pased us.

We met up at the Junction and I continued down with Ann. Her descending is quite good ! :) We reached Rock City were a bunch had congregated, including MP and Em, and we all set off again.

I have no idea what was so fascinating here ...
http://i4.tinypic.com/10zdc9f.jpg

Just before we set off again Marie appeared, so she and Ann and I had a nice little group going for the rest of the descent. Dang, it was cold ! But it was also beautiful. We all took the descent fairly carefully since it was gusty-windy. It seemed pretty much everyone had at least a vest w armwarmers or a jacket so while probably no-one was comfy warm on the descent at least there were no near deaths from hypothermia. At least none I heard of. And as we were heading down we encountered little or no car traffic heading in our direction, which is always nice.

We reached the bottom of the mountain and Marie continued on to the parking lot (she was mighty chilled by then) and Ann and I waited for the rest of the group that had gone on to the summit. We then all headed back to the parking lot. There was no sign of anyone else from our group so we just assumed they went on their merry ways. We dawdled, yakked, tried on sample size jerseys, and just as we were about to mosey on to lunch Ann got a call from Lisa asking where the heck were we and that they were all waiting for us at the restaurant. Ooops!!! :o

So we hightailed it over to the restaurant and lots of yakking and noshing ensued. We had a room off to the side all to ourselves which was very nice since we were quite the animated bunch ! :D

This was a really fun ride, and it was so great to see so many of you.

[SadieKate]

Did you see how many corn chips failed to escape from Ed and Kim? They are wicked good corn chip hunters.

[spazzdog]

It was a fun time, great to meet all those who were just names to me before.

Beautiful place even from the lower portion where I called it a day: made it up to 6 mi and was all the old legs could climb this time. The downhill was fun even though the chill required a lot of brake action.

Lisa/Winddancer and I hung out for a bit on the downhill at a great hairpin and took bets on which idiot drivers were going to slow down enough to make the turn or go sliding into the driveway on the straight. With the score 9 idiots to 9 drivers, we went on down.

Can I tell you how good that food was! YUMMMMMMMM!

See y'all again soon.

spazz

[aka_kim]

I think SK/Sarah (chief executive DM) needs to regale everyone with the tale of how she sold a complete stranger an Amici Veloci jersey!


aka - chief corn chip hunter (bring on those trans fats) - kim

[Trek420]

It was a fun ride. I was at my usual spot in the back of the pack and caught up with Lisa and Spazzdog, we rode together for a while then I went on, caught up with MP/Sarah and Em sunning on their rock. We chatted then the Riv twins Jobob and V arrived, they took off again and I was getting a little cold so set off. I figured I'd just keep going as far as I felt up to. Shortly over the 2000 foot sign I could see the ranger station and decided I'd head down anyway so back to the rocks. MP & PP are still there we set out and changed to another rock, then the pack arrived and we headed down.

I think I missed the cut off through the fence :p so took a slightly different route back but I got back on route somehow and arrived at the lot.

Yummm, stuffed sopapillas :D

[bikerz]

I had so much fun yesterday! Wow - what a beautiful day for a ride, and great writeups from everyone!

It was a lot of fun riding in such a big group, although except for the times Jo mentions, I was pretty much all alone. But I didn't mind - the views were always gorgeous, and everyone who pased me had a friendly or encouraging word to say, so I enjoyed my sloooooow climb up! I actually made it past the junction (!) and turned around at Blue Oak picnic area - partway up a particularly steep hill with a nasty arctic wind blowing down it. Three big strong guys started up that hill as I was pulled over considering my options, and they all had the "cursing hill and wind" face on, and I thought - eh - this is a lot farther than I got last time, I think I'll head back down. In hindsight, knowing now how close I was to Juniper and the 3000 ft sign, I wish had just put on the "cursing hill and wind" face and pressed on! But now I have a goal for next time, right! :rolleyes:

It was just past that point that I saw Jo and V as I was coming down, and I *almost* turned around to follow them - but by the time that thought made its way through my frozen brain, it didn't really seem that fun to start climbing again. I waited a few minutes at the junction for the first pack coming down, and Jo told the rest of the story...

Unfortunately the pictures I took are all completely overexposed (I really need to read the instructions on of these days :o ).

All this followed by a great lunch and plenty of fun hanging out in the parking lot, watching the Amici Veloci Evangelists in full swing!

Q: How many AV members does it take to recruit one cyclist chosen at random?
A: (I agree with Kim - SK need to tell this one!)


Also - my friend Nicole had a great time, really enjoyed meeting all of you, and appreciated the concern everyone, especiailly Ed, showed in making sure she came down in one piece. Think good throughts for her next week - she leaves a week from today on the Aids LifeCycle!

[cindysue]

a nice day. Cool and windy but nice.

I arrived at the parking lot and we looked like an invasion. It was really cool to leave the parking lot with a huge line of bicyclists all ready to conquer Mt. Diablo. It was good to see Marie there - she had already introduced herself to everyone (I don't think she has internet access this weekend but we should hear from her next week).

Marie had emailed me a few days before to inquire about the ride and I knew she would be a good fit with this crowd. She and I chatted all the way up to the summit, not too far behind Veronica, Thom, and Kelly. Veronica arrived at the junction ahead of us and turned around to sweep up the other riders (guess that means she did the junction twice!). Thom, Kelly, Marie, and I continued to the summit. Thom and Kelly were slightly ahead of us and climbed the last bit (about 100 meters of 17% grade). I chickened out of the steep grade bit. Marie probably would have tackled it if I were up to the task but decided I'd leave that bit to a little later in the season when I was in better shape. I might also try it with my new touring bike (with much lower gears than my compact double).

So, it was getting pretty darn cool at the top. We all took off. down, down, down. The decent always makes the climb worth it (in my opinion). I got a chance to chat with Kelly on the way down - very sweet - hope she can come out again! We waited for a bit at the junction but didn't want to get too cool, so took off again. Then a short stop to pick up MP and Em. Can I tell you how cute they are with their matching blonde ponytails on that tandem. Oh and then Thom, taking pictures with one hand on the handlebars and going about 30mph. :eek:

I wasn't able to stick around for lunch since I had to get to San Jose for the babtsism party. But I'm sure there will be plenty of Hill Training Rides in the future. And of course you all are welcome to join the LUNA Chix on Thursday nights at 6:15pm for a ride to the junction (meet at California Pedaler in Danville).

Happy Memorial Day weekend!!!!!

[jobob]

OK, finally got around to posting some pics ! (I added them to my post above)

[bikerz]

Hey Jo - great photos as always!