Fishdr comes to CA!

[maillotpois]

Okay - drifting the TD drift of the Fish visit over here....

Fishdr is coming to SF for a work thing-y the weekend of Sept. 2. She'll be free to come out and play Saturday afternoon and Sunday.

Possible activities suggested were:

1. Drive up the coast, up Mt. Tam, go to the cheese factory for lunch;
2. Wineries (I have not been to a winery for years) - maybe we see about renting a wine van if we have enough folks who want to do it? I think we could do this fairly economically and then we wouldn't have to worry about designated drivers.
3. Chocolate factory, jelly belly factory.
4. Touring sights of SF - museums (the DeYoung is great), parks, Ghirardelli square (hmm... more chocolate there).

Who wants to come along? Other suggestions for things to do?? I expect she won't have a bike, but if someone had one to fit her you could go for a ride (I couldn't join you). Fish - my bikes are both in the 54 - 55 size range if those would work, you're welcome to borrow one.

So let's start planning!

[SadieKate]

I'll be there if possible.

Thanks, MP.

[DrBee]

I am so looking forward to this trip! Wahoo!

[bikerz]

I'm in! I'm in!

All of the above activities sound fun.

And let's not forget the Ferry Building: lot's of fun foodie stuff there - fancy chocolate, Cow Girl Creamery cheeses, wine, olive oil, and caviar tasting, Hog Island oysters, etc.

(And by the way, Fish, my office is in downtown SF very near the Ferry Building so I'll also be around for any other "down time" you might have while you're here- I am self-employed, so I can be very flexible!)

[maillotpois]

I LOVE the Ferry Building!!! It is probably relatively close to Fish's hotel. Not quite sure where the Mariott is...

[SadieKate]

And let's not forget the Ferry Building: lot's of fun foodie stuff there - fancy chocolate, Cow Girl Creamery cheeses, wine, olive oil, and caviar tasting, Hog Island oysters, etc.Ferry building? I could get there by BART (or Amtrak) and wouldn't need a navigator.

[bikerz]

It's fun to forage for yummy stuff from the produce place, Acme and Cow Girl, then set up camp at the wine-tasting place and taste wine! Then stroll over for some Peets, and/or gelato! Oh, it's dangerous over there... :cool:

[Veronica]

My vote - drive up the coast, since she'll be staying in the city. Plus I like the coast. :) And all tose yummy bakeries...

V.

[maillotpois]

It is very dangerous at the FB. I love that French rustic food place - roasted chicken and fish and potatoes and great fare. And the chocolates. Oh - and the olive place. And the BREAD!! GELATO!!!!! WINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I may need to take a moment to collect my thoughts.

[maillotpois]

My vote - drive up the coast, since she'll be staying in the city. Plus I like the coast. :) And all tose yummy bakeries...

V.

That would be good also - we have 2 days so we can Ferry one day and have a drive the other.

Driving up the coast would involve cheese, bakeries, possibly more wine....

[DrBee]

I have a feeling I'm going to gain weight on this trip...

This is the hotel:
http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/SFODT

[maillotpois]

You'll only gain weight if we are doing our jobs as tour guides.

[DrBee]

Then I guess I'm in trouble! ;)

[winddance]

I vote for wine! But...I always vote for wine. All of those sound nice. ;)

[snapdragen]

Me too! Me too!

Ferry Building sounds fun, but I'll go with the group. Dr. Fish?:p What do you think you'd like to do?

[DrBee]

I'm up for pretty much anything! I've only been to CA once and spent the entire week doing research, so anything and everything sounds good to me!

[velogirl]

Ooh! If you're still in town for Labor Day (Monday), there's a great bike race right across the street from the Ferry Building at Levi Plaza. Details here. I'm racing. Kim Nutt, are you going to race as well?

http://www.velopromo.com/giro-ent.htm

[Trek420]

welcome to CA fishdoc!

[Veronica]

Ooh! If you're still in town for Labor Day (Monday), there's a great bike race right across the street from the Ferry Building at Levi Plaza. Details here. I'm racing. Kim Nutt, are you going to race as well?

http://www.velopromo.com/giro-ent.htm

Is it a criterium? Those are so much fun to take pictures of and watch of course.

V.

[DrBee]

Ooh! If you're still in town for Labor Day (Monday), there's a great bike race right across the street from the Ferry Building at Levi Plaza. Details here. I'm racing. Kim Nutt, are you going to race as well?

http://www.velopromo.com/giro-ent.htm

Monday is pretty full for me in the afternoon - when are you racing?

[cindysue]

count me in the festivities :D

[velogirl]

Yup, it's a crit -- fun, fun, fun. And it's got a tiny little hill so you get to witness real suffering. And a little downhill turn so you get to see death-defying cornering risks (and crashes -- hopefully not me).

I'm racing at 8:00am but there are races all day long. This is one of the most popular races in Northern California (and the only race in SF this season) and the fields are usually pretty big. Lots of pros usually show up as well. Good fun!

[DrBee]

The only time I'll be able to get over there will be in the morning or late late afternoon. I'll try - I'd love to see it!

[SadieKate]

Did we come up with a plan? Date, time, location, anything?

Just asking . . . .

[Veronica]

Saturday - Ferry Building in the afternoon
Sunday - Ride up Tam
Monday Morning - watch Velogirl race

V.

[SadieKate]

Fishdr, what is the timing on Saturday? Do you fly in that day?

[maillotpois]

I think she flies in late morning. I was planning to pick her up and meet people at the Ferry Building, though now I supposedly have a TNT training run that morning - I will need to see how long that is and may need someone else to pick her up.

For Sunday, I don't know if she was planning to ride up Tam on bikes - I don't know that she will have a bike or, if she borrows on, want to ride up Mt. Tam. I was more thinking driving up the coast, maybe some wine tasting or bakeries. Whatever Fish wants, though.

[SadieKate]

I swear BART has it in for me. I cannot get the site to load a schedule. I can't even figure out the name of the station. Pittsburg/Bay Pt to a) Embarcadero, b) Motgomery or c) Powell?

Can you tell I never go to San Francisco and never use BART? OK, once when I went to the Amgen Tour this year. This was a long time ago for this public transit pea brain.

Pea Brain figured out that 511.org is a piece of junk and bart.gov is much friendlier.

OK, Embarcadero, right?

[Veronica]

My suggestion was just a suggestion. It's how I'd like to spend the weekend. I haven't even run it past the man yet.

It sounds like for sure the Ferry Building on Sat. More people seemed jazzed by that.

V.

[SadieKate]

Looks like BART has a ton of trains on Saturday to the Embarcadero. Just lemme know when.

Sorry that I can't provide chauffeur service from the airport.

[bikerz]

I can do an airport run, as long as the good doctor is traveling light (small car!)

[Veronica]

I was considering the airport run - must wait to discuss... he's been feeling under the weather, so I'm trying to not be pushy. :)

V.

[maillotpois]

I swear BART has it in for me. I cannot get the site to load a schedule. I can't even figure out the name of the station. Pittsburg/Bay Pt to a) Embarcadero, b) Motgomery or c) Powell?

Can you tell I never go to San Francisco and never use BART? OK, once when I went to the Amgen Tour this year. This was a long time ago for this public transit pea brain.

Pea Brain figured out that 511.org is a piece of junk and bart.gov is much friendlier.

OK, Embarcadero, right?


Embarcadero. Surface and then walk towards the water.

[maillotpois]

Well, it sounds like one way or another, she's got a ride.

I guess the question is Sunday - who'd want to do something and what do we do? Can we combine it with a ride for those who are interested? Maybe meet for lunch somewhere on a ride route.

If Fish want to ride, I have a couple of bikes that are not being used just now. One is a 54. I also have a 55. I have a sneaking suspicion they may be too large for her.

[Trek420]

...and 47 is probably tooo small...

[cindysue]

I'll see y'all Saturday. But what time?

[maillotpois]

Not this Saturday! First Sat. in Sept. I would imagine 1 - 2-ish.

[Trek420]

oooooh, ok

[SadieKate]

Embarcadero. Surface and then walk towards the water.I can do that.

[dachshund]

Embarcadero is the BART station closest to the Ferry Building, ma'am. :)
Oh, someone answered this already. Nevermind.

[Trek420]

... then walk towards the Ferry Building clock. Oh, someone answered this already. Nevermind. Just didn't want you to walk to Ocean Beach.

[jobob]

I'd love to join in too. Everything suggested so far sounds great.

[DrBee]

Yeesh - I hadn't checked here in a couple of days. You've been planning, I see.

My flight arrives at 11:30ish on Saturday Sept 2. Whoever the kind person is that picks me up from the airport (thank you thank you thank you) - I will send you the specifics. As I said before - I'm up for just about anything that you want to do. Climbing a mountain for a flatlander such as myself would be quite an adventure. I do ride a 54 Pilot (WSD) BTW. I'd be happy to drive somewhere - as MP cannot ride a bike right now.

And I do travel light. Now with the increased security - I surely won't be carrying anything on the plane but my computer. What fun.

[Veronica]

Fish gets in at 11:30. Why don't we plan on meeting at the Ferry Building at 2. That gives her time to settle a bit from the flight.

SK - we could carpool.

V.

[cindysue]

Great! There is a BART train that arrives at Embarcadero at 1:50pm on 9/2. It's less than a 5 minute walk to the Ferry Building.

SK, V, Dachshund, and Kim -
the BART leaves Pleasant Hill station at 1:12p
I'll avoid trying to find parking ..........

edit: on the other hand, it would probably be cheaper to split garage parking fees/gas. Just a thought....

[bikerz]

V - shall I do the airport run? I can pick up FishDr, we can swing by her hotel and drop her luggage off, then meet everyone at the FB...

[Veronica]

V - shall I do the airport run? I can pick up FishDr, we can swing by her hotel and drop her luggage off, then meet everyone at the FB...


That would be great!

V.

[Veronica]

Great! There is a BART train that arrives at Embarcadero at 1:50pm on 9/2. It's less than a 5 minute walk to the Ferry Building.

SK, V, Dachshund, and Kim -
the BART leaves Pleasant Hill station at 1:12p
I'll avoid trying to find parking ..........

edit: on the other hand, it would probably be cheaper to split garage parking fees/gas. Just a thought....

Thom and I are probably going to take the ferry from Jack London. It looks like round trip tickets are $11. According to the website, parking for ferry use is free.

Somewhere I heard that the Bay Bridge will be closed east bound that weekend.

V.

[snapdragen]

I'll get on Bart in Fremont and meet y'all there!:cool:

[DrBee]

V - shall I do the airport run? I can pick up FishDr, we can swing by her hotel and drop her luggage off, then meet everyone at the FB...

Sounds great to me!

[SadieKate]

I'm thinking BART sounds a lot more fun than dealing with traffic - even with a bus load of fun wimmen. I might want to go down a tad early and find lunch. I'm a bachelorini for the week. I can do what I want!!!!

[Lise]

Lurking from the midwest--dang! I wish I could join you all! Please take pictures! :D L.

[Veronica]

Lurking from the midwest--dang! I wish I could join you all! Please take pictures! :D L.


That's Thom's job. :)

V.

[DrBee]

Hi Lise! I wish you could come, too! I'll look for meeting in Chicago, ok?

SK - I'm going to be hungry for sure. I'm pretty much always hungry. So - you, me, and BikerZ could get lunch - or we could all meet earlier and start with lunch? I can't keep track of how you all are getting there - would that work?

[SadieKate]

Hi Lise! I wish you could come, too! I'll look for meeting in Chicago, ok?

SK - I'm going to be hungry for sure. I'm pretty much always hungry. So - you, me, and BikerZ could get lunch - or we could all meet earlier and start with lunch? I can't keep track of how you all are getting there - would that work?I haven't a clue. All I know is "Embarcadero, surface, walk toward water."

BZ?

[maillotpois]

I'm pretty much always hungry.

I knew I liked her....

[Trek420]

fishdr "And I do travel light. Now with the increased security - I surely won't be carrying anything on the plane but my computer. What fun"

Just don't bring any milk ;)

Snap, I should be on BART from South Haward.

[Lise]

Hi Lise! I wish you could come, too! I'll look for meeting in Chicago, ok? Definitely! That's how I pick my conferences, too. Let's see...who can I visit?! :p We have one in my field that's in SF and DC every year (Contraceptive Technology--whoo hoo! :rolleyes: ). I can see I'll have to make the SF version soon!

[bikerz]

Sounds like a plan is emerging...

Fish - I'll PM you about flight specifics.

SK - I can call you when I've got Fish and her bags safely ensconced in my car and we can give you (and anyone else who want to eat lunch) an ETA for the FB.

There are several good options for lunch there -
Lulu Petite (my personal fave)
Mijita - Tracy Des Jardine's Mexican taqueria
Taylor's burgers (of St. Helena fame)
Slanted Door (Vietnamese) has a take out place,
and more!
Oh - also oysters! caviar tasting!

[SadieKate]

Is the larger group going to want dinner? Does anyone have a favorite that they've been thinking about?

[bikerz]

Suonds like *someone* needs to get a spreadsheet going ;)

[snapdragen]

Is the larger group going to want dinner? Does anyone have a favorite that they've been thinking about?

Dinner, heck, I'm wondering if Snap needs a room........

martini's and BART, wonder if they mix

[SadieKate]

Suonds like *someone* needs to get a spreadsheet going ;)Nah, just don't want to go to lunch at the same place someone may be secretyly hoping we'll choose for dinner. Otherwise, I'll just follow everyone around. Heck, it's going to be the first time I ride BART all by my little lonesome.

[bikerz]

Nah, just don't want to go to lunch at the same place someone may be secretyly hoping we'll choose for dinner. Otherwise, I'll just follow everyone around. Heck, it's going to be the first time I ride BART all by my little lonesome.

Hmm - the dinner thing got me thinking - if anyone likes Vietnamese food, and thinks that the Slanted Door would be on their list of dinner places, we might want to get a headcount and a reservation ASAP, since it can be hard (well, impossible!) to get in there as a walk-in group. The same probably goes for many of the other sit-down places - given it will be Saturday evening on a holiday weekend, and we will probbaly be a decent-sized party.

An alternative to the sitdown dinner is to sit at the oyster or caviar bars for appetizers, then do a pick-up picnic grazing through the acme bakery, cowgirl cheese, salads and organic fruit, wine and/or juice, etc. and stake out a couple of tables near the water and watch the ferries and tourists come and go...

And SK - on BART, just find a little old lady to sit near - you'll be fine! You're lucky you won't be with me - I have some sort of magnetism that attracts public-transit-loonies by the bus-load! :eek:

[SadieKate]

An alternative to the sitdown dinner is to sit at the oyster or caviar bars for appetizers, then do a pick-up picnic grazing through the acme bakery, cowgirl cheese, salads and organic fruit, wine and/or juice, etc. and stake out a couple of tables near the water and watch the ferries and tourists come and go...YES! Can I bring an Ah-So on BART?

Note to self: Ride opposite end of BART when BZ is there.

[SadieKate]

Actually, my biggest concern is outsmarting the ticket computers. Nearly did in both Bubba and me the one time we tried.

[bikerz]

YES! Can I bring an Ah-So on BART?
What is an Ah-So?

[Veronica]

I don't think I've had Vietmese. The Slanted Door looks like a good place to try it for the first time.

Lunch or Dinner there?

V.

[SadieKate]

What is an Ah-So?

http://www.thekitchenstore.com/056975162526.html Less of a WMD than a corkscrew.

Hmm, just discovered that system doesn't allow URLs connected with wine. Guess I can't do any more wine purchases here at work.:rolleyes:

[dachshund]

And SK - on BART, just find a little old lady to sit near - you'll be fine! You're lucky you won't be with me - I have some sort of magnetism that attracts public-transit-loonies by the bus-load! :eek:

That's hilarious! SK, just tell them about the hokey pokey and your still life project, and everyone will move away. :D Just kidding. (Please don't change your signature, it cracks me up every time.)

[SadieKate]

It might be easier just to wear a sign that says "BikerZ is over there ----->".

[Trek420]

Bikerz, you'll have to tell us if fishdr agrees to be driven in with the top down or makes you stop the car and put the top up :D

My guess is she's a top down enjoy wind in her hair kinda gal cool:

[DrBee]

Bikerz, you'll have to tell us if fishdr agrees to be driven in with the top down or makes you stop the car and put the top up :D

My guess is she's a top down enjoy wind in her hair kinda gal cool:

Ahhh ... one of the many perks of having short hair :)

[maillotpois]

Slanted door is fantastic!!

I also like the sort of provinchial French take out place. It may have been the one Z referred to earlier. Basically I will eat almost anything from the Ferry Bld. (The "almost" meant for excluding oysters...)

[SadieKate]

All oysters or just raw? Smoked or steamed, I'm there. Pt Reyes Station Cafe, Tomales Bay oysters and fresh popovers.

[Trek420]

maillotpois "Basically I will eat almost anything from the Ferry Bld. (The "almost" meant for excluding oysters...)"

I'll eat the oysters that you don't eat :D

[maillotpois]

Pretty much all oysters. The PP usually eats mine.

[SadieKate]

Dark chocolate and oysters! Wow. How about brussel sprouts? If yes, I'm gonna wonder if you cloned me somehow.

[maillotpois]

She will not typically eat things that are green. Exception: she made vanilla pudding yesterday when she spent the day with her grandmother and dyed it green.

[bikerz]

Slanted Door is super-duper-good - great views, especially if we make a special request to sit near the front.

I am surprised to find that I like raw oysters, caviar too. The French take-out place is great!

Fish - top-down all the way!!!

[winddance]

I don't really eat much in the way of seafood either, so ya'll can have my share of the oysters! :)

There's also heaps of lunch places across the Embarcadero, over by the Hyatt, but I'm not sure what is open on Saturday. My only concern about Slanted Door is that it's a bit pricey (see yelp review (http://www.yelp.com/biz/ZuhygpLHdwsELMWa3Nbymw) or Slanted Door menu (http://slanteddoor.com/menus.html) for more info) so we would probably want to go for lunch.

[jobob]

This is beginning to sound epic. Is it September yet?

Oh, almost forgot, we have the chocolate factory tour to look forward to before that. Is life good or what? :cool:

[DrBee]

Basically I will eat almost anything from the Ferry Bld. (The "almost" meant for excluding oysters...)

I'm totally with you on this one! No oysters for me either...of any kind.

[DrBee]

Fish - top-down all the way!!!

Wahoo!


It sounds like the consensus is that we need to go the the Slanted Door - I'll let the group decide if it's lunch or dinner.

I am sooooooo looking forward to this trip!

[Veronica]

All right - so I am hearing lunch at 1 (?) at the Slanted Door. Fish's flight arrives at 11:30. BZ is picking her up. They should be out of the airport at 12 ish. That gives them 1 hour to get the hotel and then to the FB.

Roll Call:

FishDR
BikerZ
MP
SK
CindySue
Snapdragen
WindDance
Jobob
Trek420
Dachsund(?)
Veronica
Thom

Anyone else?

V.

[DrBee]

Wow - what a group! This is going to be so cool!

[bikerz]

OK - here's the deal with Slanted Door -

They do have a reservation available for 12 at 1:30 on Saturday Sept 2, but for such a large group, they only do a $38/pp prix fixe menu - 3 appetizers, 3 entres, 1 veg and dessert (maybe we get to pick our own desert?). I've eaten there a bunch of times, and what is fun is exploring the menu - this seems sort of limiting... and expensive?

What do you all think? I didn't hold the reservation ...

[dachshund]

And right now we're discussing Saturday, Sept. 2, correct?

[Veronica]

$38 seems a bit much for lunch.

The other two places are the MarketBar (Mediterranean food) and Taylor's Refresher. From the descriptions, it sound like the MarketBar is the place MP has talked about. That sounds like a good alternate.

V.

[bikerz]

Yes - the prix fixe price is definitely higher than just eating lunch there with a few friends. And to pay more for fewer options - why, that's just wrong!

What did folks think about the forager/picnic approach to lunch? Lots of variety...

Maybe we need a whole new thread of "Poll for Lunch with FishDr!"

[SadieKate]

I am all for being outside watching the totally odd, addled tourist types (oops, that's us) and enjoying some late summer weather on the Bay.

If we need to be inside save it for bad or cold weather.

[bikerz]

Ferry Building (http://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/merchant_list.php)

I think the place MP is talking about is Mistrale Rotisserie Provencale (under Cafes and Small Eateries).

(Just my opinion, but the Market Bar was under-whelming the last time I went - not so great food (considering the local competition!) and kind of pricey.)

[Veronica]

What did folks think about the forager/picnic approach to lunch? Lots of variety...



My concern with this is it makes it harder for the group to be together. One person is here getting her mojito and she's over there getting a coke. It works for a small group, but with 12...

V.

[SadieKate]

Roving, progressive grazing lunch. A little of this and a little of that.

Perhaps I should bring my Bob Jackson with the wicker basket on the front, a straw hat with flowers and ride through the market while dressed in my best frock. Lend a bit of class to the affair. You can commit me after I've sampled everything.

Just set a time and place for everyone to gather after they've collected their goodies.

[bikerz]

Does anyone like caviar? (FishDr? Or is it to much like work? :D )

The Tsar Nicolas has a fun sampler plate - 7 different kinds of American caviar for $18 (goes very well with a glass of J champagne!)

OK - time to head home and see what leftovers are in the fridge for dinner :( ...

[dachshund]

Hmm... may have to scout out the area in advance... bikerz, we may have to have lunch...

[winddance]

I can scout, too. I work in the area, so I know lots of good lunch places. I just don't know what is open on Saturday!

[snapdragen]

Snap doesn't eat any food that has to be pried out of it's house, oysters, clams, etc.

I know where Fuzio's in San Francisco is, if anyone is interested......

[DrBee]

I'm undecided on the caviar. I've only had it once. And - ewwww, the thought of eating catfish eggs. Double Yick!

[bikerz]

Dachshund and Winddance - my office is 1 block from the Ferry Building - I'm up for a scouting trip ANY time!

What are we going to do after we eat our way through the Ferry Building like a horde of locusts?

Oh, and bring your string shopping bags - I think the Farmer's Market is Saturday also!

[winddance]

Really? That's close to my office. We should do that!

Now I'm *really* surprised that I haven't bumped into you in SF before...

[dachshund]

Yeah I was wondering if we were going to eat lunch for several hours, then move on to dinner. :D I think some smart people had ideas about activities we could fit in between. Shopping is a great idea - most of the shops are oriented towards cooking and eating. The Embarcadero is a great walk - many good views of SF. It's one of my favorite places to walk around with a camera.

Anyway, yes, let's do lunch!

[SadieKate]

If you want a hike we could always go visit the parrots.

What is in Coit Tower anyway? A clock? What? Google here I come. . .

I'm back. Murals, beauty and history: http://www.inetours.com/Pages/SFNbrhds/Coit_Tower.html

[SadieKate]

A visit to the neighborhood:

http://www.inetours.com/Pages/SFNbrhds/Embarcadero.html

[snapdragen]

Or a trip to Alcatraz. Or a boat ride. snap loves boats.:cool:

[DrBee]

Seems like there are lots of possibilities. Good thing we have a couple of weeks to decide!

[maillotpois]

Ferry Building (http://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/merchant_list.php)

I think the place MP is talking about is Mistrale Rotisserie Provencale (under Cafes and Small Eateries).

(Just my opinion, but the Market Bar was under-whelming the last time I went - not so great food (considering the local competition!) and kind of pricey.)

Z - I think that's it, too. I vote for a group wander period and also everyone foraging and then eating together outside. The foraging and eating should probably occur first so we don't eat EVERY single truffle or gelato we come across int he group wander period.

[bikerz]

I concur!

Good of Fish to remind us that we have loads of time to plan - we're all acting like it's happening tomorrow!

[snapdragen]

I concur!

Good of Fish to remind us that we have loads of time to plan - we're all acting like it's happening tomorrow!

It's not?:confused:

:)

[DrBee]

The foraging and eating should probably occur first so we don't eat EVERY single truffle or gelato we come across int he group wander period.

Truffles...gelato....yummmmmmmmmmmm :D

[snapdragen]

I just found my stack of tourist literature I grabbed last time I stayed in a hotel in SF. So much to do! Let's all take a week off, and go play.

Ferry boat rides
Angel Island
Wax Museum
Asian Art Museum
Zoo


I could go on forever......

[winddance]

Ooh, the Asian Art museum is really neat!

There's always a ferry to Sausalito...

[crazycanuck]

Just wanted to ask if i can send a couple of packs of tim tams to one of you SF ladies for the big day out...(NOt sure if they're sold in Californiaeeehh)

(Fish will get some for her & her family to share)

YOu then don't have to worry about dessert!! You will need coffee or hot chocolate though to do the tim tam slam...

Be warned though..AUssies & Kiwis can spot tim tams and you might just make some new friends...

:)

c

[Trek420]

SF MOMA, or the new DeYoung....ride bikes out to Ocean Beach.....

[Melody]

Is there room for one more? :D

I'm not 100% sure if I can come (but I'd love to) since I am on call (sigh) but is there room for me? :)

Mel

[Trek420]

so you're on call, there's cell phone network, and if you get a call we can all scream in the background "she's loosing network, we're going into a tunnel...crackle crackle (truffle wrappers in background)...." :cool:

[Melody]

so you're on call, there's cell phone network, and if you get a call we can all scream in the background "she's loosing network, we're going into a tunnel...crackle crackle (truffle wrappers in background)...." :cool:

heh. Well, the *good* thing is I have a high speed packet modem for my notebook so I can do 99% of my on call duties using that, my notebook, the pager (blech) and my cell. :) We don't usually have someone call us, instead the pager rules our lives. Typically it's quiet, but it's been noisy the last few weeks so I'm knocking on wood hoping it'll be quiet.

Also, hopefully, I can grab the car that weekend. :)

Mel

[SadieKate]

Just wanted to ask if i can send a couple of packs of tim tams to one of you SF ladies for the big day out...(NOt sure if they're sold in Californiaeeehh)

(Fish will get some for her & her family to share)

YOu then don't have to worry about dessert!! You will need coffee or hot chocolate though to do the tim tam slam...

Be warned though..AUssies & Kiwis can spot tim tams and you might just make some new friends...

:)

cDid anyone answer? You can send it to me. I assume BART doesn't have some kind of weird security check point and will let me smuggle them on board. Or maybe BikerZ since she'll be driving - unless they eat them all between the airport and the Ferry Building. Hmm, can they be trusted?

[snapdragen]

I gave cc my address. I will take good care of them.........

[SadieKate]

You're right. You certainly don't see any chocolate sitting around my house, do you?

[DrBee]

Hmm, can they be trusted?

You never know... bwahaaahaahahhaaha

[BikeMomma]

Ooh! If you're still in town for Labor Day (Monday), there's a great bike race right across the street from the Ferry Building at Levi Plaza. Details here. I'm racing. Kim Nutt, are you going to race as well?

http://www.velopromo.com/giro-ent.htm
Hmmm....I dunno! A possibility for the setting, if nothing else. I'm off work that day, but I'd need to find a sitter for the kids, since daycare will probably be closed.

So how small is that "small hill" in the course description? In SF, small hills are maybe not long necessarily, but steep, steep, steep! Have you done this one before?

(sorry to hijack the thread a bit, gals)
~BikeMomma (Kim)

[velogirl]

So how small is that "small hill" in the course description? In SF, small hills are maybe not long necessarily, but steep, steep, steep! Have you done this one before?

(sorry to hijack the thread a bit, gals)
~BikeMomma (Kim)


I haven't raced the Giro before, but I've been there every year since 2002 coaching racers. You know me (and my lack of climbing ability) -- I'm doing it. It's a power hill -- one block long and not steep at all.

I'll see you there, Kim!

[DrBee]

Wow - I'll see y'all in 6 days! I can't wait! Hopefully we'll be celebrating my new job! BikerZ - I'll PM you my flight info tomorrow (from work). I don't have it here at home.

[maillotpois]

Yay! This will be fun! I'm thinking we should all meet at the Ferry Plaza around 1 - does that sound good? I'm thinking Fish will want to check in an unload her bag(s), etc.

[snapdragen]

1:00 sounds good. How many of us are there?

[bikerz]

Sounds great, Fish! Could you include your hotel address too?

I'll meet you at arrivals and then we'll be taking BART to your hotel and from there to the FB. But don't worry FishDr, BART will be faster than driving, and the airport, your hotel and the Ferry Building are all easily accessible on BART. I can help you with your luggage and the intricacies of the BART ticket system...

Get this - CalTrans, in its infinite wisdom, is closing the Bay Bridge eastbound ALL Labor Day weekend :eek: :eek: :mad: :mad:, so while driving in would be fine, driving home could take days! (I encourage anyone else coming from the East Bay to take BART.)

Any other BART-riders want to come collect FishDr with me?

[maillotpois]

How many of us are there?


Looks like:

MP/PP
Snap
BikerZ
SK
Veronica/Thom
Jobob/Leebob
Winddance
Cindysue
Melody
Trek - ?
Dachsund - ?

Anyone else? Anyone NOT coming who's on this list?

My suggestion is to meet right on Market Street in front of the central entrance to the Ferry Plaza.

[SadieKate]

Are we grazing for lunch immediately or sightseeing and then finding dinner later?

Chow hounds and Veronica's tape worm will be more fun company knowing the calorie management plan.

[DrBee]

I vote for lunch and dinner. I'm all about eating :) What do you say, MP?

I don't need much time to check in.

Looks like we have quite a group! This is going to be so much fun! I haven't even made my talk yet for the meeting. Guess I better get on that instead of thinking about how much fun we're going to have. :p

No top down BikerZ? Awwwww.

[maillotpois]

I think we should get food first and then wander around the Ferry Plaza, maybe walk down Embarcadero a bit.

[DrBee]

BikerZ - I just PM'd you my travel info. 5 more days! :D

[Bike Goddess]

IF indeed you MIGHT be doing dinner, I'd love to join you since I'll be working that day.

I work at a store in downtown SF called Gump's. It's 2 blks up from Montgomery- 135 Post- a short walk from the Ferry Building. Should you be in the area, I do recommend a stop by to see our wares (things for the home). If someone calls me in advance, I'll be sure to be around to greet you all and give you a tour. My work number is 984 9395- Just ask for Nancy in the tabletop department.

I'll be working til 6:00PM so anytime after that for dinner is fine.
I also take BART in so I'll be going home on BART as well.

[Trek420]

Bwaaaaaa :( I'm scheduled to work Saturday. :mad:

How can this be? I did that last week!! Oh the unfairness of it all.

Ah, schedule rotation is different on holiday weekends. Everybody sing: I love my union job I love my union job I love....

Ok, so I am whining, using guilt, my advanced marketing skills (for this I went 4 years to art school), and may resort to bribes to try to get the day off.

If not then Saturday night or Sunday for Fishdoc meeting purposes.

[dachshund]

Hi folks, I'll have to miss the festivities this Saturday. The band has a late afternoon job in Stockton, of all places.

I hope you all have a fabulous time! Please take lots of pictures. :)

[jobob]

Ah, such is the life of a rock star :) Of course we'll take pictures.

[SadieKate]

Hey, you can't ditch us! We're too special (pun intended).

[DrBee]

Are we still doing something on Sunday?

[melissam]

It looks like I may not have to work on Saturday, so I'll love to join y'all and meet FishDr (soon to be the Bee Doc.)

Looks like the current plan is for dining and sightseeing. No plans for a ride, right?

-- Melissa

[Trek420]

I've whined, used guilt, bribes, marketing....so far I still have to work Saturday. So....dinner or Sunday get together?

[DrBee]

I'll bring my cycling gear (shoes, clothes, etc) just in case a ride materializes. Of course, I would need to borrow a helmet and ....uh... a bike. ;)

[maillotpois]

If you guys wanted to do a ride Sunday in Marin, I'm happy to loan a 54 cm colnago to Fish. But I don't know if it would fit. Otherwise, I'd be up for a breakfast Sunday morning - maybe drive up to Bovine. Sunday afternoon I've got family stuff.

[SadieKate]

Crud, I just found out that my bro is out of town for 4 days this weekend. One of us needs to be around for my mom and dad. Things aren't going so well but at least his weight has stopped going down. I'm going to be a maybe until the last minute. Sorry.:(

[velogirl]

I'll bring my cycling gear (shoes, clothes, etc) just in case a ride materializes. Of course, I would need to borrow a helmet and ....uh... a bike. ;)

What size bike? I work at a bike shop and we have rentals.....bet I could score one for you. I'd be up for a ride on Sunday if you ladies decide to do that.

ps -- don't forget to come watch the Giro on Monday!!!

[BikeMomma]

ps -- don't forget to come watch the Giro on Monday!!!Just a note to Velogirl, gals...I promise not to hijack too long, honest.

Alas....I can't get anyone to watch the offspring, so no racing for me. :( But as I was supposed to be driving, and I'm pretty sure Vino has pre-registered, I might haul the clan along for some good ol' spectatorship. So I might see you anyway, even if I can't race because of the kids.

And now back to the thread....:D
~BikeMomma

[DrBee]

To give you an idea of size -my current bike is a 54 Pilot 2.1 WSD.

Breakfast sounds great to me! As I've said - I'm up for just about anything!

SK - I hope you can make it! Sounds like you're dad is not declining. That's good!

[maillotpois]

I wonder if you'd fit on my 54c Colnago - well, if others want to do a ride Sunday inthe Marin area (or someplace where I don't have to spend all day in the car gettingyou the bike!) then I'm happy to lend it to you.

What's your pedal system? I've got look keos, but can throw some spd's on there if that's what you use.


HEY SNAP - Are you going to be "(extra) bitter" tomorrow? I don't want to look like we called one another.....

[DrBee]

I use SPD's. I guess we'll decide tomorrow what's goin' on for Sunday.

Wow - I'm going to actually get to talk to y'all face to face tomorrow! Freaky!

Back to cleaning carpets now, though... what fun.

[SadieKate]

HEY SNAP - Are you going to be "(extra) bitter" tomorrow? I don't want to look like we called one another.....Tell you what, I'll be "(extra) bitter* tomorrow in more ways than one. At least we won't look like the Bobsey Triplets if we're 80 miles apart.

[bikerz]

Tell you what, I'll be "(extra) bitter* tomorrow in more ways than one. At least we won't look like the Bobsey Triplets if we're 80 miles apart.Does that mean you for sure won't be joining us? :(

[SadieKate]

Yeah, I just can't do it. I need to be close by. While my dad's weight has stabilized we're on 24 hour watch for his fever to spike. He's had a low grade fever for a long time. The doc is borderline about putting him in the hospital for the battery of tests that need to be run. My brother is out of town for 4 days so I hate for both of us to be gone at the same time.

[snapdragen]

MP - I was thinking about being extra bitter, but if that was your plan I can change to something else. Or we could be twins.

[jobob]

I'll be (bitter)sweet. :rolleyes:

[SadieKate]

What the heck. You should all just be (bitter)sweet for the day. Did one one buy the (semi)sweet?

[SadieKate]

Oh my ganache! Did you see the recipes on their site? Even a Devil's Food Cake which Bubba loves. Hmmmm........:rolleyes:

http://www.scharffenberger.com/allrecipes.asp

Plus, the link to the store is there should you need to replenish any of your stash. If they have any of the limited edition Kumasi Sambirano at the Ferry Building, buy it. That was some of the best chocolate I've ever had.

[DrBee]

Chocolate.... yummmm.....

[maillotpois]

Hey Snap - I'm actually being "(extra) bitter" today. Something about jeans day at the office made me want to be - especially when I'm the boss. I may not be so bitter tomorrow. So go ahead and wear it. I'll be rushing to get clean from my run in the morning, so who knows what I'll end up wearing.... stand warned all of you.

[Trek420]

SK, sorry to hear about your Dad but I can understand wanting to be there.

Well, I have to work tomorrow so someone post if there's dinner plans or call, I know at least Bikerz has my number.

[Bike Goddess]

Me too! Please call me here at work- 984 9395. I'll be here ALL day (well, until 6:00 anyway)

Should I bring a camera?

[cindysue]

see y'all at 1pm in front of the Ferry Bldg.

[bikerz]

I'm off to catch a fish at SFO!

[jobob]

see you later !

[Trek420]

sigh :( just another day here at work stuck here till 5.

[cindysue]

word from SFO is the plane has been delayed by about 1/2 hour but bikerz still expects to get to the Ferry Bldg at about 1:00pm.....

[bikerz]

(I guess everyone else is still sleeping off the exceses of last night's carousing with FishDr!)

Wow - did we have fun! Winddance and I met Fish at SFO, and (after leading her to BART by a somewhat circuitous route through both the domestic and international terminals :o ) escorted her to her hotel and from there to the Ferry building where me met the rest of the gang: MP and PP, V and Thom, CindySue, MelissaM, Jobob, and Snap. We all great lunches, admired V's Triple Crown jacket, had a group photo taken by Thom, and browsed here and there in the Ferry Building before splitting up for the afternoon.

Snap, Jo, Melissa, Windance, Fish and I then walked down to Pier 39, looked at the seals, and found a place for an afternoon libation (we were - ahem - a little thirsty :cool: ) We walked back to the Embarcadero for a fun dinner at Fuzios where BikeGoddess joined us, then a leisurely stroll back up market to FishDoc's hotel for a nightcap at the bar.

I'm not sure I've laughed so much in a while - thanks everyone for a really fun afternoon and evening! Fish - I know we wore you out - I hope you have recovered!

I hope the rest of the gang can post photos soon - here are a few I took (that actually came out!):

Jo, Winddance, V (nice jacket!) Snap and Thom
1363

Jo, Snap and Melissa
1364

Snap, FishDr, Winddance and Jo looking at the seals (Melissa is hiding)
1365

[bikerz]

P.S. If any of my fellow carousers are wondering, I even survived my ride this morning - we ended up doing the 20-mile Three Bears loop instead of our original plan, and somehow I managed to complete it with my best time ever by 10 minutes! :D Didn't even use the granniest of my granny gears on Mama Bear -a first! I guess all that "hydrating" last night did the trick!

As photographic proof I offer this view from the bottom of Papa Bear. (This was taken while (barely) moving - one of the benefits of an extraordinarily slow rate of ascent is no camera shake! :o) It's a nice view... which is good, because it looks pretty much like this for a very long time! Then you round the bend, and it's more of same...
1366

[snapdragen]

OK - here we are after dinner - sorry about the glowing eyes, my red-eye reducer obviously didn't work too well.


http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h181/snapdragen/IMG_0402.jpg

The Ferry Building at Night

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h181/snapdragen/IMG_0406E.jpg

[snapdragen]

Yes, I know you guys are waiting for the obscene shrimp and the "theme" dollar bill. I don't want to offened anyone.....:rolleyes: :eek:

[bikerz]

well, I was going to ask...

[snapdragen]

I'd have to ban myself......

[jobob]

Well, my pics didn't come out very good but here's one that's post-able

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k186/jobob22/SF%20with%20Fish/group.jpg

Z, snap, Fish, and winddance at Pier 39. Melissa is still hiding.

This was so much fun. Fish, it was great to meet you, hope we didn't wear you out too much! :eek:

Leebob went on a ride from Tiburon, over the GG bridge and into SF. He actually stopped at Pier 39 but he was there & gone way before we showed up.

MP, was that you who yelled hi to Lee while driving over the bridge? :) Hope you and Fish had a lovely day in Marin today.

Lee & I rode out to Alum Rock Park today, about 58 miles RT. It was nice.

[SadieKate]

I missed such a good time. Jobob, I can't tell you how much I appreciated you handing the phone around so I could chat with everyone, especially Lanie. Made my day.

Lanie, you better keep your eye out for bee conferences in NorCal!

[melissam]

A good time was had by all! It was great to see everyone!!

Fish, it was nice to meet you. Hope you had a good ride up in Marin today, and that you were able to finish your slides.

Unfortunately, I cannot post my pics from the event, as they would get me banned. No, not for the same reason that snap's shrimp pic would. Mine would get me banned for being a criminally bad photographer. :(

[crazycanuck]

Thanks for the pics ladies,

Snap what are you on about?
Yes, I know you guys are waiting for the obscene shrimp and the "theme" dollar bill. I don't want to offened anyone

For those of us non Kahlifornians lurking here do tell...:eek:

c

ps-i didn't have the chance to pick up tim tams in time to send them...:o

[snapdragen]

Let's see if this works...

http://community.webshots.com/album/553783879UEaNbF

Not really that bad, but....

It's OK about the TimTams - we did plenty of eating and drinking without them! :p

[Veronica]

We're in the process of redoing our website - to make things easier. :) The pics from fish's visit are some of the first to get the "new" layout.

So... here's a link to the pics Thom took.

http://tandemhearts.com/wordpress/

Enjoy!

V.

[jobob]

Very nice. The group photo is lovely of course

[DrBee]

Hi there! I had such a total blast meeting everyone on Saturday! I agree with BikerZ - I haven't laughed that much in a long time! Y'all were great hosts! My feet did hurt in the middle of the night - but it was totally worth it. We sure did a lot of walking. The lemondrops helped ;)

My morning with MP on Sunday was fantastic! We drove up Mt. Tam. The thought of riding my bike up that thing is postively frightening. I think my legs would've fallen off. I was amazed to see so many cyclists. MP and I had a great time hanging out. I had the best OJ I've ever had in my entire life. I got to experience the ferry. There was a very drunk guy who asked me how we were going to get past the dredging barge. I responded with "carefully". :rolleyes: He then proceeded to tell me that was the perfect answer and only a few people in the world could craft such a perfect answer. Oh my.

I love all of the pics! Snap - be careful. You don't want to have to ban yourself ;)

Thanks for getting together with me - all of you! You all are awesome!

Oh yeah - I did survive my seminar and session. I thought of y'all sitting in the back heckling me.

I missed the crit this morning. I wanted to get over there so badly, but had to do some last minute work on my talk.

I had dinner in Chinatown - yummy food.

I've invited a new person to the board from Washington. I hope she checks out the forum.

I'm sitting in my hotel room eating the Scharffen Berger chocolate that BikeGoddess brought for me from Gumps. Very yummy stuff. I've been craving good chocolate since Jo shared her nibs bar.

BikerZ - glad you were plenty hydrated for the ride! Somehow I thought you might be ;)