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This year I did the challenge route as well. I'm glad I did. I think the comment "It's 1 3/4 mile to the top of Patterson Pass", was what did it for me. I've done that ride before (last year) but not part of the Cinderella ride and didn't remember much about the climb except that it was HARD! Surprise to me- this year it wasn't that bad and I made it to the top in fine style! The new route is much nicer as we really did just ride country roads with very little traffic.
This was the best Cinderella ride I've been on yet. Maybe that was because we left later (8:10). It was a pleasure to ride with so many gracious cyclists- they thanked people in cars for waiting, thanked the cops, thanked the support folks, thanked the rest stop folks- just a lotta thank yous which I dont' often see on other rides.
Tofu- have you met the Benicia Bike Club folks? They are talking about a cyclist from Martinez and I wondered if it was you????
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/gnat23/...7616322324139/
I did the Challenge for the first time. I was a little disappointed that it was not a full-century (85 miles), but "chasing the windmills" was great! Awesome descent out of the first BIG climb!
I was having terrible chain slippage all day, then finally snapped my rear derailleur cable at around mile 60. SAG was able to get me sorted and sent me back on my way to finish strong (whew).
Love the energy, creativity, and friendliness of all the women about. Always a favorite ride for me (even with mechanicals).
-- gnat!
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It was great, I had fun, the weather was beautiful, I am very proud of my big sister or should I say older sister because she's smaller now though she's still taller than me but she's smaller, not that she was big before, not that it would be a bad thing ... oh sod it I had a sucky ride.
I completed the ride, skin side up, rubber side down (I heard riders reporting crashes they saw, I did not witness any or the aftermath, hope all are ok) but slower than ever and just a mass of whining :rolleyes::
my helmet's uncomfortable - whaaaaa
wrong water bottles (short ones, hard to reach, sip, and ride) - whaaaaa
forgot both my sunscreen and butt balm :eek: - whaaaaa :confused:
my foot hurts - big whaaaa and thoughts of Keens and new pedals
I could go on but then you'd all say "whaaaaaaa"
I've been doing more Aikido and Knott says I look more "compact" but Aikido fitness is not bike fitness though good to have on the bike. Nothing says "I'm trained! Let's ride :cool:" like ... well duh!! ... riding.
The riding I've done has been on the commuter and I spent the first 10 miles or so remembering how Campy works. :p
That's ok, right? The route starts out flat.
Did I mention the ride organizer found every hill in the first 15 miles or so? The route was much more scenic, quieter, less traffic, not like it used to be though the business parks. More hills. Thanks ride organizers!
All the while Trek's muttering "uh, Campy, so the thumb thingy on the right, gears go down? or up :("
Oh how the mighty have fallen :p
I wore the Fat Cyclist jersey. Some riders passing me must have thought "oh cool, here's a fat cyclists with a jersey for Fat Cyclists" and "is that a Clydesdale? Cool!" but I had a chat riding briefly with another rider who said Fatty is her DH's favorite website. Another rider at the last rest stop is riding with Team Fatty at Livestrong rides. Some just passed me with a hearty "Win Susan!" instead of calling out my usual name "hey, on your left" :p
