What is a challenging road ride for you?

[cindysue]

Okay Ms Cindy Sue- Since you have told us about your % grade, now tell us about your ride!!!!!

Maybe put it in adventure thread?

hmmm, i wouldn't really call it an adventure- but it was a lot of fun:

This was the last of our training rides for the Bike Against the Odds - fundraising cycling event for the breast cancer fund. "Our" meaning the LUNA Chix - a grass roots outreach program to get more women out riding!

Anywho - this was ride #5, 65 miles and 6000 feet of climbing in the beautiful hills of Oakland, Berkeley, Moraga, Orinda, and Martinez. This was a co-ed ride and we had 3 men (including my SO) and 6 women (including me!) all of very different skill levels out enjoying the day.

I asked Andrew (my SO) to sweep the ride. He was great hanging back and chatting it up with the gal(s) at the end of the line. Eventually one of the gals dropped off after about 20 miles.

So, up-down, up-down the hills we go, stopping here and there to gather up everyone. We had a few strong riders that kept me on my toes. After a stop in Orinda for some baked goods (I had a bagel w/ peanut butter), we were off once again. We lost three more riders at this point, a couple with afternoon plans, and a lovely gal who had never ridden that far before - kudos to her! Off to the three bears (three hills: mama, baby, and papa), a favorite ride here in the east bay (san francisco area). Then up Wildcat Canyon to Inspiration point. I ran into one of the MTB LUNA Chix and chatted it up with a few folks at the park, while we waited for all the riders to catch up. Then we're off again. I had been warned by one of the riders that south park road was brutal - but being the stubborn gal that I am, I promptly brushed her advice off. Well, being the smart one - SHE promptly took off in the other direction while 5 of us braved the hill. Yep 13-17% grade. We were all hurting by the time we inched our way to the top of the hill - which took forever to finally peak by the way. I was faked out three times as I *thought* I had reached the top of the hill - NOT! Ahhhh, finally - it was time to reap our rewards and coast downhill back to the lake......

[tomgrrrl]

That hill is a doozy and I think it's kind of cruel that they have it at the end of that ride. I've done it several times recently during training rides and hope to complete the 65 miles on Sunday, but have been under the weather this week with chest cold so am worried it may be tough.....at any rate, will do my best.....that last little bit of South Park is the worst...

[cindysue]

you'll do great! it's good that you're going into it already knowing what to expect. I think some people will be a little surprised when they round that first corner.........

can't wait to see you and your daughter on the tandem. So sweet!