Bike Against the Odds - DONE!

[bikerz]

I just got back from the BAO, a fundraising ride for the Breast Cancer Fund, here in my very own home town of Oakland, CA. Here is a quick report on my first organized ride -

First of all - it was great fun! I met up with Trek420 pretty darn early, and got my picture taken with the VeloGirls (Trek "recruited" me into the team so my donations would count for them. I'm sure they'll look at those photos later and wonder who the heck the stranger in red was!) I saw Ellen (TomGrrrl) jbefore starting off - she has a NICE new bike! Trek and I started out up Broadway together, got the bikes blessed on the way in front of the Episcopal church (kind of a drive-thru sprinkler!) - and after endless stop/starts all the way up Broadway, the climing began. I stopped off quickly and said a quick hello to CindySue at the LunaChix tent at the first rest stop, then just rode, rode, rode.

I was on my own pretty much the whole time, and it was beautiful weather. I had a blast on the descents (max 36+ mph! ) and just concentrated on spinning on the climbs. I finished off the 31 mile route at a fairly respectable 9.48 mph when all was said and done, which makes me happy, considering how much of the ride I did in my super-duper granny gear (2670 feet of climbing!), and the number of stoplights we had at the start/end. I also found out that it is possible (barely!) to stay vertical when going as slow as 2.9 mph! I bet none of you even KNEW a bike could travel that slowly! Lots of friendly comments from the many, many people who passed me on the hills - cyclists are generally such a supportive bunch! No falls, one dropped chain, and only 2 close calls (SUV and newbie cyclist on a mtn bike).

All in all, a great time, a great cause, tasty organic turkey sandwich at the end, and a free pair of socks! Who could ask for more? I hope CindySue, Trek420 and TomGrrl chime in with their reports...