LRRH Ride Reports

[CyclaSutra]

Hey, had a fantastic time riding with Jones, SBCTwin and Sulis (plus associated friends). They convinced us to do the distance, although my pal Kelsey and I had pretty much talked ourselves into the metric. Hung out with Lifesgreat at the end, too.

It could have been a PB for me (gotta check) which is crazy considering I'm carrying around a lot of extra winter/cookie-induced fluff and haven't ridden a century since last August; my longest ride this season was 56. I guess that shows you what girl power can do! Our little group carried on a respectable 15-ish average.

I wouldn't have noticed the fellow TE-ers had Jones not been wearing an A-V jersey and I said "Hey! Do you know Yellow and SadieKate?" Busybodyness pays off again.

Great to see you all!

[Flybye]

Hello, hello and hello!!

Wow, it sounds like you all did SO great. I wanted to meet you all and tell you thank you for the help that you have given me to get ready for the big day, but had little success finding anyone. I was there with a big orange sign and NO TAPE - oops! I had the sign on the grass but didn't arrive until about 7:30am.

This was my first organized ride AND my first time riding with anyone other than myself. Wow, was I nervous - but what fun it turned out to be.

Here are my impressions.

1. The weather was, as you have all commented, perfect.
2. The food was great. Not at all sure what I ate, but, it was yummy!
3. The event was so well organized - in my expert opinion .
4. I didn't know that you could ride pregnant - wow, now there is a real go getter.
5. You ladies are FAST!!!!!
6. Now that I have the distance think licked, I want to work on speed.
7. I NEED a better fitting on my bike.
8. My men's saddle that came stock with my bike is NOT comfy, especially the seams
9. Shimano shoes suck.
10. I am hooked.
11. Pace Lines are FUN!!!
12. Not so fun to ride alone but a GREAT learning experience.

I had such a great time regardless of all the little mishaps. I didn't turn where I was supposed to once and figured it out about 1 mile down the road when no one was behind me!! This was before the gas station incident.

I didn't go the entire route up to the lunch stop because when I got to Amalga, I had 33.5 miles on my bike with all of the excursions that I took to get back on course. My knee was hurting (hence the need for new shoes and a fitting) and so I figured that it would be best to turn around. I rode back to the Marina and then got back on the course with everyone coming south from the highway. When I got to the finish, I was about 7 miles shy of the metric century, so I rode around "town" to make up the miles. All in all, I DID IT - YEAH!!!!!!

Also, I am not positive, but think that I may have been in a pace line at one point with some of you from your pictures in the post.


Here are some pictures from ride day. They are of

#1 Yours truly, Flybye, scared ****less before the ride and smiling - eager and ready!

#2 People

#3 More people

#4 Myself (Flybye), Bikedutchess, and Bikedutchess' daughter before the ride - the only TE'ers I had the opportunity to meet. Very nice to meet both of you.

[Shiraz]

Nice write up and pictures ladies!! I was hoping to see your postings. I was so sad not to join you this year since last year I really didn't know you all. Sounds like everyone had a great day. Next year I will make sure I am NOT ON CALL and should not be expecting a new grandbaby.

[sbctwin]

Well, I did my first century...101.4 miles to be exact, according to my Garmin. YIPEE!!!! Glad it wasn't any further because I started to have cramps in my upper left thigh and my feet the last couple of miles. I could never have accomplished the entire ride without the encouragement and support of my co-riders - Sulis, K80K80, Jones, CyclaSutra and friend Kelsey. I told my DH before I left, that though the 100 was my main goal, I know when to cry 'wolf' and return. After the 1st rest stop, I felt my energy level drop and I was getting an upset stomach. I don't know what that was about, but thought maybe I wasn't taking in enough fluids so I started taking in a lot more and ate some cliff blocs. At the 2nd rest stop, I topped off my water bottle with cliff stuff and I think I made it too strong. I normally use Ultima and found I left my supply in the car. At the lunch stop;, CyclaSutra shared a few sportleg supplements and also K80K80 shared some of her Heed with me. I think that helped me to finish.

The weather was beautiful but I didn't put enough sunscreen on and I am feeling it today . I am a little sore in my neck and shoulders, but I am sore there anywhere after a long ride. Met other TE'ers - SadieKate, Yellow, Alex, Tator, Lifesgreat, but no where could we find Flybye (though we did look for you) and I just found out, thanks to a pic posted by Flybye who BikeDutchess is and have done a few rides with her and her daughter.

The only sad part of the whole day, and this is truely sad for me, is Sulis could not finish because of a bike mishap at the last rest stop. Her rear wheel somehow got bent. We do not know what happened at this time, but of everyone I know who did the 100, I feel very sad for her because she was so strong and could easily have completed her first century. In my mind, she did the century through all of us who she encouraged along the way. I want to THANK YOU, SULIS, for all your words of encouragement and your overall spirit.

[BikeDutchess]

Thanks for posting the photos, Flybye! It was so nice to meet you. Glad your first organized event ride turned out to be such fun -- hope you'll keep joining us for many more to come.

sbctwin -- congrats on your first century! You looked so strong when I met you at the lunch stop, I knew you would do it! I know what you mean about the sunscreen -- I was very good about applying and reapplying (tried out that Australian lizard stuff), but I forgot to do my ears (I don't know why because I'm usually very good about remembering those little appendages...).

Sulis, so sorry to hear (from sbctwin) about your bent wheel putting a damper on things. Hope things will look up on your next ride.

[Tater]

Once again, I had a blast! This ride is so well organized, it is a joy to ride. Where else can one be eating lunch and watching 'granny' wolf, in a dress, hand out Luna bars? Yet, peek under Granny's dress hem and one would find some seriously muscled calves! The guys from the BBTC really get into the spirit.
I PB'ed my century time by quite a bit. Although, I do agree with Alex and the rudeness of some of the riders! Didn't it say somewhere in our packets that we are suppose to obey Utah road rules? I didn't think riding three and four across, or out in the middle of the road were how Utahans behaved. Oh, I am going to have to agree with Yellow on the wind thing: last year was a bit more of a pain in the butt!
I do have pictures, even got the Blues Brothers at the last rest stop, but I will post them later.
It was nice meeting several TE'ers and putting names to faces. Well met, ladies! I think I saw SK and Yellow when they started, but I was on the side of the road waiting for Mr. Tater to bring me my forgotten water bottles!

[yellow]

Congratulations to all of you who completed your first C or simply went farther than you've gone before. Before you know it you'll be knocking out the same distance over and over...

sulis, I don't have a message telling me I won the bike...if I did I'd give you the wheels. I've seen several wheelsets on craigslist lately, including some pretty nice ones for a good price. I know you'd really like a new bike, but until then a new wheelset may make a big difference (it did for me until I got my new bike).

Tater, we were sure you'd catch us because you're so speedy! Glad you had a good ride!

[tprevost]

Love the reports and pics!!!! I swear I'm gonna get to do this ride someday...

thanks so much for sharing your stories

[sulis]

I have been out of town and just returned home late last night. But I too wanted to pass on my thoughts on LRRH. I had the most wonderful day. The weather was perfect, the route was beautiful, the company was beyond fabulous, we were pampered at every turn. I loved it and will definitely be back next year.

Jones - I'm so glad you noticed me in my crazy beanie. It was fun riding with you and getting to know you. I am so glad you decided to make the trip up from Cali. I hope to meet up with you and ride with you again one day.

CycleSutra + Friend - so wonderful to meet and ride with you. You have made me want to come to Jackson to ride!! I'll make it there eventually.

Lifesgreat - I am so glad you tagged on after lunch. At least we got to ride together for 17 miles or so.

Alex -lovely to meet you..even if only briefly. We will definitely have to meet up at another ride this year.

Yellow, Sadie Kate - one day I will be fast enough to ride within distance of you.

The only sad part of the whole day, and this is truely sad for me, is Sulis could not finish because of a bike mishap at the last rest stop. Her rear wheel somehow got bent. We do not know what happened at this time, but of everyone I know who did the 100, I feel very sad for her because she was so strong and could easily have completed her first century. In my mind, she did the century through all of us who she encouraged along the way. I want to THANK YOU, SULIS, for all your words of encouragement and your overall spirit.

SBCTwin - You are so sweet. You made me cry. You don't give yourself enough credit though. You are such an amazing rider. And your determination gives me drive to carry on!!!

As for the wheel, well that is a sad story. I was sad not to be able to finish the ride with my group. We had so much fun together and ridden so strong throughout the day it really stunk not to be able to finish with them - or finish my first century. But I will try again.

I managed to drop the bike off to be worked on while I was out of town in hopes that it would be all better when I got back. I was hoping it might just be a broken spoke or two and could be easily fixed and trued again. However, as I was enjoying the spleandor of the Colordao San Juan mountians, I received the following news for the shop.

LBS: Hi, I've been working on your bike.
Me: Ok
LBS: Well, uhm, wow. Yeah, that wheel is like reaaaallly bad.
Me thinking: Of course it is.
LBS: I might be able to get it "rideable" again but that is way beyond the standard truing process.
Me thinking: Of course it is
LBS: So if I work to get it rideable again you probably still won't be happy with the wheel. Did I say its in really bad shape? It would probably be easier and just as much to buy a new wheel than to have it repaired.
Me thinking: Of course it would

Ok, I swear the money tree fairy is my enemy at the moment. I have had so many major un-expected expenses lately. And while I love the idea of getting a new wheel set, the reality is I just don't have the $$ for it. Sigh. I guess I'm getting a new wheel set. Perhaps I'll be more excited about it when my baby is back at the house, all repaired with the new wheel set.

Hey - maybe the wheelset will make me fast enough to stay with the likes of Yellow and SadieKate!!!

[Flybye]

I was interviewed last night for an editorial that will run in the Sports Section of our paper sometime this week - I mentioned all of the support that I have got from the Team Estrogen forum (that would be all of you gals - HUGS & HIGH FIVERS). I am more appreciative of your advice than you know

I also earned the spot as the "Athlete of the Week" for which I am rewarded with a huckleberry milkshake which is funny because I started back on my LA Weight Loss Diet yesterday so that I can drop 10#'s - I figure that is cheaper than getting a new, lightweight bike. Sabotage

These are the benefits of living in a small town in Idaho!!

Sulis - It is great to hear of your ride experience. I wondered the other day if the reason we hadn't heard from you is because you were too sad from the ride to post - all the while you were soaking up the sunshine! It is good to know that you are in good spirits despite the whole $$ aspect of things. In regards to that, when it rains, it pours, in my experience. We once had the following things shell their nuts within one week - freezer, van, me and my new baby girl (she was born with a septic infection and in the hospital for 10 days and I developed shingles on my face). It does end!! Let us know when you get your new wheels!

Also, you all will be relived to know that I have 3 CLEAN bathrooms. Mopping my floors is today after my visit to my clients house (for which I will wish that I was in a Hazmat suit - ICK!)

SBC Twin - Glad Miss Kitty is okay!

Take care all - I am off to save the world

[sulis]

We once had the following things shell their nuts within one week - freezer, van, me and my new baby girl (she was born with a septic infection and in the hospital for 10 days and I developed shingles on my face). It does end!! Let us know when you get your new wheels!
:

Oh my! I'm glad you and your baby girl got better. That does not sound like fun. Thanks for the words of encouragement. I'll try and take pictures when they come in - My most expensive ride ever. And I have been riding so much in order to use the car less in hopes of spending less. ha ha ha!!!

[Flybye]

Sulis -She's 6 years old now and fine as ever Shoulda' made that a little more clear. Thanks for asking.

[yellow]

Ok, I swear the money tree fairy is my enemy at the moment. I have had so many major un-expected expenses lately. And while I love the idea of getting a new wheel set, the reality is I just don't have the $$ for it. Sigh.

http://saltlakecity.craigslist.org/bik/345561837.html

I'll bet you could talk them down!

[eofelis]

I'm kind of late here posting my ride report.

I did the 100. It was my second 100 ever. It was so flat that it was a pretty easy ride. (We have quite a few hills on all my local rides.)

I was there with 3 other gals that I rode the 100 with. One gal with us was doing her first 100.

We got a late start, at about 8:20am. It was pretty congested on the road until the first rest stop. There sure wasn't enough potties at the first rest stop. We waited in line forever....

After the first rest stop the crowd thinned out and the rest stops were less crowded.

After the lunch stop we picked up another gal who wanted to ride with our group, so there were 5 of us for the rest of the ride.

We got back to Wellsville at almost 6 pm. One nice thing about being some of the last folks at the park is that the BBTC crew was packing up all the gear and they offered us a lot of leftover bananas and oranges and some other stuff. (I peel and freeze the bananas for smoothies.)

[Jones]

O.K. better late than never with a ride report , right? I had a great time! I met sulis, sbctwin and k80 just before 7:30 and sulis led us out.

I started having some trouble with bike handling and realized I had a flat at mile 5. Everyone pulled over so I could fix my flat, this was unexpected and very nice.
We ran into cyclesutra and her friend Kelsie before the first stop and they joined our group. Yellow and SadieKate pulled into the first stop as we pulled out and we saw them again at stop two but they blew by us before lunch and I never saw them again. We decided to have lunch after the twenty mile loop into Idaho

and right back into Utah.

We found lifesgreat around lunch and rode with her for a short time.
I flatted again around mile 80 but this time a sag was there before I could even un-clip both feet. He fixed my flat, refilled my water bottles and sent me on my way.
Tater was at the last rest and we had a chance to say hi before she was off again. Sadly this were sulis wheel was damaged. Sulis how is the wheel?
The last 15 miles were the hardest for me and I just wanted off my bike. Seeing the park in Wellsville after 100 miles was a thing of beauty.

Sulis, k80, Sbctwin, Kelsie, cyclesutra and me.
Sorry about the late ride report but I was working on this for my friends 60 birthday.

It was white cake with lemon custard and butter cream.

Jones