Mt. Diablo?

[Bike Goddess]

I don't do pastries- the scone I get isn't that sweet and seems to last awhile. If we stop at Starbuck's I get an organic oatmeal cookie which seems to do wonders- 1/2 then and 1/2 at the junction. I generally eat breakfast (softboiled egg, toast, tea with milk)about 2 + hours before I meet people. So a good snack seems to be in order.,

I've bonked on the mtn enough times now from not having a good breakfast beforehand and not eating before we start the climb. However, age may play a factor- I wouldn't be surprised if I metabolize differently then you younger folks. Also, it might have something to do with what I eat the night before.

You are right- do what works. I'm also doing about 200 miles a week and that might be why I need to eat more. Who knows- we just have to work out our own way of eating, that's for sure.

[deedolce]

THANK YOU, NANCY!!!

Not only was she the best guide through the tricks and passages around towns to get to the Southgate of Mt. Diablo, she talked me through the ups and curves, and I ACTUALLY RODE TO THE SUMMIT!!! I really had no intention of even trying, but Nancy would have none of that. She made sure I drank and ate enough (I bonked last time - and am pretty bad about even thinking about it, I get so caught up in keeping the pedals turning) and oooh, those last couple of hundred feet, the battle that went on in my head as I wove and wobbled up that last stretch! BUT I MADE IT!! I had an escort of Mik and Bob, from Benicia Bike Club, and my DBC co-horts of the day, Doug and Walt (aka Mutt and Jeff)

I'm still half in disbelief I actually made it up. Man, my legs were trembling for a while after I got off.

And it was BEAUTIFUL - hillsides covered with poppies, everything in bloom, perfect weather, great company!

~Diana

[Veronica]

Congratulations!

V.

[Bike Goddess]

Yep! She's a REAL Trooper! Watch out! She'll be back!!!!

GREAT JOB dedolce!

Next up- working on descents!

So 3 more newbies have joined the summit club!

[Veronica]

I don't do pastries- the scone I get isn't that sweet and seems to last awhile.

I was making pie crust and thinking about this. It's not the sweet that gets me on a ride; it's the butter. I've made scones; I know how much butter goes into them!

V.

[Bike Goddess]

I must need a little fat on my bones- I know people eat pb sandwiches weh they get to the junction or summit.

Yum, yum pies??? You did miss a great pie fest BTW!

[Veronica]

Yeah PB, I can do PB anytime. I do like to eat peanut M&Ms and Snickers bars on a ride.

We had Thom's piano recital to go to that Saturday. We didn't go last year, so to preserve harmony, I didn't go.

I did briefly consider riding the century and then going to the recital... but he didn't think my snoring would be appropriate.

V.

[Bike Goddess]

Back to topic (brief diversion-I trust it was good time off the bike!)

When are you ever able to ride Diablo? Weekdays must be out because of your teaching schedule, right? I am so spoiled- riding during the week at this time of the year is so wonderful without cars (maybe 3 or 4).

[RoseRydr]

Congrats, deedolce, on conquering The Mountain! She's my favorite. She will teach you a lot. I still remember my first Diablo Challenge and crying tears of joy at the top!

I've learned respect for her as she's beat me down a couple of times... I've been caught in rain storms; crying in the summit bathroom, pulling on leg warmers knowing I was in trouble (saved by a prince that time, but another story), caught in the rain and dark and took me 2+ hrs to decend from the junction, cramps, scorching hot weather, you name it. But every time I ride up her I marvel all the way up that I'm taking in the view via my own power!!

I hope sometime I can join some of you TE'rs on the Mt. Next time, perhaps.

[Veronica]

Prior to yesterday, the last time I went up was Jan. 1. If I drove to work, I could ride it after teaching now that it is light later. But then I'd have to deal with traffic back into Antioch. It's not worth it. And there are so many other interesting places to ride on the weekend.

If I want to do some serious climbing after work I mountain bike at Black Diamond Regional Park.

V.

[Bike Goddess]

I agree on both counts! One of these days, however, we'll have to do a weekday climb. When's your next "official" school day off (after Spring break)?

deedolce is also a teacher, BTW

[Veronica]

Memorial Day, then summer break.

V.

[deedolce]

Yep, Memorial Day, then Summer break! And Saturdays are possible for me too.
Bike Goddess, Benicia is on the way for me, back and forth, if I'm coming solo, I can hold 2 bikes in the bed of my truck on my bike rack. And honestly, I wouldn't be past taking a day off work to ride....

I'm still partially in disbelief that I made it!! Of course, my legs are telling me otherwise, they're still sore!

After going up the North and South side, I much prefer the South side. I'm serious about wanting to try and ride Diablo once every month or so if possible! I expect I'll be learning ALOT about myself when riding Diablo, everytime...