2005 TE Board charity rides

[Trek420]

bikerz sez "(Trek's new sig line is a constant reminder of what I have to look forward to! At least we won't get rain - except for automatic lawn sprinklers!)"

Hello TE ALC5 'ers!

you don't know that!

We ride rain or shine and it has rained (yes, real rain!) on the California AIDS rides so prepare for that. Plan that there *will* be fog heavy enough it might as well be rain. I'm told on ALC2 the visibility was in the Peninsula was almost 0.

So, I packed a rainjacket, and cat cr*p (a product smeared on your glasses so they don't fog up in bad weather, not really cat cr*p).

one of my 7 zip lock bags was labeled "cold". It had long sleeve jersey, undershirt, cold weather tights, wool socks, full finger gloves. *

I think day 6 (my favorite day on the ride) was foggy enough that I needed most of that. Only the last 20 miles or so did I regret the long sleeve jersey but didn't quite have the guts to doff it and just wear the undershirt.

*a word about the gloves, I also wanted full finger gloves because of the descent after "Evil Twins", long, steep, winding, and I thought if it was cold I'd want them for the downhill. I learned how important being able to feel your hands when brakeing is on the "first annual TE assault on Mt. Diablo", thanks jobob for loaning me extra gloves on that.

Weather turned out to be nice so not needed but like the extra spoke if I did not bring them I'd have needed them.

[maryellen]

hey Mary, if you are going to register, do it soon to take advantage of a special reduced registration rate. I think it is now $75--it will go up to $100 I think, around Labor Day. If for some reason you can't ride, you can turn it into a donation instead.

It would be fab to have some Team Estrogen gals on the ESAR in 2006!!!

[MM_QFC!]

Hey Maryellen - Yes, already registered...am co-capt of 2 riders (with my long-time riding partner) thus far of Team Puget Sound Riders,which is the name of our veteran group of riders, crew and supporters from the former AIDS Vaccine rides in Alaska, Montana and Canada>US - allowing for the possibility of ride buddies hopefully joining us next year and of course, increasing our cumulative fundraising.
I've coordinated several of my own self-supported fundraising rides for AIDS research in the interim years, but I've kept my eye on this ride and even thought I'd be able to do it this year, but have been battling some newfound thyroid issues. The native NYer in me is eagerly anticipating riding it next year though!
Glad you're having a good recovery - you deserve it!
Mary

[Bike Goddess]

Great Job Maryellen!!!!

A++ for all your fundraising and A+++ for your stick-to-it no matter what! That's just how I felt at times as well. Gosh, I feel lucky that we had such good weather on our ride. No rain, just fog and lots of wind. I can imagine how much fun it was to pack tents up after a rainy night!

How are you feeling now that you are finished? Drained is what I felt. Emotionally and physically. Missed the group, missed the ride, missed the companionship. On the bright side of things, you are a stronger person and a stronger rider for it! That's what counts in the end.

[maryellen]

I definitely feel as if I'm not running on a full tank, psychologically or physically.

Yesterday I did a century--it was the first century I did (last year) and I didn't want to miss it this year, even though it was just 8 days after the aids ride. It was hard (especially the first 10 miles when my knees and quads were saying "what, she wants us to do this again?"). Hard to keep going without the support and companionship. I'm glad I experienced that psychological barrier--I can't imagine any ride I do will ever match the aids ride (except for next year!) so I better get used to it!

*And* it was wonderful to be back on the bike for an extended ride. Riding is an amazing experience for me. Every time I get on the bike.

[MM_QFC!]

I can't imagine any ride I do will ever match the aids ride (except for next year!) so I better get used to it!

Full on agree w/you there! There is nothing like the camaraderie on an AIDS ride, is there?
Did you prepare at all for "re-entry". I learned that lesson after my first AIDS ride in 1997 and I didn't have a clue that it would be a transformative experience for me. When I returned to work the day after, I remember biting my tongue when a staffmember started whining about something that seemed so insignificant compared to the experience that I just had and I wasn't prepared for it. From then on, for each ride aftermath, I have been better prepared for it though and just being aware that there is a need for some re-entry time and space makes a difference.
Happy trails,
Mary

[Trek420]

maryellen "I definitely feel as if I'm not running on a full tank, psychologically or physically."

I've read this is common when athletes train so hard for a specific event or goal once you're done it (yeah!!!) lots of us feel let down. I think it's because for so long the focus has been this one thing and now it's over.

For me after the ride it felt all I did was train-eat-sleep-uhm work some for years... and it's just as important to feel what's there now and not just rush right out to find something to replace it.

Enjoy the feeling of accomplishment, you did it, you deserve that, you're a hero! But also it's normal to feel down and or miss the ride/event.

[maryellen]

I returned from the ride on Saturday afternoon and didn't have to go to work until Tuesday so that helped. Guess there is a point when you have to bite the bullet and deal w the fact that the ride is over. And doing a century yesterday helped me adjust!