Katrina Relief Ride - Indianapolis, In (Carmel)

[Trek420]

Here's another a cyclist-oriented fund raising effort for
Katrina. Nothing big, but kinda cool that kids thought to target
cyclists on Old LaHonda.
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A UNIQUE FUND-RAISER FOR KATRINA VICTIMS takes place this Sunday morning
(the 18th) at the top of Old LaHonda. The kids at Ormandale School
(Portola
Valley) had noticed all the cyclists passing through Old LaHonda &
Skyline and had the thought last January of having a bake sale for the
Tsunami victims.
Chainreaction bikes got a call from one of the mom's who organized that event ($96 raised
from selling cookies to cyclists passing through!) they're going to do a repeat, this time to raise money for Katrina
victims. They'll be out there from 10am-1pm selling cookies
& such to cyclists passing through. And they're all wrapped up & ready
to go, so you can bring 'em with you and munch down the road. A great
excuse for a ride up Old LaHonda on Sunday! Plus, Chain Reaction www.ChainReaction.com will
match whatever they raise.

[mary9761]

That's pretty cool Trek420! There have been all kinds of things children have put themselves up to doing for fundraising. It lets you know that we are raising at least SOME decent kids.

[Trek420]

the kids are allright

[mary9761]

http://photobucket.com/albums/a361/m...tember%202005/
I must say I thoroughly enjoyed my first charity ride Sunday. The day started with the alarm going off at 5AM. I got up fixed me some oatmeal with peanut butter and coffee. I hopped in the shower, got dressed in my new jersey and shorts and went over my checklist to make sure I had everything I needed (or might need) for the ride.
Carole arrived around 6:15 just as I was taking my bike out of the garage. I grabbed the rest of my gear and we loaded the bike into the car. We were on our way with a gorgeous, crisp morning for the relief ride.
We arrived at the Bike Line around 7 and a few people were already there. We got the bikes out of the car and put back together. I thought uh-oh I was going to end up with a seat problem as when I got the seat back on after transport, when I would turn so did the seat. I got it reset and tightened and we were good to go.
Checked in at the Registration table, got my wrist band for the pasta brunch after the first part of the ride and started to do some stretches and visit. I saw Matt coming from across the parking lot since I'd seen his photo in his avatar. I met so many people, I don't remember all their names but it was great to meet everyone.
As it approached time for the ride to start, more and more people arrived. Families with trailers, kids on their bikes, speed demons we were all anticipating the beginning.
Ride time is almost here. Marlin stands up near the shop and gives everyone pre-ride instructions. "When you hear car back, what does that mean?" "SINGLE FILE" With instructions and safety information done we were ready to go.
Traffic was stopped on 116th, Rangeline and Carmel Drive for the mass of bikes at the beginning. I WISH I'd gotten a photo of it. It was an AWESOME site and a feeling I'll never forget. This was my first time being in a ride like this, I know it won't be my LAST.
Shortly after we turn the corner at Carmel Drive, I notice that my computer isn't working. With the transferring back and forth into the car, the sensor had moved out of place. I tried to put it back into place with my foot, (a stupid move I know) but I couldn't get it into position. Carole and I pull to the side and stop for a moment and luckily I get the computer to start by putting the sensor in the right place.
We catch up with a family at a light and it looks like we might catch the main group with the lights, but unfortunately, we don't. We ride along the route enjoying ourselves. We kept up with some of the riders off and on, but were passed by many. Some of the later arrivals however were still behind us when we came back into the Bike Line.
It was about 10:15 - 10:30 when we finished the first leg of the ride and Mangia was only going to serve the pasta brunch till 11 so we decided to get some before heading out for the second leg. The vegetarian pasta was delicious and we were joined by some other riders for a few minutes that had taken the long route the first time out. We finished our pasta and checked the raffle drawings (I won a coolmax skullcap and some chamois buttr) and headed out for the second leg.
We had a great time, but I know my speed dropped about 2/3 of the way through the second ride. I think I was having hydration problems, because when I DID manage to get a drink, I did better. I'm really going to need to work on being able to reach for my drink bottle on the bike. I'm not comfortable reaching down while I'm riding. I can't see the bottle and cage to start with and I'm afraid I'll wreck the bike. I can manage to get a drink periodically from my cooler, reaching around to take a bottle out.
We trekked on and when we got to 146th St. I knew we were in the home stretch. I hadn't had the map out so all I could go by to know we were getting close to the end was my odometer. We hit the monon and headed back to the Bike Line. I was surprised there was no one at the store when we got there. I mean I know we were the last ones back (to my knowledge) but I was surprised there was no way to check in and make sure everyone made it back safely from the ride. At that point, I was REALLY glad that I had Carole as a riding partner and that we'd not had any real trouble.
There was one group that had arrived shortly before us that asked if we could take a group photo for them and we exchanged the favor. I had one of them take photos of Carole and I in front of the store to show we finished. We finished around 12:30, with approximately 43 miles, in just under 3 and a half hours riding time. We weren't blazing, but we finished just the same. I just wish I'd gotten more photos taken. I know there was someone there that looked like they were taking professional photos, I hope they're put up somewhere to see them.
Mary