Saturday, 8/21 RIDES!!!

[Aggie_Ama]

Rollie- I have been stung twice this summer! Once by a black "tarantula hawk" wasp hiking in New Mexico and then just this week while mountain biking by a bee. The black wasp was really swollen and itchy for about 2 weeks. I found benedryl cream really helped. The bee sting is about 4 days old and slightly itchy but not nearly as bad. That is the worst feeling to be riding then stung, happened twice to me and once to DH. I think the exertion makes the sting last longer but I could just be wimpy. I feel for you!

Red- I am glad the cops took your seriously. I have had a couple road aggression issues locally (firecracker, trash thrown, swerving violently) and luckily even in a town of only 1,600 I have never encountered the cars again. Oddly they appeared to live on the roads I ride often but I haven't. So take comfort in that and don't be afraid!

[jdubble]

I was debating whether to go out on a longer road ride with the Sorella Forte women, or to go for an off-road ride in Forest Park by myself on my cross bike. Opted for the latter, and made it to milepost 7 (of 11 or so) when I was stopped by a barricade and a landslide notice. Drat! So I turned around and headed back, which was ok really 'cos my back was not so happy with me at that point, and my arms were jelly from all the vibrations. So I got 25 miles in, and I'm feeling more confident in my ability to ride the Kruger's Kermesse Farm Crit next weekend.

I tried it two years ago, on my hybrid since I didn't have a cross bike, and was doing ok until my seat clamp broke and my seat pointed straight up. Couldn't fix it and didn't want to stand on the pedals for the whole race. So I DNF'd. This year, my goal is to finish. I don't care where I finish, as long as I finish.

[buffybike]

Did a new route which had some rollers but poorly paved roads. Had my best ride yet. Averaged almost 18mph on semi-hilly terrain. My DH said he was IMPRESSED (and kind of turned on!). I felt great all day.

[deeaimond]

Singapore is currently hosting the inaugural Youth Olympic Games. So there are lots of venues around the island to accommodate the various sporting events. So on Saturday I got a friend who's new to cycling/hasnt cycled in a long time, and another cycling friend and we rode a total of 128kms, over 15 hours...and visited almost all the venues (just the outside of course) here are some pictures.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...2&l=03f20020d0

[tulip]

Annual Moonlight ride on Saturday night, which was lots of fun. There were about 1000 people they say, and it was like looking at a street full of fairies with all the blinking lights. 17 miles in the dark, a nice change.

[bcipam]

A friend and I did the Cool Breeze Century which starts in Ventura and rides out, through the mountains into Montoceito and returns via the Coast through Santa Barbara. The Cool Breeze was warmer than normal but the scenery was still lovely. Monteceito is an awesome area to ride, narrow private roads through some of the most beautiful countryside. Ophra has a home there somewhere. Lots of climbing in the beginning and I was tired after, but I enjoyed myself. Met lots of nice people all day!

[RolliePollie]

Rollie- I have been stung twice this summer! Once by a black "tarantula hawk" wasp hiking in New Mexico and then just this week while mountain biking by a bee. The black wasp was really swollen and itchy for about 2 weeks. I found benedryl cream really helped. The bee sting is about 4 days old and slightly itchy but not nearly as bad. That is the worst feeling to be riding then stung, happened twice to me and once to DH. I think the exertion makes the sting last longer but I could just be wimpy. I feel for you!

Geez, twice in one summer...that's not right! I'm on antibiotics as of this morning...sting is infected and my entire lower leg is swollen and hot to the touch. I know insects are important, but right now I have very hateful feelings towards yellowjackets!