Anyone doing Waves to Wine?

[melissam]

Waves to Wine was a lot of fun! I rode with Team TiVo, and we had to overcome our share of mishaps:
* Our team captain was running late. And then, when he got to AT&T Park, he realized that he'd forgotten his cycling shoes, so had to run back home to get them.
* One of our team members rode under the Dark Cloud of Mechanical Doom, having her seat come off her seat post on Day 1 (before even getting to the Golden Gate Bridge) and breaking her chain on Day 2. Fortunately, there was a bike shop in the vicinity of both issues.
* Another team member had a curb jump out in front of him and fell. Only damage was a slightly scraped elbow. Not as bad as last year's incident with a renegade post, which claimed his helmet.
* I got a flat tire within 10 miles of Day 2, and proceeded to do the World's Slowest Tire Change. (This reminds me, I still need to patch or replace the tube in my seat bag before my next ride on the Trek.)
* We'd gotten TiVo jerseys and shorts. The team consensus is that you could also use the chamois in the shorts as sandpaper. My first clue was that the shorts were uncomfortable just walking around. Nevermind riding 100 miles in the suckers.

I enjoyed riding with some of my workmates and getting to know them better. Nice to see them outside of the cube farm!

It was also great to see everyone at the AV rest stop!! It was superbly organized and was stocked to the gills with a wide selection of treats.

Another highlight was the happy coincidence of seeing my training ride leader from the 2004 Cinderella Century training series!

As CherylSF mentioned, Day 1 had its share of climbs. The scenery was fantastic -- riding over the Golden Gate Bridge, riding thru stands of Eucalyptus trees, getting glimpses of the Pacific Ocean when you turned a corner -- it almost took your breath away. During the latter part of Day 1, we passed several pastures, some with lots of sheep. At that point, I was beat, because I'd only gotten a couple of hours sleep the night before. I was trying to distract myself by looking at the scenery, but I kept reminding myself NOT to count the sheep, lest I fall asleep. Fortunately, I found a market that sold Red Bull at Mile 80, and perked up for the ride into camp.

Camping was fine. I was a bit worried about the first come, first serve accommodations, but there was nothing to worry about. I found SadieKate and camped by her team (TNT). I think the key to camping is to have a horrible night's sleep the night before and to ride 100 miles -- you'll sleep like a baby! Well, a good air mattress, pillow, and being warm enough helps too.

Day 2 took place on rolling terrain, which is usually my favorite, since you can build up momentum on the downhill and just "pop up" the next hill. However, my legs had other plans. When it was time to go up hill, they had the nerve to say "I don't wanna." My lower back was killing me. EVERYONE was passing me up the hills. Everyone. People riding mountain bikes. People wearing tennis shoes who weren't even using their toe clips. I started looking longingly at the SAG vehicles passing by. I cursed myself for doing the 75 mile route instead of the 50 mile route.

That's when I remembered who benefited from this ride: people with MS. They go thru things that are so much worse than tired legs and a sore back. Not only that, but when their symptoms get too hard, they can't just quit. So I decided right there to do whatever it took to finish the ride. Who cared if EVERYONE passed me -- the ride wasn't about me.

I labored my way to the lunch stop, regrouped with some of my teammates, enjoyed my sandwich, and got back on the bike. And you know what, after lunch, I felt much, much better. I enjoyed the last 35 miles of rolling hills and vineyards - it was a picture perfect ride.

So...if you're thinking about doing the ride, by all means, do it!

[maillotpois]

Great reports - nice seeing you out there, Mel!

[andtckrtoo]

THANK YOU!!!! The reports were great! Melissa - sorry Day 2 was killer, but I love your attitude! It's a great cause, and I think I have DH convinced that we need to ride it next year.

This year I'm aiming for the Asti Tour de Vine - looks fun! I may go for the century, as I've been wanting to ride one. I can start training after my 55 miler on Sunday - http://astitourdevine.com/

[SadieKate]

Best of all, I got to ride much of the first day and all of the second with my 2 MS honorees, SK and our team captain (who pulled in 76 team members for the best ever showing for a "rookie", non-corporate W2W team!)! AND... the AV rest stop in Sausalito was TOP NOTCH!!!

I agree with the "TOP NOTCH" rest stop, but being an honoree? Um, more of a dis-honoree. Thas' moi.

[Bike Goddess]

Nice to see you all here! Great pic! Sorry I didn't make it this year, but some of my pals from my bike club came.

Heard you guys raised a ton of money!

Anybody get the ice cream at the end? Home made on the spot! (A fellow cyclist gets his company to do that little treat)

[melissam]

Anybody get the ice cream at the end? Home made on the spot! (A fellow cyclist gets his company to do that little treat)

I missed the ice cream at the end, but did enjoy a free beer at the end of the ride.

[SadieKate]

I was too into the BBQ and watermelon. Earlier in the day I'd said I really wanted watermelon. They read my mind!!

[jobob]

Yeah, but we know your priorities are whacked.

[SadieKate]

Hey! I had ice cream the night before and no beer.

[maillotpois]

I was too into the beer to spend time on the ice cream. My bad.

[Bike Goddess]

Well, I always figured this group goes for the beer. Ice cream- way to tame for you guys!