March 25th Rides

[makbike]

Hey it's Sunday and the sun is shining, temps in the low 80's a perfect day for a ride! My legs were a bit tired from yesterday's hilly 60 but I decided I need to get out and enjoy the wonderful gift presented to those of us in the Bluegrass region today. The skies are a beautiful blue, the flowering crabapple trees are in bloom, flowers are popping up all over the place. The birds and frogs were in full chorus, what a joy to hear them. Who could ask for more? During my 35 miles ride I spied the following birds: cardinals, eastern blue birds, tree thrushes, red tail hawks, black buzzards, mockingbirds and a northern flicker. The calves were playing in the pastures and the freshly plowed fields looked inviting. I hope our farmers have a great harvet this year! We are forecasted to have yet another beautiful day tomorrow sure wish I did not have to work nor attend the faculty meeting after school. I may still have time to get in a quick 15 if the boss does not keep us too late.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Makbike, what a lovely ride report! Isn't Spring incredible, especially from the saddle of our very own bike! I saw the first crocuses blooming this morning in my yard, and today I noticed the white narcissus bed shooting up all green oout of the ground (up to this weekend it's been covered in snow for quite a while!)

DH and I changed my bike stem today, and though I didn't get a real "ride" in, I did take a spin around the block a few times and things seem to be ok so far. Always tricky for us, removing, replacing, and then re-adjusting that bar end shifter and the rear derailleur. If it's not raining all day tomorrow, I'll try to go for a 12 mile ride to test it all out further before retaping.

Happy Spring!!!!

[Kalidurga]

A day of firsts:
- 1st ride of 2007
- 1st ride since beginning chiropractic treatments back in January
- 1st ride since getting a Serotta fitting last week that included raising my stem, adjusting my cleats and changing my saddle
- 1st time I've had to change a tire when there wasn't a floor pump nearby

All in all, a great ride. Gorgeous spring weather along the Potomac River out around Hancock, MD. Pretty busy day on the Western MD Rail-Trail, but that worked in my favor for a change, since a very nice gentleman stopped and offered to pump up my tire after I'd changed it. Changing the tire's easy, but I'll take any help I can get when it's time to work that mini-pump.

Having been sick off and on for the last couple of months, it's obvious that I've got to build my strength back up, but the ride was easier than I expected due to the adjustments that have been made to both my spine and my bike. After pedaling with stiff shoulders and a crunched-up neck last year and thinking it was just how I would have to ride, it was a joy to be comfortable even down in the drops My chiropractor and my bike fitter are now my heroes!

[GLC1968]

Got a HUGE slap in the face today.

DH and I joined an organized ride...did 64 miles and 2300 ft of climbing. I wasn't expecting it to be too difficult as we knew the route and had been riding all winter...boy, were we wrong. Granted, it was hotter than normal (85 degrees and sunny), but man...it was hard. We finished with an acceptable average speed (15.7mph) but we were both wiped out.

The problem is...in 6 weeks, we are riding our first mountain century (over 8000ft of climbing). Today showed us just how far from ready we truly are...

Ick. At least now we know, right? I've got a rough 6 weeks of training ahead of me!!

[HillSlugger]

It was a beautiful day to be outside; bright and sunny with temps in the middle 50s, but windier than I would have liked (uphill into the wind? No thanks!). I did a ride on the Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon route, 17.7 miles with several challenging hills. I followed that up with a run around the lake.

There were lots of cyclists all along the Iron Girl route and the Columbia Triathlon route and the path around the lake was crowded with runners, walkers, dogs, kids, scooters, etc.

The hills had me working pretty hard and my knees were really complaining on the run and I had to give them a few walk breaks. Thankfully, my ankles feel pretty good. It seems my orthotics are doing the trick.

I'm having trouble imagining how much harder this will all be following a 1000m swim! Hopefully I'll be in much better shape by then.

[Grog]

I had a friend from my cycling group back home in Montreal (I am now in Vancouver) who is in town for business and wanted to go for a bike ride. All week it looked like it would be pouring today but it turned out, at the last minute, to be sunny and about 10C, unseen weather in a long time for us PNWers! (on a weekend day at least)

He rented a road bike at the Reckless store (on Davie St.) and the bike and staff were okay and well intentioned (well the staff was), but not super. It took seemingly forever to get a slick tire on the front wheel (he decided not to ask for anything done to the rear wheel in case it would take even more time), the pedals were not working right (note to self: always bring my own pedals when renting) and the front tube's valve broke when the store guy inflated it. Well...

Anyway, we had a good 85 km ride, more than I've ridden in one shot since the Christmas break! I took him on the flat open roads (Iona Beach and Steveston, for those who know the area). I kept up with him for the first 40 km perhaps but after that I started having a much harder time. He might not have cycled outside all winter, he's much stronger. But that was fun anyway, and he was gentlemantly enough to lend me his wheel to draft from when I needed it, and slow down a bit, without me asking... (Other note to self: Remember to start eating more again during rides. This is not winter anymore, you're going out for longer and harder rides.)

Didn't see that much nature - unless you count Vancouver drivers as a special species - but two times a couple of eagles, perhaps the same. And the mountains were gorgeous. I'm so happy spring is returning at last!!!

[mimitabby]

We had a late start since lunch was involved, we started at 10 from Gasworks, and it was almost 10 degrees colder than I expected and rainy. If I had any way of getting OUT of that ride I would have.

We got on the bike and the unpleasant feeling of being smacked by really cold rain kept reminding me of why I didn't want to be on the back of the tandem.

We rode along on the wet sloppy streets, with me as uptight as I could be, and finally Raleighdon started complaining about my jitteryness.

Of course, that didn't help. What did help is that the rain quit and we got into the rhythm of things. We were surrounded by gorgeous blooming cherries and plums and millions of flowers in everyone's yards, as well as Magnolias and even the Maple trees were beautiful. There were also some of the scented Clematis Alba, Seattle is just gorgeous this time of year.
At Seward Park, knowing the restaurant was near, I was feeling better; and I was clipping in and out slightly more often than Raleighdon was; but only missed his cue and unclipped late once, which is not a big deal on a tandem.

We went to a Mexican restaurant in Rainier beach instead of the DimSum restaurant (don't ask me why) It was only 11:15am when we got there, but we ate anyway, the food is excellent there (Maia's.)
As we were eating in the restaurant an amazing thing happened. The sun came out!! I would finally be warm!
We then crossed over to Beacon Hill and took the new Chief Sealth trail, it is nearly finished and no one except Raleighdon and I even knew it existed (our neighborhood). We left Beacon Hill by taking HOLGATE, which really terrified me, but thankfully, Raleighdon kept the speed down, I guess we never went faster than 32mph...Phew! from there we rode trhough the International district and through the waterfront (you want to talk about a traffic mess!?!?)
NExt we went through Myrtle Edwards park, where we discovered that due to sewer problems, the trusty restrooms were closed so I had to use a very over used portapotty.
We then rode up to Ballard, and had to cross the locks (on foot) and finished up at Gasworks park in the sun at 2pm.

31 miles.

[Grog]

That sounds like a nice ride Mimi I like the 'Dim Sum Ride' concept (although I wouldn't trade the Dim Sum for Mexican food at brunch time).

Now I have to think of a Dim Sum or brunch place somewhere not too close. Well there's my partner's grandparents who said they'd have us for breakfast sometime... Hum.

[margo49]

There was no explaining to Lucky (foxy -X) that I wanted to ride today.
So I went a shorter circular non-road route, so he could come too. He went wild in the open air - barking and pirouetting .

The wheat is thigh-high now. The daisy is appearing and also the purple clover. So everything is yellow, white and purple (and green of course). Lots of zebra finches (after the mosquitoes in the puddles) and a pair of crested larks.which are so dainty.
Still some puddles and muddy places so a girl can feel she is dirty enough.
Was out for an hour and a half.

[Wahine]

DH and I had a great Gorge day yesterday.

I had a big volume day scheduled and DH was kind enough to accompany me on the first half of my ride. The weather was a little sketchy so we headed about 40 km east to The Dalles, OR. This is the start of the inland desert, typically warmer weather and dryer.

I knew of a loop, about 50km, that winds back up into the desert hills, cuts across a ridge and descends into a small town called Mosier. From there you can head back to your starting point on the Columbia river, via the Old Highway. It was windy so I thought that heading inland would be best while we headed west, into the wind.

We started with high spirits. At about mile 2 we turned up Seven Mile Hill Rd. DH said, "This is not a good sign". The climbing had begun. We headed up a rather steep pitch. Granny gear the whole way and averaging less than 7 mph the entire climb. We stopped half way to eat and rest a bit, before continuing on. We saw plenty of birds, wild flowers and farm critters. At one point an enormous, (read Cujo sized), dog tried to chase us but fortunately it was chained to a tractor tire that slowed it down a bit and prevented him from jumping the fence. I am not kidding. This huge white dog was trying to run 90 mph dragging a tire.

After a while DH stopped talking to me. I don't know if this was out of anger or out of breath.

We crested the hill at 1802 feet and headed down the other side. the wind was so extreme that I was afraid I'd get blown off the road. It made the descent a little scary.

We turned at Mosier and headed back along the Old Highway. It was a great ride but DH was a little miffed that I didn't tell him about all the climbing. he was particularly miffed when he found out it is one of the steepest hills in the area.

I rounded this out with anothe 50 km on the trainer while we watched a movie. Easier than riding by myself in that crazy wind.

[Starfish]

Wahine, you are such a studette.

I had a great ride yesterday, too, although not too epic. I got in 36 miles (and my new/used Jett saddle was great!), mostly flat, with about 1000' climbing.

For some reason, it was just one of those fun, feel great rides. I worked really hard (too hard, actually), felt really strong, and found myself smiling a lot. There were brand new lambs out on the farms! And, it was sunny except for one rainstorm. I knew I was heading into it, could see it out there, and I had the chance to turn back. But, I wanted to check out a route that is part of a long ride coming up in May, so I went for it, and got all the mud in my teeth to prove it. Smiling and riding through rain has its risks.

A great day.

[Brandy]

Here's a post from my blog about Sunday's ride. There are pictures posted there too.

http://cyclemama.blogspot.com/2007/0...ess-agony.html

Breathless Agony Preview

Breathless Agony...the name alone implies a painful ride. 112 miles and 12,000 ft of climbing in the mountains of southern California, it promises a long, hard day in the saddle, challenging one both physically and mentally. The organized ride is taking place on May 5th, but that's not enough for some of the members of the so Cal Bike Forums. They need to preview the route. Ride a portion of it in the name of training, you're thinking? Nope. Their idea of previewing is riding the route. The whole route. Every. Single. Mile. Of. It. I didn't register for the BA ride prior to it selling out, so this was my chance to do the route. George posted the idea of the BA Preview ride on Bike Forums back in January and the response was great, with many of the members willing to come out and ride with us. One last detail...finding someone to drive SAG for us, and Mandy came through. I had heard of her superior SAGging abilities and was assured that if she did this, we would only need one support person despite the fact that we would be all over the mountain with our varying abilities.

Fast forward to late Saturday night and the tickle in my throat, stuffiness and general feeling that *CRAP! I'm getting sick!* Bad timing, but this event was on my calendar for way too long to bail on it now. I woke up on Sunday morning feeling worse, but trying to tell myself that I felt just fine. My pride (sometimes I wonder if this thing I often call pride is really just stupidity masking as pride...maybe I'll figure it out someday) wasn't going to let me back out now. No way.

I had planned to start the ride at civil twilight, which was 6:20 a.m. but didn't arrive at Sylvan Park in Redlands, until shortly after that. I didn't feel like rushing to roll out quickly, perhaps it was the feeling of hesitation, not knowing how the ride was going to go in my current state of stuffiness and snottiness. After greeting some of the other riders and meeting some of the new ones, I gave Mandy my bag with some clothing and decided to roll out with Bob at 6:49 a.m. He stayed with me for a while, but I was having a hard time warming up so I wasn't making any effort to keep up with him. I knew at this point, having rolled between the anticipated slower group and the fast guys, that I would be riding this alone.

The first pass of the ride was Jack Rabbit Trail, which is an unmaintained road. It was so quiet and peaceful and I really enjoyed this section. It was somewhat of an obstacle course, as I found myself swerving and turning to avoid potholes and patches of gravel. Mandy came by to check on me and give me a report of where the other groups of riders were. She assured me that the fast guys were a couple of miles behind me, so I took the opportunity to find a bush before they caught me. <~~~yes...it's been a long time, but I'm back to posting about my public urination. Such a lady, I am. Back on the bike quickly, I enjoyed the rest of the traffic free first pass and was on my way to Beaumont.


The second pass on the route is Oak Glen. I think I had found my rhythm by this point and it didn't hurt as much as I had anticipated. I was finally warmed up and feeling good and even managed to grab the camera out of my jersey pocket to snap a few pictures of this gorgeous area. Every so often, I would look back, expecting the fast group to catch me. Finally, there was one. I couldn't tell for sure, but it didn't look like Phil or George, so I assumed that it was Pat closing in on me. When he reached me, we were almost to the top of the Oak Glen climb, where we rode together for a few minutes before he took off and said "see you at the bottom!"


The descent from the top of Oak Glen was a blast. As I was riding, I was looking at our route sheet, which was the original one from the Breathless Agony organized century. Calculating the cut-off times that they had listed, I felt like I was doing pretty well at this point coming into the second rest stop at Mill Creek Ranger Station. As I arrived all of the guys cheered for me which on one hand was great...it's nice to feel supported. On the other hand it's slightly embarrassing and you wonder if they would do that for the guys, or if you're getting special treatment for being a girl out there. Perhaps I should just stop analyzing it, shut up and be happy that I had a bunch of smiling men there to greet me. There could be worse scenarios. I ate some Fig Newtons here, used the restroom and accepted the Dayquil that Pat offered to me. George pulled in shortly after I did and asked me if I had found my special bottles in the SAG vehicle, which I hadn't. He had bought me my favorite Gatorade that morning and stashed them in Mandy's car with my name on them. I filled my bottles and George said he was rolling, so I took off with him. I was only able to hang on until the next group that left the rest stop caught and passed us. Once again, I knew that I couldn't hang and realized that I would be climbing alone.

Ahead of us was climbing, climbing and oh...get this...some more climbing! The section after Mill Creek Ranger Station was really hard on me. It appears to go on forever and ever and having driven it in the car before, I kept thinking to myself that I didn't remember this portion of the drive before the hairpin turn being this long! Later I found out that this is referred to as "damnation alley" and rightfully so! As you are riding, it doesn't look like you're doing much climbing and I actually had to turn my head around several times in an effort to assure myself that there was a reason for my snail's pace. I actually contemplated turning back at this point, thinking that I couldn't ride this slowly and still make it to Onyx Summit. Of course, my pride and the thought that George would kick my *** if I bailed just 45 miles into a ride snapped me out of it. Once past the hairpin turn, I felt like I was actually climbing the mountain, actually getting somewhere, and mentally I was in a much better place and on my way to completing the third pass of the route. I enjoyed the views along the way, including a waterfall on the side of the road that I had noticed the last time that I drove up to Angelus Oaks. A few miles from Angelus Oaks I started cramping in my left leg. I've never experienced this before, but knew that I needed salt...just then Mandy pulls up in the SAG vehicle. Perfect timing! I asked if she had anything salty in the car and she pulled off to the side to check. The only thing we saw was trail mix and that didn't sound good, so I settled for a banana, hoping that the potassium would do me good. I was still cramping, though not as badly as I pulled into Angelus Oaks and the third rest stop. I arrived once again to cheers from the group and promptly started searching for salt! There were potato chips in the car but they didn't sound good and licking the salt off of them was taking too long so I went off in search of some V8 after Ian loaned me some cash. I chugged two cans right away and talked to Jason and Phil for a few minutes before heading out alone for the final pass.

Leaving the store at Angelus Oaks I was trying to calculate how long this last section to Onyx Summit would take me at various speeds. It was something to do to pass the time and though I knew that there was some descending and rollers to come in this section, I wasn't counting on them when I was doing my doomsday *I'm never going to get there* calculations in my head. Before I knew it I was descending and it lifted my spirits...just what I needed. Of course, with the descending came the thought of "CRAP! I'm going to have to climb this **** again on the way back!" I quieted those thoughts and told myself that the only thing that counts is my time to Onyx Summit. The clock stops there and I'll worry about those climbs later.

I'm not sure where I was when people started passing me on their way down. Some had turned around early, though seeing them descending while I still had so far to go was mentally crushing for me. They had left the store not long before me and I just kept thinking...how could they have made it to the top that quickly?!?!?!?!?! It wasn't until later that I found out that they had turned back early and I was fretting for nothing. Mandy drove by to check on me and I asked her to tell George to come back for me after he reached the summit. He had promised that he would and at that point I was lonely and craving some company. The next time I saw her she said that George was at the top, so I expected to see him coming down around a curve at any time. Time kept passing and no sight of George so I figured that one of two things had happened. He was suffering and needed to rest (the best assumption since he had done a Palomar Century the day before) or that he had decided I needed to do this climb alone because it would be more rewarding. I didn't really think that he'd go back on a promise, but I would have been okay with either scenario. Finally...there he was, slowly descending in his search for me. From across the road I see the smile of someone who has conquered the climb and had a chance to recover, which was a stark contrast from me on the other side of the road. I was happy to see him, but barely able to smile in return. I've ridden with George enough to know that he can sense my mood and react accordingly, first with the encouragement and praise, telling me that I'm kicking *** and that he's proud of me. Next comes the nurturing aspect where he tells me to hand him my bottle of water, which he exchanges for one of his that was full of Gatorade, or something...I never asked, just knew that it was more than water! He told me that we were 1.8 miles from the top and then came more praise, this time when he noticed that I was climbing with my heels down. It's one of the things that I get sloppy about at times, but was able to stay on top of throughout this ride. Riding beside me he asked me if I wanted him to pace me up and I said yes, so he got in front of me and and rode nice and easy. He counted down for me...0.7 miles, 0.3 miles, you're almost there. Look! There's the Onyx Summit sign!


Finally off of the bike at mile 74.3, I was so thrilled to have done it! 7 hours and 33 minutes to the top and I was happy with my time. I found a place to rest my bike, was ordered to start eating and immediately downed two Gu packets. After resting for a few minutes Mandy arrived, George gave the remaining riders a quick lesson on changing tubulars and then we were off for our obligatory Onyx Summit elevation sign picture. We bundled up for the descent we were off. The rollers that I had worried about weren't bad at all, and I felt fine climbing, knowing that I was getting ready for a long downhill once we hit Angelus Oaks. We stopped once to strip our jackets off and then at the store for a quick restroom break and were off again, enjoying the warm temperatures that rose as we descended. We rolled into Sylvan Park, I changed clothes and split quickly in an effort to find food.

This route was amazing, I can't wait to do it again. In five weeks. Say what? Yes...I'll do it again in five weeks with the other Breathless Agony workers and then I'll be up there the day of the official ride, cheering all of the riders on. Of course, that won't be enough, this unofficial version gets planned again as a Bike Forums ride for the fall, after temps cool off. I'm hooked on the agony.

[lesliejo]

I just loved what you said about getting in a quick 15 miles after work. This time of year I am swamped with faculty meetings, SIP meetings, GLT meetings, LA district committee meetings, etc. I can hardly breathe. But......as soon as I am out, I hop on my bike (I keep it in my classroom) and head out the door. It keeps me sane. I do treasure the weekend long rides, where would I be without them. Keep up the good work.


Bionica, the weekend and quick after meetings rider.
ps Didn't you love the early time change?

Hey it's Sunday and the sun is shining, temps in the low 80's a perfect day for a ride! My legs were a bit tired from yesterday's hilly 60 but I decided I need to get out and enjoy the wonderful gift presented to those of us in the Bluegrass region today. The skies are a beautiful blue, the flowering crabapple trees are in bloom, flowers are popping up all over the place. The birds and frogs were in full chorus, what a joy to hear them. Who could ask for more? During my 35 miles ride I spied the following birds: cardinals, eastern blue birds, tree thrushes, red tail hawks, black buzzards, mockingbirds and a northern flicker. The calves were playing in the pastures and the freshly plowed fields looked inviting. I hope our farmers have a great harvet this year! We are forecasted to have yet another beautiful day tomorrow sure wish I did not have to work nor attend the faculty meeting after school. I may still have time to get in a quick 15 if the boss does not keep us too late.

[makbike]

As I see it 15 miles is better than no miles. The rides after school help me to decompress. As you know this time of year is packed with stress and worries (committee meetings, state testing, planning for next year, kids not making the grades, etc) and I simply need something to work my worries off before I head home in the afternoons. I've started riding to work (only 2 miles) attending whatever meeting I have after school, quickly changing, tossing my bags on my bike and riding a short/quick 15 miles before I head home. That time on my bike does wonders for my mental state! We only have 36 more days of school and I'm so looking forward to May 31st!

I hope what remains of your year goes smoothly and is as stress free as it can be for this time of year. Hang in there!