West Coast USA TE Gathering

[SadieKate]

I'm starting this thread because there seems to be an interest in another TE get together. Maybe everyone who is interested or has suggestions could add their 2 cents and then we'll come up with a group decision.

The suggestion has been made to ride the Tour of Napa Valley on August 21, 2005.

Tour of Napa Valley

Anyone have experience negotiating with hotels for a block of rooms? Even if only for 1 night? Will we have enough people for negotiating power?

[slinkedog]

Here's another idea: we could, in the interest of not having to pay fees and worry about registration, come up with a ride of our own!!! (We could also plan it for a time/location where it won't be 95 degrees!!! )

[snapdragen]

I'll be riding the Holstein 100 on Aug. 20 - it's a tradition with me now. Even if I'm in rotten shape I go to the Holstein

I like the idea of a get-together. If we did our own ride, we could pick a cool spot, like the north coast. I've always wanted to ride up in the Avenue of the Giants area. Or heck - head up to Oregon! I'm still trying to figure out my vacation plans for this year.

[SadieKate]

Well, I have the local knowledge to plan varying length road rides in Napa Valley or mtb bike rides in the Bend, OR area (and pals that would put together road rides for us - like around Bachelor). The Bend Distillery makes its own lemon-infused vodka. The red wines in OR are yummy! Can you tell where I learned that Gatorade and Vitamin I are a good combo? Lots of nice rental houses there also.

Less than 95 degrees is always good. North Coast - beautiful!! Sonoma? You know, Sonoma/Marin or Bend would have more access to mtb trails if there are those who want to come but don't do the roadie thing (or just prefer one over the other).

Sadie "just like to ride" Kate

[aka_kim]

The Holstein is a nice ride, and isn't usually hotter than h*ll.

Bend? I was thinking of touring in WA/OR this year, but it's a little pricey for the underemployed among us (like me) to do this too.

I still like the idea of an existing organized ride because they're usually only $30 or so, food (often quite good) is provided, there are several course lengths, and there's SAG support.

But... on the other hand, a ride of our own does sound cool. (Isn't this how new organized events get started? 5 years from now we'll be turning registrants away )

[CorsairMac]

maybe get some of the DHs to provide SAG support??

[slinkedog]

Now here's a ride I could get into... here's the link. 2 days, Tyler Hamilton Foundation, benefits MS, lodging and food provided and you get to ride and have a "fireside chat" with Tyler!! You also get to ride across the Golden Gate Bridge twice!

http://www.tylerhamiltonfoundation.o...ifornia56.html

[cindysue]

Now here's a ride I could get into... http://www.tylerhamiltonfoundation.o...ifornia56.html

hmm, this looks cool!

[slinkedog]

Here's some more detailed info from an email I got:

Day One: You’ll begin your two-day 120 mile “tour” of theSan Francisco Bay Area by riding across the awe-inspiring Golden Gate Bridge. From here you’ll head north through the charming bayside artist community of Sausalito, into Mill Valley and through many of the small towns that lie at the base of Mount Tamalpais State Park. After leaving Fairfax you’ll meander through the northwest countryside and farmland of Marin County, over a few challenging but very rideable hills, to the secluded coastal retreat of Walker Creek Ranch. That evening you'll share a wonderful dinner with all of your new best friends, followed by an intimate fireside chat with Tyler. Finally we'll head over to the Barn for a real knee-slapping, kick-up-your-heels shindig!

Day Two: riders will leave Walker Creek Ranch and head to the quaint fishing “village” of Marshall, nestled on the edge of Tomales Bay. From here you’ll head south along the bay, following the oyster farms, to Point Reyes Station, eventually making your way to the base of beautiful Mt. Tam and the tip of the Bolinas Lagoon. You’ll begin your climb up the western slope of the mountain, and if the fog stays away, you'll be greeted with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and the California coast. Towards the top you’ll pass through a small patch of California Redwoods and continue your tour across the northern edge of the mountain. If Mother Nature is working in our favor, riders will look down to the Pacific to their right, and the San Francisco Bay to their left. Once at the top you’ll begin your decent down the mountain back into the town of Mill Valley and complete your ride by crossing the Golden Gate Bridge once again.

[SadieKate]

I really wanted to go on this ride last year; I think it was different route. Did you look at the minimum pledges? Even with a team of 4, there is a $350 pledge plus reg fees of $50 to $115. While, of course, I applaud the cause , I think I could only ask my friends to donate for MS once a year. Love to do it some time. I'm putting it and the MS150 ride in Graeagle (Sept) on my list of "maybes" for next year.

[slinkedog]

I saw the registration and pledge info. I was daunted at first. Then I figured if I can get a team together, the $500 or so it would cost me would be about the same as overnighting and eating in Napa!!

[snapdragen]

Oh, that looks cool.......I'd do it!

Now here's a ride I could get into... here's the link. 2 days, Tyler Hamilton Foundation, benefits MS, lodging and food provided and you get to ride and have a "fireside chat" with Tyler!! You also get to ride across the Golden Gate Bridge twice!

http://www.tylerhamiltonfoundation.o...ifornia56.html

[cindysue]

A friend from school pointed out that tyler was accused of doping. Not sure if this is something we should be conscious about when thinking about this event.

Anybody up for a pacific coast tour? San Francisco to Santa Barbara? Or San Francisco to Oregon?

I signed up for a 2-year membership to Adventure Cycling today and will order the maps once my membership packet comes in the mail in the next week or so.

[aka_kim]

Anybody up for a pacific coast tour? San Francisco to Santa Barbara? Or San Francisco to Oregon?

I'm still thinking about doing Seattle to SF, or some variation on that, later this year.

What is the word on Tyler? His hearing was several weeks ago, and I thought the results (to ban or not) would be announced 10 days later.

[cindysue]

I'm still thinking about doing Seattle to SF,

Anybody else interested? I'm thinking late May/early June???

I think this would be a nice intro to touring as I'm still very much considering a US tour June 2006.