June 29, 2007
Distance = 22.72
Time = 1.39.04
Max speed = 23 mph
Average speed = 13.7 mph
Lorrie and I met Daryl and Tim in Elysian to do a ride along the Sakatah together. Daryl and Tim are also doing the MS TRAM so we figured it might good to bike together one day before the official ride. I already knew they would be much faster than us. But it was fun to ride with them anyway. They led us through Waterville past Camp Dells, which I realized was a place my family had camped when I was younger. I always wondered why Wisconsin Dells seemed so close when I was a kid! lol Easy! 'Cause that's not where we'd gone!! Mystery solved! Anyway, we started out at a good pace. Tim had ridden from Mankato so he was all warmed up. Not that that was why, but they were well ahead of us in no time. Still a beautiful ride. Lorrie had a bit of a fit about shifting gears on hills. It was cute. She figured it all out later. We rode about 14 miles or so on the trail and then road. Then we came to a point where we could continue on the trail or go back. Lorrie decided to head back toward the cars on the trail and the rest of us decided to go on a little bit further. So we did. It was good riding with them at about 19-20 mph. They, of course, were chatting and laughing. I was huffing and puffing! lol I'd not ridden that fast consistently this season so it was a challenge. We turned around about 5 miles out. Tim went ahead since he had to get back to Mankato so it was just Daryl and me. About 3 miles in, we were pulling into Waterville. Daryl was telling me a story and I suddenly felt like I was going to vomit or "the other." We found an outhouse by the high school and I was pretty violently sick. He said that was the first time he'd made anyone *that* sick with his talking. I wasn't sure I could keep riding so I just sat on the curb for a little bit. We decided that he should go on and let Lorrie know so that if I needed a ride, she could come back and get me. So he left and I sat. Then I got on my bike and rode about 20 feet before realizing I just couldn't do it. Such a strange feeling! So I called Lorrie and she had just gotten to my car. She came back and got me and we met Daryl for lunch at Tucker's in Elysian. lol I ate a little bit just to see how it went. Seemed fine. Just a little weak. About an hour later, I felt perfectly fine. The only thing I could guess was that I had pushed too hard to keep up with the boys AND it was the worst day of my period. (Hey, it's *my* blog!). I was a little embarrassed that it happened with those guys. I admit I was trying to impress them a little with being able to keep up. Guess I got put in my place eh? lol Anyway, it was still a good ride. Like I've said before... a bad day cycling is better than a good day doing pretty much anything else. (= Maybe next time I'll be able to keep down my breakfast.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Cannon City Loop
June 26, 2007
Distance = 29.05
Time = 2.22.17
Max speed = 33.0 mph
Avg speed = 12.2
HOT! HOT! HOT! Remember that short route I did a couple months ago that I "just knew" had a good ride in it? Well turns out it's a regular ride for the cycling group in town. So I figured it was time to just do it. As I sometimes do, I started a little later than intended. It was about noon. And it was about 100 degrees. Call me crazy, but I kindof like that. Not while I'm in it necessarily. But it keeps me drinking water and somehow keeps me from cramping. So I went out from Northfield on Division, turned a slight right onto 20, then onto 22. All with a headwind. That, along with the heat, did make it pretty difficult. It was also during this ride that I remembered I am more interested in longer distances and find myself discouraged in the first 15-20 miles of many rides. Strange. And then I find my rhythm. I just needed to remember. There was also a lot of climbing on this particular route... with a head wind. All of these factors made the whole thing a little difficult. I just had to keep telling myself that I love this crap! lol Once I turned off 22 onto the road into Nerstrand Blvd, I thought maybe it would settle down a bit. But no. Not as many hills but the head wind was still there. But *then* I turned toward the town of Nerstrand, can't remember the road, and the tailwind was incredible! I hit 29 mph at one point and I was basically coasting. That was a nice break! I turned for a short detour to get some water and peanut butter crackers in Nerstand. I sat outside the gas station for a few minutes. I talked to a man with a prosthetic leg that had photos decopaged (sp) into it who was also from Northfield. He was taking a Saturday cruise on his motorcycle, just checking out the small towns in the area and seeing where the roads would take him. Cool! Then I talked to an older gentleman who warned me that it was just too hot to be outside exercising at this time. He was very sweet! I actually liked Nerstrand. It would be interesting to go check out prices of houses for sale there. I digress. Back on the road. As I was riding again down the highway, a man pulled up next to me in his car and slowed down. Of course I got a little nervous and was ready to use my bike as a weapon if necessary. But he said he was lost and needed directions. I've lived in urban areas, maybe that doesn't matter, so I stayed far enough away from him that he wouldn't be able to touch me. Paranoid eh? Safe though! Anyway, I tried to help him enough that he wouldn't realize that I actually had no idea where I was. But he was trying to get to Mankato and I knew he was going the wrong direction for that. So I gave him directions to Northfield and told him that was the only place I knew how to start from. He seemed thankful and took off. Strange to be stopped on a highway like that. Back to riding. Got to the next stop sign and, according to my map, had a choice I could make. It seemed like one had fewer hills so I took that one. In retrospect, I don't think either way would have been better in that regard. The way I chose just gave me a straighter route back to my house. But there were helacious hills there! One had been labeled by the Nfld Cycling Club as a King of the Mtn climb. Holy crap! I talked to my legs and asked them to keep going. I called them a few names to get them angry too. That seemed to work a little. But the girls respond best to niceties. (= I made it back to 426 or 406 or whatever Division becomes and headed back home. In the end, it was a great ride and just what I needed to get into TRAM training mode. Later in the evening I drove Lorrie on the route and she was impressed with the hills.
Distance = 29.05
Time = 2.22.17
Max speed = 33.0 mph
Avg speed = 12.2
HOT! HOT! HOT! Remember that short route I did a couple months ago that I "just knew" had a good ride in it? Well turns out it's a regular ride for the cycling group in town. So I figured it was time to just do it. As I sometimes do, I started a little later than intended. It was about noon. And it was about 100 degrees. Call me crazy, but I kindof like that. Not while I'm in it necessarily. But it keeps me drinking water and somehow keeps me from cramping. So I went out from Northfield on Division, turned a slight right onto 20, then onto 22. All with a headwind. That, along with the heat, did make it pretty difficult. It was also during this ride that I remembered I am more interested in longer distances and find myself discouraged in the first 15-20 miles of many rides. Strange. And then I find my rhythm. I just needed to remember. There was also a lot of climbing on this particular route... with a head wind. All of these factors made the whole thing a little difficult. I just had to keep telling myself that I love this crap! lol Once I turned off 22 onto the road into Nerstrand Blvd, I thought maybe it would settle down a bit. But no. Not as many hills but the head wind was still there. But *then* I turned toward the town of Nerstrand, can't remember the road, and the tailwind was incredible! I hit 29 mph at one point and I was basically coasting. That was a nice break! I turned for a short detour to get some water and peanut butter crackers in Nerstand. I sat outside the gas station for a few minutes. I talked to a man with a prosthetic leg that had photos decopaged (sp) into it who was also from Northfield. He was taking a Saturday cruise on his motorcycle, just checking out the small towns in the area and seeing where the roads would take him. Cool! Then I talked to an older gentleman who warned me that it was just too hot to be outside exercising at this time. He was very sweet! I actually liked Nerstrand. It would be interesting to go check out prices of houses for sale there. I digress. Back on the road. As I was riding again down the highway, a man pulled up next to me in his car and slowed down. Of course I got a little nervous and was ready to use my bike as a weapon if necessary. But he said he was lost and needed directions. I've lived in urban areas, maybe that doesn't matter, so I stayed far enough away from him that he wouldn't be able to touch me. Paranoid eh? Safe though! Anyway, I tried to help him enough that he wouldn't realize that I actually had no idea where I was. But he was trying to get to Mankato and I knew he was going the wrong direction for that. So I gave him directions to Northfield and told him that was the only place I knew how to start from. He seemed thankful and took off. Strange to be stopped on a highway like that. Back to riding. Got to the next stop sign and, according to my map, had a choice I could make. It seemed like one had fewer hills so I took that one. In retrospect, I don't think either way would have been better in that regard. The way I chose just gave me a straighter route back to my house. But there were helacious hills there! One had been labeled by the Nfld Cycling Club as a King of the Mtn climb. Holy crap! I talked to my legs and asked them to keep going. I called them a few names to get them angry too. That seemed to work a little. But the girls respond best to niceties. (= I made it back to 426 or 406 or whatever Division becomes and headed back home. In the end, it was a great ride and just what I needed to get into TRAM training mode. Later in the evening I drove Lorrie on the route and she was impressed with the hills.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Sakatah Trail
June 25, 2007
Distance = 24.38
Time = 2.13.53
Max speed = 18.1 mph
Avg speed = 10.8 mph
Lorrie and I decided to go for a ride after work. Lorrie needed some down time and I needed to get some things ready. So we didn't actually get on the trail until maybe 6pm. Not too bad since it gets dark pretty late. We left from the Dairy Queen parking lot. Nothing out of the ordinary happened. That trail is just too bumpy for cycling. Maybe for a hybrid with shocks it would be good. But my hands felt nearly every bump. I don't know why I keep going back there except that it's convenient. We tried to predict when the sun would go down enough that we wouldn't be able to see at all. There's also a lot of tree coverage on this trail so it seems much darker at times than it really is. When we got to about 10 miles, we decided we could get in an extra 2 that direction so that Lorrie could ride further than she ever had. I'm glad we did that but it did actually get pretty dark. This time I had brought one of my pairs of sunglasses with the orange lenses so that I could see a little more clearly a little longer. That was a good thing because the bugs were horendous! Lorrie tucked in behind me and just watched my red jersey, which was about the only thing she could see. We finished without incident but decided that leaving directly after work would be a better idea. We can lounge afterwards! (= Dinner was A&W! lol
Distance = 24.38
Time = 2.13.53
Max speed = 18.1 mph
Avg speed = 10.8 mph
Lorrie and I decided to go for a ride after work. Lorrie needed some down time and I needed to get some things ready. So we didn't actually get on the trail until maybe 6pm. Not too bad since it gets dark pretty late. We left from the Dairy Queen parking lot. Nothing out of the ordinary happened. That trail is just too bumpy for cycling. Maybe for a hybrid with shocks it would be good. But my hands felt nearly every bump. I don't know why I keep going back there except that it's convenient. We tried to predict when the sun would go down enough that we wouldn't be able to see at all. There's also a lot of tree coverage on this trail so it seems much darker at times than it really is. When we got to about 10 miles, we decided we could get in an extra 2 that direction so that Lorrie could ride further than she ever had. I'm glad we did that but it did actually get pretty dark. This time I had brought one of my pairs of sunglasses with the orange lenses so that I could see a little more clearly a little longer. That was a good thing because the bugs were horendous! Lorrie tucked in behind me and just watched my red jersey, which was about the only thing she could see. We finished without incident but decided that leaving directly after work would be a better idea. We can lounge afterwards! (= Dinner was A&W! lol
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Thunder Bay Loop
June 20, 2007
Distance = 21.62 miles
Time = 2.03.15
Max speed = 23.0 mph
Avg speed = 10.5 mph
Lorrie and I set out to do a 30 mile ride that was recommended by Lorrie's best friend Karen. So off we went. It was a little windy and a little hilly. After the first big hill Lorrie was struggling. But she kept going and got through that. We fought the wind most of the way but there was a section that was closed to vehicles because it was a new road. So it was great smooth tar! Very nice! We took a little detour around the college Lorrie went to and did some sightseeing. When we finished and it was just over 20 miles, we realized that Karen had been speaking Canadian... kilometers! Ha! Oh well. I think that ride was a little harder on Lorrie's ass than her previous ride. lol I thought we did pretty well though. I can't remember the route at the moment but I'll do an addendum if I figure it out.
Distance = 21.62 miles
Time = 2.03.15
Max speed = 23.0 mph
Avg speed = 10.5 mph
Lorrie and I set out to do a 30 mile ride that was recommended by Lorrie's best friend Karen. So off we went. It was a little windy and a little hilly. After the first big hill Lorrie was struggling. But she kept going and got through that. We fought the wind most of the way but there was a section that was closed to vehicles because it was a new road. So it was great smooth tar! Very nice! We took a little detour around the college Lorrie went to and did some sightseeing. When we finished and it was just over 20 miles, we realized that Karen had been speaking Canadian... kilometers! Ha! Oh well. I think that ride was a little harder on Lorrie's ass than her previous ride. lol I thought we did pretty well though. I can't remember the route at the moment but I'll do an addendum if I figure it out.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Sakatah
June 7, 2007
Distance = 30.25
Time = 2.09.28
Max speed = 19.5 mph
Avg speed = 14.0 mph
I wanted to try and hit the 30 mile mark and figured Sakatah was as safe a place as any to do so. Lorrie didn't want to ride so she and Emma took a long walk and played in the water. We parked at Cannon Lake so they'd be right on the beach when they had to wait for me. The trail was quite bumpy and my wrists took a pretty good beating! It was a good ride but I pushed the daylight a little too far. I just wanted to hit 30 badly so I pushed it to the 15 mile mark before heading back. One thing is that on a flat surface alone I might not have hit 19.5 mph. But since it was getting dark and I'm not fond of darkness in the woods, it made me go a little faster. There were many points where I was basically blindly riding and hoping that I wouldn't hit a branch or anything. I did eat a great many bugs! That was gross. But if that's the worst that happened, I'm pretty happy about it. Lorrie was waiting with a very wet and happy Emma Blue who had been playing in the water with her frisbee. We walked a little and then headed to A&W for dinner.
Distance = 30.25
Time = 2.09.28
Max speed = 19.5 mph
Avg speed = 14.0 mph
I wanted to try and hit the 30 mile mark and figured Sakatah was as safe a place as any to do so. Lorrie didn't want to ride so she and Emma took a long walk and played in the water. We parked at Cannon Lake so they'd be right on the beach when they had to wait for me. The trail was quite bumpy and my wrists took a pretty good beating! It was a good ride but I pushed the daylight a little too far. I just wanted to hit 30 badly so I pushed it to the 15 mile mark before heading back. One thing is that on a flat surface alone I might not have hit 19.5 mph. But since it was getting dark and I'm not fond of darkness in the woods, it made me go a little faster. There were many points where I was basically blindly riding and hoping that I wouldn't hit a branch or anything. I did eat a great many bugs! That was gross. But if that's the worst that happened, I'm pretty happy about it. Lorrie was waiting with a very wet and happy Emma Blue who had been playing in the water with her frisbee. We walked a little and then headed to A&W for dinner.
Dundas
Dundas, in a roundabout sort of way (with Lorrie)
June 7, 2007
Distance = 8.36
Time = 53.54
Max speed = 35.0 mph
Avg speed = 9.2
I finally got Lorrie out for her first bike ride! She got her bike from her friend a few days ago and we haven't had much time to ride. We headed out on Division away from town like I had done a few weeks ago. Then I remembered some of the hills I had climbed, even on my short ride, and suggested we turn sooner on a straight road into Dundas. I can't remember what county road it is. But it said, "Dundas 2 miles" and that seemed like a good start. So off we went. She had some trouble with a hill or 2. But did great for her first time out in years. I decided we should stop at 8 though she wanted to keep going. I was just being cautious about her knee and crotch! But I get the feeling that she was hooked! Applebees for steak afterwards!
June 7, 2007
Distance = 8.36
Time = 53.54
Max speed = 35.0 mph
Avg speed = 9.2
I finally got Lorrie out for her first bike ride! She got her bike from her friend a few days ago and we haven't had much time to ride. We headed out on Division away from town like I had done a few weeks ago. Then I remembered some of the hills I had climbed, even on my short ride, and suggested we turn sooner on a straight road into Dundas. I can't remember what county road it is. But it said, "Dundas 2 miles" and that seemed like a good start. So off we went. She had some trouble with a hill or 2. But did great for her first time out in years. I decided we should stop at 8 though she wanted to keep going. I was just being cautious about her knee and crotch! But I get the feeling that she was hooked! Applebees for steak afterwards!
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Partial Webster Loop
June 2, 2007
Distance = 21.05
Time = 1.36.02
Max speed = 22.0 mph
Avg speed = 13.1 mph
This is the second time I've tried to complete this loop. It's becoming a spur in my side that I can't seem to finish it. I thought about it the day before and felt like 40 miles was feasible. Sometimes longer distances are more feasible when I'm with other riders though. I've done the distance on my own before. Just seem to have some kind of block with this particular ride. The first part was no big deal. But when I got to about 8 miles, I was thinking that 40 seemed much longer than it should. I just didn't have the energy, or maybe the motivation. So I went to 10 and then turned around. It was a bit windy but nothing major. There was nothing that stood out which would keep me from completing it. Ah well. Twenty miles is nothing to scoff at. And a bad day biking is better than a good day doing almost anything else! (=
Distance = 21.05
Time = 1.36.02
Max speed = 22.0 mph
Avg speed = 13.1 mph
This is the second time I've tried to complete this loop. It's becoming a spur in my side that I can't seem to finish it. I thought about it the day before and felt like 40 miles was feasible. Sometimes longer distances are more feasible when I'm with other riders though. I've done the distance on my own before. Just seem to have some kind of block with this particular ride. The first part was no big deal. But when I got to about 8 miles, I was thinking that 40 seemed much longer than it should. I just didn't have the energy, or maybe the motivation. So I went to 10 and then turned around. It was a bit windy but nothing major. There was nothing that stood out which would keep me from completing it. Ah well. Twenty miles is nothing to scoff at. And a bad day biking is better than a good day doing almost anything else! (=
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Random Hwys 20 & 22
May 29, 2007
Distance = 10.45
Time = 48.05
Average speed = 13 mph
Max speed = 29.5
It's been several weeks since I've been on my bike. I figured, even though it was getting a little late, I should at least peddle somewhere. So I went. I found a really nice road with some good hills to just warm up on. From my house, I just went to Division and turned right (away from town) then took Hwy 20, which is a slight angle off Division. Then I turned left onto Hwy. 22, which is also called Cannon City Rd. or something like that. I can tell that it could be a good longer ride. But not tonight. Tonight was only 10ish miles and that was fine. I did see a county park that looked like some potentially good hiking. Would be good to mention to Lorrie since she likes that kind of thing.
Distance = 10.45
Time = 48.05
Average speed = 13 mph
Max speed = 29.5
It's been several weeks since I've been on my bike. I figured, even though it was getting a little late, I should at least peddle somewhere. So I went. I found a really nice road with some good hills to just warm up on. From my house, I just went to Division and turned right (away from town) then took Hwy 20, which is a slight angle off Division. Then I turned left onto Hwy. 22, which is also called Cannon City Rd. or something like that. I can tell that it could be a good longer ride. But not tonight. Tonight was only 10ish miles and that was fine. I did see a county park that looked like some potentially good hiking. Would be good to mention to Lorrie since she likes that kind of thing.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Partial Webster Loop
Partial Webster Loop with Northfield Bike Club
Distance = 26.05
Time = 1.55.02
Max = 25.5 mph
Avg = 13.5 mph
I'm not sure why I chose today to ride with the Northfield Cycling Club! It's freezing cold... in the 30s maybe and windy as hell! So it was me and 7 guys who race. lol They dropped me immediately so I just tooled along at my own pace trying not to be blown off the road. One of the guys had given me directions so I felt pretty comfortable. Besides, I had my phone! lol I looked up at one point and saw a bunch of them coming toward me. I figured they'd had a mechanical or something. But they were coming back for me. Embarrassing!! So they basically surrounded me to protect me from the wind and we rode that way for about 25 miles. I cannot tell you how strong that wind felt. The wind in California was strong but there is something about a frozen wind that takes it out of you and feels thicker. We decided the air molecules band together more when it's cold. All I know is my face was pretty frozen and I thanked God every moment for my shoe covers! The first part was into the wind but then we got to ride some with the wind. That was very nice! I could actually keep up and even went a little faster than some of them on the downhill. I kept wondering why I chose this day to ride with them. I guess I figured they'd take it easy when it was so windy. But I should have realized that only the hardcore riders come out in this weather. Oh well. It ended up being a great experience with really nice guys. We ended at Blue Monday for some warm coffee. THEN, I had to get back on my bike and ride home. I was already getting stiff and did not want to be cold again. I hate to admit that I was whooped after that one and had to sleep a few hours. A shower would have been better to warm me and wake me up. But I just wanted to lay down!
Distance = 26.05
Time = 1.55.02
Max = 25.5 mph
Avg = 13.5 mph
I'm not sure why I chose today to ride with the Northfield Cycling Club! It's freezing cold... in the 30s maybe and windy as hell! So it was me and 7 guys who race. lol They dropped me immediately so I just tooled along at my own pace trying not to be blown off the road. One of the guys had given me directions so I felt pretty comfortable. Besides, I had my phone! lol I looked up at one point and saw a bunch of them coming toward me. I figured they'd had a mechanical or something. But they were coming back for me. Embarrassing!! So they basically surrounded me to protect me from the wind and we rode that way for about 25 miles. I cannot tell you how strong that wind felt. The wind in California was strong but there is something about a frozen wind that takes it out of you and feels thicker. We decided the air molecules band together more when it's cold. All I know is my face was pretty frozen and I thanked God every moment for my shoe covers! The first part was into the wind but then we got to ride some with the wind. That was very nice! I could actually keep up and even went a little faster than some of them on the downhill. I kept wondering why I chose this day to ride with them. I guess I figured they'd take it easy when it was so windy. But I should have realized that only the hardcore riders come out in this weather. Oh well. It ended up being a great experience with really nice guys. We ended at Blue Monday for some warm coffee. THEN, I had to get back on my bike and ride home. I was already getting stiff and did not want to be cold again. I hate to admit that I was whooped after that one and had to sleep a few hours. A shower would have been better to warm me and wake me up. But I just wanted to lay down!
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Ironman Bike Ride
Lakeville, MN
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Distance = 29.74
Time = 2.10.56
Max = 32.5
Avg = 13.6
First, I just have to say that it is a very good thing I don't drink! I don't think I would have made this ride if I was a drinker! The night before I had gone to Roller Derby with Lorrie and then we drove another 35 miles North of St. Paul for a Barn Dance. They had a really nice fire pit so we stayed for that too. I think we left there around 2am, which meant I got home around 3am. The bike ride started at 6:30am approximately 30 minutes from my house. The latest I could leave the staging area was 9:30am. I left my alarm set for 5am hoping that I could make the earlier start time. HAHAHA! I woke up at 7:30am, which, ironically, is the exact time limit I had for deciding whether I was going to do the ride. I wanted to but was SO tired! I knew I would hate myself if I didn't go. So somehow I rolled myself out of bed, got my stuff ready, and headed out. With Emma in tow. Parking was a NIGHTMARE!! Horrible! Drove around and around thinking I wasn't going to make the 9:30am cutoff because of parking. NOT because I had stayed out so late. Finally parked illegally in a turn lane! lol Checked in and was gone by 9:40am! Phew! I soon figured out what they meant by a family ride. I wanted to make up some time because I had started so late and ended up passing a million people in tennis shoes, regular shorts, and t-shirts. I felt a little silly in my riding garb. (= Not really. I finally was able to relax a little and get into my rhythm as I realized that I was going to get done in fine time. Nothing spectacular but not last. I loved seeing all the little kids riding... either on their own or attached to parents. It would be fun to have Emma along with me on some of these things! lol Maybe someday Emma and a baby!! LOL That would be funny! Anyway, I finished the ride with no issues... except a lot of dodging inexperienced people. Went into the staging area and got my t-shirt. I also bought last years glasses. I thought I might send one to Kammy since they are the beer glasses she likes so much. Then I bought Lorrie a water bottle for her bike. Funny to think someone could have none of those when I have so many floating around in various places. And that's *after* I recycled a bunch of them. (= Oh, and I didn't have the whole $4 for the water bottle so I paid $3.65 and another woman paid the $.35. So I can't take complete credit there! Anyway, I'm definitely glad I was able to roll myself out of bed and get moving. The weather was perfect! A little windy at the end but otherwise great! I wore shorts and a long-sleeve jersey and that worked great. Maybe next year I'll get some sleep and be able to do the 60-miler! lol
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Distance = 29.74
Time = 2.10.56
Max = 32.5
Avg = 13.6
First, I just have to say that it is a very good thing I don't drink! I don't think I would have made this ride if I was a drinker! The night before I had gone to Roller Derby with Lorrie and then we drove another 35 miles North of St. Paul for a Barn Dance. They had a really nice fire pit so we stayed for that too. I think we left there around 2am, which meant I got home around 3am. The bike ride started at 6:30am approximately 30 minutes from my house. The latest I could leave the staging area was 9:30am. I left my alarm set for 5am hoping that I could make the earlier start time. HAHAHA! I woke up at 7:30am, which, ironically, is the exact time limit I had for deciding whether I was going to do the ride. I wanted to but was SO tired! I knew I would hate myself if I didn't go. So somehow I rolled myself out of bed, got my stuff ready, and headed out. With Emma in tow. Parking was a NIGHTMARE!! Horrible! Drove around and around thinking I wasn't going to make the 9:30am cutoff because of parking. NOT because I had stayed out so late. Finally parked illegally in a turn lane! lol Checked in and was gone by 9:40am! Phew! I soon figured out what they meant by a family ride. I wanted to make up some time because I had started so late and ended up passing a million people in tennis shoes, regular shorts, and t-shirts. I felt a little silly in my riding garb. (= Not really. I finally was able to relax a little and get into my rhythm as I realized that I was going to get done in fine time. Nothing spectacular but not last. I loved seeing all the little kids riding... either on their own or attached to parents. It would be fun to have Emma along with me on some of these things! lol Maybe someday Emma and a baby!! LOL That would be funny! Anyway, I finished the ride with no issues... except a lot of dodging inexperienced people. Went into the staging area and got my t-shirt. I also bought last years glasses. I thought I might send one to Kammy since they are the beer glasses she likes so much. Then I bought Lorrie a water bottle for her bike. Funny to think someone could have none of those when I have so many floating around in various places. And that's *after* I recycled a bunch of them. (= Oh, and I didn't have the whole $4 for the water bottle so I paid $3.65 and another woman paid the $.35. So I can't take complete credit there! Anyway, I'm definitely glad I was able to roll myself out of bed and get moving. The weather was perfect! A little windy at the end but otherwise great! I wore shorts and a long-sleeve jersey and that worked great. Maybe next year I'll get some sleep and be able to do the 60-miler! lol
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Rainy Cannon Falls
Cannon Falls Trail
D = 20.13
Time = 1.30.21
Max = 21.5 mph
Avg = 13.3 mph
RAIN! Wow!! It was raining in Northfield this morning so I waited. I figured it would clear up by late morning. And it did so that was a good idea on my part! I got all my stuff together, including Emma, and took off for Cannon Falls. There was a haze the whole time but I figured that would be no big deal. By the time I got to Cannon Falls that haze seemed to have cleared mostly. Got everything set. I was a little cold so I wore a fleece jacket under my plastic rain jacket. I also wore my thick long tights with the water resistent panels (NOT water PROOF!). And off I went. It was a great ride because NO ONE was around! It was just me. It drizzled most of the time but then about mile 5 it started to rain. By mile 8 it was a downpour. I *loved* it!! I had planned on going out 15 so I'd have a 30 mile ride but I didn't figure I should allow myself to get *that* wet. So I got to the 10 mile point and stopped under cover for a moment to situate myself and my clothing. I put an outer glove over my cycling gloves and that helped... except that my cycling gloves were already soaked! lol But it kept my hands from getting much colder. So off I went back the way I had come. It continued to rain almost the whole way. I would say at about mile 18 it let up a little. And then it basically stopped when I got back to the car. Ha! What's up with that!? Got all my stuff put away and realized I had no pants to change into. I'd brought a shirt, jacket, socks, etc. But no pants. So I put a jacket on the seat to protect it from my wet ass. While I was putting things away, a drug deal was happening right in front of me! lol I thought I had left all that behind in LA! But what else is there to do around Cannon Falls!? Took Emma to one of the fields at Carleton to play a little frisbee then headed home. A good afternoon!
D = 20.13
Time = 1.30.21
Max = 21.5 mph
Avg = 13.3 mph
RAIN! Wow!! It was raining in Northfield this morning so I waited. I figured it would clear up by late morning. And it did so that was a good idea on my part! I got all my stuff together, including Emma, and took off for Cannon Falls. There was a haze the whole time but I figured that would be no big deal. By the time I got to Cannon Falls that haze seemed to have cleared mostly. Got everything set. I was a little cold so I wore a fleece jacket under my plastic rain jacket. I also wore my thick long tights with the water resistent panels (NOT water PROOF!). And off I went. It was a great ride because NO ONE was around! It was just me. It drizzled most of the time but then about mile 5 it started to rain. By mile 8 it was a downpour. I *loved* it!! I had planned on going out 15 so I'd have a 30 mile ride but I didn't figure I should allow myself to get *that* wet. So I got to the 10 mile point and stopped under cover for a moment to situate myself and my clothing. I put an outer glove over my cycling gloves and that helped... except that my cycling gloves were already soaked! lol But it kept my hands from getting much colder. So off I went back the way I had come. It continued to rain almost the whole way. I would say at about mile 18 it let up a little. And then it basically stopped when I got back to the car. Ha! What's up with that!? Got all my stuff put away and realized I had no pants to change into. I'd brought a shirt, jacket, socks, etc. But no pants. So I put a jacket on the seat to protect it from my wet ass. While I was putting things away, a drug deal was happening right in front of me! lol I thought I had left all that behind in LA! But what else is there to do around Cannon Falls!? Took Emma to one of the fields at Carleton to play a little frisbee then headed home. A good afternoon!
Sunday, March 25, 2007
First Ride 2007
Cannon Falls Trail
Cannon Falls, MN
D = 20.19
Time = 1.38.52
Max = 23 mph
Avg = 12.2 mph
The first exciting thing about this ride was that I got to buy a floor pump the day before in preparation! lol The ride itself was pretty generic. I remembered my butt balm so not much issue there. My hands got a little sore from the pressure though I move them around a lot. There weren't too many people on the trail... but enough. I had a couple encounters with Boy Scouts... they moved over for me and then a couple of them gave me a high five. That was cute! But I wanted to tell them afterwards that I'm gay. lol No, I didn't do that.
There were 4-5 sections with ice on the trail...
Of course I was able to work my way around that. No jumping boulders for me! Especially on a road bike! lol It ended up taking me a little longer than usual because of the ice and such. But it was still a nice ride and the weather definitely cooperated! I got back and woke Emma from her nap...
Cannon Falls, MN
D = 20.19
Time = 1.38.52
Max = 23 mph
Avg = 12.2 mph
The first exciting thing about this ride was that I got to buy a floor pump the day before in preparation! lol The ride itself was pretty generic. I remembered my butt balm so not much issue there. My hands got a little sore from the pressure though I move them around a lot. There weren't too many people on the trail... but enough. I had a couple encounters with Boy Scouts... they moved over for me and then a couple of them gave me a high five. That was cute! But I wanted to tell them afterwards that I'm gay. lol No, I didn't do that.
There were 4-5 sections with ice on the trail...
So I had to do a little bit of mountain biking. At first it was great and I was having fun sliding around. Then I had an image of falling and breaking my collarbone so I took it easy. It was still fun though! And really, had I fallen it would likely have been into snow and grass so I would have just gotten a little wet.
Then there were some real obstacles...
Of course I was able to work my way around that. No jumping boulders for me! Especially on a road bike! lol It ended up taking me a little longer than usual because of the ice and such. But it was still a nice ride and the weather definitely cooperated! I got back and woke Emma from her nap...
so that we could go play some frisbee! (= That's all she thinks about ya know! All in all a good little start to my cycling season this year. I will do a couple of these rides and then try to hook up with the club in Northfield and try to do their 40-mile Saturday ride. It will be nice to ride with people again! (=
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Rides Since...
I've ridden approximately 200 miles since the AIDS Ride. That's pretty pathetic eh? I still run and stay active. But life got in the way after the intensity of training. A week or so after the ride, I took off from my place in downtown LA and rode to Santa Monica then did the training ride that climbs past Malaga Cove to the Rancho Palos Verdes gas station... I can't remember the name damn it! It was strange to ride that climb alone and to have no encouragement. But I made it to the top and then sat and chatted with a gentleman on a mountain bike. Egads I don't know how people can ride those bikes on the road! I do enjoy the whirring sound of the knobby tires though! lol Anyway, I was pleased that I still had enough strength in my legs to do that climb. A few weeks later I met up with my riding partners from the actual ride and we did a little 30 miler around Beverly Hills and adjacent. It was SO nice to be able to ride with a group again.... a group of 4. We took it easy so we could talk and reminisce. It was great! That was during one of the little heat waves and we happened to have overcast that particular day. Very lucky!! I've done some other little rides here and there. I've written down the mileage and times and all that. But I'm not in techie mode at the moment so I'll spare you the details. I had hoped to be signed up for next year's ride by now. But I still don't know where I'll be working or living. Wherever I'm working, I would still like to train and fly in for the ride. I know it won't be nearly as enjoyable without the formal training rides. But that's in the future and I'll take it as it comes. For now, I'm still trying to keep in shape and stay ready for when my riding buddies come acallin'!!
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Rancho Palos Verdes
via Melago Cove
Distance - 58.26
Time - 4.26.41
Max speed - 33 mph
My first time doing this route alone and the first time after the AIDS ride was finished. Holy crap it's still difficult! And not nearly as fun alone. Got to the top and hung out with some guy at the gas station at the top of the hill. He'd ridden his mountain bike up the hill. But, I must say, he had not done the miles at that point that I had done. EGO! (= It's still humbling to see someone climb a hill like that on a mtn bike when I struggle on my road bike. However, I struggle much less at the moment! (= It was good... but very hot... ride!
Distance - 58.26
Time - 4.26.41
Max speed - 33 mph
My first time doing this route alone and the first time after the AIDS ride was finished. Holy crap it's still difficult! And not nearly as fun alone. Got to the top and hung out with some guy at the gas station at the top of the hill. He'd ridden his mountain bike up the hill. But, I must say, he had not done the miles at that point that I had done. EGO! (= It's still humbling to see someone climb a hill like that on a mtn bike when I struggle on my road bike. However, I struggle much less at the moment! (= It was good... but very hot... ride!
Monday, June 12, 2006
Silverlake
Distance - 12.46 miles
Time - 59.28
Max speed - 28 mph
Avg speed - 12.5 mph
Just a quick little jaunt to Silverlake to loosen up my legs. The hill at the end of the reservoir was a killer. It's SO short and so steep sometimes I feel like I'm just going to stop while still peddling. But since it's so short, the pain is quick and soon forgotten. Lots of potholes and such along the way but a good quickie ride without having to drive anywhere. I like that! (=
Time - 59.28
Max speed - 28 mph
Avg speed - 12.5 mph
Just a quick little jaunt to Silverlake to loosen up my legs. The hill at the end of the reservoir was a killer. It's SO short and so steep sometimes I feel like I'm just going to stop while still peddling. But since it's so short, the pain is quick and soon forgotten. Lots of potholes and such along the way but a good quickie ride without having to drive anywhere. I like that! (=
Saturday, June 10, 2006
ALC/LifeCycle 5 - Day Seven (June 10, 2006)
My last morning waking up at the crack of "pre-dawn" in awhile. It's a 60ish mile day, mostly along PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) with Saturday beach traffic. Most people were not in a huge hurry to 
get out of camp today. Our group was no different. I didn't really see anyone until we got to our bikes. I was there a little early... for the first time! There was a little gift on our seats from The Chicken Lady. Jeero got to ours first! Little sneak! It had a nice poem in there. I can't remember off hand what it said... but maybe I'll do an addendum with it. (= We rode out at an easy pace and just hung together. It was nice. There were some good rolling hills along the way. I hadn't done the 2-day Santa Barbara ride so this section of PCH was new to me. I couldn't really believe how hilly it was. They just kept coming at us! lol One of the rest stops was on a climb but the rest stop itself was down a very steep driveway. I kept expecting to see someone with road shoes slide down the thing. But it never happened! Damn! (= Nothing special about what I did at the rest stop! lol It's all routine by now. But one of them was very cute with a Martha Stewart theme! They offered only one color of Gatorade because too much color is BAD! ha! One of the roadies looked awesome in his capris, short sweater, and polo shirt. Good hair too! (= At some point we also passed through a military base! There was an ambulance at the entrance playing the theme to Top Gun over their speakers! lol That was cool! They have actually done that for us at the top of random climbs throughout the ride. Unfortunately I had forgotten about them until now! Oops! On the way out, there was a second ambulance playing, "It's getting hot in here... so take off all your clothes...." so Kenny and I began to disrobe. It was 2 guys in the ambulance so we had to debate which of us they were interested in seeing actually take the clothes off! lol With these tan lines... NEITHER!! The support just keeps on comin'! Got to lunch and really took our time! We found a table to eat at together and that was nice. Not sitting on the ground can be a very good thing! There were 5 of us and room for 6 at the table. So we had rotating guests! The Russian guy (Joe) who had done a comedy routine sat with us for a little bit. He was quite funny in that situation as well! (= Chicken Lady came in eventually and got a huge round of applause for all her support. She started to cry! Aww! Very sweet! I think she's an every year participant... along with Ginger Brewlay. As a rider or roadie or something every year. Amazing! About 15 miles remained after lunch. We took our sweet time getting out of there. But then it just seemed like we needed to. So off we went. We got onto the back of a HUGE paceline.... going way too slowly. But we were behaving. I heard Suzann behind me say, "NO!" lol I turned around so she could hear me, "That's why I'm in the middle, so you all can help me behave!" I did know it was dangerous and I wanted to be safe... but I get a little antsy behind people who are scared to descend. Nothing wrong with being a little scared... but I want to be in front of them. (= Nothing wrong with that either. Eventually Kenny found an opening and off we went. It wasn't quite so tight so it seemed quite a bit safer. Suzann was with us so I knew it had to be safe. (= She's a nurse! So she sees the outcome of the dangerous stuff. I get that! That's why I waited... and that's why I was glad she was with us! We got onto a beach path eventually and then had to cross under the road into what I think was Brentwood... we were close to the end. We climbed one last hill with "Mom and Dad" at the end with their M&Ms. Awesome! And 
then we rolled into Brentwood and stopped for Starbucks/Boba and to root for the riders behind us. That was fun!! The Boba was good too! Jeero enjoyed the Boba... the vitamin water was getting a little old by then! (= We stayed there for about 30-45 minutes then decided to roll in. There were people all along the streets, signs on most of the trees, and people in cars yelling at us. I will miss the cheering next time I ride!! We get closer and closer... there's another slight climb and we all bitch! We let Kenny lead us up the hill since he's been last on every other one! hehe O= And into the park we go. There is cheering and waving and everything. The Viagra man is there to high five us (he had been seen along the road wearing a pill outfit that said, "YOU are my viagra!!" lol). Everyone recognized him immediately!. We parked our bikes. Kenny's husband found him, Khoa's friends finally found him. Eventually Suzann's family found her... after we had lined up for the ceremony. It was just a big hug fest! I was relieved and happy... and I admit a little sad that no one was there to greet me. That was difficult with all the reunions happening around me. I had friends coming to pick me up later... with my dog!! So that made me happy. But in the moment, it was a little lonely! We went to get our finishing t-shirts and all chose yellow. It was hard to choose because Kenny had a couple colors, Suzann had one, and Khoa had a couple. So yellow it was! (= The closing ceremony was a lot of cheering, holding
up our bikes, more cheering, some crying, and a lot of HOPE! The most emotional I got was when they brought the roadies into the middle. The riders had come in and separated into two groups each on one side of an empty fenced-in space. The roadies filled that empty space... just as they have done all week. I just can't express the gratitude and emotion I feel when I think about the support and energy they have expended just to keep each of us on the road this week. Takes a very special kind of person to use her/his vacation time that way! So the middle, the core, is definitely where they belonged! I know it sounds sappy... but if you've had the experience, you know exactly what I mean! And that was that. It was over. Guess what I did next!? The first thing I always do when I get into camp... went to the gear truck to find my bag! On my day of lasts... that was the last time I would go hunting for my humongous bag! Emily and Sidney came and picked me up with Emma Blue... took me directly to California Pizza Kitchen for pasta and a COKE!! Yes! Probably the last time in a very long time I'll crave pasta... and the coke, woo did that taste good! Then home... not quite back to normal.... but home nonetheless. An incredible experience!
get out of camp today. Our group was no different. I didn't really see anyone until we got to our bikes. I was there a little early... for the first time! There was a little gift on our seats from The Chicken Lady. Jeero got to ours first! Little sneak! It had a nice poem in there. I can't remember off hand what it said... but maybe I'll do an addendum with it. (= We rode out at an easy pace and just hung together. It was nice. There were some good rolling hills along the way. I hadn't done the 2-day Santa Barbara ride so this section of PCH was new to me. I couldn't really believe how hilly it was. They just kept coming at us! lol One of the rest stops was on a climb but the rest stop itself was down a very steep driveway. I kept expecting to see someone with road shoes slide down the thing. But it never happened! Damn! (= Nothing special about what I did at the rest stop! lol It's all routine by now. But one of them was very cute with a Martha Stewart theme! They offered only one color of Gatorade because too much color is BAD! ha! One of the roadies looked awesome in his capris, short sweater, and polo shirt. Good hair too! (= At some point we also passed through a military base! There was an ambulance at the entrance playing the theme to Top Gun over their speakers! lol That was cool! They have actually done that for us at the top of random climbs throughout the ride. Unfortunately I had forgotten about them until now! Oops! On the way out, there was a second ambulance playing, "It's getting hot in here... so take off all your clothes...." so Kenny and I began to disrobe. It was 2 guys in the ambulance so we had to debate which of us they were interested in seeing actually take the clothes off! lol With these tan lines... NEITHER!! The support just keeps on comin'! Got to lunch and really took our time! We found a table to eat at together and that was nice. Not sitting on the ground can be a very good thing! There were 5 of us and room for 6 at the table. So we had rotating guests! The Russian guy (Joe) who had done a comedy routine sat with us for a little bit. He was quite funny in that situation as well! (= Chicken Lady came in eventually and got a huge round of applause for all her support. She started to cry! Aww! Very sweet! I think she's an every year participant... along with Ginger Brewlay. As a rider or roadie or something every year. Amazing! About 15 miles remained after lunch. We took our sweet time getting out of there. But then it just seemed like we needed to. So off we went. We got onto the back of a HUGE paceline.... going way too slowly. But we were behaving. I heard Suzann behind me say, "NO!" lol I turned around so she could hear me, "That's why I'm in the middle, so you all can help me behave!" I did know it was dangerous and I wanted to be safe... but I get a little antsy behind people who are scared to descend. Nothing wrong with being a little scared... but I want to be in front of them. (= Nothing wrong with that either. Eventually Kenny found an opening and off we went. It wasn't quite so tight so it seemed quite a bit safer. Suzann was with us so I knew it had to be safe. (= She's a nurse! So she sees the outcome of the dangerous stuff. I get that! That's why I waited... and that's why I was glad she was with us! We got onto a beach path eventually and then had to cross under the road into what I think was Brentwood... we were close to the end. We climbed one last hill with "Mom and Dad" at the end with their M&Ms. Awesome! And 
then we rolled into Brentwood and stopped for Starbucks/Boba and to root for the riders behind us. That was fun!! The Boba was good too! Jeero enjoyed the Boba... the vitamin water was getting a little old by then! (= We stayed there for about 30-45 minutes then decided to roll in. There were people all along the streets, signs on most of the trees, and people in cars yelling at us. I will miss the cheering next time I ride!! We get closer and closer... there's another slight climb and we all bitch! We let Kenny lead us up the hill since he's been last on every other one! hehe O= And into the park we go. There is cheering and waving and everything. The Viagra man is there to high five us (he had been seen along the road wearing a pill outfit that said, "YOU are my viagra!!" lol). Everyone recognized him immediately!. We parked our bikes. Kenny's husband found him, Khoa's friends finally found him. Eventually Suzann's family found her... after we had lined up for the ceremony. It was just a big hug fest! I was relieved and happy... and I admit a little sad that no one was there to greet me. That was difficult with all the reunions happening around me. I had friends coming to pick me up later... with my dog!! So that made me happy. But in the moment, it was a little lonely! We went to get our finishing t-shirts and all chose yellow. It was hard to choose because Kenny had a couple colors, Suzann had one, and Khoa had a couple. So yellow it was! (= The closing ceremony was a lot of cheering, holding
up our bikes, more cheering, some crying, and a lot of HOPE! The most emotional I got was when they brought the roadies into the middle. The riders had come in and separated into two groups each on one side of an empty fenced-in space. The roadies filled that empty space... just as they have done all week. I just can't express the gratitude and emotion I feel when I think about the support and energy they have expended just to keep each of us on the road this week. Takes a very special kind of person to use her/his vacation time that way! So the middle, the core, is definitely where they belonged! I know it sounds sappy... but if you've had the experience, you know exactly what I mean! And that was that. It was over. Guess what I did next!? The first thing I always do when I get into camp... went to the gear truck to find my bag! On my day of lasts... that was the last time I would go hunting for my humongous bag! Emily and Sidney came and picked me up with Emma Blue... took me directly to California Pizza Kitchen for pasta and a COKE!! Yes! Probably the last time in a very long time I'll crave pasta... and the coke, woo did that taste good! Then home... not quite back to normal.... but home nonetheless. An incredible experience!
Friday, June 09, 2006
ALC/LifeCycle 5 - Day Six (June 9, 2006)
Ahh Day 6! COLD! I got up for breakfast around my usual 4am and it was relatively comfortable out. Sometime between breakfast and breaking down my tent, the temperature seemed to have dropped several degrees. In general, I am very bad at knowing what clothes to wear. On a day like this, I am even worse. I HATE carrying a bunch of clothing in my jersey pockets but I also don't like to be cold. I usually take the risk that it will warm up eventually and hope that a climb will get me warm too. Looking at the ride slip for the day, there is a climb that starts within the first mile. So I forego the knee and arm warmers and just wear my shorts, a long-sleeved jersey and my windbreaker. And it just got colder and colder. The climb did it's job in warming up. Khoa was funny.... he got very excited as soon as we started to go up. He doesn't generally like to climb. The first rest area was near the top of the climb and it was even colder! lol I decided to ride with Sandra and Lisa who I had met on the first day. I wanted to be sure I could ride into LA with my "riding buddies" on the last day. So I told them I wanted to ride with them and they went to get water. I told my friends to go ahead and then I went to the bathroom and got my water. This day would be dubbed... "AM I AHEAD OR BEHIND!??" I waited for about 20 minutes in the freezing frickin' cold and then decided that they had left without me. Not such a bad thing because I do go a lot faster when I'm trying to catch up. But I still wasn't sure if they were ahead or behind. I figured, if nothing else, I would catch up with Kenny et. al. I stopped at the 2nd rest stop long enough to see if I could find anyone. But apparently they were all cruising today! (= Yay! So I did my stuff (bathroom, chamois butt'r, food, water) and took off. This part of the ride was pretty precarious being on the highway in traffic. It was a little scary. But everything seemed to go okay. I just kept riding. Never did catch up with or get caught by Sandra and Lisa. But at lunch I ran into Kar (jumped into line with him) and then we found Suzann and Khoa. Kenny came rolling in a little after. Not sure how that happened when he was in front of me. But remember the title of this day... and you will understand! lol After lunch, we all went to do our various tasks. Kenny's tire had exploded so he needed to get a new one. That's what he gets for skidding to a stop a couple days ago!! LOL So we all grouped and stood waiting for him. Saw him one moment and the next he was gone! I ran over to the mechanic area and he was nowhere to be found. I stopped at the bathroom just in case... well, and I had to use it. But still! Anyway, we finally decided that we should just go and let him catch up. HEY... was he ahead or behind!?? Geez! What was interesting on this day was the moment I really felt like I was in SoCal! We were riding along the beach getting near to Santa Barbara and it just sortof hit me. We got onto a beach path around that time and I felt like I was on another training ride. It was nice but it was also sortof sad knowing that the ride was nearly over. But for the moment, I was just glad to be warm again! lol Every year, Santa Barbara hosts a Paradise stop... ice cream, massage therapy, cookies, fresh strawberries, SOAP & WATER. I had a couple ice cream cones and some strawberries. Another thing that hit both Khoa and me at this point was the whole "touching food" thing. We are really not allowed to touch ANYTHING at camp or in rest areas. The roadies hand everything to us. That's so the skanky people who don't wash their hands don't infect the rest of us with their crud! Well here, I wanted strawberries so I stood there waiting for th
em after I asked. lol They just looked at me like I was weird for not just grabbing them. Khoa and I both started laughing because we realized we were actually allowed to touch something. By this time we were starting to wonder where Suzann and Kar had gotten to. They stopped to take some pictures and were still not around. Uh oh! Are they ahead or behind!? lol We finally found them but no sign of Kenny. So we had a photo taken with the fabulous Ginger Brewlay (me, Kar, Ginger, Khoa, Suzann). Then off we w
ent again. Ran into Hugh Hefner and some girls along the way... he asked us all to leave the ride and head to the mansion with him. But when he saw the tan lines, he told us to stick to our day jobs! )= Damn! Ya know, this was a really long day. It was about 84 miles with a good amount of climbing. I was actually quite relieved when we rolled into Ventura. We had to avoid some tourists near the pier and make some pretty sharp corners along the way. But that was fun. There was a little dip about which I said to Suzann, "I bet Kenny jumped or jumps that... depending on whether he is ahead of or behind us!" (aside: Kenny later said to us, "HEY! Ya know that little dip in the path before getting to camp? I jumped over that and one of the roadies yelled at me!" LOL) Rolled into camp, which is right on the beach. Elaine had set up some of our tents so we could just get our stuff ready and do our thing. Saw Sandra and Lisa and told them I had been looking for them all day. They just laughed. lol Ah well! I had to go to the gear truck to find my sleeping pad and saw Suzann. Her partner and step-son had showed up to surprise her and she wanted to introduce all of us. VERY COOL! I admit I was a little jealous... that she gets to shower in a real bathroom and sleep in a bed. ha! Got back to my tent and Sue's stuff was there! That was pretty cool! Although I couldn't imagine that she would be sleeping in a tent with broken ribs after being in the hospital for 2 nights! Did the usual crap... shower, dinner, med tent, etc. Then there was a candlelight vigil on the beach. I was having a relatively quiet night in general so that sortof fit the mood. I went and stood down there but didn't hold a candle. I don't know why I didn't want to do that. But I stood in silence and listened to people around me.... some crying, some talking, some breathing deeply... just listened. I said a little prayer for my Uncle Roger and thanked him for the music he'd provided in my head throughout the ride. I thought about the Positive Pedelers on the ride... doing what I am doing but being HIV+. Incredible! And then I thanked God for allowing me this incredible experience, which I had approached as merely an athletic endeavor but which opened my eyes to SO much more! My body handled everything I threw at it and I was always able to recover... so I had the opportunity to really think during this time. In other words, I wasn't SO distracted with pain that it was all I could think of. An excellent centering experience! There was nothing left to do but go to bed. Sue had gotten an air mattress from Chris Cole (aforementioned ED of LAGLC) and slept in his tent... he was in a hotel. So I had my own tent again.... this time I felt better about it. (= At least I can end my day knowing that no one is ahead and no one is behind. We are all together.
em after I asked. lol They just looked at me like I was weird for not just grabbing them. Khoa and I both started laughing because we realized we were actually allowed to touch something. By this time we were starting to wonder where Suzann and Kar had gotten to. They stopped to take some pictures and were still not around. Uh oh! Are they ahead or behind!? lol We finally found them but no sign of Kenny. So we had a photo taken with the fabulous Ginger Brewlay (me, Kar, Ginger, Khoa, Suzann). Then off we w
ent again. Ran into Hugh Hefner and some girls along the way... he asked us all to leave the ride and head to the mansion with him. But when he saw the tan lines, he told us to stick to our day jobs! )= Damn! Ya know, this was a really long day. It was about 84 miles with a good amount of climbing. I was actually quite relieved when we rolled into Ventura. We had to avoid some tourists near the pier and make some pretty sharp corners along the way. But that was fun. There was a little dip about which I said to Suzann, "I bet Kenny jumped or jumps that... depending on whether he is ahead of or behind us!" (aside: Kenny later said to us, "HEY! Ya know that little dip in the path before getting to camp? I jumped over that and one of the roadies yelled at me!" LOL) Rolled into camp, which is right on the beach. Elaine had set up some of our tents so we could just get our stuff ready and do our thing. Saw Sandra and Lisa and told them I had been looking for them all day. They just laughed. lol Ah well! I had to go to the gear truck to find my sleeping pad and saw Suzann. Her partner and step-son had showed up to surprise her and she wanted to introduce all of us. VERY COOL! I admit I was a little jealous... that she gets to shower in a real bathroom and sleep in a bed. ha! Got back to my tent and Sue's stuff was there! That was pretty cool! Although I couldn't imagine that she would be sleeping in a tent with broken ribs after being in the hospital for 2 nights! Did the usual crap... shower, dinner, med tent, etc. Then there was a candlelight vigil on the beach. I was having a relatively quiet night in general so that sortof fit the mood. I went and stood down there but didn't hold a candle. I don't know why I didn't want to do that. But I stood in silence and listened to people around me.... some crying, some talking, some breathing deeply... just listened. I said a little prayer for my Uncle Roger and thanked him for the music he'd provided in my head throughout the ride. I thought about the Positive Pedelers on the ride... doing what I am doing but being HIV+. Incredible! And then I thanked God for allowing me this incredible experience, which I had approached as merely an athletic endeavor but which opened my eyes to SO much more! My body handled everything I threw at it and I was always able to recover... so I had the opportunity to really think during this time. In other words, I wasn't SO distracted with pain that it was all I could think of. An excellent centering experience! There was nothing left to do but go to bed. Sue had gotten an air mattress from Chris Cole (aforementioned ED of LAGLC) and slept in his tent... he was in a hotel. So I had my own tent again.... this time I felt better about it. (= At least I can end my day knowing that no one is ahead and no one is behind. We are all together.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
ALC/LifeCycle 5 - Day Five (June 8, 2006)
RED DRESS DAY!! This day is basically a blur! It was "only" about 44 miles. But there was one pretty good climb so it wasn't an easy day. I found out early in the morning that my tentmate had an accident the day before. Apparently she had run into a pole marking the entrance to a trail and hurt her ribs. She finished riding, which explains her stuff being in the tent, and then went to the med tent when they returned. They immediately to her to the hospital. And here I had thought maybe they'd gotten a hotel room again that night! I'm sortof glad I didn't know because I would have been worried. This way I was just jealous that she was sleeping in a bed... which she was... but in a hospital. So I packed all her stuff up for her and left it with her friend so they could get what they needed for her or take the whole thing if she was going home. They (her team, The Pee Team) were going to SAG for the day so they could stay at the hospital with her. Aside from that, the atmosphere was definitely festive. People had put a lot of thought, time, and energy into their attire for the day. *I* was not one of them! lol I had bas
ically grabbed a nightie that I wear and decided to wear that over a red jersey and riding shorts. Ha! I'll be more creative next time! The picture is Khoa (who actually makes a pretty hot girl!), Kar, Elaine, Suzann, Kenny, and me. Kar was definitely one 
of the most creative! Though it wasn't technically a dress, he had taken ribbons and written all his donors names on them then pinned them to his traditional Chinese pants and shirt. SO many people wanted their pictures taken with him. It was very cute!! There was another guy who rode on 3-4 inch heels! He had his seat height fit professionally
for the shoes and then had a clip put on one of the shoes so he could clip into his pedal! A little bit crazy if you ask me! But very cool! He got a standing ovation at lunch! Remember that climb I mentioned?? lol Yeah, he did that. How will he top that next year I wonder! A funny thing about this day is the rest stop at the Winifred Wollman School. I assume they stop there every year. So every year these kids come outside and see all these men and women in dresses riding their bikes. Obviously they haven't been traumatized or the school wouldn't have let us use their space. And they certainly wouldn't have had the kids outside talking to us and doing some roadie stuff for us. Tiny town in California and they're more open minded than some of the larger places. That was one of those times when I saw the impact of just riding. Nothing more... just ride. Show them who we are... that they are us too. Give them a little orange plastic bracelet to remember us by. And let them use their own brains to process it. The parents have to be supportive too... we all know how parents can affect things! Poignant! Another climb out of the rest stop. That was cool to see! All the red climbing up that hill... it really was like veins in the body. I'm sure they were hard but I don't remember the climbs being all that difficult. I'm sure that's partly due to my getting in better shape, also to the shorter day, and finally to the excitement of knowing it was a shorter day and the red dress thing. I do remember being pretty excited on that climb and just going for it though. Really the only reason I remember that at all is because I waited for awhile before my riding buddies showed up. We sat and relaxed while we ate together. There was only about 7 miles of riding left after lunch so we were in no hurry. I don't think any of us had plans to go into Lomoc (pronounced Lom-poke). There were shuttles taking people into town that wanted to go. Apparently there are some shopping and restaurants there. I guess if I was going, I would have just planned to ride in. But I just didn't have any interest. I thought being around camp sounded more attractive to me. Did the same stuff as usual. Got some more ice for my hand then headed over to dinner... kinda early. But Suzann was already there so I sat with her. I think we were both happy to have some time to just hang out. 
We basically just sat there the whole time... until the sun started going away and then we moved toward the middle to get some body heat going. Hung out there until announcements and stuff. I made a mistake in yesterday's blog. The talent show was tonight... and it was good. Before it started, I fell asleep with my head on the table! lol Guess I was a little tired. The picture was taken after I woke up! lol But I stayed awake for a few of the acts and then headed out. The Russian comedian was hysterical... and the singers were all quite talented. There was some good dancing too... including a Hula dancer (I think that's what she was). At some point I figured I would hear everything from my tent so I decided to leave. On my way I decided to check out my "Messages of Support" on the computers they had set up for just that purpose. It's cool to go see that people are thinking of me while I'm out there on the road sweating my ass off. It seems like such a small thing... but I tell you what, I cried quite a few times reading what people had written to me! Done with that... med tent for some more ice... and off to bed. Knowing that Sue was in the hospital, it wasn't quite as nice having the tent all to myself. /= Another thing that I forgot to mention... instead of bucket laundry, I have been washing my clothes in the shower. lol I just walk in with my clothes on, wash with laundry soap as if I'm washing my body... rinse and remove. lol Then I wash and rinse the insides and hang them on the little soap/shampoo shelf on the shower head. (= Much easier than the bucket!! Oh yeah, this was another phone charging location. Same system... plastic ziploc and leaving it out over night. Okay, but I have to tell this one last story... because I can! I was standing where I was going to plug my phone in. And while I was standing there, a woman was getting ready to go into the shower truck. No one was really around since most people had already showered awhile ago. So she's standing there... and she takes off her pants and underwear. So she's literally butt naked... though she still had a shirt on. She obviously realized what she had done and seemed to panic a little. Looked around and saw me... put her pants back on real quick. Then went into the shower. I felt bad for her because I would have been really embarrassed. But it was also quite humorous. Goes to show how comfortable we can get with our surroundings! Even if those surroundings are outside your shower truck!!
ically grabbed a nightie that I wear and decided to wear that over a red jersey and riding shorts. Ha! I'll be more creative next time! The picture is Khoa (who actually makes a pretty hot girl!), Kar, Elaine, Suzann, Kenny, and me. Kar was definitely one 
of the most creative! Though it wasn't technically a dress, he had taken ribbons and written all his donors names on them then pinned them to his traditional Chinese pants and shirt. SO many people wanted their pictures taken with him. It was very cute!! There was another guy who rode on 3-4 inch heels! He had his seat height fit professionally
for the shoes and then had a clip put on one of the shoes so he could clip into his pedal! A little bit crazy if you ask me! But very cool! He got a standing ovation at lunch! Remember that climb I mentioned?? lol Yeah, he did that. How will he top that next year I wonder! A funny thing about this day is the rest stop at the Winifred Wollman School. I assume they stop there every year. So every year these kids come outside and see all these men and women in dresses riding their bikes. Obviously they haven't been traumatized or the school wouldn't have let us use their space. And they certainly wouldn't have had the kids outside talking to us and doing some roadie stuff for us. Tiny town in California and they're more open minded than some of the larger places. That was one of those times when I saw the impact of just riding. Nothing more... just ride. Show them who we are... that they are us too. Give them a little orange plastic bracelet to remember us by. And let them use their own brains to process it. The parents have to be supportive too... we all know how parents can affect things! Poignant! Another climb out of the rest stop. That was cool to see! All the red climbing up that hill... it really was like veins in the body. I'm sure they were hard but I don't remember the climbs being all that difficult. I'm sure that's partly due to my getting in better shape, also to the shorter day, and finally to the excitement of knowing it was a shorter day and the red dress thing. I do remember being pretty excited on that climb and just going for it though. Really the only reason I remember that at all is because I waited for awhile before my riding buddies showed up. We sat and relaxed while we ate together. There was only about 7 miles of riding left after lunch so we were in no hurry. I don't think any of us had plans to go into Lomoc (pronounced Lom-poke). There were shuttles taking people into town that wanted to go. Apparently there are some shopping and restaurants there. I guess if I was going, I would have just planned to ride in. But I just didn't have any interest. I thought being around camp sounded more attractive to me. Did the same stuff as usual. Got some more ice for my hand then headed over to dinner... kinda early. But Suzann was already there so I sat with her. I think we were both happy to have some time to just hang out. 
We basically just sat there the whole time... until the sun started going away and then we moved toward the middle to get some body heat going. Hung out there until announcements and stuff. I made a mistake in yesterday's blog. The talent show was tonight... and it was good. Before it started, I fell asleep with my head on the table! lol Guess I was a little tired. The picture was taken after I woke up! lol But I stayed awake for a few of the acts and then headed out. The Russian comedian was hysterical... and the singers were all quite talented. There was some good dancing too... including a Hula dancer (I think that's what she was). At some point I figured I would hear everything from my tent so I decided to leave. On my way I decided to check out my "Messages of Support" on the computers they had set up for just that purpose. It's cool to go see that people are thinking of me while I'm out there on the road sweating my ass off. It seems like such a small thing... but I tell you what, I cried quite a few times reading what people had written to me! Done with that... med tent for some more ice... and off to bed. Knowing that Sue was in the hospital, it wasn't quite as nice having the tent all to myself. /= Another thing that I forgot to mention... instead of bucket laundry, I have been washing my clothes in the shower. lol I just walk in with my clothes on, wash with laundry soap as if I'm washing my body... rinse and remove. lol Then I wash and rinse the insides and hang them on the little soap/shampoo shelf on the shower head. (= Much easier than the bucket!! Oh yeah, this was another phone charging location. Same system... plastic ziploc and leaving it out over night. Okay, but I have to tell this one last story... because I can! I was standing where I was going to plug my phone in. And while I was standing there, a woman was getting ready to go into the shower truck. No one was really around since most people had already showered awhile ago. So she's standing there... and she takes off her pants and underwear. So she's literally butt naked... though she still had a shirt on. She obviously realized what she had done and seemed to panic a little. Looked around and saw me... put her pants back on real quick. Then went into the shower. I felt bad for her because I would have been really embarrassed. But it was also quite humorous. Goes to show how comfortable we can get with our surroundings! Even if those surroundings are outside your shower truck!!
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
ALC/LifeCycle 5 - Day Four (June 7, 2006)
Ahh Day Four! Another day for climbers! I got up around 3:45am, packed a little then headed to breakfast. I generally eat breakfast alone as I am one of the first people in line. Any of you reading this who might have known me longer than a year, know how incredible that is! I have never been known as a morning person. Especially not a 4am morning person! Holy crap! But I liked having that time of space and quiet. People don't make that much noise at that time of day. So I got my usual eggs, oatmeal, ham (or bacon), some kind of bread, and water. Again I got to sit inside and eat. It was dark. Usually there are spotlights sporadically lighting the space. Today there was overhead lighting... but not too intrusive. More gentle. This is important at, did I mention(?), FOUR A.M.!!! (= I try to eat breakfast slowly and enjoy it. But with oatmeal and eggs, it's a crap shoot which will get cold faster. Neither are very palatable cold. So I rotate! lol Again... *some* things are more important in "ALC-R" than in "RL!" Do not forget this important fact! Mainly I just zone and eat and watch as people make their tired way to the food. We are all zombies... except those who can drink coffee in the morning. They seem relatively chipper. Assholes! O= Okay... moving on! I usually hang out at breakfast until about 4:30AM. Then I brush my teeth... remember, the sinks were right there this time so that was convenient... and head back to pack up my stuff. I needed just a little extra time because I was responsible for the tent today too. AND... DON'T FORGET THE CELL PHONE! lol That was a huge fear! Got everything all packed up and put away. Then it was off to find the Information Tent so I could mail my postcards. Ha... they weren't open yet! So I packed them up and figured I'd mail them later in the day. On to the ride. We always had these goals about what time we would take off in the morning. But aside from what time I woke up each day, I really had no concept of what time it was... ever. We could have left at 6am or 8am and I wouldn't have known the difference. Stuff had to be done and I couldn't leave until it was... just like everyone else. But we all seemed to be ready about the same time. So again... off we went! We started climbing almost immediately! Today is EVIL TWINS DAY! Another day of climbs that people tried to freak me out about. Either it didn't work or yesterday did some magic in making me unafraid. There was a hill in front of me, albeit a steep hill, so I climbed it. The first twin was pretty damn steep and sortof wound around if I remember right then it came down a little and the second steeper twin took over. Holy crap! I was just climbing along and I knew there was a switchback coming because I could hear the voices above me (maybe it was God telling me to get out while I still had legs!) but when I got to it, I think my words were, "HOLY HELL!" But I took the switchback and kept riding. Just alternated sitting and standing and for the most part passed quite a few people. That's important only because I was still trying to push myself to see where my limits were... I honestly cared very little about whether I beat people up the hills. I was being passed nearly as much as I was passing. The 2nd twin was nearly 2 miles... and I definitely felt it! Near the top, I asked the woman I was passing if that was the "real top" or a "fake top." She said it looked real. lol So off I went. There was a corner and then a slight but steep finishing incline where "Mom and Dad" were standing with M&Ms and Oreos! Very cool! Though I found
that sugar was a bad thing for me so early in the day so I didn't take any. At some point in there, we hit the halfway 
point of the ride (me and Jeero on the left, Kenny on the right). Resident Drag Personality Extraordinaire was holding court in the pullout where she had put up signs for us to take our pictures with. Apparently CalTrans had told her to take them down, not knowing who they were dealing with... so they stayed up! lol The rest of the day was basically rolling hills... if even. There was a point where Suzann and I were riding along the beach and we were doing a pretty good pace. So we decided to push it a
little. At some point, I dropped my chain twice within a few minutes. Got pret-ty dir-ty! lol Caught back up to her and we were off again. She started pulling ahead a little... I was definitely getting tired. And then I got a flat tire! Damn! People went by asking if I had hit that glass back there. WHAT GLASS!? lol I never even saw it! Ah well, a guy named (I think) Felipe helped me get it changed
quickly. He was VERY nice... and fast! As we were finishing up, Kenny and his starting to blister ass caught up. So we rolled into lunch together. Poor guy! I told Suzann that I wanted to stay on the pace we had set so when she was ready, we would go. SO SOON??!! hehe Not many pictures on this day! Sorry! I was distracted with my getting dirty stuff! I had a guy ask me how on earth I got grease under my arm! lol I have my ways!! So off we went again. Caught up to Suzann eventually... she isn't thrilled with the downhill so I catch her fast ass then! (= We rode along the coast for awhile and then I think we turned inland again. I remember some long flat straights and then a surprise hill toward the end... that shouldn't have been a surprise since it was on the map. But I hadn't looked at that for hours! lol I should have known there was something coming when "Mom & Dad" were there with M&Ms and cookies again. Damn, I should have taken them this time! lol Ah well. It was short and steep... just the way I like them. The faster you go the sooner it's over! But it still hurts like crazy! Suzann and I hooked up with some other women for a bit of a paceline. One of them was my tent neighbor. Apparently she was surprised that I was able to go so fast. lol Do I look that slow?? Ah well. We got to the rest stop in record time. While I was getting more zinc, they took off so we lost our paceline. )= But when we got to the next rest stop, they were just getting there so I'm not sure what happened there. Would have been nice to ride some more with them but we didn't. lol Suzann and I decided it was fun to be ahead of the crowd at the rest stops. No lines or anything. However, I did notice that the atmosphere was slightly more serious and definitely quieter. Good for a day... but I think I like the boistrous crowd a little more. (= Sounds weird coming from me! lol This was the rest stop that was supposed to be After Prom but 
was made into the 666 thing... even though it was 676 by this point! haha In the photo, you can see that ever fashionable zinc oxide.. which I also decided to use like a football player on my cheeks! lol We rode on but at some point both of us were just ready for the whole thing to be over. Suzann stopped for a Gu and was nice enough to share it with me. If you've seen how small those are, you know what a nice gesture that was. Then off we went again. We had been promised a great tailwind coming up to take us into camp. I was definitely looking forward to that. First we had a headwind for a few minutes... and then.... it came. Very nice! I put Hi Ho in the big ring and just started peddling. FUN!! Had to stop a couple times for lights and stuff. But otherwise just flew. Pulled into camp as happy as could be! I went directly to the bike mechanics to ask about getting new tires. I had put duct tape on the hole caused by the glass earlier in the day but had also noticed some cracks in the tires. So I just decided it was time. They put a couple Hutchinsons on there for $60. They said each would usually be about that plus labor and tax in the "RL" but in "ALC-R" there is no labor or tax. What a great world!! Left her in good hands so I could take my shower and get my tent situated. I also went the Sports Med tent to get some help with my shoulder again. The Sports Med person referred me to one of the Chiropractic students for an adjustment. I wasn't really comfortable with that but she seemed sure so I figured I would try it. I couldn't really relax enough for him to do much. He popped my back, which felt good. Then he tried to whip my head off my body. That didn't really help! lol So I think he gave up. Basically said if I had more trouble to come back to Sports Med. lol I wish I had just let her massage it out or whatever they call it. Kenny came by just as I was finishing so we went to get some food. That felt like the latest I had started eating so far. But I had gotten a lot done so that was okay. And I have no concept of time... if you remember! lol Sat and listened to announcements and watched some of the talent show. But I was tired and wanted to get some sleep. Headed to the medical tent allllll the way across camp and got some ice for my sore swollen thumb then went to lay down. Sue's stuff was there but I hadn't seen her in awhile. So off to sleep I went.
that sugar was a bad thing for me so early in the day so I didn't take any. At some point in there, we hit the halfway 
point of the ride (me and Jeero on the left, Kenny on the right). Resident Drag Personality Extraordinaire was holding court in the pullout where she had put up signs for us to take our pictures with. Apparently CalTrans had told her to take them down, not knowing who they were dealing with... so they stayed up! lol The rest of the day was basically rolling hills... if even. There was a point where Suzann and I were riding along the beach and we were doing a pretty good pace. So we decided to push it a
little. At some point, I dropped my chain twice within a few minutes. Got pret-ty dir-ty! lol Caught back up to her and we were off again. She started pulling ahead a little... I was definitely getting tired. And then I got a flat tire! Damn! People went by asking if I had hit that glass back there. WHAT GLASS!? lol I never even saw it! Ah well, a guy named (I think) Felipe helped me get it changed
quickly. He was VERY nice... and fast! As we were finishing up, Kenny and his starting to blister ass caught up. So we rolled into lunch together. Poor guy! I told Suzann that I wanted to stay on the pace we had set so when she was ready, we would go. SO SOON??!! hehe Not many pictures on this day! Sorry! I was distracted with my getting dirty stuff! I had a guy ask me how on earth I got grease under my arm! lol I have my ways!! So off we went again. Caught up to Suzann eventually... she isn't thrilled with the downhill so I catch her fast ass then! (= We rode along the coast for awhile and then I think we turned inland again. I remember some long flat straights and then a surprise hill toward the end... that shouldn't have been a surprise since it was on the map. But I hadn't looked at that for hours! lol I should have known there was something coming when "Mom & Dad" were there with M&Ms and cookies again. Damn, I should have taken them this time! lol Ah well. It was short and steep... just the way I like them. The faster you go the sooner it's over! But it still hurts like crazy! Suzann and I hooked up with some other women for a bit of a paceline. One of them was my tent neighbor. Apparently she was surprised that I was able to go so fast. lol Do I look that slow?? Ah well. We got to the rest stop in record time. While I was getting more zinc, they took off so we lost our paceline. )= But when we got to the next rest stop, they were just getting there so I'm not sure what happened there. Would have been nice to ride some more with them but we didn't. lol Suzann and I decided it was fun to be ahead of the crowd at the rest stops. No lines or anything. However, I did notice that the atmosphere was slightly more serious and definitely quieter. Good for a day... but I think I like the boistrous crowd a little more. (= Sounds weird coming from me! lol This was the rest stop that was supposed to be After Prom but 
was made into the 666 thing... even though it was 676 by this point! haha In the photo, you can see that ever fashionable zinc oxide.. which I also decided to use like a football player on my cheeks! lol We rode on but at some point both of us were just ready for the whole thing to be over. Suzann stopped for a Gu and was nice enough to share it with me. If you've seen how small those are, you know what a nice gesture that was. Then off we went again. We had been promised a great tailwind coming up to take us into camp. I was definitely looking forward to that. First we had a headwind for a few minutes... and then.... it came. Very nice! I put Hi Ho in the big ring and just started peddling. FUN!! Had to stop a couple times for lights and stuff. But otherwise just flew. Pulled into camp as happy as could be! I went directly to the bike mechanics to ask about getting new tires. I had put duct tape on the hole caused by the glass earlier in the day but had also noticed some cracks in the tires. So I just decided it was time. They put a couple Hutchinsons on there for $60. They said each would usually be about that plus labor and tax in the "RL" but in "ALC-R" there is no labor or tax. What a great world!! Left her in good hands so I could take my shower and get my tent situated. I also went the Sports Med tent to get some help with my shoulder again. The Sports Med person referred me to one of the Chiropractic students for an adjustment. I wasn't really comfortable with that but she seemed sure so I figured I would try it. I couldn't really relax enough for him to do much. He popped my back, which felt good. Then he tried to whip my head off my body. That didn't really help! lol So I think he gave up. Basically said if I had more trouble to come back to Sports Med. lol I wish I had just let her massage it out or whatever they call it. Kenny came by just as I was finishing so we went to get some food. That felt like the latest I had started eating so far. But I had gotten a lot done so that was okay. And I have no concept of time... if you remember! lol Sat and listened to announcements and watched some of the talent show. But I was tired and wanted to get some sleep. Headed to the medical tent allllll the way across camp and got some ice for my sore swollen thumb then went to lay down. Sue's stuff was there but I hadn't seen her in awhile. So off to sleep I went.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
ALC/LifeCycle 5 - Day Three (June 6, 2006)
Today was a, excuse my language, mind fuck for me! From the day I signed up for this ride, people have been threatening with, talking, teasing, and warning about QUADBUSTER! I've climbed so many hills in training... including that 13-mile mother toward the end of the Mulholland Century. Quadbuster is a measley 1.3 miles! We did our usual relatively slow spin for the first 10 miles or so then picked up some speed into the first rest stop at 18.9 miles. My legs were tired and stiff. And my brain was making me afraid of the hill. Damn it! So I hung out at the rest area for about 20 minutes... everyone else had gone on after about 10. I went and got the miracle drug ibuprofin, did some stretches, and then basically pounded on my thighs to loosen them up. I checked the air in my tires and I ate some food. I was really ready... but I was scared. There are no pictures! I'm sure you can understand why. However, next time maybe I should take some and that would loosen me up a little! Anyway, at some point I had to tell myself that it's just another hill and I would just do the best I could with the energy that I have. So I got on my bike and went. The climb started almost immediately. Fine. There were people peppering the side to cheer the riders on. That helped. There was a group yelling and waving signs a ways up so I just made them my goal. I stood up and climbed like I've done a gazillion times before. And wouldn't you know it, my legs loosened up. Miracle? ha! I get to the little group and find out that's halfway. What? Already? So off I go. It wasn't easy and I actually dripped a 
drop of sweat from my brow (I don't sweat like that very easily)... but I was doing it. Then I saw "Mom and Dad" (who I wish I had pictures of but they were always in the most difficult riding places, thankfully, and I could/would never stop to take the photo)... and they said, "Almost there!" I asked, "Is *that* the top??" At "yes" I was amazed so I stood up again and finished strong. What a dork to be so afraid... but it was my reality at the time... and it was good to face something like that and know that I could overcome it! The photo is me at the top... ever so happy to have that over with! Kenny and Khoa were at the top waiting for me. We stayed another 5 or so minutes to cheer the 
others up and then we took off. Lunch was in a little town called Bradley. It was barren from what I could tell. There were 2 trees and LOTS of sun! It was funny how many of us crowded under the small amounts of shade regardless of the fact that we smelled, were dirty, and had been in crowds for 3 days now. Personal space? No such thing in "ALC-R!" I kinda like that... helped me to loosen my boundaries just a little. (= I went and got my shoulder blade (might be my trapezius but I'm really not sure what muscle that one is) rubbed some more. Cute little dykey thing went to town on my back and neck. It was great! I think it was here that I was also introduced to zinc oxide. I was trying to be good about sunscreen... but besides my Blistex hadn't put anything on my lips. So they got burned and I developed a blister! Relatively minor considering some of the other things that could have happened. But it was annoying... so I asked... and they gave me zinc oxide. It's white and it doesn't rub in!! LOL VERY attractive for the modern cyclist ou
t there! Cyclists are also relatively creative when it comes to trying to stay cool! I don't know this guy but he went from lining the back of his head with ice... to this pose. Seemed to work pretty well for him. I tried soaking my ponytail thinking it would keep my back cool for a little while. Ha! Even with all that hair, it still dried within a matter of minutes. Geez! So much for that idea! There was plenty of water on hand so we did okay staying hydrated. And being hot is just 
part of the experience. (= Besides, we can still have some fun! Suzann, Kar, and Khoa stay cool and have some laughs. I have to write about this rest stop real quick. The theme was "After Prom." One of the morning rest stops was "Prom" so this was the after party. Anyway, apparently it was supposed to be a 666 theme because of the date. So the devils and witches and whomever showed up to start decorating. But the rest stop is a Mission! lol The people at the Mission had some issues with the Devil taking over their space! Ha! So they switched it with one of the themes for Day 4! Too funny! But shows the flexibility and creativity of the roadies! I don't really remember much of the ride after that rest stop. lol Maybe I was in my own little world, maybe I was delirious, I'm just not sure. We were camped at Paso Robles Fairground for the night. We got to sit INSIDE to eat and be entertained! It was nice and a simple pleasure! The showers and food were pretty damn far from the tents. But I guess it doesn't hurt to do some walking. After dinner it was convenient because I had taken my toothbrush and just got ready for bed right there. Cup half full again! (= A couple funny things about camp this night. First, it was the first chance I had to charge my cell phone. There were a couple main places with plugs and there were cell phones all 
over the place. I got there late so I put mine in a plastic bag and left it out overnight. Second, there was a women's (maybe girl's) roller derby scrimmage. They had invited us to come watch. So we stood outside and watched through this big window. One of the women behind me knew the rules so she was giving us clues what to yell. We cheered for the team that had told us their name... the other team gave us the finger! LOL I guess that's fitting for roller derby! We yelled at/for them for a little while and then I took off. This is the best picture I could get under the conditions. I tried numerous times. ::sigh:: It was a good distraction for a few minutes. But it was late in "ALC-R" and I needed to get some sleep. My tent mate had a hotel for the night so the tent was all mine! It was nice to be able to spread out a little! But it also means I have to put the tent up in the morning! lol Damn that cup and it's half full half empty!!
drop of sweat from my brow (I don't sweat like that very easily)... but I was doing it. Then I saw "Mom and Dad" (who I wish I had pictures of but they were always in the most difficult riding places, thankfully, and I could/would never stop to take the photo)... and they said, "Almost there!" I asked, "Is *that* the top??" At "yes" I was amazed so I stood up again and finished strong. What a dork to be so afraid... but it was my reality at the time... and it was good to face something like that and know that I could overcome it! The photo is me at the top... ever so happy to have that over with! Kenny and Khoa were at the top waiting for me. We stayed another 5 or so minutes to cheer the 
others up and then we took off. Lunch was in a little town called Bradley. It was barren from what I could tell. There were 2 trees and LOTS of sun! It was funny how many of us crowded under the small amounts of shade regardless of the fact that we smelled, were dirty, and had been in crowds for 3 days now. Personal space? No such thing in "ALC-R!" I kinda like that... helped me to loosen my boundaries just a little. (= I went and got my shoulder blade (might be my trapezius but I'm really not sure what muscle that one is) rubbed some more. Cute little dykey thing went to town on my back and neck. It was great! I think it was here that I was also introduced to zinc oxide. I was trying to be good about sunscreen... but besides my Blistex hadn't put anything on my lips. So they got burned and I developed a blister! Relatively minor considering some of the other things that could have happened. But it was annoying... so I asked... and they gave me zinc oxide. It's white and it doesn't rub in!! LOL VERY attractive for the modern cyclist ou
t there! Cyclists are also relatively creative when it comes to trying to stay cool! I don't know this guy but he went from lining the back of his head with ice... to this pose. Seemed to work pretty well for him. I tried soaking my ponytail thinking it would keep my back cool for a little while. Ha! Even with all that hair, it still dried within a matter of minutes. Geez! So much for that idea! There was plenty of water on hand so we did okay staying hydrated. And being hot is just 
part of the experience. (= Besides, we can still have some fun! Suzann, Kar, and Khoa stay cool and have some laughs. I have to write about this rest stop real quick. The theme was "After Prom." One of the morning rest stops was "Prom" so this was the after party. Anyway, apparently it was supposed to be a 666 theme because of the date. So the devils and witches and whomever showed up to start decorating. But the rest stop is a Mission! lol The people at the Mission had some issues with the Devil taking over their space! Ha! So they switched it with one of the themes for Day 4! Too funny! But shows the flexibility and creativity of the roadies! I don't really remember much of the ride after that rest stop. lol Maybe I was in my own little world, maybe I was delirious, I'm just not sure. We were camped at Paso Robles Fairground for the night. We got to sit INSIDE to eat and be entertained! It was nice and a simple pleasure! The showers and food were pretty damn far from the tents. But I guess it doesn't hurt to do some walking. After dinner it was convenient because I had taken my toothbrush and just got ready for bed right there. Cup half full again! (= A couple funny things about camp this night. First, it was the first chance I had to charge my cell phone. There were a couple main places with plugs and there were cell phones all 
over the place. I got there late so I put mine in a plastic bag and left it out overnight. Second, there was a women's (maybe girl's) roller derby scrimmage. They had invited us to come watch. So we stood outside and watched through this big window. One of the women behind me knew the rules so she was giving us clues what to yell. We cheered for the team that had told us their name... the other team gave us the finger! LOL I guess that's fitting for roller derby! We yelled at/for them for a little while and then I took off. This is the best picture I could get under the conditions. I tried numerous times. ::sigh:: It was a good distraction for a few minutes. But it was late in "ALC-R" and I needed to get some sleep. My tent mate had a hotel for the night so the tent was all mine! It was nice to be able to spread out a little! But it also means I have to put the tent up in the morning! lol Damn that cup and it's half full half empty!!
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