Bike Inspection and Gear Replacement Time

Before the Bike MS event, it is strongly suggested that you have your bike inspected by one of the local bike shops. They do the inspection for free and then place an event sticker on your bike. Should you then have mechanical issues with your bike during the event, any of the mechanic's labor time is free and you only have to pay for parts that may be needed. It only took a few minutes, but Pete and I took both of our bikes in to the Alamo Heights Bike World location to get our inspections done.

It's already time to begin replacing some of the gear that wears out. Pete typically gets a new pair of cleats for an event and then replaces them after an event. They really to get torn up at an event because there isn't time to put on your cleat covers and you walk on a lot of gravel. Since we were at Bike World, I decided I might as well get my replacement cleats now.

It's also time for the annual end of summer sale. There isn't much in my size, but there was a pair of blue socks with polka dots that I thought were cute and now that they're 50% off, they're even cuter! There was also a cute pair of pink socks, so I splurged and bought two pairs of bike socks both at 50% off!

Goals
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles Achieved: 982.91
Financial Investment: $2254.89
Total Weight Loss: 0

Finally Broke 50 Miles

Today was an opportunity for a "redo" of the 55 mile new Cibolo route. With two weeks left until the big event, mentally, I needed to achieve 50 miles, or I would be unsure of my ability to pedal the entire event. Not that there isn't plenty of SAG support and I'm not too proud to use it, but I'd really like to go into the event with the plan of pedaling the whole thing. Afterall, that's what all of the hard training and sacrifices all summer have been aiming toward.

We have a larger group than usual, so Pete leads off with the hammerheads quickly falling in behind him. The group of guys, and Priscilla, pull ahead in no time. Michelle and Jasmine, who we refer to as "the Starbucks girls", hold a strong middle. Vicki and Christina stopped to fix Vicki's Camelbak and somehow I left Erica behind rather early on. Within a mile, I'm slowly pulling away from Laura as our conversation has migrated from performance on yesterday's ride to random breaks on rides, including one where Laura stopped to help a goat get unstuck from a fence.

At this point, I decide rather than ride alone, I'd like to catch the Starbucks girls. I manage to do so before we're three miles out. To keep up with them, I decide to sacrifice my cadence to maintain speed. I manage to keep up quite well with this strategy. I fall back a bit as we go over the I-10 overpass, but quickly catch them on the other side, there's a downhill afterall... With me riding with them, they don't have to stop and consult the map or the cue sheet. We manage to make it out to the pie shop in New Berlin without stopping, and that's 13 miles. Looking back at the numbers, my average cadence for this lap was 69 and my average speed was 14.7 mph. Wow! Of course, the elevation does show this is a bit of a downhill lap, but not significantly. I like those numbers.

We don't stay for long, but do make sure the entire group is together again and everyone has used the facilities. During the few minutes we're there, I look at my bike and realize my saddle is pointing nose down. How and when did that happen? I walk my bike over to Pete who pulls out his tool, levels the saddle, and tightens the bolt. I don't need more saddle problems on this ride!

The next lap is the section I only did half of last time. I fall to the back on the first road as it's a constant incline and into the wind. At the intersection where Erica and I turned back last time, Pete has done a quick regroup so we're all together for the next two turns. Of course, we immediately go up a hill and I fall back. As we continue down the next highway, I seem to fall further and further back until I can no longer see the group. Just then, I come upon a brush fire with at least six fire fighter vehicles there to put out the tiny brush fire. I examine the scene and select my path, planning the point at which I will hold my breath through the smoke. Thankfully, it was a small fire and the smoke trail was minimal by the time I arrived. I began reading my cue sheet and watching the street signs for the next turn. The mileage was dead on and I made the turn despite not seeing any of the group down the road.

A mile and a half before where the cue sheet said the next breakpoint was, I suddenly realized I was hungry. I checked the mileage and decided I could make it the next mile and half. I made the turn and arrived in La Vernia. Just as I hit "downtown" there was a sign that said Welcome Gorgeous! I had to smile and made my next turn. I'm now really hungry and watching for a sign that shows me where the store is for the next breakpoint. I don't see any signs, but when I hit the mileage number it appears I'll be out of town if I continue. I pause in a parking lot and call Pete. Come to find out, I'm directly behind the store, so I roll up the driveway before he can hang up the phone. At this point Pete tells me I'm doing really well and he's proud of me.

We grab some snacks, top off our water bottles and Camelbaks, stretch and gab a bit about the route. I look at my saddle and it seems to be sloping down a bit again. Strange! I decide the only way I'm noticing it is visually. Then I think back and realize my hands do seem to be getting more tired and numb than they have in a long time, so I must be holding myself up on the angle of the saddle.

We head out for the next breakpoint. This stretch is straight down one highway and the store is along the road, so I don't know exactly how far it is. Turns out is was another 10 miles down the road. I manage to make it to the third breakpoint and have only gotten off of my bike at each of the stops! That's quite the achievement for me. While we're stopped, I look at the mileage and realize in another half a mile, ever mile I pedal is now further than I've ever gone on a ride before. The group cheers, there's talk of celebration, and Christina announces, "three baskets of chips at lunch!"

This next stretch is the final stretch, but it's also the longest, the hilliest and the windiest. By the time we cross 1604 I've lost sight of the group again. I feel all alone as I safely cross the highway and think it would have been nice for a couple people to pause long enough to see that I got across okay. Not too much further, I catch Jasmine. She is getting tired and decided to ride at her own speed for the rest of the ride. We make the next turn where Pete is waiting to make sure everyone makes this turn. The road gets bumpy and there's suddenly a nice downhill. I take advantage of it and quickly lose Pete and Jasmine behind me. I hit 30mph on the downhill and dropped too far on the handlebars so that my boobs hit the lap button. Oh well!

I cross back over 1604 and pedal ever so slowly on the other side waiting until I see Pete and Jasmine have safely crossed the highway. I'm about ready for a break, but I decide I would like to get to 45 miles before I stop. That should be about halfway between the last store we stopped at and the truck. I begin counting down the miles and I look at my cue sheet to discover at mile 46 I go under I-10. I know that means shade, so I decide to keep pushing. It worked! I slowly made it 46 miles and stopped for a break. I took almost ten minutes having some Gu, stretching, tightening the thumb screw on my front wheel, eating some beans and finally I decide I've stopped long enough and figure Jasmine and Pete stopped sooner for a break.

I continue on and now I'm on familiar roads again, although I'm riding them backwards from what I've done in the past. The next few uphills are slow battles, but I continue on and don't walk a one of them! By now, I've learned that I can sit back in my saddle and it levels itself out. As I speed down a hill and make a turn, I think I see Pete cresting the hill behind me. I stop at the next intersection and wait. Sure enough, they catch me and I get Pete to tighten my saddle again. We talk for a few minutes and then continue on.

I know we're headed into the wind, but I'm beginning to get excited. We make the next turn and I've pulled ahead a bit, but I'm closely watching the numbers on my Garmin. As the numbers change to 50.00 I through a fist pump in the air and a big "whoop!" I decide I should do one more Gu, but this isn't a good place to stop. I continue on over the low water crossing where a minivan and I learn to co-exist quite well. He hung back and allowed me to have the narrow bridge. I attacked the hill so I wasn't too slow up the incline and as soon as I could see it was safe for him to pass, I waved him by and then gave a wave of thanks. He honked back and continued on his way.

I then found some shade and stopped for my 50 mile Gu! When Pete and Jasmine caught up with me, I did a little dance because I'd hit my 50 mile goal and I was still good to go. Come to find out, Jasmine has never done a training ride this long either, but she as done the Bike MS event before. The rest of the ride in is uneventful until I pull into the parking lot. Once again, I'm watching my numbers. Somehow it was perfectly timed and I was about two car lengths shy of the truck when my mileage turned to 55.00. I gave a double fist pump and a huge holler. It was amazing how everyone awoke from their naps in the cars, the shade of the building, and everywhere to come out and congratulate me. I was on cloud nine!

I'm proud of Erica today too for pushing herself and having a great ride. I'm proud of Jasmine for hanging in there and not giving up. I'm proud of my accomplishments for keeping my butt on the saddle from one breakpoint to the next. I'm proud of the 55 miles and I'm finally confident that I really can do this ride to Corpus Christi and not just trying to convince myself.

Tonight before we left for dinner Pete paused for a few minutes, took me in his arms and told me how proud of me he is. We talked through some of my accomplishments and my progress. I'm obviously still getting stronger and still improving. If I keep this up, I may be able to keep up with the group next spring. hmmm.... that would be just in time for the Houston to Austin Bike MS event.

Goals
Today's Miles: 55.07
Total Miles Achieved: 982.91
Financial Investment: $2216.13
Total Weight Loss: 0

More Bridge Training

Our core riding group has decided we like the 211 loop. It's not even a loop, as we've been making it an out and back because of road construction. I think we all have our different reasons for liking the route. There are no trees, so you're out in the sun the entire time. It's two highways, so cars are flying by. Yet, we all seem to enjoy the ride every time. Personally, I like climbing the first hill on 211. I know it's as close to the Harbor Bridge as we can come and I beam every time I make it to the top. It just shows me that I'll be able to ride the bridge in Corpus Christi.

My first seven miles was slow going. It's all uphill, but I kept myself plugging along and I made it to the top of the seven mile climb in 43 minutes without stopping. Not too shabby, for me. I grab a Gu and prepare Erica for the downhill that's coming. I take off and fly down the hill. There are no cars, so I take my time using the left lane and the turn lane to make my wide left turn with as much speed as possible to get me up "the bridge". Erica passes me on the climb and we chat briefly about this being "the bridge". As I catch Erica at the top, I prepare her for the downhill and promise her that she'll catch me on the next uphill.

I fly down the long downhill and holler "good morning!" to a police officer who has someone pulled over on the shoulder for speeding. There was a second officer in the car and I swung wide into the lane in case the cop moved, or a car door flew open as I was flying by. The cop smiled and said "morning" as I went by. I made it up the next two hills and at the top of the third decided I should stop and wait for Erica. I'm surprised she hadn't caught me by now and most of the hills are out of sight now too. She comes rolling up and tells me she found someone's wallet on the side of the road.

I'm now farther down this highway than I've been before. Erica says she thinks we have another downhill that takes us across a bridge before we get to the intersection and the store for fresh water at the end. I take off down the hill and point out a rock to Erica. Just as my hand gets back on the handlebar, I see a hole in front of me and there's nothing to do but hold tight now. I bump through the hole and just as I finish thinking "oh, that could be bad" I hear "sssss..." The true sign of a flat tire. Oops! So, I slowly pull myself to a safe stop and confirm the flat tire is losing air and going flat. As I take off my helmet and my Camelbak, I send Erica ahead. I know I have the gear, and I know I can do it. I promise to wait for her return and we'll head back in together.

Just as I get the quick release undone, Phil rolls up and insists on helping me. I wouldn't let Vicki and Christina help, but I'll let Phil change the tire. He admits to being a sucker for anyone in need, especially a woman. I admit to accepting help from men, so we're going well. He gets to use my speed lever and sees what an amazing tool it is for a mere $8. We check the tire and change the flat in no time. I actually had to wait about three minutes for Erica to return.

We slowly start climbing the hills back and take breaks as we need them. Pete passes us on his way back out for a second climb of 211. He catches back up to us on the last long climb of 211. I'm ready for the downhill, but dreading "the wall" that we turn to climb as we get back to 16. I struggled today to get up it and was just out of breath and had to stop in the middle. I leaned over my handlebars and caught my breath. Once I could breathe again, I jumped back on the pedals and completed the climb.

One of my other favorite parts of this ride is the rate at which Pete and I complete the ride. I enjoy riding on his wheel and flying down the highway at 20+ mph on our bikes. At that speed and that distance we're moving pretty much in unison. I trust him to not hit anything or I'll roll over the same thing. One of the times we've done this, his bike has actually kicked up a rock that pinged me in the shin. It burned momentarily, but was nothing more than that. Erica tried to keep up with us today, but she doesn't like downhills, so she struggled to keep up, but I kept her in sight of my mirror today.

As we're flying back to the truck, we see a pair of cyclists stopped ahead. The guy has his bike upside down and perpendicular to the road, so for us to go by, we have to be in the lane of traffic. Of course, we stop to see if they need help. Come to find out, he hit something in the shoulder and has two flat tires. Between the two of them, they only carry two tubes, and she had already had a flat earlier in the ride. Pete pitches in and helps change one of the tires as we give them a tube. Within minutes, he is fixed and we're all on our way again.

By now, we've taken a long time to finish the ride, so Vicki calls to check on us. I'm flying, so I answer the phone on the bike. A safety no-no. Pete slows the pace a little and I tell Vicki we'll be rolling in shortly. I managed to answer the phone, chat, and get the phone put away without missing a beat. We kick it back up and try to finish the last two miles strong. Just as we reach the Mexican restaurant, I feel a hint of a cramp behind my right knee. I scream "Ow!" and Pete knows I'm cramping. I throw out my leg to stretch as he points out it's all down hill and I can just roll to the truck. After a kick out stretch, or two, I feel better. I downshift and bit and pedal it out. I roll past the truck and pedal some more so I know I won't cramp when I get off the bike.

We changed three flat today, only one was mine. Still it was a great ride!

Goals
Today's Miles: 27.59
Total Miles Achieved: 927.84
Financial Investment: $2216.13
Total Weight Loss: 0

Finally "At One" with the Bike!

Had a great ride tonight from Specht Store (part of Bullis Park ride). I finally feel that I am one with the bike! It's taken long enough. I don't know what gave me that feeling, but riding along at one point tonight, I realized that I felt like the bike and I were working together. I would shift and the bike responded and we'd get up the hill. I'd lean into a turn and around we'd go. It was an amazing feeling.

We went straight out Obst Road and climbed what Christina has named the "Twilight Zone Hill". I fully agree with the name and have adopted it now too. I forgot my heart rate monitor today, so I pushed myself a little more than normal, but I enjoyed the gentle push. I was keeping up with Pete leading the pack until we hit the beginning of the "Twilight Zone Hill". I don't know that I realized I was climbing until he was around the bend and had pulled ahead of me. I'm getting used to being dropped on the uphills, but I still didn't think much of it. Then Christina catches up with me and says "see what I mean? It's the Twilight Zone!" I look up and the road looks flat. I look down and she's right. I've been downshifting and don't have many gears left.

One-by-one, they pass me. I'm still moving forward, but it's getting slower and slower. Pete comes whizzing down the hill having made it to the top. I look ahead and the hill gets steeper and then steeper still. Vicki gets to the top and stops and cheers, then Christina joins her with another cheer. Laura is still climbing. I look down at the Garmin and I'm climbing at an amazing 3.5 mph! I didn't know you could go that slow and still make forward momentum up a hill. I just keep plugging away though. I know I have nothing to prove and think about just turning back short, but why when I've already made it this far. Finally, I make it and we all cheer that each of us made it to the top without stopping.

After a brief sip of Gatorade we are back on our bikes and flying down the hill. I fall back a bit as we head up to the bakery. Pete is slowly rolling through the parking lot as he realizes Vicki and Christina didn't stop for our usual break on the bench. I roll in, see the look of uncertainty on his face and realize they rolled on. I pause the pedals long enough to hit the lap button on my Garmin and say "I'm good. Let's roll!" The slow and gradual climb to the school slows me up every time too. Laura catches me and we play a good game of "car up! car back!"

Pete is waiting at the school for me. I grab some Gatorade, eat a couple Jelly Bellies and head down Amman Road. I like the rolling hills here. They're a challenge, but so worth it! We have another brief pause at the next turn and then we're on our way. There's one more uphill and I get passed, rudely without announcement, by two cyclists riding double wide. It doesn't take long and we're heading downhill. I try to find a way to pass these two who are straddling the yellow line and finally just give in and holler "on your left!" They bobble a little bit and then move to the right as I grab another gear and blow by them.

I really like this downhill and it's the whole reason why I like riding this route backwards in the way that is now becoming the "right" way to me. As we round the turn into Specht Store, the two cyclists finally catch me and pass me without any announcement. They are in the oncoming lane of traffic around a blind left turn. I holler "car up!" mostly for Pete behind me and chuckle as they have to react and almost dive in front of me. Lucky for them, I was now turning into the parking lot.

As we load up bikes, we realize Erica made it and she is out there riding somewhere. Just as Pete and I head in to dinner, she rolls in. I cheer and greet her with a hug. She's been struggling to find the time to ride this summer and I'm so proud of her for riding the route even after we'd taken off tonight. Now we'll let her eat dinner with us!

Pete had Vicki take this photo of us tonight. Not the most flattering photo, but it is what I look like as we prepare for a ride.

Goals

Today's Miles: 9.47

Total Miles Achieved: 900.25

Financial Investment: $2216.13

Total Weight Loss: 0

Time for a Second Sports Bra

I realized that I won't survive a two day bike ride on just one sports bra. As it is now, I do a load of bike clothes laundry every night after a ride. That means, I do laundry every Saturday night. I refuse to wear the same sports bra twice without washing it in between.

Back to the online shopping tools. I ordered the same one I got earlier this year, but found it in stock in white. This will make it easy to keep the two straight as I travel for this two-day big event!

Goals
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles Achieved: 890.78
Financial Investment: $2216.13
Total Weight Loss: 0

Club 100 Packet Pick-up

Tonight was the first packet pick-up of the 2008 Bike to the Beach event. Pete and I were asked to photograph the event, so we did our best to high-tail it back from Georgia in time. Unfortunately, due to the traffic getting into Houston after hurricane Ike, we arrived a little late and missed the big portion of the festivities. Thankfully, I had arranged for my friend, KJ to photograph the event in case we didn't make it. She got some great shots!

Pete picked up his Club 100 goodies and I managed to sign my waiver form and get my rider number. This year, I will be riding with number 118 on my bike.

Tony spent the evening pedaling away on his bike on a trainer in the back of one of the wrapped Tundras.

Goals
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles Achieved: 890.78
Financial Investment: $2172.17
Total Weight Loss: 0

Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA

I didn't know how I would survive not being on the bike for a week. Especially being at a bike event where everyone around me gets to ride. Without complaint, or argument, Pete put my bike on the rack next to his and we drove our bikes to Georgia.

We're here for Pete to participate in the Bike MS event with Erin's Fight. He rode the event with Erin and Jack last year. I'm a team photographer and here to enjoy the event. The route is a hilly figure eight starting and finishing from Callaway Gardens both days. I'm not riding this year because I've worked this hard and I want the San Antonio event to be my first event.

Friday after decorating the team tent, Pete and I gear up for a quick bike tour around Callaway Gardens. They have a bike path and we decide the ten miles is about right for how much time we have. Plus, what better way to get to see a bit of the gardens we spend so much time at this weekend. I examine the map and think I learned the trick to the route and we'll just stay to the right at every intersection until we've completed the loop.

We quickly discover the bicycle path is not for speed. It's a good path for a leisurely ride and a way to spend the day moving from one exhibit to the next at the gardens. However, we want to get in some training, so we keep on moving. I holler out tree roots that have broken up the path and try to announce intersections where we have to slow or stop as soon as I can. There's even some sudden hairpin turns.

Meandering our way through the gardens, we were under the trees most of the time. There was some beautiful scenery and we paused for a few minutes on a bench near a lake. This lake is circled by the bicycle path, but only one corner of it is seen if you are in your car. It was quiet and peaceful with beautiful scenery. Sadly, we needed to get to dinner, so we continued on our way.

We cut out the loop around the parking area where the Bike MS event is happening. Because this is so separate from the rest of the gardens, we cut almost three miles off of the ride. I was surprised to see that we had done nearly 500 feet of climbing. We didn't hit any of our usual speeds, but it was a good ride and now I could say that I kept my legs fresh.

Before we left San Antonio, I had Tom take off the new Bontrager saddle and went back to the stock saddle that came on the shiny, new Madone. So far, the saddle is an improvement. The true test will be the longer training rides when we get home, but I'm out of time to keep trying to find the right saddle for the big event.

Goals
Today's Miles: 7.15
Total Miles Achieved: 890.78
Financial Investment: $2172.17
Total Weight Loss: 0

Bullis Park and Knee Trouble

Trying to get in a final ride before Pete and I head to Atlanta for the Bike MS event where he rides with Erin's Fight, we squeeze in an evening ride at Bullis Park. It feels like it's been awhile since I've been out here and I'm looking forward (odd, I know) to climbing the hill on Blanco Road to get back to the parking lot.

I've rested my rear for a day after the pain of Sunday's ride. My saddle has been adjusted again in hopes of fixing the adjustment issue causing the pain. We're riding along and I think I'm keeping up well. Then my knee starts to hurt. I remember the knee pain from Fredericksburg in July, but this is different. It's a sharper, more intense pain. Now I can almost qualify the Fredericksburg knee pain as more of an ache.

I slow down a bit and try maintaining my cadence while decreasing my power, and therefor my speed. I fall back and Vicki makes the turn to the bakery. I unclip my foot several time and try stretching my leg in different ways to make the pain go away, but that doesn't work. As Pete makes the turn, I tell him I'm in pain. I know! It feels like one more thing. One more complaint. One more issue. Can't I just have a nice ride?

Pete says if I'm in that much pain I should stop and he'll go get the car. I hadn't thought of that, I was thinking I'd make it back. I ask if I should push a little further to the park ahead and he says, "not if you're in that much pain." Good point! So, I stand on the corner with my bike getting eaten alive by bugs! I now know why the horses give up and just let the flies and bugs crawl all over them. I now truly know why they call it a pony tail too.

Half an hour later, Pete returns in the Jetta. He throws the bike on the rack and I jump in the car. I'm upset, ashamed and can't believe that I have new pains that only allowed me to ride five miles today. Ugh!

Goals
Today's Miles: 5.7
Total Miles Achieved: 883.63
Financial Investment: $2172.17
Total Weight Loss: 0

New Camelbak

After much research, I have ordered a new Camelbak. I'd hoped to just go into the bike shop and pick it up, but I haven't seen it in stock anywhere. I wanted the women's fit. I wanted a 3 liter bladder. I wanted room to carry snacks, sunscreen and butt butter.

I searched online for a couple nights to find it on sale, or at least without tax and shipping charges. Now it's on order and should arrive early next week. Just in time to break it in for the big ride.

Meet my new, blue L.U.X.E. Camelbak.

Goals
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles Achieved: 877.93
Financial Investment: $2172.17
Total Weight Loss: 0

A Shopping I Will Go!

After today's ride, we went to Bike World to see JD. I talked to her about some of my struggles with the saddle. She looked at me on the bike and was surprised she had left the saddle as high as it was positioned. She lowered it a bit and inched it forward another small bit. We'll see how that works.
Meanwhile, I showed her the palm of my hands and tried to describe the redness and pain I get between my thumb and forefinger. We had looked at the fit of my gloves once before and thought I'm in the right size gloves for once my hands swell in the Texas heat. I still have the issue though, so today we decided to try a pair of Trek gloves. They have less padding on that part of the hand, and that should help a bit.

I've been looking at sunglasses and decided it's worth upgrading my shades from the $12 regular sunglasses I've been wearing. After having multiple bugs hit my glasses and then reading how your glasses are one of the best investments you can make for your safety, I decided it was worth spending the money. I don't really want to have a bug shatter my cheap glasses on a ride and injure my eye.

After the flat changing lessons, I knew that I needed a speed tire lever for my saddle bag and a "girl-friendly" CO2 inflator. Finally armed with gear, I decided that was enough for today. Pete was napping in the truck, and I was ready to head home for a nap myself!

Goals
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles Achieved: 877.93
Financial Investment: $2103.22
Total Weight Loss: 0

Cibolo Saddle Killing Me

Today is probably the roughest ride I've had yet. The plan was for a 55 mile spliced together "new" route from Cibolo. I made it six miles and was in pain and needed to get off the bike, but I decided to push myself and make it out to the raceway on Santa Clara and I-10. At that point, I couldn't keep going and had to take a break. Erica stopped with me and we watched the last of the group vanish over I-10.

After some Gu and some bending and stretching I decided to get to the pie shop. That would be my decision point. I made it to pie and was in pain. After a brief break though, I was feeling better and was anxious to see the new sections of this route.

I get on the bike and am uncomfortable. I decide it's just the "back on the bike" feeling and try to push through. The first section of road is a little bumpy, a slow uphill incline, and we're riding into the wind. That's the trifecta of a bad ride! Especially when you're already in pain! I try to keep pushing through, but I'm slowing down and can't keep myself on the bike for much distance at all.

At the next intersection, Pete is waiting for Erica and me. Erica needed to be home by a certain time, so this was her decision point. I admitted my pain to Pete and on the verge of tears had to admit that I couldn't continue on and needed to turn back. So, Erica and I decided we'd both be best off by doubling back. We go two miles and I need to stop again. I'm in so much pain but amazed at how a little bending and stretching makes me think it's better. Just then, I told Erica we needed to make it back to the pie shop. For the first time ever, I need to go to the restroom before I'm at a breakpoint. It was not a comfortable feeling being on that saddle, but it kept me moving through the pain to get there.

After a rest and some snacks, we're ready to go. Erica had the idea to take my buff and wrap it around the nose of the saddle. I'm skeptical that it will work as it will move around, but decide anything is worth a try. Sure enough, it works! It's just enough of a change, that I have a little relief from the pressure. I'm still moving slow and I still need to get off the bike a few times.

Then I think I've hit my pain threshold and I can't continue. We stop on Linn Road in the shade. I'm truly blinking back tears from the pain now. The thought of climbing back on the bike is not one I'm ready to think about. Erica makes me laugh, but it's short-lived. Then she offers the go get the truck for me. I don't hesitate and agree. I tell her I may try to get to the speedway which would be an easier turn-around for the truck. She heads out and pushes herself to get back.

After some pity time, I decide to get to the speedway. When I get there, I'm not actually ready to get off the bike, so I decide to go to Lower Seguin. I make the turn and now I know I'm within six miles. I know there is a shady driveway ahead, so I make for the driveway which was about a mile down the road - further than I remember. I stop and have some Gu. Now I'm within five miles and Erica hasn't called to say she's at the truck yet. I decide if I can go another two miles to the next turn, then I'm on the home stretch. I know I can sit on the bike that far. Just as I begin to pedal Erica calls. I answer "Don't come get me! I'm only five miles out and now I'm going to make it!"

She laughed and said okay, but she was waiting for me. I make it my two miles and stop for a quick break. A stretch or two and I'm back on the bike. I make the turn and as I'm looking at my three-mile straight-a-way homestretch, I think I see Erica's car approaching. Sure enough, she's backdriving the route to check on me. I give her the thumbs up and say, "I'm going to make it!" She cheers and turns around. I pedal all the way back in with her chasing me and keeping the cars at bay.

I pull in to the parking lot and I can hardly believe I made it back in that much pain under my own power. I'm thrilled, but disappointed that I didn't get to do the full 55 mile route and now one more weekend has passed and we are that much closer to the event and I have not been able to complete a 50 mile ride.

I backdrive the route and find the rest of our group about seven miles out. One of the guys, Tom, was having a rough ride and decided he was done and jumped in the truck with me. The rest of the group finished and seemed exhausted as the last ten miles had been into the wind again. They all raved about the route and were excited and I was disappointed that I couldn't do it.

I know I need to figure out the issues with my saddle. I also need to figure out how it suddenly became so easy for me to accept a lift from the truck. I need to learn how to push through the pain, but I don't know when it's smart to do so and when it's not.

Goals
Today's Miles: 35.11
Total Miles Achieved: 877.93
Financial Investment: $1988.47
Total Weight Loss: 0

Club 100 Take Me Up and Over Toutant-Beauregard

Today was a training ride supported by the staff at the MS Society office for their Club 100 members and their guests. Thanks to Pete's amazing fundraising efforts last year, he is in the Club 100, so we were invited on the ride. Starbucks sponsored the ride, so started from the Starbucks in Leon Springs, rode out to the Starbucks in Boerne where there was a nice breakpoint, then turned around and came back.

The funny thing is that we live perfectly in between the two Starbucks. However, the country road we were riding on bends a little further out from the highway than where we live, but it's still practically a ride through our neighborhood. Of course, this is the route with the killer hill that I've been a little too chicken to try. Guess this was as good of a time as any to try it. Afterall, we have SAG support on the road!

Pete gives the large group a quick safety briefing and we're all ready to roll. We head out as a group and I get a bit of a feel of what it's like for a group start. I hang back a bit as I know I'll be the slow one and this lets the hammerheads start before me saving some of the jockeying on the road with traffic around. As I start pedaling down the road, I'm feeling great. As usual, I then look down to check my cadence. I have none! How the...? Oh! I rode the blue bike on Thursday and the Garmin is not set for the cadence sensor on the Madone. So, I stop at the first intersection and announce I have no cadence. Pete makes a quick technical adjustment, I have cadence again, and now we can begin the climbing portion of the ride.

We start climbing rather quickly. The first hill, makes a couple bends, so you can't actually see the top for awhile. That's good and bad. It wasn't as difficult of a climb as I had expected it to be from driving it in the past. It wasn't easy either. Just took some constant pedaling and pushing to keep the bike moving in a forward motion up the hill. Unfortunately, this is not the only hill. I was glad I had driven the road recently as I knew what lay ahead.

On one of the climbs, the bike started to go to the left (toward the center yellow line). I let it and just rode out there for a bit more of the climb. It was tough and I knew I was near the top. It took all of the pushes and huffing and puffing I could muster. I was finally able to have some more control as I crested the hill and I got myself back to the shoulder. Then I remembered to take deeper breaths and finally felt normal again and was ready to enjoy the downhill.

We rounded a bend and finally found the downhill. As I started flying down the hill, the faster riders began returning and climbing up the hill. I was moving too fast to wave to some of them, but there was lots of cheering. At one point, I turned and asked Pete "how much further to the breakpoint" thinking it was about a mile, or so. He responds with "six miles". I knew that was wrong, told him so and began pedaling faster and harder to try to get to the Starbucks as I was ready for a rest.

Finally, we rolled into the Starbucks where Tony and Bow had the MS tent set-up for a full breakpoint. We enjoyed an ice towel, some snacks and POWERade while we rested. Bow held my bike for me while I stretched a bit. I announced to Tony that the turtle had arrived, so he was clear to break down the breakpoint as soon as we left.

As I was climbing up the big hill again Lisa, resident powerful pink hammerhead, passes me. No surprise there. I asked her where the promised downhill was and she said she forgot about this climb, but eventually, "it's a great downhill". On our return ride, Lloyd checked on us a few times as he drove by in the wrapped Tundra. We gave him the clear to abandon us and promised to call if we needed him.

I knew the downhill was coming, because my legs still remembered the burn and the pain from the climb. Sure enough, there it was and away I went! We flew down the hills and around the bends. I enjoyed some of the scenery I had missed on the way up as I focused on the wheel in front of my rolling forward for the climb. At the bottom, there was a cop at the four way stop, so we made sure we came to a complete stop.

At this point, my feet were numb and I needed a quick rest. Most of the riders took a longer loop off to the side, but I decided I was far enough back, so I headed straight back to Starbucks. We rolled by a group of guys who had just finished fixing a flat. We kept on rolling and as I rolled in, knowing there were riders behind me now, but seeing how the parking lot had emptied out, I was excited that I had finished Toutant-Beauregard for the first time.

Tony was amazed at how much time we made up. I don't think he's really grasped how much I like to move and will when I have a downhill. We enjoyed lunch with the other riders at Pappasito's and celebrated a great ride!

Goals
Today's Miles: 25.2
Total Miles Achieved: 842.82
Financial Investment: $1988.47
Total Weight Loss: 0

Flat Repair

Tonight was our weekly Thursday night ride in Hollywood Park. Vicki gets a flat before even getting her leg over the bike in the parking lot. Of course, that means she was still at Bike World, so the wrenches (a.k.a. mechanics) took care of it for her. Meanwhile, I get up the killer hill the first time and am so proud of myself, that I said I'd commit to three for the night. The second time I feel the back of the bike squirrel a bit on a turn, but think it's all of the sand on the road in that section. Finally as I start out for my third hill repeat, I ask Steve to look at my back tire because it feels like something is dragging. Sure enough, I have a slow leak giving me a flat tire! I stop and Steve offers to change it for me. Being a bit macho since it's the women's ride, I say I can do it, but ask him to watch (and to loan me his CO2 inflator). He sits down and watches and reminds me as I start to skip a step. I did it all by myself!

I managed to make it up the hill all three times, one of those on a low tire and I changed a flat. I call that a successful night!

Now I've had a flat. Now I've changed a flat. Now I can sit back and let the guys change my flats for me. What a ride! What a night!

Goals
Today's Miles: 11.5
Total Miles Achieved: 817.62
Financial Investment: $1988.47
Total Weight Loss: 0

Flat Training

Monday I mentioned at lunch that I wanted Pete to show me how to change a flat. Lisa and a couple other girls jumped and told me not to touch the tubes, Pete would change it for me just fine and I was not to touch the tires. BUT I felt like I needed to know that if I was all alone, I could change a flat. So, tonight Pete and I changed the tubes on my shiny, new Madone since I had a leak in Fredericksburg.

He did the front wheel and then watched me do the rear. I got frustrated trying to get the wheel back in, but I decided I knew what I was doing and let him get the wheel back in. It was a slow process and I lacked some hand strength to get the tire completely off, but in need, I know I could eventually get it off, changed, and back on the bike. I feel empowered, but now know that I need to find a CO2 inflator that works for me and add it to my underseat bag.

Goals
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles Achieved: 806.12
Financial Investment: $1988.47
Total Weight Loss: 0

Fredericksburg (Take Two) – A Family Affair

For Labor Day, we organized a group ride out in Fredericksburg and invited friends to join us. Pete and I went up the night before and attempted to chalk the turns so there was more than just the cue sheet guiding our riders out there. It took us almost three hours and the sun set faster than we expected, especially with our late start after yesterday's horrible ride. We went to bed hoping the orange and green chalk would remain on the roads over night.

We recruited Mom to help us with a breakpoint out there in the middle of nowhere. We were also lucky to have our friend, Dave, join us. Unfortunately, his doctor is not allowing him to ride this fall, but he came out to support our breakpoint and drive SAG for the second half of the route. It was a great pairing for the support and the entire group of riders was thankful for the snacks and water out there. Dave thought to bring a bike pump for the breakpoint and Mom kept the cookies fresh and the water flowing for everyone.

Dad joined us as a rider and rode Pete's spare bike for the hill climbing. He hung back with me, so together, we were the slow-poke sweepers. Dad missed the first turn, but I was able to holler loud enough to get his attention. He gets a little frustrated with my need to stop sometimes, but he silently waits and sometimes even is ready for a rest himself. I'm glad that I got to drive the route last night and remind myself of some of the climbs. I warn Dad about the big downhill and he doesn't seem to quite take it all in, or maybe he thinks I'm exaggerating. I head down the hill and hit over 40 mph again. I love it and know that I'm rolling up to the breakpoint. As I arrive, Mom looks down the road and asks "where's Dad?" I told her he was probably at the top of the hill still, but coming. Sure enough, he arrived a few minutes later having taken the downhill much slower than I did.

It got hot out -- FAST! We made it to the breakpoint (18 miles for us) about five minutes before Chris and Lisa (36 miles for them). It was good to know I wasn't "last". I felt like I was really pushing up some of the hills, so decided to check my tire pressure at the breakpoint. Sure enough! The front tire was at 80 psi -- it should be between 120 and 130 psi. After drinking some POWERade, eating some cookies and filling up water bottles, we headed out.

I was looking forward to the next part of the ride. This is where you see some of the old schoolhouses, homesteads, and churches. The next segment of the ride is shady and reasonably flat. We hit the road flying and I'm pumped for the scenery and the flats. My saddle felt better, but I was chaffing. This isn't something I've done on the bike before, but I've read about it and know it's not good. I don't know I'm chaffing, other than I didn't get ready at home (got ready at the B&B), but I'd put the butt butter on different and apparently it didn't work. At 23 miles, there's a great mailbox in the shade, with a couple flat rocks (a.k.a. benches) and a sign that says "Happy Trails". I stopped to adjust and Dad and I decided it was a good time to call it a ride. Just about then, the SAG pick-up drove by, so we jumped in.

By the time we got back to the vehicles, locked up our bikes, and I was leaving in the SAG with Dave, Pete rolled in having completed the 51 mile loop in 3 hours and 22 minutes! He now feels ready for the Atlanta Bike MS event on the 13th.

We had two riders that seemed map challenged (or stubborn). They did circles at one point when I saw them, made it to the break point and then went all the way out to Enchanted Rock. Thankfully, one of the gals' husband had followed the route and eventually found her on her cell phone and went out for a retrieval. The entire group did lunch together and it was a fun afternoon.

It was neat for my mom to see how positive biking and the people are and to get an understanding for what I've been doing. Pairing her up with Dave worked well as he was able to explain a lot of the bike stuff along the way. He was the cyclist helping with gear and routing and Mom was the hostess at the breakpoint. It was great!

I thought today was going to be a mental ride for me where I had to finish it this time in order to know that I can finish the Bike to the Beach ride. Instead, I learned that I can improve without achieving my goal. I learned that I have become a smarter rider and I don't have to push myself in pain in order to prove something to myself or others. I'm really excited about today's achievement and think everyone had a great ride!

We're thinking it'd make a good weekend friends event in November. Once everyone has recovered from the Bike to the Beach ride and before it gets too cold, but after it's cooled off some. The hills are a pain, but the scenery is great, and the downhills eventually make the climbs worth it!

Goals
Today's Miles: 23
Total Miles Achieved: 806.12
Financial Investment: $1988.47
Total Weight Loss: 0

Training with the New vCrew of Velo Valero

Today we were invited to joing the New vCrew of Velo Valero on their training ride. We met at Comal Elementary and headed towards 3009. Today was to be our flat route for mileage ride. It started out as a nice, flat route. I pedaled along side Rana and Colin Russel for awhile. They have a great story. Rana (mom) has MS and is on the Lone Star Chapter MS Society board of directors. Her son, Colin, has been in the Club 100 every year. He rides on the tandem with his mom and for his mom. They began to pull away from me though and I didn't recognize why I was falling back already.

I struggled up a couple minor inclines, but felt justified when Vicki passed me and commented that her legs were burning. I got to the first major turn and Pete was waiting for me. Clearly, our regroup mileage distances were wrong and the group is not regrouping at this point. I tell Pete I feel like I have no legs, have some Gu and we head on. We come upon some of our riders having a flat repair training session on the side of the road. I take advantage of the break to catch my breath and stretch.

Highway 3009 is a rough road surface and constant hills. I pass some of our riders as I speed down some hills, but they catch me on the next up hill. There are points on this road where there is no shoulder and the cars are flying by and many of them don't slow down or give the bikes any space to clearly and safely continue our ride. As we pass the Wild Animal Park, I have to get off of the bike. I already contemplating turning back. I just don't have the energy or the legs to battle this surface and climb these hills today.

Pete and I continue on and I struggle up the next hill. Part way up I decide I can't make the climb and get off the bike. Somehow I lose my balance and almost fall (thankfully to the right out of the path of the traffic) but I manage to jump and bobble and catch myself and not fall! Frustrated, I walk up the rest of the hill. Just then, one of our riders comes by in his minivan. Apparently, he had multiple flats today and is now driving SAG for us. He confirms that we know the route and don't need help before he heads out.

At the bottom of the hill, we get to turn right onto the next highway. This is a new surface and a nice relief. I try to enjoy the surface and make the most of the ride. We come upon a long, flat stretch with beautiful scenery and I realize I'm not enjoying the ride. I can't enjoy the scenery around me. I'm struggling to get my legs to work to push the pedals around and get the wheels to keep turning. This stretch should be easy for me, but I'm struggling. I'm frustrated. I decide I'm done.

At the first stretch of shade, I stop and tell Pete I'm done. He begins telling me what lays ahead if we cut the ride short and head straight back to the parking lot. I try to explain what I just went through on the flat, but only tears roll down my face instead of words coming out. Just then, our SAG pulls up again and I decide I'm getting in. Pete gives me the keys to the truck and I promise to drive the route backwards to check on him.

Pete quickly finished the short route and gets back to the truck before I do. Unfortunately, I ended up a hostage in the minivan with a driver who didn't understand how much more I could do in the truck as SAG and that Pete was taking the short route and was sitting in the sun (no shade) at the parking lot now waiting for us. Thankfully, I was able to recognize Vicki and Alyssa at an intersection trying to determine the correct route. I got him to turn around to check on them and point them in the correct direction. We stopped at the gas station where everyone was regrouping.

Still, I couldn't get the van to take me back to the parking lot. We head out to chase the group into Gruene and come upon Rana and Colin who have blown out a tire of their tandem when crossing the railroad tracks. We manage to get the two of them and their tandem into the minivan. Now I know we need to head to the parking lot! Unfortunately, Rana lives closer and convinces our driver to just take her home and she can retrieve her truck later that afternoon. In the process we get a call to pick up a couple riders in Gruene.

So, we drop off Rana and Colin and head back to Gruene. I am shaking in frustration and cannot believe how this day is turning out. We pick up the next two riders and I'm glad there is some new blood to keep the conversation going. Finally, I get back to the parking lot. Pete has been there for over an hour and was as patient as he could be in the sweltering heat after a hard ride. We jump in the truck and begin to back drive the route. We find Vicki and cheer her on. I tell her we're driving out the 50 mile route to check on Tony and will return.

Further out on the longer route, we find Tony. He's doing well and we watch him stand on the pedals to climb a hill. The rest of the riders give us the thumbs up, so we continue back to the parking lot. Along the way, I beg for a pit stop at a gas station. Here we find some of the hammerheads who did the 50 mile route. They're shocked to see me and then realize I "cheated". I smile and we head back to the parking lot in the truck as they jump back on their bikes.

We are all exhausted and ready to call it a day! So many things went wrong in so many ways today and I just want to get this day behind us. Vicki, who finished the entire 40 mile route, declares this a horrible route. I quickly agree and now know what it's like when you "feel like you have square tires on your bike". I won't try this route again any time soon!

Goals
Today's Miles: 16.4
Total Miles Achieved: 783.12
Financial Investment: $1988.47
Total Weight Loss: 0

211 Loop Take Two (a.k.a. Group Mechanical Issues Day)

Today we decided to attack the Harbor Bridge training of the 211 loop again. Tony and members of Pauline’s Last Hurrah team joined us. Once again, my heart rate monitor started going off as we waited for the light to change for the left turn across the highway. This time Vicki was surprised by it. I just shrug it off knowing that it’s nerves.

Pete is leading the crew and I know that I’m going to be on my own to get up the seven mile hill this time, without the assistance of the power meter. As I start to begin the climb and get into the “keep on chugging along” mentality, I realize Pete is stopped in a driveway ahead of me. I stop and have a quick Gu while he tells me he had a loose pedal, or something. We go a little further and he stops again, saying something is wrong, but sends me on my way.

Further down the road, I see one of our riders stopped and fixing a flat all alone. Just then Pete calls and informs me his crank arm is coming loose and he has to head back. He says he’ll drive SAG and see me in a bit. I mention the cyclist ahead and say I’ll call him back with an update. I stop and chat with Don as he finishes fixing his flat. Just as he gets the wheel back on, the tube pops again. He's not thrilled. He hadn’t been able to determine what caused the first flat and now he’s convinced that putting in another tube would just go flat again. I call Pete and leave a message asking him to pick up Don on his way out in the truck. I provide the distance and a quick landmark to direct him to the right location. Don assures me he’s fine and sends me on to finish my ride.

At this point, I’m not just the slow one up the hill, I’m miles behind. That’s okay because sometimes you just have to help your fellow riders. Plenty of people have offered me assistance even when I didn’t need it, so I know the drill and it's my turn to repay the favor. I start down the hill and am not looking forward to attempting this left turn again, especially without a second set of eyes to check for traffic. Just then, I see another cyclist changing a flat on the side of the road. Wow! I stop and check on the guy. He is not riding with us, but we have a quick exchange where I confirm he is good and doesn’t need anything.

I now have less momentum to get up the hill, but I was able to make the turn within the lane width and feel it was a safer turn. I shift and pedal making my way up the hill knowing that I can stop, but that I want to perfect this hill as it’s my Harbor Bridge training. I keep on pedaling and I get to the top with a gear or two to spare. I enjoy the downhill and make the next climb. I decide there isn’t much point in me going the full distance this time when I’m so far behind the group, so I turn back at the same point I did last time and pause for some Gu.

As I start the long and steady climb back up, I’m thankful the wind isn’t blowing like it was last time. I still haven’t seen Pete in the truck and now I’m beginning to get a bit worried. I don’t want to stop in middle of a climb though, so I keep pedaling. I begin to make deals with myself to not shift until I get to this sign, or that driveway, or that rock. I even picked a point at the top of the hill that I couldn’t stop until I got to it. I actually went a little beyond that point because as I approached it, I was being passed by another cyclist.

I pick up the phone to call Pete. He answers and tells me he’s climbing “the bridge”. I tell him I’m at the top and wave at him as he climbs. He tells me the bike mechanic at Roger Soler’s helped him tighten his crank arm and he was good to go to head back out. So he took off on the chase to catch me. He stopped when he got to Don and helped him change the flat again with one of Pete’s tubes. Then Don headed back to the truck.

About then, I turn around and Tony and crew are approaching at the end of their climb. Tony announces he made the climb in his big ring! “Show off!” I don’t know why he’d want to make it that hard on himself to climb the hill other than so that he can say he did it. Must be a guy thing! We exchange some idle chit chat and Vicki catches up with us too. Lilian pulls out her camera and snaps a few photos of the group at the top of the hill.

Now it’s time to climb “the wall” and this week I’m determined to pedal the whole thing without stopping all the way to the top. I stopped down shifting with two gears left and started the deal making with points along the hill. I picked a driveway for my second to last shift, but when I got there I didn’t need it, so I moved the point to the next driveway. By then, I needed the gear and shifted. Now I had one shift left and my legs were burning. Pete shouted some words of encouragement and I tried to latch on to those.

Pete warns me that a cyclist is passing me and cheers me on while coaching me to hold my line. Truth be told, although it was a hard climb, I was sweating like crazy, huffing and puffing, and my legs were burning, I was holding my line well and wasn’t wobbling all over the road. However, being that tired and working that hard, wobbling is a potential so the warning was worth it. A little further and Pete warns me that Vicki is approaching me and will be passing shortly. It saved Vicki some breath and she wasn’t passing all that fast. Then, I made it to the top of the hill. I stopped at the blue sign at the top and just leaned over my handlebars huffing and puffing. Finally able to take some deep breaths, I look up and see Vicki hitting her thighs. I can’t decide if this is her version of a tantrum, or if something is wrong. Just then, she clips back in and heads down the hill, so she must be fine. I take another minute to drink some Gatorade and have a Gu.

Pete and I head out in tandem with him setting the pace. We’re moving at a good clip, but I’m gaining on him (without pedaling.) I told you my gravitational advantage works well down hills. As we’d discussed after last week’s ride, I holler at Pete to “grab a gear” – meaning “kick it up a notch”, or “go faster!” With the wind whipping by though, he can’t understand me, just heard something. So I holler louder “Grab a fear!” He seems to have misunderstood me and is slowing and even unclips a foot like he thinks I want to stop. I scream, “Not stop! Go faster!” Now I know he heard me because he shakes his head no and shouts back, “I can’t. Cramping!”

Yikes! I back off and give him some space to work out the cramp, or decide to stop. He clips back in, so I roll up on his wheel. He worked out the cramp, but I’m still worried. This is the first time Pete has had trouble on one of our rides and it’s happened twice today. Apparently, I use some energy on this concern and I’m inconsistent all the way back to the truck. We fly on some portions and others I fall way back. It was a good ride though and everyone made it back under their own leg power!

Goals
Today's Miles: 21
Total Miles Achieved: 766.72
Financial Investment: $1988.47
Total Weight Loss: 0

A Roadrunner Gets Me Up the Hill

Steve challenged us to a fast-paced pace line tonight. I thought he was nuts at the 22 mph speed, but knew I’d fall off the back no matter what speed, so I let him challenge the rest of the group. Sure enough! I fell off at the one block incline from the intersection I don’t like. Even though I was moving at a good clip, there was no keeping that group in sight at that pace. I let them go and Pete let me push myself without killing myself.

We got to “the hill” and I was determined to make it up tonight. The first time, I got part way up, suddenly felt like I wasn’t moving, had no momentum, and was going to topple if I didn’t unclip. So, right in front of Pete, I pretty much gave up and jumped off the bike. I’ve got to figure out how to save something to give it a kick when I feel that lack of momentum to keep me moving. The constant momentum, no matter how slow, will keep me moving up the hill. I don’t have any plans to go up any mountains that would be so steep as to roll me backwards despite my legs powering the pedals forward. So, I walked to the top, caught my breath and decided to try it again.

I take off around the block to attempt “the hill” again. This time Vicki and I pause to catch our breath just before the bottom of the hill. I probably should watch my heart rate rather than say “I’m catching my breath”, but I didn’t and when Vicki was ready, I headed up the hill a short distance behind her. I got distracted by a rider passing me on her second (probably her third) time up and then Laura passing me and doing switch-backs next to me. I pretty much jumped off of the bike at that point as I don’t like climbing a hill in the vicinity of Laura’s switchbacks. Shamefully, I walk up the hill and hope no one is watching from the top. But, I only cheat myself, so I admit to walking.

Meanwhile, Pete is practically doing circles around me as he continues going around the block and up the hill. I should mention that he doesn’t stop at the top to catch his breath, or drop his heart rate either. Show off! Actually, I think he’d just challenged himself to six climbs and was determined to do it and leave me to my own devices to get up “the hill”. To be honest, Thursday nights are good for that as I have the opportunity to ask Steve and JD for coaching and tips that may click for me, or get a different perspective on my ailments or challenges.

Third try, and probably my last as the others are nearing their “six climbs” Steve challenged at the beginning of the night. I countered with “that’s once each!” but the others took him seriously. So much for pedaling smarter, not harder! This time around, I think I’m ready, I turn the bend, start my climb… and suddenly, I know that I’m out of gas and it’s not going to happen. I decide to attempt a “do over” and turn around in the driveway and go back to the bottom. After all, one of the other girls did it tonight! I circle back around, but know that I have less momentum to get me started.

Just then, a road runner runs out in front of me across the road. I stop to avoid him and proceed to watch him across the road. He plays in the driveway until he finally meanders off through the gate and out of sight. By this time, I’ve lost count of how many other bikes have passed me and not one noticed the road runner. I take a deep breath and figure it’s now or never. I start pedaling and shifting. I pedal and shift. I shift, shift, shift, pedal harder. Just then, I cross the line in the road that has been my barrier. I shift again and pedal some more. I’m making it. I keep on pedaling and now I can see the group gathering at the intersection at the top of “the hill”. I pedal and grunt as the group starts to cheer me on. I’m beginning to smile through the pain and I made it to the top! With a triumphant yell and a cheer from the gals, I role in to the rendez-vous point (having attempted "the hill" three times to their six) huffing and puffing, but excitedly jumping up and down as much as one can while still on the bike!

Steve immediately congratulates me and then starts questioning me about what was different this time. I confess to the road runner and stopping to watch it play in the driveway. He points out that I watched the bird until I was no longer distracted and was able to focus on “the hill”. Good point! Now I know what I need to keep in mind next week to get up “the hill” all three times!

Goals
Today's Miles: 12
Total Miles Achieved: 745.72
Financial Investment: $1988.47
Total Weight Loss: 0

Upgrading My Saddle

I decided to upgrade my saddle and try out the new Bontrager saddle. I traded in the Terry one that wasn't working and now I have 90 days to decide if this saddle is right for me.

Greg, one of the Bike World mechanics did the saddle switch for me and I went for a quick spin in the parking lot to confirm the height and adjustment was right.

Goals

Today's Miles: 0

Total Miles Achieved: 733.72

Financial Investment: $1988.47

Total Weight Loss: 0

Gear Indicator and a Short Water Bottle

It’s finally Wednesday, so we can head to Bike World to see Tom (he’s off on Mondays and Tuesdays.) After riding the 211 loop, I know that I want the gear indicator added to my cable so I can see when I’m about to run out of gears. My hope is that I’ll be able to save that last gear for when I really need the oomph! to get me the last little bit up a hill.

We start by looking at the short water bottles and trying them in my Ride Like a Girl cage on the seat tube. None of them fit! Tom suggests we try a side mount cage. I’m not thrilled about having to give up one of my brand new pink Ride Like a Girl cages, but I decide it’s worth a shot. We pick out a grey one and Tom mounts it with the pink bolts from my Ride Like a Girl cage. It works! We find one short bottle that just barely fits in the side mount cage. At least we find one and now I don’t feel like I’m wasting the space.

Tom handed my bike over to the wrenches to put the gear indicator on. I’m always amazed at how quickly the guys can do the little things on the bike. We were still chatting with Tom and shopping when my bike was done. We needed to get to dinner, so we paid the bill, loaded up the bike and headed to dinner.

Goals
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles Achieved: 733.72
Financial Investment: $1956.42
Total Weight Loss: 0

Jazmin and I Get Rained Out

Tonight I promised Jazmin I would take her for a ride again. As I headed out from work, I noticed that I could smell rain in the air, but the sky looked clear. Half way home (two miles), it starts pouring down rain. I was drenched running from the car to the house. I called Vicki and she was surprised to hear about the rain. We decide it might be an isolated pocket, so we head out to Bullis Park.

Jazmin and I are early, so we back-drive part of the route. There are a couple stretches where it rained recently, but nothing extreme enough to cause puddles in the road that would stop us from riding.

We met Vicki in the parking lot just as some large raindrops began to fall. We pile into the truck and watch the clouds hoping they will pass quickly. Unfortunately, it looks like the clouds that I drove through earlier with the torrential downpour are on their way toward our route. We decide to declare we are rained out and go to dinner.

Alicia met up with us at Chipotle. We had a leisurely dinner with lots of talk about biking and the big event. Jazmin learned a lot and asked questions when appropriate. So much for her special night with me. She understood and seemed to enjoy the adult dinner conversation as much as a ride.

Goals
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles Achieved: 733.72
Financial Investment: $2015.24
Total Weight Loss: 0

Saddles Don't Point to the Sky?

Pete has wanted to ride the "211 loop" but hesitated taking me out there due to some of the hills. We tried to go a couple weeks ago, but heard there was some major construction out there. Determined, Pete came up with an idea to go out and back to make for a nice 30 mile route and still get in the hill work. He’s never done this portion of the route in the “back” direction, but figures the hill training is necessary before the big event.

The group headed out and we waited for awhile to safely turn left onto the highway for a green light to get triggered. As we stood there, Christina comments that she’s getting nervous and holds out her shaky hand. I tell her she’s not alone and point to my heart rate and the monitor that is going off. Once the light changed, we were headed up highway 16. It's a four lane highway and has a good, wide shoulder to ride on. Most of the cars move to the left lane so you have a good deal of space between you and the cars going 60+ mph.

I chugged along and quickly realized this highway is a slow and constant uphill. I watched the group pull further and further away from me. My cadence matched the group (or at least Vicki), but my speed and my power just were not the same. About then, Pete pulled in front of me and set pace based on the power he thought I was exerting. He hit it right on and I managed to maintain a comfortable chug up the seven miles of hills. He’s been enjoying playing and learning with his new tool the power meter. Now we’ve learned that I too can benefit from the power meter if he’s setting the pace. It’s one of the reasons he wanted the power meter for pulling a pace line through the wind and now we know that it’s a success!

As we chug up the hill, a pack of motorcycles came roaring by on their way for a Sunday drive. I could just hear each of them thinking how crazy we were out there going up this hill without a motor. Trust me, I was thinking that too a couple of times! The roar of those engines doesn't help your motivation to get up the hill. I have learned to listen to how long they accelerate up the hill to truly know where the crest of the hill is and that's a sweet sound when you realize how near you are to the top of the hill. If the roar of the engines is a demotivator, the sound of them no longer accelerating is a motivator!

Pete coaches me through the downhill with a left turn across the highway and then an immediate climb up the next highway. This next climb is the one he really wants us to train on as it is closest to the Harbor Bridge in grade and length that he’s been able to find in town. He heads down the hill in front of me and makes the left turn. I’m not too far behind him and start to make my left turn. Half way through the turn, I realize I’m going pretty fast and turning pretty wide. I realize I’m going to go through the median section with the large, road turtles covering it. I don’t want to brake too hard and cause a skid as I’m crossing the highway, but I don’t want to hit one of the bumps either. I manage to find a straight path through and take a deep breath on the other side. *Mental note: work on turning this bike so I’m not a semi coming across the road.*

I start the climb and find a consistent pace to get me up. Pete shouts some words of encouragement about getting to the top. Surprisingly, I make it up with a bit more ease than I expected. Good! That’s comforting knowing that I have the physical strength and shifting knowledge to get me to the top of the Harbor Bridge on my bike under pedal power!

As with any uphill, there must be a downhill. Whee!!! This is a good downhill. I blow passed Pete and leave him in my dust. Yeah right! But I do allow my gravitational advantage to get me down the hill fast, and I keep pedaling most of the way so I do put some distance between us. I’m sure he “let” me get the distance, but I’ll take what I can get. As I start up the next hill, I try the attack and decide to work on a “fancy shift”. This is where I switch rings and upshift a couple of gears in order to maintain my cadence and have gears to shift down to on the uphill. I was quite fast enough, didn’t shift in the right order, and began the shifting too early in such a way that I ended up spinning my pedals pretty fast for a few seconds, which causes you to lose some speed, and in the blink of an eye, Pete was on my wheel again. The good news is, as I climbed the hill, I managed to find the some power level that Pete and I had been maintaining for most of the climb and I got up the without exhausting myself. Pete congratulated me on finding the right power level and I beamed in surprise and my newly discovered skill. Yours truly is a fast learner! (That, or I’m just stubborn and my stubborn muscles were holding their ground.)

We pause at the top of the hill and I announce to Pete that I don’t think this saddle is the right saddle for me. This helps to serve as my reminder to go to Bike World later and exchange the saddle. I had nothing to prove, so Pete and I decided this was a good point for me to turn around. The faster group would catch me up the next two hills on the return route. The point in the route was to ride the hills, so going the distance was not important for me. I turn around and Pete goes for the distance. I zoom down the hill I just climbed. As I start the attack for the uphill, I hear Steve telling me to sit back on my saddle to climb the hills. I adjust back in the saddle. Then, I hear Steve say “No, sit back in the saddle!” So, I sit back in the saddle! Honest, I have no idea how Steve gets us to listen to him so well that we hear his voice out on our rides.

Just then, I hear CRRAAAAACK! And suddenly find my saddle pointing to the sky. “Oh! That isn’t good.” I come to a stop and get off my bike. I look at the saddle and it doesn’t seem to have broken, it’s just shifted on the bolt and is now pointing skyward. I know I can’t ride like this. I try calling Pete, who shouldn’t be more than a couple miles down the road by now. No answer. I call a second time as our agreement is to call when there is an issue and text when it’s just a status/progress update. Still no answer. “Hmm… he must be climbing a hill.” I send a text message Broken saddle and continue to examine my bike. I can’t get the saddle to budge. To be honest, if it did I’d be worried that it wasn’t stable and therefore not safe to get me up the hills. I open up my seat bag to see what kind of tools I have on me, but I’m pretty sure I only have tubes and CO2 cartridges. I’m right. So, I call Pete again and this time he answers. I explain what happened. He says he’s with the group and they’ll be here shortly.

Now what? Well, there’s a guardrail next to where I stopped, so I lean the bike up against the guardrail and find a post at the right height and plop down. As I sit there swinging my legs and surveying the countryside around me, I decide to cool off a bit. I laid out my gloves to dry. I hung my helmet on a post. I even wrapped my buff around my ponytail so my hair wouldn’t keep blowing and blocking the view of my mirror. Various riders pedaled by and checked on me. I gave the thumbs up sign, replied “I’m good. Thanks!” and chatted with those who slowed down significantly to check on me. I felt like a kid taking a break. I didn’t have a care in the world. There was nowhere I could go and nothing I could do until Pete arrived with the tool. I swung my legs and relaxed while the rest of the group was pedaling and getting extra mileage. So much for the group catching me along the route.

When Pete arrived he confirmed my suspicion that the bolt wasn’t tight and shifting my weight had allowed the saddle to adjust on the bolt. He loosens the bolt and adjusts the saddle. I climb back on and go for a quick circle to check the adjustment. It feels right. I reattach my underseat bag, adorn my helmet and pull on my gloves.

I’ve had plenty of time to assess this hill, so I’m ready to attack it now. We all start up the hill, but I quickly realize it’s a long hill with a steady climb. Makes sense as it was such a long downhill to get here. To add to the struggle, the wind picks up and it’s a distinct headwind. Well, this is supposed to be training and if we’re pedaling to the beach, there’s going to be a headwind at some point coming from the Gulf. Pete is trying to shield me and pull me up at a constant power, but there is only so much help he can lend. Just then, I look ahead and see the road get steep in front of us. My eyes get big and I shake my head and tell myself to just focus on the road in front of me and I’ll get there. Not much further on, I realize that steep hill is someone’s driveway and the road takes a much “flatter” way over the hill. The “flatter” route however puts the highway in a cut-out between two rock walls and now the wind is really blowing in our faces. “Oh come on!” I shout in frustration, but I keep on pedaling. I make it up the hill and am thankful for a rest at the top.

Down “the bridge”, sharp right turn back onto highway 16 and now to climb up “The Wall” as this hill is called. Pete has told me that he fully expects I’ll have to walk part of this hill. I’m determined to prove him wrong. Then I run out of gears. My legs are burning! My lungs are burning! I have to stop, so I do. I huff and puff and then get back on the bike. I still don’t make it all the way to the top. They aren’t kidding about this hill being a wall! I try to start again and almost slip as my cleat misses the pedal. I see a cyclist approaching and I stand back up and wait for her to pass. When it’s clear, I attempt it again, and this time I get to the top – exhausted! I didn’t have to walk it, but I did have to stop twice on the way up.

After we catch our breath (you know it was all me) Pete and I take off down the hill. This is the constant seven mile uphill, so now it’s a gradual and mostly steady downhill. We hit a great rhythm and sometimes I have to grab the brakes to keep from passing Pete. It’s exhilarating and I feel great! I roll back in with a smile on my face and later learn that we averaged 19 mph on the last stretch. This route is a winner! Not only do we get to train for the Harbor Bridge climb, but we get a great finish to a good training ride. We all agree we’ll have to do this one again.

Pete asks if he should have brought me out here sooner. I comment that it would have been good to bring me out sooner after the Fredericksburg ride so I didn’t forget what real hill climbing was like, and so I didn’t have time to work this route up to such a challenge in my head. But, it didn’t work right in the schedule, so it wasn’t a loss by coming out when we did. I’m glad that the rest of the group liked the route so it won’t be a challenge to get out here again for more training.

Goals
Today's Miles: 21.12
Total Miles Achieved: 733.72
Financial Investment: $2015.24
Total Weight Loss: 0

Riding in the Rain

We woke up this morning to pouring down rain. After a phone call to Vicki to confirm she had rain out her way, we decided to go back to bed and cancel the ride. A few hours later, Vicki called and invited us to lunch. We met up with Vicki and Ericka to try a Mexican restaurant.

Afterward, Vicki, Pete, and I decided to try and get in a quick ride in Hollywood Park. Rather than starting from Bike World and having to ride backwards on the shoulder back to Bike World at the end of the ride, we decided to start from Pete’s dentist office parking lot. It was perfect as there is a driveway from the parking lot onto a neighborhood street that took us straight into Hollywood Park. As we drove, I noticed what a beautiful afternoon it was turning out to be. I even commented on the bright blue sky and the fluffy white clouds. Just then, it starts to sprinkle. Oops! A few miles later we arrive at the parking lot and the sprinkle has passed.

I’ve discovered that the seat tube of my sleek new Madone is too short for an average bottle. They make shorter bottles, but I haven’t made it to the store to purchase a shorter bottle yet. I mention to Vicki how I can only carry one bottle and she offers a spare short bottle. I take the bottle and try to put it on my cool new Ride Like a Girl cage, but it won’t fit. The top tube is thicker because it encases the bike cables that usually run along the top tube. The short bottle almost fits, but the bite piece of the lid is too tall and won’t allow the bottle to go in all of the way. I know that I can’t ride with a bottle sticking out to the side. We’re going to have to take the bike with us when shopping for a short bottle to confirm it will fit. I have plenty of water in the Camelbak for this ride, so we’re good to go.

The roads are damp, it’s humid out, but the temperature has dropped and I start to think it may be a nice afternoon ride. We decide we’re going to work on attacking “the hill”. As we meander our way on the new (to us) streets, we casually wave hello to the neighbors who seem to be out in mass this afternoon. The ride is uneventful as we approach the required complete stop intersection.

Just as we start down the hill rain drops begin to fall. We keep moving and I learn what it’s like to ride in the rain. My sunglasses are getting rain drops on them. The jersey is beginning to stick to my chest as it cuts through the rain. Vicki’s hands are slipping on the handlebars as she forgot her gloves today. I grasp for my brakes and discover my fingers are slippery on the smooth metal surface that’s now wet.

We pause under a tree but determine the rain is not going to stop. While we stand there clearing the rain from our glasses and trying to dry our hands, I spot a roadrunner on top of a brush pile. He doesn’t stay too long, but he seems to be investigating and hunting for bugs in the pile. We continue on to attack “the hill”. I don’t know what was different about today, but I made it up “the hill” on my first attempt. I’m ecstatic, but want to get better. Afterall, Vicki can get up the hill and still have gears left.

Going around the block to try again, I notice the roadrunner headed for dryer pastures. I’m on the attack and ready to get up this hill a second time. I can feel water running down the back of my knees as I start up the hill. Vicki doesn’t make it up and as I pass her there is a crack of thunder. It startles me and I jump off the bike! I walk up and shake my head as I realize how I just jumped off of the bike. We discuss the weather and decide the thunder sounds close and it doesn’t look like the rain will be passing soon, so we decide to head back to the truck.

It was a quick ride, but it felt good to get out and get some exercise despite the weather. I understand why people don’t want to ride in the rain and I don’t know that I want to try it in more than a drizzle again either. It took a long, hot bath tonight to finally warm up after being chilled to the bone by the damp rain.

Goals
Today's Miles: 9
Total Miles Achieved: 712.6
Financial Investment: $2015.24
Total Weight Loss: 0

New Saddle Demonstration

This week for the women’s only ride, we started with a class session beforehand. There was a large showing, so we split into the new riders and the experienced riders. I now qualify as an “experienced rider”. Actually, I believe the more accurate qualification is “well-educated rider” or maybe even “coached appropriately” but I’ll accept the “experienced rider” label. It’s all a matter of comparison really. Compared to the women showing up who have never ridden before, or haven’t been on a bike in twenty-plus years, I am an experienced road biker (even with only 600 miles, or three months on my legs).

As an “experienced rider” I was taken for the new saddle demonstration and measuring session while the newbie riders were treated to a flat repair lesson. I felt I’d benefit from the flat repair, but I had seen these saddles and was interested to learn more about them. Besides, Pete can teach me flat repair any day. The new saddles are something JD learned about at Trek University this year. They’re the latest from Bontrager and come in three sizes (red, blue, and green – a clever way of disguising small, medium, and large). JD measured my sit bones for the new saddles. As luck would have it, I’m perfectly in between two sizes. Figures! I must say that it’s nice to know for once that this butt doesn’t qualify as “large”. Ha! But, it is measuring my sit bones and not my padding. I’ll take what I can get though.

We were beginning to get the itch to ride. Vicki and I decided we know the route and would head out with the “experienced riders” and meet the group at the usual rendez-vous point. Just then, Steve arrived, so we waited for him to gear up and we headed out! Steve spent most of the ride helping one of the girls learn when to shift. We had a good ride and enjoyed the evening without incidents.

Goals
Today's Miles: 10
Total Miles Achieved: 703.6
Financial Investment: $2015.24
Total Weight Loss: 0

Poster Promotion

My friend and co-worker, KJ, took this photo of me on my shiny, new, blue road bike and made this awesome poster promoting my fund raising, the ride event, and the cause. She did an amazing job! I love the use of the circles and with the blue and orange, it ties right in to all of the other promotions for the Bike to the Beach event.

The poster is now printed and hanging on the window to my office at work. I sit on a main hallway, so it should get a lot of attention. Now to print the donation matching forms and send more emails for contributions!

Goals
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles Achieved: 693.6
Financial Investment: $2015.24
Total Weight Loss: 0

New Bike Shorts

After a shower and a nap, Pete and I headed out in search of new shorts today. I know what I can order online, but I’ve been talking to Christina about her shorts. She loves them and swears by them. I’d like to give these gel shorts a try, if I can.

First, we swing by Bike World and bump into JD just back from Trek University. She had all kinds of new information to share with us. Of course, that means we stay and chatted for quite awhile. So much for hitting a few bike shops in town to see what kind of shorts they had in stock that might fit me.

I did find a pair of Pearl Izumi shorts in XXL that fit and the pad is in a much better location than my current Shebeest shorts. I’m not thrilled at what my knees look like, so I decide I’ll have to wear them around the house for an evening with my panties on to confirm the fit is right before I commit to the shorts and cut off the tags.

We then head over to Performance Bike to try on these gel shorts that Christina likes. The price is about half that of the Pearl Izumi shorts, but I can feel the difference in the fabric quality immediately. I’m also not thrilled that there is a drawstring in addition to the elastic waist band. Weird. I try on a pair of XXL and they look better on me than the Pearl Izumi shorts. However, due to the drawstring waistband and a lesser quality fabric (less stretch) I turned four shades of red getting them on. Once they’re on, they’re not too bad. I think about it and decide the cheaper quality and the idea of breaking a sweat to get into my shorts at 6 a.m. is not my cup of tea.

I'll wear them around the house (with panties) one evening this week to confirm they don't stretch out too far or shift around or anything.

Goals
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles Achieved: 693.6
Financial Investment: $2015.24
Total Weight Loss: 0

Will We Get Rained On?

Vicki joined me and Pete today for a ride at Bullis Park. We had originally planned on the 37 mile loop, but the weather was threatening rain and we decided the smarter choice was a shorter loop staying closer to the truck. My back was sore and I was not ready to get back on the bike. Honestly, I'd secretly been hoping to wake up to a torrential downpour so we couldn't ride. Vicki was sluggish this morning too, so we were all in the same boat and ready for a slower, or at least shorter, ride today.

I got on the bike and my sit bones ached. Not my normally ache, but true pain. Not a good way to start a ride. We stopped at the stop sign and I adjusted the padding of my shorts to better cover the saddle as they should. I climbed back on and went to clip in with authority, but slipped and my soft tissue pounded down into the nose of my saddle. Ouch! That cleared any thoughts of my sit bones aching and off we went down the hill.

Pete took off to pre-test a hill and I clung to Vicki's wheel. I was doing a darn good job of it and keeping my cadence up when we came upon a low water crossing with a steep incline to get out of it. I started shifting and knew I needed to get into the small ring. The shifter wouldn't work and I kept shifting down the gears as I tried to get into the small ring. Suddenly, I was out of gears, out of momentum, and came to a stop in middle of the hill with an "oh darn!" Vicki disappeared and I walked the rest of the way up. I still couldn't manually shift to the small ring, so as I noticed the road was more flat, I hopped back on and hoped I could get it to shift before I got to the next hill.

Eventually, the road started up again and I ran out of gears still unable to get to the small ring. I stopped and tried to get the chain to shift to the smaller ring, but it just wasn't happening. Then I had an idea and shifted gears to a different cog hoping that would change the tension on the chain and then I could shift to the smaller ring. Still no luck! About that time Pete and Vicki were returning down the hill and stopped as I announced "I'm stuck in the big ring!" Pete came over and I showed him how when I pushed the lever to shift it wouldn't go far enough to shift. Pete pushes the shorter lever and the chain jumps to the small ring. Duh! Apparently you have to actually push the correct lever for the chain to shift to a different ring. So much for being one with your bike. It didn't know what I wanted it to do!

Together, we rode up to the bakery and the school. The wind and the humidity slowed me down quite a bit, not to mention my low energy level. I took a break at the school and was ready for the hills of Amman Road. Plus, I know once I get up those that I get to enjoy the downhill of Leroy Scheel.

As I enjoyed the downhill, I hit a small hole in the road and the bump gave me an instant headache. I slowed down when we went over the low water crossing and told Pete I needed a break at Specht Store. I got off the bike and started to see stars. I decided that I didn't have enough in me to get up the last hill back to the parking lot today. I sent Pete ahead as I camped out at a picnic table and awaited my retrieval. While sitting there, I actually got dizzy too. I ate some dried apricots, finished my Gatorade and drank lots of water.

Not the best day of riding, but I did enjoy the cooler weather of 75. Now if we could just get the humidity to drop. I need to be better about taking allergy drugs so my sinuses are more clear for the rides too. Hopefully the rain will pass quickly and we can ride the rest of this week.

Goals
Today's Miles: 14.2
Total Miles Achieved: 693.6
Financial Investment: $1947.13
Total Weight Loss: 0