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
Monday, September 22, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
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
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
Saturday, September 20, 2008
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
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
Thursday, September 18, 2008
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
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
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
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
Monday, September 15, 2008
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
Friday, September 12, 2008
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
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
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
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
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
Monday, September 8, 2008
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
Sunday, September 7, 2008
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.
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
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
Saturday, September 6, 2008
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
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
Thursday, September 4, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
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
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
Monday, September 1, 2008
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
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
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