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
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
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
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