Another addition to the family

For a 12 year old boy, our son showed quite a bit of dedication to the team and our training routine. So much so that I knew he would stick it out and needed a better bike than my old one. My 40 year old road bike had been to Santa Barbara and back in its day, plus into the Mojave – however, it this point in its life it is stuck in 3rd and 4th gears. Just not the bike for a lot of climb.

We did a scouting trip over to Helen’s Cycle’s in Santa Monica to narrow down the choices and be sure we could stay in budget, came home sprang the new bike surprise on Josh and took him back to the shop to show him the 2 Treks and a Diamondback for his final approval.

Instead, we settled on a Cannondale hybrid (Cannondale Quick 5) that appeared magically beween visits. It had seemed to have a frame that would hopefully let Josh and his big puppy self fit together for the next few years. he’s enjoying the heck out of it, tackling the PCH and the Tour de Foothills with his ol’ Mom.

From the Cannondale website:
LIGHTWEIGHT AND COMFORTABLE

We have paired an already comfortable bike at an attractive price point with something even more attractive: A carbon fork. Excellent vibration resistance means you’ll be ready for anything, from long-distance charity rides to a spin around the block.

SPECS:
Frame Quick
Fork TIG-welded Chromoly
Rear Shock N/A
Rims Cannondale C4, 32 hole
Hubs Formula FM-31 front, FM-32 rear
Spokes 15g stainless steel
Tires CST Selecta w/Kevlar belt, 700 x 35c
Pedals Wellgo resin platform w/Kraton insert
Crank Shimano FC-M151, 28/38/48
Chain KMC Z72 8-speed
Rear Cogs Sunrace M66, 11-32
Bottom Bracket TH cartridge
Front Derailleur SRAM 3.0
Rear Derailleur Shimano Alivio
Shifters Shimano SL-EF50 EZ-Fire
Handlebars Cannondale C3, 20mm rise, 600mm wide
Stem Cannondale XC3F 1 1/8″, 31.8mm
Headset VP semi-integrated threadless, 30 mm top cover
Brakeset Lee Chi TX-120 linear pull
Brakelevers Shimano SL-EF50 EZ-Fire
Saddle Selle San Marco Ischea
Seat Post Cannondale C4 Alloy
Sizes S, M, L, X, J
Extras Montague “CLIX” Front QR

One more offspring joins Team US Cares

For the last two years, since I returned to the saddle, my son had been asking to join one of our teams working towards a Century ride. Because he was so young (12 now) LLS would not allow it and poor Josh got stuck standing in the sun working SAG with his dad or just sitting in the car waiting until his sister and I finished a training ride. So not fun for a kid.

This season is a little different. With the Tour de Cure I am a ride leader that offers weekly training for my own team (Team US Cares) and anyone else who wishes to join in. Its not a ADA thing like Team in Training was, so I can bring my son.

I have to admit, I went into this with the typical mom view of lets-see-if-it-will-stick. I really didn’t expect him to give up Saturdays with friends or attempt putting mid week rides into his already full after school schedule. But he is doing wonderfully. He has even added biking to and from school to his daily routine so that he gets in more hills!

The Rock vs The Bike – ca-ching!

Recently, I ordered the bike of my dreams as a birthday present to myself.

When I returned to cycling after a 30 year break, I purchased a good bike (Trek 1500), just a step or three above entry level, and one that would take me towards my goals. My previous bike had been my brother’s Peugot which was about 40 years old by now.

I don’t want to imply that the Trek 1500 is no longer of use. That could not be farther than the truth! While its still my baby (something only a bike geek could understand), I have bike envy. I also told myself that if I stuck with this for two years then I would buy a “forever bike”, one that would be around another 40 years.

Week after week, I continued to climb the stairs at Helen’s Cycles (where they keep the special bikes) and eye them like a hungry orphan watching the fat cats dine on meals just out of reach. Each time, I would tell myself that these are for the real cyclists and return to the bikes downstairs, the ones for the rest of us.

Then came my birthday, it was time. In the last two years I’ve cycled more miles than I ever thought any human could, least of all this human. I’ve signed on for more events and have organized a team. I very rarely drive any more, if at all. It was most definitely time for that forever bike.

Back to Helen’s I went. Right up to Tony, the Manager and announced which one I wanted. I was committed now! As we were doing the paperwork, I quietly joked/asked if this was too much bike for me. He replied “probably, but not by next year.” There it was, confirmation that by the time I was done paying it off, it would be the right thing to do.

A day later it hit me… I told my husband that I realized the bike was more cash than the very nice engagement ring I was wearing. He nodded, told me that he was well aware of it and that the ring had better be viewed as the “forever rock”. No worries, sweetie – I’m here for the long haul. But the diamond …

Want to win a Colnago bike?

Ride-Strong.com would like to give a Colnago bike away in the month of July, and their asking us to help out by telling all our cycling friends.

visit: http://www.ride-strong.com/cowabunga-win-a-brand-new-colnago-carbon-bike-update

As always Ride-Strong!

Where I am on my cycling goals

I set a goal for 2008 of 2600 miles. Since I had not set mile goals before I was in a position of not really knowing what to base it on. I thought 50 miles a week sounds doable and still maintain a real life (uh huh). I’ve had some weeks where I have more than toped that, others where I have slacked off completely. I may not be making my weekly miles but I am certainly more focused than I was last year.

Last year was a lesson in being on the bike – I mean it, it was that basic. Ride from the house to my son’s school (1 mile) with out passing out. Taking my hand off the handlebar to reach for the water bottle without wiggling all over the road. Let’s not forget looking over my shoulder to change lanes or just see who is passing me!

This year, I’ve worked on the mechanics as well as getting over my fears. Many times I do things simply because it felt like good sound advice, but more and more I am learning the whys of these things and even passing on simple advice to others. These are things I should have added to my goals for 2008. So right here, right now, mid year I am adding “become a more knowledgeable rider” to my cycling goals.

Events I have participated in this year:
• Solvang Century – March
• Crusin’ The Conejo – May
• Los Angeles River Ride – June
• The Ride to Conquer Cancer – June

Events I will participate in:
• Moonfest – July
• Marin Century – August
• Spooktacular – October
• Solvang Prelude – November
• Tour de Foothills – November

Day Two is almost done – Getting home from The Ride to Conquer Cancer

The train almost did me in. I had no idea I would get motion sickness, not having been on a train in 30 years (for those of you doing the math, I was 16. Trust me, it does too add up to 29). I thought it was extremely ironic that I made it over 200K on a bike only to be taken down by a train ride.

Fortunately, I had met some terrific people along the way, Kate and Sue pulled me to the end of the car where we had lots of room, lovely bottles of water waiting for us and time to regroup.

I hadn’t expected all that was done for us. I’m no stranger to corporate sponsors but in this case it was an amazing out pouring. Via Rail donated their trains to us for the trek from Niagara to Toronto. They provided the endless water bottles too.

We returned to the Exhibition Centre and I got my bike and gear. Just then Joe, who I had also met on the second day, promised to see me back to the B&B, making sure the American didn’t get lost along the way.

As soon as we took off, I got sicker and told Joe I would walk. He wouldn’t hear of it. He took my pack, tossed it on his handle bars set about his way, taking care of the US. I could not believe it, 2 days, his own gear and he was still willing to help me out. Just one more incredible story in this whole journey.

Bedtime for Beano – Camping with The Ride to Conquer Cancer

I really didn’t want to tell this story and I really didn’t want to pass on sharing it, so if you have a problem with guys and potty humour you may want to pass on what it is like to sleep with 2,500 other people around you.

First off, I dragged my gear and myself to the tent at the end of a very long row. I saw that my tent mate had already been there, stuff strewn everywhere, with trash left in the open areas. I thought, “oh, this is not going to be good”. Pushing my OCD aside, I arranged everything as neatly as possible on my side, took out what I needed plus laying out tomorrow’s gear in tiny stacks. Off to the showers I went. When I returned, she had taken her gear, left her trash, and I had a whole tent to myself. If you know me, it should not surprise you that I wouldn’t move the take up the whole tent but kept everything just as it was. I know, I’m a whack job.

The guys in the tent next to me were amazing. I am sure they have known each other forever because what followed could only keep the best of friends in a single tent together. Or they were just that tired, and slap happy.

We had GasMan and his companion. It started just as I was about to close my eyes, they arrive and I hear “Look out!” and GasMan just rips one off! His friend starts on him about how rude that was, its rank etc. In return another one is expelled. I hear shouts of “Don’t you waft that over here”, not on my pillow!” This goes on for hours, I swear I have no idea how anyone have that much gas and so loud too.

It doesn’t get better, they start arguing with one telling the other to go take a shit, refusal of course, they settle down, it starts up again. Just as I am texting my husband to let him know I am offering my extra tent space to non-gasboy so I can get some sleep, they get quiet and all is well.

It should go without saying (but it won’t) that I woke up to the loudest longest fart in all of cancer riding history. He slept through it, his companion did not.

200 km or Donate – which do you choose?

I’ve made a personal commitment over the next five years to don my helmet and cycle to raise funds for cancer cures. To date, I’ve raised $3,478 and my family as a whole as raised $10, 478! We need to keep working together to conquer cancer for those struggling right now and for those yet to be diagnosed. To accomplish this I’ll be cycling The Ride to Conquer Cancer.

The Ride to Conquer Cancer benefiting Princess Margaret Hospital is a cycling journey from Toronto to Niagara Falls – a distance of over 200 km – that I’m embarking on to fight cancer. It will be a challenge in a number of ways, but with my bike, my helmet, and your generosity, a real impact will be made!

I’m asking my supporters to please make a donation of $218; one dollar for every kilometer I am committed to riding and eighteen for life! Of course any contribution is welcome as you support and generate the all-important funds for research, which will be allocated based on the highest cancer research priorities at The Princess Margaret and OCI. Click here to DONATE

I’m a firm believer that cancer does not stop at the U.S./Canada border. Because of that I’ve created Team US Cares to participate in The Ride to Conquer Cancer. The event is not just for athletes or cycling enthusiasts. It’s the ride for anyone who wants to challenge themselves for a great cause. All you need is motivation, a bike, and a helmet. The rest is history. To be a part of it and join Team US Cares, click here. (Team Password: kickbutt)

Reason No. 5 to Ride

Reason number 5 to ride is what I learned about my body and how it works.

Did you know that your body consumes approx. 600 calories an hour when cycling BUT to effectively ride you need to take in at least 300 calories? Use those cycling jersey pockets and stock up on clif bars and almonds!

I also learned that it is not enough to hydrate during or the day of your ride but your body needs that hydration at least 3 days prior.

Step aside Lance, the Tour de Foothill is ours!

Now you have to admit, that unless you work for BNI (which I do), there probably isn’t a whole lotta reason to go to Upland, other than maybe the adult store located there, but we won’t go there now.

Add the Tour de Foothill to your reasons to head on over to lovely downtown Upland.