How Have I Been Training?

Newest Events on Top

12th Annual LA Acura Bike Tour-My most exiting ride so far would have to be the 12th Annual LA Acura Bike Tour that I participated in this past Sunday (March 19th). I woke up at 3:30am to get ready and drive to LA for our 5:50 am bike tour through the streets of LA (the Acura Ride took place on the morning before the LA Marathon). It was so exciting riding with 14,000+ other cyclists…o.k. and chaotic too. Being from LA it had a special meaning for me. It was unforgettable.

Porter Ranch Ride-Sunny SoCal hasn’t been so sunny, but I got to ride from my house to Porter Ranch for a quick 10 mile ride in between rain storms.

Women's Workshop-I got the opportunity to attend a women’s workshop at Helen’s Bike Shop in Manhattan Beach, CA. I got a chance to meet other women who were participating in the June event as well as bike vendors who were targeting women in the cycling industry (women specific cycling gear is very new to the market—we no longer have to borrow from the boys). The day was filled with workshops and seminars.

Fillmore to Santa Paula-Ready to join other ACLers I joined Team Ventura for my first 22 mile ride. Amazing! Team Ventura welcomed me with open arms as we rode from Fillmore to Santa Paula. We passed through a very hilly area surrounded by orange groves. It was gorgeous and the people I rode with were friendly and fun. This ride gave me a gauge of my fitness level—which was better than I had expected.

Simi Metro to 23-Feeling confident on my new bike I ventured out on my first 18 mile ride from the Simi Valley Metro Station to the 23 freeway and back. I experienced my first hill. Wow, I survived.

ALC Kick-Off Party-I attended the ALC5 kick-off party and got pumped up for the event.

Lake Balboa-I got to test drive my bike at Lake Balboa bike path…it was lovely…

Bike Purchase-Next I purchased my very first road bike—a Specialized Dolce 2005 (candy apple red)—it is a women’s specific bike and I love her!!

First ALC Workshop-I attended my first ALC5 workshop in Griffith Park, where I met my Cycle Buddy Kerry Castillo for the first time. She went over all the gear, rules, how to change a tire, etc that I needed to know for the ALC ride. We then went for my first training ride around Griffith Park.

ALC Holiday Party-I attended the ALC Holiday Party and met some fellow ALCers
Personal Trainer-I started out training for Mt Whitney with my personal trainer Julie Gentleman and continue to do so for the ALC5 ride as well. I had been working our with Julie and another girl called Mariann twice a week, Tuesdays & Thursdays and we have now expanded to three times a week, Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. I currently ride my bike to Julie’s house and back for every workout (8 miles round-trip).