What's Next in 2009?

Stay tuned for blogs on other events I'll be doing--here's some events that are coming up for me:

June 2009

LA River Ride
Disney Duathlon

July 2009

Giant for Women MTB Ride & Retreat

August 2009

Cool Breeze

October 2009

8-Day Arthritis Foundation’s California Coast Classic (sponsored by Amgen) Goes from SF to LA via the coast.

On-Going in 2009

I have been spending time on the track at the Encino Velodrome with the LOTS program (Ladies Only Track Sessions). It has been a blast. They even had a special race oriented clinic on Memorial Day which was a lot of fun.

I’ve also ramped up our Breakaway Cycling rides. We now have an after work ride during the week and a weekend ride. I hope to soon have an away ride once a month as well. We have a nice core group attending, with more and more people joining each week. We did two nice rides where a few ladies got to accomplish some goals. So it was fun to see the excitement and sense of accomplishment. It reminded me of why I started the group in the first place. We will be training to do the Cool Breeze Century (Ventura to Santa Barbara) together as a group in August. Most of the ladies have never done a century before and it will their first one. It’s be very exciting.

So far we have 56 people sign up for Breakaway Cycling and we have had 14 events. We have approximately 8 regulars that ride consistently.

Catching Up

Well, it’s been a while since I last blogged. You can still follow me on Facebook and Twitter for current updates. I’ve been busy doing some fun stuff. Let me catch you all up.

Tour of California- February
The Tour of California was insanely awesome. I had the opportunity to work at the Giant Booth and in The Rabobank VIP tent during the last four stages. There were so many people there it was crazy. It was so nice to see so many spectators at a US cycling event. The route and expos were jam packed with people. It was really exciting to see Lance, Levi, Floyd & Rabobank (Giant’s the bike sponsor) ride in SoCal. I can’t wait for next year. Rumor has it that the tour is moving to May.

Lots of traveling- March

March was a traveling month for me. I got to go up north to Reno to see family that I haven’t seen in a while. My cousin Ryan got married in Japan last year to an amazing young woman named Naiko. We all loved her and glad that she is now part of our family. It was the first time nearly all my generation was together. The only one missing was by beloved sister. I also traveled to Keystone, CO during their biggest snow storm of the year and then to Tucson, AZ  both being business trips.

Sea Otter-April
Sea Otter was a blast this year. It was only my second time attending this event, but it left another lasting impression. I got to hang out with some friends from Arizona & Reno and watch my cousin Jon race Down Hill. Saw Kelli Emmett and Carl Decker out on course during two of their races. So needless to say, I caught Sea Otter racing fever. Next year I am thinking of competing in the Super D.

Cruisn the Conejo-May
This is by far one of my favorite rides (the other is Solvang Prelude) and it occurs where I usually ride. I was determined to do the century (6,000 feet of climbing) this year, since this is where I believe I first injured my knee two years ago. I didn’t have a lot of time to train, but I knew I had to do it. The morning was nice and overcast—perfect climbing weather. I left and road nice and easy. I was able to conquer a bulk of the climbing before the sun burned off all the fog and clouds. At mile 46 mile body began to question why I was doing this crazy ride, but after some food a chat with a couple fellow Conejo Valley Cyclists (CVCers) I was off and riding. I was feeling great. I finished the ride to the delight of still seeing the Giant booth and people at the finish line eating lunch. I even got to see my friend Beth at the last rest stop. She always makes me laugh and smile. I felt real good that day, and even felt that I could have continued riding.

VeloBetty Clinic- May

The following week after Cruisn the Conejo, I had the opportunity to participate in a VeloBetty clinic lead by Olympic Silver Medalist Mari Holden and Masters World Champion in Track, Road and Mountain, Lisa Jennings. The clinic was held in Ventura on Saturday and Ojai on Sunday. We had such a good time and learned a lot. A few of the Breakaway Cycling ladies were able to participate in the clinic as well. I can’t wait to attend another VeloBetty clinic. I highly recommend it. The go over techniques that aren’t really covered in a lot of clinics I’ve attended like, cornering, bike handling, etc.

Piru Time Trial (My Very First Race) 2-1-09

Well, I did it. My very first Time Trial/ Bike Race. I've never attended or seen a Time Trial so I was a bit thrown off guard when it was announced that I was the first rider to go out for the day. Other riders started behind me in 30 second intervals. It was a gorgeous day, warmer than expected. I learned a lot. I learned that I shouldn't have warm up as hard as I did, I need to hydrate more the day before, and not to take my allergy medication & inhaler before a race as they made my heart rate very high.

Overall, I was pleased with my first one. I finished 2nd in my class (out of 3 people) with a time of 42.45. I really didn't train for this one, I wanted to use it as a base to see how much I could improve. So, now it's time to get serious and properly train to see how much time I can knock off.

I want to give a huge thank you to RaeLynn who gave me lots of advise and road the course with me a couple weeks ago giving me tips here and there. I would not have done as well without her encouragement, support, experience and advise. She rocks!!

I also want to thank my pit crew, my mom and my best friend Jaclyn, who were there for support, holding my stuff/bike, and taking the following photos and video. Seeing them at the finish gave me that extra boost to the end.

Enjoy the pics and video below....

Here is the video of me coming across the finish line....don't blink.. it's a quicky...

Encino Velodrome Meetup 1/17/09

WOW!! I had an incredible experience on the track and I can officially say that I am addicted. I was rather nervous when in the class lecture they informed us that while riding the fixed gear bikes that had to keep a couple things in mind. One- Don't stop pedaling (coasting) and two Don't pedal backwards. Either one can quickly launch you on to the pavement. Did I mention that the bikes do not have brakes? Yup, but I quickly found that stopping wasn't that difficult. Already comfortable with riding on the road my bike handling skills really helped me on the track. I also noticed today that pedaling on the track really helps your road biking. Your pedaling is more efficient and so is your pedal stroke. It looks like both practicing both disciplines will really help my performance in each. Now when will I have time to hit the track? Hmmmmm....

Lady D Ready to Hit the Track...hopefully not literally

Well tomorrow is the day! It will be my very first time on a track with a bicycle. Stay tuned to see if I survive or go splat! The weather is suppose to be absolutely gorgeous. I hope that the winds die down by then.

Tonight I'm attending a nutrition seminar at Simi Cycling Center. I"ll let you know how it goes!!

Breakaway Cycling- Social Cycling Club For Women Launches

I've been busy these days with work. I even got to travel to Tucson, AZ for the Tour de Tucson and did the 109 miler. Had a blast.

I even purchased a new bike and am ready to ride...if only the weather would improve.

Well, I finally did! I launched Breakaway Cycling- Social Cycling Club For Women.

Breakaway Cycling is a social cycling club for women (men are welcome too) and resource center for riders to breakaway from the norm and ride, get fit, help the environment, and learn together. Here you can expect to meet other local Cyclists, gather for weekend ride planning, gear talk, training tips, etc.!

Check out the web site and join us on a ride. http://breakawaycycling.blogspot.com/

Cruisin The Conejo?

Be sure to check back to see if I ride in Cruisin the Conejo on May 10th...also I am working on some other cycling related projects. Stay tuned for new about them....

The Wildflower

For maps and statistics of the ride from my GPS, click on the image below and enjoy:

I survived!! It was such a fun ride!! Jean, Aaron and I left work and headed to Aaron's house to drop my car off and on the road we went. I must say we were a sad group. I have to say Aaron's van is so comfortable. It was a gorgeous ride up the coast to San Luis Obispo, CA. We arrived in Creston, CA at the local elementary school to register for the ride before heading to the hotel. The Wildflower staff gave us some advise. It will be cold in the morning but will be in the low to mid 90's in the afternoon. Jean and I instantly were trying to figure out our wardrobe for the day of the ride. The staff also informed us not to eat a lot at lunch because there is a large hill right after the lunch stop. With all the advise, we headed for a place to eat.

After cruising the main strip in Atescadero, CA (where are hotel is located) we decided on a steak house. The food was good and our tummies were full and we were ready for bed. I had been in touch with Chris Raser, who was on his way up to stay with us in the hotel. I must say we were a sad group. Aaron and Jean were on antibiotics getting over virus' and I wasn't feeling well. I either had really bad allergies or was fighting a cold. I couldn't get in to see the doctor to find out which one I had and Chris was getting over a cold. Jean and I hardly slept that night.

We all were up at 5:30am prepping for the ride and packing the car. The hotel had a continental breakfast and we decided to give it a try. When we went down to the breakfast we saw lots of fellow cyclists including a few faces. My friend RaeLynn (you can visit her blog via my Cycle Buddies page link on the right) and her hubby Robb. They both always put a smile on your face. John, Stephanie's friend was there too. Stephanie came up, but decided not to ride do to an ongoing neck injury that was inflamed. We didn't see the dynamic duo of Patrick and Wendy until we were heading out to the starting line.

We parked on the side of the road and then road to the start area to meet everyone. We decided to meet up at the Long Branch see below from right to left John, Wendy, Patrick, Arron (behind Patrick & Jean), Jean and myself:

We all started together, going slow to warm up our legs. I lead us out at a 12 mph pace and then divided and conquered. Wendy, Patrick and John took off ahead in hopes of completing the century. Aaron, Chris, Jean and myself stuck together with hopes of completing the 75 (which was actually only about 70 miles). In the first 15 miles they would loose me on the hills. I tend to go slower and reserve myself in the early miles until I am completely warmed up when I know that I will be doing a lot of climbing.

We made it up our first climb, and when we were descending and enjoying the sweet S-shape curves down the mountain we were asked to quickly slow down ahead almost to a stop. There were four patrol cars, two fire trucks and one ambulance. There was already a cyclist down. We were instantly reminded in the first few miles how dangerous it cycling can be. We later heard that the injured cyclist had took the turn too fast and crashed. He was knocked out, had nasty road rash and a couple broken bones. We all regrouped at the bottom and continued on to our first rest stop. It is always exciting to hit your first rest stop. For me they each are small goals that I make on these rides and when I reach them I feel well accomplished. We didn't spend too much time and we were off.

The scariest experience I've ever had as a cyclist happened today. I was descending a hill and a guy three times tried to knock me over while on his bike. The first time he almost cut me off. I had to hit my breaks really hard. The second and third time he came into me from the side. I could almost feel his shoulder touching mine as we went into a turn. I thought for sure I was going to go over the cliff as I was on the outside. I kept yelling at him to layoff. The third time I yelled at him really loud and he finally fell back. I was so angry!

We began to spread out over the big rolling hills. I was comfortable with my pace in the back until suddenly I came upon Jean. She wasn't looking to well, but said that she was ok so I passed her and met up with the guys at the 2nd rest stop. I got my picture taken there see below:

We beginning to be concerned about Jean. When she arrived she said she was done. She was not feeling well and attributed it to her being sick this past week. We stayed until she caught a SAG vehicle and then we were off again or so we thought. We hadn't gotten but 500 feet from the rest stop when Chris realized that he had a flat tire. We headed back while he and Aaron changed the tire. Forty minutes had past since we arrived at the rest stop when we left. Next stop lunch. We hit a couple smaller hills but mostly flat farm land. Boy was it windy! I was able to keep up with the guys and even lead a couple times. We stopped and took some pictures.


























Ahhhh...Lunch! We were hungry. We arrived to a spread of make your own deli sandwiches. I was so excited. They had tuna with no mayo, olives (both black and green), carrots, yummy strawberries, etc. I made a wickedly good sandwich and got some pasta salad. When I was about to bit into my sandwich, one of the veteran cycles suggested that I don't eat the bread and just eat what was inside, because of the hill that was coming up. Well, I hadn't been eating much at the rest stops (because I wasn't hungry) and was concerned that I wasn't getting enough to eat so I compromised and only ate one slice and gave my cookie to Chris. It tasted so good!! Aaron was ecstatic that they had matza...here is a pick of him:

After lunch we were back on our bikes ready for this hill everyone was talking about. We all stuck together at a pretty good pace, when suddenly Aaron got an amazing rush of energy and bulleted out ahead of us disappearing into the hills. It must have been the matza bread. I was feeling pretty good when suddenly I felt the heat getting to me. I gued up for the first time on the ride and pored water on my neck and over my head. I told Chris (behind me) that I needed to stop for a moment. I was feeling nauseous and tingly. Once my heart rate lowered I was feeling great and we were back riding and soon found the water stop. I drank lots of water and geared up for the final 10 miles.

A little more climbing up the "big" hill and we were flying down...oh it was such a wonderful feeling flying down the mountain knowing that we were so close to finishing. We caught up with Aaron and all stuck together to the finish where we were greeted by Jean. She was feeling much better and was happy to see us. Aaron had filled up a huge jug of water and we all took sponge baths and changed our clothes at the car on the side of the road. Soon to follow were Wendy, Patrick and John. They bailed out of the 100 (actually 107 miles) and did about 86 miles. That is still darn good...it was hot and windy!! We all got cleaned up and headed over to the BBQ and met Stephanie there. It was delicious and in good time, we were hungry. With our tummies full we said our good byes to everyone and headed home. We arrived at Aaron's house around 7:45pm and I ran in to use his restroom. I had been hydrating all day and it was finally catching up with me. I arrived home around 8:30pm. Chatted with the family, called Jaclyn. I didn't even unpack or shower, I grabbed an ice pack put it on my neck and fell asleep on my bed.

I have to mention that I love the cycling community. I've done so many events that I am starting to recognize and see some familiar faces. There were so many Giant bicycles there, it made me feel proud that I work for them. I have the habit on rides of riding by people who are on a Giant and say, "Nice Bike!"
and they always say Thank you, I love it and then tell me stories about it. Here is one last photo of Aaron riding through the beautiful country side towards the end of the ride:

Coming Soon...

Stay tuned to hear about where I've been riding and whom I've been riding with....

Rides I've Done Since ALC 6

Well, after last years ALC ride, I had was side lined with a knee injury. Which really frustrated me. I was not able to do much until Oct 2008. Thinking that it was a short term injury and that being off of it for a month I did the Cool Breeze Ride in August. That was the last ride I did until the Solvang ride. Which was absolutely gorgeous!! I then took it easy and did the Tour de Foothills with my friend Chris. It was actually the shadow of the Tour de Foothills because once we started (we had a late start) we never saw another person from the ride until the finish line. I also got the opportunity to do my first century ride of the year-- Tour of Palm Springs. It was so much fun. I road with my friends RaeLynn and Heidi. It was so exciting to see them both finish their first century.

Well, now I am training for what they call the most beautiful ride in California--The Wildflower ride in San Louis Obispo. We are heading up on April 25th to rest up and ride bright and early on Apr 26th. Most of us are doing the 75 miler due to our work and training schedules. Next year I will need to do the 100 miler. It has 6500 ft of climbing that is 500 more than I did last year at the Cruisin the Conejo, which I am thinking of doing again this year. We'll see how things go with the Wildflower ride.

I"M BACK!!!!!!!!

After not posting for near a year, (thanks to RaeLynn for motivating me to get back to blogging) I'm back with lots of news, new knowledge of the sport and new cycling groups to share to you.

Stay tuned and I'll bring you up to date of what's been going on this past year.

Day 7 and more

What can I say…after sitting out for 2 ½ days, trying to be smart and an example to others on how to take care of yourself when injured (so not to further injure yourself further), I decided to ride the last day. Thank you to James Ray and Sarah Sypniewski my ALC Cycle Buds for letting me vent, consultations and comforting me with this disappointment.

Saturday, Day 7, my knee was still tender, but at least I could bend it by this point in the trip. I was so excited and nervous about getting back on a bike. I started out slow and then realized that I needed to go my normal speed. I took off. It felt so good; going along a course that I was very familiar with. I was both excited and sad that the event was near the end. The weather was doing me in. I am not a fan of cold, wet & windy. Yet all the months of preparation and the event sort of flew by. I made it in very early to the VA 11:50am to be exact. I stopped at every stop and even sat down to chat with Brian from SF. Ironically I spent the day riding solo and not with my usual group. It was rather fitting. As I rode I was able to process the week.

I got to think about why I did the ride this year. The ride isn’t about me and how many miles I do (even though I felt like I was letting a lot of people down, especially my new coworkers). Yes, it is for the cause (AIDS/ HIV), but I think my work put’s it best with it’s motto. Ride Life, Ride Giant. I’m out there with everyone else Riding Life... I wasn’t there this year only to ride, but to support others experiencing life’s challenges and triumphs that the ride creating for them. ALC is an experience of a lifetime, we all grow and change on the ride it is inevitable and a gift. I was challenged to take my eyes of myself and focus on others who needed my support. Whether it was me cheering up those riders who are struggling to get up those hills, telling stories and singing songs to distract other riders of the many more miles still to come or was there to cheer on that newbie who had never ridden that many miles before and finished their first day, to help instruct new riders of what was to come and see them cross that finish line. To help that cyclist stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire, or to council a fellow cyclist with bad news from home, struggling with a situation or personal issue. A couple people amazed me. Heidi had gotten 8 flat tires (sometime 2 a day), lost a screw from her cleat and couldn’t get her shoe off the peddle, yet she continued to have a smile and continued to conquer each day as if nothing had ever happened. She was a real inspiration.

Since I finished early on Saturday, I got to see most people cross the finish line, for some it was their first time, some that I had lead on training rides and spent time with on the ride, some I had helped up that hill or cheered them on because they were riding a Giant bicycle. It was very humbling to be able to sit there and watch the riders cross the line of victory, not only for the cause, but for themselves. Their elated faces as they had accomplished a life long goal that they didn’t think imaginable, living the memory of ones they had lost. I got to witness firsthand snapshots of their life while they road with them and got to see before my very own eyes life transform in just a week. Who could ask for more…and yes even though I said that this would be my last year with ALC, I came to the conclusion that I need to come back. I still haven’t ridden every mile. I don’t know when but I will do it again.

For now, my knee needs to heal. I went to the doctor and I did tear a tendon (dinged it) and stressed some ligaments. My doctor says 4-6 months for it to fully heal, but by my birthday (beginning of July) I can start riding again, while cross training, but stay on relatively flat ground. I will be aiming to do a ride in August called the “Cool Breeze” Ventura to Santa Barbara. The doctor said I probably would be ready if I take the hills very slow and take very good care of myself. He gave me some medicine to help with the pain and inflammation. He also complimented me for stopping when I did. He noted that if I had continued on I definitely would have done far more damage resulting in the need possibly for surgery. I guess with my getting older I am actually getting smarter. I hope that I don’t loose my new found wisdom.

I also went back over some of my mom’s entries and made a few additions that I forgot to tell her on the phone. So, please re-read when you get a chance. She did an amazing job and everyone is so very impressed by her writing skills and blogging ability. Thank you Mom and thank you for the support via the phone.

Day 6

Today's ride was from Lompoc to Ventura 85.5 miles. Well the good news is San Buena Ventura Beach is almost home. The bad news-Deanne was not able to ride today. She woke up this morning feeling great but was in a lot of pain a little later. Tonight was the candle light vigil to honor those that have died and those that still are living with AIDS/HIV. The vigil takes place on the beach. The riders, roadies, and staff are joined by a tremendous group of families, friends and media. The sight of all those people holding candles is awesome and very moving. Tomorrow will be another emotional day when the cyclists ride into the V.A. facilities in Westwood and the ride comes to an end. Well, my job is done. Deanne will be the next blogger. Good Bye.

Mom

Day 4

Today's ride was from Paso Robles to Santa Maria-94.7 miles. Last night Deanne and her friends were able to enjoy a rootbeer float. It sure tasted good after the long, hot, and windy day. D wasn't able to sleep much last night because of a security light that was shining on the tent all night. Every day when the new camp sites are set up the tents are rotated so no one tent has to experience the lights, traffic to rest rooms and whatever two days in a row. The tent mates are assigned a site and that's where they have to pitch their tent. The tents are always in the same order they just rotate up and down the rows. The weather was very cold this morning and it was really hard to get going. Deanne was able to make it to the halfway marker around 11 am. I told you that it's a tradition to have their picture taken at the sign. What I didn't tell you is that they get their picture taken while holding their bike over their head. Wow, halfway from San Francisco to Westwood and on a bike. The wind was 30 + miles per hour today. At rest stop two, Pismo Beach, the wind was blowing so hard everyone was getting sandblasted and the crew had to take down their canopy. Deanne said it looked like one giant dirt bowl. There were a lot of dead animals on and off the highway today. When the group was climbing a particularly difficult hill today they noticed an extremely large group of hawks circling overhead. Everyone started joking about the hawks anticipating a few, not so tender, bikers for lunch-sorry, not today. In all the comotion to get up the hill in the wind someome noticed that Alison (sp) was missing. Alison is having trouble with her back and so everyone was looking frantically for her. When someone looked up at the hill, that they were having such a difficult time climbing, there was Alison at the top. As they were struggling to ride up Alison got off her bike and walked up to the top-at least she hadn't been carried off. Thanks to Alfred Hitchcock any flock of birds can be intimidating. Deanne's knee was giving her a lot of pain. She said "it felt like someone was stabbing me under my right knee cap with a screw driver". Needless to say, at mile 33 she asked if someone could tape the knee for her. The rest stop crew insisted that she go on the bus to the Santa Maria Camp to see the medics. Deanne thought that she could go back and finish the days ride but the medics had a different idea. D tore a tendon and damaged a ligament. But with massage, manipulation, and some Tylenol she should be able to ride tomorrow. She was upset that she had to SAG -be picked up by the Support and Gear vehicle, but realizes that she probably couldn't pedal up another hill with just one leg. Over 400 cyclists SAGed before lunch today. Heather was the only one of "the group" to make it all the way today-way to go Heather! The food is great and everyone is having a lot of fun. Deanne keeps seeing more and more Giant bikes, mostly guys though. Tomorrow is "red dress" day. Let's hope that tomorrow is a better day and that the wind isn't as brutal.

Mom

Day 3

Today's ride was from King City to Paso Robles-77.3 miles of the worst road in all of California. As I mentioned last night, this section of the ride is known as the "Quad Buster". The weather was very hot and many cyclists (including Deanne) got a little sun burned. Deanne commented on seeing a lot of Giant bikes today. She was wearing her Giant Kit (shirt & matching shorts) and her friends were teasing her about her Giant butt and Giant chest (the word Giant is in very large letters on the back of the shorts and across the bustline) oh well, a little laughter is good for you. Today is the day that the ride goes through the small town that a school in Bradly hosts a BBQ as a fundraiser for their elementary school. This is the only fund raiser the local school conducts and everyone looks forward to the ALC's visit. Obviously, a good time is had by all. D had a double cheeseburger, chips and a coke. A few miles back on the road she started to re-think such a heavy lunch in such hot bumpy conditions, but she was ok. There was a dead mountain lion that kind of made her sad, it hadn't been dead very long and was under a tree on the side of the road. Deanne and Heather were the only two of their group to make it all the way today. A nice shower can rid you of more than the road dirt and Deanne is always glad for those great big trucks with the portable showers and plenty of hot water after a ride. D is feeling pretty good except for a pain under the knee cap. Someone gave her some Bio Freeze and she is feeling better. Tomorrow they will pass the half way marker, where it is a tradition to have your picture taken. Tomorrow the riders will face the "Evil Twins" -two exceptionally difficult hills and end their day in Santa Maria. The mission that they saw yesterday was the Mission Soledad. I think thats pretty much it for today.

Mom

Day 2

Day 2 was a long day-105.4 mile ride, mostly flat, from Santa Cruz to King City. D woke up to a tent drenched with condensation from the fog. Everything was wet. The day's ride included a visit to the "Cookie Lady" (she starts baking cookies in March for the ride and made over 2,600 this year-vegan, raisen, chocolate chip etc.), a peek into a mission, views of strawberry fields (where the workers stopped working to wave to the cyclists), again, amazing views of the ocean and fabulous surroundings. She missed out on the skinny dipping, darn. The weather was cold in the morning but warmed up to the upper 80's /lower 90's. The winds blew from every direction and at times the cyclists were riding slanted to one side just to stay upright. Deanne is feeling pretty good, just has some pains in her shoulders from leaning forward so much-thank goodness for those instant heat packs. At one of the stops today they were handing out "otter pops"- boy did they hit the spot. After a couple of chocolate milks for breakfast and lunch she was ready to tackle anything. D stayed behind to ride in with a newbie so they didn't get into camp until around 7 pm. The girl she was riding with thought that they were the last of the cyclists to get to camp. Deanne had to tell her friend to turn around and look behind her- there were somewhere between 100 and 150 people still coming. Except for running out of bandaids everything is going pretty well. D hasn't been able to reach Gab Cast, there are just too many people trying to leave phone messages. Hope she gets plenty of sleep tonight because tomorrow's ride is known as the "Quad Buster" due to the bad condition of the road.

Mom

Day1

D's group of riders decided to hold back and leave Cow Palace close to the end of the 2333 cyclists. The group consists of 10 riders six of whom are "newbies". At the start of the ride it was very windy and cold, no rain but a lot of dampness and fog. The 10 mile climb to Skyline can be a little challenging and except for dropping her chain at mile 3 everything went smoothly. Her Giant bike was great shifting and made all the difference in climbing those hills. Deanne credits her bike rides at lunch (with her Giant co-workers) for helping her ride in the wind. Since Skyline was in the clouds it was the coldest part of the ride. Once out of the clouds though, everyone was peeling off those extra layers. D enjoyed the beautiful views of a light house and amazing surroundings. Deanne and her tent mate Heather were the only ones (in their group) not to sag today. Way to hang in there D! Deanne did have a mishap when she cut her finger (small cut) on a piece of glass helping someone change a flat tire. Todays ride was 94 miles but all are safely tucked in their tents, "lights out" is 9 pm. Roadie up date- 568 are making complete camp "communities" including security, food, showers, restrooms, hospital and transporting all equipment from one camp site to the next and in some cases transporting the ridders via van to the next camp site, not to mention manning rest stops every 20 or so miles. Wow
Night night, Mom

D and Beth spent several hours Thursday night loading and packing 9 bikes and gear into a U-haul truck. They, along with Keith, left Ventura about 5 am on Friday. The trip fortunately was uneventful and all arrived in San Francisco safe.
Saturday was check in day at the Cow Palace. Again things went fairly well. Bikes get turned in and tent assignments are handed out. All paper work etc. gets sorted taken care of. Lots of people but very well orginized.
This year there are 2,300 cyclists and app. 450 "roadies"(volunteers). The Aids Life Cycle 6 raised 11 million dollars- that is 3 million more than last year's record breaking 8 million. Participants are from 10 countries and 43 states.
The only downer seems to be the dark,cold, and windy weather that is San Francicso. There is a possibility of rain on opening day. Everyone is expecting a colder ride this year.
Opening Ceremonies were to begin at 5 am this morning and the first riders should have left Cow Palace an hour or so later. Since I can't find any information on how the Opening Ceremonies went I must assume that it all went well.
Will the weather be a plus or a hindrance during that tuff climb (biggest climb of the ride) out of the Cow Palace in Daly City (near San Francisco) and on towards the first camp at Harvey West Park in Santa Cruz? I guess we will hear about that later if and when D checks in.
Hope to have more info on day 1 later.

Mom

Listen to D Gab

Click here to listen to me gab about my ride. I will try and leave updates via cell phone when I can. Enjoy!