Seeing the World

Bohlman Busters

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:41:00 +0000

On the way up, in the car, we volunteers looked out the window to be greeted by sweeping views of the valley, so incredibly high above that it was like being in airplane taking off at SFO, and that prompted P to quip, "Duck for airplanes." Need I say more?

Borrowing from Johnny Cash's Ring of Fire, a tribute:

Climbing Is a Burning Thing

And It Makes A Fiery Ring

Bound by a crazy desire

LKHCers fell into the BNKQOOB Of Fire

LKHCers fell into a Burning Switchback Of Fire

They went up, up, up as the road went higher

And Bohlman Burns, Burns, Burns

Their lungs on fire

Their legs on fire

The Taste of Bohlman is Sweet
At 2110 feet, it’s very steep
The previous climbs now seem mild

As BNKQOOB becomes more and more wild

Oh, but The LKHCers went wild
They went up, up, up and higher
Despite their lungs on fire,
Their legs on fire

And Bohlman burns burns burns
Along with Norton, Kittridge, Quickert and on Orbit
One continuous climb of fire
That the LKHCers conquered

Through sheer determinism and desire

Amazing how fast they all came across the finish line! Wow is about all that I am able to say.

A Processor, a Winery, or a Climb?

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:23:00 +0000

I'd rather have spent today sipping a glass of wine at the Montevina Winery in Amador County or typing up a blog entry on an Intel Montevina processor but no, no, no, time for another climb, this being Week 5, Low Key Hill climb up, you guessed it, Montevina! 9% grade and more for 3.32 miles. Okey dokey, no problem for the slow pokey. Though singing up this climb was a wee bit dificult. Nevertheless, I came up with my own lyrics to Cole Porter's Night and Day.

Like the click click of my shoes
as they clip into my pedals
Like the drip drip drip of the fall fog layer
Yay the sun finally peeps through
So a voice within me keeps repeating you, you, you

Night and day, Day and night, why is it so
That this longing to climb you follows wherever I go
as I spin on my trainer (not really but go with it)
In the silence of my lonely room
I think of you, night and day, day and night (not really but go with it)

(the last steep bit of Montevina)

Like the spin spin spin of my tires
on the surface of the road, I hope not to fall
while in my granny gear
Night and day, Montevina, you are the one
Only you beneath my 44cm frame or under my crank
Whether near to me, or far
Its no matter where you are
I think of you Montevina

(Lexington Reservoir)

Night and day
Under my derailleur
There’s an oh such a hungry yearning burning inside of me
And this torment won’t be through (not really but go with it)
Until you let me spend today climbing you
Montevina

Okay, so 2 or 3 guys after repairing their flats managed to pass me. But darn it if I'd let the kids on mtn. bikes get past me! And I had to run with the bike 50 feet or so up the last steep bit of the climb. But it was fun! And now I think I'll have that glass of wine ....

Putting some Spring in my Soda

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:25:00 +0000

A few hours after the Low Key Hill Climb series, week 4, Soda Springs:

(via email with The Boyfriend who is in another country)

Me: Guess What!
The BF: Do I dare?
Me: They picked me to be a volunteer!
The BF: They must be hard up.
Me: Listen Mister, I was the Hostess with the Mostess.
The BF: Sigh.
Me: I got to be the bank manager. I took their fees. I took their phone numbers.....
The BF: Sigh.
Me: I didn't flirt, truly.
The BF: You wore a tight jersey, didn't you.
Me: Maybe.
The BF: Sigh.

Me: Guess what else!
The BF: Do I dare?
Me: I sang on the climb. Want to know what I sang?
The BF: Please tell me it wasn't The Lonely Goatherd from The Sound of Music.
Me: No, because I was doing so well that I didn't get to that song. I'll save it for Montevina!
The BF: Sigh. And you wonder why I'm in another country.....
Me: Here goes ---

I get no kick from champagne
Mere alcohol doesn't thrill me at all
but I'm getting a kick out of doing this climb!
and well ...
I get a kick out you, Mister.

We had a fabulous turn out. The weather was wonderful. I positioned myself a short distance before Soda Springs to take photos of everyone before the start. Unfortunately, when the horn honked, I was not prepared to go, so, I started late and then, my chain slipped. But these mishaps fired me up, putting some spring in my soda, and I climbed on, alone, but eventually, all the handsome male cyclists descended, and as they passed me, they sang out, "Good Job." That was sweet. But the sweetest yodel came from Ms. J. Martinez, our star female cyclist. Thank you.

The ride wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be. Of course, when you bike as slowly as I do....

Just the stats, Ma'am

5.35 miles

8.4 grade

1 hr 4 min (I think my official time will actually be 1 hr. 6 min). I expected to do 1 hr. 15 min. so I'm pleased.

Taking on Tunitas Creek

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 01:20:00 +0000

Earlier in the week, before Week 3, Low Key Hillclimb Tunitas Creek/Star/Swet:

The BF: I won't be there for the LKHC ride Saturday.
Me: Oh darn. What to do, what to do? [eyebrow arches]. Hmm. Flirt!
The BF: Not! Focus on the biking, on the climbing!
Me: So demanding. Bike NOT flirt. A boolean operator. I'm getting excited.
The BF: Stop! Focus.
Me: Yes, Sir.
The BF: You got that right, Missy. Sometimes a man has to put his pedal down!

Come Saturday morning, I had to tear myself away from chapter 3 of the book Stiff by Mary Roach -- she was at the body farm in Tennessee. Oh how I miss those days at university as an anthropology major lass -- well I only got to study Peruvian skulls at the Smithsonian. To study, to observe, to share knowledge. I digress. Back to the climb.

I descended Swet and Star and ran into men but alas, I had a charter, a boolean operator commanding me to behave. Naturally, having never biked either Swet or Star I felt compelled to catalog each road, giving them meta tags to prepare me on the return.

I met up with a friend who asked where The Boyfriend was. Well, I explained he was on a business trip and I was supposed to, you know, not flirt. She looked at me. Wait, wait for it -- an explosion of laughter from both of us. Then I ran into a team mate and well ....

[insert music to The Twist]

C'mon baby, let's do the climb
C'mon baby, let's do the climb
Take me by my little hands and go like this
Climb, climb, climb, oooooh, yeah, just like this,
C'mon on little miss, and do the climb.
My Boyfriend ain't around, he ain't around
We're going to climb and climb and climb
Until we tear Tunitas down

92 men. 16 women (well one was about 5 years old -- Thank God I beat her). Perfect weather. Another fun filled event led by a great team of volunteers. Being in the back, I missed all the action. Sigh. I was pleased with my time of 67:09 though when compared to everyone else's -- well, let's not go there. Next week, I'll try not to shake it up, nor twist nor shout on Soda Springs but well, you know, I'm me, what can I say....

Making the Grade Up Old La Honda

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 01:14:00 +0000

Earlier in the week, before Week 2, Low Key Hill Climb, Old La Honda:

Me: Our ring leader, Dan the Man, needs someone to organize cyclists into groups for OLH. I wanna volunteer, pick me, pick me! Imagine the groups I might put together!
The BF: I am trying not to imagine...
Me: You've seen my closet! Clothes organized first by color, then by item type, then by material, then by season.
The BF: Sigh, you librarians.
Me: I could have a field day, I could write a referred paper!
The BF: I think that they just want the groups to be organized by speed.
Me: Oh you men, with your need for speed.
The BF: Well, Old La Honda sets the bar for measurement.
Me: Listen Mister, the only measure that means anything is whether a man measures up to me!
The BF: Am I going to make the grade?
Me: To be determined .... alas, I hear that they have enough volunteers.
The BF: Thank God for small miracles.

Oh my Gosh, oh my gosh, my first Low Key Hill Climb of the season. Old La Honda! A name by any other name -- Old La Civic, Old La Corvette, Old La Chrysler -- just not the same ring to it.

As I made my way to start at Windy Hill parking lot, I met a male cyclist. I know, I know, what can I say, I have a knack for meeting men.....

He: What's your goal?
Me: Do you want the 5 yr plan or just today's?
He: Uh, for OLH.
Me: Well, I believe I met today's objectives: wake up (check), do 5 push ups (check), do 3 sit ups (check), watch Dexter (check), read up on faceted searching (check), paint nails. Oh my God, I forgot to paint my nails!
He: Uh, for OLH?
Me: Oh, you know, get up it.

The biking, woman, the biking, The Boyfriend is saying to me. Focus on the biking. Oh alrighty. I was in the last group to climb OLH, along with my biking babes P and C and some nice people I met, along with some people I haven't seen in awhile -- Hello K. Okay, suppress your giggles, get out your pompoms -- I got up in I believe 33 minutes (unofficial until results are posted), shaving off 5 minutes from the last time I did OLH. When I got to the top, I expected The Boyfriend to be waiting with limo, chocolates, red roses, and champagne. Not. I think I will have to send him to remedial boyfriend school. Nah, he's a honey.

Results and photos are posted here. Thank you volunteers and everyone else for making this a swell event. Thank you P and C for riding with me.

This year's slogan: Make the Grade. And that we did.

Levi's Gran Fondo

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 18:09:00 +0000

Saturday, October 3, 2009

After staying the night before in a romantic B&B (aka Best Western in Rohnart Park), The Boyfriend and I arrived for Levi's Gran Fondo in Santa Rosa. The proceeds from this sold out first time event benefited the City of the Santa Rosa for a stage at next year's Tour of California as well as the Sonoma County Humane Society's Forget me not Farm. The media and pro cyclists were also in attendance.

3500 cyclists, including biking budette A and a guy we met on the Tour of Southern Utah shot off in waves at 8:15am. I got to be part of a pelaton for 10 miles or so, going at a fast pace, too fast for lazy me. Police officers were at intersections making our journey smooth and safe. I wanted to take them home with me. My friend A said I had a one track mind. Oh alrighty, today I was going to focus on my biking and not give in to distractions.... But it was hard with all the fine looking police officers and firefighters.

The 61 mile and 100 mile route took us through farms, redwood forests, Russian River and the coast. The 100 mile included Kings Ridge, a long long climb. The scenery was ever changing and lovely. The male cyclists were ever changing and lovely. Okay, I snuck a peek now and then. Several of them told me how much they liked my colorful leggings. Hmm, since when do men comment on your clothing? The BF said it was code for something else that I shall not include in this blog entry ....

We didn't have route sheets with mileage. Instead, we were directed by giant green arrows as well as by volunteers.

Ah the coast.

I wore my Amgen Tour of California shirt so that Levi could easily spot me. :)

The biggest challenge for the 61 milers was Coleman Valley Road. Quite a few cyclists had to walk it. Several of us stood around looking at the steepest part of the climb. I took the lead and prayed I wouldn't topple over. It was swell when the group cheered me. I caught up to a guy:

Me: Say, feel like racing?

Guy: Don't make me laugh! I need my air.

Me: I know. I can't believe how hard I'm breathing.

Guy: Pant pant pant. [heavy breathing]

Me: Say, do you breathe like that during sex?

Guy: Stop it, you're killing me with the jokes!

Me: Say, when we get to the top, wanna do it all over again because you know, once is never enough. Hee hee hee.

Guy: I'm giving it all I got. Nothing left over for more.

Me: Yeah, I've heard that before, Mister.... hee hee hee.

Nearing the top, suddenly 3 male cyclists whizzed by us in a blur. Whoa. They had to be pros. It was amazing. Kind of took the hot air out of me and made me feel small! At the top, the wind was so fierce that it blew me across the road and into the field. I nearly fell over. Definitely took the hot air out me! I proceeded with caution.

A shot of Occidental. At the rest stop, I met a woman who said she loved my voice and thought I sounded like someone on NPR. The people I meet....

Oh lookey who showed up at mile 45! He arrived with no fanfare and quietly proceeded to the food table to thank the volunteers. Levi then posed with cyclists for a round of photos. What a sweet fella.

Lookey who showed up at the finish with no fanfare, only 55 minutes after me and he did the Gran Fondo to my Medio. Yep, The Boyfriend. Thank you to the people of Santa Rosa for letting us descend upon your city and for being out there on the roads cheering us. That was unexpected and much appreciated. Thank you to the volunteers, firefighters and police department for working the event. And of course, thank you Levi L. We had a wonderful time.

Stats:

61 miles

33 mph on a descent

12.9 mph avg

4 hrs 42 min.

Mighty Not on Montebello

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 23:53:00 +0000

Starting from The Boyfriend's bachelor pad, the two of us headed towards Foothill Expressway and onwards to Montebello. I wanted to time myself once again on Montebello since I won't be there for next Saturday's first Low Key Hillclimb. I'll be in Sonoma somewhere on a date with Levi L. doing his GranFondo ride. I say date because the man keeps sending me emails about the ride so clearly he wants me there with him....

The day was not as hot as yesterday (poor P suffered in the heat on her ride down south Saturday) but it was still too hot for me. I got through 4 bottles of water by the time I arrived at the top of Montebello (21 miles from start of ride) but no hottie flashes! There is a God ....

Last year this time, doing the LKHC, we were being rained upon and freezing on the way down. This time, I had to stop three times to cool off and I knew that I'd blow the attempt to do better than last year's LKHC results. And well, there were the usual attractions, I mean distractions.... Men, men, men, must they soar down the road looking mighty fine while I try not to look. Such games they play, in their tight spandex shorts and jerseys unzippered. And then there was the woman who wanted to chat with me about Dr. Seuss and how if I ever felt a need for shelter, I could go to her home on Peacock. The BF, too, distracted me, looking quite handsome and hence, the photo of him, an oversaturated exposure to keep him out of my thoughts and increasingly lame attempt up Montebello.

About a half mile to the top, I came across more men. Sigh. Well, not really.

Men: He's waiting for you at the top.

Me: Clive Owen!

Men: No, The Boyfriend and we should have waited for you, too, hot sweaty babe!

Me: I know, I know, men, they seek me here, they seek me there, they seek me everywhere....

Well, needless to say, I blew it in terms of beating last year's LKHC time of 55 minutes. 1 hr 9 minutes. I actually felt strong doing the climb but the heat blew it for me as well as my overall stats.

Stats:

40.27 miles

31 max

11.3 avg mph

3 hrs 33 min.

Hiccup on Hicks

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 22:23:00 +0000

Get this -- The Boyfriend and I began today's ride around 10am! No crack of dawn start today! I got to sleep in and I got to watch a t.v. episode of Julia Child roasting a chicken.

Certainly, the weather was more agreeable today than yesterday. We did the easier Hicks loop. "Easier" just means I probably won't topple over.

I so wanted to get up Hicks without getting off the bike. Halfway up, those horribly annoying buzzing flies descended upon me, no doubt I was an easy target given that I was only going 3 mph at the point when the climb becomes difficult. Buzz buzz buzz in my face, my ears, my mouth. I couldn't take it anymore and had to walk part of Hicks. A cyclist stopped to ask me if I was okay. Boy, I must have looked pathetic!

The BF also did Mt. Um (photo above). What a climber. I tried, I didn't conquer, I'll try again.

Stats:

23 miles
11.8 avg mph
23.5 max descending
1.57 hrs.

As the Wheel Turns

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 23:15:00 +0000

Resisting the temptation to lounge about in my boudoir, I decided to behave, be disciplined, and go for a bike ride on my furlough day. The Low Key Hillclimbs are starting soon and golly geez, Dan and Ron still want me to be part of their team and that just made me want to get out and train. Sort of.

The plan was to do the Metcalf loop in both directions. I climbed in gears other than Granny, forcing myself to endure the strain, the pain, the flies, and the cries of Weenie Woman, remembering, as my wheels turned rather slowly, that I don't want to come in last for any of the LKHC that I do this year.

The day heated up much quicker than expected and after descending Metcalf, I didn't have it in me to continue the reverse loop, back up Metcalf to San Felipe and beyond. I simply wilted after feeling so good about my progress. Even the 4 male cyclists coming my way, with their damn fine bodies, couldn't persuade me to get my act together and carry on....

Stats:

21 miles

31 mph on a descent

10.3 avg mph

2 hrs

Weenie Woman does Wacky Weather

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 23:36:00 +0000

This morning, The Boyfriend called to cancel our ride to the coast. A business trip left him feeling a bit under the weather. Ah, the life of a world renowned whatchamacallit.

For one brief moment, I thought, I'm off the hook, I can spend the day lounging by the pool, sipping an alcoholic fruit filled concoction topped off with a pink flowered umbrella, watching strapping young men clean the pool. Alas, the fantasy faded as duty compelled me to go out on my own. Afterall, I had played the lounge lizard all week long ....

As I ate a bowl of Kashi cereal (which The BF refers to as twigs), I decided to meander up Felter Road and monitor the rather strange weather. You see the threatening clouds in the above photo. The BF mentioned rain and thunder and lightening up his way.

Gotta love that Felter Road. As I climbed, I noticed the air was dead calm. I thought I felt rain drops only to realize that it was me, sweating profusely. Gotta love those hormones. I think maybe I was having a hottie flash. It was muggy but one has to wonder if one thinks it is raining ... and it's just you swimming in big drops of sweat. I just know that right about now, The BF is realizing how my prose is downright romantic and seductive.

Oh, which road to take -- the one less traveled -- eenie meenie mynee moe, I'll go straight on Felter rather than turning on Calaveras. I began to feel like the swan in Swan Lake, dying as I climbed. Not. Oh my Golly, while I was still in weenie gears, I felt stronger than I have felt doing this climb in the past. Though I did have this odd ache in my right tushy that irritated me beyond belief. There she goes again, The BF is thinking, ever so romantic with her writing.

I reached Sierra Road to be greeted by clouds hanging in the valley. What a sight. And the men at the top. But they were just the icing. Let me tell you about the real sight.....

But first, San Jose, looms in the mist. Neato peato.

As I descended Sierra Road, men appeared, one after another, climbing up. Did I make the right decision in my choice of which road to take earlier in the day? You bet your sweet touchie I did. There must have been 75 of them waving, smiling, saying hello to me, and ha ha, asking me about getting to the summit. Oh the advice I gave, having nothing to do with biking....

Strange weather. It never did rain and the temperature went from chilly to muggy to sunny. I'm glad I kept it short and sweet.

Stats:

16.5 miles
25.5 max speed
8.8 mph avg
1 hr 50 min.

Day 7 - The Last Day

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 03:33:00 +0000

Saturday, Sept 5
Cedar City to St. George
2580' feet of climbing

Sigh, the trip is coming to an end. But on an incredible high -- Snow Canyon.

There was some concern that the controlled fire that was actually no longer controlled would prevent us from cycling the last day. But rain and wind the night before cleared the way!

The BF snakes along. Notice how small he is in the first photo. Ah, the landscape.

More of the park. The day was becoming increasingly hot as we made our way back to St. George but apparently, below normal temps.

As we left the incredible Snow Canyon (believe me, the photos do not do justice), we entered the burbs and it was a beautiful way to end the trip.

What I learned:

I'll get there eventually.

Thank you Deb and Brian of Planet Ultra for organizing this tour. Thank you The BF for supporting Weenie Woman. Next year, we may do the Planet Ultra Northern Rim tour that includes the Grand Canyon.

Stats:

84.5 miles
30.5 max
13.1 mph avg
6 hrs. 26 min.

Day 6 - It's All About Altitude, Baby

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 02:33:00 +0000

Friday, Sept 4th
Panguitch to Cedar City with Planet Ultra
4710' feet of climbing

Get out the oxygen masks! No not really. My cycling budette A asked about altitude sickness. Not a problem for Weenie Woman. Probably because in general, I am one dizzy woman (according to others) so the altitude did not faze me. :) Our climb was gradual. There was a point where my legs felt heavy but that was the extent of it. Far more important is that the last few hotels did not have clocks nor conditioner. Hello, how do you expect me to continue without proper hair conditioning?

Me at a high point. A bit cold and windy and clearly there had been some rain. But, you know what, I survived the 30 something degree weather of the Cinderella tour in Livermore, California, with my regular cycling budette P and so, this part of the ride was nothing. The Boyfriend and I were joined by S, a real hero, in my book. S, once weighed a great deal but he took it off, and then, unfortunately, was struck down twice by cars; he gained some of the weight back, but he is still out there, going strong. What a man.

Oh my, the view.

Cedar Breaks Summit. We made it to the top!

Another summit as we descend. It was an incredible descent, and not too technical. By the way, many of our routes ended with great descents to our lodgings. Super!

I stop along the way to capture the beauty of the descent. I felt like we were in Tahoe Country.

Oh my God people, my left ear got sunburned. What a day!

Stats:

58 miles
32 max
10.6 mph avg
5 hrs 27 min

Day 5 - Alone Again on a Long Boring Stretch

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 01:53:00 +0000

Thursday, Sept 3
Torrey to Panguitch with Planet Ultra
3940' feet of climbing
106 miles of biking

The Boyfriend and I set off together. Today's journey involved a long mostly flat stretch and a lot of wind. Basically, a day to get us from Point A to Point B. We were fortunate though that the wind today was maybe 10 mph. For those of us who have biked South San Jose in the late afternoon, the Utah wind was piddly. However, I was cold and appreciated that The BF was out in front protecting me. What a way to keep the romance alive!

The BF joined the tandem at around mile 20 and left me. What a way to keep the romance alive.... nah, I wanted him to get a move on after babysitting me. [p.s. on one descent, somewhere on our trip, the tandem people hit 60 mph]. I make a tactical error, talking to S.A.G. support and soon found myself in the back of the pack. It is today on a long boring stretch in which I planned to do my first 105 miles that I suddenly feel alone, wondering where I am, what day it is, tired of consuming gels, PowerBars, and so forth. Okay, I was feeling sorry for myself having no one to flirt with.....

The ride leader told me that if I was too slow, they would have to pick me up and take me to the hotel. Well, people, let me tell you, I kicked ass. Yeah, I had a plan to Motor West and I got my kicks but not on Route 66. Well, not really, but I tried to keep my spirits up. The road was uneven and dull with a lot of farmland and an exhausting climb of 10 miles.

At mile 65, I hung up my shoes. The weather turned funny, once again, with threatening dark skies. I made a very wise choice. Almost all of the other riders got caught in the coldish rain and many got flats. The BF got two flats! But his slimy gel stuff sealed up the punctures and got him home. [p.s., he is now experimenting with tubeless tires]. Me, I enjoyed yakking away in the comfort of the warm van with the Canadian and the retired military man with the broken wrist who were providing S.A.G. support today.

Stats:

65 miles
35 max
12.4 mph avg

Day 4 - Time to Climb

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:48:00 +0000

Wednesday, Sept 2
Tour of Southern Utah with Planet Ultra
Escalante to Torrey and Capitol Reef
6240' climbing

Once again, I start off early knowing that the gang will catch up soon. A few people leave earlier than I do. Like most of the trip, the roads are essentially free of automobiles. Today's ride involves about 45 miles of climbing but at a gradual incline (6% with a few steep bits). The photo above is around 6200 feet.

This section took my breath away. It was like the last bit of Mt. Ventoux. Shortly afterwards, The BF caught up to me. We ride together. We pee together. Yes, what a way to keep the romance alive.... :) It becomes a running joke with other riders that I have no issue pulling down my panties to take bathroom breaks anywhere I see fit. I am a wateraholic and this trip demands that I drink a lot. It is so dry and hot that often we show no signs of sweating.

I am no longer a dough boy! The swelling and rash have gone. Five minutes after this photo, I got a flat! No, you say, on your Specialized Armadillo tank tires! I was so lucky to have The BF with me to change it. What a way to keep the romance alive .... Of course, this delay means everyone catches up to me. Sigh. [p.s., the good looking retired married man from Los Altos has Continental tires. He never got a flat on the trip]. We head off on another climb and my chain slips. The BF, unaware of this mishap, keeps going and leaves me in the dust. What a way to keep the romance alive .... It took me 15 minutes to get it back on and on top of that, my hands were covered in grease and my water bottles tumbled down to the river. Let us just say I was not a happy camper.

Around mile 28, I slow down considerably and stop on the side of the road (yes, you figured correctly, another blood sugar dip). I meet some motorcyclists from Canada. Naturally I use the time wisely by flirting. Next up, the aspen forest but more climbing and I'm feeling a bit pooped. Suddenly, I hear a loud crackling rumble. Lightening strikes. The sky is black. I am frightened. I say to myself, "Yo Bitch, get a move on." Can we talk self-preservation! Before long, I see the cyclists who started before me! Wow, I caught up to them. This is around mile 40. I pick them off, one by one.

At the summit! It's cold and windy. Get this, the faster riders (as I learned later) were rained and hailed upon. Sometimes, being a slow rider has its advantages..... We descend but encounter only a few sprinkles.

The last 20 miles is mostly descending. The scenery changes again as I make my way towards Torrey and Capitol Reef.

The BF and a few others who still had some climb in them went into Capitol Reef. Me, I was just happy to get to the Rim Rock Inn in one piece. The photo above is just one of many of our views from the Inn.

Stats:

66 miles

36.5 max

10.1 mph avg

6 hrs 35 min.

Day 3 - Bryce to Escalante

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 04:11:00 +0000

Tuesday, Sept 1
Tour of Southern Utah with Planet Ultra - To Escalante
1800 feet of climbing

Considered firing The Boyfriend because he wouldn't let me stay in and watch the James Bond marathon on television.

We begin the entry into Escalante. This ride started at noon after the hike in Bryce Canyon. It was a short route. Oh get this, one of the cyclists recognized The Boyfriend - what a star!

Blood sugar dipped, thus, I ended up biking about 8 mph on a flat stretch for a bit. The BF babysat/chaperoned me as I churned along at a pathetic pace. But I made it to the summit and beyond.

Stats:

47 miles
33.5 max
14.5 mph avg
3.14 hrs

Day 2 - Bryce Baby!

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 03:07:00 +0000

Monday, August 31
Tour of Southern Utah with Planet Ultra
Mt. Carmel Junction to Bryce Canyon
3710' climbing

You know the drill -- The BF woke me up at some absurd hour. I left the Thunderbird Inn with the other slow pokes, knowing that the faster cyclists would easily catch up to us within an hour. Sigh. It was 60 degrees when we left. After climbing for a bit (elevation 7500 ft), a lovely descent welcomed us.

There's The BF and others on a climb.

The first of many rolling descents. Regrettably, one of our troopers, a retired military man, crashed and broke his wrist on this stretch. He spent the rest of the tour providing support for the rest of us. What a guy! Along the way, I saw 6 dead deer, all in varying degrees of decompostion.

The BF and I took a bus tour of Bryce after we arrived. It was spectacular.

The next day, some of us hiked in Bryce Canyon before heading off on our bikes to Escalante Grand Staircase. Still a puffy marshmellow waiting for the swelling to subside.

Stats:

59 miles
38 mph max
12.4 mph avg.
4 hrs. 45 min.

Day 1 - The Heat is On

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 02:05:00 +0000

Sunday, August 30th
Tour of Southern Utah with Planet Ultra
St. George to Carmel Junction via Zion National Park

Arrived late Saturday evening to 104 degree weather after driving from Northern California beginning Friday mid day. In the evening, meet up with some of the group -- 20 of us; most from Southern California and I learn quickly that I'm in competition for being the slowest. Some things never change. Sigh. We have one tandem with us. Interesting and lovely bunch of cyclists. One guy originally from Poland, another from Austria, a local boy from Los Altos Hills, and one from Canada who is doing a John Steinbeck tour. Our tour leader asks that we all start off together the first day at about 8:30am.

The Boyfriend wakes me up at some absurd hour. Hello, we're supposed to be on vacation! I think about firing him as The BF but I refrain. We began our journey to a nice temperature of about 75 degrees. Along the way, I get honked at, waved at, and wooed. Some things never change. :) At this point, The BF decides to accompany me.

As the day progresses, so does the heat and the heat does not agree with me. My arms go numb. My feet and hands swell. I turn into the Pillsbury Dough Boy. I get a heat rash on my leg. But the scenery overshadows. Above is The BF. I have the first of my usual blood sugar plummets and bike at about 8 mph on a flat stretch for a time. This is when I appreciate that The BF is with me. But I finish.

Stats:

70 miles

33.5 max

11.3 avg.

6 hrs biking

Yes, I am the last to arrive .... a recurring theme.

Tour of Southern Utah Itinerary

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:16:00 +0000

Friday, The Boyfriend and I are heading off for Planet Ultra's Tour of Southern Utah.

Below is the itinerary taken from the tour's webpage. Check out the tour's photoblog as well as the photo album. Above is a photo I took in 2005 while visiting Moab.

I wonder if I'll get lost like I tend to do and then, the Lone Ranger and Tonto will rescue me from the buffalo stampede! The BF is shaking his head. I bet that he is simply too excited knowing that he'll be in the car with me all the way to Bakersfield and beyond as we make our way to Utahland.

Day One - St. George to Mt. Carmel Junction, via Zion National Park: About 80 miles with over 5300' of elevation gain. And bonus miles - ride from Mt. Carmel Junction to the Coral Pink Sand Dunes. The extra bit is about 28 miles.

Day Two - Mt. Carmel Junction to Bryce National Park:About 60 miles with over 3700' of gain.

Day Three - Bryce National Park to Escalante: Ride into Bryce and climb to Rainbow Point at 9100'. This is 38 miles with about 2,900' of climbing. The ride to Escalante is about 48 miles with 1,800' of gain.

Day Four - Escalante to Torrey: About 66 miles with over 6,100' of gain. And, bonus miles on Capital Reef Scenic Drive. The extra bit is about 36 miles with 2,500' of gain.

Day Five - Torrey to Panguitch: About 106 miles with about 3,400' of gain.

Day Six - Panguitch to Cedar City, via Brian Head and Cedar Breaks National Monument: About 57 miles with about 5,300' of gain. We'll reach our highest point on this ride, at 10,500'.

Day Seven - Cedar City to St. George:About 83 miles with just over 2,500' of gain. Alas, the last day...

Out and About in South San Jose

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 02:35:00 +0000

Warning: Today's entry contains no flirting, no sexual innuendo, no snappy dialogue or witty remarks. You'll probably fall asleep while reading this. Occasionally, I take a holiday from said lifestyle. Of course, itll be a short stay.

Wonderful day spent with biking buddies C, P, S and T. We did a 41 mile loop that took us from Los Gatos to South San Jose and included Shannon/Kennedy, Bernal, Bailey, and a new test climb -- Country View, off McKean.

Above, a section of Bernal, a climb I've never done before. Being late summer, you see how dry the area is. Today was quite warm, the afternoon muggy and thankfully, by late afternoon, the weather broke and cooler temperatures returned.

Above, another section of Bernal. The gang waits under the trees for me.

Above, a shot of Calero Reservoir.

I was just about out of water by the time we got to Country View. I only climbed part of it while the gang did all of it! The climb itself is just shy of 2 miles, beginning with maybe an 8% grade, a descent and then the steeper bits of 10% or more, I'm guessing. It's harder than Metcalf. C said we climbed a 1000 feet. The views allow you to see Mt. Hamilton, Mt. Um., Hwy. 101, and Calero Reservoir. The photo I shot captures none of what makes it spectacular. The area is quite interesting -- a few mansions and then paved roads that lead nowhere but are fun for cyclists. When winter arrives and the hills turn green, it will be quite the sight.

If you're still awake .... next weekend, The Boyfriend and I are off to do a week long bike tour through Planet Ultra of Southern Utah. No doubt I'll come back a changed cyclist but what that means exactly, who knows.

Happy in Helena

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 02:34:00 +0000

Weekend spent in St. Helena with The Boyfriend to do some biking as well as the Tour of Napa. Several years ago, I discovered a small winery in St. Helena that also provides guest lodgings. Above, the place where we stayed. Friday night we tasted their wines and we each bought their port and enjoyed their Chardonnay Saturday evening.

The Napa Valley seemed especially beautiful this year. Saturday morning we set off to do a portion of the 100 mile route of Tour of Napa that includes Mt. Veeder. For 20 miles we biked on a road that parallels Rte. 29.

We stopped for refreshments and it was then that The BF noticed a large tear in his tire. A stranger stopped to admire The BF's bike and he told us that we were seconds away from a bike shop! Turns out that the bike shop was also the place where we could do early registration for the Tour of Napa. The BF had no money and no credit card but the bike shop said no problem and he got himself a new tire. So, off we went, happy as clams.

Coming down Mt. Veeder (a hot climb that gave me a back ache), The Boyfriend had a flat or so he thought. Upon careful inspection, he discovered a tear in the new tire he had just purchased. He tried to patch it. We biked some more and soon after, the tire and tube went. Our lovely excursion was turning into a disaster. His iPhone was dead from a GPS bike gadget thingy that he was experimenting with and the day was becoming hotter, and we were in the middle of nowhere. So, let's talk about what saved the day.... Yes, people, my Specialized Armadillo tank tires!!! The ones everyone pokes fun at but never fail .... I have campy gears and The BF has Shimano gears, so, he had to swap the rear tires (mind you this was like the fourth time he had to change a tire -- what a studmobile), having decided that he would bike back to our place using my tire, get the car and return for me.

The BF: I'll have to leave you here.
Me: In the middle of nowhere. There could be inbreeds that come out of the woods.
The BF: We're in Napa Valley, woman.

So off he went as you see above on the -- wait wait -- the Specialized Armadillo tire!

Me, waiting. People drove by and asked if I needed assistance. Nah, I behaved and sat quietly. Well, I did find some twigs and conducted a Beethoven symphony with my iPod Nano (about that time, people stopped offering assistance as they drove by). Before I knew it, The Boyfriend returned with the car to fetch me. One more time -- the Specialized Armadillo tank tires saved the day. Of course, I won't rub it in, on a regular basis, that is.....

We went back to the bike shop just in time to do our early registration and for him to get another tire. What a day! So, the Tour of Napa was almost anticlimatic. On the drive to the start, we saw lots of hot air balloons and okay, get ready for this -- because The Boyfriend decided to do the 100K, we didn't start until 7:30am. yay, yay, yay. We rode together for the first 14 miles. A lovely tour as usual and a wonderful weekend. The BF finished 1 hr. before me.

My stats:

66 miles
5 hrs. biking
13.3 mph avg (damn climbs slow me down)
34.5 max speed

Interestingly, 2 years ago, my avg. was 14.4 and I finished in 4 hrs. 38 min. Yet I felt as though I was going faster and stronger this time around. Perhaps more headwinds and heat this year.

Party at Mile 5

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 00:55:00 +0000

Coming around a corner, at mile 5, to my sheer delight, a lovely vision laid itself before me. There must have been at least 25 of them, cyclists of the male persuasion. Maybe they were Mighty Mice or Fremont Fellas but really, who pays attention to club names when there is so much more to notice. Naturally, I unzipped my pink jersey as far as it would go.

Cyclist: 3 Cheers for Femininity
Pelaton: Cheer! Cheer! Cheer!

Of course I had to take a break and hang out with the boys to relieve my tension of the impending climb up Mt. Hamilton. I can't believe I forgot to take a photo to show The Boyfriend that I don't make these things up.

The BF turned around and met me at mile 15. He's good for relieving my tension. Then again, so were the Mighty Men at mile 5. He was treated to my singing. Lucky him! I shivered with anticipation the last few miles up. Well, not really. The BF was impressed with my stamina. Me at the top. Check out my leg muscle.

The fake owl was a hoot. The weather was just down right perfect. Guess who I saw as I descended. Fellow LKHClimber Ron Brunner! At least I think it was him with his sweet smile.

The BF begins the descent. What a stud muffin. He did the climb up in 1 hr 50 min.

My stats:

37 miles
2 hrs 45 min to the top. I know -- not going to break any records but good for me.
1:15 for the descent
6.6 mph avg up
9 mph avg total
27.5 fastest speed descending

Coasting to the Coast

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 01:32:00 +0000

Sigh, time to get off the couch and leave the lair to do a bike ride. [photo taken at Happy Hollow Zoo, private tour]. I joined the semi secret society of cycling chickees (though we did allow some of the chickees' men folk to come along) for a ride to the coast. The route included: Mtn. Home from Pioneer Hotel in Woodside to Old La Honda East and West to Hwy 84, Haskins, Pescadero Road, Stage Rd., Hwy 1, Tunitas Creek and Kings Mtn.

The group (15 total) sped along at a pace a bit too much for me but they were a fantastic bunch who waited for me at various points along the way. A fun and funny bunch. I knew I would struggle when I started off at 17 mph on Mtn. Home and the group was barely in my sight line. Luckily, my ego is large enough (it swells on a regular basis) to accept being behind the entire trip. Our leader J was especially wonderful -- I had to walk for 10 minutes on Tunitas Creek due to a back ache and she came to fetch me, which motivated me to get it together and finish.

The highlight was stopping off at Pescadero Bakery for warm artichoke garlic bread. Delicious.

The Boyfriend planned to join us but he needed some down time after his boy bonding mtn. biking trip. He hit a pothole his first day out and split his lip (a plastic surgeon had to sew it up), got a black eye, chipped a tooth, and his body endured numerous scrapes and bruises. What a guy! Plus they had 100+ weather, which means bugs, bugs, bugs.

What a day! The stats:

51 miles

9.8 mph avg.

30 mph on a descent

5 hrs. 10 min.

Trains, Planes, and Bicycles

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 00:57:00 +0000

The Boyfriend brought my recently serviced bicycle (annual check up) to me:

The BF: The bike guys said you need to ride more.
Me: They did not!
The BF: Yes, they said they could tell the bike was hardly used.
Me: I exercise!
The BF: Neither chewing food nor taking out the trash constitutes exercise.
Me: I swim!
The BF: Remind me again, ah yes, your pool is what, 12 feet long and you splash a bit.
Me: Listen Mister, what about ---
The BF: THAT does not count as exercise.
Me: Phooey.

Today, I joined 8 other ACTC cyclists for a wonderfully scenic route that began with us taking the train to the Bayshore station. The route included climbing San Bruno Mountain and then biking along paths that led us through San Francisco Airport, onto Coyote Point, past Oracle's buildings, Alameda de la Pulgas, and eventually back to Palo Alto where we had 4 minutes to spare to catch the train back home.

Above -- the top of San Bruno shrouded in mist. It was like Brigadoon. With a blink of the eye, the lovely scenery below unfolded and then disappeared. It was too chilly to stick around.

Descending San Bruno Mountain.

Descending San Bruno Mountain some more and taking in the view as we left the misty hilltop.

Above - the marine layer hanging. We were just there! S and P were our ride leaders and they did a good job of making sure I didn't take a wrong turn as I'm prone to do. C was also on the ride. We were wearing the same socks. I wish I had shot photos of our group as we made quite a nice show snaking along the path. My photos only capture a fraction of the beauty of this ride. Thank you S and P were dreaming this one up.

Above, sailboats at Coyote Point. We also witnessed a baptism. While on the path back to Palo Alto, hugging the water's edge, a bee collided with my lower lip and it proceeded to cling to me. OMG, it frigging hurt! P saved the day with her special healing ointment and I did not need a helicopter to transport me to the emergency room. Thank you P.

We watched planes on their descent to SFO. This is a wonderful ride that I plan to do again. A perfect 46 mile outing. Sunday, S and P plan another ACTC ride but I will not be able to join them as I'm taking The BF to the airport. While he's gone on his boy bonding mountain bike trip, I shall get plenty of "exercise." Oh oh, I'm probably in trouble, now.....

Where's the Frigging Marine Layer?

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 00:34:00 +0000

Okay People, let's state the obvious -- it's hot. I'm tired of being hot. Well, that is to say, I'm tired of the physical symptoms of hotness .... :) Yesterday, I was ever so hot as I bowled in a tournament with my colleagues. My first bowl was a strike. Yeah, I'm hot. But I digress.

I swam last night in my pool. Swimming in the dark in a lighted pool is nice. Probably do it again this evening. Meanwhile, today, given the heat, I chose to take the hybrid to Alviso and then bike along the Bay. Smart decision as it was cooler. That's Shoreline Amphitheatre that you see in the above photo.

Supposedly, Sunday will be cooler. I do not hold my breath. Currently, at 6pm today, it's 82 in my home. You know I'm hot. :)

Showtime and Showdown in Tahoe

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:53:00 +0000

While The Boyfriend did the Death Ride (yeah yeah yeah, he did all 5 passes again and managed to miss the sudden rain storm that struck the Tahoe area late afternoon), I ventured out, exploring various routes, like Pioneer Trail, Pope Beach, Baldwin Beach and other scenic routes.

The contrast was spectacular -- to see the snow in the mountains, the sunbathers and these feathered creatures.

I was caught off guard, finding myself taking on neighborhood roads that involved some challenging climbs and fun descents. And then, the showdown, the confrontation with the squirrel. After dealing with butterflies close to the size of my hand (I kid you not), I came across a noisy obnoxious critter that at first I took to be a bird. I could hear its noisy chatter over my iPod Nano. I got off my bike and confronted what turned out to be a squirrel. I stared at him, her, it. And it, him, her, stared back. It was all rather silly.

Meanwhile, I garnered quite the attention even though The Boyfriend is the one with the reputation of recognition. Whistles and what not while out riding, walking, and in a restaurant. I suppose I ought to stop stepping out in provocative dress. :)

All in all, a fun weekend. I'm proud of The Boyfriend for his accomplishment. I also hope that Miss P. enjoyed herself.