Dear Mr. Rider . . . December 18, 2007

Dear Mr. Rider,

I saw you trudging up that hill on that busy road this morning with your bright red backpack.  I can tell you had some experience doing this ride in the morning as evident by the way you tucked your pant legs into your socks so as not to get them caught in your drivetrain.  And I do really feel bad for you taking a chance to commute down Route 7 westbound across the overpass of 495.  I know the city/county is to blame for not giving pedestrians (many of whom I see daily) and cyclists a safe way down Route 7 without having to play chicken with the cars hopping off 495 or coming from said highway.  However, I must implore you, as a cyclist driving her car to work this morning having to hop ON to 495 from Route 7, PLEASE, PLEASE ride your bike like a car.  The fact that you crossed the on-ramp to continue on your merry way almost caused a chain-reaction pile-up behind you.  I had to slam my brakes hard in order not to hit the car in front of me who had to slam their brakes hard in order to not hit the car in front of them and so on and so forth.  PLEASE, PLEASE read “The Art of Urban Cycling” or attend the League of American Bicyclists’  Road I course or practice vehicular cycling.  Stand your ground and make your ride safer for you and the rest of us.

Sincerely,

A concerned cyclist driving to work this morning

Pre-Ride Report & the Loss of Daylight September 13, 2007

Tomorrow the husband and I leave for Portland, ME for our much anticipated 8 Lighthouse Ride despite that the weather report is showing rain showers, high winds, highs in the upper 60s, and lows in the evenings in the 40s for Saturday.  I went to the nearest bike shop and picked up some tights and full-fingered gloves for us.  Hey, the weather is only going to get colder from here on out.  I was surprised at my husband’s request for the tights especially because of his marked humor at wearing Lycra.    He put them on as soon as I got home giggling the whole time like he was a 6-year old.

We are planning on not checking in any baggage so that  we can get to the bike shop in time tomorrow.  That means not a whole lot of place for storing things.   I’m thinking that  instead of bringing my cycling shoes I’m just going to wear my waterproof Merrells since it will probably rain during the ride and they are just so darned comfy.  Plus, they will take me throughout the weekend.

I’ve had this battle with an ovarian cyst the past few months and wouldn’t you know this weekend I woke up with that crampy feeling that I’ve learned to associate with the cyst.  I am really hoping that it doesn’t affect me for the ride this weekend.  I will be bringing plenty of pain killer.

The other day I decided to ride home from work.  I wasn’t too sure about the weather.  It looked dark in certain parts against the sky and I’m not use to the shorter days.  I thought if I left around 6:30 PM I’d still have plenty of time to ride.  My husband worked late that day and didn’t like me being out on the trail that dark.  After 8 miles I had him come pick me up.  You could definitely still see but it was a lot darker than I am use to.  If I were a guy, maybe I wouldn’t be so concerned.  There were still plenty of people on the trail but a lot of them were tying up their rides and here I was just starting mine out.  It looks like I’ll have to do more rides IN to work rather than home from unless I start leaving early.

I realize I never did my Beach Road Rambler ride report with the VeloDCity Meetup group.  Let’s just say having your shoe stuck to your pedal is a comical experience and thankfully I didn’t suffer any falls.  The great guys at The Bicycle Place were awesome enough to pry my shoe from the pedal and give me a new cleat with some Locktite for free.  Somewhere I had lost a screw from the cleat and only had one and that’s why I couldn’t unclip my pedal.  Lesson learned.

Anyway, I’ll have a ride report after the trip this weekend and plenty of pictures to boot.

Overdue Ride Reports and Catching Up August 25, 2007

First of all, I would like to say “Hello” to Charmaine and John for leaving comments on my posts earlier in the month. I didn’t get notification right away about the comments and I have also become crazily busy the past couple of months with a new project that I have started at work. That being said, I haven’t had a whole lot of time to catch up on the blog nor to ride as much as I did earlier in the summer. Thank you both for your kind words and for letting me know that you are tuning in. I will try to be much better about updating.

I’m lamenting the fact that the summer is indeed coming to a close. While Fall is my favorite season for a number of reasons and this summer has been incredibly hot in the area here and there I don’t look forward to the Winter that follows. I am sorta looking forward to riding in crisper whether, however, but I think I still haven’t gotten over the anxiety of the summer ending because that usually means “back to school.” If you couldn’t tell, it was definitely a traumatic experience for me.

But I do have a few things that I am really looking forward to this Fall. One thing is the Eastern Trail Alliance’s 8 Lighthouse Ride (9 if you do the Century) on September 15th in Portland, ME. With round-trip tickets from DC to Portland starting at $122, free nights with my husband’s Sheraton preferred members points, and a coastal (hopefully flat) ride to visit eight lighthouses we just couldn’t pass this one up. We have decided to rent bikes at a local bike shop in Portland rather than a.) driving our bikes to Maine b.) shipping the bikes and c.) flying with the bikes which would include assembly and disassembly. We are renting hybrids at $25 a day from Cycle Mania in Portland. We are looking forward to visiting the New England town and to what we hope will prove to be a beautiful ride along the coast. A ride report will be sure to follow.

Another thing to look forward to is that my husband and I will be sharing our one-year anniversary at the end of September. On that same note, we have booked ourselves a 10-day vacation in Italy the second week of October. While we are still figuring out accommodations, we have bought the tickets to fly there. We have been talking about this trip for months but I refused to believe we’d actually go until my husband finally bought tickets. Oh yes, and we’re definitely going to be riding our bikes in the countryside of Tuscany. THAT is a MUST! The idea of cycling in Europe was just too good to pass up and being the foodies and wineies that we are we, seeing the country by bike and then following it up with an authentic Italian meal just seems like the only way to go. We cannot wait!

On to some ride reports . . .

Harlem Valley Rail Ride - My husband, my friend, Joel (check out his compelling ride report), and I made the trip up to Millerton, NY last month for what proved to be a beautiful ride. We had signed up for the 55-miler but I had my concerns as my husband and I were seriously lacking in some base miles. My husband and I also did not get the greatest night’s sleep the night before. It had been a long day the Saturday before, traveling up to NYC, spending some time in Brooklyn, and then making the 2-hour drive further into Millerton. I had a lot of caffeine that day and that usually means I cannot fall asleep when the time comes. (Also, Joel snores. ) But really it came down to a lack of experience and a lack of adequate training. (Doesn’t it always?)

The first 11-miles were great and easy. We stuck to the rail trail and at times were going upwards of 20 mph which for me is a really good clip. We stopped at the first rest stop feeling good and suspiciously sniffing the sponsored sports drink, Accelerade. It smelled a bit like sulfur and for a while I thought it was perhaps the water in the area. Then later I noticed that they were making that stuff with bottled water and realized that sadly it was the Accelerade. I definitely don’t recommend the stuff. Anyway, Joel took great pictures of the trip with his iPhone and you can see evidence of how good we were feeling at the first rest stop. The next leg of the trip brought us off the trail and on to the open road. We encountered the first of a series of hills that my husband and I were totally NOT prepared for. The first wasn’t so bad but it was a taste of things to come. (I should have paid more attention during the drive that we were in the mountains and that the hills were becoming numerous.) In the middle of the second leg of the ride, we came across a monster of a hill. I really hate to walk a hill but I was already on my granny gear and losing the battle. Also, we were now on the open road and there was less shade and the sun had come out. I can still remember feeling the sun beating down on my arms. Joel was way more well-prepared than we were for this ride and rode the hill like a champ. When my husband and I finally caught up to him and a couple of other guys nearby, we asked the SAG wagon what it was going to look like from here. If the hills were going to be like the last one then a number of us did not stand a chance. They mentioned two other hills like that one on the 55-miler. I was tired and I figured “Slow and steady wins the race.” (This has become my mantra of cycling even if the only race is between my brain and my body.) Plus, with the downhill that I had just hit at 40 mph I was on a bit of a high.

We decided to continue on. One of the guys that we had stopped with ended up bowing out at the second rest stop. The next big hill was right after said rest stop. “Slow and steady, slow and steady, don’t mind the heat” got me to the top and through the next leg. Check out Joel’s great picture of the covered bridge we passed. I had been ‘dropped’ by my husband and by Joel and was slowing down. By the time we met back up again before the third rest stop I was definitely exhausted. At the rest stops you always feel good. You’re stopped, renewing yourself, relieving yourself and for a moment you forget the hellish hills that you may have just encountered. You think, “I’m good, I think I can go on.” And then a couple of miles in I find myself asking, “What was I thinking?” At this rest stop my husband and I had decided to throw in the towel. The humidity was getting to me and we were just too tired. I could have talked myself into at least the next rest stop but I had to be honest with myself. I wasn’t even enjoying the scenery anymore. It had become a mental challenge. I felt a sense of relief when my husband agreed we should probably stop but at the same time we both felt really bad about giving up. I did say that I don’t like to walk hills, didn’t I? In the end, we logged about 36 miles and many of it incredibly hilly. Joel, the trooper, continued to the end and reportedly bonked about 4 miles to the end. From what he describes that last leg to be like, we think we made the right decision in stopping where we did. I think we could have finished but it would have been painful and slow. Storms were moving into the area as well.

So though the Harlem Valley Rail Ride did beat the two of us we have set up a new goal for next year. We are determined to complete the 55-miler sound and true. We now know what to expect and that was his first group ride ever, it being my second only after the Arlington/Alexandria Community Bike ride which was a cakewalk in comparison. My knees, my orthopedic doctor, and my physical therapist balk at me taking on hills but they are a necessary evil sometimes if you want the whole experience. There is just so much to see out there that sometimes you just gotta take a hill to get there.

I have also been getting a lot of compliments on weight loss lately. I have not been riding as much as I have been earlier this summer and earlier this week I had to take it to a stationery recumbent machine but the scales indicate I’m down (even though I’m wary of it) and my old (read: didn’t use to fit) clothes have been fitting me better. If I lost 5 more pounds I will probably be down a dress size. The cooler weather will be upon us soon and so will the holidays. I intend to keep riding even if its indoors and am so glad that I have found something that works for me.  Here’s to resolve and the beauty of cycling!

My First Bike to Work Day May 18, 2007

Despite 50-degree weather, overcast skies, and sprinkles here and there I did the ride to work today.  I made it to my pit stop in less than 35 minutes.  I didn’t have the big backpack this time and I bought a rack bag last night.  I felt kinda naked since I’m so use to having something on me.  The pit stop was closing at 8:30 AM and I got there at about 8:15 AM or so.  I managed to snag one of the last two medium-sized t-shirts.  The guys at City Bikes were doing check-ups and adjustments and I had been having issues with shifting up to the next biggest gear.  Sometimes it would catch and never shift up.  They adjusted the cable for me and for the rest of the ride I had no problems.  They were trying to get rid of the rest of their prizes since it was about closing time.  People were still stopping in and out.  I tried to win something but kept coming up with pieces of paper without the magic green dot.  It was ridiculous!  So they just gave me a water bottle, which was nice.  After picking up a banana and a Vitamin Water, drinking a shot of coffee, and receiving my t-shirt and bottle I was ready to hit the path again.

Being on the path and having no one around me is unnerving and there were a lot less people on the path in general just beause of the weather I think.  I’m always relieved when someone passes me or I come upon a runner or something.  I definitely saw more cyclists this time around though.

I managed to do the whole 17-mile trip in 1 hour and 30 minutes according to the new cyclocomputer I installed earlier this week.  I was definitely on a mission and my quads are pretty tired now.  I think that I’m going to make this a habit and ride every Friday.  It’s a good way to get miles in.

Earlier this week I went to the kickoff Happy Hour for my company’s bike club.  Wow, talk about hardcore!  I know I’m just starting out so I’m not at all put off.  Everyone I talked to was really nice and personable and pretty supportive.  Some of their rides are out of my league right now but a girl has got to have some goals, right?  The company will sponsor up to 6 charity rides per employee per year.  I just need to get some miles under my legs.  I have been eyeing the things with options for shorter rides.  I’ll be eligible for the club jersey at the discounted price which will be nice.  I can only get better from here!

Bike to Work Day May 18, 2007

Join thousands of area commuters for a celebration of bicycling as a clean, fun and healthy way to get to work! Meet up with your neighbors at one of 24 pit stops all over the region, ride into the city with experienced commuter convoys and meet your colleagues at Freedom Plaza. Washington Area Bicyclist Association and Commuter Connections invite you to try bicycling to work as an alternative to solo driving. Help the Washington region become a better place to ride.

Find your pitstop! 

First Group Ride May 16, 2007

This past Sunday I decided to join the VeloDCity Washington Bicyling Meetup Group for my first ever group ride.  I really liked their “No rider left behind” policy and the route sounded easy enough that I could handle.  Despite not getting a good night’s sleep the night before I decided that I can’t bail on my first ever ride because then I’d never be invited back.    Anyway, I’m sure that isn’t the case. 

So I got up and  left the house before 9AM to catch the Metro to the Forest Glen.  I barely made it there in time but I guess that’s also because they were running 5 minutes late.  Just as I was getting out of the tunnel I see Gregg, our fearless leader, and the rest of the A Group.

The ride was split into 3 legs: A, B, and C.  If you wanted to do the A leg you pretty much did 40+ miles. The B group did 26 and the C group did 18.  My max miles on one ride before the group ride was 21.4 miles but I felt I could do the B so that is where I met them.  At the B stop we had 10 people.  We were going at a good clip for me.  Apparently, the A group was going at a pretty fast pace.  I probably would not have been able to keep up.  When we hit the C group we added 8 more including 4 younger children.  Now we were 18 strong but also slower because it was such a big group and because of the children.  It was really great that they came out though.  I love seeing kids taking part like that and also being active.  I hope to drag my one-day kids everywhere I possibly can.

The day was absolutely beautiful and the trail was a lot flatter than I am use to.  Riding regularly on the W&OD will be good for me with its hills.  The ride pretty much ran alongside the creeks in the College Park and Sligo Creek area.  There was no humidity, the sun was warm, and highs were in the low 70s.  It was cycling heaven!  We had lunch at the 94th Squadron Inn and watched the small planes take off and land from neighboring College Park airport.  Gregg even pointed out an osprey in a local canal devouring its fish for lunch on the way to the restaurant.  I’ve seen osprey before but not one eating.

I have to say that my first group ride experience was absolutely perfect.  The people were great, the pace was good for me, the scenery was lovely, and the weather was perfect.  I can’t wait for my next one!

Today’s Ride & A Visit to Spokes May 16, 2007

I debated riding today since I was so tired but it was so beautiful out that I decided I just have to go especially since I know I’m not riding tomorrow for various reasons.  I set out West on the W&OD with the intent to stop at Spokes bicycle shop in Vienna which is around mile marker 11.5.  The bike needed lights. 

I noticed today that as I was riding on a higher gear than I had been in past rides.  Also, it took me less than 40 minutes this time to get to my pitstop in Vienna.  I definitely moved faster today.  I do realize though that I also did not have the heavy backpack I did last Friday when I timed myself on my way to work for my trial run.  But still, I definitely rode on one higher gear up than I had been even before!

I bought some lights at Spokes because I had a feeling that I’d be getting home a bit later than usual.  The days are getting longer but still not like what it will be in summer.  I installed the lights outside of the store.  I didn’t want to be caught out there without not being seen well or at least better.  I also bought a reflective vest which I’m still not sure I’ll keep and a bike map for Washington DC and surrounding areas.  That thing is cool!

Once I got home (I hate living at the top of the hill, whew!) and ate dinner I finally installed my cyclocomputer from Planet Bike that I bought at REI months ago.  I fine tuned the lights to my liking and moved the front reflector.  There really isn’t a whole lot of real estate up there on a handlebar.  I definitely have to say that the bike is looking nice.  It looks great with all its new accessories but I also feel a sense of relief knowing that I am helping myself in trying to be more visible to people in the road.  I’m finishing up “The Art of Urban Cycling: Lessons from the Street” by Robert Hurst.  I’ll devote another post to that later but I really think that everyone should read it.  Take it upon yourself to help yourself and never assume the actions of other people.  Happy Riding!

First Ride to Work May 15, 2007

This past Friday in honor of Bike to Work Week/Day coming up I decided to give the route to work a try.  I hadn’t intended on bringing my clothes and laptop with me but ended up having to in the end.  It was also my first time riding with such a loaded bag on my back.  The route was pretty much 17 miles from my door to the office and most of it was on the W&OD.  I stopped twice briefly and it took me about an hour and 45 minutes to do the whole thing.  I definitely feel that the latter half of the ride is more uphill.  I just went on a 26-mile ride this past weekend and it was no where near as strenuous.  I think because it was flatter.  My pitstop for Friday is the Whole Foods in Vienna and it took me 40 minutes to get there.  That also accounts for stops to cross roads, etc.  I didn’t have to do the ride back since The Husband works in my office.  One day I’ll have to convert him too.  I think I’m ready for Friday I just need to make sure I get up much earlier.

Signed up for Bike to Work Day! April 28, 2007

According to the W&OD map, the ride from where I get on the trail to where I know it is near my workplace is 13 miles.  That doesn’t include the two miles it takes me to get to the trail in the first place nor the couple miles (I think) it should take me to get to the actual office.  I’m only going to do it one way since I haven’t worked my endurance up quite that distance to do it forth and back.  Lucky for me, my husband works at the same company as me in the same office building so he can have all my stuff waiting at the office for me as well as take me home in the evening.  Who knows, maybe I’ll even ride it back.  I think I’m going to try to see how far I can go tomorrow on that trail while also keeping in mind that I have to come back.  We’ll see how far I get!

Holy Allergies, Batman! April 28, 2007

This past Wednesday I was side-swiped by a really bad case of seasonal allergies.  I take Allegra 180 to keep my eczema at bay but it doesn’t seem to prevent me from getting really bad rhinitis.   Wednesday it started off as slight throat irritation and slowly progressed into sneezing, congestion, a constant runny nose, and finally yesterday into coughing fits.  We went out to eat last night and I could barely taste anything.  It sucked!

Today I went to a Confident City Cycling class which is free from WABA and the Virginia Bicycling Federation.  It was 3 hours and I thought it was too short!  It flew by!  There’s just so much to learn about cycling in general.  I’ve been doing a ton of reading, mostly books from the local library and I still feel there’s so much more to know.  I really liked it though and learned a lot especially about laws pertaining to cyclists, etc.

I did a 30-minute indoor ride on the neighborhood recumbent, stationery bike.  Still getting a feel with the ‘new’ cycling shoes.  I’m working on a steady cadence of around 90 RPM and working up quite a sweat.  Tomorrow is suppose to be beautiful and I am going to ride!