Livermore - Buddy Ride

Rolling down the road on a beautiful autumn day.











Some of our group checking out the Winery.




It was a gorgeous cold, crisp morning in the Livermore wine country. Tracy (my mentor) arranged for our group to all meet up at the Steven Kent Winery. It was a very central location for all of us to meet at and easy location to find.

We all started out on the ride and to my legs surprise, we came upon our first incline about a half mile out. Since at this point, I was still trying to adjust my connection on my ride computer and figure out what just flew off my bike (handlebar cap)...I can't be sure of the exact distance but it came up quick.

At about mile 7, we started to notice the wind picking up...this was a new element to experience while cycling. As we pushed up a couple more moderate hills and out of the valley, we came upon a larger hill and began to feel the full force of the wind. FYI...if you combine me, my equipment and B (aka, the bike), all soaking wet...we might hit about 150 lbs total (not good)...so you can image how much I was loving riding through the wind gusts.

As I rode up the hill, I made a rookie mistake and didn't gear down until about halfway up the hill. I think I was to busy concentrating on trying to stay upright with the wind. While I was trying to find the right combination, my front gear got stuck and in the process of trying to free it up, a huge gust hit me head-on and I lost all momentum...crap! This is where I tell you, how much I love my new clips & cleats because it enable me to get my foot down in time...something I couldn't have done with my previous set up. At this point I had no choice but to step off my bike and take the "walk of shame" up the last few hundred feet, to the top of the hill. The wind was relentless and I still was between gears but I jumped on B and rolled down a very steep grade (getting my bike back into a gear in the process) to meet up with my group. I know what your thinking...another gear and hill problem, didn't she learn from last week...oh well, another lesson learned.

We continued to ride into some crazy ass wind (meteorologist term...haha). This added a completely new difficulty level to the ride, since the wind would suddenly come from different directions. I wish I had the ability to take pictures while riding, because the sight of us dodging tumble weeds and debris was very photo worthy.

At the turn around spot, we decided to change the route a little to avoid riding directly into the wind. This gave me another first time opportunity...crossing over an off-ramp, with a big rig exiting...creating a very uncomfortable moment for many people in our group...yikes!

When we got back to the parking lot, after a 20 mile loop...Tracy brought us inside the winery to check it out. It is a beautiful facility that I will definitely go back to in the future. Other highlights for me in Livermore, The Dancing Pickle and seeing the Ghost Rider...that's a story for another time...haha!

Novato

Me and my carpooling buddy, arriving early for our next adventure in Marin County.








It was a very cold...crack the car doors open type morning! During my early morning load up, I couldn't help but wonder if I got everything and if I was bringing the right gear to stay warm for the days ride. My drive to meet up with my carpool buddy, was very enjoyable as I watched the dark blue sky transform into a beautiful morning.

In Novato, everyone was hurrying to get their equipment ready and fit in a bathroom break before our 8:30 start time. We were informed of the coaches we would be riding with for the day based on our previous time trial ride. After being briefed and introduced to our coach, we headed out on the route...a little later than any of us expected.

My plan was to start slowly and pace myself, I didn't want to burn myself out prematurely since I had no idea of the type of terrain and route we would be riding. One of the coaches took my strategy as looking like I needed assistance. I know I have a lot to learn...and I will share that shortly, but at this point I thought the assistance was premature. With the ongoing questions and information, he threw off my focus and pace...therefore slowing me away from the pack within the first few miles.

The motto with TNT is to "leave no one behind", it sounds like an old war film...haha! Therefore, the first coach (after peeling me away from mygroup) set me up with another one. Had a nice ride until THE HILL. I saw the impending obstacle ahead with riders struggling up it. I gulped and continued on not knowing my strategy or if I could make it. As I approached and started my climb I noticed a rider ahead and since I seemed to stay in pace, I thought I was doing okay as I guessed my way through gears (big mistake).

Gears, gears, gears...ugh! I thought I had geared down as I pushed past the rider in front but my momentum was quickly slowing. I thought to myself..."what the hell, you suck at this sport"! I wanted to ask my coach but at this point I couldn't catch my breath enough to form a sentence. My legs and lungs were burning as I rounded the corner to see a turn-out with the roving SAG car and riders. I was determined to make it to them which was still only three-quarters up this hill. I was so very relieved to stop and catch my breath and find my legs. I was surprised to turn around and not see my coach behind me...where did he go?

The SAG driver informed me that I just came up that hill in my high gear not my low gear...OMG, what a dork I was! It was a surprising discovery for me and a relief to know that there was now hope I would make it to the top of the hill. After I hydrated and choked down some gooey gel type product (tasted like crap) to help my energy...I noticed my coach arrive. He was looking exhausted but continued to be encouraging. I was a bit worried about him, but he was determined to continue on with me.

It amazed me how much easier the remainder of the hill was, when you find the right gear...haha! After turning around at the official SAG stop...more hydration and nutrition (one thing I did well today), I headed back with the first coach I rode with. The ride back was my opportunity to practice my gears and riding positions. Of course, there was a couple more unexpected stops on the way back to check on mechanical issues my bike was having. It wasn't anything that could cause me not to continue...we made adjustments and continued on.

It was a great feeling to hear my name as Sally cheered me into the finish. My body felt fit to continue but my mind needed a break from all the mental obstacles of the day. It was a longer (time-wise) and sometimes frustrating ride for me, do to a variety of things. I did learn a lot and in the process, will be better prepared for the next ride.

I did have some personal realizations during and after my ride. I am not only learning about cycling but myself through this process. One important discovery I made was...others that have been in or part of my life have chosen to give up but that is not how I am going to live as a cyclist or in life. Me and B are ready to roll to whatever comes next.

Class Time

This Thursday night workout was brought inside to Sports Basement. We did participate in a short workout but most of the evening was educational. Our coaches went through various topics to better prepare us for the training ahead.

We went through the physiological aspects of what it takes to be endurance athletes. Our fears were addressed and it was great to hear that I wasn't the only one with a laundry list of them. Since many of us are new to this process the unknowns really create the fears. We shared stories, experiences and techniques to work through most of them...now we just have to trust the process.

Nutrition was one of the big topics of the evening and Coach Wayne is the first to admit he is nutrition geek. The more I am around him the more he reminds me of a past co-worker that I enjoyed working with...Steve Melander. They are both natural leaders, say it like it is and get passionate about topics (geek out) they enjoy.

As the teams learned about nutrition and hydration, there were some interesting TMI examples that were shared. Overall we got a lot of basic information about the why, what, when, how & how much of eating and drinking. Both of these topics are very important to me because in the past they have been my downfall. I tend to not think about drinking until I'm thirsty (very bad) and don't like to eat until I finish whatever activity I am doing (sure failure). I definitely will not make it through the training if I employ my old habits.

The cycle team continues to be blended with the tri team, which will continue for every Thursday workout throughout the season. Both groups seem to get along very well. Sheila (tri team participant) mentioned that she hasn't seen these groups get along so well, this soon in training...its a fun group of people. Not only is she a TNT teammate but also Coach Wayne's wife and has also been on the cycle team in the past...which makes her very knowledgeable person to talk with about TNT.

After class we all wandered the store and shopped. I headed for samples of electrolytes and healthy snacks. I need to figure out what will work for me on ride days. This is like a science project of label reading and pictures to find what might be palatable. We were encouraged in class to experiment with the different products...this should be interesting:)

New Equipment

After an assessment on Saturday with TNT and input from friends that I rode with on Sunday...I needed new clips & cleats. I went to a bike shop that I was referred to and they gave me a tutorial on what I had, which was an older racing set up. They made recommendations based on current products that would work for my type of riding. After trying out different equipment...I found I also needed different shoes...with a gulp and a grimace, I handed over my credit card, hoping that I was making the right decision (it is hard to know trying them out in a shop).

Yesterday was my first opportunity to try them out...a teammate from TNT and I got together for a morning ride. The shoes looked and felt good...and I could actually walk in them! I got on the bike and rode around a small area to feel out the clips before heading out onto the roads. Within seconds...I knew I made the right decision:) Other than the very brisk autumn weather...we had a great ride. My new equipment was a welcomed change. It made my riding experience much more enjoyable due to the ease of clipping in and out...however I am still getting use to the position of my foot clipping in.

My old equipment took all of my leg strength to release my foot...even after many adjustments it never improved much. There were also a couple instances that the old cleats would not release and had caused a couple falls in the past. I was always fearful that in a quick stop situation whether I could get my foot out in time.

There are ample things to purchase and upgrade for cycling but since this was a safety issue...it needed to happen right away. My next challenge (other than becoming a better rider) is nutrition and the right gear to stay warm & dry for cycling in the winter months.

Pinole

This was our bike fit clinic...where the pro's go through and make sure everything is balanced and adjusted properly.










This was our equipment assessment clinic. My riding buddy, Sally is sporting the latest in cyling gear... and looking like she doesn't want her picture taken...smile!






This was my first Saturday morning of many to come, where I was up early fueling my body, loading my equipment & preparing myself to meet up with my teammates in the Bay Area location of the day. The agenda for today was about informational clinics, assessments of our bike, equipment and ourselves by having us do a 10 mile time trial...known as the sorting ride. It was a fast paced day...not counting my personal cycling time (44 minutes). This is a great life lesson for a control freak like me...to be completely open and vulnerable to this unknown program and training process.

After getting ran through clinics, I was hurried out onto the route to ride my time trial. It was quickly apparent to me, what a newbie I was to cycling. I rolled down this unfamiliar road with traffic just inches away from me & B (what I call my bike) as we tried to find our synergy as one unit....unaware of what was ahead. Since I do not have a full understanding of my gears...I watched my group pulling away from me as we reached our first incline. The first 5 miles was gentle inclines but to me (a cycling flat lander), they were hills. As I struggled along...the slow & steady tortoise that I was...I continued to be passed by other cyclist, which made me feel even more inept.

My close-call of the day occurred mid-way through my ride, when I almost had an unfortunate situation with a very aggressive driver at a merging junction. I was very winded, getting directed through the intersection when this tortoise found a momentary rabbits pace as I could hear an engine racing uncomfortable close to me. In spite of looking to see that I was clear to continue...the motorist had other ideas...yikes!

Throughout the ride, my teammates were very encouraging as they passed me and finally watched me roll in to the finish line. I was very aware by the time it took me to finish the route, that I have a lot of room for improvement. After the last of our group finished their time trial...we rallied for our team cheer.

It was a productive and safe day and we were all thankful, as well as the fact that we survived our first day together. At one point, I heard our head coach state...after the encouraging words... "next week the real training begins!" It was funny, since he said in such an all knowing way...like The Great Wizard of Team in Training..."just ignore the man behind the curtain"...haha!

After today...I now know that I need to up my endurance and strength on the bike. Next week is a 20 miles ride in Marin County. Fingers crossed that this nice weather continues for next week's ride.

Thursday nights...no bike needed

Something new this season to the TNT program is coached team workouts. Every Thursday night the teams get together in 2 locations in the Bay Area for strength and conditioning workouts. The cycle team has been matched up with the tri team (tri-athletes) for the workouts...no pressure there...haha! Our head coach, Wayne runs the training on a local college track...yes, it is outside and it was very cold. Rain or shine he wants us to attend to condition us into better athletes...he has his work cut out for him:)

Last night was our first workout...luckily he took it easy on us. It felt like I was back in High School in a P.E. class...except the students looked more like the teachers. It was a reality check to find out how out of shape we really were...thanks Wayne. I already know I am not the most flexible but working out with the tri team was a constant reminder. When the coach sent us out onto the track to do laps, it was very apparent of who was on which team, as most of the tri's took right off onto the track and the cycle team still had quizzical looks on there faces realizing we actually had to do laps...what? My thought was...isn't this why I ride a bike...so I don't have to run...haha!

We all survived the first training session and now are better prepared for the upcoming workouts. I learned I need warmer workout gear and to bring a towel or yoga mat...the stadium surface is a killer on the knees when he had us on the ground exercising. We also received more information from the coaches about what to expect this Saturday. Ready or not...let the training begin!

Kickoff

Wayne Spalding (Head Coach) was the emcee for the Team in Training kickoff at Wheeler Hall.








Last Saturday was the official kickoff day for the Team in Training (TNT) Winter 2010 teams at U.C. Berkeley. This was a day of first's for me starting off with being on the U.C. Berkeley campus...in spite of being a Bay Area native I had never had a reason to be on campus until now. Other first's...being part of TNT, joining a cycling team, having a personal fund-raising goal, committing myself to an official training program and training in the winter months (what was I thinking...haha). The kickoff was a little overwhelming at times with all the information being thrown at us but it was also inspiring to be part of this wonderful group of people with common goals.
I was fortunate to have a good friend of mine come along for support and to see the process that I was undertaking with TNT. She was also my unofficial photographer. The day consisted of many facets, from learning about the program to meeting with our individual teams and the expectations that TNT had for us. It was mainly a meet & greet...rah, rah type of an event to get us started and excited about the season.

The journey begins...

This is my partner in the journey I am about to begin. This beautiful Bianchi road bike came to me last May. It had been long retired by a friend who had gotten out of the sport many years ago.
Due to an unfortunate set of circumstances I wasn't able to get on and start riding the bike until sometime in late July. I had the passion and desire but no background in cycling...so it was a slow process of riding through my neighborhood to feel the bike out. There is a learning curve to riding this type of a bike...27 speeds, having your feet locked into clips, building confidence with the thin road tires and riding with traffic...yikes!
My summer continued to have a lot of obstacles for me, so riding was very minimal until September. I was fortunate to get the opportunity to volunteer for BikeMS and to meet and learn from cyclist participating in a charity ride. It inspired me to leave the safety of my neighborhood and just ride. In the process I have ridden many areas between Dublin and Walnut Creek on a regular basis. I love the freedom and feeling that cycling has given me...it is a wonderful stress reliever. It has opened up an entirely new community to me and I have met some wonderful people in the process. However, this has just deepened my interest and desire to explore more of the Bay Area roads and to become a more confident and competent cyclist.
I had the opportunity to research and learn about Team in Training and their programs through some past participants. It just seemed like the right fit for me to reach my personal goals. In addition to it being an intensive training program and experience, it is also an opportunity to give back and make a difference with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society through fund raising. In October I went to some informational meetings and made the decision to join the Winter 2010 cycling team to ride the Solvang Century (104 miles) on March 13, 2010.
Ready or not...here I go into what is sure to be an amazing and life changing experience!