In February of 2009, I got back on my bike. At the time, I could barely ride 3 miles and participating in the LIVESTRONG Challenge 10 mile ride seemed like a massive feat. Six months later, when it came time for the ride, it turned out to be too easy. My friend and I decided that in 2010 our goal would be to ride the 50 mile route of the LIVESTRONG Challenge.
Fast forward to December, I eagerly registered for the 50 mile route and notified my friend that registration was open. In February, she announced that she was pregnant and wouldn’t be able to participate in this ride or Levi’s GranFondo in October. My friends and family asked if I would still be riding without my best friend beside me.
Well… heck yeah!
Training got off to a somewhat slow start, but once school let out I was able to devote more time to actually trying to increase my ride distances. A 50 mile ride was still an accomplishment I had yet to attain. In fact, it remained so until July 11, the day of the LIVESTRONG Challenge.
I won’t lie. The ride was hard. By far the hardest ride I’ve ever done. However, I didn’t end up riding alone. Thanks to the power of social media, I had a lot of support from tweeps and a couple of other cyclists to encourage me in person. Emily and Michael turned out to be invaluable even though we didn’t remain together the entire day.
The biggest surprise of the day was that 50 miles, while it sounds really far to a person who doesn’t regularly ride, actually isn’t very far. I knew the climbing would be difficult, but I remained unsure about the distance. Of course, I got tired on the climbs (and yes, I stopped and walked part of the way), but at the end of the ride my legs still felt incredibly good. I experienced no leg cramping and minimal discomfort from the saddle. I’m certain that I could have ridden farther.
Should I choose to participate again next year, I’ll likely stick to the 50 mile route. I don’t think I’ll ever be ready to tackle Metcalf Road.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
"Cobblestone" Milestone
I thrive on challenges, and by analyzing my difficulties on the bike, I learn how to overcome them. It gives me a feeling accomplishment so I can move onto a new challenge, like climbing longer, pedaling faster, or riding further.
On my most frequent riding route, there is a particular stretch of road that lasts for approximately 0.75 km. It’s some of the worst pavement on which I’ve had the misfortune to ride. In fact, it’s so poorly paved and repaired, that there are rather large weeds growing out of the cracks in the asphalt. In one instance, I had to stop and remove sticky gravel that had lodged itself between my tire and fork, preventing my wheel from turning. In short, the road is a cyclist’s nightmare.
This week, while watching the Tour de France, announcers mentioned that the best way for riders to tackle the cobbles is to get into a big gear and in essence gun it while keeping a loose grip on the handlebars. This way, the bike more or less decides where to go. I’ve always kept a loose grip; otherwise, I end up with no feeling in my hands. However, my speed typically decreases dramatically when I hit this section. Instead, I struggle forward, frustrated and tired, cursing the public works department for poor road maintenance. Today, as an alternative to just continuing at a normal pace and releasing a string of words that would make a sailor blush, I shifted to the big ring and hammered my way through the horror with my teeth tightly clenched. Much to my delight (and likely the dismay of my dentist), it worked. My thighs were on fire by the time I reached the other side, but I got there swiftly and unscathed. Who says you can’t learn anything by watching sports on television?
The last few months have been ones of discoveries for me. My perception of poor pavement has changed significantly since I first started riding a road bike and I no longer fear wind as long as it’s not gusty. With very little thought or concern, I tackle small inclines that once made me grumble. Though I probably spend far more time worrying about my riding technique than anybody who isn’t a racer should, I feel this narcissistic tendency has made me a more confident and enthusiastic rider.
There are currently four more days before the LIVESTRONG Challenge, the event that I’ve been preparing for all winter and spring. Yes, I’m nervous, but I keep telling myself that if I take it easy and pace accordingly, I’ll be fine. I have no idea if this will work, but between that and recognizing the growth I’ve made over the last year and a half back on a bike, I find it keeps me calm so I can sleep at night. Although, I certain Saturday night will require some help.
On my most frequent riding route, there is a particular stretch of road that lasts for approximately 0.75 km. It’s some of the worst pavement on which I’ve had the misfortune to ride. In fact, it’s so poorly paved and repaired, that there are rather large weeds growing out of the cracks in the asphalt. In one instance, I had to stop and remove sticky gravel that had lodged itself between my tire and fork, preventing my wheel from turning. In short, the road is a cyclist’s nightmare.
This week, while watching the Tour de France, announcers mentioned that the best way for riders to tackle the cobbles is to get into a big gear and in essence gun it while keeping a loose grip on the handlebars. This way, the bike more or less decides where to go. I’ve always kept a loose grip; otherwise, I end up with no feeling in my hands. However, my speed typically decreases dramatically when I hit this section. Instead, I struggle forward, frustrated and tired, cursing the public works department for poor road maintenance. Today, as an alternative to just continuing at a normal pace and releasing a string of words that would make a sailor blush, I shifted to the big ring and hammered my way through the horror with my teeth tightly clenched. Much to my delight (and likely the dismay of my dentist), it worked. My thighs were on fire by the time I reached the other side, but I got there swiftly and unscathed. Who says you can’t learn anything by watching sports on television?
The last few months have been ones of discoveries for me. My perception of poor pavement has changed significantly since I first started riding a road bike and I no longer fear wind as long as it’s not gusty. With very little thought or concern, I tackle small inclines that once made me grumble. Though I probably spend far more time worrying about my riding technique than anybody who isn’t a racer should, I feel this narcissistic tendency has made me a more confident and enthusiastic rider.
There are currently four more days before the LIVESTRONG Challenge, the event that I’ve been preparing for all winter and spring. Yes, I’m nervous, but I keep telling myself that if I take it easy and pace accordingly, I’ll be fine. I have no idea if this will work, but between that and recognizing the growth I’ve made over the last year and a half back on a bike, I find it keeps me calm so I can sleep at night. Although, I certain Saturday night will require some help.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
In the Mother Lode with a "T-Bird" and an "Arrogant Bastard"
There are very few times where my photography hobby has left me with a product that I feel truly proud of. Sure, there have been shots I love and others have said they liked, but honestly, nothing that stands out as that special, once in a lifetime, shot.
A week ago, when trying to take a picture of a knitting project, I realized that one of my camera lenses wasn’t working properly. It appeared to be jammed and wouldn’t focus. Against my better judgment, I forced it to move and it started working, although the function was limited. Heartbroken and near tears, I began researching replacement lenses online. The Nevada City Bicycle Classic was fast approaching and my favorite lens, the one I had every intention of using for nearly every shot, wasn’t performing up to standard. There was no possible way of replacing the lens in time for the race. Of course, this wasn’t going to prevent me from going and enjoying myself.
Without the “Lance Armstrong Economic Stimulus Package” hitting the tiny mother lode town of Nevada City for a second year in a row, I was able to take my time getting up there and not worry about crowds. I enjoyed a nice 30 mile bike ride with a friend on the American River Bike Trail in the morning before cleaning up at my parents’ house and making the drive deep into the foothills.
I wasn’t expecting much from the day being that my camera was being obstinate. The initial plan was simply to cheer my little heart out for Burke Swindlehurst and enjoy the day with my parents. We arrived with plenty of time to spare and plenty of time for me to play with my camera at different locations to decide where I could get the best shots and if my camera was going to be cooperative.
Much to my joy, my camera behaved appropriately, which is more than I can say for some of the spectators. More on that later.
As I was photographing the men’s Cat 3 race, a man rode by me on his bike. I looked up and noticed immediately that he was on a Cannondale (yes, I often notice the bike first and I know I’m not the only one!) and bared a striking resemblance to a certain cyclist known as a liar, cheat, and fraud. I wondered why Floyd Landis would show up at the Nevada City Classic given the current situation and the fact that he’s more or less ostracized by the cycling community. I shook it off and thought it was unfortunate that this guy looked a bit like him then went back to shooting photos.
Before the men’s Pro/1/2 group lined up at the start/finish line, I made my way to the area so I could photograph the call ups.
As the men lined up, I started shooting, first photos of Burke, moving on to Paul Mach, and each racer as they were introduced. I was astonished when they started introducing a certain rider from Murieta, California, and I knew immediately when the announcer said the rider was originally from Pennsylvania that it was indeed Mr. Floyd Landis. Because he is no longer associated with a team, Landis demonstrated his somewhat ironic sense of humor by sporting a jersey for Arrogant Bastard Ale. Unfortunately, the crowd didn’t care for the fact that Landis was there to race and he was greeted by a raucous round of boos and jeers from the spectators. I don’t care what he did, that’s just rude. The rudeness carried over to the race as people were shouting things at him that I don’t care to repeat.
As the race started and continued on for the next 90 minutes, I moved to various locations and attempted to capture a few good shots. I changed camera lenses, stood up, laid on the ground – anything that would result in an interesting perspective or a special photo.
I guess I got lucky – I managed to score that once in a lifetime shot.
Unfortunately, Burke wasn’t as lucky. He attacked several times during the race, a break got away, he attacked again, and then finally made it off solo.
Racing hard, he held on until the last few laps when he was caught at first by Paul Mach, then by Ian Boswell, Zachary Davies, and Floyd Landis. All of these men were part of the original break.
Now personally, I’ve never ridden this course, but I can say with absolute certainty that it’s hard. Brutally hard (or perhaps Giro-hard if you're Ted King... okay, maybe not that hard). It’s not a traditional crit and includes a lot of steep climbing over the 1.1 mile course. If you put in as much effort as it appeared Burke did, while riding solo at the front, eventually the chase group will catch up if they can work together, which they did. Ian Boswell took the win followed by Paul Mach, Zachary Davies, Floyd Landis, and then Burke.
Regardless of the outcome of the race, it turned out to be an amazing day and I finally had the chance to meet Burke who was courteous even though I really had no idea what to say to him. Yeah, I’m awkward in social situations with strangers, but I’m also a woman of my word. I’d said I would introduce myself to him at the race if the opportunity presented itself. Besides, I knew I’d never hear the end of it from D’Andrea if I didn’t at least say hi to him.
More photos from the 50th edition of the Nevada City Classic can be found here.
A week ago, when trying to take a picture of a knitting project, I realized that one of my camera lenses wasn’t working properly. It appeared to be jammed and wouldn’t focus. Against my better judgment, I forced it to move and it started working, although the function was limited. Heartbroken and near tears, I began researching replacement lenses online. The Nevada City Bicycle Classic was fast approaching and my favorite lens, the one I had every intention of using for nearly every shot, wasn’t performing up to standard. There was no possible way of replacing the lens in time for the race. Of course, this wasn’t going to prevent me from going and enjoying myself.
Without the “Lance Armstrong Economic Stimulus Package” hitting the tiny mother lode town of Nevada City for a second year in a row, I was able to take my time getting up there and not worry about crowds. I enjoyed a nice 30 mile bike ride with a friend on the American River Bike Trail in the morning before cleaning up at my parents’ house and making the drive deep into the foothills.
I wasn’t expecting much from the day being that my camera was being obstinate. The initial plan was simply to cheer my little heart out for Burke Swindlehurst and enjoy the day with my parents. We arrived with plenty of time to spare and plenty of time for me to play with my camera at different locations to decide where I could get the best shots and if my camera was going to be cooperative.
Much to my joy, my camera behaved appropriately, which is more than I can say for some of the spectators. More on that later.
As I was photographing the men’s Cat 3 race, a man rode by me on his bike. I looked up and noticed immediately that he was on a Cannondale (yes, I often notice the bike first and I know I’m not the only one!) and bared a striking resemblance to a certain cyclist known as a liar, cheat, and fraud. I wondered why Floyd Landis would show up at the Nevada City Classic given the current situation and the fact that he’s more or less ostracized by the cycling community. I shook it off and thought it was unfortunate that this guy looked a bit like him then went back to shooting photos.
Before the men’s Pro/1/2 group lined up at the start/finish line, I made my way to the area so I could photograph the call ups.
As the men lined up, I started shooting, first photos of Burke, moving on to Paul Mach, and each racer as they were introduced. I was astonished when they started introducing a certain rider from Murieta, California, and I knew immediately when the announcer said the rider was originally from Pennsylvania that it was indeed Mr. Floyd Landis. Because he is no longer associated with a team, Landis demonstrated his somewhat ironic sense of humor by sporting a jersey for Arrogant Bastard Ale. Unfortunately, the crowd didn’t care for the fact that Landis was there to race and he was greeted by a raucous round of boos and jeers from the spectators. I don’t care what he did, that’s just rude. The rudeness carried over to the race as people were shouting things at him that I don’t care to repeat.
Floyd Landis and his Arrogant Bastard Ale jersey
As the race started and continued on for the next 90 minutes, I moved to various locations and attempted to capture a few good shots. I changed camera lenses, stood up, laid on the ground – anything that would result in an interesting perspective or a special photo.
I guess I got lucky – I managed to score that once in a lifetime shot.
Burke Swindlehurst of Team Give p/b Blackbottoms
Unfortunately, Burke wasn’t as lucky. He attacked several times during the race, a break got away, he attacked again, and then finally made it off solo.
Nobody came along for the ride this time
Racing hard, he held on until the last few laps when he was caught at first by Paul Mach, then by Ian Boswell, Zachary Davies, and Floyd Landis. All of these men were part of the original break.
Paul Mach joins Burke Swindlehurst with Floyd Landis, Ian Boswell, and Zachary Davies in hot pursuit
Now personally, I’ve never ridden this course, but I can say with absolute certainty that it’s hard. Brutally hard (or perhaps Giro-hard if you're Ted King... okay, maybe not that hard). It’s not a traditional crit and includes a lot of steep climbing over the 1.1 mile course. If you put in as much effort as it appeared Burke did, while riding solo at the front, eventually the chase group will catch up if they can work together, which they did. Ian Boswell took the win followed by Paul Mach, Zachary Davies, Floyd Landis, and then Burke.
Winner, Winner!! Ian Boswell and Paul Mach of Bissell
Regardless of the outcome of the race, it turned out to be an amazing day and I finally had the chance to meet Burke who was courteous even though I really had no idea what to say to him. Yeah, I’m awkward in social situations with strangers, but I’m also a woman of my word. I’d said I would introduce myself to him at the race if the opportunity presented itself. Besides, I knew I’d never hear the end of it from D’Andrea if I didn’t at least say hi to him.
More photos from the 50th edition of the Nevada City Classic can be found here.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
It's Business Time
I was recently horrified when I took a moment to look back at my workout calendar and noticed that I hadn’t ridden my bike since May 15th. I’d like to blame it on weather or a busy work schedule for the last few weeks until school let out, but I’m 94.37% certain it was laziness. Oh well, too late to do anything about that.
Now it’s time to make a genuine effort in my preparations for the San Jose LIVESTRONG Challenge. I have one month to train for a 50 mile ride, a distance I have never ridden before. Am I freaked out? Um… are Smurfs blue?
I finally got out on my bike yesterday. I did a moderately easy and short route, just trying to get some miles back into my legs. A breeze slowed me down, but now that I’ve learned I can handle a steady breeze, I just thought of it as “invisible hills.” Today was more of the same, only I added about 5 km to the route. The last 6 km were used purely for my own amusement of seeing how fast I could go. Apparently going flat and all out, I can get up to 40.1 kmh, but I can’t maintain it. I did maintain about 37 kmh for a while - pesky stop signs.
Tomorrow I return to work for the next two weeks. Not my regular job, but similar. Lucky for me, the school is close to where I live, I think about 14 km, so I’ll be commuting by bike. This is my first attempt at anything like this. My biggest hope is that I arrive safely with enough time to clean up a bit before class starts. Will the students find it stupid or cool that I rode my bike? We’ll find out tomorrow.
Now it’s time to make a genuine effort in my preparations for the San Jose LIVESTRONG Challenge. I have one month to train for a 50 mile ride, a distance I have never ridden before. Am I freaked out? Um… are Smurfs blue?
I finally got out on my bike yesterday. I did a moderately easy and short route, just trying to get some miles back into my legs. A breeze slowed me down, but now that I’ve learned I can handle a steady breeze, I just thought of it as “invisible hills.” Today was more of the same, only I added about 5 km to the route. The last 6 km were used purely for my own amusement of seeing how fast I could go. Apparently going flat and all out, I can get up to 40.1 kmh, but I can’t maintain it. I did maintain about 37 kmh for a while - pesky stop signs.
Tomorrow I return to work for the next two weeks. Not my regular job, but similar. Lucky for me, the school is close to where I live, I think about 14 km, so I’ll be commuting by bike. This is my first attempt at anything like this. My biggest hope is that I arrive safely with enough time to clean up a bit before class starts. Will the students find it stupid or cool that I rode my bike? We’ll find out tomorrow.
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