July 2, 2008

"Stupid Hockey Player. . ."

Jeff and I enjoy a ton of activities together. We only have a few things that fall into the category of "that's his thing" or "only she does that." Triathlon is definitely MY thing. When I first was training Coach Tom had advised us to practice running every time we got off the bike, in order to train our muscles to make the switch from biking to running. Sage advice - I give this recommendation to everyone who wants to train for their first tri. We were in SC two years ago, my bike was still less than a month old, and I was learning to train. Jeff rode an old beat up beach bike next to me so I could practice shifting. His comment when I got off and switched to running shoes - "If you have to go 3 miles more, you should just stay on your bike." Triathlon is clearly MY thing.

Hockey is clearly HIS thing. Jeff has been playing hockey since he was 4. He's good and strong at it. These days he still plays in an adult men's league and coaches 8 year olds. Me, I can skate forward, a little backward, all of it slowly. I have trouble playing street hockey and that is with no skates. Hockey is clearly HIS thing.

Our evil plan worked (helpful when you are so subtle as to blog about your friends watching your kids) and Jeff and I headed on our first ride together on road bikes. When you have to work the babysitting in to the vacation you don't get the choicest times. It was 3 PM when we headed out, 95 degrees, about 80% humidity and subject to some fierce ocean cross and head winds.

Before we left the driveway I was the one who inspected Jeff's bike, checked tire pressure and gave him a refresher on his gears. We planned about 25-30 miles. I am usually slow to warm up my legs but still took the lead - after all this is part of MY thing. . . After about 5 miles I yelled back that Jeff could lead for a bit. He slowly pulled to my left and then pulled in front. And then something happened. He just sped away. Not competitively so, just, well, away. . . And then it hit my humidity stricken lungs - hockey players have enormously developed quads - perfect for biking. MY thing was now being foiled by HIS thing. When we stopped at the Shrimp Shack at mile 10 for a quick drink and breather Jeff said that the only thing he heard as he pulled away was me yelling, "STUPID HOCKEY PLAYER!"

Swim. Bike. Run. Repeat - just not with a hockey player.

-Jen

PS. The picture is of me at the Shrimp Shack guzzling Accelerade like nobody's business. That was the first ride I've ever done where I felt like I didn't have enough water. I rode with a full bottle of Accelerade and a full water bottle in my jersey pocket.

June 26, 2008

The Evil Plan

Each year we come down to the beach at Fripp Island, SC. Two years ago we invited our close friends Ryan and Lynne with their two girls who are of similar age to our boys. But then, they had to beg off when Lynne gave birth to their third girl (yikes #1) two months early (yikes #2) - some excuse!

Life and craziness got in the way last year but this year we all made it down together for some quality relaxation and playtime for our kids at the beach. Originally, Jeff and I thought it would be a great way to have our friends be able to get away for some R&R and have our kids enjoy great beach memories together.

BUT, what developed in the past year was my evil plan. . . .(insert evil laugh here). All I could dream of on the 13 hour car-ride down was that Ryan and Lynne were two nice warm responsible adult bodies. Two adult bodies that could sit in the beach house no matter the time of day and be the "responsible parties" for our boys (you know, while getting some R&R). In the past year, because of my riding, I have been able to interest Jeff in riding. He bought a bike. I have a bike. Trouble is we never are riding together. Try as I might, I have yet to be able to convince any teenager in their right mind to come to our house at say 7 AM on a Saturday. So, Jeff and I have been passing bikes in the night, if you will.

But, with two other adults captive in the same house with us there is nothing stopping us from riding together this week. . . . (perhaps another evil laugh here. . . .)

Finally riding together,

-Jen

June 25, 2008

One Car, Eight Wheels

Last Friday night Cameron's 7-year-old All-Star baseball team (yes, there is actually such a thing - it was a surprise to us too) lost a heartbreaker of a game causing their elimination from the All-Star tournament. This happened around 8 PM. While the loss was disappointing, it set in motion a whole different set of emotions - mostly "Uh-Oh." Our annual SC beach trip had already been postponed for a couple of days because of this tournament. So, in keeping with the fact that my middle name could be changed to "procrastinate", I was really only partially ready to load down the car.

The back story you need here also has to do with the fact that since my car was new in November, I - again in keeping with the procrastination theme - had just the week before gotten the hitch installed on the car in order to mount our 4-bike carrier. Getting that hitch in and of itself was an effort. While I thought I could just call up a hitch place and say "Go for it" I instead spent a week of phone calls learning about stability, hitch receiving ends, adapters, pins, and frame cracking on cars. More than once I was found to be sitting moaning, "How hard can it be to go by bike. .. I just want to move bikes from point A to point B."

Okay, so now you know that hitch is new. It's late and we're not packed and yet we've decided on the fly to leave early Saturday morning to do the 13 hour drive all in one day. Let me just say that 4:30 in the morning is not the best time to have two sleep-deprived adults attempt to put 4 bikes on a bike rack - for the first time. In fact I think that it could qualify as a reality show challenge (along with the "some assembly required" of most kids toys). The kids have never been strong enough riders until now to warrant brining their bikes. So, while we know how, in theory, to work our bike rack - it has never done more than two bikes up to this point. After a few different tries about the order of the bikes and one saddle removal (done by me by flashlight), Jeff got it done (Equinox needs to go on first). All I could think as we drove was that we had super-sized the Trek One World, Two Wheels program and become One Car, Eight Wheels.

-Jen

June 23, 2008

Student Teaching

My sister teaches second grade. I remember when she was in college and had to student teach. That's where all that you have learned in books and lectures meets with your ability to actually get the point across to living breathing small people.

I got my student teaching opportunity for bike-speak a couple of days ago. My kids are getting big enough no that biking is no longer just the up-and back on the sidewalk. They want to go somewhere, signal turns and be "big boys" who bike like mom. So, we hauled out the bikes and I offered a lesson on gears and gear shifting. Luckily, at the time, one was interested and the other gave a pass for just straight-up riding, which gave me one on one teaching time.

I have learned a lot about bikes in the past two years but this put me to the test. If I could successfully get across the key points and teach gear shifting to a seven and eight year old (without them giving me the exasperated "I just don't get it!" look) then I would know I was doing something right.

I have to say, we started out with just calling everything, "See this circle here? and how the chain goes on it?" down to the kids saying later on in the day, "Yeah, over here on the derailleur. . . ." We did a lesson on shifting the back and then a lesson on shifting the front chain rings." Each time I taught them how it worked I sent them down the street with the assignment to just try it out and then report back on their observations.

They caught on quickly and, I think because their kids, were able to not get totally caught up in the concept of gear ratios etc. . .and purely went on feel, deciding what gears worked best for them and where. More bike shop owners need to get back to student teaching and teach us all like second graders - the language is simplified and we can just go on the feel of the bike and the wind on our face rather than all the technical mumbo-jumbo that often makes a beginner (or even me) intimidated.

The best part is that I know the adage "See it, do it, teach it" will apply here and my kids will be showing other kids about gear shifting and bike parts in no time. I know know that I have passes my student-teaching experience and will be able to use the right language and the right steps in teaching others the same thing. What a wholly satisfying afternoon of biking - and I never even left my driveway. . . .

-Jen

PS. I also gave them a "Ride" guide of their very own and told them lesson #2 was tire changing. . .

June 17, 2008

Tri Camp

On Saturday, Team Survivor held a triathlon camp where I was in charge of leading the beginner's bike group. The day before I had spent considerable time planning a bike route with MapMyRide.com and then spent the evening dragging Brendan (bribed by ice cream) in the car scouting the route to make sure it was beginner appropriate - especially since I wasn't sure of the types of bikes and level of experience of the group I would have.

Due to the availability of the pool at the site for camp, the bike portion of the day ended up being around 2 PM. It was a steamy, humid 95 degrees by then - my bike computer clocked in at a temp of 109, so we shortened the route. I had 8 beginners in my group on a variety of bikes. I have to say, I have a lot more respect for ride leaders now. I wanted to make sure that everyone was doing well, had their questions answered, came away feeling more confident in their biking skills, and most importantly that I returned with 8 riders.

I think all goals were accomplished. We returned with 8 riders, made some seat height adjustments, successfully talked through gear shifting for a few, did some clipless pedal practice, talked rules of road riding, bike training for the NY Metro Area Danskin race in September, made some brake adjustments and although sweaty, everyone returned in one piece.

Toward the end of the ride the intermediate/advanced group, led by Coach Tom, merged with our ride. Tom took off at a sprint on one stretch and I found my body and bike poised to do the same - it was a huge mental victory to know that while I remain a medical mystery my body and mind still have racing instincts.

After the bike portion, Tom and I talked through transitioning with the group. I made a smart-aleck remark at one point, after which I got myself in trouble when Tom challenged me to a "transition race" to see who could transition faster. (Phew - got myself out of that one!)

It was a great day and I was glad to help. I'm hoping that everyone came away feeling more confident about their bike skills and more prepared to tackle their first triathlon. To me, being able to get groups of women together and say, "Yes, you can do this" is the power of Women Who Ride. . . .

-Jen

June 9, 2008

More Than Toasty Tour Event

Yesterday Carla and I went into Philly to see the Pro Cycling Tour Philadelphia International Championship (156 miles). It is the final event in the Commerce Bank Triple Crown of Cycling which includes two other races in Pennsylvania. The day also included the women's race - the Commerce Bank Liberty Classic (57.6 miles).

Carla and I were there in time for the start but we positioned ourselves around one of the loops in the early part of the course, but away from the start/finish line. The men's race was 156 miles and included 10 large loops and then 3 smaller loops. The large loop included what is know as Manayunk Wall - a 17% grade hill that they would hit 10 times. The women's race was 57.6 miles long and was 4 loops, including the Manayunk Wall.

Complicating the whole day was the extreme heat wave we are having. The race started at 9 AM and the temp was already around 80 degrees. Carla and I stayed for about four hours of the race. Around the 3 1/2 hour mark, the announcer said that the air temperature was measuring 91 degrees and the asphalt temp had just been recorded at 120 degrees which was melting the glue in the racers tires. Often times the only breeze we felt was when the racers whizzed by us - I can't imagine how they were able to race for over 6 hours. Early on - I think it was into the 3rd lap - a group of 7 broke away from the field. At one point the group had a lead of almost 9 minutes but that lead shrunk each successive lap. The men's race was won by Matti Breschel of Team CSC in 6:14:47 which was a record for the longest race in the 24 year history of this event. Clearly, the heat was a HUGE factor. Out of the 190 men who started the race, only 81 finished.

The women's race started about 10 minutes after the men's so we had great viewing of both groups. There were just over 100 women competing in the race and we were able to see Kristin Armstrong (of cycling fame not the ex of Lance - confusing isn't it?), way out in front of the pack. Chantal Beltman of Team High Road won the race in 2:28:52 only 6 seconds ahead of the next woman.

It was amazing to watch the racers whiz by us at such speed and be able to all race so closely together. For awhile we stood directly across from the "feed zone" which was a stretch of road where the cyclists crew support stood and handed them water bottles and food as they passed. Support cars with spare bikes, wheels and other supplies followed all the racers around the course.

At one point we moved to the start/finish area and got to watch the juniors race they had. It was a field of 7-10 who did a 3 1/2 loop full sprint course. On each lap the first three racers across the line were awarded varying amounts of point depending on position. (That was the point at which is was around 91 degrees- I don't know how they were able to sprint). After that, they had a lot of youth, sponsored by a local bike shop, do small group, short sprints. It was done to expose kids to cycling and get them involved in the day.

It was a really exciting day - seeing what those riders do had me all fired up to come home and ride, although the heat wave of over 100 degree temps isn't going to break until Wednesday. I'm hoping to hold onto the momentum until then. . . .

-Jen

June 5, 2008

XTERRA lunch

This is the story of cake and bicycling. . . but let's start at the beginning. Yesterday I was getting together with Carla and Ronni for lunch. We had a plan - it was a good plan right up until I inserted a bike into the mix. The original idea was lunch in Lambertville, NJ - about 13 miles north and across the river from my house. Ronni offered to pick up Carla. I offered to meet Ronni at her house and we would all carpool. Here's where I went awry. . .Ronni's house is about 6 miles directly upriver from my house, right on the canal. So, I thought to myself, "Gee,I can combine Go By Bike and get in some training all at the same time by biking the canal to her house."

It had rained during the night and the humidity was hovering just under 100%. No worries - the canal is hardpacked, quick draining and it was pretty dry out already. I threw on a light rain jacket, packed an extra shirt and some flip-flops in a bag and headed out.

Problem #1 - I have yet to properly be able to calculate the amount of time needed by bike versus by car. So, I was pedaling hard and annoyed because I also have yet to realize that I am never going to go as fast by mountain bike as I do by the Equinox.

I was already late and then I reached an impasse. I won't call it a "classic impasse" because this is the kind of thing that only would happen to me. What was this impasse? A downed tree? Large boulder blocking the path? No, it was Canadian Geese. Six adult Canadian Geese blocked the canal path while guarding what looked to be about 15 baby geese. These geese were not happy. They came at me hissing and quite mad that I was disturbing the babies. Now, perhaps I wouldn't have been that nervous EXCEPT for the fact that Ronni, who I ironically was trying to meet, actually had one of these geese attack her and her pants while out on an innocent run on the canal just last year. [This type of thing is why Ronni and I can be such good friends - freaky-weird things happen to us].

I had no MacGyver-like solution so I called Ronni. She said, "Where are you, I'll pick you up?" I looked around. Brush and woods blocked one side of the canal and wading through the canal and a canal-lock were on my other side. I told her I would call back in 5 minutes while I thought it out.

I tried two more times to negotiate with the geese. That was a no-go. They didn't fall for my, "Hey, I'm a mom too - I mean no harm to your babies. . ." I quickly turned around and pedaled back the way I came so I could find a bridge that would connect me down to the river where I could ride on the road. At the first bridge I ended up dragging the bike up a muddy/rocky embankment to duck under the rails. I then found it only connected to a gate blocking the path.

Back down the embankment, muddied, I pedaled to the next bridge. Similar situation, shallower embankment. I was muddy and soaked (remember the near 100% humidity). I continued on and the next bridge was a road I knew for sure connected. Once over the bridge I called Ronni and told her to not worry I was still on my way.

Three miles later, a wet and muddy me arrived at Ronni's. I had packed a shirt but learned that what I should have packed was a towel. I had the rain jacket on covering my bike jersey - that was really the only part of me, including my face, that didn't have mud.

I cleaned up, we picked up Carla and went to lunch. And because of my XTERRA-like adventure in simply getting to lunch, I was RAVENOUS. So, that is how we ended up getting 3 monster-sized desserts, one of which being a slice of the enormous seven layer chocolate cake.

While I haven't ruled out doing an XTERRA triathlon, I'm thinking I want one that at least has a big chocolate cake at the end.

-Jen

PS. I'll still "go by bike" the next time I go to Ronni's, but next time I'm taking the Equinox!!

June 3, 2008

Breaking Point

Apparently, $4 gas is the breaking point. For weeks I have been talking "Go by Bike" with anyone who will listen - its a conversation starter when you walk around the drugstore, grocery store, library or train station with a bike helmet on your head. Most people sort of give me the "oh, that's nice" look with the mental pat and proceed out the door to their monster-SUV for the 2 mile trip to their house. But suddenly last week, when gas around here hit $4+/gallon, I heard people talking:

"Maybe I'll start riding my bike to work"

"I saw 5 people on bikes this morning"

"I think they carry their clothes and things in a bag on their back. . ."

Yesterday, I saved 71.4 miles off of my car odometer (okay, not all by bike). I rode to/from the local library to return overdue books. I rode to/from the train station and then used the train for my trip into Philadelphia.

People still seem perplexed when they see me shopping in my bike helmet but I can tell it's got them thinking. . .

-Jen

PS. I got to see a man ride up to the train station on his fold-up bike and then easily carry it on to the train - very cool. . .

PPS. Anyone ever tried to go through a drive through by bike?

May 21, 2008

Can You See Me Now?

I am not a bumper sticker gal. I certainly have opinions on lots of things, am proud of my kids school achievements but I don't really want to shout them off my bumper. But, the other day I saw a great bumper sticker. The beauty was in its simplicity. It said "Start Seeing Bicycles." No yelling, no honking, no middle-finger waving, just the reminder.

There are many cars out there that need the reminder to start seeing bikes. I've always respected cyclists rights to use the road when I'm in my car, but I became much more aware once I too became a consistent cyclist. Once you've ridden down a trafficked road, you become much more aware that the force of wind generated by a speeding car is definitely felt when on a bike. You also appreciate more those cars that are willing to slow down and give you a wide zone of road when they are passing.

I don't sport a bumper sticker but when I'm in my car and come upon cyclists I always slow considerably, well before I approach them. I'm talking seriously slow - the kind of slow that is actually meant to passively annoy those cars behind you. I keep this ultra slow pace and give a wide berth around the bikes well before I am up at their back wheel. Yes, in some ways I derive a bit pleasure out of trying to annoy the cars behind me when I do this but I have my reasons. I live in an area where most of the cars on the road contain drivers who are late, trying not to be late, or just used to treating the road as their personal autobahn. Perhaps the actions of my car will help them "see" and respond to cyclists the same way in other situations. Non-cyclists may not appreciate the argument that the road is just as much ours as theirs so let's help them see us. . .

-Jen

PS. Don't forget that wearing high visibility (the neon-yellow stuff) clothing and using lights when needed help you be seen. (Or, perhaps a sign, much like a bumper sticker, on your back saying, "Can you see me NOW?") :)

May 20, 2008

Wine (lots), Women (500) and Wheels!!!!

Owner Tim Brick of Brick Wheels in Traverse City, MI has it figured out. Maybe it's because he has two stellar females who work for him, Becky and Kristy, who can advise him on the recipe for success with women. Either way, it works. When you take a bike shop, 20% off, free wine and food, lots of goodies, a silent auction that benefits charity full of great stuff, women will come. And that is exactly what they did last Wednesday night. Five hundred (yes, 500) women attended Brick Wheels 3rd annual Wine Women and Wheels event.

The day started quite rainy but Tim loaned me a Madone and I headed out with Kellie, wife of Trek rep Mike Shrift, for a rainy morning ride. I've never ridden in that much rain and my feet were quite squishy after 20 miles. But, it reinforced that I'm not going to melt in the rain so perhaps I won't be such a wimp about riding in the rain now.

The rain headed out by late afternoon which was perfect because women were lining up for the six o'clock opening of the event well ahead of time. I had heard from Tim that quite a few women had been in the store pre-shopping the week before in preparation for the 20% that goes with the event.

Once the doors opened women filled the store. Wine glasses were filled and a Trek powered margarita machine was pedaled in case wine wasn't your thing. Women munched on cheese, fruit and assorted appetizers while they shopped and talked cycling. They also were able to browse a tent outside filled with donations from local businesses offered in silent auction style. The auction raised over $3,000 for the local Smith Breast Health Center. Oh, and did I mention the music, massages and bike give-away?

I manned a table with the new Trek Ride guides and the new Women Who Ride Club water bottles. The local cycling club was also there and club member John talked Women Who Ride Club with women when I was overtaken (thanks John!).

I met so many women who got involved in cycling for so many reasons. Julie was picking up her new Trek FX 7.3 WSD on Friday and we talked the benefit of technical socks (I swear you'll love 'em Julie). Mary came with her friend wanting to start cycling and we were able to talk the benefits of WSD and the amount of WSD bike offerings to fit the type of riding women wanted to do. All the women were big fans of the Women Who Ride Club concept and how cool the shirt was. I was also proud to be able to hook up some women who had mentioned to me they currently have a group that rides, with someone who came to me wondering how to find other women for rides. I felt like a successful matchmaker!

When the event was done I was on a bit of a women-in-cycling-high (and no it wasn't the wine talking). To see that many women in one place all so passionate about cycling or wanting to become a cyclist was amazing. I tried to take some fun photos to capture the event (with some added notes). Hope you enjoy them. . .

-Jen

PS. I'm not sure I can truly convey what a great event this was - at least not without writing a "War and Peace" sized blog about it. Let's just say I'll be looking to get back to Brick Wheels next May.

May 14, 2008

A Long Way for My Next Ride

I've come a long way to my next ride. I flew into Grand Rapids Michigan last night and I'm headed to Traverse City today for an event called Wine, Women and Wheels at Trek Dealer Brick Wheels.

This is the third year for this event where the store shuts down and some 400 women turn out to talk and learn bikes, drink wine and celebrate women and fitness.

When the e-mail invite was first distributed, there were 50 RSVP's in 12 minutes. Wow, this is a powerful community of women. (Plus, who doesn't love giveaways and 20% off merchandise (only for women) while helping raise money for the new Smith's Family Breast Health Center).

I'm hoping to get a chance to ride with some women before the event starts. Don't worry, I won't drink and ride at the same time. . . .

Hope to see some of you there.

-Jen

PS. I will fly home on Friday and will hope to share pictures of the event by Monday

May 9, 2008

The Weight of my Wait

In an effort to help fellow blog reader Ginger find a safe and ridable route from work to home next week during National Bike to Work Week, I explored some new routes the other day. It was a bit slow at times because of traffic lights. I waited numerous times, many times praying for a car, to come and hit the light sensor to trigger the light in my favor. This isn't a new phenomenon for me. There is one particular traffic light, at which I need to make a left turn, where no matter how I situate myself on the sensor, I end up waiting for a car. My conclusion has been that I must wait because my weight isn't enough to activate the sensor. Seriously, how many women do you know who would actually wish they weighed more. . .

On Tuesday, I was in some areas that are lightly trafficked - hurray - good for cyclists - and yet felt like an idiot waiting and waiting and waiting at lights that wouldn't change and didn't even have a pedestrian crossing that I could hobble to for help.

When I got home I did a little research and found that those traffic light sensors actually have nothing to do with weight and are most times magnetic. Clearly where I was riding they are not sensitive enough for bikes. So, what's a girl on a bike to do?

Here's what my research found:

Pennsylvania Bike Laws (Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statues): Rules on helmets, lights, signals, speed, brakes etc. . . Nothing on when traffic signals aren't triggered by bikes. But, the code does indicate that bikes fall under the same rules as motor vehicles. Next, I consulted the PA Motor Vehicle Driver's Manual which told me, "a non functioning traffic signal should be treated as though it were a four way STOP (emphasis theirs) signal."

The same site, PA Bike Safe, by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation lists this advice under a section called Road Riding: "If your bike doesn't trip the detector, you have to wait for a car to do it, or else you have to go through the red light. Going through the red isn't against the law, because the light is defective." Now I have a couple of sources I can cite when I need to proceed cautiously through red lights that won't turn - especially because I actually strive to ride in areas not heavy with cars.

In just doing a Google search for "traffic signals not triggered by bicycle," I found over 395,000 references of cyclists with the same issues, many of whom had actually been issued tickets. It seems that in many areas the solution is wanting you to use pedestrian crossings - a bit tough when wanting to make a left turn and seemingly counterintuitive when all other laws are written that bikes are to adhere to the same rules as cars (not pedestrians). Although I don't know the exact cost, the same PA Bike Safety Reference cited, " Detectors are made that work for bicycles, at little or no additional cost. Federal design guidelines exist for these detectors." Hmmmmm. . . sounds like it's time for some bike advocacy.

When I bought a bike to become a triathlete I never imagined where it could lead me. . .

Ride Safely. Train Smart.

-Jen

April 30, 2008

Shiny and Dry is Bad

Before I turned 16 and was allowed to get my driver's license, my dad made me learn two things: 1) how to change a tire on a car and 2) how to change the oil in the car. At the time I learned how to get enough leverage to get lug nuts off and also that it's tough to remove motor oil from your hair when you accidentally dip your ponytail in the oil pan. Later, I realized that those were valuable lessons in my taking responsibility for the workings of my car and keeping it in good working order.

My bike is a similar "vehicle" to me - lots of interworking parts that require knowledge and maintenance. I feel I need to take responsibility for proper care of my bike and yet, everytime I go to the bike shop, I somehow feel the language and the methods are beyond me, the average woman. So, when at Girls with Gears with Shop Girl Chris Garrison, I decided to have her teach me a thing or two figuring I would be less intimidated in that setting, plus, Chris is well, Chris and I don't think she could make a fly feel intimidated.

Chris' first tip: "Inspect your chain - if it looks shiny and dry that's bad." Oh, you are speaking my language Shop Girl - if only every bike shop spoke in these highly technical terms I can remember!

Step #1 Put your bike in a bike stand: This will hold it steady and allow you to freely rotate the chain as you work. I currently don't own a bike stand and have to use Jeff, my human stand. See picture #1.

Step #2 Degreasing your chain: Use a citrus based, because it is biodegradable and environmentally friendly, degreaser. Take a rag (aka my husband's old t-shirt - seriously, Jeff, it was 14 years old, let it go) and apply some degreaser to the rag. Note from Chris: "DO NOT use a terry cloth rag, the little fuzzies will come off into your chain - this is bad." Then lightly pinch either side of the chain on the bottom and rotate your chain around. You will probably have to move the rag around as it gets gunked up. Rotate your hand and pinch the top and bottom and repeat. (See pictures 2 and 3.) How often? Shop Girl says, "Once every couple of weeks or when your chain is looking nasty."

Step #3: Lube the chain: Use a drip lube and apply one drop per link to the top portion of the chain on the bottom. Rotate through. This is tough to explain so see pictures 4 and 5 for where to apply and where NOT to apply. By applying it in the correct location it will rotate through around the chainring where the chain and chainring come in contact. How often? Shop Girl says, "once a week, depending on how often you ride. Definitely after every time you degrease the chain."

Step #4: Additonal lubing: Use a spray lube in the areas shown in pictures 6 and 7. Important note from Chris, "Use a rag behind the area you are spraying becasue getting spray lube on your tires is not good. Slippery lube and brakes don't mix!"

And Chris' last tip in addressing my fears of breaking my bike by attempting my own maintenance, "Nah, you're not gonna break it. . ." If Shop Girl says, then it must be true. I am now off to the bike shop with the knowledge of what products I need to add to my arsenal and feel better equipped to take care of my bike. If you have questions for Shop Girl, look for her on the Fit for Women's Demo Tour or post your questions here and I will make sure Chris gets them.

-Jen

April 28, 2008

Together We're Better

Long ago, before I ever had cancer, before I ever heard of Team Survivor, before I ever knew of the existence of the Danskin Women's triathlon, I had the inkling in my head and heart to try and complete a triathlon. The idea seemed big and I didn't know any triathletes or how to connect with anyone who could teach me the ropes, or would train with me. And so that idea remained just that, an idea nestled in the far recesses of my mind.

Fast forward to the time in which I joined Team Survivor and then became a Trek Woman Who Rides. I am now a triathlete and avid swimmer, cyclist and runner who loves to share my passion with, and encourage, other women to give it a try. What bridged the gap between that notion in my mind and who I am today - other women. If I hadn't had other women to train with, sweat with, ride with, laugh with and celebrate crossing that first finish line with, I think I would still be the girl with an idea only.

So, I am extremely excited that Trek Women's Specific Design (WSD) is now rolling out the Trek Women Who Ride Club. When you join the club by clicking here, you will be connecting yourself with a community of women cyclists of all ages and abilities. Women ride for many reasons, social, emotional, physical, competitive. But, whatever your reasons, whatever your age or experience, this community is for you. When you join you get all kinds of Trek goodies, including the snappy technical shirt you see pictured here. In addition to cool gear, you will receive a monthly newsletter, training tips, product giveaways, and VIP access to Trek sponsored WSD events.

The one thing I know about women is that together we're better. My training rides and runs always seem easier when I'm with other women. We laugh, we joke, we sweat, and we learn together. (Plus, other women always get what you're talking about when you reference the doo-hickie-ma-jig on your bike. . . )

So, whether you're new to cycling, interested in a triathlon, just want to learn to "go by bike" there are women here who are like-minded. Let's get on the road together. . .

-Jen

PS. No boys allowed. . .

April 23, 2008

What's Your Definition?

Just for fun today, I thought I would share a question that a friend and fellow blog reader e-mailed me recently:

"In my world, a biker is a motorcyclist. A person ridng a bike is a cyclist. I see you use biker. Can you clarify for me?" -Amy

No, Amy, no I can not. I hadn't thought about it but Amy makes an interesting point. In my head, if I were to use the word cyclist, I would think that I should look like the picture I have included here. Somehow, to me, cyclist sounds so formal, so not-sweaty - as if I should serve tea after a ride rather than sucking down a huge bottle of water and wiping away the sweat from my face. So, I bike, not cycle and therefore my use of the word biker.

I consulted Dictionary.com for help, in case I should change my vernacular. (I know, you would think if I could use the word vernacular in a sentence I would be able to clarify this point. . .). Here's what I came up with:

Cyclist: (noun) a person who rides or travels by bicycle, motorcycle, etc. . .

Biker: (noun) a person who rides a bicycle, mtorcycle, or motorbike, esp. in competition or as a hobby

So, that really cleared things up - yeah, right. Given those definitions I think I'll go back to being a triathlete (which somehow every non-athletic person confuses with being a marathoner anyway - but that's a topic for another day). Does it matter what kind of riding you do for which word you might use? Where you grew up? or Where you live? What are you?

-Jen

April 22, 2008

Where Rubber Meets the Road

When I was in eighth grade, our social studies class was assigned some type of project. My project was entirely about pollution and the environment. I became insistent that we cut apart each link of the plastic that held 6-packs of soda (then "pop" because I grew up in Colorado) so that fish wouldn't get stuck in them when the plastic got in the ocean. I didn't seem to consider that Colorado was completely landlocked and I couldn't make the connection for anyone of how those plastic rings would get to the ocean. I was clearly green before it was cool to be green.

But, idealism of youth has eventually fallen prey to the conveniences of adulthood and the liberty of a car that will take me where I wish, any time of day, with no forethought. I am still green, don't get me wrong - I choose products wisely, I recycle, I conserve energy and water, but, I am guilty of ignoring my car-crutch. So, when Trek rolled out the 1 World 2 Wheels program encouraging me to "Go by Bike," it stopped me in my four wheeled tracks. What blew me away the most were these facts: 1) 60% of the pollution created by automobile emissions happens in the first few minutes of operation . . . and 2) 25% of all trips are made within a mile of the home, 40% of all trips are within two miles of the home, and 50% of the working population commutes five miles or less to work.

It hit me right where the stay at home mom rubber meets the road. My job starts at home but on any given day could lead to: the bank, the drugstore, the dry cleaner, the grocery store, the post office, Target, Starbucks, a local friends house, the doctor, the dentist. . . The knot of balled up pollution in my stomach comes from the realization that all of those errands are mostly within that 2-5 mile radius of my house. So, while now it has become cool to be green, I don't want to get lost in all the hype. I've realized where I'm mostly likely to make a change that will work for me - use my car less, use my bike more. So, I thought today would be the perfect day to start. Could I do my day-to-day without the car?

The idea started last night with the planning. I had to plan what routes I could use to get from one place to the other and how much time I needed to allow. Here's what the day was:

Stop#1: Physical Therapy - distance 4.3 miles. I left from my kids bus stop once they headed to school. Arrived only 2 minutes later than had I gone by car. I actually had to slow for a school zone. Success! Was able to get people talking. . .

Stop#2: Blue Lotus Salon - distance from PT 8.5 miles. Left PT a bit early to head for a haircut at a new salon. Hoping they understand my helmet head when I arrive. They do and I get to talk "Go by Bike."

Stop #3: Township Building to Vote - distance from salon - 6.0 miles. Left the salon with perfectly coiffed hair and then promptly put a helmet on over it (safety first!). Enjoyed a nice ride along the river and learned exactly which way the wind comes off the river - right at me. Got told I had a nice bike and that one of the polling volunteers would guard it while I voted. Excellent!

Stop #4: Home - distance from voting - 1.0 miles. Back at home! Car is still right where I left it. My car odometer remains unchanged. My bike odometer reads 19.8 miles. I feel victorious, somewhat sweaty but proud that my "regular" plan for the day turned into a decent training session, and RAVENOUS. On to lunch. . . .

Was it pretty? Was it effortless? No, but maybe that's the point. Do I have some learning to do? Definitely yes. But, just because I can't figure out how I would transport a dozen eggs and a loaf of bread home from the grocery store without them ending up looking like freshly dripping battered french toast, shouldn't mean I'm unwilling to consider the change. But, I do know that often I am guilty of that being the case. So, here's my chance to learn. Will this work all the time? - no, but, starting with a small change is better than ignoring the effort. Sometimes a little less convenience can lead to more thought, more appreciation and a little global cooling. I hope you will laugh, maybe learn and join me in my misadventures as I try to "Go By Bike." Happy Earth Day. . . -Jen

April 21, 2008

Girls with Gears

Yesterday I attended the third annual Girls with Gears biking event in Limerick, PA. My body was not happy to be getting up so early (5:45 roll out) but being the first customer at the Yardley Starbucks helped with my drive.

The Girls with Gears (GWG) event is a women's cycling event offering 5, 15, 25, 40, and 62 mile rides to benefit the CAROL for Heart, a foundation working to prevent women's heart disease through education. Event organizer Cindy Messerle said that she and a few others are into biking and they wanted to design an event that would let women come and try biking - "a place where they could do a group ride, ask questions and learn." In its first year GWG had 200 riders, yesterday there were 625 riders (both women AND men) and those riders raised over $40,000 for the CAROL for Heart Charity.

Demo gal Chris, aka Shop Girl, pulled up soon after I got there with her Fit for Women Demo Tour trailer loaded down with WSD bikes. I had a great time meeting women as they got set up on demo bikes. Chris was kept busy - the Trek demo program was definitely known and popular as some women I talked to said they wanted to be sure to be there really early to get a bike.

One woman usually rides tandem with her husband but he got sick and so she stepped into a Trek Madone 5.1 WSD for the day. We then practiced her saying to her husband, "But Dan, I need this bike," as she speculated that after this ride she was going to want her own solo ride. This is where Chris taught us the theory about bike ownership - she likened it alongside gravity - seriously - that the amount of bikes you own is B=N+1, where B is the number of bikes you should own and N is the number of bikes you currently own. There's always room for +1.

When Chris ran out of FX bikes to loan out, we were able to convince Kim to give a road bike a try. Kim was nervous about the road bike handlebars and not wanting to lean way over - a sentiment other women may feel. We were able to convince her that the WSD set-up and adjustments by Chris were worth a try.

Girls with Gears is an event that is only in its third year but you would be convinced that it has been around forever. I say this because of how well run it was. Event organizer Cindy Messerle and her amazing volunteer team seemed like pros. Event registration was a breeze, parking was easy, and there were tons of ride leaders. The rides were very well marked, both on the road and with color-coded cue sheets. At rest stops, boy scouts were helping cut fruit, provide water, sandwiches and energy bars. There were clean port-a-potties (always a plus at women's events). After the ride, we were treated to lunch, music and an array of vendors (including chair massages).

Ginger, who after 25 miles of rolling hills while entertaining me with statistician jokes - "If the ride is 50% uphill and 50% downhill, then the average is FLAT" was heard remarking on her Trek Madone 5.1 WSD, "I think that's going to be my third Trek bike." (Way to use that B=N+1 formula, Ginger!)

Next year's Girls with Gears event is on April 19th - I know I will be there again. I hope you will be too.

-Jen

PS. I was able to hang with Chris after lunch and use (I mean consult) her Shop Girl skills to pick up some tips for my bike. I'll tell you about that later in the week, so look for her highly technical quote "Shiny and Dry is Bad. . ."

April 16, 2008

The Changing Landscape

Once I learned to drive I never paid much mind to the roads. I never gave thought road characteristics - that is until I became a biker. In a car, the road was just the thing that connected point A to point B. I realized the difference is that roads now are viewed for smoothness in paving, grade, side roads, wide shoulders and potholes. These are all things that weren't there before - well I guess they were but I certainly didn't pay them any mind. I never had much appreciation for the actual condition of the asphalt until last summer when down in SC. I got 12 miles out on a great stretch of road and then hit a stretch that hadn't been repaved recently. I vibrated my hands and butt so hard that I thought I was going to be buzzing for a week. Clearly I had never noticed or appreciated THAT difference from the car driver's seat. Roads that were once "flat" in my car now are appreciated (or not) for their ups and downs that come out of nowhere when in the biking seat.

Lately, I have been struggling to find good areas to bike. The roads around me contain about an inch of shoulder and I find I am constantly sharing the road with large quarry, mulch or landscaping trucks, not to mention school buses depending on the time of day. I find it hard to put in long training miles because it's hard for me to find areas that I can string together any non-unnerving routes. I know a few routes but the irony is that they require I drive to them to start biking. Is this my solution?

It wasn't until Jeff and I were in Seattle late last summer that I learned that biking landscapes can be different. Seattle truly loves bikers. Jeff and I were able to pedal away for miles on wide asphalt trails that were undisturbed by traffic.

I know that this is a dilemma faced by many new bikers and triathletes. When I bought my bike I was more concerned about the gears and learning clipless pedals. My mind reasoned that roads are everywhere. . . clearly the biking landscape makes a difference. Will I find more comfort in the area I ride as I become a more confident biker? What type of landscape do you ride and how does it affect your training?

-Jen

April 11, 2008

What's in a Name?

When I first got my bike I had to refresh myself with certain rules of riding. Some things were things that hadn't changed since I was a kid/teen rider - how to signal your turns, wear a helmet - those types of things. Other biking etiquette has been less about rules and more things I've picked up - usually after committing some biking faux pas. For example, there was the time a year or so ago when I took my bike in for a tune-up and it was covered in dust. The bike shop mechanics were horrified that I would even think of having a dusty bike, never mind that I had been not riding due to chemo and someone had been cutting tile and wood in the garage near my bike. Oops - my bad.

So, here's the thing. I need an answer to another burning biking etiquette question. What's in a name? I've noticed that many of my fellow Trek Women Who Ride have names for their bike(s). So, what I need to know is this - should bikes have names? Are they like boats, which also have names? And if so, are bikes considered inherently male or female? Am I less emotionally attached to my bike if it doesn't have a name? My kids have names, which I sometimes remember and other times simply yell, "Hey you." I don't feel any less endeared to them or they to me by calling them "Hey you."

So, I'm starting to worry that this bike name thing is going to define the kind of biker that I am - you know, in just the same way you look at a crowd of fans at a football game and say "oooh, they're a face painter" and that means something about their intensity level as a fan. These things don't come in the standard Trek new bike owner's manual - I checked.

So, are you a bike namer or not?

-Jen

PS. Thanks for all your encouraging "just do it" words this week. I'm glad I have all of you out there to kick my training into gear for me. I've been able to get in two quality runs and two good bikes so far this week. Thanks.

April 9, 2008

Pajamas, Wine and a Multi-Tool

No we all know how mechanically inclined I am when it comes to my bike (not at all). In fact, last year before traveling to Trek headquarters in Wisconsin I had to go to my bike shop and admit I didn't have the first clue as to how to get my pedals off my bike (only one bike at the time, why ever remove pedals?). So, why, when I bought the Trek Fuel EX 7 I had Demo Gal Ross ship it, boxed, directly to my house, I don't know. I have to say that the bike, in its pieces (not a lot of pieces mind you, but certainly not whole) and me are not a good combo. I think somehow I was deluded with my "I am a parent who has put together many a "some-assembly-required" toys, under the pressure of a three-year-old's stare - how hard could this be?

And so the bike sat. Until last week - when somehow I had decided enough was enough and really what was the worst that could happen? So, I attempted my first bike assembly while in my pajamas, with a glass of wine and with only my multi-tool. Here's what I learned:

-I know nothing about mountain bikes.

-There is good reason for the "average biker gal" to own a bike work stand. (Jeff did not appreciate being the human workstand)

-Disc brakes? Yikes!!

-I could successfully unscrew and reverse the stem. I could also, with a lot of work, and one scraped hand, attach the front wheel and the brake - jury is still out on the success of the brake.

-I could attach the handlebars - sort of (not really) - I couldn't manage to untwine myself from the bike cables and seem to get the handlebars right. I finally just got them to the point where at least they weren't hanging off.

-And to recap: I know nothing about mountain bikes.

But, the biggest lesson I learned was a two-parter: The biking world did not come crashing down because I attempted to unscrew a few bolts and mess around with the parts on a bike. I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty. But, facing an array of unknown and, to me, fragile and expensive parts that must be connected just so in order to have an operable bike coupled with my own embarrasment at my ineptitude was too much to overcome with such a prized posession. I just didn't want to take the chance. The risk of failure seemed too great. Giving me a bike that was, in essence, a spare, meant that I could be free to poke around and not suffer too many consequences. Having this bike mentally relinquished me from my own fear of breaking beyond repair (obviously, my mind is prone to exaggeration) what has become such an integral part of my existence.

The follow up to all of this was that I then took the bike in to Bucks County Bicycles, where I know owner Scott is a big mountain biker. Scott he had a good laugh when he saw the bike because yes, I had done quite a number on how I tried to attach the handlebars. I was able to laugh and say, "I know nothing about mountain bikes but I want to learn and the only tool I own is a multi-tool. . . " There was the second part of my lesson. There was no shame and embarrassment in saying "I tried and I need to learn, can you teach me?" Scott promised to make right my assembly, adjust the bike for me and then teach me some tricks. . . . I think my biking tool kit may need to expand beyond the unconventional pajamas, wine and multi-tool trio. . .

-Jen

April 3, 2008

Getting Lost

The video store is exactly 3.6 miles away from my house. I decided to take my bike. Twenty-five miles later I arrived to rent my DVD. It's what happened in-between that's the real story.

When I originally set out, I did not intend to do much more than find a convenient way to get from point A, my house, to point B, the video store. Because of some road work and the most direct route involving a section of main road that is not conducive to a nice ride, I thought I would piece together a tour through some neighborhoods, eventually connecting near the video store.

It was cold, my nose was extra runny due to a recent head cold but as I explored one neighborhood after another I found myself enjoying the process and my thoughts strayed further from the destination. I realized while riding that there have been so few times in the past couple of years that my rides don't have a concrete goal - a beginning, an end, a certain mileage, a time-limit, a training focus.

It was around mile 10 that I got lost. I wasn't alarmed because I knew that eventually I would connect back to a road I knew. My mind wandered, my feet pedaled and coasted, my heart beat a steady thump, I was unconcerned by speed or time. I discovered the smell of landscaping mulch. I discovered that my town has a street called Peaceful Road, which made me wonder if the people who lived there were more relaxed. I found irony in the discovery of Winding Road - a straight road from beginning to end. I encountered two new, unknown playgrounds that I hope to find my way back to with the boys. I crossed paths with the same runner more than once - our nods and waves acknowledging and respecting the journey.

We live in a time where we always know exactly where we are. I have Google Maps at home to pinpoint almost anything. GPS navigation systems abound in cars and we can almost always reach someone on a cell phone to guide us. The funny part is that if you take a trip to the bookstore, it's clear most of us are still searching to find ourselves among the self-help books or, perhaps finding ourselves from the coach among talk shows, remote in hand.

There was no aim for self-discovery or ordering my life while in motion, only the mundane goal of DVD rental. But, my bigger picture was the realization that clearing our heads, contemplating ourselves, mulling our goals - those are processes that need the indirect route. The speed we live at, the pace we set, often isn't giving us the breathing space to notice the sights, sounds and smells, around us. Let's not fight getting lost, we might just find something. . .

-Jen

April 1, 2008

My Biking Sins

So, I need to confess. I'm hoping that it will be good for my biking soul and that we can get it all out in the open. I've recently committed a number of biking sins toward my snappy Equinox 7 WSD. It all started with Laura. I'm trying not to blame - in the spirit of taking responsibility for my own actions - but well, let's just say, it's all her fault. If she hadn't written her post "The shady lady arrives" . . .about purchasing Shady, a Trek Fuel EX 7 off of the Trek Fit for Women Demo truck of Ross Rushin, these feelings wouldn't have surfaced. But, as soon as I read her post my discomfort started. It took me until the next morning to identify that it was bike ENVY. Uh-oh. I found myself clicking on her post again. I too had notions of perhaps one day taking on an XTERRA triathlon. I've also toyed with the idea of perhaps an adventure race. I realized my bigger problem - I was coveting my neighbor's bike! I quickly fired off an e-mail to Demo Girl Ross asking if she had any other Fuel EX 7's that she was looking to sell off her demo truck. As it turns out, yes she did - one left - and in my size. It was as if the biking Gods were giving me a sign.

I only had one last biking sin to navigate - my thoughts that perhaps there was some GREED in owning three bikes (road, tri, mountain). But, then I remembered reading in Bicycling magazine that the average bike owner has four bikes. This was not a spectacular argument to use with my "not as into biking as I am husband" who opened with "Why do you need 3 bikes - you can't ride them all at the same time?"

The end result is that I now have my very own Fuel EX 7 that I need to learn to ride - hmmm - didn't think of that part. I've now realized that my Equinox may consider this cheating so pile on more sinful behavior. At least with this many bikes to ride, SLOTH may be the least of my worries. . .

-Jen

March 26, 2008

A Long Way From The Pull-Up

One of the things I love about the Trek website is that I never know what I'm going to get each day when I log on. The homepage is constantly changing and I always am learning (and clicking) something new. So, a couple of days ago the Trek site was encouraging me to sign up for The President's Challenge, part of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Whoa nelly!!! . . . I was clicking away. Was this part of the same thing that I remembered from my youth? You know, the days of bad gym shorts and reversible gym shirts? The days of the run one mile in a certain time? The days of the pull-up? I know that it wasn't just my junior high that participated in this challenge that somehow tied overall fitness to whether or not you could do a hanging pull-up (which was next to impossible when you were a seventh grade girl). Hmmm. . .now that I think about it, probably also not that possible as a 33 year old mom.

So, I clicked and discovered that yes, this is one and the same. But, it's come a long way, baby. There are now at least 100 activities in which you can participate for the challenge. Trek is doing it's part by providing info on cycling as an activity no matter what your fitness level. You can sign-up yourself, or with a group of friends, your family, a school, and even your kids. The cool part is that you can log your activities. I say this is the cool part for a couple of reasons: 1) because I am a big fan of logs - I love being able to see where I was and how far I have come and progress I have made and 2) give my kids a challenge with a log and they will go above and beyond.

Considering that more than 12.5 million (yes, million) kids and teens are overweight and 40% of adults participate in zero leisure-time physical activity, according to the office of the Surgeon General, we are clearly on a crash course with our couches, bag of chips and remote in hand. If those statistics can't get you to drop the McDonald's (see Laura's blog for some scary stats on the big M's latest culinary masterpiece), I don't know what will.

So, let's get off the couch (I know, if you are reading this I'm probably preaching to the choir), and grab our families, or co-workers and friends and get them biking, hiking, skydiving (yes, skydiving counts) or anything else physical. I'm sure we all know someone who has a bike in their garage that needs the dust blown off it. Let's just leave those bad gym shorts and pull-ups behind. . . .

-Jen

March 25, 2008

One-Legged Spin Cycle

It's still cold here in the Philly area. So, as I begin some base training for the tri season I am still drifting between spin classes, the trainer and the rare outside ride. Yesterday I decided to head for an afternoon spin class to try out my new spin shoes. As those of you who ride with clipless pedals may know, there are a couple kinds of pedals that take different cleats (the things hooked to the bottom of your shoes that make you click and walk funny). My regular riding shoes and pedals use Look cleats (the bottom of my road shoe is pictured on the right). That is all I have ever used. Time and time again, across many a gym, I have taken my shoes to spin classes and been out of luck. My gym does have some spin bikes that have Look pedals but for some reason they are not in good shape and my foot comes unclipped after about 10 or so revolutions. Not what you really want to have happen in the middle of say, a "standing hill" in a spin class.

Most people in spin classes, who ride with clipless, use the SPD type pedal/cleat. So, because of the rehab and the weather being rather uncooperative, I finally decided to invest in a second pair of shoes which would have the SPD cleat (the bottom of the SPD cleat shoe is in the left of the picture)

As savvy as I thought I was with my clip-in, clip-out ability, I just couldn't get those SPD shoes to work. Side-note: My clip-in, clip-out ability was non-existent when initially learning to use my pedals/shoes.The first time with my shoes/pedals I fell off - with my leg still connected to my bike - before I even had ridden an inch. My older neighbor's comment, which still embarrasses me, was "Looks like it's a good thing you're wearing a helmet." So, if you are just learning clipless pedals, don't worry, it does get easier - we've all been there.

Now, yesterday,I had a couple things going against me. I arrived late and therefore was in a rush and, because I was late, the room was already dark. I threw on the shoes and jumped onto the bike. I clipped in the right foot no problem. Then, came the left. . . .it must have been a good 5 minutes that I sat there spinning with one leg and trying to figure out what my problem was with the left. Even though no one could see my embarrassment (due to the low lighting), there was only so long I felt I could pull off the nonchalant check the cleat for non-existent wear or mud. I thought of moving bikes but then I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get the right OR the left leg clipped on a new bike, furthering my SPD cleat inadequacy. After enough one-legged spinning, I finally got off the bike and took the shoes off and threw on my cross trainers so I could at least get some workout that involved both legs.

Anyone got any advice - other than arriving early - or should I just focus on my one-legged spin? Don't worry, I don't mind if you tell me it's just me. . .

-Jen

March 18, 2008

Bike on the Brain

While here in Colorado, Jeff and I took the boys skiing. On the first day, we pointed and clicked our way to reservations for them in ski school. We got up, layered and drove to the mountains where we signed them away and said "Have fun!" at the sign stating "No Parents Beyond This Point" (seriously, it says that - how great is that?). We skied the day away, felt our sea level lungs gasping for air, and then picked the boys up at the end of the day.

Day 2 of skiing was an entirely different story which had me longing for my bike. We got the kids layered up, drove to the mountains, parked far enough away to call the distance to the slopes a small hike, had to rent the boys ski's (Where Jeff promptly declared over the head of one child (who shall remain nameless) "We HAVE to switch boys!"), buy lift tickets, get our ski's on and then wrangle them onto the lifts. This was all while wearing those massively clunky, walking impairing ski boots. I was so exhausted by this process alone - not to mention sweating buckets - that I think I had done the equivalent of a 2 hour bike ride by this point (which is exactly what I was calculating in my head.) And while it was fun, or so I keep telling myself, more than once I found myself wishing for the simplicity of wind on my face while alone on the bike. No bulky clothes, no bitter cold (well, you could have that biking but I choose not to), no tangled feet and crossed skis.

That whole second day I didn't confide my desire to be on bike. At the end of the day I collapsed exhausted back into the car for the drive back to my parents. And then, on the ride home, I examined the signs posted for the truckers about the grade of the hills and thought about biking in the mountains.

While at my parents I have seen groups of early spring cyclists and I have checked out their bikes. I have reviewed correct helmet fit with my mom. I have skied while dreaming of biking. Suffice it to say, I think I have bike on the brain. I think it's a permanent condition now and has infiltrated my being. Is there a cure though that will keep me from alienating all the non-bikers that I know? All I know is that I can't wait to get home and get training. . .

-Jen

March 5, 2008

As I Suspected

In reading and absorbing as much as possible about the sport of triathlon over the past year, I've come across two consistently cited facts: 1) Triathletes are often Type A personalities and 2) Triathletes are most often extremely organized.

Okay, so maybe, or perhaps definitely, one of those things is true. (I'll give you a hint - the "extreme organization" is really more just a figment of my imagination). But, the Type A personality in me is thriving quite well in this sport and plenty of things exist to feed my need to control and manage all aspects of my training and racing. When I first started, especially with my running and biking, I was obsessed with getting home, sweaty and breathless and running to the computer to use whatever mapping tools I could find to try and map my routes and distances. (While not cited, "geekiness" might be a triathlete quality as well). Each additional mile biked or run was momentous and a step toward my goals.

But, most recently, and especially with this year's goals, I've gotten more technical. Nothing was able to tell me anything about the hills (or perhaps not hills to some) that I felt I was riding. Until now. When I was in Wisconsin in January, NorthEast Trek Fit for Women Demo tour gal Chris Garrison introduced me to www.MapMyRide.com. Hallelujah! I can now get home, sweaty and breathless, and map my just-ridden route to determine whether the "hills" I thought I was riding were really there or, again, a figment of my imagination. I mapped out one of my favorite, quick out and back 16 miles and finally found it was as I suspected - uphill the whole way out and downhill the whole way back. (Prior to this I was always blaming my slow speeds going out on "not being warmed up.")

You can check out my ride on the map below. If you click the "View this route in MapMyRide" in blue it will take you to their website. When you are there, click the check box on the left side that says "Show Elevation" OR, click the bottom bar of the map that says "Show Elevation" and you can see the map of the elevation that goes uphill until the turnaround at mile 8. I can now plan routes in advance, save maps, and share them with you all too! Let's plan some rides. . .

-Jen

March 4, 2008

Taking It To the Streets

All became right with the world again yesterday when I was able to actually get outside on my bike. It was a rare early March burst of warmth that had me re-familiarizing myself with riding outside. First, there was the prep work - get bike off trainer, check tire pressure, water bottle, clothes. . . It only took me 3 tries to figure out what to wear for the weather (55 degrees and windy). I wish that someone could make a nice little chart for my closet that I could consult which would remind me what to wear in any given weather - a sort of TLC "What Not To Wear" for the biking world. (Granted, that would be a small niche-type show.)

I was able to ride 15 miles, with a gusting to 22 mph headwind/crosswind both out and back (I hate when it hits you both ways). My foot started to ache and I didn't want to push too much and be stranded - as boring as the trainer is, if my foot hurts, I'm already in my family room.

Additionally exciting is the news that my physical therapist has released my running (if you would call it that at this point) to being outside and not on their treadmill.

To be outside with my biking and running again is such an amazing feeling. I can't figure out if it's the air, the scenery (not that there is anything special about the scenery where I bike and run), or what. What I know is this - when you bike and run outside you somehow are one with the environment. I don't mean that necessarily in a zen-type way or in a crunchy-granola type-way either. It's just that there is something inherently more powerful, head clearing and body refreshing when riding or running outside. In the gym, throughout the winter, we all just look like robots in a line of treadmills surrounded by stale, sweaty air. Don't get me wrong, thank goodness for gyms and treadmills and trainers. Without them during the winter months, we might all go crazy, gain 50 pounds or both.

Whatever it is,the crisp air, the scenery, the potholes - oh wait, NOT the potholes, I am hungry for more and can't wait for that next bit of warm weather. No more treadmills for this girl!

-Jen

February 27, 2008

Holy Crotchus Numbingness!

The boredom of riding my trainer has not reached an all-time high (it's getting close, though). But, after riding yesterday, something that had been creeping up on me, came to light. . . "Holy Crotchus Numbingness!!!" That's my new totally scientific, technical name for how my crotch felt when I got off the trainer. Now, I don't remember this being a problem in the fall - I think I would have noticed - so I am wondering if it is somehow related to me sitting differently when on the trainer than if I were outside. What I can tell you is that something must be done. . . NOW.

During my visit to Trek last summer I got a lesson from the seat product guys (who are totally passionate about saddle fit) and learned intense scientific studies on how crotches fit on bike saddles have been done. Let's just summarize by saying this: All crotches are not alike. I also learned that there are certain saddle adjustment preferences that people have. Some like their saddle level, others perhaps like it a little nose down. . .

It's time to call in the experts. I'm going to fire off some e-mails and tomorrow take a trip into the bike store to graphically describe my issues. Now, I know that there may be others of you out there who have saddle discomfort issues and feel that a discussion at the bike store would be too uncomfortable. But, I know the pain/discomfort I was feeling yesterday far outweighs my discomfort in drawing a crotch diagram for the bike shop guys. Clearly this has all the makings of "Hijinks ensue." Stay tuned. . .

-Jen

PS. I know, a lot of you out there are thinking I should just try some seat adjustment myself. But, that idea goes straight to the image in my head I have where I touch a bolt on my bike and all the pieces of my bike just fall off. I know, I have maintenance issues to overcome. . .

February 22, 2008

Click Here for Spring

I have an apology to issue. The winter snowstorm that brought snow, freezing icing rain, ice and then rain to the Northeast overnight - um, my bad. Just last week I was confidently boasting that nope, it wasn't going to snow this winter by us. No sledding, no snowballs, most importantly, no school snow days. As you can see, I clearly brought it on. I had it coming, which is exactly what Cameron was trying to tell me in this picture today.

So, while the kids were out romping in the snow (and trying to sled backwards) I decided to try and reverse my fortune and click Spring and Summer our way.

I was race planning and race registering. So, as of now I am registered for The Philadelphia Women's Triathlon (sprint distance) - July 7th; The NJ State Triathlon (Olympic distance) - July 27th. And on September 14th I will once again do the Danskin Women's Triathlon - NY Metro Area (sprint distance). What I am still trying to figure out is what to do with August. I am looking for suggestions. I would love to add another Olympic distance or longer to August - I am looking at a few; the Lehigh Valley Steelman (Olympic) - August 10th, the Patriots Triathlon - August 3 (half iron lite - where that distance come from I don't know).

Additionally, and soonest, I plan on doing the Girls with Gears event April 20th in Limerick, PA. It sounds like a fun event and all the distances I'm considering seem to include the description "hilly." Nothing like tackling that goal head on! They will have 5, 15, 25, 40 mile rides plus a metric century (62) and the Trek WSD Fit For Women Tour will be on hand with bikes for you to demo.

I will sprinkle in a variety of other cycling only events but I needed to get my tri schedule going so that I can then get a plan for my training. Let me know of events that you think I should consider.

So, while it was snowing outside, I was cozy in my PJ's clicking my way right into Spring and Summer training and racing. Let the fun begin. . .

-Jen

February 21, 2008

Seriously, Even My Kids Get It. .

So, while I was in Utah relaxing in my hotel room one night, the headline hit me - Team Astana (whom Trek sponsors) excluded from the Tour de France. WHAT?!!!?

First I had to acquaint myself with the fact that there is an organization that runs the Tour - Amaury Sports Organization (ASO) and that they decided that Team Astana should be excluded from the Tour based on the doping scandals of last year's Tour. WHAT?!!! (this thought will repeat).

Team Astana, other than retaining the same name, is a completely different team from the aforementioned scandal. The new Team Astana includes outstanding cyclist Levi Leipheimer (never associated with any doping scandals) and new manager Johan Bruyneel (of Lance Armstrong 7 Tour wins management). The new Team Astana has also instituted rigorous doping controls.

Given all this I am back to my original reaction of WHAT?!???! To punish a team, which has cleaned house and now spends more on anti-doping controls than any other team, seems crazy (well, beyond crazy but I'm watching my language). Seriously, in the words of my kids "It's NOT FAIR. . . ." Even my kids get that if one kid is being punished or in timeout for something it doesn't mean that the other brother gets punished simply because he shares the same name. Plus, we all know that crap about "I'm making an example of you. . ." never really worked as a kid anyway. Six and seven -year-olds know what's fair, now the ASO needs to figure it out.

Doping in cycling (and other sports) is a serious problem (don't even get me started - explaining that one to my kids is a mess) but those Teams who work hard to play by the rules and compete should have the chance to do so. So, I join with the campaign established and say "Let Levi Ride!" To learn more or sign a petition visit LetLeviRide.com.

-Jen

February 20, 2008

I, Robot and Amen!

As I alluded to in my last post, I am back from skiing in Utah and I still have all my limbs attached.

We were up bright and early Thursday morning to head to Deer Valley resort (in Park City). About 10 inches of fluffy snow had hit the runs overnight. I was able to get the ski boots on, get on the lift (for some reason always a freaky prospect even though I've done it hundreds of times - I think it's the image of falling off the lift onto my face and everyone in line laughing at me. . .). I was fully committed to green (easy) slopes but still felt tentative as to whether my leg would work or not. Freaked out completely was how I would describe my skiing that day. My leg fatigued after about 5 hours (okay, it was fatigued before then). It was toward the end of that day that I took my only fall of the whole trip. Somehow I got caught up and ending up falling, acrobatically engineering it so that my butt strategically hit the back binding of one of my skis. As I lay in the snow waiting for Jeff to somehow help me up, all I could think was "That's gonna leave a mark." And yes, by that night, I had a nice purple splotchy bruise on my butt!

On Saturday we headed to Alta, where we have skied before. Jeff decided to point out, by singing the song mind you, that I was skiing like a robot and only moving my upper body in a stiff robot way. Talk about self-conscious then - you try skiing with "domo arigato Mr. Roboto" stuck in your head. "You're too scared and tentative and then you get stiff and robot-like," Jeff said. Ummm, hello, tell me something I don't know (okay, scared part I knew. The robot part, didn't know.)

Basically my conclusion was this - I am a head case. The mental logistics involved in me going from fearful to fearless are exhausting. Trying to overcome the image of me strung up in traction results in a stiff, scared and super slow ski stance. This does not just happen with skiing. I have the same mental issues with my tri racing too. Seriously, while Nike is telling me to "Just Do It", I am pondering my new T-shirt slogan "But, But, But. . . " And while I'm often telling myself that I'm doing the best that I can, I'm not always convinced that I am. I think that's why I avoid hills on my bike (for one) - I constantly am assessing my "What ifs - What if I fall?, What if I can't make it to the top?, What if I'm too slow?, What if I'm too fast? and the always glorious and ever-present, What if I look stupid? " Clearly something to add to the list for this season: Work on the mental game.

Our last day, which was a half day of skiing so we could catch our flight, the sun came out in full glory. The sun being out was key because the visibility on the snow was much better. I somehow rationalized myself into the visibility causing me to be less afraid and let Jeff talk me into doing some black runs, one of which was called Amen. I pointed my skis over the edge, said a lot of "Oh #$%@# "on the way down and then said a huge AMEN when I got to the bottom. Jeff then said, "See you didn't look like a robot on that one. . . ." Damn. Now the song is stuck in my head again. . .

-Jen

PS. Enjoy the photos - click on the "Notes" label for descriptions. . .

February 20, 2008

Once, Twice, Three Times a First-Grader

What I wanted to do yesterday was sit down and give you all a full report on skiing after getting back on Monday. Instead, I helped Brendan with his "Vote for Me" school project.

Here's the thing - I've passed first grade - at least I'm assuming I did since I graduated both high school and college.

Last year, when Cameron was in first grade - I passed first grade - again! Now, a lot of the second half of the year I don't remember thanks to the chemo drugs but I know that Cameron's project also involved a poster, research and a report.

I am now working on passing first grade for the third time. I really loved school growing up BUT I was totally blindsided by the concept that I would have to complete all these grades again once I had kids. The toughest part of all of this is trying to think like a first grader again (how do you explain the idea of a campaign speech on a first grade level?). There is also the notion of my insistence that a first grade project be actually completed by the first grader in question. I have heard of too many instances of projects being done by the parents and then presented as the work of the child (can you say science fair anyone?).

So, yesterday Brendan worked really hard to type up his ideas into a speech. Brendan's ideas on ways to help the earth and environment included, "making everyone pick up their litter, having no smoking and no cutting down trees because cutting down trees give gorillas no home." I was really proud of his campaign ideas - I'd vote for him - but ever so thankful that I am almost done with first grade. Maybe three times is the charm. . .

-Jen

PS. I will post a full report on the ski trip later today. I will give you the hint that all my limbs are still attached.

February 12, 2008

Now It's My Turn

I've been encouraging you all to post, e-mail and write down for yourself the goals you may have for 2008. I've led you on with the promise of hearing what I would like to have as my personal goals for 2008. There are a couple of reasons why I've been dragging my feet. First, I know that actually writing down my goals solidifies them as desires. My cancer experience and the every-3-month hold my breath scan thing has caused me to have an emotional state that's always wrapped around the "Plan B" for my goals. Somehow having desires and then the possibility that cancer could squash them has made me emotional protective of myself.

Secondly, I think that I've been afraid that somehow sharing my goals will clearly define me as "bike-girl impostor." I'm still a newbie to the triathlon/biking circuit and I have a lot to learn. But, yet here I am blogging away about my biking experience (or mostly lack thereof). I'm hoping that I can share my learning along the way this year and that maybe some of you will join me for the ride (both literally and figuratively!). Plus, I'm hoping some of you out there can help teach me a thing or two.

So, drum roll please, here's the big and the small of my 2008:

Triathlon: Take on Olympic distance triathlon and perhaps a half-iron distance (that one will have to be later in the season)

Biking: Learn to ride hills (my current hill riding strategy consists of finding routes that are devoid of hills). I want to learn to confidently make it to the top of any hill without rolling backward down it!

Ride a 20+ MPH bike split in a triathlon.

Learn how to use tri-bike shoes and transition with them on my bike (stay tuned, this one will be a laugh a minute I'm sure. . .)

Learn - REALLY learn - bike maintenance. Again, I feel that simply praying for no flat tires, chain issues etc. . . is not an effective long term bike maintenance strategy.

Join a bike club and tackle one of my bigger fears - the group ride - again afraid that somehow a group ride with experienced cyclists will reveal how NOT experienced I am.

Ride 100+ miles at a shot - whether on my own or part of a charity ride/gig I want to see what kind of distance I can do.

Running: Um, learn to do it again. . . think I might have to leave it at that for this year.

Train with purpose - I want to actually figure out what a "bike workout" or "run workout" could do for my triathlon racing. My current training regimen looks like this: Bike Workout - 1) get on bike, 2) ride, 3) go home. There must be something to all these "workouts" that training sites and magazines post - I'm aiming to figure it out.

And lastly, convince some of you out there to try a triathlon. Any one in?

-Jen

February 7, 2008

I Love the Underdog

So, were you wondering if I would actually make it the whole week without writing about that miraculous, amazing, best-Super Bowl ever, win by our team the NY Giants? What a game! What a win! I couldn't even blog on Monday because of how pumped (and tired) I was over that win. I won't go on and on about the football game, in case you're not really a football fan. Instead, I have to tell you how much I love an underdog.

The Giants were 12 point underdogs and yet pulled out the win. I LOVE rooting for an underdog. The player who gets pulled off the bench and no one knows their name - I'm rooting for them with unabashed enthusiasm - "You go bench sitter!!!" Whether it be professional sports, high school sports or the local charity bike ride - the underdog is the most important player, in my mind. Here's why. When an athlete does exactly what we expect by winning a game, a race, whatever, they've done what we expected. Ho-hum. But, how much angst do we feel, as the pressure builds, for the athlete that is unsure of completing the goal? How much pride and celebration do we feel when they attain what so many others felt impossible? Do you ever apply that thought to yourself?

I think that's what I love about being the amateur-triathlete. The first time I did a triathlon, I surprised myself mentally and physically with my own accomplishment. Now, because I know I can, the feeling of celebration isn't so strong. That's why this year I'm setting new and more challenging goals. New distances (Olympic distance, maybe more?), new challenges (like actually learning to not be afraid of hills - gasp!). We're all underdogs at something - it's not something to be ashamed of, it's actually something in which to take pride. Find your inner underdog! I'll be cheering for you. . .

-Jen

February 5, 2008

Just Enough Chain to Hang Myself