June 24, 2008
Chug-a-lugging along...
My Monday ride home from the gym keeps getting curious-er and curious-er. Last night, I'm pulling up to a light near the Library of Congress and I see a woman power walking in the street next to the parallel-parked cars, not on the sidewalk. She's got fitness clothes and headphones on, which I notice because it's not safe to exercise outside at night if you can't hear someone coming up behind you. Anyway, she takes a sip from what looks like a water bottle in her hand. Then, I pass her and realize it's not water -- she's swigging a BEER! A Heineken to be exact. Last week, I encouraged the runner to "keep going," maybe yesterday I should have yelled "chug, chug, chug!"
June 23, 2008
Beautiful...
I had a rather beautiful weekend. Saturday, I got out early for a 3-hour ride before the temperature got swampy and the more leisurely riders hit the bike path to Mount Vernon. Don’t get me wrong, I tip my helmet to everyone who goes by bike. But, to paraphrase the guy flick Top Gun, sometimes I feel the need for speed. There’s this sweet, curvy rolling hill section through the woods that I love to see how fast I can power through. It’s exhilarating when done right.
The whole ride, it was pretty much me, a handful of other cyclists and tons of running groups training for the Marine Corps. Marathon. My sis, Jen, was out there somewhere too – she signed up to do the marathon! I can ride 100 miles; but I can’t even imagine running 26. Go Jen!!!
Anyway, on Saturday, I also wanted to pick up some new cycling gear. I remembered a WSD event Susan had done at Bella Bikes and decided to drive up to Ellicott City, MD to say hello and check out the nation’s first bicycle store dedicated to serving women cyclists. Bella is Italian for beautiful and that’s just how I would describe the store. Rows of WSD bikes line half of the space and the other half is racks full of cute clothes and accessories. I was in awe. Usually, you walk in to bike shop and there’s maybe a few different women’s jerseys. Bella has colors and patterns and sizes galore. That’s Bella’s manager, Patti, and sales diva, Sandy with me in the photo. Patti coaches the local Team in Training triathlon group and Sandy commutes everywhere on a 35-lb steel frame bike. They lead a “Hookie Ride” every Friday morning, alternating between road and mountain biking each week. [Do I feel a cold coming on, cough cough?]
Sunday, I met up with the guys for coffee like we always do. Then I went home and did laundry (how exciting). I’m traveling a lot this next month and my first leg starts tomorrow to San Diego. I’m hoping I’ll have some interesting tales from the road. It should make my tri training interesting anyway.
June 16, 2008
What's left...
More poor Trek 930 -- it now looks like a turkey carcass two days after Thanksgiving. The bicycle thief (that's a polite way of putting it) came back and stripped more parts. Never in my crookedest dreams would I think someone would steal old brakes - yes brakes - off a bike. I couldn't bare to take a photo of it, hence the diagram. I hadn't figured out what I was going to do with the bike, so I left it locked up outside as usual. Now, it's awful.
I wish I could say that this wasn't part of Life on the Hill. Sadly, it seems to be on the rise. Someone stole Russ' scooter on Thursday when he parked, locked the steering column and ran in to CVS Pharmacy for 5 minutes to pick up a prescription - in the middle of the day! It's ridiculous. Our district (Ward 6) has called a meeting to talk about the problem and what more can be done.
In other news, on Friday I did go swimming afterall and did better than last week. As a reward, I bought myself a new suit - my favorite reversible racerback by TYR. I really didn't like the straps on the Speedo that I had been wearing.
On Saturday, I went for a 2.5-hour ride and it was nice. On Sunday, my sis Jen, Russ, Wayne, Bill, Eric and I spent the afternoon playing volleyball and badminton, then had a picnic. That was also nice. Today, Russ bought a new scooter.
June 9, 2008
Dear thief...
Dear thief who stole the rear wheel off my old Trek 930 on Friday night,
Why did you do that? What could you possibly need a 14-year-old wheel for? I’m sure some stupid tire means nothing to you; but it meant something to me. I’ve ridden hundreds if not thousands of miles on that piece of metal and rubber. Those spokes have seen me through thick and thin.
And you were probably bored and did it because I should have done a better job locking up. Why didn’t you just break in to my car? That I understand, it's the cost of living in the city. Though there isn’t much in there after you swiped my Best of Duran Duran CD last time.
Was it really worth it?
June 4, 2008
Horsing around...
This past weekend, the guys and I (Russ, Wayne, Bill, and Russ’ 18-yr-old son, Eric) headed up to Harper’s Ferry, WV for our first camping trip of the summer. Harper’s Ferry is always a good place to ease into overnights in the outdoors because the campground has everything you need including electricity at most of the sites; super-clean bathrooms; a pool; a Wal-Mart and supermarket five miles down the road in case you forget anything or run out of beer; and Charlestown Racetrack about 8 miles away for some evening horseracing entertainment. It's also adjacent to Harper's Ferry National Historical Park.
We were a little worried about the weather since heavy showers were predicted for Saturday. Yep, our hiking plans were washed out; but, we spent the afternoon taking naps (nothing better than the sound of rain on a tent roof) and having our very own air hockey tournament at the campground’s game room.
That night, we went to the races. Wayne was the big winner, taking home about $100. I won a $1.34 on a horse named Fly-by. Later, we sat around the campfire and played the question game – like, what’s the first thing you’d do if you won the lottery (Wayne wants a villa); or what animal would you like to pet if you knew it wouldn’t bite you (Eric and a shark). So that I’d have at least one cycling-related thing to add to the blog, I asked, what’s the top place you’d like to go biking. The answers: 2 were for Italy, 2 for France, and I said the ring road in Iceland or across the U.S. Our next camping trip is back to Skyline in the Shenandoah Mountains at the end of the month. I think we’re ready for the big time though I'll miss the bathrooms.
June 3, 2008
Take it up on the Hill...
Trust me, riding up Capitol Hill can be challenging – getting good legislation passed on the Hill is even harder. Prior to Congress’ Memorial Day recess, the House passed H.R. 6049, the “Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008.” Why should you care? Because included in the legislation is a $20 per month transportation fringe benefit for bicycle commuters to cover costs of commuting by bike.
The Senate House finance committee is expected to take up this measure this week. The League of American Bicyclists is asking people to contact Senators who previously co-sponsored S. 858 (Bicycle Commuters Benefit Act 2007) to sign onto a joint letter, being distributed by Senator Wyden, to the Chair and Ranking Member of the Finance Committee asking them to adopt the House provision.
Take a moment to click this action link to contact your Senators and urge them to sign onto the joint letter. It’s easy, just fill in your zip code and follow the steps. Although bike commuting may not fit your life, please help the rest of us out with your support!
May 30, 2008
Green goddess...
[WARNING: If you get grossed out easily, you might want to pass on this one]
This is good, I guess, if not really disgusting. So, ever since I started my new job, I rarely drive my car. It just sits on the street day after day. Mostly, I ride one of my bikes or take the scooter if I’m crossing town or buying groceries. If it’s raining, I leave the house early and walk.
This past weekend, I had to drive to the MORE event and discovered that my car had turned into a wetland reserve. There’s a leak in the convertible top and rain got in and combined with some tree pod things that blew in the last time I drove. My interior was literally sprouting. I didn’t need a weed wacker or anything, but it smelled a little earthy in there. Gross. It’s clean now and Lysol'd like no one's business.
But, at least its evidence that my go-by-two-wheels lifestyle is having a green effect!!
P.S. sorry about the re-use photo. I should have taken one at the time
May 21, 2008
Hand me that sports page...
I was in the office kitchen stalking the coffee pot when my boss, MH, walks in with the Washington Post. He says, “Here, MacLean, I saved you the sports page” and laughs. MH is a rabid Boston Red Sox fan. I’m a rabid Project Runway fan. To each newspaper section his/her own.
But today I said, “Hand it over, I’ll see how my guys are doing in the Giro.” “The what?” he replied. “Giro D’Italia. You know… big road race… Italy… Astana got in.” He shook his head in the funny way that he does whenever I talk about cycling. I laughed back.
Following the Giro and the competition for the maglia rosa (pink jersey) is fun. It’s even better than I thought it would be this year since the Astana team was invited to participate after race organizer RSC reversed its original February decision at practically the last minute. Looks like the “Let Levi Ride” campaign might be making a difference since the Giro is one of the world’s most important stage races after the Tour de France.
Anyway, Levi and his teammates, Andreas Kloden and Alberto Contador, are kicking it into gear and I can hardly wait for the coverage on the Versus network this Sunday.
I couldn’t tell you who’s leading the National League; but, I can still get some sports on. AND I can tell you which team’s jersey I think is the prettiest. How about that.
May 16, 2008
Gutter bunny day...
gutter bunny n. a bicycling commuter.*
I am a rather soggy bunny on this, National Bike-to-Work Day. Rain showers happening here. I got up this morning, taught my spin class, and seriously contemplated whether I was going to honor my pledge to bike commute today.
On the one hand, I promised to hop to it. And on the other, ugh, I hate getting skunk butt, or whatever you call it, when mud and road gross-ness flings up from your rear tire onto your rear-end in a nice neat vertical stripe. Plus, I do worry about wiping out on slick streets.
But, I did it! I rode Shady since she’s got the grippiest tires of all my Treks. However, I decided to bypass the Bike to Work main event down at Freedom Plaza hosted by the awesome Washington Area Bicyclist Association. No breakfast and swag for me this year. That’s okay, it’s the biking that counts, not the free bagel and water bottle.
With any luck, I won’t be riding home in a down pour tonight.
*I didn't make this term up. Feel free to google it.
May 12, 2008
No. 1 tourist day...
“If we were in Europe, we’d take of picture of that.” How many times have Wayne and I said that to each other when we’ve come across an interesting spot right in DC. This summer, we have pledged to spend one weekend-day a month sightseeing in our own hometown. Turns out, none of us have seen the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives or done the Mint’s money tour and the guys have never been up in the Washington Monument.
Late Saturday morning, as we were sitting around like lumps at Starbucks trying to figure out something fun to do, we realized it was a good day to play tourist. We scooted west towards Georgetown. (The story would be better if we had ridden our bikes, but we weren’t in the mood to gear up, so we rode our two-wheel motor scooters instead. Next time though…)
Dumbarton Oaks was our destination, a beautiful country house and garden purchased by Mildred and Robert Woods Bliss in 1920. Mildred and landscape architect, Beatrix Ferrand, spent almost 30 years planning every garden detail. It’s fabulous, especially the Orangerie, which is home to a fig tree planted before the Civil War.
We also walked by the Oak Hill Cemetery (not open on Saturdays), a 19th Century garden park cemetery with very ornate burials and monuments. After a coffee stop, we headed over to the Washington National Cathedral. We couldn’t go inside (closed – was feeling a little like Athens with everything closed on a Saturday no less!). But, the outside is gothic and swooping. It’s almost like being in a foreign city, with more bathrooms and real Diet Coke.
We ended our first tourist day at a local Irish pub on the Hill, the Dubliner, with a pint of Guinness. Outside the bar, there was a line-up of about 12, parked Harley Davidson motorcyles; so of course we had to park our tiny scooters next to them. Hahaha, the photo doesn’t do it justice. Enjoy!
May 8, 2008
Commuting connections...
Bike commuting and I go way back. I guess you could say I’ve been a go-by-bike gal off and on since I was 7 years old and did my first ride to Hinsbrook Elementary School. By the time I was 17, I was bike commuting on a red 10-speed to my job as a lifeguard 5 miles or so from our house. The 10-speed didn’t survive my undergrad days; then again, neither did my waistline.
I got chunky and stayed chunky until I lost weight while I was getting my Masters. My graduation present to myself was that old Trek 930 in 1994. My first job was at a public television station and bike commuting--RT 25 miles--was cheaper than riding the bus. Then, I got a new job where I met Russ (who would later become my boss). And then I got chunky again; bought a cheap, used VW and hid the 930 in a storage closet until 2005.
When I started riding again, I decided to go back to my bike commuting roots. Round-trip was about 30 miles. Sometimes, Russ would ride up to meet me and we’d do the trip back together. When I changed jobs, I tried the commute route but it was just too much. Now that I’m close to home, biking to work is actually my fastest form of transportation.
There are so many great reasons to bike commute—better for your health, your wallet and your environment—and so many valid reasons why people find it daunting. Sweat, weather, distance and traffic top my list. But, where’s there’s a wheel; there’s a way. Here are my tips:
Sweat: If it takes more than 30 minutes, I wear cycling gear and carry my clothes and wash-up kit in a backpack. Luckily, I belong to a gym with locations all over DC and can shower up. A lot of office buildings have facilities now for commuters as well. Also check your local cycling organization because it might have deals with area gyms so that you can shower there too.
Weather: I confess, I don’t ride in bad weather. But, there’s all kinds of gear if you don’t mind it.
Distance: Do a trial run first. Maybe you start by parking and riding half the route. In most cities, there are racks on the front of buses for bikes and in DC, you can take them on the metro. Or, do like the Dutch and get an old bike that you keep on one end of the commute (i.e. train station to office).
Traffic: Safety is #1! I try out different streets to find the best ones and to maximize my time in bike lanes. I avoid major bus routes. I use hand signals and obey traffic lights. I don’t weave. I have lights if it gets dark.
Again, contact local bike organizations for more helpful info. You can find yours using this link from the League of American Bicyclists. Your regional transportation authority might have some good stuff too.
Next week is National Bike-to-Work Week and Friday, May 16 is Bike-to-Work Day and events are happening nationwide. If you can, why not give it a try. I ask you… what could be better than starting and ending your day with a bike ride?
PS> Here’s a neat web site, www.commutebybike.com. Check out the gas savings calculator, the Simple Guide to Bike Commuting and the Slackers Guide to Bike Commuting.
PPS> Hey bike commuters out there… post a comment and share your tips!
May 6, 2008
A ride with Brit...
Last night around 7 o’clock, I’m in the elevator down to the parking garage where the building has bike racks -- the guards keep an eye on our rides. (LOVE the perk that I can bike commute!) The doors start closing when a voice call outs, “Hold the elevator!” I throw an arm into the gap and the doors peel back. A tall gentleman enters, in his late 50s maybe. He looks really familiar. He says thanks and nods to the helmet in my hand, “You bike to work?”
It dawns on me who it is… Brit Hume, the anchor from FOX News. I work in the Hall of States, which is around the corner from the Capitol and home to offices for FOX, NBC and C-SPAN. Anytime you see a live shot with a reporter and the Capitol in the background, it’s probably happening on the sidewalk in front of the building.
Back to Brit. I reply, yes, that I love biking, especially with this weather today. (It was gorgeous – mid 70s and sunny). Brit says something like it must be miserable when it gets hot and humid in the summer. I laughed and answered that I don’t mind the heat, it’s the cold that turns me into a total wimp. Then, we arrived at our floor and wished each other goodnight. He in an intelligent anchor-ly way; me, wishing I was wearing something other than ratty workout clothes.
As I was unlocking my old Trek 930, Brit drove past and gave me a wave. It was nice riding with him.
May 2, 2008
Beets, broth, big pants and bikes...
Two months ago, I’m scanning a list serv and a notice catches my eye that a world-renowned chef is launching a new cooking show and looking for real people with culinary challenges. What the heck, I thought to myself – I’ve got challenges to go around. I send the producers an email about how I teach indoor cycling to Marines in the morning, work all day, write a blog for Trek and train at night and by the time I get home, I’m running on empty and looking for something fast and healthy. Oh, I also mentioned the part about losing weight. I get an email back and they invite me to a casting call to see how I’d do/look in front of cameras. Shoot, I went to film school – video cameras don’t bother me.
Fast forward and in the same week, I interview and am offered my awesome job at the Association, put in my notice at the old job, plan a trip to Holland, get certified to teach group exercise classes and learn that I’m going to be on TV. My head was spinning! (It still is!!)
Last week was my shoot for the show – a two-day event that took me 2+ weeks to get ready for. The first day was to capture footage to create a bio piece about me, my life and my culinary challenge. They wanted to tape me with the Marines, riding with Russ and Wayne, working out, at work and at our house for an interview and shots of me cooking. That’s how I ended up steam-cleaning the carpet on my birthday. My inner Martha (Stewart) took over and there I was starching pillowcases at 2 a.m. the night before the camera crew arrived.
The next day was my shoot with the chef. I won’t spoil the surprise by telling you who it is now. Let’s just say it involved beets, some broth and lots of talk about fueling up for bike rides. I even brought in my old big pants to show the chef why eating healthy is so important to me. I had a blast!!
I’ll let you know when the show will air – sometime in late June/early July. It was A LOT of work; but, maybe my message about how cycling helped me to change my life will inspire other women (and men) to get out there and ride too. I hope so.
P.S. The photo is me getting my make-up done before the shoot. My thanks to the chef, producers and crew for a great experience!!!
April 25, 2008
Sweet, sweet twinkies...
My #1 blog commenter (and pretty incredible sis, Becky), my #1 brother-in-law (well, only b-i-l, Steve) and my #1 nephew (Paddy) welcomed to the world their new daughters and sisters, respectively. The twinkies (Madeline Susan and Kaitlyn Grace) finally arrived on Monday night around 10:45 pm. Susan is my Mom's name and Grace was her mother's name (our grandmother). Everyone is doing great at home.
Happy birthday little ones!! I can't wait to meet you!!!
Love, Aunt Laura
April 21, 2008
Bicycles and birthdays...
Bicycles and birthdays go together. Maybe because they’re both special. My first bike was a present for my fourth birthday from my grandparents. It was red with big, fat red tires. Looking at that photo, I can almost hear the sound of my training wheels flying over cracks in the sidewalk -– a metallic-y kachunk, kachunk, kachunk.
When I got old enough to ride the few blocks to school, I remember worrying that the other kids were going to make fun of me because my bike was different. Red tires? No one in the entire school had red tires. But then it dawned on me, no one else had a bike with red tires and that made me special. My grandparents gave me a gift greater than my first bike. They gave me the courage to be different and go my own way.
Yesterday was my birthday. I didn’t get a new bike (where would I put it??). And, it wasn’t all that extraordinary (unless you consider steam-cleaning your carpets extraordinary). But it was special nonetheless with calls and cards from my family and dinner with Jen, Russ and Wayne.
The older I get, the more I realize how important it is to just feel good about being me, whatever size, whatever shape. I’m a red tire kind of woman.
March 27, 2008
Phun in Phoenix...
Greetings from Phoenix. It's Day 2 (unofficially) at my new job and I LOVE IT!!!! I can't wait to officially dig in and get started. There is so much good stuff to do. I lost my voice the day before yesterday so I feel bad that I'm meeting new people and rasping and coughing all over them. I finally did decide to go to Urgent Care the night before I left on the trip to make sure that I wasn't contagious or had strep. I was clear.
So any vacation guesses yet? It's gonna be good!Hint: I will involve bicycles. Hmmmmmm.
March 25, 2008
Another starting line...
Pick up any training book or magazine and you’ll always see this piece of advice –- visualize yourself at the finish line. I always say –- picture yourself at the starting line. I think it takes nerve to start something, face the unknown, and say today’s the day I’m gonna do something new.
I’m walking up to a new starting line of my own. Today’s my last day at my current job and tomorrow I unofficially start my new position as the Communications Director for the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. I’m flying out to Phoenix for three days of a conference to meet some of the members of the Association. Then, I’m taking a quick vacation (more on that later this week). I officially start the job on April 7th! One of my perks is that the office is about a mile from our house -– I can bike commute again!!
Anyway, it feels great to get back to my environmental communications roots. I will admit to some nerves, but that’s just a part of change and I can shake those off. I’m ready to get started!
PS> In case you're wondering, I did have my helmet. It's on the seat. Safety first!
PPS> Bet you'll never guess where I'm going on vacation!!
March 24, 2008
Toxic wasteland...
Just post the quarantine signs on our house, it was a toxic wasteland this weekend. Jen caught the flu bug too (SORRY!), so we were both miserable wretches wandering about in Nyquil-fueled hazes. I rallied on Saturday long enough to make a run to the grocery store for chicken noodle soup and juice.
I also watched more than enough TV. Things of note... 1) I've decided that I want to be Samantha Brown who hosts Passport to Europe on the Travel Channel when I grow up. 2) I never want to flip a house -- what a nightmare. 3) Brett Michaels and "Rock of Love" -- there are women out there who want to date him, why?? 4) Tom Colicchio from Top Chef is the coolest. 5) I want to makeover my bathroom, can I do it for under $500? 6) someone needs to take my remote away now.
March 20, 2008
Down for the count...
Dang it all, I’m sick again. I just got over the last one and now I’m down for the count once more. I’ll save you from the ghastly details, but I feel like hell and my life sustenance –- coffee -- and I are not getting along too well at the moment. If she had a hazmat suit, Jen would probably be wearing it at home. In the meantime, I’ve self-banished myself to my room. Our cat, Uncao, tapped out on me too, which is unheard of when he’s got a captive audience. Maybe one of these days I’ll be able to come out.
Topic of the day: in addition to chicken soup -- best food for sickies??
March 17, 2008
Lucky me...
I took the weekend off. It was great to just slow down and hang with friends over coffee and lunch. I saw a movie, read a book and took long naps on Saturday and Sunday afternoon. I did a little laundry and worked out for only an hour both mornings. My sis, Jen, was like “are you sick, what are you doing home?”
Instead of being on the GO, my goal for the weekend was to simply “go with the flow.” I think I did a pretty good job at it. Okay, I had a few moments there when I thought that I should really fix Shady’s flat, and do a Spring chain cleaning on all of my bikes, and while I was at it re-organize my cycling gear, and then... Luckily, those thoughts lasted about five seconds before I dropped back to sleep. I usually try to do something interesting over the weekend so that I have a good story for Monday. But today’s story is that there is no story.
End of (the relaxing, aaaaaahhh) story.
March 12, 2008
Last one up the Hill is a rotten egg...
Wayne has thrown down the cycling glove. He thinks he can take me on the Hill. Well, my friend, just because you got that brand spanking new Trek Pilot 5.0, don’t for a minute think I’ll concede without a fight.
For the past six months, Wayne has been researching road bikes. He looked at Treks and non-Treks. At the time, I could have smacked him with a frying pan -– how could he not buy a Trek. Hello, I write a blog for the company. I threatened him, as in, I will never write about you again if you buy a non-Trek. Wasn’t much of a threat though when he replied, “Good.” Agggh.
Despite me, he did get the Pilot for the reasons I think all of us Trek-lovers buy our rides -– it’s the best bike for the buck. He loved the riding position, fit, gearing and the fact that it’s red. Color matters, people, and not just to us girls. But, when I asked him the #1 reason he chose the Pilot, he said “smoking my $%^ up Capitol Hill.”
Oh, it’s on.
P.S. Thanks to Mike Harris at Revolution Cycles for fine-tuning Wayne’s ride to his perfect fit.
March 10, 2008
It’s worth it…
I’ve been swamped the past week and a half at the office and in my “real” life. I wake up, gulp a gallon of coffee and just run, run, run from one project or thing to the next. I feel guilty that I didn’t call or write the people that I wanted to, I only had enough time to do two blogs, I repeated a spin routine on Friday, I didn’t work out enough and Shady still has a flat.
As I sat down to write this post (while simultaneously trying to remember to buy toilet paper, yogurt and dishwasher soap on the way home); I looked up at the bulletin board over my desk. I glanced over my escapism photos from various Euro trips to the quotes I tacked on there that amuse or inspire me in some way. This one by Michael Gartner, former president of NBC News, seemed to fit. Hope you like it, too.
“Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Forget about those who don't. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would most likely be worth it.”
March 6, 2008
A night of fierceness...
You’d think I was somebody jet-setting around DC last night in my little black dress. First up, I headed downtown to attend a wonderful reception sponsored by Trek in celebration of the National Bike Summit and 1 World, 2 Wheels –- the company’s amazing commitment to helping the world become a biking friendly place.
At the party, I got to meet John Burke, Trek’s President and CEO! What a great guy (should you call the CEO a “guy”???) Let me tell you, he’s the real deal when it comes to his passion for bicycling advocacy. I also caught up with Rebecca Anderson, who heads the 1 World, 2 Wheels program. Check out her neat blog if you get a chance. Of course, our wild Trek Chick, Susan was there too since she’s been attending the Summit and Jon Rogers, the Senior Territory Trek rep for us in the Mid-Atlantic. (He’s got 3 Trek chicks to handle. Lucky guy, right.)
Funny enough, when I got to the reception, I looked across the room and saw an old friend -– Greg Nyspor who owns the Trek Bicycle Store in Downer’s Grove, IL not too far from my Mom’s house. I’ve already warned Greg that I’ll be stopping by this summer since I’m planning on doing quite a bit of riding and triathlon-ing in Chicago. (That’s me and Greg in the photo.)
So, the reception wound up around 8:30 pm and I fashionably hightailed it over to my next soiree –- a Project Runway Season Finale party at my friend Bill’s. (Russ, Bill and Wayne want you to know that I “forced” them into taking that photo against their will.) We had bets going –- would it be Christian or Rami in the end? Hooray, the Boy Wonder, Christian, won. Now, I don’t know what I’m going to do with my Wednesday nights. Good/trashy TV must-sees that start after 9 pm anyone?
Did you know...Trek makes a donation from the sale of every bike helmet in the U.S. to increase the number of Bicycle Friendly Communities, as well as from the sale of every mountain bike to IMBA’s Trail Solutions Program? That’s cool (or I should say, global cooling).
February 29, 2008
Leapin' learning opportunities...
Urban living has its benefits -- storage is not one of them. So, my bedroom has turned into a bike shop. I’m getting ready for work today and I see Shady, that tart, has a flat tire.
My internal devil voice (you remember her, the one that taunts me to consume peanut m&m’s) says in a mocking tone, “Looks like you’ve got a learning opportunity on your hands.” It’s true. I need to learn to fix my own flats. But does it have to be right now?
Learning opportunities cross our paths every day, whether we like it or not. Today’s a “not.” Yesterday morning was a “not” when I was too lazy to tramp out in my gnome PJs to feed the parking meter when I was running 15 minutes late and now I owe DC $25. Laziness costs -– duly noted (also, I can’t blame the Sign anymore, rats).
But some life lessons, however hard-won they may be, are beyond price. I believe they make me stronger and more resilient, empowered, confident, caring and on and on. I’m not the same person I was nearly three years ago when I made the big leap to get healthy. I thought I was learning how to lose weight so that I could wear smaller pants. But along the way, I seem to have learned how to have bigger hopes and dreams for myself.
I may not always get to pick when “opportunity” strikes; but, I do get to choose what I do about it. Learning to fix Shady’s flat myself is a little thing. But someday, I bet that skill is going to come in handy out on the trail or during a race. Who knows what other life lessons are going to pay off in the future.
P.S. Happy birthday, if it’s your birthday today. I have always thought it must be pretty cool to have your birthday on leap year day, like Pirates of Penzance.
February 25, 2008
The shady lady arrives...
Yesterday, I made a trip to see my friends at Revolution Cycles in Rockville, MD. I had gotten a call that my burley girl (as opposed to girly girl) was ready. She’s not new; but, she’s new to me – a sweet Trek Fuel Ex7 mountain bike.
Maybe I should call her the shady lady because she’s been around the block a few times as one of Ross Rushin’s demo bikes on last summer’s Trek Fit for Women Tour. To make room for the 2008 models on the Tour now, I was excited to be able to buy a Fuel from Trek. I’ve had this crazy notion to try an XTERRA triathlon, but I was missing one critical element, a mountain bike. Now she’s mine and I have no excuse. Gulp.
I’ve mountain-biked exactly twice in my life. The first was with Ross when I tested the Ex7 in the Blue Ridge Mountains last August. (Hey, shady might even be that same bike!) The second was with my guys and we were derailed by a flat tire incident. Needless to say, I’ve got some learning to do before competition time and I’m looking forward to it.
Despite the chilly temperature yesterday afternoon, I just had to go for a spin on my new-to-me ride. I started with my Oslo socks (they work!!) and layered on other warm gear, got down the street, and realized I had no clue where to test her out. I’m surrounded by city. I ended up biking to the National Mall where there’s a gravel path from the Capitol all the way to the Lincoln Memorial. So it wasn’t single track; but, I did have to dodge tourists and slugging up Capitol Hill was definitely a bigger challenge on shady than my WSD 5000 road bike. Plus, it felt awesome to do a real ride outside for the first time in months even though it took me a good while to defrost afterwards. I can’t wait for Spring to get here already. Shady and I need to get better acquainted.
February 22, 2008
I am victorious...
I walked out of my house on this sleet-y, grizzly DC morning and noticed something. Technically, I not noticed something. The Sign, my vile nemesis, is gone. Vanquished forever! The year-long battle for street supremacy is over!! Adios eyesore, go crush cars in some other neighborhood. We got a parking space back. I would have done a victory boogie; but the sidewalks were icy and wouldn’t that be just the parting shot the Sign wanted -– me, wiping out, breaking a hip.
My morning got even better. The hotties from hottingham took my spin class AND I’m wearing a pair of jeans that I haven’t worn in months. In fact, I’m feeling like a little hottie myself today. I may do a happy boogie afterall.
1:15 pm UPDATE: Man alive, today's a good day. Just got a care package from Trek with a pair of Oslo Extreme Weather Cycling socks, Meltdown glove liners, and some other treats to try. Okay, I'm ready for the guy to show up at my door with the check for $100 million now.
February 14, 2008
Happy cranky cupid day...
How's the riding?
We had a great time this morning at CrnkCu HQ for our 3-hour spin-a-thon. I started the first spin class at 6 am 'ish with a bunch of tall, good-looking guys -- I'm not sure which Marine company they were from (the hotties from hottingham??). Except for the co. leader, they were all new to spinning. It was fun watching these really athletic guys feeling some hill burn. After a particularly devious (if I do say so myself) sprint drill, one of the Marines asked me "Ma'am, how often do you do this?"
SSgt Zoraida Rodriguez from the Marine Corps Band is a rock star –- she spun hard for a little over 2 hours before she had to go to work. She’s getting ready for the Bulldog Bike Race at Camp Pendleton coming up on March 1. She won her category last year and she’s going to kick some serious butt next month!
Folks dropped in to ride all morning, so it was drills non-stop. I pretty much only hopped off to adjust bikes for the newbies. I’m a little tired; but my legs feel fine. I guess I’m not as out of shape as I thought. We’ll see how cranky I get tonight though. I’m still thinking about doing some more time. Maybe a repeat of last night’s fierce Project Runway will be on!
Hey, if you’re taking on a CrnkCu spin challenge, don’t forget to snap a photo of you looking your crankiest! (I'm trying to look cranky in the photo above on purpose.) Send them to me at laura_maclean@trekwomenwhoride.com and I’ll post them in the gallery. Tell me what you did and what you watched if you’re riding in front of the tube. Happy Valentine’s Day!!
P.S. Thanks Trek for the 1 World, 2 Wheels water bottles -- they were put to good use!
February 13, 2008
Know thyself…
Dateline New Year’s Day, Athens: Jen and I were stopped at a crosswalk and I had my map open, checking to make sure we were going in the right direction to see the changing of the guard at the Greek parliament. An older, distinguished-looking gentleman sporting a fedora and a nicely cut suit approached us. In one hand he held a fine leather briefcase, in the other a cake with “2008” iced on top.
He asked if we “lovely ladies” needed help. Upon hearing our destination, he invited us to walk with him since he was headed that way. I said, how could we refuse, he had cake. He chuckled and responded “Yes, Athens is a city of cake and kisses. Have you been kissed here yet?” Jen looked like she was ready to run; but I laughed and said, “I haven’t been so lucky, though I still have 24 hours before we leave.”
Turns out, the gentleman is a professor at the University of Athens. He told us the tale of how in Ancient Greece, wisdom-seekers were advised to “Know Thyself” before asking the Oracle at Delphi questions about their future. Strangely, it was the third time I’d heard the phrase in as many days and it’s stuck with me ever since.
Do I know myself? I have a decent idea of what makes me tick and what ticks me off. Am I myself? That’s the interesting question. When I was overweight, I hid my feelings even if I couldn’t hide my body. Even now, 100+ lbs lighter later, I still find it really hard to put my self out there. I guess I thought it would get easier.
As my friend Magnolia likes to say, “Can’t never could.” I started my year off with a stranger’s story to “Know Thyself”; but I think my direction for 2008 is to have the confidence to “Be Thyself.” Some cake and kisses would be nice too.
January 14, 2008
I'll be dipped...
Somewhere under all that hair resides Bob Roll… the Bob Roll… the object of my not-quite-though-potential-stalker’ish affection. Bobke is sitting across the table from me drinking a Pilsner Urqull. I try not to stare. Is my mouth hanging open?
If you’ve never watched him on the Versus cable network dishing the best cycling commentary around or read his book Bobke II, you know not of whom I crush. Bob Roll's writing reminds me of Tom Robbins after a 4-day green chili bender. He eats words and spews them out in gut-busting convolutions. He'll stick with you, whether you like it or not.
I just made an idiotic joke and the Bob Roll laughed. I’ll be “dipped” as the man slugging the cold one across from me would say. His eyes crinkle at the corners, his chuckle is up to no good. I want to make him laugh again. Who let me in here?
I love Trek, I really do, because they flew me out to Denver to be a part of “Pro Night” this past Saturday at Wheat Ridge Cyclery, Colorado’s largest single bike shop. The shop is owned and operated by former 7-Eleven pro, Ron Kiefel, a 7-time Tour de France competitor and the first American to ever win a stage in the Giro. He’s a big, friendly, bear of a guy. The 500-strong crowd in attendance clearly adores him.
Ron has invited a host of current and former pros to be part of the evening including Tom Danielson of Team Slipstream, formerly with Team Discovery; Alison Dunlap, MTB goddess and World Champion (check out on the article on her in this month’s Outside magazine); Danny Summerhill, the 18-year-old Junior Worlds Cyclo-cross champ -- that's his cute self in the photo above too; MTB pioneer, Tom Ritchey; and Ned Overend, 6-time NORBA MTB Champion/2-time EXTERRA World Champion. Bob Roll and Michael Aisner, Coors Classic promoter, served as emcees. I have a feeling Bob may be holding back, there's tons of kids here too, all proudly wearing their cycling jerseys.
I’m hanging with the Trek crew: Larry Young, the awesomely cool regional rep for Wheat Ridge; “Fit for Women” demo girls, Chris and Tori; “Ride the Best” demo dude, Josh; Chris Grande, also a rep and crazily enough, we know each other from college; and Al Clark, who reps Bontrager components.
Al introduces me to his old friend, Ned Overend (!), as one of the Trek Women Who Ride. Ned tells me that his wife is now training for her first bike race. Welcome to the club, Ms. O!!! Ned and Al also give me advice on competing in EXTERRA triathlons. Guess what I’ll be training for this summer.
At the Trek display, we’ve got one of the new Team Astana Madones and a team uniform. The bike weighs 14.6 ounces or so, which I bet is less than a breakfast burrito. We get a steady stream of folks coming over to run a hand over the top tube. I know how they feel. It’s wild to even get the chance to touch a small part of the pro cycling world, let alone be lucky enough to down a beer with Bobke afterwards. I may be a newbie who can’t quite pull off saying the word “gnarley,” but being a Trek chick rocks.
*Sorry, my photos are a little blurry. My camera isn’t so good in low light.
January 10, 2008
America’s front yard needs help…
Today, I intended to tell you some stories about Athens; but I received an e-mail alert from the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA), our local bike advocacy organization, that the National Park Service (NPS) is seeking comments on proposed alternatives for the future of the National Mall and we need to make sure that it will be one that is more bike and pedestrian friendly. Heck, Greece isn’t going anywhere, right.
The Mall aka “America’s Front Yard” stretches from the Capitol along the Smithsonian Museums, past the Washington to the Lincoln Memorial. Having come close many a time to being clothes-lined by car doors riding down the Mall, input from local cyclists and bikers everywhere can help ensure safe roads for everyone. It’s your front yard too!
Recently, the NPS conducted a study for the Mall that pretty much ignored the needs of cyclists including bike commuters and leisure riders. NPS has proposed three alternatives and we’re rooting for Alternative C, which offers the best improvements including:
1) Creating separated routes for cyclists and pedestrians
2) Upgrading the surfaces of the existing paths along the Mall
3) Improving connections between the Mall and Rock Creek and East Potomac Parks, and the southwest waterfront (YEAH!!!)
WABA also wants NPS to make the following additions to the plan:
1) Add more bike parking
2) Stripe bike lanes on Madison and Jefferson Drives, which front many of the museums on the Mall
3) Mandate valet bike parking at all major Mall events
4) Install bike lanes on Pennsylvania Ave (Dangerous, Russ got sideswiped riding here)
Read more about the alternatives at http://www.nps.gov/nationalmallplan/Newsletters.html#news3
Log your comments at http://www.nps.gov/nationalmallplan/Public%20Comment.html
Thanks for your help!!!
December 24, 2007
Warm wishes...
Here's hoping your holiday is fabulously frothy and a whole latte fun ~~
Merry Christmas everyone!!!
December 20, 2007
Holiday quiz-o-rama…
My sister, Becky, sent me this holiday “getting to know your family and friends” quiz and it was pretty fun. So I thought I’d share our top 10 answers with you all too. Guess who’s the good elf and who’s the Scrooge in our family.
1. Real or artificial tree?
B: Real
L: Fake since we leave the 26th for our New Year’s trip and I’m afraid a real one would fall on the cat while we’re gone
2. When do you put up the tree?
B: First or second weekend in Dec.
L: Whenever I haul it out of my closet
3. When do you take the tree down?
B: First or second weekend in Jan.
L: When I get too embarrassed that it’s still up
4. Do you like eggnog?
B: Yes, but not the homemade stuff
L: Yes, especially with holiday “cheer” in it
5. Worst gift ever received?
B: I don’t remember
L: Nutcracker when I was like 11 – I HATE them!
6. Favorite holiday movie?
B: Scrooged
L: While You Were Sleeping
7. Have you ever recycled a present?
B: No
L: Yes (not yours of course)
8. Favorite Christmas song?
B: Do You Hear What I Hear?
L: Winter Wonderland or the Batman Smells rendition of Jingle Bells
9. Favorite holiday cookie?
B: Peanut butter with the Hershey’s kiss
L: Snowballs or the ones with the jam
10. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
B: Bad drivers
L: Parking garages filled with bad drivers
That's Becky in the photo with her little elf, Paddy.
December 11, 2007
Ode to the tour guide...
When I was a little girl, I wanted to grow up to be a Washington, DC tour guide. Though I was raised in Chicago, we came to DC twice a year for Christmas and over the summer to visit my Aunt Beth who lived in the area at the time. I thought tour guides were super smart because they talked about history all day long. They walked the halls of the White House, the Capitol, Mount Vernon, Monticello, Smithsonian (“we’re walking, we’re walking, and we’re stopping”*)… and, they got to talk into a microphone, which meant they must be really important. When I think about it, tour guides are probably the main reason why I live on the Hill today. Through their stories, I fell in love with this city.
Yesterday, I received an email from Trek Travel that took me right back to my childhood dream. They’re hiring Guides for 2008. Oh, to be a Trek guide! I could just imagine sharing my passions for cycling and exploring with the travelers, helping them enjoy the adventure of a lifetime. We could go to the best spot to watch the sunset over Florence or to the neighborhood pub in Prague with the great dumplings. I wish -- but I’m not sure how I could manage it with my life.
But, if you’re energetic and organized with exceptional customer service and hosting skills, and maybe you’re looking for a new career opportunity, check out this Trek Travel Guide Packet. It describes the unique qualities, skills and spirit Trek guides bring with them on every trip along with the more nitty gritty benefits, schedules, questions, etc. The deadline to apply is Dec 31, 2007 so act fast. Good luck! I’m so jealous!!!
*Name that movie quote… The American President
December 6, 2007
Let it snow…
Yesterday, we got our first flurry of the season. I grew up in the Midwest, did my undergrad at the University of Minnesota, so I know snow. Here in DC, when the flakes start a’ falling, the city shuts down. I love that –- day at home! I put my snowshoes on and clump around the Hill. I don’t care if I look like a big dork. Sadly, we only got enough of the white stuff to make traffic a miserable mess this morning. I had to go to work. But, my snowshoes are standing by…
November 27, 2007
Squashed like a bug...
The Sign claims another victim this morning. An out-of-towner feels its wrath.
November 26, 2007
Back in time...
There’s something I need to tell you about my trip to Plymouth, Mass (home of THE rock) to spend Thanksgiving with my Aunt Beth. It’s nerdy; but, it’s tradition. I dress up as a Pilgrim on Thanksgiving morning. There, I said it.
This past Thursday, was the fourth time I’ve participated in the town’s annual Pilgrim’s Progress, where approximately 40 people representing the men, women and children who survived the first harsh winters in the New World colony walk from the Mayflower Society House, past THE rock, and up to Burial Hill to give thanks.
I stood as Gilbert Winslow, age 21, who lived for a few years in the colony, then packed it in and went back to England. My first parade, I was John Billington, the first murderer in the colony who got hanged. Usually, my sisters and bro-in-law, Steve, and now my nephew Paddy join the Progress too; unfortunately, they weren’t able to make the trip this year. As a Mayflower descendent, I like being part of this Thanksgiving tradition. For me, it’s a moment to reflect on history, on freedom and on my place in time.
And, there’s always the hope that next year, I’ll get to be a woman.
November 15, 2007
Road rage...
Why is this sign bent? Hmmm, maybe because it "accidentally" fell on top of my car. I hate this stupid sign and I think it hates me back. It used to live on the sidewalk in front of our house until it fell over and stayed that way for 4 months, taunting me. Many times, I called and e-mailed the DC government to rat it out and get it vanquished to some other unsuspecting neighborhood.
Then one day, I came home from work and it had moved roadside. The sign had upped its ante. It went from being a pedestrian hazard and obnoxious eyesore to taking up one of the precious few, non-metered parking spaces on our block. Many nights, I’ve come home late and had to park at a meter. Inevitably, I forget that I’ve parked at said meter and end up with a $25 parking ticket. You've hit me in my 
pocketbook, sign, and now you’ve taken it to another vile level.
Last night, I had to choose –- parking meter or the only free spot on the street. I thought we could let bygones be bygones. Obviously, I was mistaken. You may have won this battle –- sign -- but, you haven’t won the war.
November 12, 2007
Weren't you the homecoming queen...
For some people, high school was THE highlight of their lives. For others (e.g., me) we were glad to move on to bigger and better things. But this weekend, I went home again for my 20th reunion. It’s hard to believe it’s been that long since I walked the sweat sock-smelling halls of Hinsdale South High School and left behind trying to “fit in” to being a fabulously independent woman. I decided to go to the reunion because I was curious about what happened to everybody –- and frankly -- because so far my life has turned out pretty darn good.
It was a two-night event starting with a casual get-together on Friday at a local bar. I put on the skinny jeans that make my butt look good, fluffed my newly dark-red colored hair and went to face the past. Hardly anyone recognized me. When I’d tell them my name, people couldn’t believe it was me. “You look so good!” They’d say and actually mean it. One girl even said to me, “Weren’t you the homecoming queen?”
Shut up!!! I nearly fell on the floor. I never went to Homecoming or really any of the other school dances because I never got asked. I was chunky, shy and definitely not in the “in” crowd. I probably wasn’t even considered a “maybe” back then. But times change and thankfully we grow up. And for late bloomers like me, we come in to our own.
On Saturday, I had another great time at the official reunion party. I was surprised by how many of my classmates had moved back to the area to raise their families, which is kind of cool. I was one of only a handful of “singles” and it was fun to talk about life on Capitol Hill and Trek stuff. Confession time: there was a certain sweet revenge talking to the mean girls who were rather cruel back in the day and now they have weight issues. You know what they say about karma… I spent most of the night catching up with the kids I’ve known since grade school –- check out the big group picture, I’m in the middle.
All in all, it was well worth the trip. I learned that you can go home again… that the people who were nice in high school are still nice and successful and happy… and that there’s a homecoming queen in all of us. Now where did I put my tiara?
November 7, 2007
Overstock rocks...
That’s what my sister Jen says. She’s an Overstock.com junkie. The site is based on economics 101 –- what do you do when the supply is greater than the original demand? Send it to Overstock. A few nights ago, Jen and I were trying to think of other things with greater supply than demand. Blemishes and bellyaches were on her list. I went with movies starring Keanu Reeves.
When you think about it, Overstock turns an “oops” (too much product) into an “oh yeah” (more stuff for Jen at low, low prices). I guess my story is like that -– I turned an oversupply of weight into an “oh yeah” opportunity as a Trek Woman. Economics rocks.
P.S. Sorry Keanu if you’re reading this, you’re cute, but you lost me after Speed… though you get credit for the first Matrix.
November 1, 2007
Fright night, spooky suburb style…
There are only two reasons why I will enthusiastically fight traffic to venture outside the beltway to the suburbs: (1) a good shoe sale; and (2) Halloween at the Siebers’ house. I’ve been going to Heather and Paul’s for 8 years now and let me tell you, they DO Halloween. They have THAT house complete with a graveyard, strobe lights, spooky music, fog machine and a knife-bearing grim reaper on the front porch. People who have moved away from the neighborhood come back to the “haunted house.” Sure, there have been a few pee accidents over the years; but they always give extra candy to the little ones who bravely come up to the porch and face whatever creature is handing out the treats.
Oh yeah, we dress up and get into character. Paul is the best at it. This year, he was Frankenstein (“candy, good”), Heather was Bride of Frankenstein and I was a pirate wench. Rachel, their adorable six-year-old daughter, was Princess Jasmine. She thinks we’re embarrassing. Sweet!
By 8:30, the candy was gone, cleaned out by more than 150 trick-or-treaters. It was the best year ever. Thanks Sieber family, as always, for a frighteniningly good time!
October 29, 2007
Not scary after all...
There’s something that I’ve wanted to do for a while; but I’ve been too chicken -– a group ride with a local DC bike club. Club riding is serious business in this town and most clubs describe their rides as moderate to fast on their websites. I’ve been afraid to try for fear that I would be too slow and get dropped (left behind). Would I be able to hang? How fast is moderate to fast? Would I end up in a ditch by the side of the road gasping for my last breath?
Yesterday, I decided to face my fear and do it. If I got dropped, well, at least I’d know and could work on it. I picked the Capitol Hill-based bike club, Route 1 Velo, for my inaugural experience, primarily because the ride started four blocks from my house. About 15 cyclists showed up for the 9 am start -– a smaller group than usual I was told because of the Marine Corps Marathon that took over the city. Three of us were newbies to the club and everyone seemed very friendly.
We set off and by the time we hit Georgetown, about 5 miles in, the pace seriously picked up. The group started breaking down into fast, faster and fastest. I figured so far, so good (I wasn’t in a ditch); why not see if I could stay with the three at the front of the pack. The fastest of all was Laurel, the ride leader -– a woman and a fierce cyclist!!! I pedaled with the “faster” riders on the climbs; but managed to catch up on the downhills and hold my own on the flats.
About halfway through the route, we briefly joined up with another DC club. Imagine over 100 cyclists whizzing through your neighborhood. Every once in a while, I would glance down at my bike computer; we were steady at 22-25 mph. Daaaaang! I’ve never ridden so fast for so long, EVER. It was an awesome two-hour thrill ride and I’m looking forward to biking with the club again soon.
In honor of Halloween, my fear factor list:
- Movies about demented clowns = scary.
- A milipede critter bug scampering in my bathtub = scary.
- Opening a Tupperware that’s been sitting in my fridge for a month (chili?) = scary.
- Group rides = not scary after all.
October 26, 2007
Achooo...
I got the flu. I hate being sick. Yesterday, I made it to the office then turned around and went back home to bed. The worst part, I didn’t even get the bug that takes away your appetite. I’m dizzy, achy, cranky and hungry. Not fair. Good news is (1) spent some quality time snoozing with our cat, Uncao, see photo; (2) I’m caught up on back episodes of 30 Rock; and (3) had enough lite whole wheat bread and fat-free American slices to make a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch.
Today, I’m back at my desk, trying not to exhale germ bombs on everybody. That’s how it goes when your sick leave and vacation hours come out of the same pot. I can’t spare an hour with all the travels I’ve got coming up. Hopefully, I’ll feel up to riding this weekend –- don’t want to miss out if the weather’s nice. I’ll just take it easy. And if not, cat naps and comfort food sounds pretty good too.
October 25, 2007
Tried and true...
One of the things that I find so intriguing about my fellow Trek chick, Steph, is that she understands bike tech-y stuff. She knows how to true a wheel, fix flats in her sleep, use a pedal wrench. My bag of fix-it tricks features putting air in my tires and raising my seat.
Now that I have my gorgeous Trek WSD road bike, I really want to be more mechanically minded and learn how to properly care for her. I e-mailed my friend, Jamie “JD” Dalecki, the Sports and Fitness Director at the Marine Barracks Washington at 8th & I who maintains about 30 bikes for the troops to use with a plea for help, “Teach me what ‘truing’ means!” He said come on over and bring your bike.
I rode the few blocks from my house to the Barracks Annex building, also home to the U.S. Marine Band, for my lesson. When you’ve got a wobble in your wheel -- your wheel rim is rubbing the brake pads -- it’s probably time for a true. My Trek was good so JD showed me how it works on one of the Marine bikes by alternately tightening and loosening spokes with a spoke wrench to adjust the tension.
You’ve almost got to become one with the wheel to feel the balance, sense the yin and the yang of the spokes to the whole, and find the patience to go slowly. I totally understand why Steph says she gets a Zen feeling from it. Here’s what I discovered, the Tao of Truing may be a little too advanced for me and it probably isn’t an easy task for a rider starting out. However, if you’re really interested in the steps, I found this how-to article from Bicycling magazine. My advice, go to your local shop or take a class first. That's my plan for now anyway while I get up to speed and unearth my inner tech.
Stay tuned… JD gives me the down and dirty on chain cleaning.
October 22, 2007
Cleaning my closet...
For some reason on Saturday, I was up at the crack of dawn and chocked full of energy. The sun was streaming in my bedroom window and I wanted to get outside and ride. So that’s what I did for about 3 hours, at times going for speed then slowing my pace to simply take in the spectacular fall foliage. I enjoyed every minute of it.
On Sunday morning, I woke up, saw the sun streaming in and realized my bedroom was a disaster. It was time for a big clean. So, after taking a step class at the gym and meeting up with friends for coffee at our local Starbucks, I stopped procrastinating and got to scrubbing –- starting with my closet. I pulled everything out, looked at it, and then placed it in either a keep, donate or dump pile.
I thought about thoughts and that maybe I needed to do some mental cleaning too. I’ll catch myself thinking negative stuff (like you’re fat, no one will ever love you, you’re not smart enough, you’re boring. Blah, blah, blah). Why oh why do I still mentally beat myself up when I know it’s not true. I feel the best that I’ve ever felt in my life. So from now on, these bad thoughts will immediately go in the dump pile and I’ll only keep the good ones. My closet looks pretty fabulous now and my mind is a thing of beauty.
P.S. Please be kind to yourself, recognize and believe all the good things about you.
P.P.S. I really did paint my bedroom coral -- that's my clean closet thru the french doors on the left.
October 16, 2007
So worth some frost bite...
It was about 6:00 am on Saturday as I was getting set to head up I-95 to Levittown, PA for the Trek WSD Breast Cancer Awareness Ride hosted by Bucks County Bicycle Company when I realized that I had left my bike rack at Russ’ house. For a second, I toyed with slipping back under the covers and calling it a day. But for me, this was more than a ride for a great cause; I was doing it in honor of my Aunt Beth, a breast cancer survivor and cyclist too.
Plan B – open the lid on my wee convertible and maneuver my bike into the passenger seat. I layered up in fleece, cranked the heat and hit the road for the 3-hour drive north. It was teeth-chatteringly cold; 
but this was important and worth some frost bite.
I met up with my fellow Trek chick, Jen, and her lovely friends, Carla and Suzanne, at the bike shop. Scott, the owner, is awesome. He opened his store 18 months ago and it’s this friendly, lounge-y hang out for folks who love biking. And he’s only 26! You must stop by if you’re in the Philly area.
It was the perfect Fall day for a ride and extra-special to do it with others who have been touched by cancer. As I rode, I thought of my Aunt and the month I spent with her while she was receiving chemo. 
Today, she’s a survivor and did two 25-mile rides of her own this summer. She puts about 60 miles a week on her leisure bike and is thinking about changing to a lighter, faster hybrid.
I’m so proud that I was one of the thousands of cyclists nationwide who participated in a Trek Ride this weekend. By supporting research, we can find a cure for this devastating disease in our lifetime.
P.S. 100% of the ride registration fees are being donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
October 12, 2007
xxxooo Mom...
"We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give." Sir Winston Churchill
The person I admire the most in this whole world is my Mom, Dr. Susan MacLean, and today she’s retiring. Not only has she given so much to the field of emergency nursing over the past 40 years as a nurse, educator and researcher; she gave my sisters and me important life lessons in how to be strong, honest, patient, hardworking, caring and kind women.
As a single mother of three, making a living was always a priority. But she wanted more than just a full-time job for her and her girls, she dreamed of a bigger life. Somehow, she managed to work, go to school, and be an incredible Mom. I’ve always been a night owl, so our paths would cross around 3 am as I was going to bed and she was getting up to write her papers at our kitchen table, a coffee mug holding freshly sharpened pencils within reach.
My Mom finished her bachelor’s degree, completed her master’s degree, and then earned her doctor of philosophy degree in research days after I finished high school. For the last 13 years, she’s been at the Emergency Nurses Association and was its first Nursing Officer, leading the research to help define the future of emergency nursing and emergency care.
Today, she starts a new life and I couldn’t be happier for her. You more than earned it. Here’s to health, joy, adventure and sloppy kisses from Paddy. Mom, thank you for everything. You’re the reason why I am a Woman Who Rides. I love you.
xxxooo
Laura
September 24, 2007
Bravo, bravo...
A standing ovation to my fellow Trek Woman, Susan! On Saturday night, my sis, Jen, and I caught Susan’s hilarious one-woman performance, Woman on the Rag, in Baltimore. We met up with Jen Polo before the show for a lovely dinner at a neighborhood café, then headed over to the theatre for one crazy, bawdy, hysterical experience. We even got to meet Loveman the Tech. Bravo, Susan!
P.S. Guess what our name tags are written on. Susan, you're too much!
September 19, 2007
NYC on the “LOOK” out…
I’m giving a Way-2-Go Wheelie to the New York City Department of Transportation, the New York City Bicycle Coalition, cycling advocates and AAA for rolling out a new advertising campaign yesterday called “LOOK” to raise awareness among drivers and cyclists to pay attention to the other in traffic, share the road and obey traffic signals and signs. The campaign -- the first-ever, city-wide effort to reduce collisions -- includes ads on bus shelters, buses, taxi tops and phone booths as well as radio spots, a web site, posters, postcards, t-shirts and more. The ads feature compelling photos that use white-striped bicycle lanes to imply what could happen when people don't respect rights of way. Way to go NYC!!!
Safety is a two-way street, wherever you live. Motorists need to be on the look-out for bikers and stop trying to run us off the road so you can get to the next intersection 10 seconds faster. Bikers, we need to respect traffic laws and stop weaving in and out of cars, blowing through lights, etc. Let's make make cycling safer for everybody.
P.S. What’s a Way-2-Go Wheelie you ask? I just created it as a way to recognize people who are doing great things f
