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 11, 2008
Help me Trek Shop Girl...
I'm still extremely irked about my stolen wheel. Now what do I do? Will a new one fit? I'll tell you it's put a real damper on my bike commuting because clipping in and out of my road bike pedals to go 2 miles, stopping every couple of blocks for a traffic light is a real pain; and hauling Shady up and down the stairs is a pain too.
Hey Trek Shop Girl (aka Chris)! What's your advice? I don't know whether to replace the wheel (if I can) or get a new/used bike to commute on. Aggh.
P.S. Had a meeting in Sheperdstown, WV at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Conservation Training Center yesterday. Way cool place -- all eco-friendly design. It's not far from Antietam National Battlefield so I took a drive over to check it out. Here are some photos. Next time, I'll bring a bike. The rolling hills would be a lot of fun to ride.
June 2, 2008
Hot stuff...
I saw a girl bike commuting on this Trek Wasabi on my way in to work today. Oh my gawd, this bike is on fire! In real life, the green is a little darker and the orange tires are fierce!! Could you picture it with a cute basket in front and a bell. It also comes in pale yellow with blue-rimmed tires.
My old Trek 930's days may be numbered.
Anybody out there have a Wasabi? How cute do you feel on it?
P.S. I had a fun weekend camping with the guys in Harper's Ferry, WV. I'll tell you about it tomorrow.
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 14, 2008
Jiggle and bounce...
[WARNING if you are a guy, you might want to pass on this one, it’s for the ladies.]
I’ve got something to get off my chest, literally. Yes, today’s topic is sports bras and mine are in a sorry state these days. Being a bountiful gal, my sports bras have got to manage—as the old ditty goes—the hang low AND the wobble to and fro.
I own a collection of oldies with crooked hooks and crossed eyes; minimizing mono-mashers; and underwire contraptions for bust bondage. Last summer, I bought a triathlon one-si to go from water to land. It had a shelf bra—awww, how cute. I would have knocked myself out trying to race in that thing. The dynamic duo must be contained at all costs.
There’s the rub. I’ve found that the higher the “strap-em-down” quality (aka “higher impact”), the higher the price. I’d guess my average is 45 bucks per undergarment x 6 used per week = a hefty upfront investment. And, you really never know how it’s going to hold up over the long haul beyond doing jumping jacks in the dressing room to rate the jiggle suppression.
I want wicking. I want separation. I want dent-free shoulders. I want the bounce out. I want it all!!
What’s your favorite brand? I’ve been buying Moving Comfort for a while; but I desperately need to get some new ones. Where do you find good deals? Don’t be shy girls, let loose!
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!
April 22, 2008
No boys allowed...
Guess what… Trek just launched a Women Who Ride Club. Whoo hoo! It’s an exclusive, members-only community for women riders. Like the title says, no boys allowed. For small annual fee, you will receive a super cute tech shirt, cycling socks, Trek water bottle, baseball cap and tons more.
Plus, there will be monthly sweepstakes where you can win Trek gear, even bikes; an e-newsletter, race entry giveaways, VIP treatment at select Trek-sponsored events (love that) and special apparel discounts. Also, if you register soon, you’ll get a chance to win a Trek Travel vacation (please take me with you!!!), Bissell products, a three-month training program or a brand spanking new Trek WSD bike. C’mon and be a Trek Chick too!
Check out the Trek Women Who Ride Club!!
April 11, 2008
CycleFest ditch diver…
It may have been cold and dreary last Sunday in Fairfax, VA’s Wakefield Park; but, who really cares when there are bikes involved. I met up with Chris, Dave and Jon from Trek at CycleFest 2008 hosted by the Bike Lane. Though Chris and Dave weren’t able to send people out on demo bikes because of rain, lots of folks visited us at the demo trailers to ask questions.
Here’s what surprised me… not everyone covets a Madone. In fact, almost all of the women Chris talked to while I was there wanted to know which bike would suit them best if they wanted to ride on a bike path or around with their family or friends. It seems the FX series is for Fairfax. But, I seem to remember Trek telling me that FX is the most popular everywhere. Heck, I’ve done 100-mile rides on a hybrid bike as well as 1 mile jaunts to get a cup of coffee. You can’t beat it for flexibility, speed and price.
Also, Mike Spinner and Nigel Sylvester from Mirra Bike Company were there to judge a competition at Wakefield’s Skate Park. Too bad it got rained out, but the Mirraco boys hung out and signed autographs for all the kids/teens. Spinner is the winner of the 2007 BMX Trick of the Year who just completed a triple whip over the hip and the 720 double tailwhip on the resi (say what???) and Nigel is a streetrider from NYC.
I got to spend some time with Spinner and Nigel, check out our “sick” photo in the gallery below. (Sick = totally rad if you’re a product of the 80s.) Anyway, the boys asked me where I like to party in DC. I think I looked over my shoulder to see if there was someone cooler-looking standing behind me cause my guess is that they didn’t mean “party” as in would you like another mini-quiche. Cripes, how did I get to be this old? They were nice kids and very respectful to the elder in their midst.
Anyway, after the event wrapped up, the rain stopped long enough for the Trek gang and me to go mountain biking on the Park’s trails. I took up the last position so that I could watch the others go over the obstacles. The mud was thick and within minutes we were covered. The first challenge for me was to ride over a log; I made it and let out a big whoop. I crossed ravines, rode over another log and started getting the hang of it. All the while, Chris would look over her shoulder to see if I was still there and to encourage me when the trail looked tricky.
Then, came a skinny bridge-thing which was probably about a foot wide and about a 3 feet above the ground. I'm sure there's a technical name for it. All I know is in trying to get up on to the bridge, I popped a wheelie, lost control and fell over into the ditch, landing with a gigantic thud. I sprawled there for a second to get my breath back. I'm sure Chris was thinking about where to hide my body after doing in a Trek Women. But, I got right back in the saddle and kept on riding. The second time we did the loop, I made it!!!
My thanks to the Trek gang and the Bike Lane for a great day!
April 9, 2008
Hey DC - what are you up to Friday night...
My good friends at Revolution Cycles in Rockville, MD are having a Trek WSD Ladies Night Out this Friday night at 7 pm. If you're in the area, come on over and hang out with me and Trek Shop Girl, Chris Garrison!! It's all about women and cycling and getting the best fit when it comes to bikes and gear. I'm also planning on bringing Shady's flat tire so that I can learn to fix that dang thing.
And if our fine company isn't enough, there will be food, prizes and more fun stuff. Space is limited, so RSVP to Sean at sean@revolutioncycles.com or call 301 424-0990.
If you've already got plans for Friday, Revolution Cycles in Stafford is having its Trek WSD Ladies Night Out tomorrow at 7 pm. RSVP to lori@revolutioncycles.com or call 540 657-6900.
For more info about both events and directions, check out the Revolution Cycles web site. Hope to see you there!!
P.S.> There are Trek WSD events happening all over the country. To find one near you, log on to the Fit for Women Tour web site. I promise, you'll have a blast meeting Demo gals Chris, Ross, Julie & Tori!
March 14, 2008
Love my Levi...
...T-shirt! The LetLeviRide.com campaign rolls on urging the Amaury Sports Organization (ASO) to reverse its decision to ban the Astana team from ASO premier cycling events including the Tour de France. Considering Levi’s second consecutive Tour of California win earlier this month, and the performance of the entire Astana team, what kind of race season would it be without these top competitors??? Maybe ASO should plan to put an asterisk after the results this year.
So far, close to 55,000 people have voiced their support at LetLeviRide.com. Now you can do it in real life too by sporting a LetLeviRide tee. You can buy them online for $10 and mine arrived in three days.
If you haven’t already, please visit LetLeviRide.com and join the campaign to help give Levi the chance to realize his life-long dream of winning the world’s biggest race.
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.
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.
November 30, 2007
A few of my favorite things...
It’s the holiday season and you’re probably as stumped as I am right now for gift ideas. So, I thought I’d share a list of my favorite bike things that your favorite biker might like.
Here's how it works, click through the slideshow and on each image roll your mouse over the "Notes" to read why I like it. At the bottom of this entry, I provided links for more info about each item.
Got great gift ideas? Post a comment for the rest of us sorry shoppers or feel free to email me at TrekLaura@gmail.com and I'll compile a list.
Bell
Cool Cycling T-shirts
Trek Store in Downers Grove, IL
Timbuk2 Messenger Bag
Water Bottles
TIMEX Heart Rate Monitor
New Trek Bike
Cycling Socks
Hooded Long-sleeve Jersey
Book of Local Rides
Stuff Made out of Recycled Bicycle Bits
International Mountain Biking Association
League of American Bicyclists
USA Triathlon
Washington Area Bicycling Association
Trek Travel Trip
Trek Travel newsletter
Happy Shopping!
*¢ = under $10
$ = $10-$30
$$ = $30-$100
$$$ = $100-$1,000
$$$$ = $1,000+
November 14, 2007
Ride your Trek, live long and prosper...
One of the great things about being a Woman Who Rides is hanging out with really cool Trekkies -– not the kind who say things like “Beam me up, Scotty” –- though if they do, I don’t judge. I mean the people who work for Trek, own Trek shops, demo Trek bikes and ride Treks. When I was home, I met Greg Neyspor who owns the Trek Bicycle Store in Downers Grove, IL, a few miles from my Mom’s house.
Greg kindly lent me a road bike to use while I was in town, in fact, the very same model I ride in DC (a sweet Trek WSD 5000). I asked him if he knew of any local cycling groups that I could ride with over the weekend. Greg joked that if I was able to get up early after partying the night away at my 20th reunion, there was a big biking event happening on Sunday called “Roll the Tollway” to kick off the grand opening of a new 12.5-mile extension of I-355.
Hosted by the Illinois Tollway and the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, the Roll offered a once-in-a-lifetime chance to ride a 20-mile loop on an interstate toll road before it opened to traffic with event proceeds to help fund a trail connecting Chicago’s Southland communities. The slogan for the ride… “Go where no bicycle has gone before.”*
The Roll was sold out; but, Greg gave me the hook-up since his shop was providing bicycle repair at the event. Chicago is not called the Windy City for nothing and a strong, cold headwind made resistance futile. But, I rode at my warp-ist speed with the 5,000 other bikers, spotting Greg and his son as they were getting ready to leave. We chatted for a bit, and then I went in search of something hot to drink.
While waiting in line, this guy points my bike out to his girlfriend and asks me if I like my ride. Do I ever! I listed all the features that I love like the carbon fiber frame, the WSD design, and I happened to mention that this was a loaner bike. They were ready to buy it off me on the spot. Hopefully, they’ll stop by Greg’s store soon.
Ride your Trek, live long and prosper.
*Seriously, I did not make this up to tie in with today's Trekkie theme.
# of Star Trek references in this blog = 8
November 5, 2007
The accidental duathlon...
Always be prepared. Isn’t that the golden rule for Boy Scouts and bikers? Yesterday, we were bad little troopers because we set off on our Sunday spin without a tire repair kit among us. Russ, Wayne, Bill and I decided to do something different than a typical weekend road ride. We borrowed four new mountain bikes from the Marine Barracks and went in search of some dirt in Rock Creek Park. We’re zooming along the trail when we realize Bill had dropped back. We stop and he catches up, “Hey, I’ve got a flat.”
Uh oh. Now I know exactly where my repair kit is, strapped to my Trek at home. The guys, ditto. If we’d had a stick of gum and a straw, I was willing to give it the old MacGyver try, but no such luck. We started hoofing it and about a quarter of a mile later, arrive at a ranger station, hoping they would have a pump and patches given the huge number of cyclists that use the park. Nope. I remembered a Trek shop in the area and the ranger tells us that it’s about two miles up the road.
As luck would have it, we hadn't changed out our pedals, and I was riding in a pair of Puma sneakers, not clips. What can I say, the shoes matched my cute Trek bike jacket; the one I'm wearing in my bio photo. Anyway, I wanted to get back on the trail, not trudge, so I volunteered to run (okay, jog) with the busted bike. I got some pretty odd stares from other passing cyclists. Wayne said “It’s because you’re hot, girl.” Uh huh. I was hot because I was pushing the equivalent of a sofabed uphill.
The guys kept asking if I wanted to switch. But, I was in the “zone” despite the pedal frequently spinning back to whack me in the shin. I am strong, a woman who rides, an Amazon, I didn’t need no stinking padded running shoes to finish this accidental duathlon. It wasn’t until we reached The Bicycle Place and they fixed the flat tire, that my feet started to hurt. Ouch.
Take it from me and my tootsies… a tire repair kit, never leave home without it.
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 3, 2007
Belle of the bonk...
Did you know that you can bonk trying on bathing suits? I didn’t, until it happened to me Monday night.
If you’re not familiar with the term, “bonk” is used in cycling and other endurance sports when you suddenly lose energy and fatigue sets in. You essentially run out of gas. When I work out or do an event, I try to be mindful about staying fueled up and hydrated. During the century on Sunday, I was definitely en route to hitting the wall when I realized what was happening and got some extra carbs in me -– more than I usually need. That showed me big time that I could have used a lot more long distance cycling training prior to the ride. But, when it was all said and done, I felt fine and had a healthy dinner that night with a balance of carbs and protein to help my muscles recover.
Back to Monday. I was ravenous all day and ate something every couple of hours. A bowl of oatmeal, a piece of fruit, yogurt, a Lean Cuisine and green beans, a salad, more fruit, a bag of 94% fat free popcorn… it was good-for-you food, but I couldn’t believe I was stuffing all that in there and still hungry. I was drinking plenty of water too.
Usually on Mondays I take a Spin class followed by one hour of core conditioning at my gym. The thought of getting on a bike, even a stationary one, made my tush ache, so I went easy during a Step Aerobics class and did some low-weight arm exercises. Then, I drove over to a nearby sporting goods store because I needed a new bathing suit and they were having a sale. Mine has seriously deteriorated to flasher stage.
Anyway, I go in to the shop and it feels warm in there. I grab an armful of suits, head in to a changing room and I start getting a gross clammy sweaty feeling. But, I proceed to try on the suits cause dang it, I love a good sale; and secondly, I don’t want to be arrested for indecent exposure the next time I go to the pool.
I got dressed again and returned to the rack for some different sizes. Whoa, head whirl, clammy, a little shaky –- I needed to sit down. I went back to the dressing room, plopped on the floor and put my head between my knees. Full on bonk.
By this time, the announcements start coming over the loud speaker, “the store will be closing in 20 minutes… the store will be closing in 15 minutes… ” I’m having these thoughts that it’ll be like that episode of General Hospital when Luke and Laura get trapped in the department store overnight except, in my case, I’m Luke-less and that would be boring.
Well, I pulled myself together, went to the register and bought a gel and a Clif bar (since I am at a sports store), ate them in my car and waited for the energy to kick in. Feeling better, I drove home.
Oh, I also bought a bathing suit. I’d never let a little bonk beat a bargain.
P.S. Found this on the ironpower.com website: to fuel muscles during exercise, athletes should consume carbs at a rate of 30 to 60 grams per hour. If you weigh 100 pounds, that target is closer to 30 grams per hour. If you weigh 200 pounds, the target is 60 grams per hour.
For all the left-brainers out there like me, who will never be hired for their math skills, just remember to eat something and drink water. Personally, I like Accel chocolate Gel, Clif Cranberry, Apple, Cherry Bars and Clif Cran-Razz Shot Bloks. Experiment and see what you like and what sits well in your gut when you exercise. Some of my product test drives haven’t been pretty. ‘Nuff said.
P.P.S. You didn't really think I was going to show you a photo of me in my bathing suit right? Heck no!
September 10, 2007
Solo Sunday...
Most Sundays, Russ, Wayne and I ride 40 miles, give or take, on one the local paths here in DC. Yesterday, I was on my own. I don’t worry about cycling solo since I make sure to take some essentials with me -– a repair kit, mini-pump, cell phone, multi-tool, a few bucks cash, driver’s license, credit card, energy bar/gel, and a couple of water bottles. Most of the items fit right in my seat pack or a back jersey pocket.
The weather was cranky, hot and humid, and I wasn’t in the mood to weave around traffic, families and other bikers on my usual routes. I decided that instead of going for a long ride, I’d bike down to the Potomac River to a place called Hains Point near the Tidal Basin (where the cherry blossom trees are - see photo) and interval train. Hains Point is the lunchtime playground for local cycling teams to do rotating paceline work. It’s basically a three-mile loop that’s as flat as pancake.
I wasn’t into it when I left the house. I made a pact with myself to go for at least half an hour, then I could call it a day. On my first time around the loop, I focused on finding the rhythm of the ride, moving the air through my lungs, and relaxing my mind. On the second loop, I started pushing my pace. By the third, my inner speed demon appeared and I found myself passing people. On the fourth, I got passed -- she was really good. I went one more time around, then headed for home. In the end, I rode for 90 minutes and had an unexpectedly nice work out.
I missed the guys; but, sometimes different turn outs good.
P.S. Cycling solo? Be safe and prepare yourself: take your biking essentials, plan your route and let someone know you're going out. Enjoy the ride!
August 17, 2007
She's all mine...
I've been anxiously awaiting an important arrival since I found out that I was going to be a Trek Woman Who Rides. The great cycling stork paid a visit and a gorgeus Trek WSD 5000 road bike became mine, all mine; albeit with a little help from Sean Walker, General Manager, and staff at Revolution Cycles in Rockville, Maryland.
His team assembled my ride, then Sean did a custom fitting to fine tune the bike perfectly for me. We added a pair of Speedplay pedals, a tire repair and inflation kit, and a mini pump. Sean also hooked up my new Trek bike computer, which will help me track my rides and performance!
I had to go back to work afterwards and there was no way that I was going to leave my precious new baby on the back of my car -- talk about gone in 60 seconds. I carried her up to my office and made everyone on my floor pick her up to see how light she is. Between taking peeks over my shoulder to stare at the bike and checking the clock to see when I could leave and go for a ride, well, I didn't win the employee of the day award, that's for sure. (Don't worry though, I made up for it over the weekend.)
At long last, the work day ended. I threw on some cycling gear, and drove over to Bethesda, MD to do the Capital Crescent trail. I had enough daylight to get in a 1-hour ride of pure heaven. Man oh man, the 5000 is fast. I was flying!
P.S. If you want to learn more about adjusting your bike and componets to fit your body correctly, here's a great little article from Revolution Cycle's website with some tips that you can do at home.
August 11, 2007
This is burley...
So, said Ross Rushin after 20 minutes of climbing during my first ever mountain bike ride. I'd never heard the word before, but if it means what I think it means -- awesome, incredible, challenging, and down-right thrilling -- then burley rocks my world. Literally.
Ross works for Trek traveling around the South hosting "Fit for Women" WSD bike demos. Ross knows her bikes and even better, she's a lot of fun. You see, I drove up to attend one of her events in Asheville, NC. Hosted by the wonderful owners of Liberty Bikes, Claudia and Mike, Ross set up her demo racks of WSD bikes at a busy trailhead in Pisgah National Forest.
As I was getting ready to take a WSD Madone out to tackle the hills of the Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway, Ross asked if I was interested in mountain biking after the demo event. Heck ya, I'm always up for trying something new.
I took the Madone for a spin and it was like I was floating over the road. The OCLV 120 carbon frame and Bontrager Race wheels were super light and super fast. In comparison, my old bike felt like I was pushing a sofabed uphill both ways. I could have stayed out there all day, but I wanted to save some legs for my ride with Ross. Am I glad I did!
We set out with five guys from Florida who were in town for the Off-Road Assault on Mount Mitchell, a 63-mile race featuring 11,000 feet of accumulated climbing. The guys took off after giving us a piece of advice, when the path splits, stay left. Oh, and the first climb is a steep one. Okay, the first climb lasted like 40 minutes! Over rocks and gravel!! I had a couple of dodgy moments when I thought I was all but doomed to fall onto the sticker bushes lining the side of the trail. Yet, we soldiered on and landed at the top.
Faced with a trail choice, we went left to singletrack. Did I mention I was riding a sweet Trek Fuel EX 7? Ross was in her element, catching air over dirt jumps and navigating tight turns. I was having the time of my life throwing myself down the mountain. We rode for a couple of hours, then met up with the guys for dinner.
It was so burley.
P.S. And, yes, Ross and I thought the guys were really cute.
