June 30, 2008
What time zone am I in again...
Just a quickie post to say hello. I'm in the Rocky Mountains right now -- in beautiful Estes Park, CO for a conference.
Within the past week, I've spent at least a day in every time zone across the country. It's a lot packing/unpacking; running through airports to make connecting flights (only missed one so far); and trying to remember my hotel room number. But, I've been able to meet some wonderful people and see some gorgeous scenery. I'll show you some photos in another post.
Anyway, I found a bicycle touring company in town that hosts daily mountain bike tours in Rocky Mountain National Park. Fingers crossed that I'll be able to fit it in to my schedule. It would be cool to see some elk.
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 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 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.
April 16, 2008
Dutch treat...
All weather, all ages, all sizes – people go by bike in Holland. Bikes trump pedestrians and cars on the streets. It’s great if you’re the one on two wheels; dodgier if you’re on two legs bee-lining toward a French fry stand. But, maybe I should rewind the story a bit.
Some celebrate new jobs by going out to dinner. My dinner just happened to take place in Amsterdam with Russ and Wayne. (And by dinner, I really mean copious amounts of fries and these funky little things called “bitteballen” that can only be described as deep-fried balls of gravy. Seriously, it can be done.) Although we’ve been to Holland before, the guys and I figured that visiting in Springtime with tulips a-bloom was one of those things you have to see in your lifetime. Plus, I like windmills… and Gouda cheese.
We stayed at the Hotel von Onna in Amsterdam again, notable for its owner, Leon, and its location on the Bloemgracht (flower canal) near the Anne Frank house. Leon is quite particular, his rooms are spare and spotless, and he looks a little like the boiled eggs he serves for breakfast. A few doors from the Onna, we rented bikes for a couple of days, splurging a few extra Euro to get 7-speeds with hand brakes. Bike theft is a big problem there, so the shop guy gave us ginormously heavy chains and locks to cart around.
Having already seen the “attractions,” our plan was to just pedal and see where the path would take us. On our first full day, we must have ridden close to 40 miles. We found street markets, a windmill (!), lovely parks and plenty of fries – for energy of course. The next day, I convinced the guys to go to the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, known for its tulip fields and displays. Russ said it was Tulip Disney, I thought it was nice even if the flowers weren’t quite in bloom yet. The Keukenhof also has a windmill (!).
On a jaunt to see the city of Haarlem, we came upon a Trek dealership called the Bike Planet. The shop had some adorable Trek leisure/commuting bikes that we don’t have here, maybe they’re only for the Euro market. I wanted an orange-colored one BAD.
That night, we stopped by Café Chris, a local pub near the Onna. Turns out, Samantha Brown from the Travel Channel had once taped a segment there. Get out of town! Of course, we had to take a photo with Nell, the bartender, who kept us nicely occupied with beer, bitteballen and other fried foods. My fear though was that upon leaving the establishment one of us would (a) accidently drop a bike lock key in a canal, or (b) accidently drop oneself into a canal. We made it home safe, sound and dry.
All in all, Holland is a real treat. The Dutch are friendly, the biking is fun and the fries are delish. Definitely put it on your “waanderlust” list.
April 7, 2008
A big tease...
Hi everybody!! I've got so much to tell you about, but I haven't had time since I got back from Holland to write a proper blog for you all. So today, I'll just tease the stories coming up...
TRIP TO HOLLAND:
- How we ate our weight in bitterballen and cheese
- A trip to tulip Disney
- Biking dutch-style
- How I cracked a rib (or did something to it)
- Do you think I look like Madeleine Albright's daughter?
CYCLEFEST 2008
Yesterday, I went to an awesome event called Cyclefest 2008 hosted by the Bike Lane in Fairfax, Virginia. I met up with Trek Demo Gal, Chris, Demo Dude, Dave, and Trek Manager, Jon Rogers.
- Cold, wet, rainy -- who cares
- FX bikes in Fairfax
- The Mirraco boys want to know where I party
- Mountain (mud) biking with Chris, Dave & Jon
- Jumped my first log then fell in a ditch -- SWEET!
Let's see, what else... today's my first official day at my new job at the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Oh, and I'm going to be on television.
How's that for teasing. Stay tuned for the full stories!
March 29, 2008
Tiptoe...
... through the tulips!! Russ, Wayne and I are heading to the airport in about 30 minutes to go to Holland for 5 days. Whoo hoo! We're hoping to catch the beginning of the spring tulip blooms and do a little biking while we're over there.
We spent a week in Amsterdam for New Year's 2005/2006 and had a great time. So when we decided to do a quick getaway, the Netherlands was one of the top destinations on our list. We get back on April 3rd. I'll fill you in on all our adventures then and tally up the pounds of street french fries with mayo that we'll have consumed. Happy Spring!
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.
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 22, 2008
Wander _____ (fill in the blank)…
Athens, hmmm. What to write? I guess I could call this story “Wander-blah” or “Wander-dud.” I hate to say it, this trip was kind of boring. My apologies people of Greece -– it’s not your fault that you shut down for the holiday. You deserve a break too.
In addition to consuming our daily dose of ouzo and seeing the Acropolis from every angle, Jen and I did our best to fill time. We explored the streets and sights of Athens and took two day trips. First, to the island of Aegina, which was an hour trip away by hydrofoil (fast boat). We wandered around the port town, window shopped (cause they were closed), and dropped by an open waterfront café for lunch. Oddly, the town blared American Christmas carols on giant loudspeakers -– kind of like M*A*S*H. Jen and I got the heck back on the hydrofoil after hearing “All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth” for the fourth time.
From the mainland dock, our plan was to take the Metro back to Athens. We were stopped at a station and saw tons of people going in to a stadium. On the spur of the moment, we hopped off and bought two tickets to watch an Olympiakos futbol team home game. You hear all these crazy things about European soccer and they’re true. It’s rowdy and wild and mostly men. Our seats were in the home team section and the crowd did these chants the whole time. Whenever, they thought the ref made a bad call, there’d be a huge outcry and much hand gesturing.
Our second trip was out into the Peloponnese countryside on New Year’s Eve day. Based on the recommendation of the woman who owned the apartment we were renting, and thinking it would be about 120 Euros, we hired a driver by the name of Yannis. Sure, it seemed expensive; but, it was close enough to what a bus tour would cost and we needed out. Yannis took us to see the Corinth Canal, which connects the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Then, we visited the site of Ancient Corinth, first inhabited in the Neolithic age (5000-3000 BC). Next up, Mycenae and a refresher on Agamemnon, Clytemnestra, Helen and Paris (should have brushed up on the Iliad). We ended the day at the theatre of Epidaurus, where from the center you can hear someone crumple a piece of paper perfectly 55 tiers back at the top.
When we got back to Athens, Yannis charged us 250 Euros!! Can you say stupid Americans. Jen and I were bitter, party of two. We rallied though and headed off the Syntagma Square, where we were told we'd find the NY Eve festivities. Turns out there weren’t any, just a few fireworks over the Acropolis. After that, we called it a day. Litres of ouzo and a couple of days later, we called it a trip and flew home. Sorry to report, no plate breaking or “opa”s. I think it’s one of those places you need to visit in the Spring or Summer, when you can go to the beach.
Here are some trip photos. Where you see "Notes" below the image, roll your mouse over it to read the backstory.
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 9, 2008
Priceless...
Pea-soup-thick fog shuts down Madison, WI airport: 3 days
Canceled: 5 flights
Communications with Northwest Airlines: 8 calls, 3 counter reps
Car rental, Madison airport: 3 days
Time it took for Northwest to agree to fly me out of Chicago instead of foggy Madison: 3 days
Alamo quoted charge to do a non-authorized car return in Chicago: 600 dollars (no way!)
Bus ride to Chicago after returning rental car and missing 10 am flight home from O’Hare airport: 3 hours
Approximately how much more a Venti Starbucks costs at O’Hare: 40 cents
Lost then found: 1 suitcase
Gummy bears consumed: many
Getting waylaid in Wisconsin: priceless
I’ve been away for 14 days -- 3 more than I planned to thanks to some global warming-induced Wisconsin weather. And except for running out of clean socks, I sincerely apologize for the smell, it was worth it in the end.
When I learned that I wasn’t getting out as scheduled, I rented a car and drove South to stay with Becky, Steve and the Paddy-monster. The next day, I had a lovely lunch with my Mom. Then, drove back to Madison and spent the night with Steve’s parents, Pat and Phil, who didn’t mind that I conked out at 9 pm after devouring a big bowl of Pat’s delicious homemade potato and corn chowder.
As cranky as I can get when things go wrong, I never forget how lucky I am to have the health, the means and the time to travel. A few days delay was a small price to pay for having that unexpected time with family. I think it’s a priceless gift.
My thanks also to Russ and Wayne for doing a late night run to pick me up at BWI. I arrived home safe and sound at midnight. Currently, I am wearing clean socks.
January 7, 2008
Imagine that...
Happy 2008 everybody!!
Well, I'm not quite home yet from New Year's in Athens, Greece, but I was missing you all (awwww) and itching to write. My sis, Jen, can attest to it, we must have come up with a hundred different titles for blogs to describe our trip. So I thought I'd start with an entry called "Imagine that..." for two reasons. (1) I won't be able to share photos until I get home tomorrow and upload them; and (2) visiting Greece requires a lot of imagination.
Here's the thing about Europe that's different than the US -- places actually close on holidays. What I hadn't anticipated in Greece was that everything would pretty much be closed the entire time we were there. The historical sites were open for short windows of time during the day, and that was about it.
Thank goodness we were able to visit the Acropolis. How awful would it have been to get all the way there and not see the Parthenon. I shudder at the thought because it is truly breathtaking to stand on top of Athens' "Sacred Rock" surrounded by great marble temples built in the 5th century BC. I have a new appreciation for the word "ancient." Even looking at the ruins, you have to wonder how they built something so majestic and magnificent more than 2,500 years ago.
Besides visiting archeological sites, Jen and I had to use our imagination to dream up ways to fill the rest of our time. Ouzo in the afternoon featured heavily as well as a delicious little Pita shop on the corner near our apartment that was mostly open. I'll tell you more in another blog when I can show pictures. We had some interesting moments. Stay tuned, there's more to come...
P.S. If you've been reading my fellow Trek chicks' blogs, you know that we got together this weekend in Madison, Wisconsin at Trek HQ. Unfortunately my flight out got canceled last night due to weather, so I'm here until tomorrow morning. After wearing the same clothes since Dec. 26th I'm really looking forward to putting on some clean duds. But ladies, it was great to see you!!!
December 26, 2007
No long underwear needed...
See my sis, Jen. See Jen freezing her butt off in Budapest, Hungary during our last New Year’s trip. Well, actually we did New Year’s Eve in Vienna, Austria waltzing in front of the Rathaus at midnight to the strains of the Blue Danube -– then we went to Budapest. Both cities are incredible and incredibly cold when you’re outside sightseeing. This year, we got smart. We’re going to Athens, GREECE!!!!! Today!!!! And we won’t need long underwear!!!
Although I am excited to visit a new country, I’m also sad because Russ and Wayne aren’t able to make the trip. Russ has a family emergency and my thoughts and heart are with them right now.
But, Jen and I will try to make the best of it and drink enough ouzo for all. I want to break some plates and yell "Opa!!!" Anyway, we get back on January 3 unless I meet a Greek shipping magnate who whisks me off to his private island and showers me with Trek Madones (hahaha). So until then, dear readers, have a Happy New Year!!!
Cheers,
Laura
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
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 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.
October 18, 2007
What you eat in Europe, stays in Europe…
Russ and I have this pact -– as soon as the airplane leaves the ground for another country, we can eat whatever we want guilt-free. That doesn’t mean we stuff our pockets with peanut M&Ms and commence a non-stop pig-out during the “your seat can be used as a flotation device” spiel. Nope, what it means is that we acknowledge the consequences of our actions up front and accept that we may have to wear our fat pants for a few days.
Now, when we were in Iceland, we ate a lot of hot dogs –- a twice-a-day amount of them. (A) they’re tasty; (B) they’re the cheapest grub in town; and (C) they’re even tastier at 1 a.m. I travel to experience new cultures and cuisines, not spend my time hunting down fat-free yogurt and baby carrots. If I want an afternoon gelato in Florence or a chocolate-covered waffle in Belgium, I savor it. It’s not processed junk and we walk everywhere to help balance things out. But, when the wheels touch down in the old US of A, we go right back to our usual healthy eating and exercise habits. Pronto. Then we put away the fat pants until the next trip.
The pact works. Though one time Russ was on a road trip and called me from a Golden Corral Restaurant to ask if West Virginia was considered another country. I told him the last time I checked it hadn’t ceded from the Union and to back away from the buffet.
October 9, 2007
Wanderlustful...
I was about 9 years old when I learned that when you grow up you can be a foreign exchange student. I knew that when I was old enough, that’s what I was going to do. In high school, I was accepted to be part of the AFS intercultural exchange program. AFS picks where you get to study and my country turned out to be Iceland. Iceland? Iceland! As far as I knew, no one in my little Chicago suburb of Darien, IL had ever been there. I couldn’t believe my luck.
I spent the summer between my junior and senior year living on a dairy and sheep farm with a wonderful family. My host parents didn’t speak much English (we did a lot of hand signaling); but my two host sisters and their younger brother did. They used to ask me to write down the lyrics to pop songs so that they could get the words right when they sang along. In return, they taught me how to ride Icelandic ponies, milk cows, bale hay, feed lambs – oh, and they helped me dye my hair pink. It was the 80s after all and I had the adventure of a lifetime.
I decided to get my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota because it offered a one-year scholarship to study at the Haskoli Islands (University of Iceland). I wanted to go back and experience more of this mythical, enduring, rugged land and its people. I won the scholarship and spent a year in Reykjavik learning to speak Icelandic and studying Scandinavian culture. Iceland is where my wanderlust began and it still has my heart.
For years, I’ve wanted to take Russ and Wayne there and finally this past long holiday weekend I had the chance. We visited some of my favorite old haunts and discovered new ones like the Viking Sun Ship sculpture. At least once a day, we hit Baejarins Beztu (City’s Best) Pylsur (hot dog) stand for the tastiest dog with everything on it that kronur (Icelandic money) can buy. At night, we did the “runtur” (pub crawl) when the Vikings of today let loose and the crawl at any moment could turn into a brawl. It’s pretty wild, just like Iceland’s landscape.
Yesterday, after Russ and Wayne went to the airport to continue on to Copenhagen, I stopped by the country’s Trek dealer, Orninn, to say hello and meet the store’s sales manager, Ragnar Ingolfsson. I had been hoping to go for a bike ride, but just didn’t have enough time during this visit. Ragnar gave me a tour and introduced me to Jona, one of the owners. Orninn sells about 150 bikes a day during its busy summer season, which is incredible for a country with a population of only 300,000. Reykjavik is lined with bike paths and perfect for hybrids and road bikes while the countryside calls out for mountain biking at its burliest.
After checking out the shop, Ragnar graciously drove me around the city and showed me the neighborhood where he and his family live as well as a stop at Perlan (part museum, 5-star rotating restaurant and hot water storage facility) for a final view of Reykjavik. I learned that Ragnar’s got a bit of the wanderlust himself –- a couple of years ago he cycled Cuba and next week he’s traveling to Thailand to bike with friends to Cambodia.
All too soon, it was my turn to head off to the airport and back to Capitol Hill. This trip might be over; but I’ll go back again. Once you’ve got the wanderlust, there’s always another adventure waiting to happen.
October 4, 2007
All's well at work...
It’s Health Awareness Week at the consulting firm where I work, Danya International, Inc. We do a lot work in educating people about HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, childhood obesity, mental health and more to help “shape healthy futures.” What I like is that my company is beginning to practice what it preaches through our new worksite wellness program for employees. Hence, this week’s focus on physical wellness, nutrition and emotional resilience through some really cool sessions like learning how to count calories and read food labels, guided imagery, simple fitness skills, yoga and tai chi.
In honor of the week, a few of us decided to do our own lunchtime bike ride. We couldn’t make it an official “Tour de Danya” event because of liability issues; but that really didn’t matter. It was a gorgeous day and my co-workers, Brett and Jeff O., and I did about a 40-minute ride on the Sligo Creek Trail. I’ve got to give it to Brett, he was working hard on his mountain bike. I got yelled at by the building security guard for brining my bike inside. I told him, “Pretend you never saw me.” Next time, I’ll sneak in the other door. Hah hah.
I’m hoping the lunchtime ride catches on and that we make it a regular event. It was fun!
Did you know… U.S. employees spend an average of 50 hours a week and eat about one-third of their meals at work. When polled, about 40 percent of these same workers also indicate that they feel “very” or “extremely” stressed at work. That's a lot of wasted energy.
P.S. I’m off to the airport now to go indulge my wanderlust. Russ, Wayne and I are heading to Reykjavik, Iceland for the long weekend. Details on Tuesday!
September 17, 2007
What goes down, must come up...
Flat was merely a figment of our imagination. This past weekend Russ, Wayne, our friend, Bill, and I spent the weekend camping, biking and hiking in Shenandoah National Park, which is located about 75 miles outside of DC. We were practically an LL Bean catalog -- that is, if the models of outdoorsy perfection featured in those pages stop and gasp for air within the first mile of riding.
Our mission was to “do” Skyline Drive, which runs through the Park along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. After that first ugly climb just to get out of the campground, it was downhill for miles. While speeding down the two-lane-wide, switchback road at more than 30 mph, I couldn’t help but groan with every passing inch… what goes down, must eventually come up.
We reached the bottom, pulled in to a parking lot and looked at each other. We’d all been guiltily thinking the same thing; maybe a park ranger would take us back. We’re made of sterner stuff than that, so we got on our bikes and pedal stroke by pedal stroke pushed our way up the steep hill. It wasn’t as bad as we thought it would be; but, it certainly wasn’t pretty. Mission accomplished.
We regained a little of our LL Bean’ish-ness by changing into hiking clothes to “do” the Overall Run Falls trail. We set off and the path started going down, down, down. Oh no, I thought. We stopped at the Falls overlook and ate an incredible picnic lunch packed by Bill (tuna and white bean salad with sliced cherry tomatoes, red onions, green olives and basil in a vinaigrette served over romaine lettuce with crusty bread and a chocolate chip cookie for dessert).
The energy came in handy when we turned around to go back to the trailhead. Up, up, up, we climbed, panting once again. We crossed paths with a guy who told us to be on the lookout. He’d just seen a mama bear with her cubs. What?!!!
Now, I like camping. I don’t like critters. Even though my legs were tired, if I had seen mama, I guarantee I could have broken my personal best for running a mile. And yes, for future reference, you’re not supposed to run when you see a bear – according to the Park Service you should stop, clap your hands and talk softly. Finally, we arrived at the top, bear-sighting free. Mission #2 accomplished.
We spent the rest of the day and evening relaxing in front of the campfire, telling stories, and enjoying Russ’ delicious chicken and dumpling stew. Who needs LL Bean perfection anyway when you’ve had a heck of a good time with great friends.
September 4, 2007
My inspiration…
So, how did this whole Trek thing come to be for me? Well, a little over a year ago, I signed up to receive emails about Trek Travel. I pictured myself cycling through the French countryside or maybe exploring New Zealand. Then one day, an email arrived in my in-box announcing the “Trek Women Who Ride Contest.” I immediately started writing about how I became a woman who rides again. I wanted to convey that my story doesn’t have a “the end” (I lost weight, the end.); rather, it’s “to be continued…” After tweaking sentences relentlessly for a couple of weeks, I finally submitted it to Trek with some “before” and “after” photos, and the rest is history. Here’s my contest essay I titled My Inspiration, I hope you like it.
“I never could have imagined that I would be that woman who rides. For years, I neglected my Trek mountain bike, which I stashed away in storage after grad school. It had once been my source of transportation before it became a sad reminder of the person I once was. I was severely overweight, out of shape and knew deep down that I had to do something about it.
In August 2005, I started exercising again and eating lighter. For my birthday nine months later, my best friends, Russ and Wayne, overhauled my reliable, old bike. We began riding every weekend, slowly adding miles and increasing our pace. I started bike commuting a couple of days a week — about 32 miles roundtrip from my apartment on Capitol Hill to Bethesda, Maryland. In September 2006, I rode in my first century on a borrowed road bike. There was not a doubt in my mind that I was going to finish those 100+ miles. I was so excited to be there, I probably could have ridden 100 more.
Today, I’ve lost more than 130 pounds. I hit my goal weight on March 13, 2007! It’s been the easiest and hardest thing I have ever undertaken. Easy, in that I love the exhilarating feeling I get from being strong and fit. Hard, in that I’ve had to learn how to be patient and navigate the physical, mental and emotional challenges that arise when you change your life from the inside out. My journey is far from complete; but, I know that I will continue to make healthy choices and maybe find love along the way too.
Thankfully, now I believe (and I truly didn’t before) that I can accomplish anything. You can chase me on the trail, work it out on the uphill, keep up on the flat. Come along and catch my draft. I’ve transformed myself into that woman who rides. My Trek is now a source of inspiration.
Sincerely, Laura MacLean, Trek Rider
P.S. This winter, I’ve been spinning with the Marines at the Marine Corps. Barracks at 8th and I in DC. The 20-year-olds in class are always shocked that I can kick their you-know-whats. I am also training for my first triathlon and planning out the centuries that I want to complete this spring/summer/fall. I can’t wait!!!
After a trip to Italy last June (I travel to Europe 2-3 times a year), I’m itching to ride Tuscany — those killer switchbacks in Chianti are calling my name. I also think it would be amazing to bike Iceland’s ring road when I go there in early October.
P.P.S. I consider myself very lucky to have wonderful friends riding right alongside me. It would be an honor as a Trek representative to be able to share my experiences and hopefully help other women out there who want to grab life by the handlebars and be riders too.”
August 8, 2007
Pleased to Meet You!
Let me be the first to welcome you to the brand spanking new Trek Women Who Ride community!
We’re women who grab life by the handlebars. We’re women who saddle up every chance we get in our busy schedules. Speed doesn’t matter, neither does distance or the bike whether it’s a road, mountain, fitness or leisure. The only thing that really counts is that cycling makes us feel good about ourselves.
Hi, my name is Laura. I’m 38, single, never been married, no kids, and I live in Washington, DC. My sister, Jen, and I share a rowhouse on Capitol Hill with our quirky cat, Uncao. I do communications/public relations specializing in social issues for a public health consulting firm. When I’m not out on the trails biking, I’m training for the Accenture Chicago Triathlon (my first one) and planning my next vacation abroad (I go to Europe 2-3 times a year).
Oh, and I lost a person. Yep, I lost more than 130 pounds!!!!
I made the decision to change my life in August 2005. By exercising and eating right, I reached my goal weight this past March, 19 months later. Just like a good bike ride, there were many ups and downs along the way; but, I never veered from the course. I wanted more than anything to transform myself into a strong, healthy, and fit woman and I did it. Now, the challenge is to maintain my weight loss and explore all those other scary life areas (aggh, dating).
I hope you enjoy my blog. I imagine we’ll talk about all kinds of things like taking off the lbs, training, travel, cool Trek stuff, tasty recipes and more. Along the way, please feel free to share your thoughts too.
To me, Trek means journey, and this is going to be quite a trip. Let’s take it together!!
