November 30, 2007
Cross Town Rivalry and A Family Secret
This weekend is big for college football and California is no exception. Our flavor of the day is UCLA vs. USC. For 15 years I was a season ticket holder and part of a "Band of Buddies" that could be classified as pofessional tailgaters. The weekend we played our cross-town rivals took on even more meaning and we pulled out all the stops. Our faire included linen tablecloths, fresh flower arrangements, Eggs Benedict, champagne and candelabras on the tables. It was not unusual for us to be on the evening news.
One of those years we were unable to attend the game because my daughter Gina picked that weekend to get married. I couldn't believe it, and she couldn't believe that I couldn't believe it. No worries, the whole family was sitting in the front pew of the church during mass where we had worked out an elaborate code with hand signals. Her little bother was monitoring the game with earphones and he was in charge of scoring updates. This is spilling the beans to Gina and Ed who have now been married eight years. They are very happy and have two wonderful little boys to complete their family so I am hoping they won't be angry as they read this deep dark secret.
I have mentioned before, nothing stays the same and that is OK with me. I have all these great fun times to look back on. This year I will be riding my bike on game day, but for sure I will be rooting for my team; can you tell which team is my favorite?
Come Ride With Me
November 28, 2007
Stopping By to Say "Thank You"
It dawned on me that I have been remiss about something very important. I want to take this time to thank everyone that has responded to my blog with the most generous comments that I could ever imagine. When I began this expedition I had initially thought of only MY personal growth as the ultimate goal. As I started to get more and more comments from my readers, I was so inspired that they too were finding motivation, possibly from my age, possibly from my experience level (none), or possibly from that fact that I was a hopeless women who had no intention of continuing her life after the death of her husband; but who found a way to turn it all around.
I am here today (rather teary eyed) to tell you I have not only grown closer to my friends, but I have also developed some really fantastic relationships with people that were nowhere near my life a few years ago. Soon I will start introducing you to people who I have been communicating with and people that have entered my life, supporting me and my lifestyle. Some of these acquaintences are people that have carried their comments over from the blog website; and we all share a common interest in "The Bicycle". I certainly don't have the answers to all of the questions that I am asked but somehow Inspiration and Support is really what most everyone is looking for.
Know this my friends, feel free to ask my anything. I have seen it all and experienced most of it. Some I brought with me, some I left behind. If there is anyway I can soften a day in the life of "you", I owe it to you all to make that effort and pay you all back for your support.
Come Ride With Me
November 27, 2007
Hearst Castle - Road Trip Part 3
It sometimes amuses me that I have lived in California all my life and there are still so many areas left to explore. I am about to discover another new location; Hearst Castle. Because Gold Leaf Gauche has never been my style, well maybe a little in the 70s, I never really had any urge to rush up to San Simeon to visit the Hearst Castle. But because today the timing was right and I was in the company of my two light hearted girl friends, we all were up to a visit, even though they had experienced the castle before. 
As we traveled up the coast through the fog and rain I was wondering if that would put a damper on the experience. As I found myself gathered with several others, in a "Garden" from another time and era, the fog and rain showers made it rather mysterious and intriguing. As we walked from room to room, it was as though the spirits of the past were milling about with all the excitement of days gone by; a tight clique of celebrities meeting to hang out together. Even if you never visit the castle, look on the website; it's facinating history of one man's empire.
There was no bike riding up by the castle, and you cannot drive your own car up there, so on the way back to Cayucos, we stopped along the way to ride a little bit, It's a beautiful part of the California coast that is still open land for all to enjoy.
Come Ride With Me
November 25, 2007
Making A List, Checking It Twice
I have a busy week ahead of me.
- I am starting week 4 of my training with Mary Daubert (Coach Mary)
- Christmas shopping and all that implies
- A scheduled bike ride with a new friend.
- Planning our company Holiday Party - the invites are in the mail
- Composing new Blogs
- Going on a field trip to a very special bicycle business (more later)
- I have two appointments scheduled at car dealers
- Non blog communicating with new acquaintences
- Chores, chores, chores
The list goes on. Operative word here is "List" and this is a good time to start making those lists and checking them twice. It's very satisfying when you can cross off items and add a few new ones. I am by myself, I have no help keeping up my home and fullfilling comitments etc; it's just me. Although in my opinion everyone can benefit from lists, it's my secret to getting everything done on time. Someone once said, "If you want to get something done, give it to a busy woman" Yeah, you go girls, and then,
Come Ride With Me
November 23, 2007
I'm Not Here
Hi there,
I'm not here today. My sister came to town and we are in line at the shopping mall in order to get the best bargains ahead of everyone. I cannot speak for the rest of the states, but in Southern California people would rather camp out at the malls than cook a turkey dinner. We are actually not that extreme but managed to get some shopping out tof the way on Wednesday night. Again, the malls were packed and I wondered why everyone wasn't at home cooking like I was when my children were young. I can say this, Thanksgiving should be about connecting with people. If it's over a meal that is great. If it is over a table of sweaters that are on sale, that is OK too. I hope you all had an opportunity to share time with someone special this weekend. Remember, this is just the start of a very hectic season; keep your priorities in order, don't feel guilty to say no thank you once in a while and plan a gesture to feed your spirit.
Come Ride With Me
November 21, 2007
Cayucos - Road Trip Part 2
We made it! and our friend Susie was standing on her deck as we drove up. It wasn't easy parking on that hill with the boat load of stuff we had packed. Jeeez I hope the emergency break holds.
After unpacking we took the all new to us, Tour de Cayucos. This town lives up to its motto, "The Town That Time Forgot". Nestled in a quiet cove on the California coast the cottages do not match the ever popular red clay tile roof line we are used to seeing. All the houses in this enchanted little town are different in color, shape and size. Just down that road behind Susie (in the pciture) you can follow that around and ride the coast line into their quaint little town. How quaint you ask, so quaint they have not one, but two Saloons, Antique stores galore and just as many bicycles as cars; my kind of town, just like Manhattan.
By now we have reviewed our agenda for the next few days and tomorrow we are off to San Simeon to visit Hearst Castle. Along the way we will visit the famous Elephant Seals, almost prehistoric by nature. It's a long way and we will be traveling by car; but those bikes will always be with us along our adventures; just in case we want to stop and ride a piece of the coastline.
Come Ride With Me
November 20, 2007
Guru Or Gigolo
As a single woman I have to be careful about the men that come my way. I have a list of criteria that usually eliminates everyone. No it's not designed that way on purpose; well maybe it is.
- Will my life be better if he is in it?
- Is there something new that I can learn?
- Does he see the finish line with me?
- Does he like children and animals?
- Is he health conscious?
- Does he ride a bike?
- Does he respect Lance Armstrong (Again, more material for another story you wouldn't believe)
That is the first of a very long list of which I will postpone sharing right now because it really doesn't matter; I am not shopping for a man. It doesn't matter if I am in love with someone right now or not. What is important is that I have stuff to do and unless I can comfortably share all of the above, it's not a fit. One thing I have learned along the way, nothing in life stays the same but "change" so if you know me, you know I am open to whatever life puts in front of me. If it sticks, it's meant to be.
All my younger readers,which is just about everyone, know this; Be open to new experiences but don't work too hard looking for them. Your life is ready to show itself to YOU. Put on those Rose-Colored glasses and take a look. He's probably right in front of you.
Come Ride With Me
November 19, 2007
"It's not me, it's Mary"
Take a look at this female specimen of strength, condition and good health; no it's not me it's Mary (Grigson) Daubert my personal trainer. I am entering my third week of the program she has designed for me. I must admit that I experienced a bit of a meltdown while reviewing my training program today with my California guru Bruce Bell; another specimen of strength, condition and good health. (see below)
I just don't think I get it about Spinning, which as I understand it, is when you are actually at nirvana with you leg cadence. This week will be the hardest week of the month by design to ease off next week. I don't have a problem with any of the exercises to complete and I can certainly go through the motions of the bicycle trainaing. For lack of a better example, I just haven't seen the "light" go on.
This is not meant to come across as negative, but I just want to express this bicycle business is not easy and I have my hands full here. I just wanted to ride my bike around town and look what I got myself into. I write 4 blogs a week about my life and bikes, I have all this wonderful equipment supplied by Trek and their sponsors, I have Bruce helping me by supporting everything that Mary maps out AND I have Coach Mary helself in my corner to lead me down this bike path. I think my conclusion is that I am going to succeed in spite of my lack of self confidence and I am not sure how to handle that. I think I see a
nother Finish Line in the future.
Come Ride With Me
November 17, 2007
Don't Leave Home Without It - Road Trip Part 1
So Kit and I packed up the car and we were on our way; after stopping to inflate the tires, I mean the tires on her Chevy Tahoe. We had so much stuff with us it was hilarous because we can't seem to "leave home without it".
Although I am getting better about packing, I feel as though I must Be Prepared for anything WITH everything. What can I say but once a Girl Scout, always a Girl Scout. I actually was fortunate enough to meet Lady Olave Baden Powel back in 1955. Her husband founded the Boy Scouts organization and she was Chief Girl Guide. I know, I know,that is another story but I love reminding myself just how old I really am; it's a great reality check. OK, so where was I, oh yeah, we weren't sure if we were going to be able to close the doors on the car. So we started off on our 4 hour Road Trip. We had plenty to catch up on and discuss from soup to nuts and wine to family, and we WERE able to close the doors on the car.
Come Ride With Me
November 15, 2007
Can we call it a "Club"?
Well, we did it. A small group of new acquaintances, got together for an evening of bike maintenance and training at the JAX Bicycle Center in Fullerton, California. If we did it once, is it officially a "Club"? Well, the way I look at it, we will probably all meet up again for more classes somehow or somewhere; so I am going to officially name the club "Club Care". I love clubs, It signifies a fellowship about a passion, and that's a beautiful thing. Hopefully I will never get stuck by myself because this is what I learned; well this is what they showed me, and I am sure they will have to show me a few more times.
- Wheel removal, which I performed on a beautiful "Red" Trek mountain bike
- Tube removal, JAX gave us a set of tire levers
- Tire patching - don't forget to let the glue dry first before placing the patch.
- Tube installation, starting with the placement of the valve
- Tire installation, which requires some strength from these computer weary hands.
- Proper bicycle cleaning and lubing. I stepped back and offered to take pictures.
Many thanks to JAX Bicycle Center in Fullerton, CA for hosting the class and a special thanks to my bud Nathan Burke. He was a great host and a very patient instructor who really cares for the well being of all bicycles no matter what color or speed.
Come Ride With Me
November 13, 2007
I'm Strong "er"
It's not every day you see a woman in her 60's, holding a bike over her head. If you are lucky, you might run into this once a week. This is not one of the lightweight carbon bikes in the Trek fleet, I'm just getting stronger. Now I can mark this event off my list of things to do. I can officially raise my bike over my head, and hold it there until my picture is taken. I am hereby grateful that the camera is good, fast and it is a sunny day. I don't have to wait for one of those slow shutter speed exposures. Actually, it was not bad at all.
Speaking of Slow, and slow can be good in many ways for many things; I am entering my second week of slow, foundation building training with Coach Mary. I am monitoring my heart rate while I complete my cardio workout, coupled with weight training, range of motion and stretching exercises.
I began this program thinking it would be easy, while actually when I begin my second or third set of reps, I am feeling muscles I forgot I had. So once again I am learning the importance of patience. As I enjoy pedaling down the road, I know I am not in this for the competition. This is about being strong, and being able to enjoy this sport as injury free as possible. Do you agree?
Come Ride With Me
November 12, 2007
Where's The Finish Line???
As I was reading an article today, it came to mind that I seem to judge many things by putting whatever concept it is, into a "Block of Time". I seem to have created this Race with myself trying to achieve so many things . I don't think I have become obnoxious about any of it; and I certainly don't preach my philosophy about good health, to others. Rather, I am determined to be the best "I" can be, which leaves a long road ahead to travel. Well, I guess it's good to have goals, and I guess it will give me something to work for. So, Where's The Finish Line???
I stopped, listened to my heart, thought I heard something and turned around. Guess what I saw...The Finish Line, miles behind me. Jeeze, I have been so busy I didn't notice that I eclipsed my original goal. My sense is that this has probably happend to many of us. Do me a favor and join me for a moment. Stop, take a break from the forward momentum and just enjoy where you are in life. It's a great place to be. Take the time tonight to go out and look up in the sky and enjoy the view of the stars. It's one of my favorite things to do. It makes me feel like I really belong exactly where I am.
Come Ride With Me
November 8, 2007
Over The River and Through The Woods
Over the river and through the woods requires a lot of preparation. I will be out of pocket for a few days exploring some new territory to write about on my Blog Journal. I have posted a few stories for you to read, digest and hopefully comment on while I am away.
Today I am embarking on my first official Long Distance" bicycle trip; well by that I mean it's a long way from home. A trip that will take me beyond my normal 50 mile radius. As I wrote about in a previous blog, my friend Kit Furnell is traveling here from Arizona so we can meet up with our friend Susie Ladd. The initial destination will be Cayucas, CA (located on the central CA coast in the vicinity of Cambria and Morro Bay. Hostess Susie has everything planned out for us with a busy itinerary that includes Hearst Castle, visiting the Elephant Seals, Cambria, Harmony and the wine country. I am taking my two bicycles along and Susie has one already. She has mapped out some daytime rides; one of which includes crossing Highway 101, under a bridge that takes us on a path through an old cemetary founded back in the late 1800's.
This trip has become our yearly "Hands On" visit and is also a celebration of Kit's successful cancer surgery. We have much to catch up on and celebrate. We have kept this friendship going since we all worked together back in 1968. Actually, Kit is the Godmother to one of my daughters. I've got my camera ready to go, the bikes are packed along with the helmets, and I will be taking notes in my little trip journal. There will be much to share when I return, then You can...
Come Ride With Me
November 6, 2007
Through The Looking Glass "Hope"
"Hope" There will always be new books coming out and as the daughter of a librarian, I should strive to use the resoures of the local library more frequently. Nowadays I have a library card at Amazon.com. While it really isn't necessary for me to be collecting hard back books at this point in my life, there are some things I like to read about and if it takes me three months to read the book, then that is why I purchase it. I figure I don't want to have the stress of rushing through something due back in two weeks.
When I set out to meet my new Trek Sisters in Waterloo, I wanted to take something along to present to them to comemorate the beginining of our unusual relationship. I decided to give them each a copy of The Secret by Rhonda Byrne; a very trendy read at the time as well as a fairly simple message about life at it's best. This book isn't really a Secret as much as it's just another way to preach (if you will) the Power of Positive Thinking; by Dale Carnegie. That is not to say that we weren't ready for a modern new version of an important messge. The beautiful thing about this concept is; How can you ever feel bad about hoping for something good to happen?
We have an example of that magic approaching soon with the Holidays. What is more magical than seeing hope and delight in the eyes of the children? It's like planning a vacation; half the fun is in the planning and expectation of the trip. This is a great way to approach every day. One day this week, select something positive you would like to happen and focus on it during the day. What I can guarantee is that by the end of the day, you will be grateful for how good you feel. Perhaps something wonderful will happen that you weren't even wishing for, but you will feel good. Try it and let me know how you feel. By the way, I was using this concept when I entered the Women Who Ride contest.
Come Ride With Me
November 5, 2007
Once Begun is Half Done
I did it! I got through the first training session designed by Coach Mary. I am very excited and inspired and as a result of my arranged communications with Mary, it's like she is right next to me all the time. Because of the great Timex heart rate monitor, I was able to stay in the training range she has determined will work well for me.
I will be going on a road trip this week, so I have prepared and made the necessary adjustments as to my REST DAYS. Because I will be bicycle riding with my friends, all I have to do is switch some "stuff" around and I can still accomplish everything on the list for the week. This is all very workable and naturally it's always easier when someone else tells you what to do. Don't forget though, I still have to put in the time. You better believe with an opportunity like this, I will never waste the chance to take all the knowledge I can and put it to work. Yes, the bottom line is, I still have to do the work. Here is my schedule for this week. The activity will increase as the month goes along.
- Cardio and weights
- Treadmill, elliptical and range of motion exercises
- Bike Ride and stretch exercises
- Rest Day
- Repeat , Cardio and weights
- Bike Ride and stretch exercises
- Rest Day
If I still have some energy when all this is done,,, Come Ride With Me
November 4, 2007
Does This Make Me Look Fat?
Although I have never been skinny, not even at 5 years, right now I am in pretty good condition for a women my age. Please notice that I said "Condition", because I struggle with myself on a daily basis to embrace good physical condition over a low weight readout on the scale. It's never too late to begin taking care of ourselves and it's important to take one day at a time with this type of adventure. Although I have lost significant weight and inches in the last three or four years, I don't need to kid myself because there is much work left to do. I am a weakling.
Monday I will embark on a new program to build strength and endurance. This is designed for the purpose of enhancing my bicycle skills, keeping me injury free and giving me strenghth to go farther down the bicycle path. I am literally turning myself over to Coach Mary Daubert. I have told her to just tell me what to do, and I will show up for the program. She will have me begin with my Timex heart rate monitor, range of motion exercises and aerobic conditioning. While Mary is located in Wisconsin, we are in touch by telephone and e-mail. With Mary's blessing, I have local support and guidance from long time bicycle guru, Bruce Bell, as well as my workout partner Kathryn. We are all excited about Mary's leadership and I think we all stand to learn a trunk full of information as I embark upon this new chapter. By the way, I have begun my car search so I can have a bigger trunk, but only in my car. Stay tuned for weekly updates as Mary directs me toward new achievements.
Come Ride With Me
November 2, 2007
Through The Looking Glass "Listen to the Dogs"
Through The Looking Glass "Listen to the Dogs"
From time to time I will pass along a tale or two about dogs, because they have been more than significant in my adult life. When I was talking about life, dogs and cars coming as a series, it made me start to think. "Dogs"or "Cats" too, can fill a space in your heart that no human can. I don't think, that's a fluke; more a part of the greater good I will always be speaking of. My sweet Molly has been a great friend to me. Although she has a stubborn streak, she is a great hugger, as well as a favorite local fixture in our community. What I find exceptional about Molly is her spiritual connection. I try to comfort her when she seems to be experiencing the unfamiliar, so, when I see her gazing off into the horizon or start looking up toward the ceiling, I wonder where her mind is and what she sees. Is there a spider on the ceiling or does she see something too unclear for me to discern. I suppose it's not unlike a small child speaking of something from his past; the past of 50 years ago. Who knows, listen for a message in all that you hear and see because the comfort you will receive can be amazing. Never feel like you are alone, beause you never really are. We are all surrounded by the comfort of friends.
Come Ride With Me
