May 30, 2008
More Tire Issues
I removed my front wheel from the girlie twin road bike and walked into the bike store for a discussion. I wasn't looking for something I wanted to hear. I was looking for an answer that made sense to me. I want to purchase new tires and tubes before I find my way to San Jose for the Lance Armstrong Challenge.
Then, I learned that the tire for the tube I just replaced was damaged, hence the flat. They explained to me that I should replace the actual tire because of wear on the side that would eventually start to "bubble". Not sure how the side of the tire would wear but probably from rubbing against other tires in transport, the bike has an assorted past. OK, I'll have to complete my research another day. I wanted to ride the next day and so I took care of first things first. New tire, new tube on the front and spare tube in my bike bag.
I did discuss this, that and the other about tires with Mr. Bike shop man, and I will pay a few other visits to other dealers to gather more information and insight about tires. I'll let you know what I learn, any comments, feel free to make your suggestions. By the way more stories to come...
I have a new lady that found me on the site and will come ride with me. Also, I want to tell you about my "hill practice" it was great.
Come Ride With Me.
May 28, 2008
I'll Find a Way, I always do
Coach May and I have been holding court about the Century Ride that I want to accomplish in July. She has reminded me of a saying: "You don't have to run a marathon to prepare for a marathon". and it is the same in this case. I also remember a friend of mine telling me about a man that trained for the century "Exclusively" on an indoor trainer.
According to Mary, if I can get in 2 or 3 long rides over the next month and the rest of the time doing shorter more intense workouts (45 to 90 minutes, I should be able to cope. I need to start at a comfortable pace (I think I learned that lesson) and start drinking liquids after 10 minutes; after 45 minutes to an hour, start to fuel. Mary also suggests that when I stop to drink or fuel, keep moving and don't sit down. Use my heart rate monitor at least in the beginning to make sure I keep my Target Zone in 1 or 2. This should keep me from going too hard in the beginning. She wants me to keep it intense to get the greatest benefit from my workouts. I am also getting more comfortable to ride in TZ3 which means my body is adapting and that my fitness has improved. So, to re-cap,
- Stay fueled
- Keep hydrated
- Don't stop moving
- Oh this should be #1 on the list; Find some bicycle pants that keep me comfortable
- I'll take any and all suggestions to the above.
I wish I had someone to accompany me on a few long rides, but I'll be out their regardless. I did find a park with some nice hills that can provide a good setting to train on, and is a safe environment. I can stop there after work and I will use that for the 45-90 minute workouts that will offer the strength aspect I need. I'll be sure to tell you what I have accomplished. Keep in mind this is a "plan".
Come Ride With Me
May 27, 2008
"Who We Really Are" part 2
It's not who we are that holds us back; it's who we think we're not. I've really been thinking about this and find that my mind set is starting to change. This journey of mine is moving along slowly; well maybe not so slow but rather in slow motion. I wonder sometimes if I will step up the pace, but I am not sure that I am the one that is in control of that. Here is the thing...it's not so much my body as my mind that needs to kick in.
We all have different levels of confidence and why do you suppose that is. Some of it is in our environment and some of it is our breeding. We all grew up in different environments and our parents are all from different backgrounds. Additionally we are from different generations. Thank goodness the children of today are disciplined by reasoning and words, In our day it was the hair brush; what the heck did that accomplish, but make a child feel degraded. In our day when it came time to pick a profession, it was an image thing rather than what came naturally. In our day if you were not married with children by 19 or 20 years, you were going to miss the boat and it would never come around this way again. No wonder we were all rebelling in the 60's and 70's because we wanted to go back and Re-do some of our choices. We need to forget about all that, leave the baggage behind and embrace it all as lessons learned.
I am pressing onward in my second childhood and learning to rethink everything; it's just going to take some time. The only thing I am packing for the journey is my wisdom and spirit. I need to abandon all the insecurities of the past.
Come Ride With Me
May 27, 2008
"Who We Really Are"
It's not who we are that holds us back, it’s who we think we’re not.”
May 25, 2008
"Speed Racer"
We are celebrating a different kind of "Speed Racer" this time. Will Bove celebrated his 7th birthday today by taking his classmates to see the entertaining new movie, and then a walk up the street to the hot new hangout in town, "The Milky Spoon".
This was a new way to celebrate a birthday party, and kind of a healthier alternative; A Cereal Bar. It was a cloudy day in Southern California but Will brought sunshine into the day for all his guests. If you notice in the picture, he even wanted to dress the part of Speed Racer to draw everyone into the celebration. Very cute.
Quite often my grandsons celebrate their birthday with a movie for their friends and my daughter Gina, as an educator herself, carefully researches the movies to make sure they are appropriate for the children. She did a good job this time but without seeing the movie first hand, you cannot anticipate every scene. We had one moment when we looked at each other with our mouths hanging open and the children caught the moment too. We won't even go there, and that was probably the smart thing to do. It was a good day and it gave me some comic relief.
Come Ride With Me.
May 22, 2008
Conquering the Hill
I'm getting there and I am so lucky to have people coming out of the woodwork to help me. I don't know, I suppose I was resisting before because I was afraid to fail and disappoint my closest pals. One day came, and out of the blue, a lot of that fear just went away, or someone made it go away.
Here is an interesting example: When I went out with my friends last weekend I was anticipating the Re-Do of the hill. It's a big hill you decline as you start your ride and you have to get back up there to finish. First of all as we descended this hill that I have been dreading, I thought, what the hell happened to the hill? Did they bulldoze it or my goodness, maybe it wasn't as giant as I had made it up to be in my mind. Look what fear can create in your mind. Somehow, I thought I would have trouble even walking up this hill. So, as you can imagine my ride began with a big sigh of relief. I had several times during the ride to practice gearing correctly in order to prepare for the hill as we returned. I had my gear in the smallest cog in the front and the largest cog in the back. My mentor was riding next to me to make sure it was all in the correct position as I proceeded up the hill. One more thing he taught me was to take a quick, (a very quick) glance down to look at the gears to learn how they should look when I am riding alone. (I think it's harder to learn to ride a bike than it was for me to drive a car.) By the way I flunked the first try for my license. Now I've been driving for 45 years and I expect the same for the bike.
This hill was a major victory because I have been anticipating the unknown in these upcoming summer events. I am getting more confident now and I can get refocused on my journey through my summer goals.
Come Ride With Me
May 21, 2008
Thy Will...Be Done
I have a tire that has been removed from the bicycle; that was the easy part because I was already shown how to do this on one of my other bikes. by the way, I tried to pump up the tire and that was out of the question, no air would go into the tube. I don't know, I'll have to wait until I can find a friend to ask about that issue. According to the book, I inserted the first lever in line with a spoke, and the second one about three inches away from the first. I proceeded to remove one side of the tire from the rim, Then,
Removed the tube, carefully ran my hand around the inside of the tire to inspect for the culprit area, blew some air in the new tube and took a few deep breaths myself. I then decided to move the operation out to the garage because the lighting was better. I pumped some air in the tube and proceeded to put it back on the rim. I DID IT. I fixed my own flat. I even took it for a test ride around the neighborhood and all seems well. What I did notice is that there were some areas on the side of the tire that were worn. Andrew Scherf and I were discussing tires today and he gave me some info to take along to the bike shop. I think I will purchase new tires before I find my way to San Jose. Well, don't I feel like a "Smarty", your darn right I do. I'm on my way up that learning curve. By the way, I also leveled my saddle. ...chuckle...Love that "Ride Guide" ladies, you get one when you join the Trek Women Who Ride Club, along with a whole box of goodies.
Come Ride With Me.
May 20, 2008
My "First" Flat
When I returned home from my ride and was unloading the bike, I was kind of surprised to discover that my front tire was flat. Hmmm. Oh well, let me give this some thought... Tomorrow.
It's Now Tomorrow: and I need to address this issue so I can be ready to ride again. First of all I think I am glad it's the front tire because that wheel might be easier to remove. Just in case...I am going to pump up my tire with air to make sure it was really flat, well it is really flat right now, but I mean, I want to make sure the leak has nothing to do with a defective "Valve" or something like that. Anyway that will give me time to set up my work area, gather up my utensils or tools or whatever they are called and get out my trusty "WSD-Women Who Ride Handbook". Krista, I am one for sure that uses that book!
I am determined to give this a try and feel that it's just another right of passage in order to earn another "Merit Badge" Let see, maybe I'll start with a list.
- Lay out a sheet on the living room floor, the same one I use when I dye my hair
- Remove the tire from the bike, Oh Gawd, I think this one has a "quick release"
- What the heck did I do with that "Manual"?
- Find some soothing background music
- Under no circumstances should I pour a glass of wine, yet...
- Turn on the air conditioner just in case stress causes a hot flash
- Make sure my speed dial contains the bike shop number as well as other support
- Let's wait one more day so I can discuss this with the guys at the office,(My pit crew)
I don't want to rush this.
May 19, 2008
Come Ride With Us
Got a message through the grapevine that Doreen and her friends were riding on Saturday and she said "Come Ride With Us! "Absolutely I would, I would love to."
With the exception of Doreen, these were all new faces to me. As a once painfully shy person, I embrace the now "Meet and Greet" because it gives me the opportunity to talk to new acquaintences and find that we are all so very much alike. This is a goup of friends and neighbors that have known each other for a long time as well as a few more in the mix that also participate on the rides. We have decided to get together on a regular basis and a few of us are going to get on our Mountain Bikes and go in another direction sometime soon. More adventures at 60.
Thanks Doreen, Cathy, Tina Chuck and Paul, I have picked up some new tips and enjoyed conversation with each and every one of you. What did we talk about; "One World Two Wheels", healthy ageing, childhood obesity, customized bikes, Gearing up a hill ( my next story will elaborate on that) Nursing studies and the healthy image nurses can/should project, our children, sunscreen housekeeping and oh yes Nuclear Power. I look forward to our next visit.
My next stories will show more insights into my ride including Conquering the Hill with my gears and My First Flat Tire, that I discovered upon returning home. Thank goodness the first flat is finally out of the way, now I won't obsess over that anymore.
Come Ride With Me
May 16, 2008
Speed vs. Endurance
What the heck is this all about? Is one better than the other, and why can't we have both? Why should speed be against endurance? Maybe they mean we need to pair the two together rather than pit them against each other. working together, complimenting each other, what a novel concept.
I know that I got a smattering of that when I rode in 100-degree heat one Sunday afternoon. I have learned through coaching and medical training that if blood sugar is low, which happens with dehydration and exertion, that I can become confused, dizzy and even irritable and these are danger signs. I know now that there are ways to manage that and I will, and have taken steps to fend that off in the future. I am glad I am experiencing these lessons now, even though some of them come with a hefty price to pay. I do know that when I am on an extended ride in the future, I will be prepared as best I can be. I now have made room in my little bike bag for glucose tablets.
Some other things I was thinking about regarding Speed vs. Endurance; I suppose the classic tale drives home the fact that the one that rushes to be a show off usually is not the better planner. The tortoise of sorts keeps plugging along, knowing his limitations, and masters his own goals in the long run.
Remember too that we never get younger and things basically never get physically easier for us. So, don't keep putting off what you can accomplish today, OR, don't wait too long to fulfill your dreams, hopes and goals. By the time you get there, you want to be able to enjoy what you have accomplished. Who is this message for??? I wrote this for me but I hope others will take the message to heart.
Come Ride With Me.
May 15, 2008
"Da Nile"
During the week when I am busy with work and the day to day issues, I like to take you along with me even when it is not on a bicycle. I want to help convince you that for most issues that step in front of us, we can pass them by and still manage to do some sort of exercise. It will help you learn and want to do more to keep yourself healthy. This week I have been giving a lot of attention to health matters, most of which are mine. This is really all very personal stuff I share but I do feel that I am no different that anyone else and I want you to connect with me as the average woman out there in Bike land.
"Good thing I don't like donuts." Diabetes is tough work and since I am in this rebuild mode, I might as well visit this too. I am not a hypochondriac in any sense of the word. What I do want to point out is that this is all human, natural stuff that shows up at different times of your life. There will always be something to deal with.
My daughter Gina and I have promised to support each other with our Diabetes Management, and while again this is a very personal issue to share with you, I want everyone to know that this too can be managed even though it will never go away. We can enjoy our health and a bicycle lifestyle. Diabetes is 98% self managed and if you don't take responsibility for it, it will kick you in the butt for the rest of your life with heart disease and kidney problems to say the least. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy an active lifestyle; in fact it will help you in the long run.
I got the results today of my A1c Hemoglobin, and it was right on the mark. I was resisting this test because I didn't ' think I had done the job. My RN support told me that because of my cycling and healthy eating choices that my test was excellent and if there was one thing that you can do to help this process, it is the exercise. Now that I am sure I'm headed in the right direction, maybe I can start to safely take off a few pounds. So, don't let anything stop you from doing what you want and need to do. Next test, the old Mamogram; how am I going to report on that one? :- ) stay tuned.
Happy Birthday Annalisa, May 16, 1971, Love Mom
May 13, 2008
"Passionate Prince Andrew"
Andrew Scherf is top notch Royalty in my bicycle journal. I might have touched on this story briefly, but to recap, he is the team leader on our Lance Armstrong Team Challenge. Through this very blog, we met and through this very blog, he invited me to join his team of riders this July in San Jose California.
Andrew, all by his lonesome has managed to get me to overcome every objection I have experienced so far about participating in this ride. This is a young family man and daddy that does a Century Ride with as much ease as I participate in a 5K walk on a Saturday morning. Why do you suppose he cares if I show up or not. Passion; he has a passion for the cause of helping people to withstand the Cancer battle, and he has a Passion for the sport of cycling. Put those two concepts together and you have a powerful force to contend with. So, here I am these days with this event in the forefront of my mind. I am making adjustments in my training and lifestyle that will help me get to this ride for however many miles I complete.
The beautiful thing about a real team, is the word "Team"; Together Everyone Achieves More. The one reason I will participate is because I feel we will all be working together. For those that complete fewer miles, that's OK too. Andrew has made everyone feel that we all have something to contribute to the occasion. He comments on a regular basis about my blog stories and sometimes I hit on a point that he can really connect to; believe it or not. I will be submitting more articles about Andrew, the team and my preparation for the Challenge. He has promised me some pictures to post on my blog and we will see those in the future.
Enough now about coughing and bed rest. Onward and forward for the team.
Come Ride With Me.
May 12, 2008
"The Hampster"
I have been struggling for about 10 days with the flu and in order to build myself back up after a nasty bout with Bronchitis, I am putting on my shoes and taking a walk on the "Treadmill. Just like a hamster, I will follow the path of least resistance and take it slow. The problem with starting up after a layoff is stamina. I doubt, for me anyway, that a huge rush of strenuous exercise is the answer. Especially with my breathing still quite labored, I will try 20 minutes. I will rest and maybe later on in the day I will try another session.
Then my plan is to visit the gym the following day and do a workout but be very mindful of what I am doing. I will get it all in but take it slowly and just see how I feel.
These kind of setbacks make for "Grouchy Marie" to show up. I dislike the loss of time from my schedule and working full time also suffers. I become so focused on what seems like the negative of healing myself and I am not necessarily comfortable with that place. By tomorrow, as I return to the workforce, I will have my tunnel vision back, and the support of my workout partner Kathryn. I will put one foot in front of the other and so on.
I know there are more of you out there that have experienced this more than once, so I will write again after my visit to the gym and report on my comeback. It all about the "Never Give Up"
Come Ride With Me. (very soon)
May 9, 2008
"Hug A Mom Day"
Part of these words I have printed before but they deserve repeating, especially with this being Mothers Day weekend. If you have an issue with your Mom or maybe a friend that is a mom, make amends and don't regret that you cannot take the time to work things out. Spend time with those you love, and celebrate that we set aside a day, albeit not often enough to express our love.
**I find these days that there are very few things for me to be afraid about any longer with the exception of wasting time. I find that there are far more things that I am in love with these days and I have learned to accept everything that comes my way with a purpose for the greater good. For those who are struggling within their heart today, I understand because I have been there. One of the benefits of reaching 60 plus years is coming to grips with life as it is, and with that, comes a certain level of "Peace". Maybe in part it's because I have learned to pick my battles. Maybe because life is cyclical and I have already processed through a particular life lesson more than once, anyway I try to let things go and move on to new experiences. It's wonderful to be able to make choices such as these. I suppose you could say I wish I could trade the wisdom I have today for when I was a stressed out young divorced mother in my "twenties". Then, it dawns on me that I had to travel that path to earn the peace I enjoy today.
Today I am thinking about a couple arguing with each other and that made me very sad. The young man sped away in his car and I of course knew that things were not settled between them. I knew what they were fighting over and from experience I also knew it was very important for each of them to get their point across. I hoped that the man would be safe and that they could make it back together to patch things up. Work to achieve peace in your life and try to find a few moments for it, in every day. If you are divided with someone, try to find a middle ground.**
Last evening I was with my daughter Gina at our Diabetes Management Class. As we went around the room to testify to our goals, I said, "I need to learn to be more conscientious and care about managing my diabetes; I am alone and it's easy not to bother." When we moved next to hear what Gina had to say, we heard; "First of all, (pointing to me, she said) this is my Mom, and second of all you are not alone, you have Me". What could someone want to hear more than such loving and caring words, especially approaching Mothers Day. It was truly a Greeting Card moment and the room fell silent. "Go Hug A Mom"
May 8, 2008
"A Happy Navigator"
I received this e-mail from my niece Christy. I have previewed her in past blogs. She has just moved from Colorado to Washington and left he bike behind for her nephew to ride. Look What She Got.
Hi Marie, Just a quick status for what I got today, a Trek Navigator 3.0 WSD bike!!! OH MY GOSH I LOVE IT!!! The young man at the store helped me to make sure it fit. He had let me ride it around the neighborhood to make sure it was right for me, and I loved it. It is so light and comfortable to ride, it almost feels like no work at all. I am sure a mile or so down the trail my thighs will be screaming and I will be retracting that statement :) I also got a new helmet, as that is the law here. I was so excited about the bike that I don't even care about having to wear the helmet.
I rode it around the block, but tonight my husband and I are going to go for a ride!!! Our first ride in the new town, and my first ride since late winter!!! I am so excited and just wanted to share a little bit with you. I will keep you posted on the rides, and how I am doing very soon. You continue to be an inspiration for me to get out there and ride, and I would not have given the Trek bikes a second look if it was not for all they have done for you in your life. I was very happy with the Kona I had for 10 years but this bike fits so much better, and feels so great, I cannot wait to get a long ride under my belt and report back to you!!! Thank you for continuing to share your story, I cannot wait to catch up with you and ride!!! Did I mention that I also have a bell on my bike, LOVE IT!! Love ya- Christy
Christy sent me several pictures because she was so pround of all the beautiful details on her new bike. She sound like the rest of us when we get on the bicycle and ride. Can you read the "Joy" in her letter? For those of you that are not there yet, jump on the bandwagon and,
Come Ride With Me.
May 6, 2008
"EMMA's Mom"
Baby Emma Daubert arrived on Saturday May 3rd. You may know her Mommy, Mary, or as I fondly refer to her as Coach Mary. Congratulations to my friend and her family as they welcome a new addition to their home. Hopefully we will get a picture of her soon.
The Trek family is growing, especially with the addition of the two new little girls this year; future "Women Who Ride": Emma Daubert 5/3/08 and Liesel Rettig 1/24/08. Liesel's mommy is Krista Rettig our fearless leader of the Women Who Ride progam. Remember the names of these little darlings. because they will be out of their carriages and on two wheel bicycles before we know it. They will be trailblazers and carry on the tradition that their mommies have worked so hard to bring to the mainstream, Bicycle Riding Ladies.
This is a big time right now for cycling women and you can see it everywhere. The experienced women are out busting the trail and the beginners are out there busting the pavement in an effort to learn and enjoy the experience. I receive e-mails, letters and phone calls from women anxious to begin riding, and I also receive thank you notes for writing about by fears and mistakes. There are people that tell me they are glad to read about my experiences because they are shy to ask the questions. Don't forget that your bike shop is always happy to help you and get you out on that bike. If you have not found that to be true, find another bike shop. Most important thing,,,keep putting yourself out there; it will get easier.
Come Ride With Me.
May 5, 2008
The Girl Scout showed up
I set out this weekend to accomplish one thing (as far as Bicycles are concerned). Get in a GOOD ride, feel confident, and be well prepared. I was on a mission.
After a visit to the gym on Friday afternoon, I stopped by JAX bicycles to purchase replacement tubes for the Twins. When I arrived home, I packed a new bike pack for the Pilot Road Bike as well as one for the Mountain Bike. They each have a set of "levers" and a tube. After filling the tires with air, I then loaded the Road Bike into the car so it would be ready to set out on my Saturday morning ride.
I began my journey to the the bike trail which is about 12 miles from the house, unloaded the bike and began my ride; probably my best ride yet. Why?, not because it was the longest, but I felt well prepared, and I decided that all the things I usually worry about were not going to ruin this beautiful Saturday morning. I reminded myself that every time I get in the car, I don't worry about getting a flat tire, why am I so obsessed with this?
Anyway, I had enough water with me to go for two hours, traveled about 25 miles and met some nice people along the way, conversed and they suggested how I could extend my next ride. I also received several comments about my "Bubble Gum Pink" bike. and ran into this other group of characters that were participating in some sort of "Rally". Part of the requirement must have been how ridiculous their attire could appear. I saw everything from Boxers (shorts) to Mohawks to cigar smoking riders. I should have had my camera,with me but it was in the car. They all wanted to high-five me as they passed, and I thought I was going to end up down in the gully. It was the highlight of my ride. Saturday is a good time to ride this trail so that even though I am alone, I am really not alone. It's all about making progress and I accomplished what I wanted to do. By the way, I need to purchase some bike shorts with a better chamois; I learned about that the hard way : )
Come Ride With Me.
May 2, 2008
Last Weekend
I didn't want to forget to report / share on my ride last weekend; because of what I experienced. On Saturday morning I started out with "The Boy" twin to experience a bumpier ride. I just thought I could take it easy and relax a little. Of course before I did anything I checked the air in the tires. As a lesson I have learned the hard way, I will remember to do this as well as keeping the pump with me if I am traveling, as well as keeping my mouth shut. Every little detail is a slow process for me and I will now pay a visit this weekend to the bike shop to get some simple answers about filling the tires.
The Fuel EX is fun and somehow it reminds me of my first "Two Wheeler". The purpose for what I will enjoy this bike is on a less technical level for me and it makes me feel more like a little girl just out to explore. It makes me smile inside and out. I also found a new place close to home where I can bump around on some trails. Yes I am being careful.
I was inspired to then return home and get out the road bike, (little girl twin). Coach Mary suggested a few things to make me feel comfortable and although I do think about some of them, I didn't think about just taking the bike out for that purpose. It was a wonderful suggestion because instead of many things to think about at once, this particular ride I was just concentrating on one small issue. Can you imagine what it was: Pulling the water bottle from the cage and taking in water while in motion. It was a very thoughtful reminder and I will take the time to devote additional practice to the technique. A primary effort for the experienced biker but my "newby rider friends and myself need this kind of gentle encouragement.
I felt good about both experiences on both bikes and also felt that I achieved what I set out to accomplish; make some comparisons and get more comfortable. I want to thank Trek for setting me up with Coach Mary, and I want to thank Coach Mary for becoming my coach/confidant. I try to share what I learn from everyone with everyone, hoping that we can all benefit from my resources.
Come Ride With Me.
