February 29, 2008
NATIONAL BIKE SUMMIT 2008
The League of American Bicyclists will be hosting the National Bike Summit March 3-5 in Washington DC. The conference takes place at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center.
The National Bike Summit offers two-and-a-half days of workshops, training, and meetings with members of Congress and their staff. Hundreds of advocates, industry leaders, and retailers will be working together to get more people out riding their bikes more often. The conference will provide advocates with a unique opportunity to
inform Congress of the importance of bicycling, and to educate
them on specific bicycling issues.
I am so excited to report that I will be in DC for the conference! If any of you are going to be there I would love to meet you, hang with you, attend a meeting with you or chat about bikes with you. I'm quite the social butterfly and I love meeting new faces. Please track me down at the conference or shoot me an email at susan_mele@trekwomenwhoride.com.
I promise to report all week on all the really cool stuff I learn about. I can't wait!
February 27, 2008
NICE WORK LIAM
The National PTA runs a program called Reflections. The Reflections Program is an arts recognition and achievement program for students. The Reflections Program provides
opportunities for students to express themselves creatively and to
receive positive recognition for original works of art inspired by a
pre-selected theme, while increasing community awareness on the
importance of the arts in education. This year the theme was "I can make a difference by..."
Liam entered the program this year in the literature category and wrote a piece entitled "I Can Make a Difference by Riding My Bike to School". It was a good little piece in which he expressed how much fun riding can be for kids while being great exercise. He won 4th place in his category and I'm very proud of him (of course I am, I'm his mom).
On Monday I went to a ceremony and watched him receive his medals, one for participation and one for 4th place. He even wore a collared shirt, nice pants and pulled his hair back in a ponytail. He was very excited about his award.
Now we have got some bigger fish to fry as we are working on a bike rally at his school in the spring. If all goes as planned we'll have a One World, Two Wheels table, water bottles, a tech tent for bike tune-ups, a raffle with some cool prizes (maybe even a bike), helmets, snacks, a charity to raise money for and a great little lap course for all of the kids to workout on. Maybe by raising the awareness and enthusiasm more families will get out their and start riding!
February 26, 2008
CALGON TAKE ME AWAY
- I have the flu. Yuck.
- I can't workout. Lovely.
- I have 4 monkeys. How can you be sick with 4 monkeys? They don't
understand a sick mom. You just become someone to jump on while you're
lying down.
- I got a call tonight from the kid's school telling they have an
asbestos problem and school is canceled for Wednesday. Are you
kidding me?
- I may lock myself in a closet all day tomorrow and leave food and water out for the kids. Do you think that'll work?
- AND just to add insult to injury, I'm truly a women on the rag. Super.
The Loveman thought it would be nice to take this photo of me as it says it all. Isn't he sweet?
February 24, 2008
MARDI GRAS BALL
This past weekend was quite busy. First off, the Loveman had a birthday (moment of silence) and everything we did was just an extension of his special day. We had friends over, kids over, workouts, dinner out and then a Mardi Gras Ball complete with beads, masks and crazy hair! Unfortunately the Loveman made it up until the day of the ball and then he got a bad case of the flu.
Of course I still attended the ball. You know me, I will NEVER miss
an event or gathering. My friend Offie had invited me as his guest as this was an Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Party that was benefiting a youth scholarship that the fraternity supports. There were no fraternities or sororities at my college so this was the first "frat" party I had ever been to. Let me tell you it was a blast! There were some members inducted that night that did some crazy ass step dance that was something out of Riverdance. Then the whole room exploded and everyone made it out onto the dance floor. I danced for a long time, in my mask of course, and boy did I work up a sweat. I was soaking wet!
I've decided that the next time I have an indoor cycling session I will wear the mask to maximize my calorie burning. Not a bad idea...and I'll make sure to take pictures.
February 23, 2008
THIS IS HORRIBLE
I am a Libra. The symbol for Libras is the scale. Libras search for equality and are probably the fairest, most even keel people you could meet. Our characters on a whole are balanced, diplomatic and even tempered. I pride myself in being all of those things. So here's where I have the problem. I can't make a decision to save my life! Picking out a movie, ordering off a menu or buying clothes can be a horrifying experience for me. Never fails, I break into a sweat and beg for someone else to make a decision for me. It's truly torture.
So here I am with so many names for my new Trek 2008 Trek Madone 6.5 WSD. Thank you to everyone that emailed me and contacted me with names. But unfortunately I can't make up my mind. I'm driving myself crazy!
Here's a few of my favorite ones.
- Phantom
- Steve
- Lightness
- Slick
- Goodness
- Strunze
- Lucky Star
- Ice
- Mad One
- Doug
- White Lightening
- Privilege
- Freddy
I PROMISE to have a name by the end of the week. I'm gonna have to flip a coin or something...I may just have to let me kids decide. That's usually how I make the majority of my major decisions in life. Thanks for your patience!
February 21, 2008
THANK YOU SUSAN
I received this email a few days ago and I really felt the need to share. It's still hard to believe that people actually read my blog much less are inspired by it. Wow. Very very cool.
Hi Susan,
I am design engineer here at Trek. I graduated from
college about two years ago and work for the OCLV carbon group. I was
part of the team that designed your newest bike. I had never ridden a
road bike until this past summer when a bunch of the guys forced me
into it and made me start riding to work with them. Let me tell ya it
took me a little getting used to, to get up at 5am to ride the 15 miles
to work!! (I'm not really a morning person..still kind of stuck in
college mode.) I started on an '08 Madone and fell in love instantly. Up
until last summer I had been a downhill free rider and claimed I would
never be one of those spandex wearing sissies...little did I know how
much work a road ride can be. I rode in the Trek 100 in June and was
able to keep up with the boys until the last ten miles. All and all I
finished averaging 18.5mph, which as a beginner I was very proud of.
Heck I was proud I finished 100 miles at all!!
Anyways the main reason I am emailing you is to say
thank you. Reading about all your adventures helps remind me why I love
my job on those days when I feel like I might scream if I see another
bike! Crazy as it may sound, when you stare at bike parts and frames
all day everyday you start to forget how amazing biking can be and the
impact it has on people's lives. So thank you for giving me
inspiration on those days when work seems a little dull. Whenever I
hit a mental block in designing or can't handle another minute of CAD
work I read your latest postings and feel a bit better when I dive back
into work.
Best of luck in all your adventures and in coming up with a name for the newest bike!
Jen Weber
Composite Design Engineer
Trek Bicycle Corporation
Thank YOU Jen and the entire OCLV carbon group for designing a kick ass bike! Keep riding and reading!
February 19, 2008
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT AND STOP THE INSANITY!
Ok, so I'm sure you've all heard about the Amaury Sports Organization (ASO) barring Team
Astana, in which Trek sponsors, from competing in any race or event organized by the ASO in
2008. The ASO runs pretty much runs all cycling events in France including the Tour de France. Not so nice.
Why you ask? It's because this year's team is paying for sins of last year's team even though this year's team is completely different. We all know what that's like. If you had a big brother or sister that was a sneak or a bully in school then you were immediately pegged a trouble maker when you entered the class years later. Guilt by association. Sad but true. Well this isn't high school it's the real world and that's what's happening to the new Astana team of 2008.
The new Astana team has totally cleaned up their act. I would even go so far as to call them squeaky clean. As a matter of fact Levi Leipheimer has never been implicated in any drug scandal. Unfortunately the ASO could care a less. It's a bum rap. What a shame...especially for Levi Leipheimer and the entire Astana team. Can you imagine working so hard to achieve a dream and then to have it taken away? It's a load of crap.
So what can you do? Well here it is. A website was just set up yesterday in support of Levi in trying to get him back into the tour. The more people that sign the petition and get on the Let Levi Ride website, the better the chances will be. Write a letter, get a shirt, a button or a sticker. Do something and Let Levi Ride! Thanks in advance for your support!
February 18, 2008
THE BIGGEST LOSER - Part 2
Yes, yes and yes, the biggest loser is still happening!!! I know I have been ignoring the topic for a while and I apologize but sometimes dealing with weight loss can be such a drag. Just looking at my back fat in the mirror can put me over the edge. Is there really any reason why we can't just shave our fat off with a big ass potato peeler? If life was so easy...
So it's week six and I am down 12 pounds. I am steadily losing a pound or so week and I'll take it. Yes, I'm eating right, working out and sending some pretty serious voodoo to the other contestants. But, come on, losing weight sucks! I can be a little bitchy about it if I like, right? Although I must admit that I am enjoying my daily breakfast of low fat oatmeal with a spoonful of flaxseed for got measure. If nothing else it keeps me clean as a whistle.
Here's my strategy...I'm gonna be slow and steady and then in the last two weeks I'm gonna spend 3 hours a day in a sauna in addition to working out, eating only figs and drinking water with lemon. I am not prepared to lose this competition so ladies, "Get ready to rumble!"
PS - The above photo is my fab friend Molly (who I work with) and I in the Bahamas. Molly is the organizer of the biggest loser contest and I must say she is going strong. If there's one person I wouldn't mind losing to it would be Molly...but that's it!
PSS - The photo of me...I just couldn't resist.
PSSS - I still have no idea why every bloody person that comes to the Atlantis has to have their picture taken in that silly chair...but hey I was doing it just like every other idiot that walked by. Peer pressure I guess.
February 16, 2008
AN AWESOME RIDE, IN MY GARAGE
Tonight I had a great ride. It started in my garage, continued in my garage and ended in my garage. I didn't use lights nor did I wear my helmet or any of my winter gear. If I can't be outside with my new love then I need to start riding him inside.
It was also my make-up session for the Cranky Cupid Spin Challenge. I had every intention of being a part of the challenge but that thing called life just got in the way. My daughter Kiley had a class party where I painted faces, I picked up V-day presents for my monkeys, I picked up my girlfiend's 3 darling children so the parents could be free for V-day, then I made a big spaghetti dinner and had a bottle of red wine. Before I knew it there went my day and my workout. Sometimes you need a rest day.
So there you have it...me, my new love, in a garage. Nice.
PS - Feel free to keep submitting names for my Trek Madone 6.5 WSD!
February 14, 2008
SPINNING SLACKER
Remember my trainer, Mary Daubert? You know, the former Olympian and mountain biking world champion (still wondering why she trains me)? She is one cool cat and I had the pleasure of meeting her when I was out at Trek in January. She sends me schedules, advice, different programs in strength training and is all around supportive of what I do.
While we were in Madison we did some spinning together and she touched on some important points. Yes, we've all heard many of these things before but whether or not we're actually doing them is another story. The constant reminders are very effective for me because it is so easy to become a spinning slacker. You figure, what the hell, no one is watching so you can get away with whatever you want. Yeah, yeah, yeah, we've all been there but bottom line we are the one's that suffer in the end.
So here are some basic reminders...
1. Make full circle movements with your legs. Feel the power all the way around the circle. It you don't feel the fat jiggle constantly then you are not doing it right. Feel the power from within baby!
2. Pretend you are wiping poop off of the bottom of your shoe. Poop stinks and you want to get it off...plain and simple...on the bottom of the pedal stroke of course.
3. Keep your shoulders and elbows relaxed. No one wants to look like Pee Wee Herman on a bike.
4. Keep a light grip on the handlebars. Tight grips lead to teeth clenching which leads to butt clenching which leads to constipation. Need I say more?
5. Look up!!! What is so freaking important about looking down at your bike (unless you're riding a gorgeous Trek Madone 6.5 WSD). But seriously, raise your chest and tuck in your chin to raise your head rather than hyper extending your neck. Do you think giraffes are sexy?
6. Don't move your freaking body like you're at an 80's disco party. Stop looking like your having an epileptic seizure on the bike, just stay still. No rocking allowed!
Ok - so now go and practice. That's what I do every day. Keep up the good work riders.
February 13, 2008
IT'S ALL IN THE NAME
Help!!! I have been struggling since the moment I opened the bike box as to what I am going to call my 2008 Trek Madone 6.5 WSD. I have a few names floating through my head at present (Hunk of Burning Love, Hot Stuff, Love Bug, Sexy Thang) but I thought I would open it up to you my lovely and faithful readers.
So what do you think? Come up with as many names as you like and send them my way. Yes, there will be a prize for the winner. Some Trek something or other....
Send your ideas to susan_mele@trekwomenwhoride.com or just leave a comment. Thanks!
February 11, 2008
OH GOD, NOT THE BIKES!
When I called home last night the Loveman said that we had just lost power. Then he added, “There are a lot of sirens and fire trucks coming up our road.” This is pretty much how our life is where we live. We have a lot of trees and the power lines are above ground so if it gets a little windy we inevitably lose power. Last night it was super duper windy and the temperature was dropping quickly.
As I was driving up our road the driver coming toward me rolled down her window and was in a complete panic.
Unknown Driver: (screaming) Where do you live?!
Susan: 514. Where do you live?
Unknown Driver: (still screaming) I live at 512!! I’m your neighbor!
(I looked a little surprised as I had never seen her before in my life. Clearly, she was my new neighbor.)
Susan: Oh, hi…what’s going on?
Unknown Driver: (Still screaming even louder) A power line went down in our yard and there’s a big fire and it’s moving up the hill to our house. The fire trucks are here and everyone needs to evacuate.
Susan: (short pause - still while thinking she's a bit nutty) Thanks, I better go get my family.
As I pulled up to our house I could see the smoke and the fire in my neighbors yard. There was definitely a fire, no doubt about that. I kept the kids in the car and ran in to get the Loveman and Seamus. He put Seamus in the car and we ran next door to get a little closer look at the fire. There were about 8 firemen and a few trucks. They were trying to use rakes to put out the fire (that was all over the yard) as opposed to water, which was a good move.
When we drove out onto the main road we noticed that it had been completely closed down.
That's never a good sign. As we headed out to get dinner we looked at each other and laughed. What else was there to do?
Jim: Oh well, so we lose this house in a fire.
Susan: It’s funny but I don’t even care. Been there, done that.
Jim: Yeah, I hear that.
Susan: I’m hungry. Anyone hungry?
Monkeys: We are!
When we got to the restaurant we had a beer and chuckled a bit. We had lost our home 3 years earlier during hurricane Isabelle. It was truly a nightmare. It just seemed a bit ironic to think that maybe it was about to happen yet again but this time in a fire.
Susan: I could care a less about anything we own.
Jim: Me too.
Susan: It’s just a house and some stuff.
(Long pause followed by a gasp)
Susan: Oh my god, not the bikes! We totally forgot about the bikes!
We headed home shortly after and the fire was fine but we had no power all night. It was 50 degrees when we woke up this morning and everyone was sneezing and their tootsie were cold...but you know what? At least we still had our bikes!
It's the little things in life...
February 8, 2008
DON'T WORRY ABOUT SWEETNESS
I have been getting an overwhelming amount of emails, phone calls and inquiries about the future of Sweetness. I never had any idea that everyone cared so much about him. It warms my heart. Because of your concern I thought I would write a blog letting you know what is going to happen to him.
I'm actually thinking about auctioning Sweetness off on ebay. Just kidding! I'm not selling him on ebay, at a garage sale or in the black market. I am not giving him away to any of my friends (even though many of you have begged me on several occasions). I am not putting him in the attic and I am not taking off any of his components and swapping them with friends like trading cards. I am keeping him!
Sweetness has a lot of sentimental value for me. I worked hard for him, I won him and I love him...especially the paint job. I will use Sweetness as my "spare bike". Did I just say that? Wow, I'm beginning to sound like a bit of a bike snob, aren't I? I can take him when I travel, when the weather is a bit questionable or when I go riding with a friend and they want to try out a fine specimen of the WSD workmanship. I promise, he will be put to good use.
Sweetness will be with me forever, so take a deep sigh of relief and don't worry your pretty little heads.
February 6, 2008
24 HOURS OF MADNESS
Have I completely lost my mind? Am I so far out on a limb that I can't tell fantasy from reality? Does someone come into to my room at night pump me full of laughing gas? Is my brain half full or half empty? Not too sure these days.
Last night the Loveman and I were hanging in the hot tub enjoying a beautiful evening. Now let me tell you that some of our most interesting and important converstaions take place there. We have no distractions so for at least an hour or so we get each other's undivided attention. That doesn't happen too often with four monkies.
Here's how it all went down...
Loveman: Are you in or not?
Susan: What are you talking about?
Loveman: 24 Hour Racing in Big Bear.
Susan: Oh man, I don't know, I really want to but...
Loveman: But what? Are you in or not? I've got nine guys that I'm sure are interested.
Susan: (Long Pause) Yah I'm in.
Loveman: Cool
Susan: But if I'm in we have to call the team the Women Who Ride.
Loveman: Ok (Long Pause)...that's fine but it's an open team, 4 guys and a girl, like before.
Susan: I know that...but listen, I think it would be cool if all the guys all wore wigs.
Loveman: Hmmmm. (long pause) I'm sure they wouldn't mind the name so much...but the wigs...I don't know. We'll have to talk about that.
So I've made the commitment and now I'm officially in for the 24 Hour Mountain Bike Race in Big Bear. We still need to vote on the team name, get a babysitter (big job), find a sponsor (hmmm...maybe Trek), get a camper (or tents) and get ready for a great weekend. I know I'll be riding a Trek Fuel EX 8 WSD and it will help me win. Just kidding....we won't be winning but it'll be a blast.
This will be my second time doing this race and hands down, it could possibly be one of the most insane (and fun) events that I have ever participated in (in my life). Wish me luck!!!
February 5, 2008
UNBELIEVABLE AND ILLEGAL!
OMG!!! I keep having to pinch myself because my life is so freakin' unbelievable. My new 2008 Trek Madone 6.5 WSD is to die for and I mean it! First off, the bike is so stinking light that I can twirl it like a baton over my head! Of course it is because it is the OCLV red carbon (i.e. the mother of all carbons).
We have been getting a bit of rain here but I managed to find a pocket of sunshine and took the bike out for a little spin. In one word I would describe the bike as unbelievable. Once again Trek has topped themselves and put out an amazing product that is above and beyond my wildest expectations on a bike.
Just a few choice things I would like to point out.
- The Fork is Bontrager Race XXX Lite, full carbon w/e2 carbon steerer. What does that mean? Lite, easy to handle and no bumps on the road at all. You can ride over anything and not feel a thing.
- The Wheels are Bontrager Race X Lite which translates as smoking hot. These wheels are lite and hot, hot, hot. Have you ever seen white spokes? Very sexy!
- The Crank is a Bontager Race X Lite which is so easy to ride. I love tht compact crank and was never left wishing I had a granny gear. You can effortlessly handle it all with the compact.
- The Rear Derailliur is Shimano Durace. Need I say more? Nothing but the best for this bike.
- The Color is so clean and fresh and sleek. This bike is a head turner.
- The Seat is the best seat I have ever been on, ever - I love it. No pain, pressure, numbing, just comfort. I'm going to write a whole blog on this topic!
There is so much more about this bike that I could tell you about but first go out and see it and it will become your new obsession. Trek WSD has so many bikes out at all price points so click on over to the WSD bikes and check some out.
If you have gotten a new Trek WSD bike shoot me a comment or an email at susan_mele@trekwomenwhorides.com. Tell me all about your bike and how it makes you feel. I'll make sure to include it in an upcoming blog. Until then, ride and be free!!!!!
February 3, 2008
THANK YOU SWEETNESS
I'm starting to feel a bit of guilt. Yes, because I am a Women Who Rides and I have gotten two of the nicest bikes in the world over the last 6 months. Sweetness has been soooo good to me. He taught me what it was like to ride the cadillac of all bikes without ever looking back and also taught me how to excel as a rider and enjoy the ride. I love Sweetness.
Part of me is afraid to get on my new Trek Madone 6.5 WSD. Here's why...when I do, I may like it more than Sweetness. I kind of feel like I am about to cheat on my lover and I know in my heart its wrong but I know it is going to be better than ever. Do you understand my inner struggle? I am sad and torn but excited at the same time.
I want to share some of my favorite photos of Sweetness in honor of all that he has given me. Enjoy, just as I have...
February 1, 2008
ANTICIPATION
Today was a normal day in the life of being a mom, kids to school, to floor hockey, to the gym, to the store, to the cleaners, to the coffee shop, to the post office, etc. etc. When I got home after running around with the kids I pulled into the driveway hoping to see my bike box sitting on my driveway, but it wasn't. I was slightly disappointed but figured that it must have gotten tied up in its journey from Madison, Wisconsin. Maybe there was some massive snowstorm that I hadn't heard about. Come on, it's Wisconsin. Don't they have a snowstorm like every week?
Once we were home I started hanging up everyone's coats and I looked out the side door and low and behold there was a bike box!!! Sweet Jesus in heaven AND it was addressed to me. I pulled the bike into the garage and opened it up just to get a look at it. Shiny, white, light, clean and crisp. It was pretty sweet.
When I arrived home that night at midnight I found my Trek Madone 6.5 WSD hanging on a bike stand in my garage. It was almost done. Be still my beating heart. I've never seen anything like it. Now I have to wait for that first ride. I don't know if I can make it! I'm worse than a little kid!
