ALONE TIME

The Loveman woke me up on Sunday morning and asked me if I was going to do the club ride.  This of course meant that he would be home with the monkeys (score!).  I told him I was going to ride by myself and he kind of shook his head.  He said "You have a lot more to write about when you ride with other people".  Yes, he is correct and yes, I love riding with the club but I just wasn't in the mood. 

I felt like I needed to get away from everyone and everything and be alone for a little while.  The Loveman prepped my bike as he always does (I know I'm spoiled) and I prepared for a fabulous ride.  I had on my favorite red jacket that matches Slick perfectly as it brings out the red accents in his paint job.  Slick and I were looking good and I was feeling good. 

We got out on the road and I felt great.  Slick impressed me with his ability to handle the road like no other bike I have ever been on.  He is absolutely amazing.  I did about 27 miles and not once did I ever feel like I was riding a bike.  I felt like I was on cloud 9 just clearing my head.  I didn't have a care in the world.

It's amazing how much I accomplished on my ride.  I completed my to do list for the week, worked through the monkeys' spring activity schedules, figured out my work and show schedule, picked summer camps and road trips for the kids and enjoyed the scenery.  Fortunately I never had to worry about the bike because it rides itself.  No lie.  I jest you not.  The Trek Madone 6.5 WSD is beyond my wildest dreams.  I'm so glad Slick and I found each other.  He's so good at relaxing and calming me down. 

Now lets all take a deep breath together.  Ahhhhhhhhhhhh......

Posted by Susan on March 31, 2008 in Stories from the Saddle | Permalink | Comments (1)

HOW TO GAIN 5 POUNDS ON EASTER VACATION

Yes, I am still a part of the biggest loser contest and am trying to be strong but the strangest thing happens when I get around my family.  I am no longer the girl that eats right but instead I become a food junkie.  With that I bring you the top ten ways to gain 5 pounds in a week.  I did it and so can you!

1. For breakfast always start out with coffee and add some heavy flavored cream.  After coffee time treat the rest of breakfast as if it is a 3 course meal.  Donuts, then cereal, then pancakes. 
2. Make sure to order out as many meals as possible and don't forget about the sides, they're the best part...especially garlic mashed or mac and cheese which are offered on almost every carry out menu.
3. Try and eat some type of cheese product with every meal and then throw in a glass of whole milk for good measure.
4. Keep your children's easter baskets easily accessible so you can pop several pieces of candy in your mouth all day long without the kids ever noticing. 
5. When eating at a restaurant, first finish your plate, then try and help out all the skinny people at the table that are "too full" to finish their meal. 
6. Don't worry about filling up on bread at a restaurant.  Eat it up, slather it in butter or olive oil with cheese and always ask for more, even if you have an appetizer, salad and entree on its way.   
7. No matter how full you are, always order dessert and don't share it with anyone.
8. Every day between lunch and dinner a trip to the ice cream parlor is a nice afternoon pick me up.  Your order should include a large chocolate malt or shake.
9. Have an all junk food lunch with the whole family that includes doritos, twinkies, cupcakes and cheese puffs.  You'll suddenly become popular with all the kids on the beach, not just your own.
10. Every night before bedtime check your fridge for any leftover pizza or pasta and get in a good bedtime snack.  There's nothing like listening to your stomach churn when you're trying to fall asleep. 

Good luck!  If you follow all the steps I'm sure you'll have no problem being as successful as me! 

Posted by Susan on March 30, 2008 in Free your Fat , Training Terrors , Woman on the Rag | Permalink | Comments (0)

I'M VERY SORRY

I would like to start this blog out by apologizing for barely writing last week.  I could only get dial-up (what's that?), I didn't have a car and it seemed near impossible to take my kids anywhere that didn't involve water, ice cream or sand...not neccessarily in that order.  Oh ya, and did I mention that the Loveman left 4 days early because he had to "work"?  I could only be so lucky.

Here's some highlights from the trip...

• Fiona turned 6 years old, had a pool party, and ate half an ice cream cake.
• Seamus smacked his cousin Max about 5 times a day.
• Liam started playing tennis, fishing and boogie boarding.
• Kiley found out that she has a future in Olympic diving.
• Fiona started swimming in 9 foot deep water for hours on end and never drown.
• Someone spotted a shark in the ocean while the kids were swimming.  I didn't tell them. 
• We went out for ice cream every day.  I was the official "drip cleaner".
• I traveled alone with 4 children alone on an airplane and I didn't jump out the window.
• Liam decided to tell me that he was scared to death of flying right before boarding.  Nice.

All in all it was a good trip with the family and I know the kids had a ton of fun.  Now I need a vacation from my vacation!

 

Posted by Susan on March 29, 2008 in Stories from the Saddle | Permalink | Comments (0)

ALL GOOD FROM THE BEACH

After being here for 5 days I have finally found some internet service...but here is the problem, I never have a moment to get to it.  I am very busy chasing my kids up and down the beach, hanging by the pool making sure my kids don't drown, and eating and drinking til my hearts content.  I am busy in a different kind of way, a vacation kind of way. 

There is a fair amount of riding and running that goes on around here.  The one thing that my children and I keep noticing is that no one ever wears a helmet.  Old, young and everything in between, no helmet.  Believe me if I had to choose one place where I would wear a helmet while crossing the street it would be in Florida.  The drivers are horrible and the majority of them are over 80.  No joke.

Personally I have barely been exercising. If I exercise I need a sitter and finding a sitter is a whole new set of challenges.  Sometimes its good to have a little rest time, right? 

Posted by Susan on March 26, 2008 in Stories from the Saddle | Permalink | Comments (1)

I NEED HEAT

It was 40 degrees today with 30 mile per hour winds and this is what Kiley, my 3 year old monkey, wanted to put on when she got home from school.  She's a little excited as we are going to Florida tomorrow for a big family vacation with siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and grandparents. 

I have been going to Sarasota, Siesta Key for the past 30 years. Siesta Key has one of the top ten beaches in the world and it's beyond beautiful.  We spend a lot of time going to the beach and then the pool, then the pool and then to the beach, then to get ice cream etc. etc....with a few meltdowns in between.  It is good fun and the kids always look forward to it all year long. 

So tonight I pack for 5 people while trying to find a bathing suit that makes my body look like a size 6...I think I vaguely remember being a size 6 back in grade school.  Then I think about how all of the kids are going to behave on the plane and I take a deep breath, cross my fingers and do a shot.  Just kidding. 

I can't wait to run, ride and get lots of rest and relaxation...ok so that was a joke also.  Come on, is vacationing with your children while being surrounded by water ever relaxing?  Hmmm...maybe when they're 16.  Please ponder that thought. 

Happy Spring!

Posted by Susan on March 20, 2008 in Stories from the Saddle | Permalink | Comments (2)

SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL

While I attended the National Bike Summit in DC I met an enthusiastic dynamic individual.  Her name is Deb Hubsmith (right in photo) and she is the Director of Safe Routes to School Partnership. 

She planted the seed for Safe Routes to School several years ago while at the National Bike Summit.  After years of hard work and perseverance she received a 613 million dollar grant and was off and running.  I thoroughly enjoyed watching her moderate a couple of the sessions.  She's short, to the point and knows exactly what she's talking about.  She means business and after meeting her you can completely understand how she has done so much in such a short period of time. 

If you are unfamiliar with Safe Routes to School, it was established in 2006 and here is a brief overview of the program.  For the past 2 years community leaders, parents and schools across the U.S. have used Safe Routes to School programs to encourage and enable more children to safely walk and bike to school. The National Center for Safe Routes to School aims to assist these communities in developing successful Safe Routes, programs and strategies. The Center offers a centralized resource of information on how to start and sustain a Safe Routes to School program, case studies of successful programs as well as many other resources for training and technical assistance.

If you live in a community that could benefit from the Safe Routes to School program, hop on their website and they'll walk you through the process.  Good people doing good things.  I love that.

Posted by Susan on March 19, 2008 in Babes on Bikes , Stories from the Saddle | Permalink | Comments (0)

JUST DRINK THE KOOLAID

In case you haven't figured this out yet, I'm an enthusiastic person.  I get excited about pretty much everything.  I love life, I live in the moment and I love to share how I feel.  Some people like it and I'm sure others find it annoying, and that's ok.

Jim and I have been friends with a couple, Jen and Ron, for a little over a year.  They are a very physically fit or should I say "naturally" physically fit.  They have both been runners their whole lives and they're a bit high strung (in a good way) so they are always burning calories.  I shared my love of biking with Jen and took her on her virgin ride months ago (see Lose Your Panties blog) and she totally got hooked.  She now has a bike that the Loveman built for her and she rode 17 miles on Sunday.  GO JEN! 

Her husband Ron was on the cycling team at Penn State.  Can you say gifted?  Nothing like a guy that is 6'1" and weighs 170!  Poor thing!  Ron was always intrigued and excited about the Trek gig (one of my biggest blog fans) and the Loveman and I begged him since the day we met him to go riding with us.  He was always full of BS excuses such as "My bike is so old" or "I have no time" or "I don't know if I can do it anymore."   Loveman and I kind of laughed in his face and said, "If you hopped on a bike today you could easily kick either of our butts."

The day I got back from the National Bike Summit we had dinner with Jen and Ron and my biking enthusiasm was oozing out of every pore.  Ron said, "I need to get a bike."  His wife agreed that it was a life or death situation.  For real.  He had been sucked into the corporate treadmill and never had any time for years to do something that was so near and dear his heart.  The Loveman and I told him he needed a Madone andtheLoveman agreed to take him out shopping the next day.

The next day I called a new friend and Trek dealer, Jeff Dalik from the Bike Doctor in Linthicum, that I had just met at the National Bike Summit and asked him if he had a Madone 5.1 size 58cm.  Jeff laughed and said, "I have one Trek Madone left and that's the one."

Needless today they drove 45 miles that day to get the bike and Ron hasn't been the same since.  He's like a little kid or happy as a pig in *&%#!  He says the bike "takes off and rides by itself".  It all sounds vaguely familiar but so true.  Bottom line, I'm just thrilled that Ron has gotten his life back and I can't wait to attack him out on the road....and then feel the wrath of the counter attack!  Look out!

Posted by Susan on March 17, 2008 in Babes on Bikes , Loveman the Tech , Stories from the Saddle | Permalink | Comments (3)

MY YET UN-NAMED BIKE

Ok, ok, I know...I am totally behind schedule but you'll be glad to know that I have come up with a name for my beautiful spanking, new, wonderful, fabulous 2008 Trek Madone 6.5 WSD.  As I have told you in past blogs, this process is almost as bad as Chinese water torture.  Making decisions is not my forte.  With that being said the 2nd runner-up is...

1. 2nd Runner-Up - DOUG
2. 1st Runner-Up - White Lightening
3. Winner - SLICK

Yes folks, I have named my new 2008 Trek Madone 6.5 WSD, SLICK.  He is so slick and smooth on the road that I could not resist the name.

Of course I have prizes for my top 3 winners BUT for the life of me I can't remember who the heck game me the name SLICK.  I know it was a friend that I was out with or was over at my house or goes to school with my kids or I met at the playground, etc. etc.  So, if you are the lucky one, send me an email or comment and I'll send you your prize as promised.  The other 2 winners should be receiving something shortly.  I'll give you one clue, it's not the Loveman in a box.  He is much too valuable to my individual riding team to just send him away as a prize.

Thank you to everyone who submitted a name.  My new boy SLICK and I thank you!

Posted by Susan on March 16, 2008 in Stories from the Saddle , Woman on the Rag | Permalink | Comments (1)

DO THE TEST

Check out this short video.   www.dothetest.co.uk   It's very cool and I think everyone should watch it.  It sure puts a lot of things in perspective.

Wake up and smell the coffee!  Please forward it to anyone who you might think could benefit from watching it (like everyone you know!).  It's one of the best ads I've seen.  Very smart and gets right to the point.  What do you think?

Posted by Susan on March 15, 2008 in Babes on Bikes , Stories from the Saddle , Woman on the Rag | Permalink | Comments (2)

34 MILES IN 30 MPH WINDS

Every women needs friends.  I don't care if you're Superwomen or a Supermodel.  We all need help.  As a mother of four clearly I need help.  I don't have family where I live so I have to reach out to people and I constantly have to remind myself that it's ok to ask for help.  If a friend has to work, is sick, has to volunteer at school, needs to attend a meeting, needs to go to the doctor's, or just needs a break from their kids, I am the first to offer.  I always pay it forward and it always comes back to me. 

Yesterday I got an email form Katie Gore, the organizer of She Got Bike as well as a good friend and the wife of the fabulous Joe from Joe's Bike Shop.  She leads rides for the Baltimore Bicycling Club and wanted me to know that there was a ride coming up the next day.  I got so excited when I got the email but I knew I had to square away Thing One and Thing Two or I would be towing them behind me on a trailer.  If you know Oregon Ridge (hilly as all hell), there was no way I would have been able to tow them.

When I saw my friend Michaela yesterday she said "You want to go ride today?"  I said, "No but how about tomorrow, pretty please?"  Without skipping a beat, she said, "Absolutely, no problem."

That night I was so excited about my first big ride of the season (34 miles is big when you've only been doing 15-20 miles in the freezing cold).  When I woke up I packed up my car, my kids, my bike and my gear and off I went to drop them at Michaela's.  Of course, I never checked the weather.

About 7 riders showed up and it was great to see Katie as I hadn't seen her since the fall and we chatted like a couple of old ladies (the guys just stare and ride by).  She always inspires me to be a better stronger person with her positive attitude and outlook on life.  We had a great ride but the wind was totally intense and never at our back (bummer).  A couple of time I thought I was going to take off with my yet un-named Trek 6.5 Madone WSD like Mary Poppins.  It was so freakin' windy but I didn't care as I had beautiful scenery, good conversation, a killer bike and a sunny day.  Does it get any better than this?

Posted by Susan on March 12, 2008 in Babes on Bikes , Stories from the Saddle , Woman on the Rag | Permalink | Comments (4)

IF YOU CAN OVERLOOK A BAD HAIRDO.... THAN YOU REALLY LIKE YOUR BIKE A LOT

I RECENTLY RECEIVED THIS EMAIL FROM A NEW GUEST BLOGGER!  ENJOY!

It is the beginning of March and we are in the midst of yet another Chicago snow storm.  You might think that this would depress me as we have had several large snow storms this season, but I am actually encouraged.  Why am I encouraged during a storm that is predicted to drop another 8-9 inches of snow on top of the 11 inches that fell several weeks ago?  I am encouraged because it is the beginning of March and this absolutely can't last much longer.

March means the end of winter - the beginning of spring and the start of the biking season.  Everyday when I pull in and out of the garage, with my tire treads full of snow, I see my Trek FX 7.5 WSD and it lifts my spirits.  I bought it last fall on the advice of Susan and Jim (the Loveman). 

I had taken cycle classes for years but I started riding outside last summer when the club where I work out at bought six Trek bikes for members to use.  I must admit that I sought the advice of several people when looking to buy a bike but Susan's enthusiasm for and loyalty to, Trek bikes, won me over. 

I did my research and narrowed my selection down to several models. Being a new rider, I wasn't sure if I was ready for a performance road bike.  Everyone I consulted said to buy the road bike but I had reservations about the low position of the handlebars that would place me in a hunched over position.  I had back surgery for a herniated disk three years ago and I am still careful about exercise and posture.  That is why the Trek FX 7.5 WSD, which is considered a hybrid performance bike,  was so appealing to me. 

The Trek FX 7.5 WSD is lightweight with thin tires (not as thin as a road bike) and a more upright handlebar position.  It is perfect for me.  Besides being a great ride (very zippy) it is also very stylish.  My FX is black with light blue swirly, modern looking details.  Because light blue and black are very trendy, I have had no trouble finding biking wear that matches beautifully with my bike.  I even found a helmet that is light blue and silver.  The fact that the helmet matches my bike almost makes up for the fact that when I take the helmet off, my hair is ruined.  If you knew me and the trouble I have keeping my fine hair looking full, you would know that for me to place a helmet on my head and risk not looking my best, means that the Trek FX 750 WSD, black with light blue styling, must be a good ride!

So on this snowy night, with winter seeming like it will never end, writing this blog and thinking about springtime rides followed by hot summer rides, has put me a good mood.  Thanks for inspiring me, advising me, and for letting me write this blog that keeps me thinking spring! 

THANKS MARY BETH!  I COULDN'T HAVE SAID IT BETTER MYSELF!

FYI - THE TREK FX 7.5 WSD IS UNDER $800!  PRETTY DARN AFFORDABLE!

Posted by Susan on March 10, 2008 in Babes on Bikes , Stories from the Saddle , Training Terrors , Woman on the Rag | Permalink | Comments (1)

MEET THE PRESIDENT, MR TREK

I had the pleasure of meeting Trek President John Burke last year in an airport when our flights were delayed.  He was headed to Paris during the tour (lucky guy) and I to Baltimore (unlucky gal).  I had no idea who he was but I noticed he was wearing a Gary Fisher sweater that I liked.  I asked him if he worked for Trek and he replied, "I run the circus."  We had a little chat and he couldn't have been nicer.  After he walked away I thought, "Hmmmm...could that be John Burke, i.e. Mr. Trek?  Why the hell didn't I take his picture?  No one will ever believe me!"  Humble, personable, nice and easy to talk to...isn't that something.

After being involved with the Women Who Ride for a few months I emailed Mr. Trek letting him know how I felt about my experience with Trek and all of the awesome people I had come into contact with at his company.  Not only did he reply to my email, he actually wrote a sincere thoughtful email!  Hmmm...humble, nice, easy to talk to and returns emails to pee-ons like me.  Too good to be true!

Last week I sat down for the opening night dinner at the National Bike Summit and I look over and low and behold there he is, Mr. Trek, in the flesh.  Unfrickening believable!  This guy actually practices what he preaches!  He was attending and fully participating in the summit!  Every person that spoke had something amazing to say about him and all the bike advocacy work that he's continually involved in.  For starters there's One World, Two Wheels and the list goes on.  He accepted the only award given during the summit and gave a quick speech basically saying that we are all on that right path as bike advocates. 

I had the opportunity to chat with him at the summit and see him at the Trek reception.  I, of course, made a point of telling him how great he is as a bike advocate, how wonderful his company is and how proud I am to be a part of the Trek family.  He very humbly replied, "I have a lot of great people that work at Trek."  Hmmmm....humble, nice, easy to talk to, returns email and appreciates the people that work for him.  Wow.  Pinch me please.

Before we left I took this photo of us and he even took one of my new Trek business cards, looked at it (front and back), smiled and put it in his pocket.  There's a lot we can all learn from Mr. Trek.  It all starts at the top and works its way down.  He's quite a leader and a good sport!

Posted by Susan on March 9, 2008 in Stories from the Saddle | Permalink | Comments (5)

NATIONAL BIKE SUMMIT (Part 3) A GOOD OLE CHAP NAMED ANDY CLARKE

At the beginning of the National Bike Summit a lovely Englishman hopped up to the stage with a lot of spunk, a happy outlook and a great sense of humor.  Throughout the summit he opened many of the sessions, moderated panel discussions, was quick on his feet and threw out some funny one liners.  He had a very charismatic personality and I enjoyed listening to his speak. 

Every time I saw the guy he was in deep conversation with groups of people crowded around him hanging on his every word.  Everyone knew him and he seemed to be a total bike guru.  It was kind of like being around a celebrity.  I knew it would be hard for me to get close to him so I watched him from afar and enjoyed his tenacious spirit.

For those of you who don't know who Andy Clarke is, he is the President of the League of American Bicyclists.  He attended the first National Bike Summit eight years ago and has been tirelessly involving himself in bike advocacy for quite some time.  (Don't feel bad I had no idea who the guy was until I looked him up in our National Bike Summit Agenda.)

On the last evening I saw him at a party surrounded by a large group of people and realized that it could be my only opportunity to meet him.  I had my beautiful brand new purple Trek business cards (with argyle on the back) and they were burning a hole in my pocket (as my mother would say).  I thought I could sneak up and slip a card to him quietly and then he would pull it out the next day and wonder where the hell he got it (and then he would check my blog).  Well, you guessed it, I can't do anything quietly.  I busted into his group, gave him my card and then made a point of checking in with him periodically to make sure he hadn't lost my card.  I even went so far as taking a picture of him looking at my card...and now I've written a blog about him.  Is that considered stalking?  He won't ever forget me, or at least my card.  Thanks Andy!

Posted by Susan on March 8, 2008 in Stories from the Saddle | Permalink | Comments (2)

NATIONAL BIKE SUMMIT (Part 2) A LADIES MAN IN BROOKINGS, SOUTH DAKOTA

After meeting Robb Rasmussen I knew I had to write about him.  This guy gets it.  He just gets it.  He is a huge supporter of the Trek WSD line as well as a major bike advocate. 

Robb has had a bike shop, Sioux River Bicycles & Fitness, for 35 years.  Talk about staying power!  He also owns an adjoining coffee shop, Lodge Coffee and has continually found ways to get people pumped about riding, fitness and the social aspects that surround these activities.  People meet for a ride and then hang in the coffee shop afterward for a donut and an espresso.  A match made in heaven.

Currently, Robb has 6 women (not a typo), yes SIX women that work in his shop.  See what I mean?  Like I said, he gets it.  A women selling to a women is so important.  Men are great but I guarantee that if you asked any woman who they would rather by a bike from, they would say a female salesperson.  It's not that we dislike men, its about having a comfort level.   In addition to the 6 women that work in the bike shop he has 3 women that work in the coffee shop that are cross over employees.  That is a total of 8 women!  Very impressive.

Each year Trek sponsors a Breast Cancer Awareness Ride.  This year the ride will be on October 11, 2008.  These are rides that take place across the US at Trek dealers on a specific day.  Last year Robb's shop had the biggest turnout across the US and made over $3,000 for breast cancer research.  This guy is a machine.  In his free time he is a volunteer guide for blind cross country skiers, a major bike advocate for South Dakota and the list goes on.  I'm beginning to feel like a slacker!

An incredible guy doing incredible things for all the right reasons.  There is no stopping this guy!  Go Robb GO!

Posted by Susan on March 7, 2008 in Babes on Bikes , Stories from the Saddle | Permalink | Comments (4)

NATIONAL BIKE SUMMIT (Part 1) BICYCLE BENEFITS

I had an incredible time while attending the National Bike Summit.  Talk about a really cool conference with information that can be applied to everyone's life as a bike advocate. 

When I arrived the first day I realized I knew one person at the conference, Rebecca Andersen from Trek's bike advocacy program  One World, Two Wheels.  This meant I needed to branch out and meet some new people.   When I arrived I was a little shy (hard to believe) but then i looked around the room and thought to myself..."WOW, everyone in this room owns a bike AND they ride it!"  That alone was pretty empowering.  I suddenly didn't feel so shy.

One of the first people I met was Ian Klepetar.  He's quite a character.  Singlehandedly he started Bicycle Benefits.  Bicycle Benefits is a progressive bicycling program designed to reward individuals and businesses for their commitment to cleaner air, personal health, and the use of pedaling energy in order to create a more sustainable community.  The program decreases parking demand, increases helmet use, and improves cyclists' safety and health by putting more people on bikes.

Here's how it works.  Businesses buy stickers for $2.50 then sell them for $5.00.  Every time a cyclist comes into their business with the sticker on their helmet or bike they get a discount at that business.  Everyone gets rewarded!  Genius! 

Within a short amount of time Ian has 100 businesses that have signed up for the program.  This spring and summer he plans on hitting the east coast and signing up 1000 businesses.  He cares so much about what he's doing and it is so admirable.  He's one person out there making a difference.  Go to his website, sign up your business and help make a change that will help all of us. 

  

Posted by Susan on March 6, 2008 in Stories from the Saddle | Permalink | Comments (6)

I'M SO LUCKY

Last night Seamus woke up with a tummy full of vomit.  After bathing and changing him I spent the next two hours holding him while he dry heaved in his sleep.  After a while I got very good at knowing when it was coming.  First the stomach started grumbling then the body started moving in a dog-like pre-throw up motion.  It was quite lovely...especially while his eyes were rolled back in his head.

As I sat there I thought about the blog I was about to write before the vomit.  I was going to write about how lucky I am.  No lie.  Someone sent me a name suggestion for the new bike and it was "Lucky Star".  She explained it was because I was so lucky.  I laughed and then told the Loveman.  He said, "Well she's right, you are one of the luckiest people I know, think about it."  I thought about it for a moment and realized that I am freakin' lucky!  I have the Loveman, 4 rocking monkeys, the Trek gig, great friends and family, and careers that I love as a actor, teacher and meeting planner.

Yesterday afternoon it was 60 degrees.  I really wanted to ride bad.  I knew I was being a little selfish as I had just been out riding the day before when it was 50 degrees.  Could I possibly get to ride 2 days in a row in the middle of the winter?  I left my girlfriend 4 messages asking her to call me.  I was a little stalker-like.  She finally called me back (she had lost her phone) and said bring your kids right now and go riding.  So that's exactly what I did.  She's a great friend.

I had an incredible ride with the yet un-named 2008 TREK 6.5 Madone WSD.  Oh my god, we are just getting to know each other but I LOVE that bike!  I can't get enough of it!

Vomit and all...I still feel pretty darn lucky!

Posted by Susan on March 4, 2008 in Stories from the Saddle | Permalink | Comments (1)