June 19, 2008
LET'S SHOW SOME ENTHUSIASM!
Instead of spreading the word of religion or politics, I like to spread the word of the "BIKE" according to Susan. Biking is fun in its own right but you can certainly attach any activity to it. You can bike to the store, the bar, the park, the farmer's market, a concert in your hood or wherever the spirit moves you. You can bike with friends, family, fellow club riders or strangers that you meet on the road.
When spreading the word my conversations with people are always filled with some tidbit about biking....and god forbid you don't have a bike. Once I hear that I hop on my green biking soap box (that I keep in my saddle bag) and talk away. All of my friends have seen this "bike advocate" side of my personality and and eventually they get sucked in. But lets get real - biking freakin' rocks!
My friend Marc is a perfect example of a convert who is truly enthusiastic about biking. Recently his wife bought him a bike, shorts, gloves and a helmet. He's still working on getting a jersey but clearly he doesn't seem to care! He looks great and he's ready to ride! Hell, I would chase him on a bike! Wouldn't you? Now lets get riding people!
This has been the Word of the Bike according to Susan.
June 4, 2008
PLEA FOR HELP
So there's this fabulous high end bike travel company called Trek Travel. Yes, I have written about them and gone on and on about how wonderful their trips are. Yes, I have met the Trek Travel president, Tania Worgull, and have heard about how I can be a part of a trip. I have read their brochures that include trips from California to Italy, watched their presentations and talked to many people that have had the "experience of a lifetime" on their trips. I tired of hearing about it...I want to go!
So here is my plea for help. There is a women's only trip coming up November 7-10 in Santa Barbara Wine Country for 4 days. It promises to be the ultimate getaway for any woman who needs a little time to ride, drink, chill and bond with other chiclets.
Yep, you got it - I NEED TO BE THERE! So this is the deal. If I can get a bunch of girls to sign up, Trek Travel will take me there as their Women Who Rides rep AND their in-house comedienne. I will perform each and every day on the bike as well as nightly shows and any other time you like. I swear to God I am good fun! It will be a guaranteed blast and I promise to write all about it in my blog.
Here's what you need to do. Email me at susan_mele@trekwomenwhorides.com and let me know you're in. There is a very limited about of space (12 gals - I think) so email me and we'll can get this party started! Don't let me down! I can't wait! CALIFORNIA HERE WE COME!
June 2, 2008
COURAGE TO GO ON
Sometimes when you meet a person and you just click with them. Sometimes you know why and other times its just random.
While I was at the National Bike Summit in DC I was hanging in a bar enjoying one of my favorite beers on tap, 60 minute Dogfish head beer, when I noticed a girl at the bar. She looked exactly like one of my cousins (from my Irish side of the family) and had a sweet, happy and friendly face. I approached her and we started chatting and laughing as if we had been friends our whole life.
After we enjoyed a beer together I asked her what she was doing at the National Bike Summit. She proceeded to tell me that her husband was hit by a car while riding is bike. I felt like I stopped breathing for a second when she told me this. I was so sad for her but I the same time I admired her courage and tireless commitment in trying to make sure that what happened to her husband didn't happen to anyone else.
I've kept in touch with her and I wanted to share her story with you as well as what she has been passionately working on. I thought this was an important story to share.
As you know, since the death of my husband Greg I have been
working with a group of supporters – family and friends – to start
a public debate about the need for legislation in Ontario to combat high risk/repeat offender
drivers.
This effort started in earnest after the sentencing hearing for the
truck driver who killed Greg, when we learned that he had an appalling driving
record which included several convictions of driving while suspended, driving
with no insurance and two months after he killed Greg, a collision where he was
charged and convicted of hitting another driver. He was convicted “in
absentia”. As regards our case, he was convicted but is appealing his
conviction (his sentence was a one year license suspension; suspended sentence;
100 hours of community service) and his appeal will be heard October 3rd.
Over the past number of months, I have had conversations with a wide
variety of stakeholders including legislators and law enforcement officials,
all of which have been very productive. The Ontario Provincial Police as an
organization and the many kind and dedicated individuals who serve our province
within it, have been supportive and helpful and I thank them. Greg would be
proud that the organization he worked for and the uniform he wore proudly
represented a standard of service and care that goes beyond the call of duty.
I have also had meetings with senior officials in the office of the
Minister of Transport, the Honorable Jim Bradley, and have met with members of
the Conservative Opposition as well as municipal leaders. One possible route
for consideration is a Private Member’s Bill, such as the one which led
to Bill 203, the Street Racing legislation which came into force last September
30th. Of particular deterrent effect in Bill 203 is the provision
which provides for the loss of your vehicle, and immediate license suspension
for 7 days. This “administrative” remedy is faster, more efficient
and according to the statistics a powerful deterrent. Since the law came into
force, over 4500 charges have been laid, and speed-related fatalities are down
over 30%. And in Saskatchewan
– one of the six provinces where “repeat offender” legislation
exists – statistics show that the number of suspended drivers is down 30%
since the legislation was introduced and where a similar vehicle impoundment
program is part of the legislation.
While in Cleveland last week (I spoke at
their Bike Summit as part of National Bike Week in the U.S.) I met a
Commander with the Cleveland Police. He was very interested in Bill 203 as
-- no surprise here – they have similar issues in Ohio. He will be sending the Bill 203 link
which I sent to him to the Chief of their State Police with a recommendation they
enact similar legislation in Ohio.
I am passionately committed to this work that I am doing, in Greg’s
memory, to try to make our roads safer, to hold accountable those who believe
that driving is a right and not a privilege, and to provide our law enforcement
officers with the tools they need as they deal with the tragic consequences of
ill considered and selfish decisions that they see every day. In my
lifetime, I have witnessed many societal changes including the enhanced focus
on preventing major illnesses precisely because of their impact on loved ones,
the tragic losses they cause, and because of the cost they represent to our
society. I think we are now starting to see an overdue shift in thinking
towards prevention – call it deterrence – when it comes to one of
the most preventable causes of death and injury in Canada today – collisions. There
is much complacency in our society to the inevitability of collisions and this
pervasive thinking has not served us well.
I think Greg would be very
proud that we are all doing something positive in his memory.
Stay safe
Eleanor
May 27, 2008
LEHIGH VALLEY WHEELMEN KICK BUTT
Over the holiday weekend the Loveman and I managed to ride three times. That's very exciting for a couple with 4 monkeys. The riding in the Lehigh Valley is pretty hard to beat. For those of you that don't know the Lehigh Valley it is known as being a big training area for cyclists.
The evening we arrived we did our own ride and then on Saturday we decided to hook up with the Lehigh Wheelmen Association. They had a scheduled 45 mile hilly ride which we thought sounded like fun. Yes I know, to most people it would sound like pure torture but to us it sounded like fun.
Now when one arrives at a group ride (especially where people don't know you) you expect to get the cold shoulder accompanied by some disapproving look at your bike as if it isn't good enough for "the club ride". I knew we had one thing going for us, we ride kick ass bikes. I ride a Trek Madone 6.5 WSD and the Loveman rides a Calfee and I knew no one would have a thing to say about our bikes. If they did I would have kicked their ass.
The first guy that arrived was the group leader Neil. He walked over to us, shook our hands and was thrilled to death that we had come out for one of his favorite rides. He was genuinely pleased to have us there as special guests.
As the riders assembled (about 7 of us) each and every rider said hello, shook our hands and introduced themselves. At one point I thought maybe they were getting ready to kill us, throw us in a ditch and steal our bikes. How could they be so nice? Come on this is a group ride. Isn't anyone going to be mean and nasty?
Neil put together an amazing route that blew the Loveman and I away. Yes, the route was tough and had a ton of climbing but it didn't matter a bit. It was a great group to ride with, we had a perfect day...and the best part of the ride was that there was another women! The Loveman and I looking forward toor next ride in the Lehigh Valley with the Lehigh Wheelmen Association.
May 23, 2008
ONE BRICK AT A TIME
After my first brick I decided to continue in this fun and overly abusive type of training. Yes, I run, bike and swim at the gym, and sometimes all on the same day but never in an intense outdoor training session. Why would I ever do something crazy like that?
This week I hung with a group of tri-trainees lead by fitness guru Kim Kelleghar. Kim is a great girl, a super mom, a good friend and someone I enjoy riding with. I am always interested in doing what she does. My reason? Maybe because she is rock hard and barely a size 2? Maybe because she has less than 1% body fat? Maybe because I think if I do what she does than my body will look like hers? Bingo! There you have it.
Well clearly that will never happen but I still showed up for her "brick training" session. We ran 2 miles, biked 19 miles and then ran 2 more miles (because the first 2 miles weren't enough). Yes, running sucks and it sucks even more when you have to do it twice.
The ride was way fun and Kim ran with me and gave me a few basic pointers
1. Carry oxygen next time you run you idiot!
2. You could go faster if you were walking!
3. My mother could run circles around you!
4 Maybe you shouldn't have partied last night!
Yes, I completed the run, did fine with the ride (my favorite part) and ran the last 2 miles with a big fat grin (and gut) because I knew I was almost done. I am really looking forward to doing my first tri this summer at the Danceskin Boston Tri and the Columbia Irongirl. We shall see! Maybe I'll see if Trek can get me one of those super flattering one piece tri skin suits. I'll be sure to keep you posted on my progress! Enjoy the ride...whatever it may be.
May 7, 2008
A NEW KIND OF HIGH
My friend Kathleen came to visit me while I was Sedona. Kathleen is a women that I met in San Francisco 16 years ago. She auditioned for my all female sketch comedy troupe, Nude Coffee, and we ended up performing together for 7 years and eventually became great friends. I've seen her through several relationships, family problems, depression, alcoholism, drug addictions and treatment centers. I've never judged her and no matter where she was in her life I always stood by her and tried to be her friend as best I could...and sometimes it wasn't always easy. Needless to say, we've been through a lot together.
She currently lives in Santa Fe and when she heard I was going to be in Sedona she decided to come and visit. I knew she had been in recovery and was doing pretty well but every day is a challenge for her. When she arrived she told me that she had just had her 2 year anniversary of being drug and alcohol free, not to mention she's still alive. Of course, I was extremely proud of her and decided to reward her by taking her out to enjoy one of my favorite activities, mountain biking. Isn't that what every good friend should do for another?
I fitted her in a helmet and a bike and off we went to Deadman's Pass. I knew the trail would be a little tough for her as she is not a rider but I wanted her to feel how fun and exciting mountain biking could be and what a better place to show her but in Sedona! She had to stop several times during the ride but she never gave up, she never cried and she never turned around and I knew she wanted to on several occasions. I made her keep going because I really wanted her to feel the explosion of ripping down the hills. I gave her basic instructions telling her to keep her weight back, get out of the saddle and stay in the moment. She could have very easily gotten off her bike and walked down the hills but she didn't. She barreled down the hills over some serious rocks and did really well.
I was so happy for her. She said she felt an incredible charge as if she needed to do it again. I replied, "Ah yes, the natural high!" I think she actually had a good time. After we returned the bikes she confessed that she had no idea what mountain biking really was and that she thought we were going to be riding on paved trails. She sure got a surprise.
She called me today and told me that she was fully inspired by the ride. She has already done research on local clubs, she is going on her first club ride this weekend, she's getting bike clothes tomorrow and she is ready to purchase a new bike of her own. She totally loved it and that makes my heart warm. xxoo
May 5, 2008
LACK OF LUBE IS NOT GOOD
I have always appreciated every bit of bike maintenance that Loveman the Tech has done for my bikes. After riding the bikes in Sedona I appreciate what he does more than ever.
Before I start complaining about the bad bike maintenance in Sedona I must preface it by saying that there is red clay, dirt and dust everywhere. With that being said I have never been on a bike with dryer chain in my entire life. I could actually see the dust all over the chain and it was not gliding as nicely as it should have been. It was painful to watch the chain move through all the crap on it. Of course, this affected switching gears, the brakes and in turn the overall performance of the bike. I honestly think that the people that work here just sign out the bikes and never look at them nor do they ride bikes. What a shame.
So - Here's a little basic mountain bike maintenance from the gal that barely touches her bike. Even I can handle these easy steps.
- Clean your bike after a ride.
- Get a hose with a sprayer on it.
- Don't get too much water into all the sensitive spots.
- Get a little brush and work the chain a little.
- Dry your bike off. You don't want it to rust.
- Lube your chain very well.
- Enjoy a nice lubricated chain, a clean bike and a fab ride!
A LITTLE BIKE MAINTENANCE GOES A LONG WAY! DO YOURSELF A FAVOR! KEEP YOUR BIKE CLEAN!
May 3, 2008
I HATE MY JOB
On Friday I traveled to Sedona for work. Yes, I know - I have a really rough life. I have to stay here for a week. God I hate my job.
As I packed my bags I put aside a separate bag for my cycling clothes, pedals, shoes, gloves and helmet. There was one thing I knew wanted to do in Sedona. I wanted to go mountain biking.
From the minute I arrived all I could think about was when my schedule would allow me to go mountain biking. Finally the window of opportunity arrived. I had an hour to ride. I ran to the bike shack to sign out a bike. The gentlemen checking out bikes handed me a 14" and said he thought would be perfect for me because it worked for the last girl that rode a bike. Are you kidding me? I wanted to tell him that all girls didn't ride the same size bike but I knew my comment would have fallen upon deaf ears. I asked him for the 18", did some adjustments myself and off I went.
I found some great paths with some serious rock gardens. It was hard to keep my eyes on the trails as I was completely taken by all of the red rocks that surrounded me. Iit is really beautiful out here. The ride was incredible and managed not to fall into any cactus.
When I arrived at the shack the fitness guy looked a little surprised to see me and asked me if I had even gone to Deadman's trail. I told him I had done the first section of the trail. His jaw dropped. He said, "Wow you must be experienced. I had a few young boys that were just here and they did that part of the trail in an hour and a half and you did it in 45 minutes! That's not bad for a girl." Whatever dude. I thought about smacking him across the face but I didn't think that would be appropriate.
April 29, 2008
ARE YOU A MEMBER?
When I started this Trek gig I was so excited and I wanted to tell everyone that I was a "Women Who Rides". Most of my conversations went a little something like this...
Susan: Hey, guess what?
Random Stranger: What?
Susan: I'm a Trek Women Who Rides!
Random Stranger: Rides what?
Susan: (indignantly) Rides what!?! Are you kidding me?!?!
Random Stranger: Yah, like a car, a bus, an airplane.
Susan: No! Didn't you hear me! I'm a TREK Women Who Rides!
Random Stranger: Ok, so you ride horses?
Susan: No, you freakin idiot! BIKES!
Yah, people thought I was a bit of a freak. Oh well. I guess if you don't ride a bike than being a "Women Who Rides" doesn't matter much to you. BUT in actuality it does. Being a Women Who Rides is one of the cooler things I've done in this lifetime and I mean that with all my heart.
Get ready because Trek has done something super duper cool. They have decided to have a "Women Who Ride Club" that includes more than 5 women! Anyone (except stinky boys) can become a member!
I am currently a member and I received my shiny new fabulous shirt today. So get online and sign up pronto! There are gifts to be received (shirts, hats, socks), raffles to be won (WSD bikes, Trerk Travel Trips) and fun to be had (rock star party passes)! Check it out!
April 18, 2008
I WILL NEVER COMPLAIN AGAIN
I attend several spinning classes every week and there is one instructor, Vicki, that I find truly inspiring as a Women Who Rides. She has been a fitness instructor for 20 years not to mention a nurse and an investment banker. She is currently retired but still teaches many classes at my gym and is a constant reminder to never give up. I thought her message was important enough to share.
I was always a very active child. Horseback riding, rodeo riding, and swimming were a few of my many passions but at the age of 12 I started having pain in my right quadricep. Soon thereafter, I learned that my hip had come out of the socket. The condition is called Slipped Capital Epiphysis. To correct the problem, I underwent surgery that involved placing the bone back into place and inserting 4 long pins.
Almost exactly a year later, my left hip came out of the socket and I found myself back in surgery with the 4 more pins being inserted in my left hip. At least I was “balanced”.
This was the beginning of many physical obstacles for me but, it was also the beginning of my “learning process”. How to cope with physical challenges when one is so active. Never giving up was the key.
In 1980 I began experiencing a lot of abdominal (GYN) difficulties which led to six different surgeries with the final one being a complete hysterectomy at the age of 22. Then in 2005 my bad luck resurfaced. From 2005 to 2007 I had two foot surgeries (right and left), a rotator cuff repair surgery that resulted from a severe dislocation of my right shoulder and; in October of 2007 a total hip replacement. Apparently, after 35 years of living with my pins, the right hip suffered from some complications. Subsequently, a complete hip replacement became necessary. Although I was frustrated, I knew that I could no longer function with the intense hip pain that had developed in early 2007. The pain gradually increased to the point that I would teach classes, drive home and my husband would have to help me out of the car.
Now, four months later, I am back to teaching cycling classes and most of the other types of classes I so love. I am told that eventually my left hip will also have to be replaced, but I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.
Through the multitude of surgeries, I have maintained one belief. I am so lucky!! Every physical challenge I’ve faced has been one that is “fixable”. Maybe inconvenient, uncomfortable, frustrating, and just generally a pain-in-the-neck, but they’ve all been resolved and I’ve returned to my life, my activities and my health. Not everyone has been so lucky -- I try to remember that when I start to feel sorry for myself. There is always someone much worse off than me.
Think positive, keep moving and, never give up!! Those are the words I try to live by.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. I pray for all of you out there that are suffering from an ailment, a disease, or a physical obstacle. Recovery can be a struggle but it can also be a journey, God bless your journey and share it with others in hopes it will help to inspire courage and hope.
Peace.
April 6, 2008
DEMO DAY IN THE PARK
What a happy day! Yesterday I had the pleasure of driving 35 minutes from my house to Patapsco State Park. The event? DEMO DAY AT PATAPSCO PARK with Bella Bikes and Race Pace! It was about 60 degrees and the sun was shining. I thought I had died and gone to heaven.
When I arrived I checked in at the WSD Demo trailer with Chris "shop girl" Garrison. After a big hello she noticed Slick (my Trek 2008 Madone 6.5 WSD) leaning up against a table (a big bike no no). Chris belts out, "Who propped their bike up like this?" Yep it was me the total bike moron. I couldn't even blame it on my kids because they weren't even there yet. She then explained to me the proper way to lean your bike. Always on the back wheel. That way you aren't leaning the frame or front of the bike on anything. She demonstrated (see photo) several different places she could stand my bike up while leaning it on the back wheel. To tell you the truth I always felt like whenever I leaned my bike anywhere I would cross my fingers and hope that it wouldn't fall. Thanks Chris for a simple yet very valuable lesson. Duh. See...and I'm not afraid to share that I had no freakin' clue how to properly lean my bike. Shop Girl is a wealth of information.
Next I had her check my gears, take apart my headset and straighten it out and I even had someone else put air in my tires. I'm such a bike diva. Once I was all set up I took a nice long road ride and got to do the biggest baddest kick ass climb in the area. Its an 18% grade long climb and it really wakes your legs up. Can you say fun on a bike?
After my road ride I headed back to the demo trailer and Shop Girl souped me up with the Trek 2008 Fuel Ex 8 WSD (have I mentioned that there is nothing like this bike?). I've been on this bike before but I swear to god its like being reunited with an old flame. UNBELIEVABLE!
Then the spoiled bike diva (that's me) got to go out and hit the trails. I rode with Angela from Trek Travel who hadn't been on a mountain bike since she was 16! She was a little nervous at the start and I helped her work through it and she did awesome. We had a ton of fun and chatted the whole ride. Needless to say she was high as a kite when we were done and I guarantee her butt will be back out on a mountain bike within the month. It's so addictive!
What a great day, what a great life, what a good time!!! Now get out and ride dammit!
April 4, 2008
MY FIRST LADIES NIGHT
I was very excited about attending my first ladies night tonight at Bella Bikes in Ellicott City, MD. I was so excited that I even took a shower and put on a little make-up. When I arrived at the bike shop I was overwhelmed with the beauty of several Trek WSD bikes all lined up. I started picking out my next bike and then hit the clothes to find a snappy new outfit that matched the bike...at this point I promptly smacked myself across the face. What the heck was I thinking? Another bike? I must be losing it?
I said hello to my Trek buddies and met Patti Harden, the Bella Bikes shop manager. Patti is a great person with a passionate commitment to women and biking. I was pleased to find a seat in the third row so I could get an up close and personal view of Chris "shop girl" Garrison's presentation. Chris is a five year veteran at Trek (she was also Keith Bontrager's personal mechanic) and was so fun to watch. Don't mess with her. This girl is on it and she means business.
At the Trek ladies nights the Trek demo girls chat about the WSD difference, what it means, how it affects you and how it can truly benefit you. Chris has a way of making everything she says user friendly. She presents things in an easy to understand fashion and answers questions without even having to pause for a second to come up with the answer. This girl knows her stuff inside and out and the information effortlessly rolls off her tongue, not to mention she is funny and really knows how to keep an audience's attention. No one feels stupid and when it comes right down to it everyone has a lot of the same questions.
Check out the demo girls schedule because these girls travel all over the US putting on ladies nights and demos at bike shops. They are extremely educational and everyone can walk away with something. Now hurry up, hop on your computer and find the one nearest you! It's a good time!
April 2, 2008
THE FIRST WOMEN'S ONLY CYCLING STORE IN THE UNITED STATES!
You did not misread the title. There is actually an all women's bike store in Ellicott City, MD. Yes, an all women's bike store that is only 40 minutes from my house! The first ever! Yah!
BELLA BIKES is having a Women's Bike Night and Clinic AND Grand Opening on Friday, April 4th from 7-9pm at their store in Ellicott City, MD. Special guests will include Susan "Women Who Ride Rockstar" Mele and the ever famous Chris "Trek Shop Girl" Garrison. Chris will be doing a fantastic bike clinic that people line up around the block to see. This girl is incredible and you can see her for free! I of course will be shaking hands and kissing babies.
This ladies night will include wine, cheese, raffles, tips pn maintenance and changing tires, WSD bikes to check out and I may even belt out a song or two. Who knows what the night will bring! I'll have my camera on hand as I am always looking for ladies with stories that inspire me to write about their cycling adventures. Please come to this fun filled night and network with other local ladies that ride. Help build our local chiclet riding community.
On Saturday, April 5th from 10am-4pm there will Trek WSD and men road and off-road demos at Patapsco State Park. I'll be riding on and off-road and enjoying the beautiful sights of this park. It is an awesome place with some great single track. So please come on down and ride with me!
March 19, 2008
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.
March 17, 2008
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!
March 15, 2008
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?
March 12, 2008
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?
March 10, 2008
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!
March 7, 2008
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!
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 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 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 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!!!!!
January 26, 2008
THE QUEEN OF WSD BIRTHS BABY LIESEL
Have there ever been days when you have thought to yourself, "Who are the brains behind the WSD brand and the Women Who Ride?" "Who actually comes up with all this cool stuff for women?" Well today is your lucky day because I've got the answer for you! Her name is Krista Rettig and she rocks, runs and rules the WSD world. She is the WSD Queen! Since the day I met Krista I have always admired all that she represents and has done for women in the biking community as well as women in general. Just the thought of Krista inspires me to be better in all that I do in every aspect of my life. She is an accomplished athlete, an amazing business woman, a major bike advocate, a supporter of all women athletes AND a new mom!!!
On January 24th she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Liesel. Liesel joins proud big brother Pavel. I am so happy for Krista and her family and I'm sure she'll handle baby #2 with the greatest of ease. I'm looking forward to the day when I get to go riding with her as she embodies all the qualities of a Women Who Rides and then some! Congratulations Krista! You're the best!
December 25, 2007
MY WISH CAME TRUE
I woke up Christmas morning to the pitter-patter of my 7 year old’s feet. He was happy to inform me that Santa had come to our house. I was thrilled to hear that, as I knew it would have been a sad day if he had skipped us due to bad behavior.
We all received some super fab prizes such as a karaoke machine, a drum set, jewelry and stuffed animals. It was a fantastic morning. Just when I thought my day couldn’t get any better my neighbor and his wife called asking if the Loveman and I wanted to go riding. I couldn’t believe my ears! I had been secretly trying to figure out how I could sneak a ride in all morning. The power of positive thinking really works.
Within minutes my neighbor’s children were at the door ready to babysit our monkeys. The Loveman and I ran out as fast as we could and returned a couple of hours later. It was a beautiful ride and we had many chuckles over all of the “What the hell are you doing on your bike on Christmas day” looks that everyone gave us.
What a fabulous present and what a fabulous Christmas! The four of us had so much fun that we decided we need to make this a Christmas tradition. Count me in!
December 3, 2007
ALL I WANT FOR X-MAS (Part 1)
Even though we have had an extra week between Thanksgiving and x-mas I feel like people are already in the full holiday frenzy. I try not to let anything get me too stressed out when it comes to the holidays. I like to take things in stride and I have no expectations. That’s my secret.
I don’t ever have any expectations as to how my tree should look, how my gifts should be wrapped, how my gingerbread house will turn out, how people will like what I got them or how my the food will be for my holiday party. This way I am never disappointed. It’s a really great way to deal with the holiday season. By thinking this way I am always pleasantly surprised by how well I am functioning in life. I’m totally a glass is ½ full kind of girl.
So…this holiday season when you are shopping for the perfect gift just suck it up and buy your friend, spouse, child, mother, father, grandma, grandpa, aunt, uncle, cousin or friend a Trek bike. It will be the best thing you could do for them. Who cares if they don’t like it, they’ll learn to not only like it but LOVE it just as thousands of men and women across the world already do. I promise...and if you need additional ideas check out Trek sister Laura's blog. She clearly has the holiday thing down. Merry Christmas party people! The fun is about to begin!
November 18, 2007
IF IT WEREN’T FOR THE TRAILER
The Trek Demo Trailer could possibly be the best invention to mankind. A WSD trailer (Trek has four) filled with all the latest Trek WSD models to demo that rides around stopping at festivals and races across America. Let me start by saying I would have never met Jill (Northeast Trek Demo Chiclet), Foxy (full carbon WSD Top Fuel 9.8), Husky (WSD Fuel Ex 8), or my newest desire Midnight (formerly known as the 2008 WSD Madone 5.1).
Thank god Jill has been working the 95 North corridor because I have had the opportunity to see her a few times and demo her bikes. 
She was riding through a few days ago and insisted she stop by so I could try out the WSD Madone 5.1 (i.e. Midnight). We were pretty excited about riding. She unloaded her bike and the WSD Madone 5.1 and then a couple of my friends showed up and they were ready to ride. Next thing I knew my friend Lisa and I were fitted on the Madones and our husbands were right behind us as the four of us rolled out of the driveway. Where was Jill? She was left behind babysitting for my kids so we could all ride together. Could she be any nicer?
When we got home we were all as high as kites. The day, the ride, the company, and our bikes…what can I say? Lisa and I fell in love with the bikes. The new Madone is everything and then some. 
Lisa’s husband told her that she was worth a couple of new bikes so they headed straight to the bike shop where they ordered a WSD Madone 5.1 and a WSD Gary Fisher Mountain bike (that she tried out at the Delaware Trail Spinner Mountain Bike Festival).
The kids were alive and well and Jill had done an exceptional job as the nanny. We celebrated by taking some great trailer shots on my front lawn. I’m seriously thinking about getting a trailer of my own....the photo shoots, the stares from the neighbors, maybe I'll bleach my hair...could be fun. The opportunities are endless. Maybe Trek can help me out with that. We’ll see.
November 14, 2007
SHE’S A MAN, BABY!
Ok, so I clearly have a bladder control problem (see 10/15 blog) but I almost peed when I read this letter. It totally cracked me up. I just had to put it out there for all my peeps to read. Hopefully you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
Bicycling Magazine – November 2007
“I made the mistake of purchasing my first road bike at a department store instead of a bike shop. I had no help deciding which bike would best suit my needs. Now I have a gorgeous Trek 1000 WSD. I am, however, not a woman. I will definitely buy from a bike store next time, but for now I am too embarrassed to take my bike in for help."
SSGT Charles Virgil, Ramstein, AFB, Germany
Charles won the letter of the month for Bicycling Magazine. Could this be funnier? I love it! Bottom line, the boys love the bikes too!... except 90% of the them are too afraid to admit to it. Bring on the WSD bikes! Everybody wants them!
November 13, 2007
RIDE LIKE A GIRL
Has anyone ever told you that you ride like a girl? If someone does, politely say thank you and then tell him or her to get a real bike (unless they’re riding a Trek). This past weekend I got a double whammy. Number one, I got to ride with the Ride Like a Girl Bike Club and number two, I got to demo the WSD Fuel Ex 8 (now known as Husky). Ride Like A Girl is this really cool bike group that focuses on women meeting other women who mountain bike. Their main focus is to work on your biking skills and fitness level in a nurturing and supportive environment. 
I was thrilled to be trying out yet another WSD Trek mountain bike as well as riding with a group of women that shared a similar passion and love for mountain biking. I mean let’s be real, you have to have a few loose screws in the head to be a mountain biker. The day was so much more than I ever thought it would be. I expected a fun ride in the woods at Patapsco Park but our incredible leader, Stacia ran the morning like a tiptop mountain bike clinic. Once we started I couldn’t just hang in the back and wipe out without an audience, I had to do things for an audience. We went up and down hills several times, repeated lots of log piles (until we guilted everyone into trying them) and discussed strategies in how to find a good line and where to keep your weight while riding. All good things to know.
The WSD Fuel Ex 8, I mean Husky, was a nice ride. I didn’t know how I was going to feel about the bike after riding it. Let me tell you, I loved it! Husky rode over everything! There were things that I looked at and thought no way but then I did it. The best thing about Husky was the nice pearl white color. It looks like Foxy now has a little competition on the trail. All in all it was a great ride and I only had one major wipeout (see bruise photo). It was a righteous fall and people even got to see it. That’s the best part about falling isn’t it?
November 7, 2007
FUEL ME UP BABY (Part 3)
Have you ever gotten a new outfit or appliance or pair of shoes that just get you so jazzed you feel like you’re on top of the world? Ok, so that’s exactly how I felt after meeting Foxy (formerly known as the WSD Top Fuel 9.8). She has jacked me up and sent me out into outer space!
First lets talk about the color, Onyx Carbon and Satin Silver with a pink
accent. Can you say sweet? The front and rear suspension make the ride so smooth that you wouldn’t even know you were riding over a log pile. Even if you get sick of it there’s always the conveniently located lockouts. Did I mention all the Shimano components that you can’t even hear or feel when you shift?
Seriously, Foxy has it down.
If you’ve ever considered getting a mountain bike for a second this is the bike to get…sexy, light, feminine and fun to ride. Oh I almost forgot, it’s really hard to shake…that bond. Once you ride it, you have to buy it. Wouldn’t you buy something that makes you feel like Superwoman? No one would ever believe I was a superhero …now they might. These photos aren't even photoshopped. Swear to god, I actually did that. Go figure.
PS – If anyone is interested in committing a felony, let me know as I am thinking of tracking down Jill's Trek Demo Trailer so I can break into it and set Foxy free.
November 3, 2007
FUEL ME UP BABY (Part 1)
The lovely and talented Trek Demo Tour Gal, Jill came to a fantastic mountain bike festival this past weekend in Elkton, MD. It was sponsored and superbly organized by The Delaware Trail Spinners (Part 2). The Loveman and I had planned on going to the festival together until we were just about to walk out the door when our 3 year old started vomiting. I hate it when that happens. Yes, it put a little damper on our romantic outing (for the Loveman that is). I volunteered to stay home but the Loveman said, “Oh come on, you have to go, you’re the Trek Woman Who Rides.” He was right, I am a Woman Who Rides (still not sure how that happened but I love the way it sounds). I needed to be there. No, not because I needed exercise, not because I wanted to enjoy a beautiful day alone and not because I wanted to make new friends BUT because I was going to have a chance to demo the full carbon WSD Top Fuel 9.8 (now known as Foxy). I was about to hit the jackpot!
Jill used her expert skills in fitting and educating me on all the nuances of Foxy. My head was spinning and I was sweating as I patiently waited for my opportunity to ride. I was so excited and nervous. Once I started riding I felt an immediate bond with Foxy. She handled extremely well, not to mention she looked good, had a beautifully shaped top tube and was light as a feather. Normally the skinny chicks tick me off, but I really liked her a lot. Foxy struck me as one of those friends that I could get into some serious trouble with (and believe me I don’t need any more trouble in my life). We spent two and a half hours together and had a killer ride. We met awesome people, rode some of the best trails in MD and did some serious eating. I owe a lot to Jill for introducing me to Foxy. On the other hand, she had to follow me out to the parking lot and pry Foxy out of my hands before I threw her in the back of my car. That would be a bummer if Jill lost all respect for me over this and let Foxy ruin our relationship. Women and their addictions... we all know the story.
I hope to go out partying again with Foxy…real soon. So much more to share… Stay tuned for Part 2.
October 23, 2007
DID SOMEONE SAY HAM?
So you’ve figured out by now that I have a few favorite men in my life. Yes, the Loveman is still #1 BUT….one of my favorite people is a guy that is turning 50 today and to celebrate he'll be running 50 miles. No joke. His name is Offie and I met him about 5 years ago while riding my bike (yes, making cool friends is another major benefit of riding a bike).
I love riding with him because he talks as much as a girl.
Offie is kind of like a renaissance man. He not only does everything, but he does it really well. He was football player and a tennis player in his younger years and now he is a cyclist and a marathon runner. He also sits on several boards and is currently the President of the board for One Less Car. He rides his bike to work and clearly practices what he preaches. 
He makes me look like a slug. He is very charismatic and lights up a room the second he enters it. His laugh is infectious and he is an inspiration to everyone that knows him. On top of all these other things, he lives for ham. He likes baked ham, boiled ham, ham salad, ham sandwiches, ham omelets, ham soup or ham on a stick.
When I am teasing Offie I like to call him “Mr. Mayor”. He seems to know someone everywhere we go (you can only imagine how his girlfriend feels). Two days ago when we attended Tour du Port I was talking to Offie when a car pulled up and someone said “Look it’s the mayor!” Next thing you know Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon emerged from the vehicle and walked right up to Offie and greeted him. They proceeded to take a walk (with her entourage) and then Offie gave a great speech with the mayor standing by his side. Just another thing about Offie that I never knew...he really does know the mayor! This guy is full of surprises. Happy Birthday Offie!
October 21, 2007
YOU'RE NOT A CAR
This past weekend the Loveman and I participated in Tour du Port, an organized bike ride sponsored by One Less Car. One Less Car is an advocate for safe and effective transportation alternatives in Maryland. The organization believes that through education, lobbying, and advising our government officials, we are lifting the barriers to realizing the power of having real transportation options for all Marylanders. It is an incredible organization doing great things.
Over 1600 riders showed up for the event which had a few different routes that traveled through the Inner Harbor and historic waterfront neighborhoods and ports. 
The Loveman and I decided to make it a social ride with a couple of friends.
We stopped and visited friends and family along the way and took advantage of every photo opportunity. I even met some really cool chiclet riders! It was a Sunday stroll on the bike.
At one point Jim and I were stopped chatting with some people when one guy said to us “Ya, I saw a bunch of those people on bikes and I wanted to take out 5 of them.” The Loveman and I stared in disbelief. 
He was dead serious and actually proud of himself for saying that. Clearly he needs some help. At another point in the ride an angry motorist came up next to me and said, “You’re not a car!” Once again, clearly missing the point of the ride…and yes, as far as he is concerned I am car. I smiled and waved and told him to have a nice day. I think he would have preferred a fist fight but I didn’t want to get Sweetness or my cycling clothes dirty. Even though the organization is getting more and more recognition every day we still have a long way to go before we will have everyone in support of One Less Car. Now get out there and do your part!
October 12, 2007
SEASON OF SNOT
The temperature was about 55 degrees when I woke up this morning and the air was crisp. This was a big change from the hot and humid 80 degree days that we had been having for last month. My friend Jen and I had planned on getting the Loveman to watch our kids so we could go on a ride. I picked out a nice fall jersey, a light jacket and a pair of gloves with fingers. Jen showed up in her cycling gear (minus the panties) and we rolled out of the driveway.
We had several good conversations about the weather, our families, Halloween, our husbands and of course, all the abuse she had been getting for my recent blog “Lose the Panties.” Luckily Jen has a great sense of humor. I guess that’s kind of a prerequisite for being my friend.
Fall is my favorite time of the year to ride. I always feel so alive and invigorated as the cool air pumps through my body and snot drips from my nostrils. As we rode along my mucus started really getting loose, if you know what I mean. Next thing I know I am shooting snot under my arm, over my shoulder and across my top tube like an old snot shooting pro! The more we rode the more I shot snot and the more I shot snot the clearer my head became. I was having so much fun! I had forgotten how much I loved to shoot snot. So this weekend when you all get out there for your first big fall ride remember the reason for the season is snot shooting! Enjoy!
PS - If you have children, the season of snot is taken to a whole new level of enjoyment. Don't you wish you could teach your kids to shoot snot? I sure do...hmmm, maybe I will.
October 10, 2007
LOSE YOUR PANTIES
Many people have told me that they have been inspired by my blog. Nice. Inspired to do what? Have more children? Drink more water? Start a career as a cabaret singer? Put down that second donut? Dust the cobwebs off your bike and actually ride it? Play with your children? Fall in love with a man named Sweetness? Dance around your house singing a song from Flashdance? Get your own Loveman the Tech and work it out on the bike? Visit the Trek site more often? Whatever the case is at least I am inspiring you to do something.
About a month ago my friend Jen told me that she had been inspired and motivated by my blog. She actually wanted to get out and ride her dusty, heavy bike that had been hanging in her garage for god knows how long. I must have asked her a hundred times to go riding with me and finally she said yes. She was very concerned that I would ditch her (drop her is the real cycling term) and that I would be bored out of mind. 
I tried to explain to her that I was not an Olympic cyclist (which I am so not) and that if she thought I was fun off the bike that I would be even more fun on the bike. I kept telling her that it's not about the speed but the ride itself.
She showed up in her gear and Loveman the tech fitted her on one of the bikes from his personal bike shop. I gave her a real cute Trek VW jersey and she looked great except for one thing. She had major lumps in her cycling shorts and they just didn’t look right. Well I’ll be darned, she was wearing her panties under her cycling shorts! Not good. The extra rubbing of the panties combined with the cycling shorts only promotes chaffing, irritation and rotting. I gave her the big tip from the non-professional, “Take your underwear off now!” She promptly removed her panties and immediately felt free as a bird. As we rolled out of the driveway the Loveman proudly stated, “That’s the fastest I’ve ever gotten a woman to take her panties off at my house!”
September 27, 2007
BIKE BABE FASHION SHOW!
This is a big weekend for me and I have some serious pre-show jitters. No, I’m not doing another show. I’m modeling in the She Got Bike festival and expo that is happening this weekend in Maryland. I am so lucky to be a part of such an amazing women's event. I will be leading the 46 mile ride, speaking to the riders about my fabulous Trek gig and strutting my stuff on the runway. Yes, a bike babe fashion show! How cool is that? Sweetness and I are very excited about this big event. What could be better than a bike festival that celebrates women that bike? I have recruited a lot of women to ride and it’s going to be a blast. The beauty of She Got Bike is that any woman at any level can ride. There are 14, 25, 46 and 62 mile rides offered. Jill from Trek will be there with the WSD demo trailer loaded with tons of bikes for everyone to try out. I may even have the Loveman spruce up Sweetness for the big day!
When I woke up today I knew I needed to get on the scale just to see how I was doing in my Trek weight loss contest. I had my bike fashion fitting to look forward to and I wanted the clothes to hang on me. Ok, I don't think anything has ever hung on my body (except a monkey) but I thought it sounded good. In one of my recent blogs (Enough Fat for Everyone) I made a promise to my public that I would lose 25 pounds. Yes, losing weight sucks but I am up to 9 pounds in one month. How did I do it? I had my stomach stapled. Yah right. Since I have fallen in love with Sweetness (and I have fallen hard) I have been riding the heck out of my bike. Last week I told the Loveman that I wanted to get rid of the car and ride my bike everywhere. He once again grounded me, as he does so well, and reminded me that there is no way I could pull all of my monkies around on my bike. My response was, “If I get a trailer for my bike I can at least pull 2 kids and the others can follow on their bikes.” So maybe I am going a little overboard but Sweetness is the bomb! Yes, I am cutting down on my eating but the constant riding is really helping. A lot of people hate exercising but I’m telling you if you get a bike you can make it so much more enjoyable!
So tonight I had to go in for my big fitting for the Bike Babe fashion show. I was meeting with Katie from Joe’s Bike Shop and She Got Bike. She is the buyer for the store and had picked out some pretty cute spring samples for us to wear. Of course, I will be wearing the Trek clothes which seem to fit my body quite nicely. Yes, like any woman I was a little nervous that the clothes might be a little too snug in a few places but everything fit perfectly. I was having flashbacks of my photo shoot at Trek and thinking “Oh god, not the embarrassment of a fitting again!” There’s nothing like being the girl trying on all of the larges when everyone else around you is wearing smalls and an occasional medium. But I always have to remind myself that everyone’s body if different. For example, I was given extra cushion in my belly so my kids have a place to put their head during story time. See we can all brainwash ourselves into believing that every ounce of fat on our body is there for a reason and has a function. Here’s your mantra for the day, “I love my rolls, I love my jiggle, and I love my body!” Now get out on that bike and ride!
September 10, 2007
WHY THE HECK DID SHE WIN?
OK ...Here’s my essay.
