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 15, 2008
ARE YOU TOO GOOD FOR THIS?
The phone rang on Saturday morning and it was the Loveman. I knew something was wrong because he was supposed to be on a club ride with the A/B group. I knew if he was on the phone he couldn't possibly still be on the ride. I also knew the ride wasn't over because he had only been out for a half an hour.
He said he had been in a "little tangle" with another rider and needed me to pick him up. Being the good wife I am, I packed up the car, the monkeys, the bike rack and off I went to pick he and Terry up. When I got there I got the real story.
He was passing Terry on the left during a big descent. Terry was talking with someone on his right. As the Loveman passed him Terry finished his chat and veered to his left (never seeing Jim) and clipped the back of the Loveman's back wheel as he passed him. The Loveman never went down but Terry wasn't so lucky. He went down and experienced a bit of road rash.
I asked the Loveman if he called out (i.e. "On your left") as he passed Terry. He said "No, you don't call out on A rides". Maybe I'm a wuss but my response is, no one is too good NOT to call out. I'm sure Lance and Levi don't call out but no matter what, if you're not a professional rider you should always call out.
June 9, 2008
MY GUT
I'm so sick of having a gut. It could singlehandedly be the most unattractive quality I have. Its pretty disgusting but I have grown to live with it like one might live with a mole or buck teeth or some other random bothersome quality. My tombstone will read "She was a nice girl, had great legs and arms but her gut was always a little large."
My gut has always been there. It has always been large and it has always been a problem. I must admit that genetics play a big part. Just like some women are bipolar or have some mental illness or another, I have a big gut. Large guts run in my family. My father has a big gut and my brothers have big guts. It's all part of being a Mele.
So now that I'm done complaining I'm going to let you know what I do about my big gut...other than over eating on a regular basis and drinking beer. I work out, yes...but do I focus enough on my gut? No. Do I do a hundred sit-ups every day? No Have I been good with my diet over the last month? No.
So basically I have nothing to complain about because I have a bit of a gut slacker. Did I ever really believe that I would wear a bikini? Maybe I'll go eat something really cheesy and feel better.
June 6, 2008
PLEASE USE CAUTION
Mom's can be total goobers at times. We have our moments but sometimes they're not so good.
Instead of going to the gym today I decided to take Seamus and Kiley out in the bike trailer. I planned a nice route forgetting that I would be pulling an extra 65 pounds... but all in all it wasn't too bad. We visited friends, dropped by the post office and stopped at Dunkin Donuts for some coffee and donuts.
We were almost done and about a mile from home. We were going down a slight downhill and we started picking up speed. The kids were laughing, I was loving it and we were flying high. At the bottom of the downhill we took a left. I was so in the moment that I neglected to slow down ENOUGH. As we turned the corner the trailer went up on one wheel and the kids shrieked. There was a slight sideways flip of the trailer. Did the kids fall out? No Where they strapped in the double kid strap system? Yes Were they wearing their helmets? Of course
I stopped immediately (instead of dragging them sideways the whole way home) and they were completely fine, just a little wigged about their bike ride that had suddenly turned into Mr. Toad's wild ride. The worst part was that Kiley got herself so worked up coughing that she puked (see photo). After about 2 minutes we continued down the road as I explained to them that what they had experienced was nothing compared mountain biking.
Yes, I will REALLY slow down on the turns in the future. For my kids sake. Now I know how far I can go. Bad mom!
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!
May 22, 2008
7 POUNDS OF PANTIES
I read the greatest article today on CNN.com that really shows how far women have come in life and in bicycling. I think its fantastic that biking played such a big part in the Women's Lib Movement.
Back in the early 1900's women were trammeled their whole life. If it wasn't by the men they were with and their societal obligations it was the heavy tight undergarments that they wore every day of their life. Their clothing practically cut off their circulation and heavily restricted their movements. Of course biking was a big no-no along with the fact that women could barely move on a bike with their clothes and the length of their skirts.
Eventually women fought back and argued for "reasonable clothing" with undergarments weighing no more than 7 pounds. That's what they call reasonable?!?! That's almost half the weight of my bike! Soon after women started wearing bloomers because they were shorter and wouldn't get caught in the bike while riding.
Once women began riding the female cyclists were often accosted. One of the first women to ride a bike in London, Emma Eades, was
attacked verbally and physically. People actually threw bricks and stones at her...wow. The fact that a women was out enjoying her freedom was threatening to the rest of the world. Luckily it didn't bother these women. They stood up for themselves and just kept riding. Love that!
Susan B. Anthony once said, "Let me tell you what I think of
bicycling. I think it has done more to emancipate women than anything
else in the world. A woman on a bicycle, the equal rights champion
observed, presents "the picture of free and untrammeled womanhood."
Needless to say women are riding more than ever so let's keep the numbers going up! Feel the freedom!
May 12, 2008
ALWAYS TRAVEL WITH YOUR IMPORTANT TOOLS
I am a firm believer of the clipless pedals. More power, efficient pedal stroke, you look cool and they feel so much better than a big bulky gym shoe. I wouldn't ride any other way. I have SPD's on my spinning and mountain bikes and speedplays on my road bike.
Yes, when I started using clipless pedal about 15 years ago I sucked hard. I fell all the time, could never get out of or into the pedals and I was very insecure about the whole process. But in time, I fell in love and got really good at it.
Whenever I travel without my bike I always bring my shoes and pedals. Last week while in Sedona I went to put my pedals on their bike and the hotel staff did not have any tools. I did not bring our wrench because we only have one and I thought that Loveman the Tech might need it. As a result I sucked it up and rode with plain old crappy pedals and my cycling shoes. What a challenge that was!
Every time I would start climbing really hard my foot would slip off the pedal and the sharp silver prongs on the pedals would jab directly into my calves. It was terribly painful. Sometimes I would just plain forget that I wasn't clipped it and wham I would get stabbed again in the calf. It clearly added a whole new element to my ride.
What did I learn? Always bring your own tools! No matter what!
May 9, 2008
HAVE YOU SIGNED UP YET?
Ok, so I'm one of the Women Who Ride. Yes, I will milk this for a long time and I'm sure it'll be my claim to fame someday. I'll be 90 years old riding around the neighborhood and people will see me and stop dead in their tracks to watch me cruise by.
Neighbor 1: Remember her?
Neighbor 2: She was one of the original WWR!
Neighbor 1:Oh yah... I think she was the crazy one.
Neighbor 2: You're right...she wasn't very fast but boy did she love to ride her bike.
Neighbor 1: And she always had the best bikes.
Neighbor 2: Can you imagine what her garage looks like!
Neighbor 1: Maybe we should get her picture. It could be worth something.
Neighbor 2:We could sell it on Ebay! Why not see if we can catch her?
Neighbor 1: I don't think we'll have a problem catching her, I think she's about ninety.
Neighbor 2: 90!?!?! Wow, she looks great!
Neighbor 1: I heard she had a lot of work done.
Neighbor 2: In that case it'll totally be worth it if we get to meet her.
Neighbor 1: Let's bust a move!
And then I wake up...
Oh my...how I digress. My point IS that being a Women Who Rides is pretty cool (with the exception being the slow part, but I'm working on it). Now YOU can also be a Women Who Rides just by signing up for the Women Who Ride Club. I signed up about 8 days ago and received the greatest package in the mail. Everyone loves presents, right? On top of all the cool stuff that was in the box I also got a new Timex Ironman Triatholon 30 Lap Watch for being one of the first 300 to sign up! Have I mentioned how much I love Trek?
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 1, 2008
THE LOVEMAN MAKES A COMMENT
A few weeks ago the Loveman posted a comment on my blog for first time. He didn't make a sweet and loving comment but instead he poked fun at me. I had written a blog (see How Bad is Bad? blog) about an intense mountain bike ride that put me over the edge. He sure had a good laugh that day. For those of you that didn't get a chance to read it his comment, here it is.
One could imagine that hanging with Susan on a regular basis for the
better part of twenty years you automatically become a funnier person,
simply by osmosis! I thought I was real witty on this particular ride
as I gave Susan the new moniker, "The Trek Woman Who Walks!"
I think I need another 20 years with her as you could guess from the tone of the blog she didn't think this was funny. My bad!
About a week after the Loveman posted this comment he was riding his mountain bike in our driveway. He had just rebuilt his bike after getting his frame back from the bike shop. He decided to take the bike for a little spin. He popped a wheelie and promptly flipped back on his bike forgetting how light the bike was as well as forgetting he was clipped in. Yes, he fell right on his ass.
I received a phone call a few moments later requesting our insurance information as the Loveman was headed to get his pelvis x-rayed. He thought he had broken his hip but luckily he just badly bruised his back end.
I'm still trying to figure out what's worse, being called "The Trek Woman Who Walks" or "The Guy That Falls on His Big Butt?
April 25, 2008
MY FIRST MAMMOGRAM
This was a big week for me. Drum roll please...I had my first mammogram! Of course I had heard all about them and how your breasts get manipulated throughout the process and how it really hurts, but I had never experienced it first hand. I had always thought that there weren't too many things that could be worse than nursing four kids so I wasn't really nervous.
As I sat in the lobby many thoughts raced through my head. I wondered who was there for the first time, who was there for a routine recheck and who already knew they had breast cancer. I thought about my fate, my family, my life and hoped that my breasts photographed well.
My technician was fantastic and everything went well. No pain, no tears, just easy conversation. When I left the office I started thinking about all the women in our country that can't afford a mammogram. Then I remembered the click to give free mammograms at the Breast Cancer website. Just by clicking you can give free mammograms to women who can't afford them. Please bookmark the site and click every day. Its a great way of helping other women and its free.
Cancer, heart disease and osteoporosis are all horrifying diseases that can strike a women at any time. There are specific ways to take care of ourselves so we can better our chances of not being struck by one these heinous illnesses. Number one thing, EXERCISE. Yep, EXERCISE. Did I say EXERCISE? It can change your life in such a positive way while keeping you healthier. If you don't have a bike, get one and start riding! If you have one and aren't riding it, take it in for a quick tune-up and then reunite yourself with an old friend.
One life, one chance. Have fun and make it worth it.
April 9, 2008
HOW BAD IS BAD?
Last night I decided to do some mountain bike night riding with the Loveman and a friend. I hated every minute of it. It was during this ride that I realized I was the crankiest, suckiest mountain biker around. I couldn't believe that I actually ever referred to myself as a mountain biker.
The trails were covered in leaves, there were about 20 stream crossing and the rock gardens were bigger than my backyard. It had rained last week but we thought this particular park would be pretty well drained. So on top of all the other crap I was dealing with I was carrying my bike A LOT. I was on the bike, then off the bike, then on the bike, then off the bike. The spoiled bike diva was not having fun in the dark.
During the short amount of time that I was on my bike I fell about 30 times. The more I fell the more pissed off I got and the more pissed off I got the more I fell. Mountain biking is all mental and once you get in a negative mindset you're screwed.
Just to add insult to injury I put new pedals on that were a little on the tight side. At one point during the ride I had fallen and was trapped underneath my bike (like a turtle) because I could not get my left foot unclipped. At another point I was sliding my bike under a huge tree trunk that was across the path and then climbing over the tree. My state of mind was not good and I was spouting off like a truck driver...and yes, the Loveman had a good time making fun of me.
All that being said I am going to pretend that ride never happened and with a little attitude adjustment I'll be out on the trails again. Maybe next time I won't look like someone beat my legs with a baseball bat.
April 1, 2008
GOD DELIVER ME!
I can't believe that I am actually writing this BUT I am officially pregnant with baby #5! I have always wanted a big family but 5!?! OH MY GOD!
The kids are thrilled and the Loveman is still in shock. Based on the photo I am a little bit farther along than I thought. At first I thought I had just eaten too much on vacation but now I know it's the real deal.
What the hell am I going to do? I guess I'll just get ready for Mr. Toad's wild ride. Wish me luck!
March 30, 2008
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!
- 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.
- 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.
- Try and eat some type of cheese product with every meal and then throw in a glass of whole milk for good measure.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- No matter how full you are, always order dessert and don't share it with anyone.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
March 16, 2008
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...
- 2nd Runner-Up - DOUG
- 1st Runner-Up - White Lightening
- 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!
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!
February 26, 2008
CALGON TAKE ME AWAY
- I have the flu. Yuck.
- I can't workout. Lovely.
- I have 4 monkeys. How can you be sick with 4 monkeys? They don't
understand a sick mom. You just become someone to jump on while you're
lying down.
- I got a call tonight from the kid's school telling they have an
asbestos problem and school is canceled for Wednesday. Are you
kidding me?
- I may lock myself in a closet all day tomorrow and leave food and water out for the kids. Do you think that'll work?
- AND just to add insult to injury, I'm truly a women on the rag. Super.
The Loveman thought it would be nice to take this photo of me as it says it all. Isn't he sweet?
February 23, 2008
THIS IS HORRIBLE
I am a Libra. The symbol for Libras is the scale. Libras search for equality and are probably the fairest, most even keel people you could meet. Our characters on a whole are balanced, diplomatic and even tempered. I pride myself in being all of those things. So here's where I have the problem. I can't make a decision to save my life! Picking out a movie, ordering off a menu or buying clothes can be a horrifying experience for me. Never fails, I break into a sweat and beg for someone else to make a decision for me. It's truly torture.
So here I am with so many names for my new Trek 2008 Trek Madone 6.5 WSD. Thank you to everyone that emailed me and contacted me with names. But unfortunately I can't make up my mind. I'm driving myself crazy!
Here's a few of my favorite ones.
- Phantom
- Steve
- Lightness
- Slick
- Goodness
- Strunze
- Lucky Star
- Ice
- Mad One
- Doug
- White Lightening
- Privilege
- Freddy
I PROMISE to have a name by the end of the week. I'm gonna have to flip a coin or something...I may just have to let me kids decide. That's usually how I make the majority of my major decisions in life. Thanks for your patience!
February 19, 2008
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT AND STOP THE INSANITY!
Ok, so I'm sure you've all heard about the Amaury Sports Organization (ASO) barring Team
Astana, in which Trek sponsors, from competing in any race or event organized by the ASO in
2008. The ASO runs pretty much runs all cycling events in France including the Tour de France. Not so nice.
Why you ask? It's because this year's team is paying for sins of last year's team even though this year's team is completely different. We all know what that's like. If you had a big brother or sister that was a sneak or a bully in school then you were immediately pegged a trouble maker when you entered the class years later. Guilt by association. Sad but true. Well this isn't high school it's the real world and that's what's happening to the new Astana team of 2008.
The new Astana team has totally cleaned up their act. I would even go so far as to call them squeaky clean. As a matter of fact Levi Leipheimer has never been implicated in any drug scandal. Unfortunately the ASO could care a less. It's a bum rap. What a shame...especially for Levi Leipheimer and the entire Astana team. Can you imagine working so hard to achieve a dream and then to have it taken away? It's a load of crap.
So what can you do? Well here it is. A website was just set up yesterday in support of Levi in trying to get him back into the tour. The more people that sign the petition and get on the Let Levi Ride website, the better the chances will be. Write a letter, get a shirt, a button or a sticker. Do something and Let Levi Ride! Thanks in advance for your support!
February 18, 2008
THE BIGGEST LOSER - Part 2
Yes, yes and yes, the biggest loser is still happening!!! I know I have been ignoring the topic for a while and I apologize but sometimes dealing with weight loss can be such a drag. Just looking at my back fat in the mirror can put me over the edge. Is there really any reason why we can't just shave our fat off with a big ass potato peeler? If life was so easy...
So it's week six and I am down 12 pounds. I am steadily losing a pound or so week and I'll take it. Yes, I'm eating right, working out and sending some pretty serious voodoo to the other contestants. But, come on, losing weight sucks! I can be a little bitchy about it if I like, right? Although I must admit that I am enjoying my daily breakfast of low fat oatmeal with a spoonful of flaxseed for got measure. If nothing else it keeps me clean as a whistle.
Here's my strategy...I'm gonna be slow and steady and then in the last two weeks I'm gonna spend 3 hours a day in a sauna in addition to working out, eating only figs and drinking water with lemon. I am not prepared to lose this competition so ladies, "Get ready to rumble!"
PS - The above photo is my fab friend Molly (who I work with) and I in the Bahamas. Molly is the organizer of the biggest loser contest and I must say she is going strong. If there's one person I wouldn't mind losing to it would be Molly...but that's it!
PSS - The photo of me...I just couldn't resist.
PSSS - I still have no idea why every bloody person that comes to the Atlantis has to have their picture taken in that silly chair...but hey I was doing it just like every other idiot that walked by. Peer pressure I guess.
February 11, 2008
OH GOD, NOT THE BIKES!
When I called home last night the Loveman said that we had just lost power. Then he added, “There are a lot of sirens and fire trucks coming up our road.” This is pretty much how our life is where we live. We have a lot of trees and the power lines are above ground so if it gets a little windy we inevitably lose power. Last night it was super duper windy and the temperature was dropping quickly.
As I was driving up our road the driver coming toward me rolled down her window and was in a complete panic.
Unknown Driver: (screaming) Where do you live?!
Susan: 514. Where do you live?
Unknown Driver: (still screaming) I live at 512!! I’m your neighbor!
(I looked a little surprised as I had never seen her before in my life. Clearly, she was my new neighbor.)
Susan: Oh, hi…what’s going on?
Unknown Driver: (Still screaming even louder) A power line went down in our yard and there’s a big fire and it’s moving up the hill to our house. The fire trucks are here and everyone needs to evacuate.
Susan: (short pause - still while thinking she's a bit nutty) Thanks, I better go get my family.
As I pulled up to our house I could see the smoke and the fire in my neighbors yard. There was definitely a fire, no doubt about that. I kept the kids in the car and ran in to get the Loveman and Seamus. He put Seamus in the car and we ran next door to get a little closer look at the fire. There were about 8 firemen and a few trucks. They were trying to use rakes to put out the fire (that was all over the yard) as opposed to water, which was a good move.
When we drove out onto the main road we noticed that it had been completely closed down.
That's never a good sign. As we headed out to get dinner we looked at each other and laughed. What else was there to do?
Jim: Oh well, so we lose this house in a fire.
Susan: It’s funny but I don’t even care. Been there, done that.
Jim: Yeah, I hear that.
Susan: I’m hungry. Anyone hungry?
Monkeys: We are!
When we got to the restaurant we had a beer and chuckled a bit. We had lost our home 3 years earlier during hurricane Isabelle. It was truly a nightmare. It just seemed a bit ironic to think that maybe it was about to happen yet again but this time in a fire.
Susan: I could care a less about anything we own.
Jim: Me too.
Susan: It’s just a house and some stuff.
(Long pause followed by a gasp)
Susan: Oh my god, not the bikes! We totally forgot about the bikes!
We headed home shortly after and the fire was fine but we had no power all night. It was 50 degrees when we woke up this morning and everyone was sneezing and their tootsie were cold...but you know what? At least we still had our bikes!
It's the little things in life...
January 13, 2008
PARTY POOPERS
For the past 4 years the Loveman and I have hosted the Harford Velo Cycling Club parties. We usually have a party over the summer and one at Christmas. The Christmas party is usually on a Monday or Tuesday in December.
This year we decided to do it on a weekend in January. The idea was that people would be able to stay later and really "party" if we had it on a weekend. The party started out with a bang and people seemed to be having a great time. We passed out our new jerseys, tasting some home brew beer and had a wine tasting. At about 9pm people were slowly trickling out. By 10pm the place was pretty much cleared out with the exception of one other couple, Chris and Heather.
We thought it was pretty funny (or lame) that we were the sole survivors so we thought we would take a group photo. Then we realized we couldn't do that because we were the only people there!
Weeknight or weekend the cyclists are a pretty quiet group that like their beauty sleep...and I'm sure they were all up riding at 6am the next morning. Needless to say the 4 survivors partied til after 1am to make up for the rest of the group. Sometimes you have to take one for the team.
January 3, 2008
THE BIGGEST LOSER
Recently I wrote about a couple of friends that I have traveled with for years. This fall we had a little friendly weight loss challenge. As you can read in my blogs under the category Free Your Fat, I didn't do so well. After spending some time with them in Boston (see Crazy Christmas Carolers blog) we decided to make this weight loss thing a little more challenging.
We are now doing our own version of the Biggest Loser complete with a weekly weigh-in, photos and a big cash prize. The winner gets $1260. How can you go wrong with that? Of course I am determined to win but it means I really have to buckle down and mentally prepare myself. I can't get gastric bypass surgery, I can't get my jaws wired shut but I can ride the hell out of my bike, right?
This was my lovely photo for the contest. Unfortunately there was no one around to do my hair or make-up. Oh well. It'll make for a much better transformation photo. Wish me luck!
January 2, 2008
I LOVE MY FAMILY
I love my family. I love my family. I love my family. That was my mantra for our 14 hour ride (which should have been 11) back to Maryland. For our trip back home we decided we should just do the whole drive in one day as opposed to splitting it over 2 days. It always seems like a good idea at the time until the ride begins.
As usual we got a late start and had a hard time fitting all of our newly acquired presents into the car. The kids were a little out of sorts because they too were not thrilled about the monstrous ride ahead. It had been snowing all night and it was still coming down pretty hard when we left. The roads were completely covered and the plows were everywhere. Welcome to the Midwest!
Once we pulled out of the driveway the drama started. "I forgot this, I want that, I'm hungry, turn on my song, everyone's laughing at me, stop touching me, she's hitting me, Seamus won't stop screaming, I dropped my stuffed animal, I have to go to the bathroom, my seatbelt is locked"...and the list goes on. It was a bad scene that I knew would only get worse. (Keep in mind, I do not take take mother's little helper...although I am now seriously considering it for long car rides.)
We were driving through a blizzard, going about 35 miles per hour and I was miserable. I visualized myself on a Trek Travel trip in Napa Valley, Colorado or Italy where the weather was beautiful and the scenery outstanding. Then someone threw a balled up snotty Kleenex at my head and I snapped out of it.
Isn't family time great? I love my family. How about you? Happy Holidays!
December 28, 2007
TWO DAYS IN A CAR
The Loveman's family lives in Ohio and my family is from Chicago. Every year we make the post Christmas journey to visit our families. Unfortunately, this year Jim had to work and was unable to make the journey with me. Lucky Jim. I decided to take the roadtrip ALONE with 4 small monkies. What was I thinking?
On day one of my trip I drove about 6 hours to Ohio. The trip was scary at best. Seamus was sick and cried, spit and blew snot the whole time, Kiley complained most of the trip and did everything in her power to drive Fiona crazy, Fiona complained about everything from the movies we watched to the food she ate, and Liam was pretty darn good and helped keep me sane. Once we arrived in Ohio the monkies were stoked and I was exhausted. They ate a ton of sugar and went to bed very late. They were borderline unruley.
On day two of my trip I drove about 8 hours to Chicago. The trip was pretty horrifying. The kids were not happy to be getting back into the car. Neither was I. Seamus was even snottier than the day before and his cough sounded terrible. At this point Kiley and Fiona also had runny noses and bad coughs and Liam was running a fever. The car was a breeding ground for infection.
Our stop at the rest stop was rather eventful (not that having 4 kids at a rest stop is not eventful enough). When we went to leave Kiley ran away from me acting as if she didn't know me. I was carrying Seamus, lunch for 5 and 3 stuffed animals. When I reached the exit door she started screaming and ran across the food court toward me. Everyone turned to stare at me so they could get a good look for when they had to give a description of me to the police officer. I started considering just running and leaving her there.
I was going to bring my bike with me but when I was packing the car I had a feeling there wouldn't be a lot of time for bike riding. As much as would have loved a ride, I think it was a good choice. Happy Holidays!
December 21, 2007
I DID IT!
I got up this morning feeling bloated and a bit hung-over from all the holiday partying I have been engaging in. I immediately started thinking about all of the things I needed to accomplish in the day. As usual, the list was pretty big.
Before I could get moving on anything I told the Loveman that I really wanted to ride Sweetness. He looked at me and said, “Well you can and you should.” With that he headed out to the garage to give Sweetness the once over.
I layered up my cycling clothes complete with toe warmers and booties and off I went for a ride. I rode 20 miles and it wasn’t fast and it wasn’t long but I got out for a ride. It was some of the most relaxing time I’ve had in a while. I was able to think about what I have ahead of me over the next few weeks and as well as what I need to accomplish over the next 72 hours. We’ll see how I do.
I’m already trying to figure out how to get out on x-mas day for a quick ride. It’ll be my present to myself.
December 16, 2007
WINE FOR EVERYONE
The holidays make me think of many things such as friends, family, eating and drinking wine. The Loveman and I lived in California for 7 years before moving to Maryland. We were very into wine and had a couple of friends who started planting vineyards and producing wine. They are now doing really well. Their business is Small Vines, Inc. where they believe the smaller the vine the better the wine. Their wine in fantastic and they have turned us on to other great wines.
Our friends are very into cycling as well as the Women Who Ride. They have really helped me in spreading the word on Trek WSD through Northern California. They sent me a link to Cycles Gladiator Wines and I thought it looked fun. The winemaker is a cyclist and they base their wine labels on the invention of the bicycle and the painting inspired by it. The
invention of the bicycle ushered in a new spirit of freedom during the
late 19th century. The Golden Age of Cycling reached its pinnacle in
1895, that same year French painter G. Massias created one of the
great Parisian art posters advertising a fashionable new bicycle:
Cycles Gladiator. That's the story behind the wine.
I have always found wine is a great gift for the holidays. Please check these wines out, especially Small Vines, Inc. as they have a very limited amount of cases but it is well worth it! Enjoy!
December 5, 2007
ALL I WANT FOR X-MAS (Part 2)
The Loveman and I have a couple that we hang out with quite often. Their names are Marc and Denise. They are fun intelligent physically fit individuals. A month or so after I won this contest they started expressing an interest in riding. I was thrilled to death to have some friends that were willing to try riding bikes with me. Eventually they decided to share the real reason as to why they didn’t ride or own bikes.
Years ago when Denise was in college she bought a bike so she could use it during her commute to school. When she checked out the train schedule she learned that she was not allowed to bring her bike on the light rail during commuter or high peak hours. Those were the times when she needed to get to school so as a result, she completed her degree and never rode her bike. After she graduated and moved she gave her bike away to someone. She recollects that it was a Trek and a really nice bike. Now she regrets ever giving it away. Really?
Her husband Marc also had a Trek bike. He moved several times over a period of ten years. The entire time he wasn’t riding a whole heck of a lot and was getting tired of moving his bike around from place to place. One day he noticed a crack in the frame but was unaware that Trek has a lifetime warranty on their frames. The next time he made a trip to the dump he threw the bike in the back of his car and dropped it off. Stupid.
With all that being said, yes, they both regret their decision. Marc probably regrets letting me a take a picture of him in a wig. Maybe they are even regretting our friendship after reading this blog…but hey, they were able to admit their mistakes and that’s admirable.
The moral of the story is…#1 don’t randomly give your bike to a stranger before you ride it, #2 make sure you remember that Trek has a lifetime warranty on their frames as well as limited warranties on their Shimano components and #3 don't ever let me take a picture of you. Just in case you didn't know, Trek is known for having the best warranty in the industry. Go Trek!
December 1, 2007
HOLIDAY SHOW TIME
I really enjoy doing shows over the holidays. The audiences always seem to be a little more upbeat than usual and ready to share their holiday cheer. This weekend I performed the holiday version of Woman on the Rag. What that really means is that I try to weave a few holiday themes into my improvisational scenes while the structure of the show remains pretty much the same.
The shows were very well received and I think the audiences especially enjoyed watching me try to squeeze into my dress with the help of 2 stagehands. One night they couldn’t get the zipper up and I ended up doing my entire Roxi set with my dress undone. Needless to say it was quite a sight.
I had fantastic audiences, which was largely due to the amount of press I received in Frederick. The Maryland Ensemble Theatre did a great job of PR. Two local newspapers gave me nice write-ups. The Frederick Gazette wrote an article titled “Split Personalities”. They included several photos in the article in addition to a photo of me doing the splits on top of a piano which was on the cover of the Arts and Entertainment section. I was also chosen in Frederick’s 72 Hour newspaper as the #1 show to see in Frederick. Not too shabby.
The beauty of the shows, the press and the fliers was that every article included that I was a Women Who Rides and the Trek web address. I am really fortunate that I have been able to cross-reference all of the things I am involved in. At present my life is truly spectacular and I love to perform…but I am little exhausted. I am not a superhero with super powers just a Women Who Rides. Time to get back to my training.
November 27, 2007
I CAN'T MOVE
No I haven’t broken my legs, I just can’t stop eating. It’s nothing new. This has been a lifelong problem that I am still unable to shake. I started out strong in September and made a promise to my public to lose 25 pounds. Once I got to 9 pounds I thought the rest would just melt off me. Fat chance. I had been working so hard on my weight loss program that I finally thought I was ready to ditch my size (10 -12’s) and become a size 8 permanently! Looks like I did it and then let it all go to pot. The more I rode the hungrier I became. I started getting cocky thinking, “Oh I’m riding so much I can eat whatever I want.” Yah, right. That type of thinking can only go so far (especially when you’re 40).
Then we got a new scale and it made me realize the harsh reality that our old one really sucked and I was much larger than I ever thought I was. I’m not in college so I can’t use the “freshman 20” excuse anymore nor can I say “I just had a baby” seeing that Seamus is 18 months old. I need to come up with some new lines.
I have never been skinny and never will be but I’m just asking for a little help from the person big girls talk to (whoever that is). Maybe it's the fat angel, the fat god or the fat psychics? That could be exactly what I need! A fat psychic that can hypnotize me to put down the brownies, guac, Doritos, potatoes, bread, etc. It's worth a try.
The worst part of all of this is that I’m performing Woman on the Rag this weekend at the Maryland Ensemble Theatre in Frederick and I can’t fit into my dress for the final number. I guess my enormous holiday gut is getting me down, literally. People are going to start mistaking me for Santa. I've got to get it together.
November 20, 2007
GET OUT OF THE ROAD!
One of the most appalling things I have ever heard recently took place while the Loveman and our friend Jason were taking a ride. They were riding in one of our favorite areas on a paved road with a huge shoulder. They started to make a right turn and had to move a little toward the white line to avoid a large pothole. Suddenly they heard a voice come over a loud speaker. The voice said, “Get out of the road!” No it wasn’t god; it was a blue unmarked police car. Unfortunately, the Loveman and Jason were turning and were unable to get the license plate off the car.
When they came home and told me what had happened I was appalled. The police are the people that are supposed to protect us and keep the roads safe for everyone. What a great example they are setting. Clearly this officer missed the part about sharing the road during his training. What an idiot...and who uses a loud speaker to sneak up behind a couple of riders and scare the living daylights out of them? Give me a break!
Needless to say I was a little fired up about this. I called and emailed our local law enforcement agency and they too were appalled by the incident. They conducted their own internal investigation and sent me a very nice email.
“These types of actions by our law enforcement officers are by all means unacceptable and not to be tolerated. Public trust and confidence in our officers is paramount in our profession and actions such as this only diminish our standing. I will have each Patrol Supervisor go over the "Rules of the Road" with their respective shift at role calls and hope everyone gets the message.”
I hope everyone gets the message too.
November 16, 2007
I'M IN BIG TROUBLE
This is scary stuff! No, not my life (that’s already scary enough) but now I have a new “trainer to be” and I'm in big trouble. I feel like I am getting a new confidant in a way. It's really kind of nerve wracking. OK, I feel the need to explain. After I started this crazy venture I talked with Trek about things I wanted to get moving on and goals I wanted to accomplish. I thought a trainer would be a nice addition to my stupidly lame “a little bit of this a little bit of that" training plan. So my dear friend and favorite Trek Chiclet, Krista, hooked me up with a trainer named Mary Daubert (formerly known as Grigson). I know what you’re thinking right now, “Wow Susan that’s great, your own personal trainer! What a perk to the job!” Believe me, I thought so to until I received a daunting email of which I will only include the highlights.
“Hi Susan, I understand that you are interested in personal training and Krista has given me your info. I am qualified as a NESTA certified personal trainer and a level 3 USA cycling coach. I spent 4 years with the Australian Institute of Sport as a developmental rider focusing on the 2000 Olympics. In 2000 I turned professional and rode for the Subaru Gary Fisher Mountain bike team until I retired in 2003. My major achievements are 5 time Australian Mountain bike Champion, 2 time American Series Mountain Bike Champion (see photo), 2 time World Cup Winner, 2 time Olympian, 24 hour Solo World Champion (2001) and I have also raced extensively on the road and have participated in triathlons.”
So after I read this I started thinking to myself, "What I am going to say to her that doesn’t make me look like a total loser?" Let’s see … I am a flabby mother of four that wishes she were in better shape. I carry an extra 20 pounds around just for warmth. I have no upper body strength BUT I nursed all my kids and my boobs look great in a push up bra. My greatest accomplishments are riding my bike instead of doing shots and popping pills all day every day…oh ya, and becoming the greatest actress of all time (in my head of course). I should be your most challenging client ever but I promise to make you laugh the hardest.
I’m a little nervous. Wish me luck…no, wish her more luck. She has no idea what she’s in for.
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!
October 31, 2007
I CAN'T CRY ANYMORE
A change will do you good... Every day is a winding road…All I want to do is have some fun…Are you strong enough to be my man? Strong women rock…literally. They are an inspiration to all women no matter what they do.
I have been in Vegas for a week now. For our final night gala we hired 5 aerialists and Sheryl Crow as the headliner. The aerialists were incredible. They hung from swings and ropes from the ceiling of the Grand Garden Arena in the MGM Grand. It was mesmerizing. After the aerialists finished their set we listened to an all female electric string quartet that was like nothing I had ever seen before. As soon as the quartet ended Sheryl Crow took the stage. WOW! I was lucky enough to see her back stage during the meet and greet. She is tiny, tiny, tiny (not to mention rich, rich, rich) but totally grounded and she exuded such a peaceful calming presence. You could just tell that she was a strong confident woman that was in a good place in her life.
The feeling of being on the road with Sweetness puts me in a great mental space. After a ride I am able to enter back into my world a groovier, calmer, healthier person. I feel centered and able to take on my crazy life without feeling too overwhelmed. I know I’ve said all these things before but repitition is good for the soul, right? At one point during the show Sheryl asked the audience what day it was. Someone yelled Monday and she replied, “I had no idea. Every day is Saturday to me. I guess I have a pretty good life.” What a great way to look at your life. First, recognize that you have a good life and second, live every day like it’s Saturday. That way you’ll always be in a good state of mind. Not bad advice. Come on, who doesn’t love the weekend? I dig the way she thinks. Oops, I almost forgot…she rides bikes too. Pretty cool.
October 27, 2007
HOW TO DRIVE A MAN CRAZY
I have learned how to drive a man crazy thanks to my friend Constance. Last week I was riding with a few guys and one of them angrily said to me (after 50 miles), “Do you have a bell on your bike? I’ve been trying to figure out what the hell was making that noise on my bike!” I had managed to drive him crazy. Ah yes….finally the perfect weapon in putting a man over the edge! Later that week I was riding with my friend Les (See Susan and the Seniors blog). He rolled up next to me and said, “Oh my god, you have a freakin’ bell on your bike! I thought my ears were ringing!” I replied, “I sure know how to drive the men crazy on the bike.” Yes I do and I’m loving it!
My friend Constance gave me a Guardian Bell a few weeks ago as a gift. When I showed it to my husband he said, “Are you actually going to put that on your bike? It'll drive people nuts.” I replied, “You’ve got to read the card that came with it. It's so cool and yes, I’m totally putting it on my bike.”
The Guardian Bell
Legend goes that by attaching a small bell onto your bike, the Evil Road Spirits will become trapped inside the bell where the constant ringing drives them insane, making them lose their grip until they fall to the ground. (Ever wonder where pot-holes come from?) Legend also has it that the mystery of the Guardian Bell carries twice as much power when it is purchased by a friend or a loved one and given as a gift.
So go out, get a bell and drive the boys crazy….oh yah, and you’ll be protected too!
October 25, 2007
RAIN RAIN GO AWAY
It has been raining here for 3 days and I am about to take my life. I love to ride my bike…you already know that. So how does one ride their bike in the rain? Very carefully. Normally I would but the roads are extra slick and slippery from all the rain and the tons of leaves everywhere. On Wednesday I had a great 35 mile hilly ride planned in Oregon Ridge with my friend Katie and some other riders. I couldn’t go due to the weather. Today I got up and was ready to ride but had to cancel again because of the pouring rain. Doesn’t Mother Nature know that I may possibly hurt someone if I don’t get to ride my bike!?!?
The worst part of this has been my food intake. Remember me telling you that if I ride I am able to eat because it counterbalances my weight gain? Well this week that has not been good. If it wasn't moving I ate it. My parents have been in town and we have pretty much eaten our way through the entire week. We went out to eat about 5 times and had a couple of delicious home cooked meals. Then there’s all the cake and cookies I have eaten in between. I truly feel like a stuffed pig that has an inordinate amount of gas and indigestion. So here I am a stuffed pig who can’t ride her bike. It’s very sad.
Both today and yesterday I sucked it up and went to the gym. I did the spinning classes and then some lifting. It was fine but I’m sorry, it’s still not the same as riding your bike outside. I also think that part of my crankiness is due to the fact that I am going to Las Vegas tomorrow for work and I may not have a lot of time to ride my bike. I guess I’ll be stopping at the doctor’s on the way to the airport to get my jaws wired shut....the sacrifices we make.
October 15, 2007
SCARED TO DEATH
About a week ago Jill from Trek with WSD demo trailer asked if I would be attending the Mountain Bike Festival in Maryland, sponsored by the Delaware Trailspinners, about 45 minutes from my house. The Loveman and I have mountain biked and done races in Fairhill where the ride is being held. (FYI - Race for me does not mean that I am a rock star mountain bike rider. It just means I signed up and completed the course and had a blast.) I told Jill I would be attending and riding on November 4, 2007 with the whole family. I also asked if she would put aside one of the WSD mountain bikes for me to ride.
I absolutely love to mountain bike but I never seem to have the time for it. It is so much quicker to roll out of the driveway on your road bike than it is to pack up your bike and head to the trails for a ride. Yesterday the Loveman insisted that I pass on the club ride and go mountain biking with him and his mountain biking buddies. He pointed out to me that I needed to go at least once before the festival. Good point. Now these guys go about twice a week and they’re pretty darn good. One of the guys in particular, Rick, is really amazing and fun to watch. He was hopping on and off of logs (one wheel at a time) while he was waiting for the group. Not too intimidating before going on a ride for the first time in 2 years. Yes, that’s 2 years…talk about cobwebs on a bike!
Ok, so I was having a little anxiety for the first ten minutes. I was actually stopping and walking my bike over log piles. That is so not me. Then I got behind Rick and every time he did a trick over a log pile he inspired me to do something also. Next thing you know my skills kicked back in and I was riding over everything and doing pretty well. Then we were on a crazy fast single track with switchbacks that went down a hill, over a steep mini cliff and then you had to pull a hard left. I was in the zone and going wild. I came down the hill so fast that I lost control, missed the left turn and had a major crash. Loveman was behind and came running to my side. He immediately asked if I was ok and then said, “As I watched my wife careening down the hill I thought to myself, that would really suck if she died.” I said, “No I didn’t die but I peed in my pants.” I was so scared when I lost control that I really lost control. He got hysterical and said, “Oh we’ve got to tell the guys.” Everyone had a good laugh and I continued riding in my wet pants. What was I going to do…ride naked? I had no choice. Now I know how my kids do it and I proudly told them about it when I got home. But I must say that my Trek WSD shorts worked very well as a super absorbent pad. Out of all the shorts I have ever worn the Trek WSD shorts have the largest most comfortable pad I have ever seen. So now I know that the shorts are not only used for comfort but also for those moments when you get the pee scared out of you.
October 4, 2007
DON’T TAKE ANYTHING FOR GRANTED
Yesterday I woke up and went on a bike ride. I had the normal morning minor aches and pains that everybody has when they get out of bed. I had a crick in my neck from sleeping and my legs were a little tight. No biggie. I rode about 25 miles before jumping in my car and driving 3 hours to New York. I was headed there for a quick 24 hour trip to visit a good friend.
A couple days earlier I had gotten a call that my friend Leah was going back into the hospital for a month of chemo. She was checking-in in 4 days. Leah was diagnosed with leukemia over a year ago and had spent several months in the hospital enduring many months of chemo. She was feeling great and then boom out of nowhere the cancer came back. Now she has to stop her life entirely and do whatever treatments her doctors find necessary. That sucks.
My friend Leah is an incredible person that I admire greatly. She is an amazing playwright, teacher and friend. We have collaborated on many projects and I have been lucky enough to act in many of her works in NYC, LA, SF and Chicago. As an artist there is no one that I would rather work with than Leah. On top of being the coolest chic ever she is by far one of my favorite people to shop and eat with. She understands and is able to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. She takes nothing for granted.
When I heard Leah was sick again I knew I needed to go to NYC and hang out (ie. shop and eat) with her for a day. We hit several 99 cent stores and ate anything that didn't move. We ate the freshest donuts ever at the Greek diner, had spinach and feta wrapped in phyllo dough at the Armanian bakery and then chicken enchiladas served with a mole sauce at the Mexican restaurant. Can you say stuffed pig? For our goodbye breakfast we ate at the New Post Coffee Shop that served not only American breakfast but Mexican and Irish breakfast as well. As our time together progressed it seemed like everywhere Leah and I went there was 80’s music playing and we kept hearing Journey. Maybe someone somewhere was trying to give us a subliminal message. Don’t stop believing? Hold on to that feeling? Maybe.
During my ride back to Maryland Journey came on the radio. Strange, huh? At that moment I thought to myself, I will never ever take anything for granted because at any second everything we have can be taken away from us in a flash. Waking up, hugging your children, holding hands, eating a meal, taking a walk, riding a bike…don’t take any of it for granted. You only get one chance at this life.
September 23, 2007
PERSONAL VICTORIES
When I look in the mirror I see all of my flaws. Come on, who doesn’t? I look at my face and see the many wrinkles around my eyes and I know that any plastic surgeon could do wonders with them. I see my large Italian nose that looks as if it has been broken a couple of times in a boxing match. I see my jet black nose hairs that remind me of my 69 year old father. I see my pointy whiskers that seem to sprout from my face every five minutes totally unannounced. I see my double chin that looks as if I am hanging on to a snack for later and I see thousands of gray roots that make me look as if I am a 39 year old girl living in a 60 year old body. Then I pick up my right and left breasts and fit them snuggly into my under wire bra. At this point I am only looking in the bathroom mirror….neck up. If I had a full length mirror I would never leave the house.
Ok, so if I really bought into all of my flaws I would be in therapy, have an eating disorder and probably be the most insecure person you have ever met. Therapy would be so darn expensive and I'm sure my doctor would put me on some kind of mother’s little helper that would make me loopy and puffy…yes puffier than I already am. The eating disorder would be a total drag. I would have to go to the bathroom several times a day to barf. Now because I am a mom I always have an audience in the bathroom. Not only would my kids get to watch me pee, pooh and take care of my feminine needs, they now would have the added luxury of watching mom blow chunks. Nice. They would finally have something to contribute on the playground when all the kids tell their deep dark family secrets. And yes, I could be a paranoid schizophrenic and then my monkies would finally understand what the heck a straight jacket was. A good thing to know when you are 7, 5, 3 or 1 and a half years old.
Luckily I am not the girl I just described. If I was that girl the Loveman would have left me a long time ago. So here is how I get out of bed every day, have a smile on my face and love whatever I am doing. I start each morning out with a stiff screwdriver. Just kidding. Every day I celebrate small personal victories for myself as well as others.
This weekend was incredible. It was the final weekend for my show. Here are my personal victories…
1. I was able to fit into my red dress for the final number in Woman on the Rag.
2. I was able to get a babysitter so the Loveman could see the show.
3. I had friends come to see the show from OH, PA, NJ, DC, CT and NY
4. Monkey #1 didn’t break his neck on his skateboard today.
5. Monkey #2 kept one of her outfits on for over 20 minutes today.
6. Monkey #3 only peed in her pants 3 times this weekend.
7. Monkey #4 took a nap for an hour.
8. People brought me flowers and laughed at my jokes.
9. I got out of the house for a quick ride – alone!
10. I had a satisfying bowel movement…with an audience of course.
Pretty amazing, huh? So I decided that today was a day to celebrate others personal victories. I went to a cyclocross race and cheered on the riders all afternoon. I only knew one rider out of all the professional and amateur cyclists and it was Liam, my son. It was his first race of the season and he did great. After the race he looked at me and said, “Mom I think I need to get a pair of those shiny tight shorts. I’m gonna need them for the season.” Personally I really liked his tie-dyed shirt and soccer shorts but if he needs the shorts to ride then its ok by me.
There you have it. I believe that not enough people pat themselves on the back for all the personal victories they accomplish. In addition to our own victories we must take time to enjoy and support others in all they do. Whatever you do, find a way to celebrate the victory…no matter how small it is. Size does not matter…I’m sure you’ve all heard that line before.
September 19, 2007
WORLD CYCLOCROSS CHAMPION
My oldest son Liam is 7 years old. When he was born I remember thinking to myself “When I have children I am going to play with them.” Growing up my parents always played with all of my siblings as well as our friends. They swam, rode a tandem and played tennis. They were very athletic people. My house was the place that all the kids in the neighborhood wanted to come and hang out. It was the fun house. As I grew older I began to observe all the parents that never really “played” with their children….and there are a lot of them out there. What I mean by this is that parents take their kids places, buy them things, give them parental advice but they never actually get out and “play” with them. Playing with your child would include things like riding bikes, playing ball, running, swimming or taking hikes with your child. We all know only too well that instead of getting active many parents opt for TV or video games. We’re either too old, too tired or too busy, it's an easy out. Don’t feel bad, everybody does it.
In my house I have a no TV during the day rule and I also have a rule that if I hear you say you are bored you get a swirly in the toilet. Luckily none of my children have ever said that to me. Boredom is an excuse for laziness and I don’t tolerate laziness too well. I am far from being a perfect mom but one thing that I do know is that kids need to exercise just like adults. 
It affects their mind, their mood and especially their weight. We all know the reason behind why the obesity rate in children is sky high so I won’t get preachy. BUT there is something that each and every one of us can do with our children. Involve yourself in some type of physical activity with them. Play with them!
Liam loves to ride his bike. He watches the Loveman and I do it constantly so as a result he has a passion for it. He has taken 10 mile rides with me and has done an incredibly great job. The Loveman races cyclocross and Liam started doing it with him last fall. Any race that Jim competed in he signed up Liam for the kids’ race. The sad part of it was that at each race there were only about 10 kids competing. The good part is that at least some kids were getting out and doing it. Liam took last year’s season very seriously and even placed in a couple of the races. He truly believes he is a World Cyclocross Champion in his age group and I think that’s pretty cool. The Loveman even set up barriers in the yard so he could practice at home. He’s dying for this year’s season to get started.
My five year old Fiona is working hard at riding her bike and I continue to push her. Sometimes she would prefer to dance in her coconut bra and her grass skirt over riding her bike and that’s ok by me. At least she is doing something and we can do it together...except I don’t wear the coconut bra. Who knows, maybe she’ll be a belly dancer. It really is a killer workout for your core and you can make some decent money as dancer.
As parents we always have to keep in mind that we are the bosses of our monkies, not the other way around. So get out there and play with your kids. Do something! Dance, run or ride your bikes around the block! It will stay with them for a lifetime. Who knows you too could have a World Champion on your hands.
September 10, 2007
WHY THE HECK DID SHE WIN?
OK ...Here’s my essay. 
When I first saw your ad for Trek Women Who Ride I thought to myself, “this is so me”. I am definitely the poster chiclet for Trek. No, I am not some buff athlete that races for a living. I am the mother of four small monkies who has used her bicycle as her saving grace. Without my bike I could easily become a horrible, fat, angry, out of shape mother and wife. Who wants to be around that person? Not me! Through my bike I have been able to channel my mental, physical and social needs in such a way that it has completely changed my life.
Over the past seven years I have been pregnant for forty months, gained two hundred ten pounds, lost two hundred ten pounds and nursed for a total of forty eight months….not to mention my body has a been a hormonal battlefield. My bike has gotten me through all of this. Without cycling I would be a mess. Some women eat, some take happy pills and some beat their husbands. I made the decision a long time ago that I didn’t want to do any of those things.
Physically I have used my bike to keep me in shape during each of my pregnancies. I rode until my sixth month of each pregnancy and then stopped riding when I could no longer reach the handle bars….of course I continued taking spinning classes up until the day I delivered. Once I delivered I was back on my bike within seven days and I even have the pictures to show it! I knew it was the only way I could get out of the house and remain sane as well as drop fifty five pounds. Unfortunately I am not one of those women whose baby weight just falls off. I needed my bike and luckily I was able to lose all of my weight aft
