May 20, 2008
BIKE TO WORK DAY
Last week was Bike to Work Week. Last Friday, May 16th, was Bike to Work Day. Bike to Work Day is celebrated across the country and is getting bigger every year.
Bike to Work Day
participants help raise awareness of using alternate forms of
transportation which promote clean air and reduce traffic congestion.
Biking to work also improves your health and saves you money. Kind of a no brainer, right?
The night before Bike to Work Day I asked my son Liam if he had any desire in participating in the ride and rally with the Loveman and I, reminding him that I would be waking him up at 6am. Of course he enthusiastically said yes, which is exactly what I had expected him to say.
The next morning it was pouring rain and the Loveman suggested that I not wake him. I knew if I didn't wake him that he would be very upset so I went into his room, told him it was raining and asked him if he still wanted to participate in the ride. He said said yes, just like I thought he would.
We rode into town in the pouring rain and he couldn't have been happier. When we got to the rally people were snacking on bagels, donuts and bananas and drinking juice and coffee. Liam was the only kid there and he was taking it all in.
A few announcements were made, awards were given out and then there was a raffle. There were lots of cool prizes as well as a new bike for the grand prize. As they announced the final number for the new bike Liam held tightly onto his ticket. Low and behold they called his number! He couldn't believe it...actually none of us could believe it. The bike shop owner told him that he would take the adult size bike back to his shop and let Liam pick out a bike his size. What a happy day!
He rode all the way back home in the pouring rain and as he got ready for school he said, "Mom, this was totally worth getting out of bed at 6am." Now if my kid can do this so can you. We all can make a difference if we try. Now hop to it!
February 11, 2008
OH GOD, NOT THE BIKES!
When I called home last night the Loveman said that we had just lost power. Then he added, “There are a lot of sirens and fire trucks coming up our road.” This is pretty much how our life is where we live. We have a lot of trees and the power lines are above ground so if it gets a little windy we inevitably lose power. Last night it was super duper windy and the temperature was dropping quickly.
As I was driving up our road the driver coming toward me rolled down her window and was in a complete panic.
Unknown Driver: (screaming) Where do you live?!
Susan: 514. Where do you live?
Unknown Driver: (still screaming) I live at 512!! I’m your neighbor!
(I looked a little surprised as I had never seen her before in my life. Clearly, she was my new neighbor.)
Susan: Oh, hi…what’s going on?
Unknown Driver: (Still screaming even louder) A power line went down in our yard and there’s a big fire and it’s moving up the hill to our house. The fire trucks are here and everyone needs to evacuate.
Susan: (short pause - still while thinking she's a bit nutty) Thanks, I better go get my family.
As I pulled up to our house I could see the smoke and the fire in my neighbors yard. There was definitely a fire, no doubt about that. I kept the kids in the car and ran in to get the Loveman and Seamus. He put Seamus in the car and we ran next door to get a little closer look at the fire. There were about 8 firemen and a few trucks. They were trying to use rakes to put out the fire (that was all over the yard) as opposed to water, which was a good move.
When we drove out onto the main road we noticed that it had been completely closed down.
That's never a good sign. As we headed out to get dinner we looked at each other and laughed. What else was there to do?
Jim: Oh well, so we lose this house in a fire.
Susan: It’s funny but I don’t even care. Been there, done that.
Jim: Yeah, I hear that.
Susan: I’m hungry. Anyone hungry?
Monkeys: We are!
When we got to the restaurant we had a beer and chuckled a bit. We had lost our home 3 years earlier during hurricane Isabelle. It was truly a nightmare. It just seemed a bit ironic to think that maybe it was about to happen yet again but this time in a fire.
Susan: I could care a less about anything we own.
Jim: Me too.
Susan: It’s just a house and some stuff.
(Long pause followed by a gasp)
Susan: Oh my god, not the bikes! We totally forgot about the bikes!
We headed home shortly after and the fire was fine but we had no power all night. It was 50 degrees when we woke up this morning and everyone was sneezing and their tootsie were cold...but you know what? At least we still had our bikes!
It's the little things in life...
February 8, 2008
DON'T WORRY ABOUT SWEETNESS
I have been getting an overwhelming amount of emails, phone calls and inquiries about the future of Sweetness. I never had any idea that everyone cared so much about him. It warms my heart. Because of your concern I thought I would write a blog letting you know what is going to happen to him.
I'm actually thinking about auctioning Sweetness off on ebay. Just kidding! I'm not selling him on ebay, at a garage sale or in the black market. I am not giving him away to any of my friends (even though many of you have begged me on several occasions). I am not putting him in the attic and I am not taking off any of his components and swapping them with friends like trading cards. I am keeping him!
Sweetness has a lot of sentimental value for me. I worked hard for him, I won him and I love him...especially the paint job. I will use Sweetness as my "spare bike". Did I just say that? Wow, I'm beginning to sound like a bit of a bike snob, aren't I? I can take him when I travel, when the weather is a bit questionable or when I go riding with a friend and they want to try out a fine specimen of the WSD workmanship. I promise, he will be put to good use.
Sweetness will be with me forever, so take a deep sigh of relief and don't worry your pretty little heads.
February 3, 2008
THANK YOU SWEETNESS
I'm starting to feel a bit of guilt. Yes, because I am a Women Who Rides and I have gotten two of the nicest bikes in the world over the last 6 months. Sweetness has been soooo good to me. He taught me what it was like to ride the cadillac of all bikes without ever looking back and also taught me how to excel as a rider and enjoy the ride. I love Sweetness.
Part of me is afraid to get on my new Trek Madone 6.5 WSD. Here's why...when I do, I may like it more than Sweetness. I kind of feel like I am about to cheat on my lover and I know in my heart its wrong but I know it is going to be better than ever. Do you understand my inner struggle? I am sad and torn but excited at the same time.
I want to share some of my favorite photos of Sweetness in honor of all that he has given me. Enjoy, just as I have...
January 20, 2008
I DON'T KNOW IF I CAN MAKE IT
I love Sweetness, my 2007 WSD 5.9 Madone, and I always will. I love to look at him, ride him and introduce him to all of my bike junkie friends. He really is incredible and has been so good to me. I still look forward to every ride I take with Sweetness.
As part of being a Women Who Rides we get to demo bikes and sometimes even keep them (i.e. Sweetness). When I started this gig I was told I would be receiving a the 2008 WSD 6.5 Madone. I still can't believe that I am going to be getting this bike! I've heard that this bike is out of this world!
I have been doing research and checking out what the word on the street is from those already riding this incredible bike. I want to know what kind of a ride I am in for. I found this article on Team Estrogen's website and it says it all! Now I can't wait to get mine!!!! Lighter, faster, stronger...it's a dream come true! Check out this review and if you have a Trek WSD 6.5 Madone, let me know what you think so I can share it with the world!
January 15, 2008
CELEBRATE
Today was the first day I had been out for a ride since Christmas. Truth be told, I really didn't want to ride. I woke up cold and cranky. I looked outside and thought, "There's no way I'm riding", but with a little bit of encouragement from the Loveman i was ready to go.
Once I was on the bike I started reflecting on life, the holiday season and all of my fabulous friends. Then I realized I hadn't seen a lot of them since before Christmas. Once I got home I made sure to contact each and every one of them to invite them over for an impromptu gathering.
Believe it or not, everyone had the evening free! We had at least 50 people and the kids played in the rain while the adults partied and caught up. I was so happy to see all of my friends. I was in my glory and so was my family.
Here's to the road for opening up your heart. Don't you feel like having a party?
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 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.
October 17, 2007
LIME LIMBO
Yes, I have acquired a new addiction. It is biking.
I used to make fun of the
Loveman for his biking addiction. You know, the way he’s always drooled over bikes, bike parts and cycling gear. Well now I am eating my words as I am turning into the Loveman. My name is Susan and I am a bike addict.
When I visited the Trek headquarters this past July I had the opportunity to meet the Lime bike.
During our breaks I rode it around the parking lot and kind of fell in love with it. 
It has been three months and I have been unable to stop thinking about it since I left the Trek headquarters in Waterloo, Wisconsin. I am always looking at the Lime online and telling people about how perfect the Lime would be for them when I find a good fit. 
I find myself fantasizing about riding the Lime around the yard with my big monkies while towing the little monkies around in a trailer. Finally I decided to bite the bullet and get one. I told the Loveman and he said, “Well, then I want one too.” Of course he did because he’s a bike addict. I’m convinced if I said I was going to get a unicycle that he would have wanted one as well.
Within hours we purchased a white Lime with pink accents and a silver matted Lime with royal blue accents. The Loveman had them assembled in no time and before we knew it we were chasing the kids around the yard and having a ton of fun.
After a while the Loveman and Liam came up with the game Lime limbo. They were doing the limbo under the badminton net while riding their bikes. It was hysterical…especially when I took the whole net down after catching my handlebars on it as I was doing the limbo. Yes, I am a Lime limbo loser but at least I have something to aspire to. I can’t wait to see what other fun family “Lime” adventures lie ahead! Stay tuned.
October 6, 2007
THE SEAGULL CENTURY WITH A BUNCH OF GIRLS
Guess what I did this weekend? The Seagull Century on the eastern shore! This was my second year participating in this event. The last time I did it I was 7 weeks pregnant with Seamus, I was sick as a dog and it was pouring rain. 
This year it was 85 degrees and a bit overcast. Perfect weather for a ride. We met a group of riders at 5:30am so we could begin our 2 and a half hour caravan. We were going there with a group of very strong A riders from the Harford Velo cycling club. They do this ride every year as fast as they can and always do it in record time. Yes, I was a little nervous about riding with them as I thought I would be dropped in the first 10 miles but Sweetness and I were up for the challenge.
There were 8 guys and one incredibly strong racer girl named Mary. Mary and I were the lowest maintenance of the group. The guys were worse then going on a road trip with a bunch of girls. 
They had a whole list of stops they needed to make. First we stopped for coffee, then at Burger King for breakfast, and then we sat around and waited for all the guys to dump and urinate before we left. Once we got to the ride the guys all had to urinate again and then within the first 30 miles all the guys had to stop twice to urinate yet again. Mind you all of this was before we even got to the rest stop and just for the record, Mary and I never participated in any of the group activities during our flurry of stops other than a snack. Mary said she had heard that women's bladders are bigger than men’s. I guess that must be true.
Sweetness rode like a dream and his performance was impeccable. For the majority of the ride I felt like we were just gliding along. 
We were able to stay with group until mile 74 averaging about 22mph. After that we slowed down a bit and still hauled to the finish in 4 hours and 40 minutes averaging 21mph. I swear I have NEVER done that well on the bike in my entire life! I’m telling you its Sweetness...or maybe the combination of the Loveman and Sweetness. Who knows?
I received the biggest compliment of my life around mile 80.
My friend John and I were cruising along and some guy jumped on our wheel. At the time I was pulling and after about 3 miles the guy yelled up to me and said, “Please don’t tell my friends that a girl kicked my ass on the bike!” I turned around after a couple of minutes and the guy was gone. I asked John what happened to him and he said, “You dropped him.” Not too bad for the almost 40 year old big girl! Peace out!
September 17, 2007
LOVE ON THE BIKE
Sometimes when there is a lot of tension in a relationship nine times out of ten it is because the couple hasn’t had sex in ages. Sex in pretty important in keeping a relationship alive. Once you have sex it's like you have broken the ice and presto you like your partner again. It is a magical moment that immediately makes any wrongdoings right again. It is the cure all for the relationship blues. I’m sure that anyone that has ever been in a relationship can relate to what I am saying.
This past week was pretty intense for me. The show I was producing and performing in, Woman on the Rag, was opening and I was completely and totally out of my mind. I had a lot to accomplish before the show opened and I was working my ass off, not to mention I have four little monkies that needed some attention. The Loveman was very helpful all week. He was assuming his position as Susan Mele’s (a.k.a. Roxi Starr’s) personal assistant, father of our monkies, sound mixer for the show, punching bag when needed and of course, Loveman the Tech. Bottom line there was not a lot of time for intimacy and the tension was building. AND...I had not been on Sweetness in five days...not good.
Overall, my opening weekend went really well. I arrived home at 1am on Saturday night after my show. I was exhausted. The Loveman was up doing laundry and asked me to hang up a couple of random clothing items. Well that just set me off. I thought to myself, "Does he have any idea of what kind of a week I had and now he wants me to put away laundry?" Clearly the tension was building between us. I went to bed ticked off. I was lying there thinking about how I could throw him out of bed after he fell asleep. When I woke up I started getting ready for a 50 mile ride that we were doing with our cycling club. Because I am a woman I was unable to drop the fact that I was not very pleased with his behavior. Women have the uncanny ability to hang onto things for a long time...sometimes weeks, days and even months. We started to leave the house and I was not feeling a lot of love toward him if you know what I mean. I put my ipod on low and hopped on my bike. He looked (more like glared) at me then ripped out of the driveway in a huff and made me chase him to the club meeting spot. The whole way there my blood was boiling. How dare he leave me in the dust and ditch me before we even get to the meeting spot? When I arrived the ride took off. I was nowhere near him for fear that my my emotions would overtake me and I might get crazy and push him off his bike. But on a happier note my hormonal explosion was giving me a lot of energy on the climbs. Eventually the Loveman rolled up next to me and I started taunting him. Next thing you know we are having a full on ball busting nasty argument while we were riding. Once our discussion came to a lull my friend Jeff rode up next me and said, “I think next time you really need to tell him exactly how you feel.” Smart ass.
We continued riding another 30 miles. My endorphins were flowing and I was totally in the cycling groove. I was having a blast chatting with friends, Sweetness was performing nicely and I couldn’t have been happier. Every time the Loveman came near me we would harass each other in a playful way. I think I may have even smacked his butt a couple of times. When the ride ended we stopped with the group for coffee and had a nice casual ride home. It was as if we were never even pissed off at each other. The ice had been broken and the tension relieved…by working it out on the bike. A good ride can be like sex…and yes, it can also lead to sex if you’re not careful. Beware, the bike can be more powerful than you think.
September 12, 2007
THE NEW MAN IN MY LIFE
After I won the Women Who Ride contest we were all asked to pick a local shop that we wanted to use as our personal bike shop. They wanted this shop to be a place that we were familiar with in our area and felt comfortable using when we needed bike help. Loveman the Tech had pretty much been to every shop in Maryland. (As a matter of fact, I think all the money we have saved for our monkies' education has already been spent supporting bike retailers). I had only been to a few shops in our area and after I mentioned it to the Loveman he said, “Well, who are you using?” For me, this was a no brainer. I immediately said, “Joe’s Bike Shop in Mt. Washington.” He nodded his head and told me I had made a good choice. He had been to Joe’s Bike Shop (also known as Mt. Washington Bikes) several times and I had only been there a couple of times.
The first time I walked into the shop was a few years ago and I remember thinking “I wonder if I’ll get to meet Joe?” I’ll admit I was a little nervous at first. 
I can’t help it but I kind of feel like all the guys in the back snicker when I woman walks in. Sorry, but some chics feel that way and a lot of guys do stupid stuff like that. You know, the male intimidation factor. But much to my surprise I met a nice, handsome, soft-spoken, easygoing guy.
When I left I thought, “I wonder is that was Joe?” Being a little shy (which I am normally not), I never asked his name. The second time I met him I was at the 2nd annual She Got Bike Festival. He was hanging in the Trek demo trailer answering all the women’s questions about bikes, bike maintenance and god knows what else. This guy totally knows what he’s talking about and he says things in a non-condescending manner that doesn’t make you feel like a total bike idiot….a very impressive quality. So of course, when I had to pick a shop Joe’s Bike Shop came to mind.
When I walked in the shop yesterday I was a little anxious because I knew I had to tell Joe what was wrong with Sweetness. I had gotten caught in the rain on a ride and my shoe slipped while getting back into my pedal. Loveman the Tech had looked at it and said, “Wow, that must have been a pretty good fall. It looks like you bent your rear derailleur and I don’t have the tool the fix that.” I took a deep breath and told Joe what happened.
I was ready for him to laugh outloud and then run to the bathroom and laugh even harder. He did no such thing. He put Sweetness in the repair stand, fixed the rear derailleur, cleaned the chain and gave me a really sassy Joe’s Bike Shop women’s t-shirt and a cool cap for the Loveman and I to fight over. He even said he was going to try and see Woman on the Rag. Sweetness looked so great that we even posed for some photos. As Joe walked me out to the car I thanked him and thought to myself, “Watch out Loveman the Tech…it looks like you’ve got some real competition.”
When I got home I told the Loveman about my visit with Sweetness just to see if I could get a rise out of him. He turned me and said “Don’t worry honey I’ve got an awesome set of tools.”
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 after each pregnancy.
Getting up and out of bed, managing my family, holding down a part time job and keeping my life together is pretty hard. Getting my kids taken care of, preparing my bike and riding for thirty miles every other day is even harder. But I do these things because I know I can eventually get out on the road, get some good exercise, clear my mind, get my endorphins going and feel totally refreshed when I get off my bike. I am always a much nicer person to be around after a ride. I not only ride for myself but for my seven year old Liam, my five year old Fiona, my three year old Kiley, my eleven month old Seamus and of course my husband Jim.
I am a huge advocate for using your bike to make a total lifestyle change. My bike is my life, my religion and my world. There is nothing I would love more than to share these passions and my story with Trek.
August 22, 2007
SCANDALOUS PHOTOS WITH MY LOVER
During my stay in DC I accomplished many things ie. work, rehearsals for my new show, riding Sweetness and a photo shoot. I have been an actress my whole life and it is part of who I am. It's what I do. Period. End of story...more on this later. 
In preparation for my upcoming one-woman show, Woman on the Rag, I needed to take some promotional and press photos. While in DC I scheduled a photo shoot with one of the most incredible photographers in the DC/Baltimore area, Jerry D.
I about wet my pants when he told me he had an opening in his calendar that week. I was extremely lucky to book him because he was photographing
the Police that 
weekend at the Virgin Fest and barely had any free time. Jerry has photographed me in the past so he knows what he's in for when we get together. He is always ready to have fun, improvise and follow my crazy train of thought. As always, the photo shoot was a blast and he got some great shots. We were just about ready to call it a wrap. As I went to change out of my clothes I saw Sweetness sitting in the corner of my suite looking a little left out. Then it hit me! A photo shoot with Sweetess! Jerry was up for it so we rolled Sweetness out onto the backdrop and the fun began! Sweetness was born to be in front of the camera. He loved every minute of it...and so did I!
August 16, 2007
IT FEELS LIKE THE FIRST TIME
Christ on a bike! 
There is nothing on this earth that is more beautiful than Sweetness, my 2007 WSD Madone. I had met him briefly in Madison and we instantly fell in love. I knew he was being shipped to MD and every day I waited patiently for his arrival. Finally he showed up. It was about 3 o'clock in the afternoon and I came home after my spinning class with 4 screaming hungry monkies that needed lunch. I was feeling a little on edge myself. I didn't care how loud they were screaming, all I could think about was if Sweetness would be waiting for me. I ran to the side door and there was a big UPS box. I couldn't believe how light the box was! I was a little unsure as to if there was even a bike inside. The minute the Loveman walked in the door I told him to go immediately into the garage. Of course he asked if I was meeting him in there and I said, "No, you've got to get in there and put my bike together!". He called me to the garage as soon as he was done and I could not believe how gorgeous Sweetness looked. I noticed that the color had about six different shades of blue in it. I immediately wanted to ride it. The next night I went out for the virgin ride. It was a Thursday night club ride with the Harford Velo Cycling Club . I have been riding with the club for about 6 years and have many good friends in the group. When 
I showed up I felt like I was introducing them to my new baby. I allowed them to hold him, touch him, pet him and ride him. I was like a proud mama. The ride leader Bob picked a pretty hilly ride and for some strange reason decided to do the biggest climb twice.
I thought that maybe he had a blood transfusion that morning
but after knowing Bob for a couple of years I knew that couldn't possibly be true. Deep down I think he was a little envious of Sweetness and he was really trying to make me work extra hard. As we rode out of the parking lot I felt like I was flying. Sweetness was like driving a brand new Cadillac. Every bump, crack, railroad track and rock felt similar to rolling over a cotton ball. It was unbelievable. I was high as a kite. Throughout the ride I talked a mile a minute to everyone. I could barely contain my excitement. 
I told them all about my light OCLV frame and super comfortable Bontrager seat. It was a lot bigger than what I had been riding but I loved it! I was in a state of complete bliss. I never had any idea of what people meant when they said "The bike just gets away from me!" but for the first time I knew what they meant! Sweetness had such energy and momentum and I had to keep up with it! It was a whole different type of riding for me...smooth, sweet and in many ways effortless. We did 35 miles and averaged 17.8 mph (I honestly don't care about stats but I find that men live for them). I loved every minute of my virgin voyage and I look forward to more time with Sweetness...I just hope the Loveman doesn't get too jealous.
