June 25, 2008
WHAT A DISASTER
My friend Kim has referred to me as her "favorite train wreck". Sometimes I truly feel this way. Once that downward spiral starts I often have a hard time coming up for air. I usually have to let it run its course and then I can work on recovering.
Here's the wreck....
1. About a month ago, my camera died. I lost a few pictures that I hadn't downloaded but it wasn't too many. I ended up getting a new camera. This was just the beginning of my electronic fun.
2. A couple of weeks later I was out on a ride with my crew. My lovely monkeys decided to use their water bottles to fill the bottom of the bike trailer. My phone was in the trailer and got soaked. Actually not only did it get soaked but it was ruined. I lost my 200 addresses and phone numbers. Exciting stuff.
3. Next I ordered a new phone but for the first time ever it wouldn't sync up with my address book or calendar on my computer. Yes, I little bit of a bummer but figured I would work it out.
4. Then I went to Miami for work this week and one morning I was leaving my hotel room when I heard a terrible moaning. I looked around the room for a dead animal only to realize that the computer in my bag was moaning. Yep, you got it...DEAD. My computer was dead as dead could be.
5. Now right before I went on my roadtrip I told the Loveman that I needed to back everything up. I asked him to do it but he was too busy. I wasn't really busy. I just had to pack for 5 people, set up some summer fun, watch the kids, pay bills, get sitters for when I worked, get the car seriviced, finish all the laundry and deal with our house not to mention work, blogging or riding. I can't understand why I never got around to it.
6. Needless to say, I have had it to Mac stores and they can't even see my hard drive. Not so good. I'm still hoping to have someone try to find something with recovery software. It's still a remote possiblity.
In case you were wondering, I lost my address book, calendar, photos galoure, tons of writing and the list goes on. I feel like someone punched me in the stomach. Deep breath....
As I work through my electrical nightmare I may be a little slow getting blogs up, etc. etc. Wish me luck.
Time for a bike ride and hopefully I won't wreck.
June 22, 2008
NEXT STOP CHI-TOWN
After enduring a hail storm from hell, lightning and thunder that scared the crap out of the monkeys and several pee stops in the emergency pull off area on the shoulder of the highway, we finally made it to Chicago. At times, the 7 hour trip from Ohio seemed like a 17 hour trip. I am proud to say that overall the monkeys did very well. They were rewarded with juice boxes and overpriced candy from the rest stop.
When I got to Chicago I was a little nervous about my bike. It had just been pelted with golf ball size hail and I was sure Slick's (my Trek Madone 6.5 WSD) frame was going to be severely damaged. I left the children in the car and I walked to the back of the vehicle. I held my breath and looked at the frame. Not one scratch or dent! I lucked out big time.
The next morning I celebrated with a nice ride around my parents neighborhood. As usual I was thrilled to be riding my bike but even happier that it was in one piece. Next time, instead of giving myself a heart attack I may just have to bring Sweeteness...my "spare bike". I'm such a bike snob aren't I?
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 17, 2008
SUMMER VACATION
At the beginning of the week we officially started our summer vacation. In celebration I packed up the car and the monkies and off we went. Everyone was really pumped about the trip.
On day one we stopped in Youngstown, Ohio. The kids and I stayed with the Loveman's sister and her husband. They have a swimming pool and the monkeys always enjoy swimming and hanging out with Aunt Jo and Uncle Ed.
The next morning when I woke up I had the itch to ride. I asked Jo and Ed if they would watch the kids while a took a quick ride in Mill Creek Park which is right down the street from their house. The park has 15 miles of foot trails and 20 miles of roads throughout. The park is absolutely beautiful and I knew I needed a ride alone before I jumped back in the car again and drove to Chicago with my crew.
I left for my ride and was having a good time until I realized I was totally lost. I kept trying different roads and kept ending up in the wrong place. I started to get a little nervous. I also felt a little bad for Jo and Ed because I told them I was going on a "quick ride". Nice sister-n-law, huh? Dump four kids and then take off?
Eventually I made it back to their house (after asking someone for directions) and all was well. Seamus hadn't torn the house apart and the other three were still in their pajamas. I showered, packed the car and the kids and I moved on to Chicago...and yes, I was much happier after getting a ride in. Ahhhhhhhhh
June 12, 2008
GOODBYE MY DEAR FRIEND
Today my dear friend Leah Ryan lost a two year heroic battle against luekemia. She was graceful, lovely, kind and humble every step of the way. She is a women I will always admire and look up to. She was so freaking cool and one of the greatest writers that ever lived. I love her very much and I know she is in a better place right now.
A word is dead, when it is said, some say.
I say it just begins to live that day.
-Emily Dickinson
June 11, 2008
CATOCTIN CHALLENGE
In a month I'll be participating in the Catoctin Challenge. It is a charity ride for Habitat for Humanity. It is an "invite only ride" and somehow (after a lot of convincing) I was accepted as a rider. The Catoctin Challenge is in PA and has about 6300 feet of climbing and a reputation as being one of the most fun charity rides around. It involves lot of riding, eating, drinking and live bands. It was started in 1996 by Phil Heffler and here's how it all began.....
"Prior to this wicked fun event I held a few charity golf tourneys and
the last year I had one it rained all day and ruined the event..it's hard to
golf in a down pour. Also that year (1995), I did my first century in Southern
Md. for MS and I started thinking about doing my own ride. I thought how crazy
it is for the rider to: 1) buy an expensive bike. 2) have to buy (and
wear!) spandex pants. 3) train for long hours...and then 4) have to go out
and raise money for a charity!!! After all that...I knew I would treat that person like a king or queen! I also thought...if we did do a ride that celebrated the riders MORE than the
charity..that it would eventually result in MORE for the charity with LESS
numbers because people would WANT to do more after the first year. Spend
more to make more was my theory. But my initial problem was that we had No money to do this the first year, plus we did
not want to advertise it, so we wound up with 24 riders and raised
$700!!! BUT... the food was excellent and we had a very funny musician who
brought the house down...so, the foundation was set. The next year, we added Lobster tails to our menu, plus more
entertainment. Each year we kept raising more and more and even though for
most of the early years, we only had 50 riders we were still were raising
@40-50K.
A few years ago we added a 100 mile monster and a 50 mile
easier course ( the original course was 65 very tough mils
& climbs). That is when we started getting over 100 riders.
This year, we are accepting a total of 150 riders and will raise over 100K.
EVERYTHING I had ever hoped for with this ride has been surpassed by
1000%. We get the best, most fun riders around. My dreams are to get
to 1 million dollars raised each year and I hope to do that within the next 7
years. Quite a jump, but if you would have told me after our first year
when we raised $700, that we would have the site, entertainment, food, beers,
lunches etc. plus raise over 100k like we do now, after only 12 years, I would
have said you were crazy! Anyway, if we get there, I can't even imagine
the show we will put on!
As you can imagine I am thrilled to be doing this ride...camping and all! I let you know how it goes!
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 2, 2008
COURAGE TO GO ON
Sometimes when you meet a person and you just click with them. Sometimes you know why and other times its just random.
While I was at the National Bike Summit in DC I was hanging in a bar enjoying one of my favorite beers on tap, 60 minute Dogfish head beer, when I noticed a girl at the bar. She looked exactly like one of my cousins (from my Irish side of the family) and had a sweet, happy and friendly face. I approached her and we started chatting and laughing as if we had been friends our whole life.
After we enjoyed a beer together I asked her what she was doing at the National Bike Summit. She proceeded to tell me that her husband was hit by a car while riding is bike. I felt like I stopped breathing for a second when she told me this. I was so sad for her but I the same time I admired her courage and tireless commitment in trying to make sure that what happened to her husband didn't happen to anyone else.
I've kept in touch with her and I wanted to share her story with you as well as what she has been passionately working on. I thought this was an important story to share.
As you know, since the death of my husband Greg I have been
working with a group of supporters – family and friends – to start
a public debate about the need for legislation in Ontario to combat high risk/repeat offender
drivers.
This effort started in earnest after the sentencing hearing for the
truck driver who killed Greg, when we learned that he had an appalling driving
record which included several convictions of driving while suspended, driving
with no insurance and two months after he killed Greg, a collision where he was
charged and convicted of hitting another driver. He was convicted “in
absentia”. As regards our case, he was convicted but is appealing his
conviction (his sentence was a one year license suspension; suspended sentence;
100 hours of community service) and his appeal will be heard October 3rd.
Over the past number of months, I have had conversations with a wide
variety of stakeholders including legislators and law enforcement officials,
all of which have been very productive. The Ontario Provincial Police as an
organization and the many kind and dedicated individuals who serve our province
within it, have been supportive and helpful and I thank them. Greg would be
proud that the organization he worked for and the uniform he wore proudly
represented a standard of service and care that goes beyond the call of duty.
I have also had meetings with senior officials in the office of the
Minister of Transport, the Honorable Jim Bradley, and have met with members of
the Conservative Opposition as well as municipal leaders. One possible route
for consideration is a Private Member’s Bill, such as the one which led
to Bill 203, the Street Racing legislation which came into force last September
30th. Of particular deterrent effect in Bill 203 is the provision
which provides for the loss of your vehicle, and immediate license suspension
for 7 days. This “administrative” remedy is faster, more efficient
and according to the statistics a powerful deterrent. Since the law came into
force, over 4500 charges have been laid, and speed-related fatalities are down
over 30%. And in Saskatchewan
– one of the six provinces where “repeat offender” legislation
exists – statistics show that the number of suspended drivers is down 30%
since the legislation was introduced and where a similar vehicle impoundment
program is part of the legislation.
While in Cleveland last week (I spoke at
their Bike Summit as part of National Bike Week in the U.S.) I met a
Commander with the Cleveland Police. He was very interested in Bill 203 as
-- no surprise here – they have similar issues in Ohio. He will be sending the Bill 203 link
which I sent to him to the Chief of their State Police with a recommendation they
enact similar legislation in Ohio.
I am passionately committed to this work that I am doing, in Greg’s
memory, to try to make our roads safer, to hold accountable those who believe
that driving is a right and not a privilege, and to provide our law enforcement
officers with the tools they need as they deal with the tragic consequences of
ill considered and selfish decisions that they see every day. In my
lifetime, I have witnessed many societal changes including the enhanced focus
on preventing major illnesses precisely because of their impact on loved ones,
the tragic losses they cause, and because of the cost they represent to our
society. I think we are now starting to see an overdue shift in thinking
towards prevention – call it deterrence – when it comes to one of
the most preventable causes of death and injury in Canada today – collisions. There
is much complacency in our society to the inevitability of collisions and this
pervasive thinking has not served us well.
I think Greg would be very
proud that we are all doing something positive in his memory.
Stay safe
Eleanor
June 1, 2008
CONTADOR WINS GIRO d'ITALIA
Good news! Astana’s Alberto Contador pulled through in the final
stage’s individual time trial to win this year’s Giro d’Italia. This will be Trek's 11th Grand Tour title. Go Trek!
Contador’s
win also marks the second Grand Tour Championship for the latest
version of Trek’s flagship road bike platform, the OCLV Madone—a
bike redesigned from the ground up to deliver an unrivaled balance of
high performance, all-day riding comfort, superior efficiency, low
weight, and captivating styling. Did I mention that I too ride the OCLV Madone WSD and its the most awesome bike ever known to mankind?
No, I have not won any major Grand Tours but I can sure as hell pretend! You can be whoever you want on the bike. Live the dream!
May 27, 2008
LEHIGH VALLEY WHEELMEN KICK BUTT
Over the holiday weekend the Loveman and I managed to ride three times. That's very exciting for a couple with 4 monkeys. The riding in the Lehigh Valley is pretty hard to beat. For those of you that don't know the Lehigh Valley it is known as being a big training area for cyclists.
The evening we arrived we did our own ride and then on Saturday we decided to hook up with the Lehigh Wheelmen Association. They had a scheduled 45 mile hilly ride which we thought sounded like fun. Yes I know, to most people it would sound like pure torture but to us it sounded like fun.
Now when one arrives at a group ride (especially where people don't know you) you expect to get the cold shoulder accompanied by some disapproving look at your bike as if it isn't good enough for "the club ride". I knew we had one thing going for us, we ride kick ass bikes. I ride a Trek Madone 6.5 WSD and the Loveman rides a Calfee and I knew no one would have a thing to say about our bikes. If they did I would have kicked their ass.
The first guy that arrived was the group leader Neil. He walked over to us, shook our hands and was thrilled to death that we had come out for one of his favorite rides. He was genuinely pleased to have us there as special guests.
As the riders assembled (about 7 of us) each and every rider said hello, shook our hands and introduced themselves. At one point I thought maybe they were getting ready to kill us, throw us in a ditch and steal our bikes. How could they be so nice? Come on this is a group ride. Isn't anyone going to be mean and nasty?
Neil put together an amazing route that blew the Loveman and I away. Yes, the route was tough and had a ton of climbing but it didn't matter a bit. It was a great group to ride with, we had a perfect day...and the best part of the ride was that there was another women! The Loveman and I looking forward toor next ride in the Lehigh Valley with the Lehigh Wheelmen Association.
May 26, 2008
LIFESTYLES OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS
Ok - so I am not rich nor am I famous but I pretended to be for the weekend. The Loveman I and I headed up to Fogelsville, PA to the Glasbern Inn. The Glasbern Inn is an incredibly beautiful 35 room Bed and Breakfast in the Lehigh Valley.
There are fireplaces and hot tubs in every room and an amazing restaurant and pub, all surrounded by rolling hills. It is a peaceful place for a nice romantic getaway. We managed to farm our monkeys out to about 20 different people over the course of three days but it was well worth it. The best part of the whole
weekend was the riding. We brought our bikes along and got out on them every day. The terrain was tough but we both had an incredible workout. In my next blog I'll tell you all about the cool riders we hooked with along the way.
If you're in the market for a weekend away, check this place out...or any B & B. It does wonders for your mind, body and soul...not to mention your relationship.
May 23, 2008
ONE BRICK AT A TIME
After my first brick I decided to continue in this fun and overly abusive type of training. Yes, I run, bike and swim at the gym, and sometimes all on the same day but never in an intense outdoor training session. Why would I ever do something crazy like that?
This week I hung with a group of tri-trainees lead by fitness guru Kim Kelleghar. Kim is a great girl, a super mom, a good friend and someone I enjoy riding with. I am always interested in doing what she does. My reason? Maybe because she is rock hard and barely a size 2? Maybe because she has less than 1% body fat? Maybe because I think if I do what she does than my body will look like hers? Bingo! There you have it.
Well clearly that will never happen but I still showed up for her "brick training" session. We ran 2 miles, biked 19 miles and then ran 2 more miles (because the first 2 miles weren't enough). Yes, running sucks and it sucks even more when you have to do it twice.
The ride was way fun and Kim ran with me and gave me a few basic pointers
1. Carry oxygen next time you run you idiot!
2. You could go faster if you were walking!
3. My mother could run circles around you!
4 Maybe you shouldn't have partied last night!
Yes, I completed the run, did fine with the ride (my favorite part) and ran the last 2 miles with a big fat grin (and gut) because I knew I was almost done. I am really looking forward to doing my first tri this summer at the Danceskin Boston Tri and the Columbia Irongirl. We shall see! Maybe I'll see if Trek can get me one of those super flattering one piece tri skin suits. I'll be sure to keep you posted on my progress! Enjoy the ride...whatever it may be.
May 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!
May 18, 2008
HOW DOES YOUR HELMET FIT?
May is National Clean Commute Month. As part of this the Harford County Public libraries decided to celebrate with bike safety awareness. Sounds like a pretty good idea, right? There were special evenings offered throughout the county where an adult or child could come in and learn how to properly fit someone else or themselves in a bike helmet.
I spent an evening at the Bel Air Library with Officer Mike from the Bel Air Police and we fitted children and adults in helmets. We also chatted with the kids about the importance of wearing a bike helmet. At the end we raffled off 12 helmets and a good time was had by all.
The most important thing about fitting a helmet on you or your child's head is that it should be level. Once the helmet is level make sure it fits snug on your head. If it does not use the pads that come with the helmet to get it snug. Next work on the straps, which takes a long time - so be patient! Then snap the bottom and you should be able to fit 2 fingers between the strap and your chin.
The event I participated in was sponsored by Harford County Government Commuter Assistance Program, Harford Velo Cycling Club (my cycling club), One Less Car, Harford County Highway Safety Committee and HCPL. It's so nice to see the community come together to support safe bicycle riding for everyone. It's also great to see that parents are recognizing that this is pretty important stuff we're talking about. It's about time!
FYI - Officer Mike and I did not where our helmets through the entire evening - only for the photos.
May 15, 2008
THE TREK FAMILY
I received this email from last week from a couple of friends that I have known for a few years. Their passion for Trek and biking as a family is very impressive. Enjoy!
Hey Susan,
Steph and I have been reading your blogs (very cool, BTW) and wanted to share that we are also a Trek family.
I've been mountain biking since the late 80's and have ridden a
Trek exclusively for the last 15+ years. I have even been a willing
guinea pig for the Y-Glide (one of the early
experiments for Trek with "technology" in full suspension mountain
biking). And even through that, I have always stayed faithful to the brand.
Not only do we all ride Treks, but Julia has her own Trek Trailer known
as the "Queens Seat".
It's been a few years since we did a total
upgrade of the fleet and I was just telling Steph how she should give
the WSD a try. It's great to see what Trek is doing to keep up with the
needs of their customers while retaining the awesome quality to price
ratio they are known for.
I wanted to pass along one of the MOST fun traditions we have as a
family. Every year for the last 15 years we have taken a summer
vacation to Bar Harbor, Maine. In the early years, Steph and I did
equal parts hiking and biking, but as the kids came along (the last 7
years) we transitioned to mostly all biking.
Jacob has literally grown
up biking the carriage roads of Acadia National Park and is quite a
strong hill climber for doing so! There is one particular ride we do
every year which is about 70% uphill and climbs over 3000 feet within
just a couple miles. He has ridden it without dismounting since he was
5 years old on his 12" Trek "Jet" bike. He's now on a 16" MT60 with 7
speeds and is really rockin' it.
At the age of 4 Julia is still
enjoying her throne, but can brag that she is still wearing her
princess helmet we first purchased for her at Bar Harbor Bike Shop when
she was only 2 years old. Mt Desert Island and Acadia Park are world renown for biking and
sightseeing and we just wanted to share a few pics of how we enjoy our
trips there with our Trek Bikes!
Ed and Steph
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 11, 2008
WHOSE MOM IS THE GREATEST IN THE WORLD?
Of course my mom is! Should there even be any doubt in your mind? Yes, I understand that everyone thinks their mom is the greatest but I'll bet it's because you haven't met mine yet!
STATS:
Childbearing... mother of six.
Patience...more than I'll ever have.
Dwelling...her house always looks great.
Looks...her hair always looks great.
Food...she can make anything?
Fun...loves to laugh.
Social...likes to party.
Supportive...of anything i do.
Accepting...of everyone.
Generous...would give you her shirt.
Extended Family...grandmother of 14.
Door Policy...always open.
I am so lucky to have such a great mom. Have I gotten her present in the mail yet? No. Have I purchased it yet? No. Will she care? No. Does she understand that I'm doing the best I can at the hardest job in the world? Yes. Is she as cool as cool can be? Yes.
Happy Mother's Day to Joanne (my mom) and all of the wonderful moms out there!
May 7, 2008
A NEW KIND OF HIGH
My friend Kathleen came to visit me while I was Sedona. Kathleen is a women that I met in San Francisco 16 years ago. She auditioned for my all female sketch comedy troupe, Nude Coffee, and we ended up performing together for 7 years and eventually became great friends. I've seen her through several relationships, family problems, depression, alcoholism, drug addictions and treatment centers. I've never judged her and no matter where she was in her life I always stood by her and tried to be her friend as best I could...and sometimes it wasn't always easy. Needless to say, we've been through a lot together.
She currently lives in Santa Fe and when she heard I was going to be in Sedona she decided to come and visit. I knew she had been in recovery and was doing pretty well but every day is a challenge for her. When she arrived she told me that she had just had her 2 year anniversary of being drug and alcohol free, not to mention she's still alive. Of course, I was extremely proud of her and decided to reward her by taking her out to enjoy one of my favorite activities, mountain biking. Isn't that what every good friend should do for another?
I fitted her in a helmet and a bike and off we went to Deadman's Pass. I knew the trail would be a little tough for her as she is not a rider but I wanted her to feel how fun and exciting mountain biking could be and what a better place to show her but in Sedona! She had to stop several times during the ride but she never gave up, she never cried and she never turned around and I knew she wanted to on several occasions. I made her keep going because I really wanted her to feel the explosion of ripping down the hills. I gave her basic instructions telling her to keep her weight back, get out of the saddle and stay in the moment. She could have very easily gotten off her bike and walked down the hills but she didn't. She barreled down the hills over some serious rocks and did really well.
I was so happy for her. She said she felt an incredible charge as if she needed to do it again. I replied, "Ah yes, the natural high!" I think she actually had a good time. After we returned the bikes she confessed that she had no idea what mountain biking really was and that she thought we were going to be riding on paved trails. She sure got a surprise.
She called me today and told me that she was fully inspired by the ride. She has already done research on local clubs, she is going on her first club ride this weekend, she's getting bike clothes tomorrow and she is ready to purchase a new bike of her own. She totally loved it and that makes my heart warm. xxoo
May 3, 2008
I HATE MY JOB
On Friday I traveled to Sedona for work. Yes, I know - I have a really rough life. I have to stay here for a week. God I hate my job.
As I packed my bags I put aside a separate bag for my cycling clothes, pedals, shoes, gloves and helmet. There was one thing I knew wanted to do in Sedona. I wanted to go mountain biking.
From the minute I arrived all I could think about was when my schedule would allow me to go mountain biking. Finally the window of opportunity arrived. I had an hour to ride. I ran to the bike shack to sign out a bike. The gentlemen checking out bikes handed me a 14" and said he thought would be perfect for me because it worked for the last girl that rode a bike. Are you kidding me? I wanted to tell him that all girls didn't ride the same size bike but I knew my comment would have fallen upon deaf ears. I asked him for the 18", did some adjustments myself and off I went.
I found some great paths with some serious rock gardens. It was hard to keep my eyes on the trails as I was completely taken by all of the red rocks that surrounded me. Iit is really beautiful out here. The ride was incredible and managed not to fall into any cactus.
When I arrived at the shack the fitness guy looked a little surprised to see me and asked me if I had even gone to Deadman's trail. I told him I had done the first section of the trail. His jaw dropped. He said, "Wow you must be experienced. I had a few young boys that were just here and they did that part of the trail in an hour and a half and you did it in 45 minutes! That's not bad for a girl." Whatever dude. I thought about smacking him across the face but I didn't think that would be appropriate.
April 27, 2008
MY FIRST 5K
This has clearly been a big week of firsts for me. First brick, first mammogram and first 5K. This morning I participated in the Women's 5K by the Bay race. It was a beautiful 5K run in Harve de Grace, MD.
I have a few friends that are runners that asked to me to do the run with them. I thought, "What have I got to lose?". I have been harassing my friends to start riding so I figured I had to get out and do a little running with them. Fair is fair. On top of that I plan on doing some triathlons this summer so I thought this could help.
I had been training on a treadmill for a few months and had run outside maybe twice. Yes, I know (as I've been told 100 times) that running outside is totally different than the treadmill. So there I was this morning out in the cold at 7:30am and hating life (I'm not a morning person). Oh ya, and did I mention I don't like running? I was also having a hard time getting past the fact that this would be a short workout (i.e. waste of my time) as opposed to riding 30 miles and getting a great workout on the bike.
With all of my negative thoughts in check I shimmied up to the starting line and ran my big butt off. I kept trying to visualize getting into the "zone" but I don't think I actually ever found it. Finally I crossed the finish line as I watched the clock switch to 28:00. I came in 79th out of 340. So there you have it. I made it and it wasn't bad at all. My friend Jen even took 9th place overall! My goal for my next run will be to beat her time of 21:00. Yah right, in my dreams!
April 23, 2008
ROXI'S 80's FLASHBACK
Roxi (my alter ego) had a crazy schedule this week. This past weekend Roxi performed at a benefit for The Maryland Ensemble Theatre in Frederick, MD. It was the Retro Prom and everyone was dressed in their best 80's prom attire. The theatre made about $15,000 which means it was a great night for everyone.
Roxi hosted, did a little impromptu comedy, ran the live auction and kept the crowd hopping. What's a party without Roxi?
April 21, 2008
REACTIV CYCLE JACKET
This whole story totally had me cracking up. An American inventor, Michael Chen, that lives in the UK has won an international design competition. He won a £6,000 prize for his Reactiv cycle jacket, which changes color as the cyclist brakes.
The inspiration for the jacket came from wanting to feel safer when cycling the streets of London. He said, "I cycled round London in the dark wearing my first
prototype. It was a £10 waterproof jacket with LEDs stuck on by gaffer
tape." He continued, "For the first time, I noticed that cars passed me
more slowly, gave me more room, and that the drivers and passengers
were even making eye contact."
Here's how the jacket works. It uses an accelerometer to sense movement, changing the
color of LEDs on the back from green when accelerating, then to red
when braking. A tilt switch in the jacket also makes LEDs in the arm flash amber when the wearer lifts their arm to indicate a turn.
Clearly this guy is onto something. How many times have you attached a blinking light to a pocket on your jacket? I'm thinking of contacting this guy to see is he'll design one for me. If not, I'll give the Loveman some gaffer tape, a few LEDs and tell him to get on it! After all, he is Loveman the tech and this should be right up his alley.
April 19, 2008
IF YOU CAN'T FIND A SITTER...
I met Rich Cook, the Director of Development for IMBA while at the National Bike Summit in DC. I sat next to him at the opening night dinner. He was a charming and engaging and we chatted quite a bit about biking and our children.
Our conversation started with me telling him how two of my kids had fevers and one had been up all night vomiting. He then proceeded to tell me that he had also left a sick wife and two sick children behind. We both realized how lucky we were to be at the Bike Summit and not with our super sick monkies.
As we talked about bikes I asked him what he rode. He told me he only had a mountain bike and he rode it everywhere. Then he told me all about his fancy trailer for his kids. Basically what he does on the weekends or evenings is load up the trailer with his kids and runs errands. He goes to the park, to the store, to the market, to the neighbors or anyplace he can think of. Not a bad idea.
That's exactly what I did on Saturday. I hooked up my trailer and took kids up and down the street on rides. I did this for about 2 and a half hours and it was a killer workout. I even raced my oldest son while pulling 100 pounds. So next time you can't find a sitter just hook up the trailer and ride around the neighborhood.
FYI - Make sure your kids have helmets on and are buckled in!
April 12, 2008
ROXI STARR DOES DISNEY
It has been a busy weekend. Not only have I gone back to Florida for work this week but I have also done a lot of crazy stuff. This time I am staying at the Disney Swan Hotel and its all business. I have been planning events and performing as Roxi. So far so good.
Roxi is a big hit in Disney. When people see her they are automatically drawn to her and then they ask themselves, "Now which Disney character is she...I can't seem to remember?" People have taken more photos with Roxi than they have with Santa Claus. Disney loves Roxi and Roxi loves Disney. As a matter of fact, Disney is thinking about doing a cartoon based on the relationship between Mickey Mouse and Roxi. Roxi is really moving up in the world.
So between playing Roxi on the Disney Boardwalk and planning corporate events I've been pretty busy. Hopefully I'll get on my bike soon!
April 7, 2008
MY NEW HELMET ROCKS
Is this or is this not the cutest picture of a child in a helmet? Yesterday Seamus got a new helmet and I'm telling you he loves it. He puts it on and never wants to take it off. He talks about the helmet, asks for the helmet and then tells you what he's going to do once he has the helmet on. He's even had a few meals in the helmet.
Seamus is 23 months old and speaks in complete sentences. As a matter of fact, he never shuts up. Yes I know...the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
When he walks into the garage he just starts blurting out all the things he's interested in doing at that specific moment. "I wanna ride a bike. I wanna skateboard. I wanna baseball. I wanna lacrosse. I wanna play football. I wanna ball. I wanna cookie. I wanna ride a car." He moves from activity to activity all while wearing his red helmet proudly.
Wearing a helmet is second nature for him as it is for all of my kids. To them, it's just like putting on a seat belt when you get in the car. Ask yourself if your kids do it. If not, get on the stick and get a little stricter about safety on the bike. You only have to fall once without a helmet and then its too late.
You love your kids right? Protect them while you can.
This message has been brought to you by the Spoiled Bike Diva.
April 6, 2008
DEMO DAY IN THE PARK
What a happy day! Yesterday I had the pleasure of driving 35 minutes from my house to Patapsco State Park. The event? DEMO DAY AT PATAPSCO PARK with Bella Bikes and Race Pace! It was about 60 degrees and the sun was shining. I thought I had died and gone to heaven.
When I arrived I checked in at the WSD Demo trailer with Chris "shop girl" Garrison. After a big hello she noticed Slick (my Trek 2008 Madone 6.5 WSD) leaning up against a table (a big bike no no). Chris belts out, "Who propped their bike up like this?" Yep it was me the total bike moron. I couldn't even blame it on my kids because they weren't even there yet. She then explained to me the proper way to lean your bike. Always on the back wheel. That way you aren't leaning the frame or front of the bike on anything. She demonstrated (see photo) several different places she could stand my bike up while leaning it on the back wheel. To tell you the truth I always felt like whenever I leaned my bike anywhere I would cross my fingers and hope that it wouldn't fall. Thanks Chris for a simple yet very valuable lesson. Duh. See...and I'm not afraid to share that I had no freakin' clue how to properly lean my bike. Shop Girl is a wealth of information.
Next I had her check my gears, take apart my headset and straighten it out and I even had someone else put air in my tires. I'm such a bike diva. Once I was all set up I took a nice long road ride and got to do the biggest baddest kick ass climb in the area. Its an 18% grade long climb and it really wakes your legs up. Can you say fun on a bike?
After my road ride I headed back to the demo trailer and Shop Girl souped me up with the Trek 2008 Fuel Ex 8 WSD (have I mentioned that there is nothing like this bike?). I've been on this bike before but I swear to god its like being reunited with an old flame. UNBELIEVABLE!
Then the spoiled bike diva (that's me) got to go out and hit the trails. I rode with Angela from Trek Travel who hadn't been on a mountain bike since she was 16! She was a little nervous at the start and I helped her work through it and she did awesome. We had a ton of fun and chatted the whole ride. Needless to say she was high as a kite when we were done and I guarantee her butt will be back out on a mountain bike within the month. It's so addictive!
What a great day, what a great life, what a good time!!! Now get out and ride dammit!
April 4, 2008
GET BACK ON THE SADDLE
I received this email from an old friend and I was surprised to know that she still thought about me much less looked at my blog. She's a great girl with a story that will hopefully inspire people to get the dust off their bike and start riding!
Hi Susan-
I have always thought of you as being a HIGH ENERGY and devastatingly FUNNY gal. We've known each other since the early 90's, when our husbands were in grad school together, you were a budding comedy actress in Chicago and we all would go out on Wednesday nights for quarter beers. However, it's not until you started the 'TREK gig' did I realize what an amazing person you really are! It's not that I'm surprised, its just that now we get to read about it. My husband and I have found our weekly excursions to your blog to be highly inspiring!
It started last July when I found myself absorbed in watching the le Tour de France race on TV every single day. This was also about the same time we started reading your blog on the TREK website. I realized not only had I not been on my bike once this summer but that I wasn't even sure where it was. I thought to myself here you are a mother to FOUR monkies (me, only the owner of 3 cats!), managing your house, your kids, your career(s) and probably your husband too (sorry-Loveman!). Still you make time to get on your BIKE and ride as much as possible during the week. It was right then something inside of me began to stir...
With the help of my husband I decided to dust off my bike (and make sure the brakes still worked) and go on my first ride of the summer. That 1st ride (if you can call it that) was only 8 miles-but it started a ritual of Sunday morning bike rides that lasted until December (when snow and ice made it too treacherous for outdoor cycling). That day, however, marked the reopening of a door that had been closed by me for many years. How does this happen? I questioned how I had been making so many excuses for not doing something I love (or used to love). Certainly as a kid I lived on my bike during the summer time and would have slept next to it in the garage it if I could have!
I remember one blog last October you had mentioned how you like to ride 30 miles every other day. Every other day! I had yet to do that even once. So that same afternoon I got on my bike determined to see 30 miles on my odometer. Where I live in Denver there is a network of interconnected bike trails which one can safely ride miles without ever having to ride alongside cars. It is one of the most bike friendly cities. I set out on a bike trail called 'Ralston Creek' which is fairly flat for the 1st 12 miles and then you end up in the foothills (which means the most rigorous part was right in the middle of the ride). As I completed by ride, my legs quivering, I got off (well I actually almost fell off) my bike and captured a picture of my odo which read 30.37 miles-- I did it!
While it may be a small example it has led to me wanting to train for my first metric century ride this summer at the annual Elephant Rock on June 1 in Castle Rock, CO. Another goal of mine is to see 1000 miles on my odometer by the end of the summer. It has been both entertaining and VERY inspiring to hear all your stories of BALANCING friends, family and bike and we appreciate all that you share....Thanks for being you!
Sangita
March 31, 2008
ALONE TIME
The Loveman woke me up on Sunday morning and asked me if I was going to do the club ride. This of course meant that he would be home with the monkeys (score!). I told him I was going to ride by myself and he kind of shook his head. He said "You have a lot more to write about when you ride with other people". Yes, he is correct and yes, I love riding with the club but I just wasn't in the mood.
I felt like I needed to get away from everyone and everything and be alone for a little while. The Loveman prepped my bike as he always does (I know I'm spoiled) and I prepared for a fabulous ride. I had on my favorite red jacket that matches Slick perfectly as it brings out the red accents in his paint job. Slick and I were looking good and I was feeling good.
We got out on the road and I felt great. Slick impressed me with his ability to handle the road like no other bike I have ever been on. He is absolutely amazing. I did about 27 miles and not once did I ever feel like I was riding a bike. I felt like I was on cloud 9 just clearing my head. I didn't have a care in the world.
It's amazing how much I accomplished on my ride. I completed my to do list for the week, worked through the monkeys' spring activity schedules, figured out my work and show schedule, picked summer camps and road trips for the kids and enjoyed the scenery. Fortunately I never had to worry about the bike because it rides itself. No lie. I jest you not. The Trek Madone 6.5 WSD is beyond my wildest dreams. I'm so glad Slick and I found each other. He's so good at relaxing and calming me down.
Now lets all take a deep breath together. Ahhhhhhhhhhhh......
March 29, 2008
I'M VERY SORRY
I would like to start this blog out by apologizing for barely writing last week. I could only get dial-up (what's that?), I didn't have a car and it seemed near impossible to take my kids anywhere that didn't involve water, ice cream or sand...not neccessarily in that order. Oh ya, and did I mention that the Loveman left 4 days early because he had to "work"? I could only be so lucky.
Here's some highlights from the trip...
- Fiona turned 6 years old, had a pool party, and ate half an ice cream cake.
- Seamus smacked his cousin Max about 5 times a day.
- Liam started playing tennis, fishing and boogie boarding.
- Kiley found out that she has a future in Olympic diving.
- Fiona started swimming in 9 foot deep water for hours on end and never drown.
- Someone spotted a shark in the ocean while the kids were swimming. I didn't tell them.
- We went out for ice cream every day. I was the official "drip cleaner".
- I traveled alone with 4 children alone on an airplane and I didn't jump out the window.
- Liam decided to tell me that he was scared to death of flying right before boarding. Nice.
All in all it was a good trip with the family and I know the kids had a ton of fun. Now I need a vacation from my vacation!
March 26, 2008
ALL GOOD FROM THE BEACH
After being here for 5 days I have finally found some internet service...but here is the problem, I never have a moment to get to it. I am very busy chasing my kids up and down the beach, hanging by the pool making sure my kids don't drown, and eating and drinking til my hearts content. I am busy in a different kind of way, a vacation kind of way.
There is a fair amount of riding and running that goes on around here. The one thing that my children and I keep noticing is that no one ever wears a helmet. Old, young and everything in between, no helmet. Believe me if I had to choose one place where I would wear a helmet while crossing the street it would be in Florida. The drivers are horrible and the majority of them are over 80. No joke.
Personally I have barely been exercising. If I exercise I need a sitter and finding a sitter is a whole new set of challenges. Sometimes its good to have a little rest time, right?
March 20, 2008
I NEED HEAT
It was 40 degrees today with 30 mile per hour winds and this is what Kiley, my 3 year old monkey, wanted to put on when she got home from school. She's a little excited as we are going to Florida tomorrow for a big family vacation with siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and grandparents.
I have been going to Sarasota, Siesta Key for the past 30 years. Siesta Key has one of the top ten beaches in the world and it's beyond beautiful. We spend a lot of time going to the beach and then the pool, then the pool and then to the beach, then to get ice cream etc. etc....with a few meltdowns in between. It is good fun and the kids always look forward to it all year long.
So tonight I pack for 5 people while trying to find a bathing suit that makes my body look like a size 6...I think I vaguely remember being a size 6 back in grade school. Then I think about how all of the kids are going to behave on the plane and I take a deep breath, cross my fingers and do a shot. Just kidding.
I can't wait to run, ride and get lots of rest and relaxation...ok so that was a joke also. Come on, is vacationing with your children while being surrounded by water ever relaxing? Hmmm...maybe when they're 16. Please ponder that thought.
Happy Spring!
March 19, 2008
SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL
While I attended the National Bike Summit in DC I met an enthusiastic dynamic individual. Her name is Deb Hubsmith (right in photo) and she is the Director of Safe Routes to School Partnership.
She planted the seed for Safe Routes to School several years ago while at the National Bike Summit. After years of hard work and perseverance she received a 613 million dollar grant and was off and running. I thoroughly enjoyed watching her moderate a couple of the sessions. She's short, to the point and knows exactly what she's talking about. She means business and after meeting her you can completely understand how she has done so much in such a short period of time.
If you are unfamiliar with Safe Routes to School, it was established in 2006 and here is a brief overview of the program. For the past 2 years community leaders, parents and schools across the U.S. have used
Safe Routes to School programs to encourage and enable more children to
safely walk and bike to school. The National Center for Safe Routes to
School aims to assist these communities in developing successful Safe
Routes, programs and strategies. The Center offers a centralized
resource of information on how to start and sustain a Safe Routes to
School program, case studies of successful programs as well as many
other resources for training and technical assistance.
If you live in a community that could benefit from the Safe Routes to School program, hop on their website and they'll walk you through the process. Good people doing good things. I love that.
March 17, 2008
JUST DRINK THE KOOLAID
In case you haven't figured this out yet, I'm an enthusiastic person. I get excited about pretty much everything. I love life, I live in the moment and I love to share how I feel. Some people like it and I'm sure others find it annoying, and that's ok.
Jim and I have been friends with a couple, Jen and Ron, for a little over a year. They are a very physically fit or should I say "naturally" physically fit. They have both been runners their whole lives and they're a bit high strung (in a good way) so they are always burning calories. I shared my love of biking with Jen and took her on her virgin ride months ago (see Lose Your Panties blog) and she totally got hooked. She now has a bike that the Loveman built for her and she rode 17 miles on Sunday. GO JEN!
Her husband Ron was on the cycling team at Penn State. Can you say gifted? Nothing like a guy that is 6'1" and weighs 170! Poor thing! Ron was always intrigued and excited about the Trek gig (one of my biggest blog fans) and the Loveman and I begged him since the day we met him to go riding with us. He was always full of BS excuses such as "My bike is so old" or "I have no time" or "I don't know if I can do it anymore." Loveman and I kind of laughed in his face and said, "If you hopped on a bike today you could easily kick either of our butts."
The day I got back from the National Bike Summit we had dinner with Jen and Ron and my biking enthusiasm was oozing out of every pore. Ron said, "I need to get a bike." His wife agreed that it was a life or death situation. For real. He had been sucked into the corporate treadmill and never had any time for years to do something that was so near and dear his heart. The Loveman and I told him he needed a Madone andtheLoveman agreed to take him out shopping the next day.
The next day I called a new friend and Trek dealer, Jeff Dalik from the Bike Doctor in Linthicum, that I had just met at the National Bike Summit and asked him if he had a Madone 5.1 size 58cm. Jeff laughed and said, "I have one Trek Madone left and that's the one."
Needless today they drove 45 miles that day to get the bike and Ron hasn't been the same since. He's like a little kid or happy as a pig in *&%#! He says the bike "takes off and rides by itself". It all sounds vaguely familiar but so true. Bottom line, I'm just thrilled that Ron has gotten his life back and I can't wait to attack him out on the road....and then feel the wrath of the counter attack! Look out!
March 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!
March 9, 2008
MEET THE PRESIDENT, MR TREK
I had the pleasure of meeting Trek President John Burke last year in an airport when our flights were delayed. He was headed to Paris during the tour (lucky guy) and I to Baltimore (unlucky gal). I had no idea who he was but I noticed he was wearing a Gary Fisher sweater that I liked. I asked him if he worked for Trek and he replied, "I run the circus." We had a little chat and he couldn't have been nicer. After he walked away I thought, "Hmmmm...could that be John Burke, i.e. Mr. Trek? Why the hell didn't I take his picture? No one will ever believe me!" Humble, personable, nice and easy to talk to...isn't that something.
After being involved with the Women Who Ride for a few months I emailed Mr. Trek letting him know how I felt about my experience with Trek and all of the awesome people I had come into contact with at his company. Not only did he reply to my email, he actually wrote a sincere thoughtful email! Hmmm...humble, nice, easy to talk to and returns emails to pee-ons like me. Too good to be true!
Last week I sat down for the opening night dinner at the National Bike Summit and I look over and low and behold there he is, Mr. Trek, in the flesh. Unfrickening believable! This guy actually practices what he preaches! He was attending and fully participating in the summit! Every person that spoke had something amazing to say about him and all the bike advocacy work that he's continually involved in. For starters there's One World, Two Wheels and the list goes on. He accepted the only award given during the summit and gave a quick speech basically saying that we are all on that right path as bike advocates.
I had the opportunity to chat with him at the summit and see him at the Trek reception. I, of course, made a point of telling him how great he is as a bike advocate, how wonderful his company is and how proud I am to be a part of the Trek family. He very humbly replied, "I have a lot of great people that work at Trek." Hmmmm....humble, nice, easy to talk to, returns email and appreciates the people that work for him. Wow. Pinch me please.
Before we left I took this photo of us and he even took one of my new Trek business cards, looked at it (front and back), smiled and put it in his pocket. There's a lot we can all learn from Mr. Trek. It all starts at the top and works its way down. He's quite a leader and a good sport!
March 8, 2008
NATIONAL BIKE SUMMIT (Part 3) A GOOD OLE CHAP NAMED ANDY CLARKE
At the beginning of the National Bike Summit a lovely Englishman hopped up to the stage with a lot of spunk, a happy outlook and a great sense of humor. Throughout the summit he opened many of the sessions, moderated panel discussions, was quick on his feet and threw out some funny one liners. He had a very charismatic personality and I enjoyed listening to his speak.
Every time I saw the guy he was in deep conversation with groups of people crowded around him hanging on his every word. Everyone knew him and he seemed to be a total bike guru. It was kind of like being around a celebrity. I knew it would be hard for me to get close to him so I watched him from afar and enjoyed his tenacious spirit.
For those of you who don't know who Andy Clarke is, he is the President of the League of American Bicyclists. He attended the first National Bike Summit eight years ago and has been tirelessly involving himself in bike advocacy for quite some time. (Don't feel bad I had no idea who the guy was until I looked him up in our National Bike Summit Agenda.)
On the last evening I saw him at a party surrounded by a large group of people and realized that it could be my only opportunity to meet him. I had my beautiful brand new purple Trek business cards (with argyle on the back) and they were burning a hole in my pocket (as my mother would say). I thought I could sneak up and slip a card to him quietly and then he would pull it out the next day and wonder where the hell he got it (and then he would check my blog). Well, you guessed it, I can't do anything quietly. I busted into his group, gave him my card and then made a point of checking in with him periodically to make sure he hadn't lost my card. I even went so far as taking a picture of him looking at my card...and now I've written a blog about him. Is that considered stalking? He won't ever forget me, or at least my card. Thanks Andy!
March 7, 2008
NATIONAL BIKE SUMMIT (Part 2) A LADIES MAN IN BROOKINGS, SOUTH DAKOTA
After meeting Robb Rasmussen I knew I had to write about him. This guy gets it. He just gets it. He is a huge supporter of the Trek WSD line as well as a major bike advocate.
Robb has had a bike shop, Sioux River Bicycles & Fitness, for 35 years. Talk about staying power! He also owns an adjoining coffee shop, Lodge Coffee and has continually found ways to get people pumped about riding, fitness and the social aspects that surround these activities. People meet for a ride and then hang in the coffee shop afterward for a donut and an espresso. A match made in heaven.
Currently, Robb has 6 women (not a typo), yes SIX women that work in his shop. See what I mean? Like I said, he gets it. A women selling to a women is so important. 
Men are great but I guarantee that if you asked any woman who they would rather by a bike from, they would say a female salesperson. It's not that we dislike men, its about having a comfort level. In addition to the 6 women that work in the bike shop he has 3 women that work in the coffee shop that are cross over employees. That is a total of 8 women! Very impressive.
Each year Trek sponsors a Breast Cancer Awareness Ride. This year the ride will be on October 11, 2008. These are rides that take place across the US at Trek dealers on a specific day. Last year Robb's shop had the biggest turnout across the US and made over $3,000 for breast cancer research. This guy is a machine. In his free time he is a volunteer guide for blind cross country skiers, a major bike advocate for South Dakota and the list goes on. I'm beginning to feel like a slacker!
An incredible guy doing incredible things for all the right reasons. There is no stopping this guy! Go Robb GO!
March 6, 2008
NATIONAL BIKE SUMMIT (Part 1) BICYCLE BENEFITS
I had an incredible time while attending the National Bike Summit. Talk about a really cool conference with information that can be applied to everyone's life as a bike advocate.
When I arrived the first day I realized I knew one person at the conference, Rebecca Andersen from Trek's bike advocacy program One World, Two Wheels. This meant I needed to branch out and meet some new people. When I arrived I was a little shy (hard to believe) but then i looked around the room and thought to myself..."WOW, everyone in this room owns a bike AND they ride it!" That alone was pretty empowering. I suddenly didn't feel so shy.
One of the first people I met was Ian Klepetar. He's quite a character. Singlehandedly he started Bicycle Benefits. Bicycle Benefits is a progressive bicycling program designed to reward individuals and businesses for their commitment to cleaner air, personal health, and the use of pedaling energy in order to create a more sustainable community. The program decreases parking demand, increases helmet use, and improves cyclists' safety and health by putting more people on bikes.
Here's how it works. Businesses buy stickers for $2.50 then sell them for $5.00. Every time a cyclist comes into their business with the sticker on their helmet or bike they get a discount at that business. Everyone gets rewarded! Genius!
Within a short amount of time Ian has 100 businesses that have signed up for the program. This spring and summer he plans on hitting the east coast and signing up 1000 businesses. He cares so much about what he's doing and it is so admirable. He's one person out there making a difference. Go to his website, sign up your business and help make a change that will help all of us.
March 4, 2008
I'M SO LUCKY
Last night Seamus woke up with a tummy full of vomit. After bathing and changing him I spent the next two hours holding him while he dry heaved in his sleep. After a while I got very good at knowing when it was coming. First the stomach started grumbling then the body started moving in a dog-like pre-throw up motion. It was quite lovely...especially while his eyes were rolled back in his head.
As I sat there I thought about the blog I was about to write before the vomit. I was going to write about how lucky I am. No lie. Someone sent me a name suggestion for the new bike and it was "Lucky Star". She explained it was because I was so lucky. I laughed and then told the Loveman. He said, "Well she's right, you are one of the luckiest people I know, think about it." I thought about it for a moment and realized that I am freakin' lucky! I have the Loveman, 4 rocking monkeys, the Trek gig, great friends and family, and careers that I love as a actor, teacher and meeting planner.
Yesterday afternoon it was 60 degrees. I really wanted to ride bad. I knew I was being a little selfish as I had just been out riding the day before when it was 50 degrees. Could I possibly get to ride 2 days in a row in the middle of the winter? I left my girlfriend 4 messages asking her to call me. I was a little stalker-like. She finally called me back (she had lost her phone) and said bring your kids right now and go riding. So that's exactly what I did. She's a great friend.
I had an incredible ride with the yet un-named 2008 TREK 6.5 Madone WSD. Oh my god, we are just getting to know each other but I LOVE that bike! I can't get enough of it!
Vomit and all...I still feel pretty darn lucky!
February 29, 2008
NATIONAL BIKE SUMMIT 2008
The League of American Bicyclists will be hosting the National Bike Summit March 3-5 in Washington DC. The conference takes place at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center.
The National Bike Summit offers two-and-a-half days of workshops, training, and meetings with members of Congress and their staff. Hundreds of advocates, industry leaders, and retailers will be working together to get more people out riding their bikes more often. The conference will provide advocates with a unique opportunity to
inform Congress of the importance of bicycling, and to educate
them on specific bicycling issues.
I am so excited to report that I will be in DC for the conference! If any of you are going to be there I would love to meet you, hang with you, attend a me
