Chicks riding the beach route - the real story

by Chris Carrier

Three chicks rode the 38-mile route for the 2^nd Annual Beach Babe rally.  Pat, Suzanne and Chris signed up for this event to test their mettle and enjoy the morning air along the Pacific Coast, from Long Beach to Huntington Beach and back.

This event was advertised as SoCals only all women beach ride. The event organizers said it sold out and while actual numbers have not been posted, the event was well attended and had some high points and challenges.  The event was launching from a hotel near the Queen Mary.  It took a little effort to find the place and secure parking, but once we all rode to the event, the minor inconveniences were forgotten.

Women on bikes, costumes, and general glee were in abundance on Sunday morning!  There were women of all shapes, sizes ages and levels of silliness.  Many rode in costumes, ranging from the colorfully creative to the wonderfully whacky.  One group rode with blue wings on their backs and plastic tiaras atop their bike helmets!  Another group wore grass skirts and included pink flamingos as their bike companions.  Most just came to ride, but were probably inspired to consider a costume for the next year.

Parts of the ride were along designated bike paths and parts included riding with traffic.  The first rest stop was at the 9^th mile and this gave those who wanted a shorter ride a chance to fuel up and turn around.  Most riders pushed on after snapping up on melon and orange juice.  We rode through Seal Beach, Sunset Beach and finally reached the bike path that runs along the Pacific Ocean, towards the Huntington Beach pier.

 A summer Sunday morning along the beach is a popular destination choice for many folks and riding along the shared paths proved challenging. Good citizenship skills come in handy when trying to share the road with dogs, kids and guys riding those big beach bike cruisers, who always seem to want to weave large curves, just as you are trying to pass them.  Finally the second stop was achieved and we all sat down for a quick sandwich, more fruit and water! This was our halfway point and we made quick work of our lunch, so that our muscles would not cool down too much.

Staying hydrated and keeping calories coming in proves to be the key to a successful long ride.  A handful of almonds just won’t get the job done. Eating quality carbs and protein to fuel muscles, made the trip back to Long Beach possible.

 The event organizers were very thorough in proving signs along the whole route and we all commented on the appreciation of that fact.  While we had route sheets, it was easier to follow the other riders and signs! 

Of course, no ride is complete without a little bushwhacking.  Somehow we lost the route, and the beloved signs were nowhere to be seen. Brave riders charged on and we rode together, friends and strangers, until we reconnected with the approved route.

As we each rode into the parking lot, and past the event photographers, we were serenaded with a live band!  After 38 miles of bike riding, a wonderful lunch was presented and we all ate with abandonment.  Nothing like a hearty bike ride to whet the appetite!  Vendors came around and visited the tables, raffles were drawn (Pat WON!) and bikes began to disappear, as women ended their event. We all admired each other’s bikes, including a very cool vintage Schwinn La Tour circa 1970.  

As only my second paid bike event, I found the Beach Babe ride to be a fun way to expand my skills and experience.  It’s great to have a chance to be a part of something big and enjoy the big group experience.  I do wish the organizers had given out water bottles!

Chicks that ride along the beach

Did you ride this weekend?   Suzanne, Pat and Chris rode the Beach Babes Classic, a 38-mile ride beginning at Shoreline Village in Long Beach traveling along the coast through Seal Beach, around Huntington Beach and back.  Great training for your upcoming Century ride in September. 

Theresa and Karen had a prior commitment and couldn't make the Sunday ride so they did their own 34-mile along the coast ride from Dana Point to San Clemente Marine Base and back.  A bit rollie but great practice.   Ask Karen about her new slick tires.  As the Beach Babe Classic girls were enjoying Aloha style party, Karen and Theresa also finished the morning with fish tacos and a live show by the Polynesian Review at Dana Point's Surfarama, a fund raiser for the Doheny Interpretive Center.


The Beach Babes just before the start of the ride.  Wait, where are the bikini tops?

How was your weekend ride?  Monday should be an easier and shorter recovery ride to allow your muscles to rejuvenate.

See you on the road.

New chicks!

I think it's time for champagne!  Who showed up riding a shiny new GT?  Our new, Chick Stacy.  We could tell it wasn't her first time on a bike.

 We did our trek to back bay, then Karen, Chris and Suzanne took the steep down hill and grinded it back up.  But you know how women are at their short break at the bottom they started talking, and almost forgot there was a ride to finish (and hill to conquer).

Sunday is the big ride - Beach Babes. http://www.noblepursuitinc.com/beach_babe.html  For those of you who haven't yet signed up I think the late sign up fee is pretty stiff.  Should be a lot of fun.  You can do a short easy ride between now and then, but don't ride on Saturday so your muscles are fresh for Sunday.   Be sure to eat a decent breakfast and take a granola bar along because you may need to eat a little just before the ride starts.

I look forward to photos and a ride report while I'm gone.

Chicks that climb hills!

Ok it's either Karen's fault because she brought us chocolate back from Germany and we felt we had to "work" it off, or it's all the new invited girls that didn't show up and we felt we should get in a hard ride.

Becky and Karen were back tonight and in their honor we did the Shady Canyon Climb.   It  seems to go for ever, but is a great off road path through some pretty park area.  Then we had some awesome downhills which we all deserved. 

We ended up with just over 15 miles.  Great job ladies!   Remember to keep drinking water.  It's best to have a pop top bottle that you can just grab and swig without having to "twist" off the top.

If our new friends show up on Wednesday we will modify the ride a bit and bring the mileage down.  Should start tapering for the big ride coming up on Sunday!

Climbing out of back bay.  Chris got a do-over and she and Suzanne made it all the way!

Heading toward the Jeffrey overpass - Karen, then Suzanne, then Chris.  No, Becky and I didn't short cut.

Suzanne still smiling.

Climbing to get over the freeway.  Nice form Chris.

Cruisin’ with a Bruising

dedicated to Pat    by Chris

One of the “darker sides” of biking is the potential for bruising.  It can happen with a bump against the car as you’re loading your bike in, or unfortunately, the result of a fall.

What is a bruise? It’s the bursting and breaking of small blood vessels (capillaries) near the skin’s surface that are damaged by the impact of a blow or injury. Over time, the body reabsorbs the blood and the mark disappears.

 While most bruising will go away without treatment there are things you can do to support your body for quicker healing and perhaps some prevention.  If you are in a position to do so, applying an ice pack on the area within 30 minutes of the impact will lessen the bruising.

Taking aspirin can actually make the bruising last longer, since aspirin acts as a blood thinner. 

A preventive option is to use foods to help strengthen your arteries and blood vessels. Choose foods that strengthen and clean your arteries, such as nuts, apples and beans. Two of three servings of these foods everyday will be great. Eating whole foods with minimal processing is the optimal way to use food as medicine. Here are specific foods that you can try.

§  Citrus foods to strengthen the blood vessels. These are high in bioflavonoids, which are important antioxidants that prevent capillary rupture. Alternately, you can eat bioflavonoid supplements twice a day.

• Garlic is a great multipurpose herb that offers numerous benefits to the body. Use it as often as you can, by mixing it in your dishes. When ingested daily, it can sufficiently strengthen blood vessels, by lowering cholesterol levels and preventing fats from building up in your arteries. If you can't always include garlic in your diet, try taking a garlic capsule everyday.

• Dark leafy greens contain plenty of Vitamin K, which is necessary for blood clotting and healing. Alfalfa is an excellent source of Vitamin K, which is available as a supplement.

Other options include extracts. Health food and natural food stores are the best places to find these kinds of products.

§  Grape seed extract. It contains proanthocyanidins, helping prevent blood vessel damage. Check the manufacturer's label, so you'll know how much you should ingest everyday.

§  Bilberry fruit extract. It has anthocyanosides, which can sufficiently strengthen the capillary walls, lessen inflammation and stabilize skin collagen.

Use your wisdom and judgment; seek professional medical help if your bruise does not fade.

Exercise is a great way to prevent bruising as well! Biking helps keep our entire system healthy with oxygen pumping to the bloodstream, making us stronger both inside and out, with each push of the pedal. 

Invite a Friend Monday

Let's do a fun ride on Monday, July 18, 2011.  All levels of riders are welcome.  You just need a bike and a helmet.  Please contact Theresa if you need to borrow a bike.  The turnout will determine our length, but I promise a small stop in the middle at a surprise destination. 

Remember that the benefits of Bike Riding include:
    toning muscles
    increased cardio
    helps circulation
    improves lung capacity

Read this article for other benefits:  http://blog.honestdietreviews.com/5-benefits-of-bike-riding

We meet at Col. Barber Memorial Marine Park at the corner of Harvard and Barranca (park in the northeast corner of the parking lot)  at 5:30 PM and try to start before 6 PM.  We ride about an hour to 1 1/2 hours.
See you there!
http://mapq.st/mQeQs8

Riding in the Heat

It was hot this evening, but everyone turned out (except for vacationing Karen).  No matter what is happening in your life with work and other stresses, there is nothing like a bike ride (and fellowship with friends) to help you deal with it. We wanted to get some structured hill training in.  Well we got some hills, but without really being coached.  Becky did an awesome job, not complaining and kept pedaling away.   This may have been one of our rolliest rides.   Becky and Theresa ended up with 13 miles.  Pat, Suzanne and Chris went in circles I think.  They "say" they rode the hill.   It's a nice route to change it up a little and add a little distance.

We need to remember to keep drinking water especially in the heat.  Bring a water bottle that has a top that is easy to open and drink while riding or on very short stops.   Pat brought everyone healthy jelly beans...uh huh.  Try them Suzanne you will love them.  Wonder where our next adventure will take us.

What inspired you to ride?

by Chris Carrier

 My first bike was a Christmas gift when I was about 10 years old.  It was a retro cool turquoise color, with a white basket, decorated with plastic flowers, on the front handlebars. It was 1971 and I had wanted a Schwinn Stingray with a banana seat, but any bike was a welcome taste of freedom for a 10-year-old kid.  I named her Arabella, and she took me all over my small Illinois town. 

 My first real road bike brings back all that 10-year-old energy.  What a treat it is to hop on a feel like I’m flying!  She is so light and responsive; I am in delight as I ride!   My future changed the moment I decided to buy her, and just like my first, this bike has been named.  Welcome Laavonder !  The pronunciation comes from the movie, A Good Year, with Russell Crowe.  In the movie, the French housekeeper keeps lavender sprigs in the windowsills to keep the scorpions out.  She pronounces it as Laaa VON Derrr, which is how you’ll hear me call my bike.

My reintroduction to riding for fun is a great gift to me.  Having an activity that I share with my friends, that is all about being outside and enjoying playtime has become a new part of my self-definition. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt any real “fires in the belly” that is not indigestion!  I am excited about every ride we do and I love that we are all riding as a group.  The 10 year old kid in me loves the breeze on my face as I pedal my bike and the 51 year old woman loves the shared experiences, friendship and the possibility of adventures ahead!

Tell us about your inspitration.

Chicks that ride over 30 miles!

With Hills!

Today was the picnic ride put on by two local bicycle clubs, Orange County Wheelmen (OCW) and Bicycle Club of Irvine (BCI).  As it was perfect timing for our ongoing training for the Amtrak century, Pat, Chris and Theresa signed up to ride.   Theresa's husband, Steve came along as well and Suzanne decided she didn't want to miss the fun and made a last minute sign up.  The ride was free and if you were a full club member of either club you got a free lunch (Subway Sandwich boxed lunch).  Guests had to serve and do dishes.  Just kidding, they just had to pay $5 for the meal.

It was a huge turnout from both clubs.  BCI does a great job of using different colored route slips for each of their rides.  Which works great since much of the routes crossed each other and BCI usually has a coffee/rest stop mid ride where all routes converge.  It made it easier to ensure you were following the right person, but making sure the route slip was correct.  We met at Deerfield Park in Irvine and had a choice of 14 miles 30 mile, 40 mile or a 60 mile ride.  Course when we picked up the route slip we realized it was really a 32 mile ride.  Oh well, we are ready.

Riding with a large group on streets is a whole different feel from our bi-weekly evening rides.  Plus there were some rollies.   As we were traveling up Shady Canyon trail, Theresa realized this would be the perfect extension to our Sand Canyon ride. This first long hill really stretched out the group of riders.  Steve and Theresa took off with the front of the pack.  Pat stayed with Suzanne, but Suzanne held her own keeping up and learning to use all her chain rings and left shifters.  We can't imagine how fast Suzanne would be on a road bike.


The ride started at 9 a.m. and it was already warm in this part of Irvine.  But the route quickly took us through turtle rock and then onto Bayside drive through Newport Beach where the cool ocean breeze kept us comfortable.  We did a quick jaunt to stop at a Peet's coffee which is a normal stopping point for the BCI folks, then proceeded on a tour of Back Bay opposite way around and attacked the little hill up to Jamboree.   There we met up with another chick, college student, Susan who decided to abandon the 40  mile ride and finish with us.   Course, Chris was the smart one, she followed people who knew where they were going instead of the rest trying to follow Theresa as she tacked on a couple of extra miles looking for Irvine Center Drive.  I think she was trying to make up for the couple of miles Suzanne and Pat may have missed when they were lost early on.  Or so they claimed to be lost.

There were no masseuses at the end of the ride, but Suzanne and Pat spent a little bit of time stretching before consuming their lunch.  32 (or 34) miles is just a bit long to go without a proper refueling.  There was a little bit of shopping though.  So truly a good "chick" ride - exercise on bikes, food, and shopping.

It was a great ride with great fellowship and even some food at the end.  I wonder when the next adventure is?