Chicks that do charity events

Well you girls missed a great night at Rock 'n Road Cyclery Diva Night.  Karen, Pat and Theresa showed up of course, we heard there would be tacos and margaritas.  Not sure where Karen's head was but she wanted to meet for margaritas before hand.  I guess to get "event worthy"?

The Divas threw another great event.  There was a lot of women there many of whom brought gently used shoes to donate to the Soles 4 Souls organization.  We had tacos, chips and margaritas and met other women who loved to road and mountain bike ride.  After we got our goody bags we went into the store which was set up as a mini lecture hall. We wandered around looking at all Silent Auction items.  We were outbid on the "Girl's Night Out" Limo and dinner one but figured we need to put together our own Girl's night out since we can't ride in the evenings right now.

After a little socializing, we took our seats for the informative program.  A rep from Serfas was there demonstrating lights and offered a 30% discount for any lights purchased that night.  After that we heard from a Physical Therapist from Rausch PT and Sports Performance.  They feel it's really important to prevent injuries before they happen and to keep the core strong.  They also offer some Yoga and Pilates. 

The featured speaker was Pua Mata, a beautiful young woman from Hawaii who has been racing mountain bikes professionally since 2005 and has won 6 national titles in endurance racing.   She talked about how she got into riding and how she attacks each race.  Then she answered questions from the crowd.  She had a constant infectious smile and you could really tell she loved being on her bike.




The evening and silent auction was a fund raiser for 88 Bikes.  They showed a quick video on this great organization that provides bikes for underprivileged kids who other wise may never own a bike of their own.   More smiles on these kids that were so excited to get these bikes.  Each kid that gets a bike from this organization also gets a photo of the person who donated money for the bike.  (No Pat, you didn't have to buy one of the Specialized S works we were sitting by for them).  This evening we were hoping to have raised money for over 20 bikes (about $88 each).   So we posed for a huge group photo that will be put on a card with the donated bikes.

We should think about doing something in the spring when we meet for weekday rides. Maybe a spare coin jar where we can collect each week and at the end of Fall may have enough to donate a bike. Chicks collecting pennies...

When the formal program was over we were able to do a little shopping with a Diva Discount.  Karen bought a couple little Serfas lights and CO2 Cartridge kit so she doesn't have to be afraid of flats anymore.

We've really missed riding during the week.  Last weekend since Theresa was camping and Pat was in Arizona everyone was on their own.  Theresa rode with the old guys from her camping club on a little tour around Back Bay while Karen did the Shady Canyon loop.

This weekend we are planning Santiago Canyon on Sunday as long as the SantaAnas don't make it too hot.  Perhaps we will try a little side trip up Modjeska canyon?  Hope you can join us.

Chicks that ride inner city trails

Oh how we've missed our twice weekly rides.   We've been trying to get some miles on the weekend, but there is just something about that evening after work, de-stressing ride that can't be replaced.  We hear Becky has been doing spin classes and Theresa is trying to hit the pool but without the camaraderie of the chicks it's hard to get through the work day.

The group of us from Scantron decided perhaps there is still some light left before the time change to squeeze in a ride.  If we leave from the office instead of spending the precious time in the car fighting traffic getting to the park starting point, and if we leave on time.    Trouble is the office is right smack dab in middle of very busy streets in South Santa Ana, nothing like the Irvine streets with marked bike lanes.  

With inspiration from the Trek Breast Cancer Awareness ride from Two Wheels One Planet where the group rode through the Pizza place parking lot, we decided to attempt it.  The plan was take the short trip through the neighboring office parking lots, to the back side of Burger King and then go north on Holiday to Goetz where we met up with the off road bike trail paralleling the railroad tracks.  This should take us almost all the way to the familiar Santa Ana River Trail.

Since we were fighting impending darkness and wandering around some "iffy" neighborhoods we kept an eye on the time and decided upon a turnaround time no matter how far we got.  It's always an adventure on a chicks ride.

The first part of our ride was on a nicely paved path although some local residents were setting up camp for the night.  We also were treated to some interesting mural artwork, OK some call it graffiti.   Then the path turned into a morning glory lined pretty area backing up industrial buildings.   With each street crossing, we needed to push a button and wait for a cross light.  When we got to MacArthur the bike path rode along the sidewalk where we wound our way to the river trail. 

Parts of the trail along Alton was very rough and obviously hadn't been serviced in quite some time.  Several of us wished we had our more forgiving mountain bike tires, but we made good time and were able to get a 10 mile ride in.   As we got within 1/2 mile office, Stacy noticed a flat on the front tire.  We were in the local "camping" area and it seemed to be getting dark fast, so we didn't want her to attempt to walk it. 

Theresa pulled off the wheel, found a thorn in the tire and changed the tube while everyone else checked their tires for thorns since we had all ridden along the same path.  Karen paid close attention so she could do her own flat change next time.   We returned to the office before dark and were off in our cars almost about the time we normally leave work for the day.    Shall we try it again next week?

Chicks that ride organized events

With the dawning of fall our rides are limited to weekends and on Saturday, October 8th, the Chicks found a fabulous event.   Trek Bicycles put on a Breast Cancer Awareness ride and we decided to sign up for the one hosted by Two Wheels One Planet  (TWOP). For several reasons, it's a great local bike shop and any time one of us have been in one of two stores it's been a fantastic experience.   If you are female and want to get good advise on buying a bike or equipment, this is the place to go.

Stacy ended up with a sore back and stayed home but all other chicks were ready to ride.  Chris provided pink curling ribbon to wear on our helmets. We met at a local shopping center and rode over to the ride start.  We had originally planned to meet for breakfast but the shop had bagels, juice and coffee to fuel us before our ride.   We signed a simple waiver, received our awesome t-shirts and stuffed goody bag.   Everything was well organized and the store estimated about 80 riders.  There was information on early detection of breast cancer, a Leukemia Team in Training bake sale and another vendor with samples of probiotic drink mix.  Pat and Theresa rode our goody bags back over to the cars with plenty of time before the ride start.

All of the riders were encouraging and friendly.  There was also quite a representation from male riders.  A 10 mile and 25 mile ride were planned.  Hard to imagine that most of chicks that started riding in March could ever imagine doing a 25 mile ride, but now that's a short ride for us.  The 10 milers started out first and then the breast cancer riders moved to the front for the start of the 25 mile ride.   TWOP had volunteers riding among the riders to help guide on the route and be around if anyone had any mechanicals.   (And to raise Becky's seat again, I think we need to tighten that seat bolt, it seems to keep slipping.) 

We each had card stock "Breast Cancer Awareness Ride" signs on the front of our bikes.  Motorists really noticed them and yielded to us as a group as we travelled up Tustin Avenue.   The ride up Tustin and across Santiago was a great easy warm up about 10 miles per hour.  Then we hit our familiar river trail along Back Bay with a small headwind.  Karen and Theresa took off with the front group.  It sure didn't seem that Karen hadn't ridden in three weeks.  Just look at her go on that new Raliegh Road Bike.  She is totally comfortable in her new pedals and shoes.  Theresa kept forgetting to take it easy since she had a 1/2 marathon to run on Sunday.

It was a beautiful clear day for a ride; you could see the foothills. After rounding the top end of back bay we circled around at Jamboree under the trail and rode up the San Diego Creek River trail toward our normal Chicks starting point at Col. Barber Memorial Marine Park.  We continued on the bike trail just south of Barranca and took it all the way to Jeffrey. A short stint along the sidewalk on Jeffrey brought us to the bike trail again and we had a great smooth ride all the way to Alton Parkway.  It was a little tough getting Karen to not turn off at San Canyon to TiaJuannas for margaritas, but Theresa reminded her that TWOP had beer for after our ride.  There were ducks bobbing along in the river as we rode along.

Could this be?  It seemed like there were no hills.  We went Laguna Canyon toward Quail Hill and hit the bike trail again just past San Canyon.  Karen thought maybe we were going to go up Shady Canyon.  No coyotes on this trip like we sometimes see on the riverbed. All the riders were very courteous and respectful which made for a very pleasant ride.  



Karen with a group of riders coming back on the River Trail for the home stretch

 We rejoined the San Diego Creek trail again as we headed back to the shop.  Chris was back sooner than Theresa could get her camera out to take a photo and then Suzanne breezed in pretty close behind.  We got some Sandwiches, chips and soda and then Becky and Pat rode in.   I heard that Pat was to use coughing power to keep her bike moving forward.  



Pat and Becky finishing the last mile.



The festivities continued with raffle prizes almost for everyone it seemed.   Ask Karen about hers. We spent a few moments visiting the inside of the shop and looking at the great selection of bikes and accessories they carry.  They were offering a 15% discount on purchases during the event. Chris picked up a cute pair of socks.  This event was well organized, a lot of fun and raised a little money for a good cause as well as increasing awareness for a critical disease.  We will plan to do it again next year and invite some more chicks (and maybe some husbands and children).

Chicks that ride to the bakery....

....or maybe chicks that eat cupcakes?   What a great way to end the summer evening riding season.  From a century ride the previous weekend to a very short ride to a local bakery to try their wares.   Even though it was only 15 minutes until closing, the Layer Cake Bakery www.layercakebakery.com had a selection of yummy goodies for us to enjoy.  I'm not sure that we really burned off enough calories to trade out for what we consumed, but it was fun.

We missed Karen and aren't really sure if she does have a new road bike.  How many of us have really seen it being ridden?   Maybe she can join us for our weekend rides.
Becky had new Breast Cancer Awareness headbands for everyone so we can wear them on the upcoming Trek Breast Cancer Awareness Ride on October 8th.

Theresa handed out glow in the dark lighted bracelets  (chicks really dig jewelry even toy jewelry) to compliment our tail and head lights on our way back the Barranca bike trail to the park for our final goodbye to the season.

Our Saturday ride is planned for 8:00 a.m. meeting at Angel Stadium tunnel 8.   We can practice riding in the headwind down the river trail and maybe get some practice drafting in.  I know there are no hills, but you can pretend the headwind is sort of like a hill.

During the fall/winter season try to get in a ride every weekend even if it's short and perhaps pick up some spin classes during the week.  That will keep you in shape to start out next March without having to go back to square one.


Great season chicks!

Chicks that ride their bikes to San Diego

This was the weekend.  Pat, Chris and Theresa started at o'dark early on Saturday, September 10th at the Irvine train station at Barranca and Alton.  Along with Theresa's husband, Steve and with an easy warm up through Lake Forest and Mission Viejo, the chicks travelled South.  They were well prepared and well trained. 

The day started out overcast and a little on the brisk side, and before we knew it we were at the first rest stop in Dana Point and enjoyed some cut up fruit and some muffins and cookies.  Then we continued on Camino Capistrano where it started to sprinkle, then it started to rain.  We pulled over under a building canopy when it started to rain hard and then hail.  That is when we learned why bike commuters use fenders on their bikes.  The wet roads picked up all sorts of grime and dirt on our front tires and sprayed a layer of dirt on our shins.  The back tire sprayed the back of our seat, shorts and jerseys. 

We made it to the San Clemente and San Onofre campgrounds and the weather broke.  Still overcast and not hot, but at least the road was dry.  We enjoyed the great bike path along the ocean on the old Pacific Highway and drove through a tunnel under the 5 FWY where you could see tank treads where they scrapped high along the tunnel walls.  We made it to the 2nd rest stop at Las Pulgas Road just before the San Clemente Marine Base.

Most of the rest stops had triathlon type bike racks so you didn't have to figure out where to try and balance your bike while you refueled and refilled water bottles.  Volunteers even grabbed your bike from you put it up on the rack and filled your water bottle.    The second rest stop had fresh cut pineapple along with trail mix, Bristol Farms fresh baked cookies, oreos, and other fruit. 

Then we headed toward the Marine Base gate, showed our ID's to the guard on duty and wove our way through the base past the marines marching and trudging through maneuvers.  There were a few rollie hills through the base, and we were starting to feel what seemed like a headwind.

We exited the base on Harbor Blvd. and kept pedaling through Oceanside to our lunch stop at Buccaneer Park.  Here we took our helmet and gloves off and actually sat down to eat sandwiches.  Pat had her peanut butter and jelly.  We took a quick rest room stop, Pat and Chris downed some Alieve along with Gatorade and we were on our way up a very steep hill to get back on track.

The route took us back to the coast once again and we followed the coast down toward Del Mar, past Swaimi's, San Elijo State Beach and toward the dreaded hill.   Theresa stopped in Encinnitas to take a phone call from work, Chris and Steve went on ahead and Pat decided to take a small detour.   There is an impressive downhill just before the climb up Torrey Pines and it makes a great photo op (but none of us stopped to take photos) to see the line of bicycle riders slowly moving up the curve of Torrey Pines hill like a colorful train.  As we waited for Pat to climb to the top, a city bus came by and dropped off some passengers including some bike riders who decided to take the bus to the top instead of riding it.  It was pretty funny.  All riders were rewarded with an assortment of ice cream and Popsicles at the top which was much welcomed as the day had warmed up and we worked up quite a sweat on the grind up the 2 mile hill.

Pat arriving at the  Torrey Pines stop.

"I made it, where is the ice cream?"

Pat did show up and impressed a lot of riders with her determination on her flat bar bike.  Everyone that passed us (and a lot of them passed us up the hill) were encouraging.   We barely let Pat finish her 50-50 bar and get some cheese nips, before we had her back on her bike as we still had 17 miles to go and a train to catch. 

The headwind was miserable and Theresa couldn't remember a time down the San Diego Bike trail and Torrey Pines road where the downhill wasn't at least 26 mph, but against the headwind it was hard to keep 20.  We kept plodding along and made it out to Mission Bay Drive winding our way toward the Amtrak station.  Finally we ended up on Pacific Highway which seemed almost like a freeway.  Then just when we were wondering how much longer the street names were named after trees.  We were looking for Ash street and knew it couldn't be far.

On the corner of the block where the finish was, people were banging cow bells and clapping.  We turned our last corner into the parking lot and were able to dismount the bike knowing it would be at least a day before we had to climb back in the saddle.   Cold soda and water, along with chips, guacamole and salsa awaited us along with a DJ playing fun upbeat songs.

We changed our clothes and did a quick clean up.  Loaded our bikes in the trucks and located our coolers for the party home on the train.   Once the train left the station we popped the cork (Ok, took off the pop top) of our champagne and did a toast to a great ride.  We shared some munchies as we headed back up north to our cars left in Irvine looking forward to doing the ride again next year with some of our other Chicks that Ride.

Chicks that ride at night...

or perhaps this should read, Chicks that are ready for the century ride....or Chicks that mourn the end of summer.  Or maybe even Chicks that use excuses -- "it's too hot", "it's gonna get dark", "the kids have soccer practice", "the air conditioning broke", "my grip fell off".

Monday was Labor day and many of us rode on the long weekend.  Pat, Suzanne and Karen did 50 miles on Sunday.  Karen on her HOT new silver Raleigh road bike. She was fast! Theresa rode Torrey Pines on Saturday and then again on Monday with Chris.  The Century training chicks are ready!  Only two more days and we will be on our way to San Diego from Irvine.

Wednesday night we got to try out our lights as we started our normal Shady Canyon Route, climbed the hill and then traveled Bonita Canyon to Jamboree, where we climbed up Jamboree again.  Here we met the back bay trail for our route back to Barranca and Harvard.   Our trip back up the trail was in the dark.  Theresa, Chris and Pat  had front and tail lights to help guide the others.  As it is getting darker earlier and earlier it may be our last full group evening ride and we will be limited to weekends until next Spring.

What a long way all the chicks have come, remember those first couple of rides in March and April when it was a struggle to get through 8 miles and how slow it was.  Wednesday night no one thought anything of hopping on the bike (after a quick restroom stop) and doing 20 miles with hills!

Don't forget to sign up for Trek's Breast Cancer Fundraising ride on October 8th   http://www.active.com/cycling/costa-mesa-ca/trek-breast-cancer-awareness-ride-two-wheels-one-planet-2011.  It's 25 miles which will be a piece of cake and a fun event.

Chris, Pat and Theresa will be starting early in the morning on Saturday for the trek to San Diego. If you see a north bound Amtrak train after 4:30 pm, be sure and wave as they are sure to be on it.  Yes, you too Pat, as we know you will make the train.  Perhaps the next column should be Chicks that make the train.

Have Jersey, Will Travel, by Chris

I took my husband Scott, on a well-deserved vacation to Northern California.  We wanted to go as far north as one day driving allowed.  Our landing destination was the Crescent City area, near the Smith River.  We were less than 30 miles from the Oregon border and surrounded by redwoods.  The area is rich in state parks and big trees, perfect for our plans to mountain bike and hike the week away.  Our cabin was situated on the Smith River and the hosts provided us with plenty of inspiration. The reading materials included bike routes in and around the Jedediah Smith State Park. 

In fact, the whole area seemed to be a biking paradise.  Highway 101, which runs through California up to Oregon and beyond, had a designated bike lane.  The bridges that crossed the Smith River had signs alerting cars of bikers using bridge; bikers had the right of way!  As we drove around the area, we saw at least a dozen touring bikers traveling through.  Bikers rode solo or in small groups, loaded down with panniers, some with rear wheel carts, for their gear.  It takes a special kind of dedication to ride a bike with 20 lbs or more of gear, up and down the terrain of the roads, to some unknown destination.  I’m sure they came from Oregon, which is a big biking state.

Our first (and only) big bike ride took place on Monday morning.  We drove to a clay-packed road that traveled the length of Jedediah Smith State Park.  We started at one end of Howland Hill Road, which was strategically planned, so that we could investigate our next ride path, scheduled for later in the week.  It was a great ride through the redwoods and while we shared the road with hikers and cars, we mostly had the road to ourselves.  We encountered some climbs and one series was a monster.  Riding a mountain bike up a series of hills was challenging and I was glad to have my stash of Sharkies with me.  At one point, I just had to stop and eat. Luckily, I had stopped in an area that was generally flat for a few yards, so that I could regain my momentum for another hill climb.  Finally, we were at the top and what goes up must go down!  We rode the decline past the park signs and almost into the town of Crescent City!

Our turnaround was staged at a corner, where wild, rambling blackberries were in full fruit.  Scott and I ate blackberries, nuts and apples, as we contemplated the inevitable hill climbs back into the park.  I joked with a man who was out running with his dog about the inclines, as he told me he ran up and down the hill every other day.  He told me that it was about a ¾ mile climb.  Back on the bikes, energized with all that fresh wild fruit, I rode up the first leg of the hills, rode up the second leg, gearing to keep myself going.  I rode with all my heart and I was feeling it!  I bailed on parts of the hill climb, opting to walk my bike for a while to the next flat area before attempting it again!  I rode most of the hills and I finally reached the top crest, riding to meet my husband, as he rested near a side road.  He rode the entire hill section and we swapped stores on the effort we shared. 

Back on the bikes, we rode the length of the Howland Hill Road, to our car.  We planned our next bike ride, which was a true mountain bike adventure, 10 miles into a remote area called Little Bald Hills trail. The State Park brochure had warnings about bears and sometimes mountain lions!  Our first bike ride on our vacation was a great ride and unfortunately it would be our only ride together.  The next day, my husband tweaked his back and felt that biking was out of the picture for him.  We would hike; walking was a better option, considering his recovering back.

I took my bike out on a couple of occasions, riding the roads near our cabin, riding into the town of Smith River and exploring where I could.  I wanted to ride the 10-mile remote trail alone, but after practical discussion, we agreed to stick to hiking.  One trail we visited was the Damnation Creek Trail in the Del Norte Redwoods State Park.  It was a 5 mile round trip which wound through some beautiful groves of redwoods, down to the Pacific Ocean.  I wore my biking jersey for this hike, knowing that the weather would be cool and moist, breaking into sun on occasions. Cotton would be too clammy and my jersey kept me very comfortable as we walked through the giant redwoods.