Come Snow, Rain, Sleet, Hail.... My Tahoe Adventure Continues

View from our room at Harvey's.  That is Emerald Bay
in the distance.  Our first tough climb.

Early Sunday morning we woke and looked out our window at our gorgeous view to find it was raining. No wait, it was pouring!! And freezing! Oh boy! I thought 'Is it too late to opt out??' I do not need to catch pneumonia from a bike ride!

Although I was still contemplating my options, I was dressing, layer by layer, to go for a bike ride in 38 degree raining weather. I bundled up as much as I could without adding too much additional weight. I just wanted to be warm.

One of our teammates, my dear friend Leanne (Scorcher), was unable to even start the ride. A few weeks ago she tweaked her back; and, on Saturday's ride she irritated that injury to a point where she knew even a short ride would make her miserable. She was so upset. Being the big team player she is, she decided to sag for the entire event for us. She followed us along the course offering assistance where she could (even dry socks which were worth more than gold for this event). For that, we ALL thank her!


Our Palm Beach TNT Team: Ready to take on Tahoe.
Sitting: Kamikaze (Sam), Bobcat (Kristin)
Standing L-R: Rambo (Jon), Kansas (Jacey), McFlurry (me),
McNugget (Nikki), Ghost Rider (David), Coach McTorture (Bryan),
Scorcher (Leanne), RockStar (Judy), Mama (Susana), G3 (Gary)


We met in the lobby at 6am. Our wave start was 630 and given the weather we were not in a hurry to get outside and wait. One thing I can appreciate with a Cycle event (or at least this event) vs a marathon event, we don't HAVE to corral at an ungodly hour and wait in the weather for our later start. Unlike the 2010 Disney Marathon where we were at the corrals by 5 for a 630 start in 24 degree weather with a 17 degree wind-chill.

At 635am (Pacific time) we started our ride. Yes, it was raining. Yes, it was cold. But we were off to begin the ride we committed to so many months ago and have trained so hard for. Not one of us had false pretenses at this point about this being like any other training ride (just longer). We trained in cold, but never this cold. We have even trained in rain, but not freezing rain. We also trained hills, but not altitude and mountains. Basically, this ride was set to be all of our training to the tenth power. I am not exaggerating!

At this point my only though was about the warm, dry bed I left back at the hotel. Then I glanced down at my right wrist. There, wrapped around my wrist on the outside of all layers, right next to my America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride bracelet (which I needed to gain access the SAG stops and the switch backs at Emerald Bay) was Courtney's IGKLA (I'm Gonna Kick Leukemia's A$$) silicon bracelet. Right then, I knew why I was here... We need a cure!

I knew I had 10 miles until I hit the base of Emerald Bay to begin the switch backs. So, in the cold rain, I reach down deep for that determination needed to get through this. At this point, the day was no longer about the training we all had been through over the last several months; this ride was all MENTAL! To last 103 miles in these conditions was going to take mental determination, perseverance, and inner strength.

At the top of the first switchback on the way up
to Emerald Bay.  You can see the rain/sleet.

At mile 6, Nikki McNugget, our LLS Staffer was there to cheer us on.  This is also the same place she saw many cyclists turning around to head back to the hotel.  These riders were from northern teams even.  But, not us kids from Palm Beach.  We kept going.

The first 9 miles seemed super slow.  Riding along A1A 19-20 mph seems easy: even with wind.  Here, to muscle 17 was an effort.  At 9 miles we came to a halt. We were at the base of Emerald Bay where race officials were checking to ensure we were registered riders on the course. Seriously? They think someone is going to crash this party? 38 degrees and raining?  Really?? Ha!!! I doubt that anyone is dumb enough to come out here in this. But there we all were: all 3000 insane people doing this ridiculous event.

The beautiful view from the top of Emerald Bay.

We crossed through the check station and had a 2 mile climb of almost 500 feet elevation gain. I hit the first of the 'mini' switchbacks and thought 'well, that wasn't so bad!'. Then I turned my head to the right and saw bikers climbing the REAL switchbacks. 'OH BOY!'  (Not exactly the phrase I uttered.)

After the uphill battle to Emerald Bay (at an average of 6 mph), there was a beautiful view; and, more importantly, a 200 foot (1 mile) downhill!  Woo hooo!!!  I hit 36 mph on that down hill.  With wet roads I was a little more cautious than I would have been had it not been raining.  Everyone seemed to be on their brakes.  Here comes the annoying Palm Beach girl screaming "ON YOUR LEFT!!!"

  

After another 200 foot climb then we were down hill to the second sag stop at Homewood Mountain Resort (26.9 miles in).  Already the views have been awe-inspiring, even through the gloomy weather.  However, at this stop I sort of hit my wall.  Just 27 miles in and I am already frozen with signs of hyperthermia.  I was really worried my toes were going to be frost bitten.  Luckily I had packed some extra socks in a dry bag and was able to change out of the soaked ones.

Kings Bay, CA....  Lunch Rest Stop and
Yucky Weather

This was a changing point in the day for me.  I was frozen, barely breathing, soaked to the bone from frozen rain... I did not know what to do.  Leanne messaged me and offered a dry car ride for a bit.  I took her up on it.  I know I set out to do all 100 miles here; however, I had to think about my health too.  I was just getting over a cold I had not quite kicked completely before this trip.  It seemed the cold air and rain was making matters worse.  I honestly did not want to come home with pneumonia. I thought, a short ride to the next stop would help me out a bit.

After leaving Homewood, Leanne and her wonderful husband Ray decided to stop at a sports shop and pick up some dry socks for everyone.  We then made our way to Truckee, CA, the third SAG stop on the course.  There I was able to talk to my coach.  I told him how I was feeling and that I was not doing well.  I was going to try to get back on my bike at Truckee and finish up, but I was still not able to feel my toes.  I barely was able to put my bike shoes back on my feet.  He suggested I wait until the 4th SAG stop at lunch (Kings Bay) to see how I felt before deciding.

Upon arrival at Kings Bay, the rain was bad.  Pouring down hard and not looking like I was about to finish this course.  I grabbed lunch, filled water bottles, and waited for our team to come in.  I was able to speak to all of them, except Kristen (Bobcat) as she was well ahead of everyone.

The sun finally shows itself at Kings Beach, CA.

It was when Coach McTorture came in to Kings Beach that I finally started to feel like I could finish this course.  The sun started to come out even.... FINALLY!  McTorture and I waited for Rock Star Judy to come in to the lunch stop while we sent the rest of the team on their way.

When Judy arrived, I helped her filling water bottles, grabbed her some lunch, then rested a bit.  The three of us, Judy, McTorture, and I, headed out on our bikes to conquer Spooner.  On our way out, Leanne tells us there is reports of hail at mile 90.  Oh Great!!!  As if snow, sleet, rain, wind was not enough, let's add hail for the fun of it all!

The moment we left the rest stop there was an immediate climb (@230 foot gain in just under two miles), almost a smack in the face after lunch.  I mean really?  Couldn't you find a better place for lunch?

About half way up Spooner where I stopped to
shed layers.

Thankfully, before we hit Spooner there is a 4 mile downhill through Incline Village. Time to catch my breath and ready myself for the long haul up Spooner.  Lets talk about Spooner.  This climb starts at mile 80 of the course at about 6300' elevation.  By the end of the 8-mile climb were at 7100' elevation (approximately 100' elevation gain per mile).  The hardest part for me was between miles 83 and 85 where we climbed from 6500' to 6900'.  After leaving McTorture back with 'Rock Star' at incline village (mile 74) he caught up to me around mile 85 as I was pealing off layers. The sun had come out and it was now HOT!

Finally, an hour later, I reached the top of the climb at Spooner Junction.  Waiting for me there was McTorture and rolling in right behind me was Judy.  After a brief stop to gobble down some PowerBar Gummies, we were back on our way to finish the 12 miles to the finish.  But first, time to bundle back up.  Even though the sun was out, the downhills from here were going to be fast and cold. I layered on the arm warmers and put my scarf back around my neck.

Right before the big downhill, we had to pass by mile 90 where there were reports of hail earlier.  Thankfully, we missed the hail.  I knew Nikki McNugget was there, but when I zoomed past the cheer station, I did not see her.  Later I found out she was in the car grabbing food as I went by.  She saw just the back end of my jersey as I went by.

Course Map and Elevation Chart

The downhill from Spooner is where I was hoping to hit 50-mph.  Unfortunately, I was heading directly into the wind coming off the lake.  Great view, but not easy to take that in at 39-mph.  I can imagine I must have been a sight to see... all tucked in tight and aero, scarf flapping in the wind behind me, screaming "ON YOUR LEFT!" as I zoomed past many riders on their breaks.

Whoever said it is all down hill after Spooner lied!  We had 6 more hills to climb.  We were still more down than up, but the uphills seemed tougher than normal.  Maybe the elevation? Maybe the cold wind?  Maybe just the end of the ride when we all just want to finish?  Either way, I just wanted to get back to the hotel for a long WARM shower.

The last few miles were fun at least.  I was playing this cat/mouse game with a TNT Team from Kansas.  They would beat me on the uphill, but I will kill them on the down hill.  All it took was the sign that said FINISH with an arrow for me to finally kick into gear.  I jumped off my seat and started to drill in my top ring.  One more turn and the finish line was there.  When I turned the corner all I saw was UP!  REALLY?  After all that we have to finish UPHILL?  Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!  Back off my seat, still in my top gear, I pumped and pumped to the finish where my teammates who finished before me where there to greet me!

What a feeling!

This is the view from the downhill at Spooner Junction,

only on Monday (the day after our ride) after the

overnight snow.  (Yes, SNOW in JUNE!)

Now, for those of you who know me, you know I am not one to easily give in.  As I was pondering whether or not to take the SAG through Truckee, CA, I remembered a previous coach who told me "Live to fight another day!"  No sense in injuring myself, or worsening my cold by being stupid. Although I did not complete the entire 100+ mile century ride, I did complete the two toughest parts of the course: Emerald Bay Switchbacks and Spooner Junction.  The bottom line is... I started and finished this ride ON MY BIKE.  I did not give up, I just took a rest to warm up.  All in all, I got in about 60 miles in not-so-accommodating weather conditions.  All my fingers and toes are in tact and no frostbite or hypothermia to report.

Sitting: Bobcat, Rambo, McFlurry,
Standing L-R: Gimpy, Ghost Rider,  Mama, Kansas,
McNugget, McTorture, G3, Scorcher, RockStar, Kamikaze

To all my ROCK STAR Teammates... Bobcat (Kristin), Rambo (Jon), Kansas (Jacey), RockStar (Judy), G3 (Gary), Ghost Rider (David), Kamikaze (Sam), Scorcher (Leanne), Mama (Susana), and Gimpy (Stefany)...  YOU ALL ARE AMAZING!  Thank you all for such a wonderful season with lots of fun tales that will live on forever (Squirrels, and Rabbits, and Bobcats, OH MY!).  You all have made this season with TNT the best ever!!!

To Coach Brutal Bryan Big Mac Daddy McTorture, Thank you for making me a better cyclist.  If it were not for you I would not be as comfortable on my bike as I am today and I would not have felt I could have even started that ride, let alone finish it!  You ROCK!  (I don't care what Rob says, YOU ARE THE BESTEST!!!)

To Nikki McNugget... Thank you for always being positive and optimistic.  "It may be raining and cold, but isn't the scenery beautiful?"  You were such a bright star in such gloomy weather!  Even if you did miss me coming out of Spooner; I forgive you!!! =)

To all my supporters:  I hope this report from Lake Tahoe does not disappoint you.  I appreciate your continued support through all these endeavors with LLS and TNT.  You make this possible!  One day, together, we will find a cure.

True Story... most of this team has decided to do this ride again next year.  I mean, the weather cannot be THIS bad two years in a row, can it???  My commitment has been made to LLS/TNT already and I am determined to finish the entire ride next year with the same team.  If you would like to join us, we would love to have you!  (http://www.teamintraining.org/)

One thing is certain, I have a shopping list for next year... Just in case the weather is again not-so-accommodating...  Water proof pants/jacket, cycling tights, water proof socks for keeping my feet dry/warm, water resistant gloves, chap stick, anti-fog shades, more hand warmers, more feet warmers, lots of plastic baggies, etc....  Feel free to add suggestions in the comments or to send extra gear yoiu may have my way!!!

Shake Out Ride... In the Cold Rain

The last few months I have been blogging about the training my team and I have been going through: not to mention the many requests I have sent out for donations to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for this event.

Palm Beach TNT On our way to pick up our bikes: Susana,
Stefany, Sam, McTorture, Judy, Me Leanne, Jon, Kristin

Let me start by saying thank you!!! My team for the 2011 America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride in Lake Tahoe raised over $40,000 (just 12 of us). The entire LLS TNT group from all over the US raised $6.8 million.

It is the generosity of our families, friends, associates, strangers, etc... that allow us to do these thing with TNT as we spread the word and raise more awareness for blood cancers. So on behalf of the Society, my teammates, and blood cancer patients everywhere... THANK YOU!!

Now, for the ride... Saturday we woke in Lake Tahoe for an early packet pick up. We received our bib numbers, goodies, and had a chance for light shopping (last minute most necessary warm clothes).

Saturday's weather was gloomy rain and cold (48ish degrees). Yes, we were still going for our shake out ride.

Leanne, Me, Jacey, McTorture, Kristin
On our way out the door for a ride.

What's a shake out ride? This is our chance to check last minute bike mechanics, figure out ride gear for the next day, etc... In this cold rain we were all bundled in layers. I decided to reserve my warmest layers for the actual ride. I still had an under layer, a layer of water resistant rain gear, and top layer training bike jersey. I also wore my ear warmers, beanie cap, scarf, gloves, two pairs of socks, etc.... I thought I was good to go.

The rain came down as we headed out and I had to question my sanity. What on earth was this Florida Girl doing in this cold, wet weather on a bike? And at these altitudes? Asthma anyone??

I will say I completely underestimated the effect the altitude would have on my ability to breathe! Absolutely crazy... The hotel was at 6000+ elevation. And I had to climb the mountains on my bike? Really? Oh, boy.... My coach, McTorture said he was having a hard time and he is not asthmatic. He knew I was not having an easy time. When he asked if I was OK, I told him 'I don't think I am going to be able to do this ride tomorrow.'. His answer: 'Oh, I don't think you are right about that!'

I suppose when we took off at 23+ mph to drop a group of riders that were so-so on their bikes and seemingly dangerous, I probably over exerted myself. Add hills and rain and cold air, I was having a tough time breathing.

I made it out with the team, but I took the return trip a bit slower. Did I mention I was still getting over a bad cold? Can you say pneumonia?

All in all the ride went well. We made about 19-20 miles in what seemed to be impossible conditions. We all felt ready, yet scared of what the next day would bring.

Before the actual ride, we had a team meeting and Inspirational Dinner to go to still. We had a few moments after the ride to shower and relax. Boy that shower felt great!

Team Meeting was great. Last minute tips, rules, what-to-do-when instructions, and a bit of fun. First was the business of the event. There were a total of 3000 participants, 1/2 of which were from TNT - GO TEAM! We were given important numbers necessary for safety, assistance, etc... We even had a chance to meet Ghost Rider (our teammate David who was always so busy we never had a chance to meet him).

McTorture showing off his new
thong and boa

Then we had some fun. I was a mentor this season: someone who assists with fund-raising, inspiration, etc... The team gave me a great card and the best T-shirt... "What happens in Lake Tahoe stays on Facebook and YouTube forever". LOVE IT!!! (And a Princess sticker for my bike!)

We, as a team, did a little shopping for our staffer and coach. For Little Nikki McNugget, a heartfelt card and a set of bicycle bookends. McTorture was a bit different. We have had so much fun this season and so many stories/adventures; we needed a little more for coach. We did our shopping in an 'adult' store. The picture says more than I can explain. It was great!!

After the meeting, I went with a few teammates for more last minute shopping. We bought breakfast for the morning, and snacks for later. Then Jacey and I took a walk down to the Lake where I actually walked into the water. Brrrrrrrrrrrrr! I want to say it was colder than the Pacific (I did this same thing in San Diego when I completed the Rock n Roll San Diego Half Marathon last year this same weekend!).

Kristin & I sportin' our Triple Crown Tiaras

Later Saturday Night was our Team Inspirational Dinner. This is where National TNT staff give a speech, lots of thanks, and recognition. Kristin (Bobact), Jon (Rambo), and I (McFlurry) received our Triple Crowns. This is a recognition from LLS for being fund raising participants in a triathlon, marathon, and a century ride. We all had a great dinner and lots of fun.

Then it was off to bed for the big day the next morning....

To Be Continued.....

South Lake Tahoe Arrival

Well, the team has arrived. Long flight but a beautiful drive from Reno to South Lake Tahoe with snow capped mountains.

Event Weekend is Here...

I am off to Tahoe...  I will be updating from my blackberry while I am there.  Look for photos & tales from the dark side!!!

See ya all when I get back!  And thank you for your support!!!

-40 Degrees in JUNE? Really?

We are just 4 days away from 103 miles around the Beautiful Lake Tahoe.  I decided to look at the weather to evaluate my packing decisions.  Maybe I should not have done that!  I think I need a short term loan to purchase warm biking gear!!!

Here is the weekend forecast:

• FRIDAY: High 58, Low 41 with a 20% chance of rain (snow in higher altitudes)
• SATURDAY: High 51, Low 39 with a 30% chance of rain (snow in higher altitudes)
• SUNDAY: - BIKE DAY -  High 54, Low 39 with a 40% chance of rain (snow in higher altitudes)

WHAT???  Really???  


Ok Fans, I need your advice... Who rode a bike in sub40 weather and lived to tell about it???  No, kidding, but I would like advice on what to wear...  Please comment with suggestions below...

What Makes Someone a HERO??

A coward gets scared and quits. A hero gets scared, but still goes on.

- Anonymous

I found this quote today when I was looking for inspiration for my blog. I needed something to stir my creative mind for an update.  You see I have been feeling down, feeling a little uninspired.  Yesterday I had the most inspirational news in that my niece is walking again on her own... or, at least she is taking baby steps toward getting there.  Her words to me "I GOT THIS!!"  Her spirit, her tenaciousness, is what makes her my hero!!!

The Society choses Honored Heroes for each season.  Blood cancer patients who are battling this disease, have battled and survived this disease, and even some who have battled yet loss their fight.  I have met so many inspiring people through this organization.  Although I have had a personal hero from day one... my niece, Courtney; this year I have added two more: my Aunt Margie and my best friend's Uncle Jim.  

The above quote just hit home when I think about what makes these individuals heroes.  They would probably all disagree with me and say they are not, they would say they are only doing what needs to be done to survive.  Truth is, what they go through, this chemo, is not easy.  It is a tough road!  And, whether you are 15 or 50 it is a battle!  My hat is off to them for the fight they put up.  They are my inspiration to continue to swim, bike, run for a cure.

I have to comment on another hero that comes to mind, even beyond our patient heroes... It is inevitable that each TNT season I see someone new with the organization who has never done an endurance event and is trying something new.  It is one thing to train for and complete an endurance event.  It is something entirely different to do this for the cause, not just for yourself.  I meet these heroes everyday.  They are my teammates.  They inspire me to keep going almost as much as my niece does.  (For those who wonder "Why TNT?", THEY - my Teammates - are the reason why!)

So I ask you, who has inspired you?  Who is YOUR hero and Why???  Please leave your comments below...

Just a 65-Mile Leisurely Ride

"There is no telling how many miles you will have to run (or ride) while chasing a dream."  I read this somewhere, I am not sure where, but it rang true with me.  I thought it was appropriate for this week's blog.  

My weekend started early: I took Friday off work to prep for a fundraiser and a 5k with the TEAM.  I did get to sleep in, which is rare and very much appreciated.  Then a teammate, Jacey, and I headed out to City Place to grab lunch and promo our event on May 14th.

QUICK PLUG: Sips 'n Strokes will donate 50% of the proceeds for our event back to LLS.  On May 14th you can join us at the Sips'n Strokes studio in City Place for a nite of painting, wine, food, raffles, and fun.  All proceeds of the evening (including the 50% donation from the studio) will benefit LLS.  Come have some fun and help us be superheroes as we save lives together!

After collecting gift card donations and other raffle prizes, we were off to the Sunfest 5k Downtown.  I had my sights on setting a personal best in a 5k run, but the wind (my so-called training buddy) had a different plan.  Running in that weather was like running behind an airboat on HIGH SPEED.  I finished in 35:04 or something like that.  Not my best by far and yet not my worse either.  Just not what I wanted to do.  So how do you recover from a bad run??  With FREE BEER!!!  Even if it was Coors Light (at one time I would have loved that) it was still free and cold and fantastic!!!

Jacey and I hung around Sunfest a bit before heading home.  We saw friends and even danced with Captain Morgan!  It was a fun night!  I even took my picture with the Michelin Man... (I was a michelin baby with rolls like tires; so, I just had to get the photo!)

So off to bed for an early morning training... Well, that was the plan anyhow.  Apparently my alarm did not have the same plan as I did.  I overslept and missed my training.  That was probably a blessing since I was pretty sore from the run.  Man, it was only 3.1(ish) miles but it kicked my butt! Jacey and I both opted for a Sunday morning ride since we both missed training.

Up early - TAKE 2...  This time, my internal clock was not letting me oversleep.  Guilt from missing training with the team, I suppose.  Jacey and I met in Delray and we decided we would take the short run south first then north to finish our ride.  We started at Linton, road south to Camino Real, and then north to Palm Beach Inlet.  I was done after 14 miles of wind.  My left calf was aching still from Friday's run (you would think I never run with how sore I was).  

After a short stop to stretch something happened.  I found my carrot to chase.  Barbie and her friend Skipper zipped past Jacey and I like they were the schitzizzle.  Ha!  Not in my town you don't!  I looked at Jacey and said "ready for a short sprint?"  Off we went.  Actually Barbie tried to hold on a bit.  It was kinda cute, but more annoying.  We had to drop them.  Up to 20+ just to get rid of them.  

Off to Boynton Beach Inlet.  We took a quick detour along the beach before the inlet.  As we came off Old Ocean Ave, there was Barbie and Skipper again.  We let them go ahead.  We took another detour down a board walk just to enjoy the scenery and to fuel up.  It was nice to be in an area with no wind and tree cover. Nice and relaxing.  The calf was still hurting, but I was determined to complete this ride.  We sprinted to Boynton Beach Inlet to fill up waters and take a quick potty break.  Then back to heading north.  

It was just north of Lake Worth were we caught Barbie and Skipper.  It was right around the incline on Southern where we were able to pass them.  Jacey and I sprinted again and took that incline at 21-22mph, just to show them how it is done.  I know it is petty, but for today, those two girlies were my carrot and I was chasing!  Thanks to Coach McTorture, I can actually do that now!!

Once we got to Palm Beach, we decided to take a break from the wind and take the rest of the way to the inlet in a relaxing gear.  I am glad we did.  We saw an amazing tree (see photo), the Living Wall in Palm Beach, and even heard some music from Sunfest.

We made it to Palm Beach Inlet and had about 25 miles to go to get back to our cars.  And guess what??? We had WIND!!!  I know I have mentioned this before and you must be tired of reading it, but the WIND in Florida SUCKS!  It swirls and shifts and is just plain annoying.  (First thing Mc Torture said when I mentioned the wind - "Hey, The wind is your friend!"  I don't know about the rest of my team, but I call BS!!!!)

With just two more miles to go, we finally caught on to a pace line.  These guys were at 21-22mph.  Could not have come at a better time!  God does listen, because he answered my prayers right there!  I don't know where these guys were 62 miles before, but... better late than never!

You know, you certainly hear the funniest things in pace lines.  We are always calling out stuff for courtesy, for safety, just to make sure people are still paying attention and on the line... "Curb!", "Sand!", "Water!", "Debris!", "Car Back!", "Runner Up!", "Crab!", "Snot Rocket!"...  You just never can tell what you will hear!  

In any case, I can say only one thing, and this picture proves it... Today was a better beach day than a cycle day.  Only when I was done, I was DONE!  I had absolutely zero desire to leave my house once I got there: So, I showered, put on jammies, and took control of the couch and TV remote.  (ugh, more Royal Wedding today!!! When will it end?)

As I usually do with my blogs, I started off with some quote, saying, intro to a story... then I make you read the entire blog before I tell you why I chose that particular gem.

I have a dream!  Not like Dr King, although a great dream that was/is...  I have a dream we will one day live in a world where there is a cure for cancer.  All cancers.  I have just chosen blood cancers due to my connections with blood cancers.  I have no idea how many miles I will run, bike, or swim until there is a cure, but you can rest assured I will not stop until there is one.  (I sometimes feel like Forrest Gump... Running to nowhere, but everywhere at the same time!)

The Wind: My Training Buddy (Or So I am Told)

Every once in a while I question Big Mac, newly renamed Coach McTorture since it seems so much more appropriate as we get into our longer bike rides.  Yesterday we had our 60 mile ride.  I will say, it was nothing to snicker at.  Even seasoned Century Riders would have had a hard time with yesterday's mere 60 mile ride...

Where to start... How about Friday night when I picked up my bike with my new gears?  I was all ready and psyched to go for training in the morning.  Since I could not wait to try the new gears out, I jumped on the bike as soon as I got home.  Just a quick 10 miles to change through the new cassette and see if I liked it.  We were scheduled for 20 bridge repeats at Lake Worth Bridge to begin our ride the next morning.  I did not want to get out there and not know my new gears personally yet.  Although somewhat disappointed with the price tag, I am happy with the gears.  

I have heard great stories about Racer's Edge (Boca Raton), but I am wishing I took the drive to J-Town (Jupiter, FL) and let them work on my bike... Probably would have been a few hundred cheaper.  Rather than just replacing a ring or two in the cassette, they replaced the entire cassette.  Not only that, but I could have gotten the cassette online cheaper myself and just had someone do the work to install it.  (The least McTorture could do for me since he insists on the Torture Method for Training.)    Did I mention I did not even get a discount for TNT??  Not going back to Racer's Edge, Sorry Coach Rob.

Back to the training... Up early on Saturday morning and out the door to Lake Worth.  I was actually very early, and that was good since the run they had that morning, Women for Women in Lake Worth, shut all the roads down, including the bridge.  So much for our scheduled bridge repeats.  After rerouting myself to get to Bryant Park (talking with 3 different officers and skating through the safety cones) I get the call that we were to reroute to Boynton Beach... At least the bike was still in the car.  Off to Boynton I go...

Jacey, Me, Leanne, Coach McTorture,
and Nikki McNugget

Our training plan changed with the run in Lake Worth.  Now were were not going to do any bridge repeats, but we were going to do long sprints down to Las Olas (with a quick SAG stop at Hillsboro Inlet Park) and back to Boynton.  I know what you are thinking... Drive, Andi... It would be so much faster!  (And the wind would not make a difference.)  However, Driving will not ready me for Tahoe, so I mounted the bike and off we went.

Before I start with the ride, let me explain the weather yesterday morning: Windy would be an understatement: 14-16 mph winds out of the ESE (crosswinds suck by the way).  I had to look at every flag we passed just to be sure I was really seeing the wind as bad as it felt on the bike.  It is one thing to have that wind battering you head on at that speed while riding.  It is another thing entirely when you are on A1A, among all the tall condos, on both sides of the road.  It is like riding in a wind tunnel.  Oh, let us not forget to mention when you have a clearing on the beach side you get that gust of 20-25 that likes to shift your front tire to feel like it is coming out from underneath you.  Not fun!!!

Our Ride on Saturday, 4/23/11 -
From Boynton Beach Inlet to
Las Olas( Ft Laud.) and back.

We ride in two to three groups usually.  Yesterday was no different.  At least for the first 40 miles or so.  The lead group (Kris, Jon, Jacey, Leanne, and I) went out pretty hard riding along for the first 10 miles at 18-20 depending on who was pulling.  Then when we hit Linton Road, about 7-8 miles into the ride, we sprinted to Spanish River.  Hard riding for 3+ miles.  Up to 22 mph for me, but not able to maintain that for the almost 4 miles.  I did however keep it above 20.  Then we backed it down to 18-19 (sometimes 20) until we reached our second sprint from Hillsboro Blvd to Hillsboro Beach Inlet. I think I maintained 19+ the entire way.  I was over 21, then dropped down a bit.  Then when I got my second wind, remembered the new gears, cranked it up and back up to 20-21.  I pulled into the inlet just after the speedsters (Kris, Jon, and Jacey).  Leanne was right behind me.  

After a quick Sag stop with our SAG MAN Mr. Bob, we were off to Las Olas.  Another 10 miles of battling the wind, and introducing cars and walkers and beach-goers OH MY!  Not a fun ride when attempting to keep pace with 18+.  Well we started off saying 20+ but the wind put that goal to rest really quickly.  We managed to stay well over 17 mph which was great with that wind.  We thought (or shall I rephrase that to we HOPED) the wind would be at our backs on the way home.  Not so much the deal!  As it often happens in Florida, and something my dad would always say: The wind was a shiftin'.  We were in for another 30 miles to home base with the wind against us again!  Joy!

I managed to somewhat keep up with, or at least keep in my sights, the faster crew of Kris and Jon.  But the rest of us were more lolli-gagging around at 17-18 back to Hillsboro Inlet Park.  Still good speed for the wind, but man, it was not an easy day.

SAG Stop with our Awesome Sag Guy, Mr Bob

After another quick stop with Mr Bob, our SAG guy, we were off to the final 20 miles home.  McTorture decided he wanted us to sprint one mile on, one mile off.  HA!!!  Well, we tried.  But that wind was kicking our butts something fierce.  We had to settle for just maintaining speed home.  No rider rides alone is our mission.  So Leanne and I opted to stay back with Judy.  Coach McTorture went off with the lead group for a bit, but then came back to ride with us and keep us at a min of 17 all the way home.  I will tell you that was the toughest 20 mile.  

At Palmetto Park Road I seriously considered riding to my house and calling someone to come take me to my car...  Like my bread that morning with my breakfast, I was TOAST!  My lower back was aching from being in the saddle for almost 3 hours at that point.  My neck was killing me from gripping the bars so hard having to fight the wind to keep control of my bike.  I was not in my happy place at all.  But, I pushed through and finished the ride with the team.  

Oh, but before I finish this segment... Remember how I said we have newly renamed our coach McTorture, let me explain...  We were just about a mile from the finish.  I had already started to sprint up to 19-20 mph. Coach rides up to me and says, "You see that next yellow sign, that is one mile to the finish.  Full out sprint to the end."  NO!  No!  I am not gonna!!!  I just shook my head because I could barely breathe let alone talk.  I hear him yell at me, "Don't shake your head at me!  And DON'T let me catch you!"  Crap!  What part of I just rode 59 miles against the wind both way makes you think I have ANYTHING left to sprint??

Jon found time to play even...

Being that I am well aware of Coach McTorture and his little saying "Pay me now, or Pay me later!" I just sucked it up and off the saddle I went to an all out sprint to the finish.  I saw my speedometer reach 23, cranked my gears down and kept pumping.  Oh, and if you are not aware of the last 400 meters or so, it is all up hill and into the wind.  JOY JOY!!  All I can hear behind me is "Buahahahahahahahahahahahaha!"  Scary he is, that coach of ours!

I am really trying to stay positive.  In my mind (as crazy as it sounds), 60 miles in Florida for us Flat-Landers is actually worth 100 miles in the mountains.  How so?  Well, not even taking into account the wind yesterday, we still peddled for 60 miles, and hard too.  Now, yes we have some nasty steep climbs in Tahoe, BUT, the upside is the 'downside'... we can coast down the mountains.  I can't wait for that.  So 103 miles, up and down hills (well, really mountains) we will be coasting for about a third of that, if not more.  I got this!!

Oh, and before you think this was the end of my day yesterday... let me tell you what the rest of my day was like.  So, you already know I don't just do this stuff for fun.  I mean, yeah, we have fun, but we are out here for a reason.  A great cause.  And part of our commitment is to raise money and awareness.  A while back, one of the teammates had a great idea to walk around with the tailgaters at the Jimmy Buffett concert and raise money.  Yes, i am sure this was well before she knew we would be hitting 60 miles that morning in training.  A few of us met up just outside of the concert and rode in together.  We were stocked with Jello Shots, Rum Punch, Leis, grass skirts, and all kinds of Buffett-ish stylings.  Did I mention the one whose idea it was to do this did not come out???  (But we cut her a break since she did buy all the supplies!! and Yes, We still love her too!!!  We completely understand her commitment to her family.... but STILL!!!  =))

Ready to Raise Money

After the 60 miles, a long shower, barely an hour nap, a very small lunch, we were off to 2+ hours of walking around with the Buffett Fans...  We did great and met a ton of really nice people.  I heard stories of friends and families who have been touched by blood cancers.  I am always amazed at how many people I meet that have been touched by this disease.  I suppose with an estimated 957,902 people in the United States living with, or in remission from, blood cancers (leukemia, lymphoma, hodgkin lymphoma, non-hodgkin lymphoma, or myeloma) we are bound to have a connection somewhere.  I heard stories of Sean, Austin, Charlie, and Judy... and those are just the names I received yesterday.  So many stories, and that is why we do what we do. Because WE can...  This is why I love The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Team in Training.  Together, we do good!!

But that was not the end of the day.  Jacey and I needed food, and a recovery beer or two...  So we went over to Bru's Room in Wellington/Royal Palm for dinner before heading home.  So glad we did.  Not only were the fried pickles, boneless wings, and spinach dip fantastic, the Sam Adams was good too!  As we were finishing up our dinner, two men sitting at the bar came over and introduced themselves, they had overheard us talking about the ride and the fundraising.  Turns out, one of these two very nice men was all too willing to help out if he could.  A very nice man who lost his wife to cancer.  He is very successful in life and loves to give back where he can.  When he sees a great cause he is all for it.  He was inspired by what Jacey and I were telling him about our day and wants to help.  He gave me his email address and I will be sending him our corporate sponsorship paperwork later today.  I love when you have an opportunity to see the goodness in people!  

“Love life, engage in it, give it all you've got.

Love it with a passion, because life truly does give back, many times over, what you put into it”

 ~ Maya Angelou

Patience and Perseverance

I have never been one to have a ton of patience.  When I was a kid my parents could never tempt me with surprises, I would do whatever it took to get it out of them before they were ready.  Christmas? Forget about it! I was the first one to unwrap all my presents.  A tootsie roll pop never stood a chance with me.  Dessert is something you eat BEFORE dinner, right?

Coach Big Mac has been telling us all season to learn patience.  Not my strong suit at all.  I want immediate results, instantaneous speed. I mean, what is wrong with that?  NOW!  Not later!

So before I get to my point here (yes, I am going to make you ready the whole blog), let me share with you our training route yesterday.  Over and over again, I talk about the bridges and the wind.  Well, neither one disappointed us this weekend.

We began our training at Ocean Cay Park in Juno Beach.  This is a nice little park for a BBQ: I wish that was all we had planned yesterday.  The Team began our ride south to Donald Ross Road for bridge repeats.  At first we were scheduled for only 10 repeats; however, I spoke to Big Mac prior to training and we thought we should move the bulk of the bridges to the early morning due to the lighter traffic.  So 20 Repeats it was. (Or so we thought when we began our journey.)

I decided to make the repeats fun by seeing how fast I could get on the downhill without peddling.  Really I just want to perfect what I like to call the 'tuck n roll': hands in the drops, head down, elbows in, feet level, butt back, and coast!  (Not something we get to enjoy much in Florida, but it will help me make up time in Tahoe for sure!)  I could not seem to break 27 mph.  Tough day for speed.  I was on my last repeat (or so I thought) and decided this was it.  So as I reached the crest of the bridge, just before my legs were actually ready for the tougher gear, I switched up the crank to the big ring, jumped off the saddle, and pumped my way over the top with enough get-up-and-go that I hit 28.2 mph on the downhill.  I love speed!!

As I am getting to the bottom, I hear Coach scream out "Keep going!"  What?  I thought 20?  I just killed myself on the last one thinking that was it.  So, up and over we went for more!  Joy!!!  What was the coach's comment?  "Pay me now, or pay me later..."  We were scheduled for 10 more of these at the end of our ride.  Thinking ahead to how tired we would be at the end of 45 miles, I was oh so very happy to climb more now.  I think I got a few more repeats in before we finished up and started north for the rest of our workout.  Oh, you did not think that was all we were going to do, did you??

North bound to Hobe Sound we went.  Easy ride at first as we paced the less experienced bikers on our team at 15-16mph for the first several miles.  Once the faster group caught us, I jumped on the pace line with them and we were off to Hobe Sound at 20-22mph.  This is an uneventful flat ride; until you hit the water tower that is.  Do you remember the Water Tower?  I wrote about the tower a few weeks ago.  We just climb, climb, climb.  

Our goal was 12 repeats.  Not for this one!  I have been fighting the climbing all season.  Well, not ME, but my bike and my lungs.  I am thinking my size is really a problem here.  No, I am not saying I am fat!  What I am saying is Gravity is UNFORGIVING!  My weight and my heavier bike does work against me.  I need just a few more gears to get me up and over.  So I am thinking I need a change in my cassette (rear gears) to give me more room to shift and gain elevation easier.

After a brief sag stop for food, liquids (hydration not alcohol), and a little pep talk from the coach, we were off to head home.  First a quick sprint through the north end of Hobe Sound.  Coach Big Mac said quick sprint for a mile and a half then home... There is nothing quick about sprinting a mile and a half... It was tough.  Jacey, Gary and I took off at about 22-23 then we all slowed down.  Mind you were were at the end of a very tough training already.  To sprint to 22 mph was enough for me!

Time to head back to Ocean Cay Park.  Have I mentioned the wind yet?  Well, in the earlier morning the wind was almost null.  As the day moved on, the wind picked up.  The skies started to get a little more cloudy, too.  So we headed back trying to maintain 18 mph, but the wind blowing against us had a very different plan.  My gears once again started playing with me and I was unable to get into a comfortable gear for that speed and wind.  I was hurting just trying to peddle up to 16-17.  Now I know it is definitely time to get my bike tuned up and to change the cassette to add a few more gears for climbing.  

I managed to muscle through to the finish, as much as the wind tried to deter me.  When the finish was within sight, I decided to sprint to the end.  I was still against the wind, mind you; however, I cranked it up to 18 almost 19 mph.  Then, within feet of the finish line, a bug or something got down the back of my jersey and stung me.  I tried to swat it away, but it just crawled down farther and stung me again.  I could not get to my car fast enough to rip off the jersey to see what it was. Must not have been anything big, but it sure hurt like hell.  In any case, I still managed to finish about 50 miles and the last 15 against the wind was like climbing a hill the entire way. 

So back to what I learned about patience.  Yes, I always want everything NOW.  However, while I was completing my bridge repeats, it finally hit me why patience is so importance.  I have an abundance of speed on the down hill.  I can get scary fast, and quick.  Given there are a lot of long climbs in Tahoe (one that is 8 miles long) I have been learning to take my time and be patient with the climb.  Once I get to the top I will be able to crank up the speed and sail my way down to the finish.  Patience and Perseverance!

It is to the one who endures
that the final victory comes

Where else is patience and perseverance so important?  Our cancer patients can tell you all about this!  From the moment you hear the word cancer, you begin to count every second of every day.  In order to be considered "cured" or cancer free, it is (for most) a five year wait.  Five years in remission.  Five years of no relapse.  Five years of treatments, check ups, exams, chemo, scans, shots, poking and prodding...  Five Very Long Years!  Patience and perseverance are what it take to get there: for our honored heroes, and for us.

Patience and Perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish. by John Quincy Adams

I Feel the Need; The Need for SPEED

Let me just say.... I ROCK!!!  Ok, now that is out of the way.  Coach Big Mac offered a mid-week trip to the training grounds for a quick time trial and some speed interval training.  If you recall, my last time trial was 12:08 (Avg 18.79) for 3.8 miles a few weeks ago.  Well, tonight, after a long day at the office and after a hard training over the weekend, I did the same route, with a very nasty headwind I must say, at 11:35 (Avg 19.68 mph).  (Overall, 33 seconds faster than just a few weeks ago.)  Like I said, I ROCK!

After the time trail, Coach had me do a few speed intervals.

• 45 seconds hard core all out top speed
• 15 seconds recovery
• 20 seconds hard core all out top speed
• 2 minute recovery

I am not sure my speed on all of them, but I do know I kept it above 21 for the most part and even over 24 at one point.  You can say it, I already did twice... I ROCK!!!

I am really proud of myself.  You see, I have only been on the road bike since July 2010.  Last summer I had a hard time keeping up with the team at 17-18 mph.  To be able to get to and maintain 19-20 mph is great for me.  I am hoping by the time Nation's comes around I can take 10 minutes off my bike time. That is my goal.

By the way, did I tell you I ROCK!!!  (And I did not need my inhaler even once tonight!)

"Holy Hills, Batman!" Our Team Trip to Clermont (FL)

Wow, What a weekend.  I have mentioned it once or twice (or ten times, I am not quite sure) that our Team would go to Clermont, Florida (A.K.A. The Florida Alps) for some hill training.  Really, we just needed to get in some REAL hill climbing experience before our trip to Lake Tahoe in June. Last week I talked about how the flat roads of Florida, the winds, the bridges would all help us in Tahoe.  However, Nothing would prepare us better than training in Clermont with REAL hills and very steep climbs.

This was just a small part
of our shake-out-FUN ride...

A couple of the girls on the Team and I traveled our way north on Friday morning so we could check in, eat lunch, and rest by the pool before we took off to tackle some rolling hills on Friday.  We arrived about noon, and right after lunch we were by the pool relaxing until the rest of the team arrived.  Then it was time for wheels out.

Friday night's ride was just a shakeout 30-miler.  No real steep climbs.  I was still getting over being sick earlier in the week, but I opted to take the ride anyhow.  I got in about 22 of the 30 miles.  Not bad for recovering.  I did start and finish with the team; however, I took a longer break in the middle letting them go ahead for a few more miles.  I needed that break.  

This was just supposed to be an uneventful ride to acclimate to the terrain a bit.  Well, so much for uneventful.  Besides the bobcats, squirrels, and bunnies ('Oh My') we had a few other issues to deal with.  Two teammates bonked in the first five miles; our coach blew a tire (Tire Changing Clinic!!), and another teammate went to the hospital (he was released after fluid replacement - Heat is a bear!!).  Not a pretty start to what was only supposed to be a relaxing ride.

Did I mention this was also BikeFest Weekend in Leesburg?  Well, because it was, the hotel was booked with bikers everywhere.  Most of them had motors on their bike, not like us with the only motor being our own legs.  This fact did lead to some interesting comments after the ambulance left the hotel with a teammate inside.  I believe I heard one guy tell us "You know, it is much easier like this" as he pointed to his Harley.  Maybe so, but that would not help us much in Tahoe.

The rolling hills of Buckhill Road:
223' Elevation Gain, 11% Slope, 2.5 miles

We were supposed to be in bed no later than 10, but we didn't even eat dinner until 10 with all the excitement around us.  We were all in bed about midnight.  Thankfully, the whole Team slept in the hotel and no one had to stay in a hospital.

Early risers and wheels out at 7:30 am.  This meant waking up at 5:30-6 to eat and get ourselves ready.  It was going to be a tough 40 mile ride.  I will tell you, the 40 miles on Saturday felt like 60 miles, easy.  Due to the events of the previous day, Coach Big Mac opted to skip the first big climb of the day and let us warm up with easy rolling hills and small climbs prior to hitting Clermont's most notorious cycle landmarks better known as "The Wall", "Buckhill", and of course, "Sugarloaf Mountain".  County Road 455 was our "friend" of the day... well, that really depends who you ask.  All of these spots lived up to their reputation without question.

We started our ride with an easy 8 mile ride to Mountverde, FL.  This area is on the Southwest corner of Lake Apopka.  Beautiful scenery, which was a welcomed distraction from the crazy roller-coaster-like roads leading us there.  Being from South Florida and only having an opportunity to train on the very flat A1A, this was a great experience.  Yes, the ocean is beautiful (at times), but I would take the back country roads any day of the week over the drying salt air of oceanside A1A/Ocean Drive.

The one thing about training in Clermont, FL, you gain a real appreciation of gravity.  It is truly a Love-Hate relationship, I must say.  The one truth you cannot argue is "What goes up, must come down".  The 'Going UP' part is the hard (HATE) terrible truth we would all like to forget; your weight, the weight of your bike all works against you up steep climbs.  The 'down' side is really the UPSIDE... (Another appreciation gained for my size).

Almost at the top of Sugarloaf Mountain
Rd.  This photo does not do the the climb
justice: 207' elevation gained, 14% slope,
.73 miles long. 

After your climbs you get to coast.  Coast: What a concept to a flat-lander Florida girl; who, on a normal day of training, would stall completely if she did not continue to "peddle, peddle, peddle".  Coast...No, not that thing by the ocean, but the tuck and roll of cycling.  Tuck the arms in, get your head down, scoot your but back, sit your feet level, and let gravity do it's job.  I set a personal best in speed that day at 41.7 mph.  It was GREAT!  

I talked last week about the bridge repeats we add into our workouts to teach us climbing techniques.  After this weekend, the bridges are nothing.  We had climbs that gained 207' elevation in less than a mile.  This was Sugarloaf Mountain.  (A brief stop before we all took on Sugarloaf was an opportunity for me to drink my Celsius.)

The only thing that made this climb worth the pain was the view from the top. First, the view looking down at what you just accomplished; then, the view from the top of Sugarloaf overlooking Lake Apopka; and finally, the water station graciously provided by the residents there on top of the hill.  (The one photo I did take was at the "false crest" just over midway up the climb.) Oh, I cannot forget to mention (again) the 41.7 mph downhill: What a ride!!!

At the top of Sugarloaf. L-R: Jon, Jacey, Judy, Kristin,
Bryan, me, Leanne, and Sam.

After Sugarloaf, we were all but done.  Just a few more miles back to Mountverde, a few more climbs back to the hotel, then it was time for a cool down in the pool.  Fatigue was starting to set in with most of us.  I was all but done and we still had several miles left to go.  This was by far the most difficult, most trying training I have ever put myself through.  We started the day with some cool air, even goosebumps appeared on my legs on some of our faster downhills in the morning.  By the early afternoon, when we were finishing up our ride, we were at the heat of the day with about 92 degree heat and humidity.  YUCK!

All in all, the TEAM (Kristin, Jacey, Jon, Leanne, Judy, Sam, Coach Bryan, and myself) all finished the ride in Clermont.  Most of the team never walked a hill.  I will admit, I had to walk a couple.  The Wall was the first one: 135' elevation gained over only .21 miles with an 18% slope.  That was crazy.  There was one climb on Buckhill Road I just could not get up and over; another one where I stopped to get a photo (I am not counting that one); mid way up Sugarloaf (a brief rest and photo op); and, lastly there was one long climb at the end (only 4 miles or less from the hotel) where my body just said NO MORE and I had to dismount the bike and rest a bit.  (I was not going to the hospital.)

The Elevation Chart according to MapMyRun.com

I finished the ride, like the rest of the team, on the bike.  I rode into the hotel parking lot, stopped briefly for a fresh cold gatorade, took off the bike shoes, then straight to the pool where I paused only for a moment to take off my bike jersey (with my phone and Kristin's camera in the pockets) before jumping into the 70 degree water.  What a well deserved cool down after a very hard 40 mile ride.

So, will I do this again?  Of course I will.  I mentioned above our impromptu Tire Changing Clinic on our Friday night shake-out ride when Coach Big Mac blew a tire.  We optimized this opportunity to share a MISSION MOMENT.  This is when we talk about what has brought us all to this cause and why we do what we do.  I took this moment to talk about Courtney.  I told the teammates who didn't already know, she is the reason I got started in this cause almost two years ago.

When Courtney was diagnosed, I needed to do something to help.  I am not blood related to Courtney which means my ability to help was limited.  I decided to join Team in Training and raise awareness and money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).  LLS is not federally funded.  100% of their funding is trough programs like Team in Training.  They not only fund research for cures and treatments, they fund patient care services to assist families who have been touched by blood cancers (leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and myeloma).

As Courtney's treatments progressed, she started to develop side effects from one of the drugs which ultimately left her with neuropathy from the hips down.  Courtney has been in a wheelchair since January/February 2010.  She is a strong cookie and continues to fight: she will walk again and she knows this.  It is just going to take some hard work on her part to get there.

Courtney, my niece and my personal Honored Hero

After this happened, my goals for LLS and Team in Training began to change.  I not only want to find a cure, but until one can be obtained, I want better treatments for patients so they don't have to live a life of more suffering.  Cancer is bad enough... you should not have to fear the treatments as well.

My goal this season for LLS is to raise just over $2700.  You can see my goal meter above in my blog.  I would really appreciate any assistance my readers could offer.  Every dollar will make a difference, I promise.  You can follow the link to the secure site and make a 100% tax deductible donation today and save a life!

As for our training, we are back in South Florida for a few more weeks on the flat roads here, then off to Clermont one more time in May (to conquer ALL of the hills this time), just four weeks shy of our trip to Tahoe to participate in America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride (103 miles around The Lake).   We are almost there...

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:9