Thursday, May 29, 2008

Just Keep Climbing

Another set of hills conquered! A-man posted a relaxing, long ride for the Memorial Day holiday, so I signed on. The route Mulholland/Piuma/Stunt/7 Minute Hill back via Calabasas. 50 miles, 5000 ft. approximately.

It was a good group, although Robb went to the mountains with his mistress (Rhonda the weather station) instead of riding. BH came along too, he was tired from a 70 miler the day before which made it perfect for him to slow down and ride along with me. The Chu joined us for the climbs, but then buggered off for a hot date:)

The weather was perfectly cool with a light wind and sunshine. A-man promised great views from the top and he didn't disappoint--well maybe, when he said 3K to go to the top of the first climb and I thought we were at the top!

It was slow going, but the grade wasn't the issue; these climbs were long--7 miles, then 6 miles, then 2 miles, one after another. My quads were on fire. Near the top of Piuma a young man was playing a guitar and singing all by himself; he was really good too--BH got his CD. Probably be the next Jack Johnson.

The descent down Stunt was pretty wild with one curve after another. Even with brakes I felt like I was flying and it was cold. By this point I was getting pretty hungry, but we continued to 7 minute hill, which really didn't feel like much of a hill after Piuma and Stunt. Ended up in Calabasas, but only got to potty, nobody wanted to stop for food--ugghggh I was chewing through my muscles at this point and had eaten all my banana, gu, BH's shot blocks, and both electrolyte drinks.

Luckily BH was pretty hungry too and he stayed back to encourage me home. Thank goodness because I was melting. Got back to the start where A-man was waiting with that look on his face that says "I'm going to ride another 100 or so miles."

I could hardly walk when I got off the bike and my ass was really sore--massage please:)

BH and I headed for Jack's Deli to amaze the onlookers by woofing down huge plates of food.

Then a food coma....hurried home for a shower and a nap. Pics to come--The Chu has them and you know how that goes with her and pics:)
RL

Friday, May 23, 2008

Happy Hour Ride

My hubby, Honn, The Chu and I skipped out of work earty to meet at Bad Ass Coffee for an evening Rock Store climb. It was Robb's first time to the Rock. It was raining when we left our house--really strange, but Westlake was clear.
As usual I started off a bit slow needing my 3 mile warm-up, but by Cornell I started to feel better. At the 4 way stop I peeled off my base layer and sleeves, did some GU shots and we started around the lake.
The boys were ahead, then the Chu, then me at the rear. When Chu and I made it to the Rock Store the guys were up ahead resting.
We all started the climb at 5:55. Slowly, slowly The Chu and I went. Robb and Honn were way ahead.
Honn did his first run up in 15, then rode back down and encouraged me up to the top--love that about him and it made that last leg easier for me:) Robb made it up in 18 minutes (amazing for a virgin) and The Chu and I at about 26-27 minutes.
Took some pics at the top (will post when The Chu sends them). Made our way past the winery and over to Decker with plenty of light left in the day. Then a stop to check out the camels. Robb had an exciting descent; locking up his breaks--needs to get used to the responsiveness of that new rocketship he's riding. I went down slow and was nearly pushed into the hill by a wind gust...scared me! The Chu was waiting for me at the bottom and it felt so good to see her there.
I had so much fun riding with The Chu again; it's been awhile. Of course, Honn and my hubby top it off as the perfect group.
All in all it was a great ride: A-man will be jealous as he had a family thing and couldn't join us.
We joined Jan's picnic after the ride for a bit of wine, cheese and fruit.
Lots of fun on bikes.
RL

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

What am I doing?

Ever had those days when all the voices in your head are screaming...today was that day for me.

Today I was on my way to ride and as I filled my tires with air-wham, sheared off the valve. Damn. So I made a quick jaunt to the shop and begged the guys to fix it up; which they did. Ended up later than I wanted to start, so I just rode from there, did some hill intervals and found myself really wishing I had my Garmin. (Sent it back for repair, so 10-14 days w/o-ugggh).

My head was a real mess of confusion and the ride did me good. I think I figured out why I'm so frustrated...I need a new goal. First I was training for distance, then speed, then the century, then the time trial, then Rock Store, and now--nothing. I never do well without a plan.

I've got to figure out what's next and write it down. I think I want to lean down and build muscle for speed. I'm going to have to ask for some advice. I want to do all the coastal routes too, but I'm afraid of the PCH.

I need some chocolate cake.
RL

Friday, May 16, 2008

Cruizin'


After two days of hard riding I decided to add a little fun to my cycling. I showed up for the Thursday night picnic ride with this purple Retroglide cruiser- one of the benefits of moonlighting at the bike shop.

It made me feel like a kid again as I cruised around the lake. Single speed and coaster brakes took a bit of getting used to...and it's an unbelievable workout for the legs:)

Really fun--if it weren't for Portero I'd take this out for the Purple ride, but there's no way I'd make it with these fat tires.

The seat was made for me; lots of room for the junk in my trunk:)
RL

Thursday, May 15, 2008

LadyLance does the wind tunnel

Hidden Valley was blowing for the Wednesday afternoon ride. It was hard to get above 8mph and felt like I was in a hot, wind tunnel--wonder if this is what Lance feels like?

As usual A-man was doing laps around me and what a show-off; one legged hill climbs-geez! She-She, L, and A-man went over the back while GW and I headed for shelter around the lake.

Couple of laps, 22 miles total and I was done. All finished within minutes of each other.

My honey comes home tomorrow-yippee; it's been a long two weeks.

:)RL

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Back in the Saddle

The sun was up yesterday and the road was calling, so I decided it was time to get back on the bike. I expected it to be a slow, not too far ride since I've gained weight and my muscles would be hurting. Turns out I was wrong...it was an awesome ride.

It was warm (just the way I like it) when I got to Chesbro to start. I wasn't quite sure where to go, so I just started of with an easy warm up, a few small hills. I felt surprisingly good. Many cyclists were out and that led me to follow the pack--from way back of course.

I ended up in Malibu, of course, is there a more gorgeous place?, and around the lake then--oh what the hell --Rock Store next. It was stunning and quiet, this was just the mental health moment I needed. It was also Africa hot and I realized it's time to put the knickers away for summer. 23 minutes up--two fastest than last time--but I did get a few pushes on the way up.


Cycling is the one sport where a stranger can put a hand on your butt, give you a little push, and you don't mind...as long as you're on a killer hill like the Rock:) Amazing how much it helps; although I think they help as they pass by more to feel powerful themselves or because they feel bad that I'm moving so slow. It doesn't bother me and I've learned a lot from riders who are willing to share to help me improve. At any rate we all end up at the top and it feels GREAT!

Next, I was brave and made a left at Decker to an unbelievable smooth, curvy mountain road. Heaven on earth and a view all the way to the ocean. At the end was a sign for Little Sycamore--took it right and again, amazing vistas and nobody else in site; not even cyclists. The quiet was so good. Epic spot.

At this point I really didn't know where this might lead, so I turned around to head back. The descent was fun and the ocean breeze was so welcome as the day boiled. Of course, that fabulous mountain road has a name --3 bitches and oh how--3 small, leg melting hills on the way back up. Burn baby burn.

Out of water, so back I went down the e-ticket descent of Decker at 29.9 mph, the curves were awesome and no cars--the road was mine. I was able to follow another cyclist's line down, so another great learning experience.

Ride back to car was really hot and I had to stop for water. Cannot deal with dehydration. Over all a 40 miler with 3800 ft of climbing.

Not bad for a lard-ass.

RL

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Survival








I haven't written in a while...which doesn't really matter since who reads this anyhow? Feels like I've been in survival mode, just getting from one event to another. Here's what I've endured on my island....

Finished my novel
Sent in my novel
Still hate my novel
Had a week long visit with my niece and her friend; two seventeen year olds conquer LA--me as the chauffeur
Two weeks without my husband--very hard to be away
Nephew's Bar Mitzvah--had to wear heels
Brother in law's retirement party--more heels
Mother's day brunch--gave Mom a copy of the novel
Two weeks without riding my bike--this is the worst part
Worst air flight of my life--riding the tornadoes back from the east coast

So that's it. Today I ride and I plan to enjoy every minute of it, take my time and go the distance.
It's all about the journey right?
RL