Today is Sunday; a day of rest. I slept late, then went to a recreational “fun” ride. Less than a mile into the ride a lone rider shoots off the front of the pack. He looks back a few times as if to say, “hey come on” and honestly I felt sad for him. I kept my thoughts to myself (ok until now) but I had to wonder if he was in that big of a rush to finish something “fun” he must be missing out on a lot in life.
We didn’t see him again on our ride, but I noticed that thousands of Christmas lights/decorations and YES even a Christmas tree had appeared on the landscape of this route! I had to check my watch—did I miss Thanksgiving? Why I ask, in a nation where we spend millions on exercise, wrinkle creams, and supplements to look and live longer do we try to rush through the journey that is life? Even Starbucks can’t put up with waiting in their own lines; they now provide you with individually wrapped instant coffee packets perfect for mixing in the car as you speed to work.
I’d like to go back to the time period when October owned Halloween, Thanksgiving was practically an entire season of its own and Christmas only happened once a year. I don’t want to go shopping the day after Christmas for the Next Year—next year hasn’t even arrived yet…. If we keep progressing at the current rate we might just as well yank that groundhog out his hole in December, put a Halloween costume on him and let him lead the Macy’s Day parade.
I’m not against going fast on a ride or enjoying a good Hammerfest, but just sometimes I think we need to take a turn down that road you’ve never ridden, go slowly up the hill, stop to enjoy the view, take the time to finish a conversation with a fellow rider. Slow down and enjoy the journey …you just might find your bicycle leading to places you’ve never seen, with people you may have never had the chance to meet in a world that is, at least for that ride, not in a rush to get to tomorrow.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Is there anything more lovely?
Fast, beautiful, fun women on bikes---there is nothing better::))
Photo courtesy of @brightbulbideas.com
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Why I Ride
It's a question I'm asked a lot..."Why do you suffer, ride so hard, want to climb that big hill on a bicycle?" I always find it hard to answer -- until today. This was the 1st Mike Nosco memorial/Andreas Knickman fundraiser ride; a new event, for people I didn't know and a route that matches on the road what the Leadville 100 is to mountain biking. This ride would cover 80 miles and go up and down the mountains for 5000 +ft.
I first learned of the ride via my friends at Road Bike Action magazine, who started the buzz about the ride to help Jack Nosco (organizer and brother to fallen rider Mike Nosco). I began the grass roots twittering and emailing riders/friends asking them to join in the cause. The ride was a way to remember Mike and help a local family, the Knickmans whose son Andreas is battling cancer.
Surprisingly, I arrived early and many riders were already there. Although this was a fundraising ride, clearly this was a ride about community. The parking lot was filling up fast with the "big dawgs" of cycling. Road Bike Action, Campagnolo, Firefighters, Fast Friday team, Newbury Park Bikes, two state champions (teens, yes girls:), etc. As if I wasn't already nervous enough....having lost my riding partner because her daughters were sick--uggh.
Club riders began showing up and soon there were 200 riders in the park...The energy was amazing, everyone hugging each other, long-time-no-see relationships rekindled, and a general happiness to be together.
The national anthem was sung by a beautiful little girl, we met Andreas and we were told of the route, SAG, etc. and sent on our way. Rolling out in a peloton that size is an amazing feeling of oneness. This moment when we started to pedal was the beginning of building a bond like no other.
Rider after rider chatted, everyone wanting to know your route of choice (I was very popular since I had decided on a 50 mile route, shortcutting some of the more brutal climbs). People grouped up naturally by speed, route, and riding style. We rode along getting to know one another and this is where the magic happened.
Pedal stroke after pedal stroke you learn about the person next to you, then as the pace changes you do it again; sometimes moving forward, sometimes back, but like a school of fish in a fluid movement. All walls come down and the "big dawgs" set a pace comfortable for all and come back to check on the riders. You learn about someone in a split second--not their job--not their bike--not their religion, but what is deep in their heart. Some knew Mike Nosco before he was killed, some have family and friends suffering from or who have recovered from cancer, some just wanted to help, even though they didn't know anyone on the ride.
Just a short way into the ride came a technical, windy descent with nasty curves and new pavement that is smooth, but slick. It was on this road that it came to me in the form of a short, quick, gently spoken set of words: "Be careful, RaeLynn". Three words that made my day, spoken by my new friend at Campagnolo in the SAG car that made me realize why I ride---it's the people I've met. The people who've inspired me, the good things that can be done with cycling and being a part of such an inspirational group--just look at what Lance Armstrong has done via cycling to better the lives of cancer survivors.
What we were doing today would better the life of Andreas and his family; he will survive and be strong again. This ride will help Mike's family remember and celebrate his life with the good they can give back to families like the Knickmans. We will all appreciate what we have a little more today than yesterday.
The day was filled with many more "why I ride" moments. Reconnecting with a local shop rider who had been in Wisconsin for the summer, seeing the two women who rode on mountain bikes finish, spending time catching up on the climb with club rider and friend Mitch, being inspired as the first group of hardcore riders came spinning by us, being greeted by Jane's Dad at the first fuel stop--his cheery face and jokes were reason enough to climb that hill!
We helped one another through the day regardless of what route you took. Whether it was encouragement to keep pedaling, some food or water, a push or a tube for a flat we worked together with Mike and Andreas in our conversations, our thoughts and our hearts. Nothing in this day would be as difficult as the loss of a loved one or the battle Andreas faces every day against cancer. We could and would pedal through the pain with Mike as our angel, Andreas our inspiration along side our leaders extraordinaire: Jack and Jane, who I thank for giving me the chance to put into words, why I ride....to meet and spend time with amazing people all connected by the greatest invention in the world; the bicycle.
I first learned of the ride via my friends at Road Bike Action magazine, who started the buzz about the ride to help Jack Nosco (organizer and brother to fallen rider Mike Nosco). I began the grass roots twittering and emailing riders/friends asking them to join in the cause. The ride was a way to remember Mike and help a local family, the Knickmans whose son Andreas is battling cancer.
Surprisingly, I arrived early and many riders were already there. Although this was a fundraising ride, clearly this was a ride about community. The parking lot was filling up fast with the "big dawgs" of cycling. Road Bike Action, Campagnolo, Firefighters, Fast Friday team, Newbury Park Bikes, two state champions (teens, yes girls:), etc. As if I wasn't already nervous enough....having lost my riding partner because her daughters were sick--uggh.
Club riders began showing up and soon there were 200 riders in the park...The energy was amazing, everyone hugging each other, long-time-no-see relationships rekindled, and a general happiness to be together.
The national anthem was sung by a beautiful little girl, we met Andreas and we were told of the route, SAG, etc. and sent on our way. Rolling out in a peloton that size is an amazing feeling of oneness. This moment when we started to pedal was the beginning of building a bond like no other.
Rider after rider chatted, everyone wanting to know your route of choice (I was very popular since I had decided on a 50 mile route, shortcutting some of the more brutal climbs). People grouped up naturally by speed, route, and riding style. We rode along getting to know one another and this is where the magic happened.
Pedal stroke after pedal stroke you learn about the person next to you, then as the pace changes you do it again; sometimes moving forward, sometimes back, but like a school of fish in a fluid movement. All walls come down and the "big dawgs" set a pace comfortable for all and come back to check on the riders. You learn about someone in a split second--not their job--not their bike--not their religion, but what is deep in their heart. Some knew Mike Nosco before he was killed, some have family and friends suffering from or who have recovered from cancer, some just wanted to help, even though they didn't know anyone on the ride.
Just a short way into the ride came a technical, windy descent with nasty curves and new pavement that is smooth, but slick. It was on this road that it came to me in the form of a short, quick, gently spoken set of words: "Be careful, RaeLynn". Three words that made my day, spoken by my new friend at Campagnolo in the SAG car that made me realize why I ride---it's the people I've met. The people who've inspired me, the good things that can be done with cycling and being a part of such an inspirational group--just look at what Lance Armstrong has done via cycling to better the lives of cancer survivors.
What we were doing today would better the life of Andreas and his family; he will survive and be strong again. This ride will help Mike's family remember and celebrate his life with the good they can give back to families like the Knickmans. We will all appreciate what we have a little more today than yesterday.
The day was filled with many more "why I ride" moments. Reconnecting with a local shop rider who had been in Wisconsin for the summer, seeing the two women who rode on mountain bikes finish, spending time catching up on the climb with club rider and friend Mitch, being inspired as the first group of hardcore riders came spinning by us, being greeted by Jane's Dad at the first fuel stop--his cheery face and jokes were reason enough to climb that hill!
We helped one another through the day regardless of what route you took. Whether it was encouragement to keep pedaling, some food or water, a push or a tube for a flat we worked together with Mike and Andreas in our conversations, our thoughts and our hearts. Nothing in this day would be as difficult as the loss of a loved one or the battle Andreas faces every day against cancer. We could and would pedal through the pain with Mike as our angel, Andreas our inspiration along side our leaders extraordinaire: Jack and Jane, who I thank for giving me the chance to put into words, why I ride....to meet and spend time with amazing people all connected by the greatest invention in the world; the bicycle.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Meeting Chris Carmichael
I know it has been busy and I haven't yet told you all about Interbike last week---so much, so little time...but--
I got to meet Chris Carmichael this week--WOW!
I was very fortunate and grateful to be invited by the Kaiser Thrive Triathletes I work with; Ann, Michelle, Carrie, Eugene, Al and Karen took me to Los Angeles for a special engagement they had with Chris Carmichael.
He was very warm, personable and engaging. Chris also has great cycling camps, events, and products coming in 2010 for women cyclists--yipee!!
Here are some pics to enjoy...
RaeLynn
ps..to learn more about Chris Carmichael Training go here: http://www.chriscarmichael.com/folders.asp?uid=1
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
LIVESTRONG DAY RIDE @ Bicycle John's
Friday October 2nd was LIVESTRONG DAY across the world and since I was no longer crewing the Furnace 508 (rider injured, but ok) I took the day to promote this grass roots cause.
We had 3 rides starting at Bicycle John's Agoura Hills shop. First one at 7:30 a.m. to Malibu Lake, next one at noon was the Kanan city loop, and last one at 5:15 p.m to Westlake to allow working people to fit it in. All rides were one hour.
Jennifer (owner of Bicycle John's) and I worked hard to pull it all together considering we had 24 hours. Jen made the great flyer above and some awesome brownies for snack. ..then she bought pizza for all the hungry staff after a long, busy day::)) Even her daughters came out to ride: Camille, Katie, Sarah, and their friend Lindsay--yeah go girls!
I got busy sending the annoucement to the WomenCyclist list while hubby Robb cooked up a batch of Mom's HI-NRG bars::) He also was photographer extraordinaire throughout the day, uploading and creating smilebox slideshows for those to see via Facebook, Twitter, etc.
All in all it was a great success with 30 or so riders showing up throughout the day and more cyclists who came by to say hello or add a little to the LIVESTONG pot.
Look for this event next year..mark the date Oct. 2nd 2010--with a year to plan who knows what might happen!
Until then check out the video:
Ride on,
RaeLynn
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Women's Cycling Camp November Solvang, CA
Jill Gass is an amazing coach, bike racer, endurance athlete and friend I've met through racing. Jill's resume is impressive, but it's her smile, her warm personality and her love of teaching that I admire so much. Even with all of her accomplishments and wins Jill has never forgotten the "beginner" cyclist. I've watched and learned from Jill at both races and clinics; her desire for you as a cyclist to improve is absolutely genuine. Jill partners with other greats: the very sweet Dotsie Bausch, Lisa Tonello and Sonia Ross to bring a Women's Cycling Camp to Solvang, CA this November.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the best how to be your best:)
Register here before it fills: http://www.revolutioncoaching.com/
Tell Jill, RaeLynn sent you:)
August: Loads of Biking
Ok, sorry it's been so long since the last blog....August has just been a great month of cycling. Coaching has filled every day and it's been so much fun to see my clients grow and become more confident on the bike. I've had both men and women, as well as coached junior girls at the Redlands Women's Clinic!
I've also spent some time learning a few new things---yes you can teach an old dog new tricks:)
I've been exploring moutain biking, criterium racing and most recently cyclocross riding. All of these various forms of cycling are unique and I've found have great benefits.
Here are a few of the take-aways from each:
Mountain biking's biggest win for me was the scenery. It was so amazing to ride without traffic, to stop to take in the view, and to be challenged but without the pressure of the peloton. I was lucky to be coached by my friend Andy (who had the patience of a God)! Beyond that my bike handling skills improved. Having to ride over rocks, trees roots, and through ruts gives your confidence in your bike and forces you to push away your fears....at the same time managing to get over those things give you a huge sense of pride of accomplisment.
Criterium racing...this is a scary place for me as the pack travels at a fast pace and in tight quarters. We are lucky to have a local "training" crit where the guys and gals race around a D shaped course in an industrial part. Everyone is welcome here and it's a great group. I started off just trying to stay with the group for the first 10 neutral laps and have worked up to doing all 50 laps. The benefit is this race lasts only an hour, so you can go all out for an hour at max thus improving both your speed and endurance. My last time there I averaged 18.9mph..fast for me:)
Cyclocross...WOW I just finished my first clinic on this...I had never been on a cyclocross bike--this is a modified road bike with knobby tires. Cyclocross is a mix of running, cycling, jumping over barriers and after ward--beer drinking. It's such a great fitness sport as the races last an hour, some are relays. Cross racing requires a great deal of skill, some luck, and a great plan. Most of all it requires a desire to have fun. Sure you may fall down on this one, get a little dirty, you will definitely sweat and it's guaranteed to be enjoyable. Courses can be grass, dirt, flat, hilly, muddy or a combination of all of that. I plan to do more of this--why? Because I know I'll become a better bike handler and that's the key to safety on the bike:)
So, that's what's been keeping me busy....what have you been up to? Write me and let me know what you would like to try or learn...
Always ride safe,
and have fun,
RaeLynn
I've also spent some time learning a few new things---yes you can teach an old dog new tricks:)
I've been exploring moutain biking, criterium racing and most recently cyclocross riding. All of these various forms of cycling are unique and I've found have great benefits.
Here are a few of the take-aways from each:
Mountain biking's biggest win for me was the scenery. It was so amazing to ride without traffic, to stop to take in the view, and to be challenged but without the pressure of the peloton. I was lucky to be coached by my friend Andy (who had the patience of a God)! Beyond that my bike handling skills improved. Having to ride over rocks, trees roots, and through ruts gives your confidence in your bike and forces you to push away your fears....at the same time managing to get over those things give you a huge sense of pride of accomplisment.
Criterium racing...this is a scary place for me as the pack travels at a fast pace and in tight quarters. We are lucky to have a local "training" crit where the guys and gals race around a D shaped course in an industrial part. Everyone is welcome here and it's a great group. I started off just trying to stay with the group for the first 10 neutral laps and have worked up to doing all 50 laps. The benefit is this race lasts only an hour, so you can go all out for an hour at max thus improving both your speed and endurance. My last time there I averaged 18.9mph..fast for me:)
Cyclocross...WOW I just finished my first clinic on this...I had never been on a cyclocross bike--this is a modified road bike with knobby tires. Cyclocross is a mix of running, cycling, jumping over barriers and after ward--beer drinking. It's such a great fitness sport as the races last an hour, some are relays. Cross racing requires a great deal of skill, some luck, and a great plan. Most of all it requires a desire to have fun. Sure you may fall down on this one, get a little dirty, you will definitely sweat and it's guaranteed to be enjoyable. Courses can be grass, dirt, flat, hilly, muddy or a combination of all of that. I plan to do more of this--why? Because I know I'll become a better bike handler and that's the key to safety on the bike:)
So, that's what's been keeping me busy....what have you been up to? Write me and let me know what you would like to try or learn...
Always ride safe,
and have fun,
RaeLynn
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