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| MAR |
ENTRY |
| week 4 |
40 miles. The Tiburon Loop.
It was the hottest day by far for as long as I can remember (seems like this winter's been here for too long). Started
off late and I've been feeling sick, but I knew I couldn't back out of this ride. My only disappointment is that Krista
isn't riding with us today. Krista and Cathleen have been my main sinsei (sp?) in helping me
train for this ride. I would not be as disciplined in training if it wasn't for them. She isn't
training with us because she will be going through open heart surgery in mid-April. She should
be fine afterwards, but the training has had to be set aside.
We started at the panhandle, then up that dreaded hill on Arguello to the entrance of the Presidio. I
got up the hill much better than the last (I think those spinning classes really make a difference!)
Going through the Presidio was so pretty. I was surprised there weren't many people there. Through the
Golden Gate Bridge, I looked down and saw lots of sail boats about...I miss it very much. Then along the
water in Sausalito towards Tiburon. The loop is mostly rolling hills and curves, the wind from riding
amplifies the smells of trees, more green, and jasmine. Puts a smile on my face.
We reach Tiburon and meet Krista for lunch by the ferry dock...and I see more sailboats roaming. People everywhere
dressed in their summer best and painted toenails, while I have black grease all over my legs. Now the dreaded hills of our return to San Francisco.
We took baby stops along the way, psyching ourselves to ride longer, the bridge coming closer. We finally
got to the Presidio and I mistakenly chose a route with yet more hills, hills, hills. Although I seemed
fine when we got there, my body has already depleted it's strength and I didn't realize it until
I saw the first hill. My injured knee from 3 years ago started hurting again, such that I couldn't
even pedal my right leg. I just had to hold my breath until we got home. |
| week 3 |
Snowshoeing in Lake Tahoe. I've been itching for some hiking and the smell of green.
Spent the weekend with Mark, Tanya, Sondra, Jay, Doug and Karin. It was a blue sky warm weekend and the
snow is welcoming. We took the trail off of Rainbow Lodge, hiked up and through the mountains headed for
Lock Leven Lakes. It was my first time snowshoeing and I was ill-prepared, forgetting everything I needed (hiking boots,
backpack, water bottle), except for my peach pie ingredients awaiting for us to bake after our full day. We veered off from
our destination to Lock Leven Lakes and realized we went the other direction. On the way back, we found the perfect
path for a fun slide down the hill!...well, there were several of them, actually...some we just happen to discover
the minute we fell :) T'was so much fun, we had to climb back up just to slide back down again...ahhh, the feeling
of cold snow creeping down your pants! Back to the cabin for a crisp fire, dry feet, warm soup, yum salmon, and peach pie.
Let's not forget the bread pudding! |
| week 2 |
30 miles. It's been difficult getting motivated to ride given the never ending gray skies and wet...wet...wet! But alas, this weekend turned out to be blue and warm! We headed out through Presidio onto Golden Gate Bridge (some parts of that was a bit terrifying for me...the narrow sections that leave only about 2 inches between yourself and an oncoming biker. Aside from that, it was fun) Stopped at Sausalito Cyclery, through the path until we could see the next section leading into the Tiburon Loop. On the way back, I was prepped for the dreaded route back out of Sausalito through the hills...made it through, except for when I fell once from stopping and my foot getting stuck in the cage. More hills, then hills, then hills...all the while I ask myself, "Am I really going to be able to do this ride?" Started singing in my head, then daydream, trying as best as I can to get through this darn hill...made it! Back in San Francisco, through the path along the cliffs overlooking the ocean, beautiful...then back through the Presidio...almost home...thinking of fish and chips... |
| week 1 |
40 miles. Finally sent out fundraising
letters... Bought a new bike to replace Mister Black (my stolen bike).
My new one is a better fit for me...12 inch frame (I think this may be smallest size you can
get for an adult size bike), better shifters, more comfortable. I LOVE IT!!! I hate to say
it, but I'm kind of glad my old bike got stolen. Now I'm only broke for the whole month of March.
Started taking spinning classes (knocked me out both times!). Noe valley to Haight...Haight through Golden
Gate Park...to the ocean along the Great Highway...around Lake Merced...back to Haight. Bringing
up the courage to start riding my bike to work, weather permitting. |
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