My last login was in January and since then a lot has happened. First, the weather turned very cold. I love riding in the winter but I had an issue with frozen sinuses last year so I have had to be careful about riding in temperatures under 27 degrees F.
So in mid-November 2009 I decided to go to CHINA! I bought two tickets, for me and Angie, my housemate, and on May 13th we board an Alaska Airline flight to Seattle and then on to Shanghai via Asiana Airlines. The trip will take 25 hours! And that small issue is a real concern to me!
I seem to have problems sitting still and flying is a real pain because I can't move around very much and the seats are so uncomfortable they make my butt hurt. So, I am going to a hypnotist to learn how to put myself under self-hypnosis and try to sleep short periods and learn how to make myself relax. I have to remember to get up and move around and to stay hydrated. The last two items are easy the resting and sleeping is a bit more difficult.
I am not sure if I can pull off the self-hypnosis thing. I know I can zone out and make my mind go elsewhere but I don't know about getting my body, my arms and legs to relax and not feel like they are a separate part of me!
So I am now in total preparation for this trip. My mind and body will be ready and I really want to have fun on the trip and if pre-planning is good then what I am doing will really help!
On a final note, it is Feruary 22nd and Sping will come and I will be on my bike again.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Friday, January 1, 2010
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Review of Speed & Power in Italy - A cycling training video like none you have ever experienced
Gino ask me to review the video and give my opinion. I had no idea what to expect, all of the other cycling workouts I have used were not very interesting, and actually they were boring. So I started the DVD with a little bit of trepidation, but I must admit that I really got into the workout and had a lot of fun while struggling up the hills and really enjoying the downhill’s! The scenery was terrific, so much so that I am planning my own cycling trip to Italy, hopefully next year!
The workout was so real, actually like being on the road in Italy. My first trip was without the music, the second, third and forth had the music and I had a lot more fun on the last the three trips. Try it both ways and see which suits you best. And remember as you are riding your bike mounted on a trainer it is a lot easier to maintain a steady heart rate on the trainer than when riding outside so be sure to make allowances for that.
I have done some Pilates, mostly on my own and the 30 minute workout that is included on the DVD was really great! I am using the workout and the ride in combination so I will be ready to ride when the snow goes away next year.
I highly recommend this training DVD, you can pick and choose the way you want to train, you can get a great Pilates workout and really enjoy a trip through the Italian country side! Hopefully you can find the time to actually fly to Italy and ride the route in person!
Linda Imle
Anchorage, Alaska
The workout was so real, actually like being on the road in Italy. My first trip was without the music, the second, third and forth had the music and I had a lot more fun on the last the three trips. Try it both ways and see which suits you best. And remember as you are riding your bike mounted on a trainer it is a lot easier to maintain a steady heart rate on the trainer than when riding outside so be sure to make allowances for that.
I have done some Pilates, mostly on my own and the 30 minute workout that is included on the DVD was really great! I am using the workout and the ride in combination so I will be ready to ride when the snow goes away next year.
I highly recommend this training DVD, you can pick and choose the way you want to train, you can get a great Pilates workout and really enjoy a trip through the Italian country side! Hopefully you can find the time to actually fly to Italy and ride the route in person!
Linda Imle
Anchorage, Alaska
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Hey, Mom it's DARK OUTSIDE! But I still want to RIDE MY BIKE! PLEASEEEEEEZ!!!!
During the summer it doesn't get dark outside, it gets a little dusky but not dark. Alaskans look in the newspapers or listen to Jackie Purcell, meteorologist extraordinaire to hear how many hours, minutes and seconds of daylight we get. Anchorage gets about 22 HOURS of SUNSHINE and no darkness. So wanting to go on a bike ride at 0130 in the morning is not something that we consider unusual, it is still light out, the sun is up and we forget what time it really is.
Alaska has two seasons, manic (summer) and sluggish (winter). They both last about 6 months. During the summer we have the most incredible flowers, the colors are so vibrant. Our summers are just so wonderful and it is no wonder we hate to see it go. I have a watch that I can set to the 24 hour clock so I know what time of the day or night it really is. When there is company in the house we urge them to close the dark curtain because the sunlight will play havoc with their sleeping pattern. Most folks don’t believe me until they find themselves very tired after a day or two of no sleep. That’s when the curtain comes down and they sleep the full night through. It is kind of funny but it is a fact!
Winter is a lot of fun, too. It starts getting dark in July, not REAL dark but darker than Jun, our brightest month. By the middle of September it is dark, like everywhere else Outside (what we call the lower 48 states). Snow usually falls around October but not this year. Global warming has been rearing its terrible head here in the Arctic for the past several years with the tardiness of the first snowfall, shorter more intense winters and longer summers. Now don’t get me wrong, I LOVE summer, but I came to Alaska for the WINTERS!
A few years ago I was reunited with cycling and the thought of putting my bike away for the winter was not acceptable. So I bought studded tires, a lot of warm biking clothes and shoes and enough pairs of gloves and socks to keep an entire population warm. I rode my bike in the snow and on the ice. I signed up for a crazy race, www.susitna100.com and tried to ride 100 miles in the snow in 24 hours. I didn’t finish because the course was yucky, wet, sloppy and generally unsafe, my opinion. So I stopped after I did one third of the course and went home.
Since that first aborted attempt to complete in 100 mile course I did almost complete the baby sister to the Susitna 100, it is call the Little Susitna 50 K, a 32 mile shorter course that is a lot of fun. The first time I participated I got to the half way point and decided NOT to try and climb the icy slope to the official turn around point, the slope was scary, I watched about a dozen people attempt the climb and descend and they all fell. Some got hurt. Being a coward, and being basically alone out on the tundra I chose to turn around and head back to the start line. It was dark by the time I got back and I was tired but I had fun. I didn’t officially finish but I learned the a lot about myself and I fell in love with winter cycling.
Now, I love to ride my bike during the winter, I love the summer riding even more. One of things I wait for during the early part of the winter is the first snow. We have moose, lots of moose in town, actually everywhere and they are always grumpy, but the moms with babies are really grumpy and mean. As the light fades and the long dark winter sets in the moose become invisible. You are probably doubtful but a full grown bull moose with record set of antlers can hide behind a small tree and suck up any light that might be flashed on them. This ability to disappear is part of why they can be standing behind you and you never even know they are there.
Mother moose will charge a tank if she thinks the tank is a threat. Mom moose can be deadly, we have had people get killed by moose stomping them. Skiers have lots of encounters with moose during the winter and they pay the price with lots of injuries because the cranky mom “took them out, did what she needed to do.”
So why am I rambling on? Well, there is no snow yet and the moose are still out there, so are the bears and you can’t see them in the dark, in the woods because there is no light. With the snow on the ground you can see the moose; the trees have no leaves on them and that helps to spot them. The bears are just there, invisible, lingering and deadly but they usually are not a problem, unless it is a grizzly and a mom with a bay or three. The moose are somewhat avoidable; if you see them in time you can turn around soon enough to get away. They are fast, agile and grumpy, all of the time!
I haven’t ridden my bike to work for about a month, since it has gotten really dark. It will get darker earlier every day until after December 21st when the Solstice occurs. So, until the snow falls the reflection of light from street lamps and cars help to brighten things up again I will catch a ride to work in the morning and ride home after work. We do have a few days in December that have bright daylight for about 4-5 hours then it gets dark again and I get to ride home in the dark.
I have a very strong headlight I wear on my helmet, a great Light in Motion that works well, but nothing on the moose (and bears) reflects the light. I don’t have a death wish so this is my life for the moment. It isn’t cold enough to force the bears into hibernation and the moose are hiding in plain sight. So I will just suck it up and enjoy what I can during this in between time.
I sure miss my commutes, but it will get cold and it will snow eventually!
Alaska has two seasons, manic (summer) and sluggish (winter). They both last about 6 months. During the summer we have the most incredible flowers, the colors are so vibrant. Our summers are just so wonderful and it is no wonder we hate to see it go. I have a watch that I can set to the 24 hour clock so I know what time of the day or night it really is. When there is company in the house we urge them to close the dark curtain because the sunlight will play havoc with their sleeping pattern. Most folks don’t believe me until they find themselves very tired after a day or two of no sleep. That’s when the curtain comes down and they sleep the full night through. It is kind of funny but it is a fact!
Winter is a lot of fun, too. It starts getting dark in July, not REAL dark but darker than Jun, our brightest month. By the middle of September it is dark, like everywhere else Outside (what we call the lower 48 states). Snow usually falls around October but not this year. Global warming has been rearing its terrible head here in the Arctic for the past several years with the tardiness of the first snowfall, shorter more intense winters and longer summers. Now don’t get me wrong, I LOVE summer, but I came to Alaska for the WINTERS!
A few years ago I was reunited with cycling and the thought of putting my bike away for the winter was not acceptable. So I bought studded tires, a lot of warm biking clothes and shoes and enough pairs of gloves and socks to keep an entire population warm. I rode my bike in the snow and on the ice. I signed up for a crazy race, www.susitna100.com and tried to ride 100 miles in the snow in 24 hours. I didn’t finish because the course was yucky, wet, sloppy and generally unsafe, my opinion. So I stopped after I did one third of the course and went home.
Since that first aborted attempt to complete in 100 mile course I did almost complete the baby sister to the Susitna 100, it is call the Little Susitna 50 K, a 32 mile shorter course that is a lot of fun. The first time I participated I got to the half way point and decided NOT to try and climb the icy slope to the official turn around point, the slope was scary, I watched about a dozen people attempt the climb and descend and they all fell. Some got hurt. Being a coward, and being basically alone out on the tundra I chose to turn around and head back to the start line. It was dark by the time I got back and I was tired but I had fun. I didn’t officially finish but I learned the a lot about myself and I fell in love with winter cycling.
Now, I love to ride my bike during the winter, I love the summer riding even more. One of things I wait for during the early part of the winter is the first snow. We have moose, lots of moose in town, actually everywhere and they are always grumpy, but the moms with babies are really grumpy and mean. As the light fades and the long dark winter sets in the moose become invisible. You are probably doubtful but a full grown bull moose with record set of antlers can hide behind a small tree and suck up any light that might be flashed on them. This ability to disappear is part of why they can be standing behind you and you never even know they are there.
Mother moose will charge a tank if she thinks the tank is a threat. Mom moose can be deadly, we have had people get killed by moose stomping them. Skiers have lots of encounters with moose during the winter and they pay the price with lots of injuries because the cranky mom “took them out, did what she needed to do.”
So why am I rambling on? Well, there is no snow yet and the moose are still out there, so are the bears and you can’t see them in the dark, in the woods because there is no light. With the snow on the ground you can see the moose; the trees have no leaves on them and that helps to spot them. The bears are just there, invisible, lingering and deadly but they usually are not a problem, unless it is a grizzly and a mom with a bay or three. The moose are somewhat avoidable; if you see them in time you can turn around soon enough to get away. They are fast, agile and grumpy, all of the time!
I haven’t ridden my bike to work for about a month, since it has gotten really dark. It will get darker earlier every day until after December 21st when the Solstice occurs. So, until the snow falls the reflection of light from street lamps and cars help to brighten things up again I will catch a ride to work in the morning and ride home after work. We do have a few days in December that have bright daylight for about 4-5 hours then it gets dark again and I get to ride home in the dark.
I have a very strong headlight I wear on my helmet, a great Light in Motion that works well, but nothing on the moose (and bears) reflects the light. I don’t have a death wish so this is my life for the moment. It isn’t cold enough to force the bears into hibernation and the moose are hiding in plain sight. So I will just suck it up and enjoy what I can during this in between time.
I sure miss my commutes, but it will get cold and it will snow eventually!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
IT's about time to change the bike over for winter cycling! FUN is on the way!
Its September 13th and it is raining in Anchorage; actually it has been raining off and on for days. We had some great afternoons last week with some rain spread out throughout the day. Then the weekend arrived and it started to rain enough to make riding a little uncomfortable. I admit, I haven't been on the bike this weekend, no real reason, just haven't been on the bike.
Since it is the middle of September we should be seeing the first thin layer of snow on the mountains behind the house. There are three level, 2000 feet, 4000 feet and about 8000 feet. We call the first hint of snow termination dust because it is said to be the time with the miners and trappers during the 1800's knew they had about 6 weeks to get out of the mountains or they would be snowbound for the winter. Now we just look for it because it is the real end of summer and our very short fall. It used to mean that it was time to put the bikes away, or on put them the trainers for a dry ride inside.
In the past few years the city has been much better about grooming the bike paths and some of the sidewalks, not great but better. Last winter I was able to get the State to plow the bike paths and the sidewalks that, as it turns out, were their responsibility. I still don't understand how the State can own roads within the Municipality, but the do. In the past they (the State) has done little to nothing about keeping their parts of the roads and sidewalks snow free.
I find it interesting that Anchorage, being a very northern city, has a very poor street/sidewalk cleaning program. Last year I was able to find a State deputy person who did what he could to assist with the plowing and it was so great to have clean sidewalks and bike paths between my house and work.
Because of the success last year I decided to try again this year and it turns out that my contact has retired or been fired. So, being an avid cyclist I am, and an optimist, I have emailed the new person, that was three weeks ago, and still haven’t heard back. I will send out another email tomorrow and if I don’t get a response from the new person I will start an email campaign to State and Local representatives. There are two Councilwomen who are really great about helping out there citizens, even if they aren’t in their districts.
I am also going to Co-host a Winter Cycling Seminar with a friend, Rose. She and her husband own a small bike repair shop (out of their home) and she and I have put on several seminars with great success. So we are going to try and inspire other cyclists to take to the bike paths and ski trails this winter. The more of us who are out their riding the Municipality will have to start recognizing us and pay more attention to the needs of the cyclists, the other-abled and the wheelchair bound citizens. And I mustn’t forget the senior citizens because I am not classified as one of “THEM!”
Since it is the middle of September we should be seeing the first thin layer of snow on the mountains behind the house. There are three level, 2000 feet, 4000 feet and about 8000 feet. We call the first hint of snow termination dust because it is said to be the time with the miners and trappers during the 1800's knew they had about 6 weeks to get out of the mountains or they would be snowbound for the winter. Now we just look for it because it is the real end of summer and our very short fall. It used to mean that it was time to put the bikes away, or on put them the trainers for a dry ride inside.
In the past few years the city has been much better about grooming the bike paths and some of the sidewalks, not great but better. Last winter I was able to get the State to plow the bike paths and the sidewalks that, as it turns out, were their responsibility. I still don't understand how the State can own roads within the Municipality, but the do. In the past they (the State) has done little to nothing about keeping their parts of the roads and sidewalks snow free.
I find it interesting that Anchorage, being a very northern city, has a very poor street/sidewalk cleaning program. Last year I was able to find a State deputy person who did what he could to assist with the plowing and it was so great to have clean sidewalks and bike paths between my house and work.
Because of the success last year I decided to try again this year and it turns out that my contact has retired or been fired. So, being an avid cyclist I am, and an optimist, I have emailed the new person, that was three weeks ago, and still haven’t heard back. I will send out another email tomorrow and if I don’t get a response from the new person I will start an email campaign to State and Local representatives. There are two Councilwomen who are really great about helping out there citizens, even if they aren’t in their districts.
I am also going to Co-host a Winter Cycling Seminar with a friend, Rose. She and her husband own a small bike repair shop (out of their home) and she and I have put on several seminars with great success. So we are going to try and inspire other cyclists to take to the bike paths and ski trails this winter. The more of us who are out their riding the Municipality will have to start recognizing us and pay more attention to the needs of the cyclists, the other-abled and the wheelchair bound citizens. And I mustn’t forget the senior citizens because I am not classified as one of “THEM!”
Sunday, September 6, 2009
A Memory of My Cycling Trip Down Historic Route 66
On August 17th last year 3 friends and I started a 24 day journey down the Historic Route 66. We all met in Chicago with the plan to drive to Grant Park, cycle around the park, find the sign that marks the beginning of Route 66 (I can't remember what street) then drive to Joliet, Illinois where the ride would in earnest.
I have a lot of memories from this ride, I had such a ball and I will eventually get them written down but the one that has been in the fore-front of my mind lately happened outside of Baxter Springs, Kansas. We spent the night in Baxter Springs and I was up and ready to ride earlier than the others. We had a S.A.G wagon, a Chevy Avalanche with an enclosed trailer in tow. It was great to have the truck but it meant that every third day I had to drive the truck.
Anyhow, I had head and tail lights on my bike so when I was ready I pedaled out of Baxter Springs into the crisp, early morning. I had decided the first day of the ride not to listen to my music, have a watch or cycling computer where I could see time, distance and speed. It made being in the moment easy and fun.
I was cycling in the breakout lane along the side of the road and noticed a car coming up behind me. I was surprised to see that it was IN the breakout lane. It was about a half a mile behind me and was gaining. Being suspicious I found a tree to pull up next to so if the car accelerated it would hit the tree and not me. I know, hat is a little paranoid but it was early and I was alone on the road, what's a girl to think?
The car came closer and it turned out to be a police car. The Officer stopped and I pushed my bike out to the edge of the road. He rolled down the window gave me a little salute and the following conversation took place:
"Mornin' Ma'am"
"Good Morning, Officer, may I help you?"
"Well, Ma'am, have you seen a dead body?" (Think Deep South and Southern drawl here).
(As you can image I was a little thunderstruck!) "Uhmmm, where would I have seen it? I have been traveling about 18-20 MPH, I don't have any earphones in my ears and I have been very much in the moment and haven't seen anyone. Just where is he supposed to be?"
"Well, Ma'am, we gotta call that there was a dead body along the side of this here road between Baxter Springs and that there trestle like structure there in front of you. Lady said she saw a dead body on this side of the road.”
“Well, if I happen to see this person what do you want me to do?”
“Well, Ma’am, you can call the Police back there in ‘Baxta’ Springs and they will let me know, or, if you see him after you pass under that there trestle you can call the Police in Quapaw, Oklahoma, the next town down the road about 5 miles down the road. Or you can dial 911 and let them call me.”
“Well, Officer, if I use my cell phone I will get 911 in Anchorage, Alaska. ‘Oh, well, Ma’am, just ask anyone there where the Police station is, they will help you out.”
“I will, Officer. You know maybe he just had too much to drink and laid down to take a short nap before going home.”
“You might be right, Ma’am. You have a good day now!”
That was the end of the conversation; he turned the patrol car around and headed back to Baxter Springs, Kansas. I was still a bit dumbfounded but then I started to laugh. I laughed all the way to Quapaw, and then to the outskirts of Tulsa. What great day! What an extraordinary day!
(Note, I watched the newspapers the 2 days we were in Tulsa and never did see anything about a “dead body” along side the road outside of Quapaw or Baxter Springs, so I guess the short nap worked and the “body” went home!)
I have a lot of memories from this ride, I had such a ball and I will eventually get them written down but the one that has been in the fore-front of my mind lately happened outside of Baxter Springs, Kansas. We spent the night in Baxter Springs and I was up and ready to ride earlier than the others. We had a S.A.G wagon, a Chevy Avalanche with an enclosed trailer in tow. It was great to have the truck but it meant that every third day I had to drive the truck.
Anyhow, I had head and tail lights on my bike so when I was ready I pedaled out of Baxter Springs into the crisp, early morning. I had decided the first day of the ride not to listen to my music, have a watch or cycling computer where I could see time, distance and speed. It made being in the moment easy and fun.
I was cycling in the breakout lane along the side of the road and noticed a car coming up behind me. I was surprised to see that it was IN the breakout lane. It was about a half a mile behind me and was gaining. Being suspicious I found a tree to pull up next to so if the car accelerated it would hit the tree and not me. I know, hat is a little paranoid but it was early and I was alone on the road, what's a girl to think?
The car came closer and it turned out to be a police car. The Officer stopped and I pushed my bike out to the edge of the road. He rolled down the window gave me a little salute and the following conversation took place:
"Mornin' Ma'am"
"Good Morning, Officer, may I help you?"
"Well, Ma'am, have you seen a dead body?" (Think Deep South and Southern drawl here).
(As you can image I was a little thunderstruck!) "Uhmmm, where would I have seen it? I have been traveling about 18-20 MPH, I don't have any earphones in my ears and I have been very much in the moment and haven't seen anyone. Just where is he supposed to be?"
"Well, Ma'am, we gotta call that there was a dead body along the side of this here road between Baxter Springs and that there trestle like structure there in front of you. Lady said she saw a dead body on this side of the road.”
“Well, if I happen to see this person what do you want me to do?”
“Well, Ma’am, you can call the Police back there in ‘Baxta’ Springs and they will let me know, or, if you see him after you pass under that there trestle you can call the Police in Quapaw, Oklahoma, the next town down the road about 5 miles down the road. Or you can dial 911 and let them call me.”
“Well, Officer, if I use my cell phone I will get 911 in Anchorage, Alaska. ‘Oh, well, Ma’am, just ask anyone there where the Police station is, they will help you out.”
“I will, Officer. You know maybe he just had too much to drink and laid down to take a short nap before going home.”
“You might be right, Ma’am. You have a good day now!”
That was the end of the conversation; he turned the patrol car around and headed back to Baxter Springs, Kansas. I was still a bit dumbfounded but then I started to laugh. I laughed all the way to Quapaw, and then to the outskirts of Tulsa. What great day! What an extraordinary day!
(Note, I watched the newspapers the 2 days we were in Tulsa and never did see anything about a “dead body” along side the road outside of Quapaw or Baxter Springs, so I guess the short nap worked and the “body” went home!)
Friday, August 28, 2009
2009 Fireweed 400 2 Day 300K Tour (the first time for this event and I was the first entrant!)
Fireweed 400 300K self-supported 2 day 'tour' is long gone and I am still enjoying the memories and the tough time on the road. This was a great trip, one that I will remember. I decided to do this event because I am trying to learn everything I can about touring prior to starting my journey around the world on my bike.
I decided to do the self-supported ride for the experience and because it was a new event and I've done almost all of the other events. This event also gave me the opportunity to try out my panniers and to see if I could load them and feel comfortable riding with the extra weight.
I am a person who likes to try different things. I also like to do the research into the new adventures so I won't be surprised by anything that might happen while on the adventure. I have hiked and canoed Alaska for years and have not had major incidents that caused anyone with me to get harmed or lost or whatever. I like to practice with my equipment so I will know how to use all of it in any kind of weather. There is a lot of money invested in my gear; getting the best I can afford is still important because it important to have gear you can depend on.
Cycling has been no different. Years ago, after being in Alaska for about 5 years, I bought a bike. It was a mountain bike with no suspension; it was heavy and it was very uncomfortable. But I could afford it so I rode it whenever I could. It was OK for the times and the money I could afford to spend on it. But it wasn't my dream bike.
My mother bought me my first REAL bike. It was/is a Klein Attitude Comp, a mountain bike that has front suspension, a great saddle and a fit that is perfect for me. It is a carbon fiber composite and it is durable. I like riding it. Right now I have a basket with a roll-cage on the back of it so I can take my little Shih Tzu, Zoe, on bike rides. She loves it; she just lies down and looks at the world as it goes by! She is so cute!
I have a great Road bike, too. It is another Klein, specifically a Q Carbon that weights about 14 pounds and is a ball to ride. I have used this bike on 4 of the events in past Fireweed 400 events and have loved every minute of the riding.
This year was different for me. I was unsupported and basically on my own. The start of the ride was 0900 on Friday July 10th. The morning started off in Anchorage with a dash to the train station with an Indonesian family of 6 who had been CouchSurfing at the house for a week. Then back home in time to meet my friend Rose, pack her bike and B.O.B. trailer in the car and headed off for the Sheep Mountain Lodge, about 2 hours up the Glenn Highway.
When we arrived in Sutton, Alaska, about an hour from home I realized that I didn't have my helmet or my gloves. I was in such a hurry that I forgot them at home. In the event that I could not find a helmet to borrow at Sheep Mountain Lodge I would not be able to participate in the ride; helmets are mandatory, and I am very glad they are!
Rose had a friend who loaned me a helmet and within15 minutes of arriving at the Lodge we were on the road to Glennallen, a distance of about 73 miles. The weather was hot and sunny, a slight headwind helped keep me a little cool but it was a very hot day!
I am not a fast cyclist. I enjoy getting off the bike and smelling the flowers and stopping and taking photographs. So I knew that it was just a matter of time for the serious Fireweed 400 riders to catch up with me. I think their start time was noon so I had a 3 hours head start, which really isn't much time when you think about the caliber of these cyclists! They are so cool to watch; they are fast and smooth, they fly by with what looks like little to no effort. Then there are the ones who are in a pace line! What a sight to see! Lots of fun to watch!
I didn't get to eat the kind of breakfast I usually like to have prior leaving the house and I was not at my best most of the day. There were no rest stations for the 300K riders, it was self-supported, or at least it was supposed to be (so I thought and so the website indicated). Turns out that Rose and I were the only 2 who really did the total self support part of the ride. So all I had was biking snacks, nothing that was really food. By the time I got to Glennallen I was so hungry and I was very tired. The headwind got stronger throughout the day and it also got VERY hot! By the time I got to Glennallen it was 85 degrees!
I stopped at the old Tasty Freeze and had a grilled cheese sandwich and some iced tea and felt better. I was not looking forward to the last 35 plus miles to get to the Tonsina Lodge where the 300K folks were to spend the night. I ended up getting a ride; I was so tired, probably from the lack of good food. I was glad for the ride, it started to lightning and thunder about 5 miles south of Glennallen and I don't ride with lightning around!
I was happy to get to Tonsina and have a cabin to clean up and sleep in! I had reserved it the day I signed up for the ride and I was glad; it rained all night long! Rose and I felt very special because we had a dry bed and didn't have to put up or take down a tent. We could have done it but this was such a treat!
I walked up Thompson Pass pushing my bike. I don't feel like I failed or anything like that because when I got to the top I got to ride DOWN the other side of the Pass and that was a HOOT!
The wind was awful, right in my face but I was able to get my touring bike, a Surly Long Haul Trucker with panniers and a trunk, up to 39.77 MPH before I had to make the first hairpin turn and prior to the wind hitting me sideways causing the bike to shimmy and shake! All in all it was a great ride!
After the turn and the attack by the wind I stopped the bike, regained control and headed down the hill. I guess I averaged about 35-37 MPH down the rest of the road, the wind made it hard to keep control of the bike and I didn't want to get hurt by going too fast. I'm too old to do headers over the handlebars! Hurts way too much!
When I got to the bottom of the Pass I still had 20 miles to pedal to get to Valdez, it was the longest 20 miles of the entire trip! At the Bridal Veil Falls I stopped for a minute then pushed on. Fortunately the trees on the south side of the road blocked most of the wind on this last leg.
Two miles out of Valdez and the 'FINISH' line there was a sign that indicated '2 miles to go!' and I was glad but I also knew that those last 2 miles would take forever! I had hoped to be in Valdez around 1730 and arrived just a few minutes after 1700, so I was pleased. I did it, had a little help along the way with the ride through the rain and lightning, but I did it. Will I do it again, maybe, depends on what I am doing the weekend after the 4th of July next year and the years after that.
This was a great experience for me. I proved to myself that I can ride long distances with panniers and survive. I know that I will get tired and I know that it is OK to stop and get off the bike and rest. It is also OK to catch a ride with someone because, for me, it is not necessary to do the total distance; it is more important to have fun, enjoy myself and feel good when I get back on the bike, whether it is the same day or the next day. I have been hosting a lot of cyclists at my home this summer and many are travelling for extended periods of time. One couple will be on the road for more and 1.5 years! I have asked all of the cyclists a lot of questions and have seen what kind of gear they carry. I have learned that traveling 50 miles in a single day loaded with panniers and food and water is a good distance. I have learned that it is best to do a lot of research on routes and plan accordingly. It is also a great idea to be able to do most of the repair work on your bike yourself, because you may be in the middle of nowhere when something breaks.
So, I have had a lot of lessons taught to me. I took my first baby step on my journey to travel around the world by bicycle. I feel confident that I can do this, alone if necessary, and that I will have a great time. The Fireweed 400 2 Day 300K Tour gave me the opportunity to test myself, my resolve and my ability to adapt and improvise. It has allowed me to see that long distance touring is possible for a woman over 65 years old. So I am on my way and I won't stop until I get to the end of the journey, whenever and where ever that may be. I have lots of people to visit in all corners of the world and I am on my way! Thank you Fireweed 400 for giving me the opportunity to prove to myself that this is doable and I can start my journey with the confidence that I CAN and WILL DO THIS!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
This has been one of the best summers for cycling in a LONG time!
I have been doing daily workout, but not at home on the trainer. 5 days a week I commute the 10 mile round trip to and from work. It is a nice ride even if it is along one of the busiest roads in Anchorage.
In the beginning I heard the noise but during the winter and then the early spring it has become less annoying. This is probably due to me being inside my own head instead of outside in the real world. At first I was so aware of every sound that it was such a distraction to my ride. The route I take is along a bike path and the sidewalk on the south side of Tudor Road. There are trees on the south side of the path, sometime very dense, in other places sparse. But the trees are there. There is a lot of grass growing along the path; there are Fireweed flowers, lupine and other flowering plants I don't have names for. The ravens sit in the trees and yell at one another. And there are moose. Big Bullwinkle moose with large antlers frequent the trees; young Bullwinkle moose with nubby antlers roam the area. Then there are the female moose, the mom's with babies, new and slightly older. The new mom's with this year's baby or kids that will be moving on to the solitude of being a full grown adult on their own roam the trees and the grass.
During the summer there is enough light (we have very long days and very, very short night) to see these beautiful creatures. But during the LONG winters with little daylight there are problems with visibility because moose can disappear right before your eyes by walking into the shadows of the tiniest tree! It is amazing to watch a moose the size of a pickup truck walk into a stand of small saplings and just disappear! That ability is what makes it so hard to see and so dangerous if you get too close to them.
I have encountered moose all summer. At times if I would reach out my hand as I pedaled by them I could have scratched their butts or their noses. I have been close enough to the new babies that I could have rubbed their noses. Thankfully, though, I have not been chased or threatened by any of them, yet. It is really scary to come too close to a moose. They move like lightening and their anger fuse is so short you might say they don't have one. They have no tolerance for humans, less for dogs, especially if they are barking. I am lucky that my bike is quiet enough that they usually don't hear me until after I blast past them, so far…
I ride down the hill for 5 miles to work, then, after 8 hours of running around the hospital fixing computers I climb back on the bike and pedal UP the same hill. It takes about 20 minutes to get to work, and about 30 minutes to get home. I try to vary the route but it isn't a route that has many choices. But I like it and I enjoy the ride. It makes me happy to get on the bike in the morning and arrive at work fully awake and alert and ready for the day. At the end of the work day it makes me even happier to climb back on the bike and head for home.
I put a basket on the back of my mountain bike and now I am taking Zoe, the little dog at home, for rides around the neighborhood. She still isn't sure she likes it but she hasn't made a fuss and she hasn't run away from the opportunity.
So goes my workout. I think they are the best kinds. I have done 2 - 150-200 mile events this summer, they were fun. I always like doing the Fireweed400, this year was the 2 day 200 mile/300 K Tour and I had a ball. The Ride for Life Alaska was windy and wet but lots of fun. My team solicited over $10,000 for the cause and we are going to celebrate with a pizza party next week with the gift card we earned for raising the most money.
So goes the summer and my workout. Winter is not too far away and I will continue to ride to work, snow and all!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Riding the Fireweed 400 300K is NOT like riding the Tour de France but the hills are still high and the course was hard!
The Tour de France is great race set in some of the most beautiful country in the world. The flat lands, the rolling hills and the mountains found on the course are amazing. the people, wow! the people, the sheer numbers of people who watch this race is incredible!
The Fireweed 400 is a totally different type of race/ride. The 400 mile event is a sanctioned RAAM qualifier. For those who aren't familiar with the RAAM it is The Race Across America (RAAM - http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/raam/raam.php?N_webcat_id=45) Then there are the OTHER events that are associated with the Fireweed 400: the Great Alaska Half-Century 50 mile out and back from sheep Mountain Lodge; The Great Alaska Century 100 mile out and back from sheep Mountain Lodge; The Great Alaska Double Century race/ride to Valdez, Alaska from sheep Mountain Lodge; The Fireweed 400 which starts and ends at Sheep Mountain Lodge after traveling to Valdez and back; and the new Fireweed 400 300K-2 Day Tour to Valdez (this is a ride). Fat Tires, tandems, solos and teams of 2-4 people make up the groups of riders and bike types.
The route goes from Sheep Mountain Lodge at mile 113.5 on the Glenn Highway to Valdez, Alaska 200 miles away. The 200 and 400 mile course has a total elevation gain of 2,517.15 feet, a climbing distance of 85.98 miles, a descending distance of 100.83 miles and a loss in elevation from the start line at sheep Mountain of 15,197.29 feet to end up in Valdez at sea level. IF one is doing the Fireweed 400 then the total elevation gain back to sheep Mountain Lodge is 12,680.14 feet! Somewhat like the Tour but the difference is that the 400 mile solo is done without stopping and resting! The 400 mile solo starts at 12:00 on Friday and the riders MUST be back to sheep Mountain Lodge by 9:00 PM on Saturday!
The Fireweed 400 is tough, I was part of a 4 person team two years ago and it took us about 22 hours to complete the course. We finished first in our division and were we ever tired. Michael, our final rider to the finish line ended in a driving rain! Don’t think I will do that event again.
BUT, this year I did the 2 day 300K/200 mile tour and had a ball. It was hard because it was so hot but it was worth it. If I am in town next year I will do this one again.
Thompson Pass was the worst part of the road, elevation 2,678 feet, and I admit that I walked up most of it. I was tired and I walked, but I made it and really enjoyed the ride down the other side! Then a soft bed after a hot shower was great. The icing on the cake was the Alaska Ferry ride back to Whittier then a car ride home with someone else driving the car!
It was a great trip. I was glad that I had reserved a room at the Tonsina River Lodge because it rained Friday night and camping in the rain is OK but sleeping in a dry, cool, comfortable room was better!
Anyone who is adventurous and wanting to try something new should come participate in the Fireweed 400 or any of the sub events associated with this marvelous but difficult race/ride. Fat tires, tandems, solos and recumbent bikes are found in almost all events, even single, fixed gears are found. Ages range from 10 years to late 70’s. There is a ride for everyone. This event is well supported and woth the time, energy and money to come and participate!
The Fireweed 400 is a totally different type of race/ride. The 400 mile event is a sanctioned RAAM qualifier. For those who aren't familiar with the RAAM it is The Race Across America (RAAM - http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/raam/raam.php?N_webcat_id=45) Then there are the OTHER events that are associated with the Fireweed 400: the Great Alaska Half-Century 50 mile out and back from sheep Mountain Lodge; The Great Alaska Century 100 mile out and back from sheep Mountain Lodge; The Great Alaska Double Century race/ride to Valdez, Alaska from sheep Mountain Lodge; The Fireweed 400 which starts and ends at Sheep Mountain Lodge after traveling to Valdez and back; and the new Fireweed 400 300K-2 Day Tour to Valdez (this is a ride). Fat Tires, tandems, solos and teams of 2-4 people make up the groups of riders and bike types.
The route goes from Sheep Mountain Lodge at mile 113.5 on the Glenn Highway to Valdez, Alaska 200 miles away. The 200 and 400 mile course has a total elevation gain of 2,517.15 feet, a climbing distance of 85.98 miles, a descending distance of 100.83 miles and a loss in elevation from the start line at sheep Mountain of 15,197.29 feet to end up in Valdez at sea level. IF one is doing the Fireweed 400 then the total elevation gain back to sheep Mountain Lodge is 12,680.14 feet! Somewhat like the Tour but the difference is that the 400 mile solo is done without stopping and resting! The 400 mile solo starts at 12:00 on Friday and the riders MUST be back to sheep Mountain Lodge by 9:00 PM on Saturday!
The Fireweed 400 is tough, I was part of a 4 person team two years ago and it took us about 22 hours to complete the course. We finished first in our division and were we ever tired. Michael, our final rider to the finish line ended in a driving rain! Don’t think I will do that event again.
BUT, this year I did the 2 day 300K/200 mile tour and had a ball. It was hard because it was so hot but it was worth it. If I am in town next year I will do this one again.
Thompson Pass was the worst part of the road, elevation 2,678 feet, and I admit that I walked up most of it. I was tired and I walked, but I made it and really enjoyed the ride down the other side! Then a soft bed after a hot shower was great. The icing on the cake was the Alaska Ferry ride back to Whittier then a car ride home with someone else driving the car!
It was a great trip. I was glad that I had reserved a room at the Tonsina River Lodge because it rained Friday night and camping in the rain is OK but sleeping in a dry, cool, comfortable room was better!
Anyone who is adventurous and wanting to try something new should come participate in the Fireweed 400 or any of the sub events associated with this marvelous but difficult race/ride. Fat tires, tandems, solos and recumbent bikes are found in almost all events, even single, fixed gears are found. Ages range from 10 years to late 70’s. There is a ride for everyone. This event is well supported and woth the time, energy and money to come and participate!
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