My Easter Weekend of Riding

Sat., March 22: Deathride Training: Oakland Hills

We traversed 52 miles and 4900 feet of climbing. My highlights was to cycle a new hill that I have not done: Snake Rd. The object for today's training: we had 5 hills to cycle. First climb: Pinehurst towards Skyline in an easy gear. This is one of my fav climbs due to the redwoods and seeing the green hills in the distance. Then, we continued on Skyline towards Snake Rd. We: was the Tres Suzettes (KSue, Sue, and Susie), this was an awesome descent. I kept reminding myself that I had to climb this. We then, headed towards Berkeley. Hill number 2 was to be in our Endurance Heart Rate zone. This is one of my fav. climbs, steady grade with views of homes that I wonder how they stay on the hillside. The views towards the city and marin: gorgeous clear day. My highlight was to meet Dale on the climb. Dale and I know each other from Doubles days and TNT. The Suzettes then, headed down Shephard's canyon. A great straight away descent. Oh La La. Then, we had to do climb back up Snake Rd. in a power mode: i.e. climb this hill in a hard gear until your legs burn and then switch to an easier gear. Oh My. Now, why am I doing this? It was a great sense of accomplishment. We then, headed onto Skyline towards Redwood Rd. It was grand to see the cyclists training for the AID's ride for June. Also, saw friends from Grizzley Peak and Oakland Yellow Jackets. Next, we descended Redwood Rd. once again among the Redwoods. Then, the climb to the park in our endurance zone. About a mile from the park, I was feeling it in my legs and realized that I did not eat enough. Refueled at the stop with lots of healthy treats: Kim and Jacqui approved foods. Then, got my legs a going once again and headed back towards Moraga. We took Redwood Rd. back to Pinehurst. Pinehurst was the last climb of the day. This climb was once again a power zone. Ok: legs, you can do it. My inspiration: seeing the Rock Racking kit cyclist zooming by me on Pinehurst. I muttered out loud, he makes it looks so easy. A male cyclist passed me and said he should make it easy as he does this for a living. KSue informed me that it was Freddie Rodriques, Pro Cyclist, on the Rock Racking Team. My sense of excitement renewed. Then, I descended Pinehurst and recognized a luna chix team mate. I also belong to the team Luna Chix. The Suzettes, then, had a nice flat finish with some rollers and bilivits to the finish. What a mental boost to beat team 2 in. What a grand day. I felt good and strong. Post ride, we went to teammates Alex and Gloria's home for a potluck. It was good to meet our honorees and check on their progress. Our newest representative is Emanuel, 10 years old, and he was diagnosed with leukemia June 2007. He is tolerating chemo and maintaining his school attendance. He has the grandest smile. Then, Jim Pixton updated us on his family status. Followed by Chris and his 23 year celebration from Hodgkin's and 5 year survival from Testicular Cancer. So, when you thinking that you are having a bad day, just think: you have your health.

Today: Easter Sun. March 23rd, There were 9 of us that did a recovery ride. We cycled 52 miles and about 3100 feet of climbing. We cycled the East Bay Calaveras. Friends from TNT Solvang, TNT Deathride, and Cherry City Bike club. By the end of the ride, I was tired. I had the pleasure of an awesome 2 hr. nap at home.

Again, thank you all for supporting my cause and raising funds for the cure of blood cancers.

Susie

March Countdown

COUNTDOWN

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Point Reyes Lighthouse

My first to travel to Point Reyes Lighthouse in Marin County. We had incredible views, sunny cool day with crosswinds and the enjoyment of conquering the hills and rollers. I have included views of the coastline as we are climbing; happy cows; and myself and commrade Nancy. We cycled 62 miles and 5000 feet of climbing.

Solvang Century, March 8, 2008

I had the privilege to coach Team Estrogen of the Winter TNT team Solvang. Our team consisted of 9 females and 2 males. We had a glorious time. We started in foggy cool weather (40's) from town and quickly became immersed in vineyards. We then, traversed thru suburban areas and then,cycled into the interior among vineyards and agricultural terrains. It warmed up to the 70's and became a sunny balmy day. The best was descending into Solvang after some glorious climbs in the last 40 miles. Our team cycled among 4000 cyclists from all over for 102 miles and 5500 feet of climbing. One noted highlight: Toyota United Pro Team cycled this event and our team had requests to be photographed for their website while we took a break around mile 68. The above photo is the entire Solvang Team for TNT.

Traversing Solvang

Rick and I are heading towards Solvang this weekend with our teammates of Solvang TNT. (My TEAM ESTROGEN) We are ready. As we are cycling the climbs in Solvang, I will be thinking of my Deathride Teammates this Sat. Their training ride is Mt. Diablo., the greatest mountain of the East Bay. Solvang's event is 100 miles and about 5000 feet of climbing. Deathride's training is . Diablo is 55 miles and 4000 feet of climbing.

March 1 and 2 training rides

To my friends and family,

Thank you for your support.

Sat.: I rode with my Solvang Team and we did our taper ride: 35 miles and about 2000 feet of climbing in the East Bay. My team is known as Team Estrogen. We have one token male and his name is Toks. He is superb as he puts up with all our hormonal surges, our stories of personal nature, and the chitty chat that we females do. It was cloudy and cool but such an inspiration to see how far my team has come from first time on the bike to doing a full century the following week: Solvang, March 08.

The picture that I am posting is Sheryl (in the blue). She is a survivor from Hodgkin's. She is cycling her first century. What is amazing is that this woman is functioning with one lung due to her treatments. So, when we are struggling, think of her accomplishments.

Sun.: I had the opportunity to do my DeathRide training with some friends. I planned the route and it was harder than I remember. However, the views from 7 Sisters were incredible: clear views to the Fallon Islands in the Pacific Ocean to the west, Golden Gate to the south, Diablo Mountain to the East and to the north, gorgeous green hills. We dealt with 12-20 mph winds.

We cycled 35 miles and 4000 feet of elevation!