April Countdown

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Terrible 2 and Geyers: April 19th weekend

Another first for me as far as cycling in Sonoma, Cloverdale, and Santa Rosa. For our Deathride training, we did a section of the Terrible Two Double (mile 90-198) portion. How exciting to start climbing less than a 1/2 mile from our starting point. There were times that we were climbing at a rate of 200-300 feet per mile. However, with the great ride company, sunrise, and the beautiful views, it did not seem horrible. The hardest climb was the third: mile 51-53.4: 18-22% grade. Ugh.... so glad we did this route. Highlights for me, redwoods, ocean views, tackling the climbs, and riding with the Fab 5's. I had the privilege to ride with Grace, a year post chemo. She never gave up. We did a total of 11354 feet of climbing in 108 miles.

Sun., we were to do the Geysers: 43 miles and 4000 feet. My legs did not have the energy. So, KSue, Rick and myself improvised and met our group on the other side of Geysers. 41 miles and 2300 feet of climbing. No complaints from me. By far, this has been my fav. training route.

This coming weekend, we will be joining Cheryl and Rick for our Booneydoon: 130 miles and 12,000 feet of climbing.

Marin YOYO ride, April 5

I have included photos from my cycling commrades Kimberly Wolf ( who I coached for in the past with TNT) and Rich Solis, aka, Rice Man(from Deathride Training days and TNT days). This particular weekend, we were charged with riding on our own.The goal was 70's miles and 7500 feet of climbing. My Dream Team, the team that I am assigned too, wanted to do a Marin Ride. So, I offered to create the route. My first route did not have enough miles nor elevation per Head Coach, Jacqui. Bumpster came up with a more creative one with the input of my friend Gil. The route was approved and we made the debut. Some of the roads were new to me. Sat. came and 25 inspired cyclists were ready to accomplish the Marin Hills. It was sunny and cool. We did not hit headwinds until Hwy 1. We rolled from the Center of Fairfax; we started immediately climbing Fairfax-Bolinas Rd. This brought us to the top before the glorious descent to the dam. Then, we climbed up to Ridgecrest. Next, we had to conquer the 7 sisters (or bitches in cycling community). Then, onward to the Eastern Ridgecrest of Mt. Tam: glorious views of San Francisco and Golden Gate Bridge. Next descent to Pan Toll and down Panaramic Hwy. Spectaculer ocean views of Stinson Beach. The first 21 miles, we already tackled 4200 feet of climbing. Next challenge were the rollers on Hwy 1 to Pt. Reyes. Upon arrival, glorious site: surprise sag by our own Dream team members: KSue and Sue. We were treated to wonderful healthy treats. I made the announcement that I made a mistake and we were going to have more miles and more climbing. However, our coaches would be proud. We continued north for 10 miles before the infamous Marshall Wall. We had two short climbs of 21%. The reward: great descent among the cows and farmlands. Next, we headed to the Cheesefactory and the town of Nicasio. From there, we continued southbound and did 2 additional climbs. The finish was a descent into the town of Fairfax. This was a great beautiful and challenging ride: 82.4 miles and 9300 feet of climbing. Watch out Markleeville. I have now officially earned the name of Sadistic Sue.

18 Hills of the East Bay, 03/30/08

I was able to leap frog with my team this past Sat. The Dream Team is one of 5 teams of the TNT Deathride. Each weekend, our rides are longer in miles and more difficult in terrain. We cycled 72 miles and conquered 7000 feet of elevation. Besides the miles and terrain, we tackled mother nature: cloudy cool weather, misty/rain, dense fog, and sunshine. We had awesome sag supports. My favorite was Chris Robinson bicycle shop who served us expresso. His father is fighting cancer and we had the privilege to meet him at the store. It was grand to see his smiling face and cheering us on. I felt good on this ride and enjoyed the conversations of my teammates. Kim was our coach for the day: watch our pace, power on the hills by using harder gears, focus on heartrate, focus on fueling, focus on team vs. solo, and have fun.

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

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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.